The Best New Historical Fiction Books of Summer 2026 You Need to Read Right Now
From Tudor queens on the run to Space Race mysteries—you won't want to miss this summer's historical fiction new releases!
Key Takeaways
- Ten new historical fiction books span settings from 1880s Ohio to 1960s space.
- Highlights include debut author Jillian Laine's Tudor queens revenge tale.
- Several titles hit shelves July 7—perfect timing for summer beach reading.
Summer is finally here, and you know what that means—it’s time to kick back with a great book! This summer is especially exciting for readers, with dozens of new releases hitting shelves across every genre. But the one we can’t stop talking about is historical fiction. From heartwarming road trips to out-of-this-world adventures, this season’s historical fiction lineup will transport you back in time. To learn our top 10 best new historical fiction books, keep reading!
New historical fiction books
With stories featuring women all over the world, from Tudor England to rural Tennessee, here are the best new historical fiction books coming out this summer.
‘An Infinite Love Story’ by Chanel Cleeton
From bestselling author Chanel Cleeton comes a page-turning tale that launches readers into the heart of the 1960s Space Race with a beautiful tale of love, loss and mystery. When an astronaut vanishes during a mission, his wife, Vivian, refuses to believe the explanation and sets out to uncover what happened. As eerie messages begin to arrive—messages only her husband could’ve sent—she questions if their bond can transcend space and time. This novel is perfect for fans of Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. (On sale July 7, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “Infinite Love Story is a five-star read that blends romance and mystery in a really engaging way. It’s fun, emotional, and keeps you guessing the whole time.”
‘Henry Tudor Must Die’ by Jillian Laine
Fans of the hit Broadway musical Six will adore this new novel by debut author Jillian Laine. Anne Boleyn knows she’s about to die and that neither her cleverness nor her witchery can save her. But when her old rival Catalina de Aragón mysteriously appears in her cell at the Tower of London on the eve of her execution, Anne feels a glimmer of hope for the first time in a long time. Now the two are on the run, and along the way they meet up with Anna von Kleve, Kat Howard and Catherine Parr—all of whom were wronged by King Henry VIII and all of whom want him dead. A fun tale filled with themes of powerful women and female friendship. (On sale July 21, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “This book made me rave, cheer and feel things and I loved it very much. What a glorious debut. Long live the Queens.”
‘A Fortune of Sand’ by Ruta Sepetys
Set in 1927 Detroit, this novel follows Marjorie Lennox, the youngest daughter of a powerful Detroit dynasty, who has spent her life being overlooked. So when she secretly applies to an elite arts program, Marjorie knows it’s her chance to leave that world behind. But when she arrives at the school, not everything is as glamorous as it seems. Doors in the school are locked, rumors are swirling about a missing girl and the man who’s funding her education is getting more unsettling by the second. Can Marjorie figure out what’s going on before it’s too late? Only time will tell.
What readers are saying: “This novel is a must-read for those who seek richly detailed historical fiction that is seamlessly weaved with mystery, family drama, and the timeless strength of self-determination. Marjorie’s story will stay with you long after the final sentence.”
‘Summer of Love’ by Kerri Maher
In 1967 San Francisco, UC Berkeley graduate Winnie Hartley is determined to spend the summer writing poetry and reconnecting with her high school boyfriend. Elsewhere, her sister Miranda is still running their family business, Hartley Vineyard, but soon she will make a decision that will change her and Winnie’s lives forever. Fifty years later, Dawn Hartley is determined to stay far away from her family’s vineyard, but when a work assignment forces her to research the bestselling Vineland novels written by a famous anonymous author, Dawn must change her ways. As she investigates, secrets emerge and Dawn starts to wonder if what she was told about her family was actually true. A perfect blend of mystery, love and summertime sun. (On sale July 7, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “This gorgeously written novel explores the secrets, heartbreak and healing of the Hartley women in California wine country. I loved every word, every emotion and every moment of pain.”
