4 Must-Read Historical Fiction Books from The 2020 Fall Reading Guide

Fall is one of my favorite reading seasons—there’s something about the cool air, cozy blankets, and warm beverages that just calls for a deep, atmospheric read. And if you love getting lost in the past, these historical fiction books from The 2020 Fall Reading Guide are perfect companions for your autumn reading list. Each book in this roundup offers a powerful story, unforgettable characters, and emotional journeys that stayed with me long after the final page. Whether you’re in the mood for a multigenerational story, a wartime drama, a magical family saga, or a tale of royal ambition, these fall reading guide picks deliver.

Top 4 Historical Fiction Books for Fall 2020

The Bass Rock by Evie Wyld

In The Bass Rock, we follow three women across centuries—Sarah, accused of witchcraft in the 1600s; Ruth, navigating post-WWII life in a crumbling seaside mansion; and Viv, who is grieving her father and unearthing family secrets in the present day. Their lives intertwine in subtle and powerful ways, each one shaped by the shadows of violence, grief, and societal expectations.

I chose this book because of its unflinching exploration of generational trauma and its hauntingly lyrical prose. It’s for readers who appreciate novels like The Night Watch by Sarah Waters or The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. This novel made me feel heartbroken yet deeply hopeful as it illuminated the quiet strength of women over time.

You can get a copy of The Bass Rock by Evie Wyld on Amazon.

Eli’s Promise by Ronald H. Balson

Eli’s Promise spans three pivotal moments in history—Nazi-occupied Poland, post-war Germany, and 1960s Chicago—as Eli, a Polish “fixer,” searches for justice decades after a heartbreaking betrayal. As he tries to untangle the web of lies surrounding a corrupt Nazi official, Eli must confront the moral compromises he made in order to survive.

This novel is for fans of The Book Thief or All the Light We Cannot See—readers who are drawn to stories of perseverance and moral complexity during wartime. I selected this book because it balances suspense and emotional depth so beautifully, and it left me reflecting on what it means to survive with both loss and purpose.

You can get a copy of Eli’s Promise by Ronald H. Balson on Amazon.

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman

In Magic Lessons, we meet Maria Owens, the matriarch of the beloved Owens family from Hoffman’s Practical Magicseries. Starting in 17th-century England, Maria’s journey takes her to Salem, Massachusetts, where she is accused of witchcraft and discovers her true power. This is the origin story of the family curse—and of a woman who refuses to let it define her.

I included this novel because it beautifully blends historical fiction with magical realism, and Maria’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment was one I couldn’t stop thinking about. Perfect for fans of The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston or The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow. It made me feel grounded in history while dreaming of possibility.

You can get a copy of Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman on Amazon.

Tsarina by Ellen Alpsten

Tsarina tells the riveting story of Catherine Alexeyevna, the first woman to rule Russia in her own right. Rising from servant to empress, her life is filled with political intrigue, power plays, and survival in the decadent and dangerous court of Imperial Russia. Alpsten brings Catherine’s world vividly to life, with all its ambition, betrayal, and high stakes.

This one is for readers who loved The Romanov Empress by C.W. Gortner or The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki. I selected this novel because it features a fierce woman rewriting her destiny in a man’s world—and it made me feel like I was watching history unfold through the eyes of someone fighting tooth and nail to shape it.

You can get a copy of Tsarina by Ellen Alpsten on Amazon.

What Are You Reading This Fall?

Have you read any of the books from The 2020 Fall Reading Guide? Are you a historical fiction lover, or are you exploring new genres this season? Let’s chat in the comments