2020 Summer Reading Guide: Historical Fiction
Discover the best historical fiction books from the 2020 Summer Reading Guide! Explore immersive stories set in Key West, the 1939 World’s Fair, WWII, and more.
The Best Historical Fiction Reads from the 2020 Summer Reading Guide
Summer is the perfect season to get lost in a captivating historical fiction novels. Whether you’re lounging by the beach, curled up in a cozy reading nook, or enjoying a quiet evening on the porch, these books will transport you to different times and places. From a powerful hurricane in 1930s Key West to a daring forgery operation during WWII, this selection of historical fiction from the 2020 Summer Reading Guide is sure to provide compelling stories filled with intrigue, resilience, and unforgettable characters.
Top 5 Historical Fiction Books
The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton
Set against the backdrop of the devastating Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, The Last Train to Key West follows three women whose lives intersect as the storm approaches. Each woman carries her own burdens—one is seeking escape from an abusive husband, another is searching for answers about her brother, and the third is hoping to change her fate. With Cleeton’s signature immersive storytelling, this novel brings a little-known historical event to life while weaving a tale of survival, strength, and destiny.
You can get a copy of The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton on Amazon.
We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall
Step into the dazzling world of the 1939 New York World’s Fair, where ambition and friendship collide. This novel follows two women—an aspiring journalist determined to break into the male-dominated world of reporting and an actress struggling to prove herself after being cast in a water ballet show. As they navigate the glitz and challenges of the fair, they form an unlikely friendship that empowers them to stand up for what they truly want. We Came Here to Shine is a vivid, feminist-driven historical novel filled with courage and determination.
You can get a copy of We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall on Amazon.
The Color of Air by Gail Tsukiyama
In this sweeping tale set in 1935 Hawai’i, Tsukiyama crafts a multigenerational story of family, love, and resilience. As a young doctor returns home to the islands, the looming eruption of Mauna Loa mirrors the tensions within his community and past. Weaving together the lives of three interconnected characters, The Color of Air explores the struggles of Japanese-American immigrants on sugar plantations, uncovering deep family secrets along the way. This beautifully written novel is a lyrical exploration of heritage, belonging, and the power of forgiveness.
You can get a copy of The Color of Air by Gail Tsukiyama on Amazon.
The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
For book lovers, The Lions of Fifth Avenue is a dream read, set in the heart of the iconic New York Public Library. Told in dual timelines, the novel follows two women—one in 1913, married to the library’s superintendent and yearning for more in life, and the other in 1993, an archivist investigating a series of mysterious book thefts. As their stories intertwine, secrets from the past unravel, revealing a gripping narrative of ambition, loss, and the hidden history within one of the world’s most famous libraries.
You can get a copy of The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis on Amazon.
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
Based on a true story, The Book of Lost Names is an unforgettable novel about courage, sacrifice, and the power of memory. In the midst of World War II, Eva, a young Jewish woman with a talent for forgery, helps countless children flee the Nazis by altering their identities. Decades later, a coded book she once used to keep records of the children resurfaces, sparking an emotional journey as she confronts her past. Harmel’s novel is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, shedding light on the unsung heroes who risked everything to save lives.
You can get a copy of The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel on Amazon.
Want To Save This Post?
Enter your email below & I'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get themed lists and posts from me every week!
Which Historical Fiction Will You Read First?
These five novels are perfect for transporting you through time, immersing you in different eras, and offering gripping stories of resilience, mystery, and hope. Whether you’re drawn to the intensity of a historical disaster, the glamour of the World’s Fair, or the bravery of those who defied war’s horrors, this summer reading guide has something for every historical fiction lover.
Which book are you adding to your TBR? Let’s chat in the comments!