‘The Great Wherever’ by Shannon Sanders
If you love historical fiction mixed with a little bit of magical realism, don’t miss this highly anticipated novel by Shannon Sanders. While grieving the loss of her father, Aubrey Lamb learns that she’s inherited his stake in a sizable Tennessee farm. Desperate to get out of debt, she moves there from Washington D.C.—only to discover that the land is haunted by the ghosts of four of her ancestors, all of whom want her to learn the truth about Aubrey’s great-grandfather Thomas, who purchased the land many years ago. Since then, the land has turned the Lambs against one another, and now that the farm is up for sale, Aubrey must debate if it’s worth selling or if she wants to keep the family’s history—and its ghosts—alive. A thrilling tale that will leave readers needing to know what happens next. (On sale July 7, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “This was such a wonderful book! The characters were deep and engaging and well-developed. The storylines were cohesive and it was a haunting and beautiful and deeply moving tale. This is one book that will stay with me for a long time.”
‘The Windsor Affair’ by Melanie Benjamin
From the bestselling author of The Girls in the Picture comes another inspired tale based on real people. Set in 1930s England, this novel follows Queen Elizabeth, who is supposed to serve as the symbol of strength for Britain, and Wallis Simpson, the woman for whom King Edward VIII chose to abdicate the throne, forcing Elizabeth’s husband George to become king. As the four lives become intertwined, drama, loyalty, power and love begin to complicate everything. What follows is a battle between the couples that will change the course of history forever.
What readers are saying: “This was a colorful and exciting rivalry set against a glittering and then gritty multi-decade historical period. I’ll be placing Melanie Benjamin’s backlist on my wish list and I can heartily recommend The Windsor Affair to historical fiction readers.”
‘The Castle in the Glen’ by Rhys Bowen
Idyllic settings? Check! Lovable main character? Check! Mystery? Check! This historical fiction book from bestselling author Rhys Bowen has it all! Set in 1965, this novel follows Australian writer Emma Callander after she’s selected by Iris Blackburn to write the final book in her historical mystery series. The plot of the book? A 1904 murder on the Isle of Skye, which resulted in a couple’s suspicious drowning and the disappearance of a mysterious young woman everyone calls “the wild one.” Can Emma prove she’s up for the task, or will Iris’ fading memory and mysterious past get in the way? A fun-filled tale that will leave readers guessing. (On sale August 4, 2026)
What early readers are saying “This is a beautifully written, atmospheric, and utterly gripping mystery. The pacing is brisk, the tension constant, and I found myself turning pages far into the night. I couldn’t put it down until the very last page.”
‘The Ladies Hall’ by Vanessa Miller
Based on the real lives of civil rights activists Mary Church Terrell and Anna Julia Cooper, this novel is set in 1880s Ohio and follows Mary and Anna after they graduate from the Bachelor of Arts program at Oberlin College. They have nothing in common other than their skin color, but as the years go on they find themselves drawn to each other’s ambition, drive and perseverance. What follows is a tale of bravery, strength and truth that proves the universe always has a plan for you. (On sale August 11, 2026)
What early readers are saying: “This was my first book by Vanessa Miller, and it totally captured my interest! I’d never heard of the two main characters, but certainly came to admire them as a result of this book. I’d heard of Oberlin College but hadn’t realized they opened in 1835 and one of their purposes was to educate white and black students side by side. That was astonishing to me, and admirable. I’d like to read another book by this author.”
‘Lost in the Summer of ‘69’ by Eliza Knight
Buckle up readers: This new novel by Eliza Knight is guaranteed to take you on a wild ride! Set in the summer of 1969, it follows Eleanor Bell, a forgetful old woman who sets out west to join the country’s music festival scene. The only problem? She forgot to tell her daughter Leanne that she was going. Desperate to find her mother, Leanne enlists her daughter Nora, and soon the three find themselves on an epic road trip filled with celebrities, car chases and more.
What readers are saying: “Everything about this book is perfect. I love the relationships, the friendships made, the music performed, and the road trip. There is so much music history within this story, the names are top notch names, the songs are familiar to any music listener. The Summer of ’69 is the perfect summer read. I am an Eliza Knight fan and cannot wait to read more of her books.”
‘The Queen’s Coronation’ by Jennifer Ryan
Set in London, 1953, this novel reveals what really happened before Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. The plot follows three Buckingham Palace workers—Caroline Brimstone, assistant dresser; Lucy Jones, a junior wardrobe assistant; and Miranda Miller, a secretary—as they prepare the castle for Elizabeth’s ascension to the throne. Along the way they begin to realize that if a woman can rule England, then other women can rule as well. It’s an inspiring story that will leave readers feeling empowered.
What readers are saying: “The story is incredible and a great ‘glimpse’ into the world behind the royal curtain. These three women are tied together inexplicably through a series of events that promises to leave you wanting for more.”
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