The Best Historical Fiction Books to Read This Summer

There’s nothing like historical fiction books to transport us to another era, immersing us in the sights, sounds, and struggles of the past. If you love richly detailed stories, unforgettable characters, and sweeping narratives, then this 2022 Summer Reading Guide: Historical Fiction Edition is for you! From a medieval abbey filled with intrigue to the tumultuous revolutions of the 18th century, these books bring history to life in vivid, captivating ways.

The 3 Best Historical Fiction Books from the 2022 Summer Reading Guide

These novels blend real historical figures, richly imagined settings, and compelling narratives to bring the past alive.

The Falcon’s Eyes by Francesca Stanfill

A sweeping historical novel about power, rebellion, and the women who shaped the medieval world.

Set at the end of the 12th century, this novel follows Isabelle, a noblewoman who flees her controlling husband and seeks refuge in an abbey, where she becomes a trusted companion to Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. As Isabelle navigates courtly politics and personal reinvention, she must decide where her true loyalties lie—to herself or the world that shaped her. A magnificent, richly detailed novel, The Falcon’s Eyes explores power, resilience, and the strength of women in history.

You can get a copy of The Falcon’s Eyes by Francesca Stanfill on Amazon.

Briefly, A Delicious Life by Nell Stevens

A beautifully crafted historical novel with a ghostly twist.

In 1838 Mallorca, writer George Sand and composer Frédéric Chopin arrive seeking solace, but they are not alone—Blanca, a ghost from the 15th century, has been haunting the monastery where they stay. As Blanca watches their lives unfold, she reflects on her own tragic past, her unfulfilled desires, and the timeless power of love and creativity. A gorgeously atmospheric novel, blending history, magic, and literary reimagination in a way that feels both haunting and deeply human.

You can get a copy of Briefly, A Delicious Life by Nell Stevens on Amazon.

Mademoiselle Revolution by Zoe Sivak

A bold, revolutionary tale set against the backdrop of the 18th-century Haitian and French Revolutions.

Sylvie de Rosiers, a mixed-race woman of privilege in Saint-Domingue (Haiti), is forced to flee to France as the Haitian Revolution erupts. She soon finds herself swept up in another revolution—the French Revolution, entangled with figures like Robespierre while struggling to define her own identity and beliefs. A powerful, immersive novel that reclaims history through a fresh, necessary perspective, Mademoiselle Revolution is a must-read for fans of historical fiction that challenges and enlightens.

You can get a copy of Mademoiselle Revolution by Zoe Sivak on Amazon.

Which 2022 Summer Reading Guide Historical Fiction Book Will You Read First?

Have you read any of these books? Which one are you adding to your summer reading list? Let’s chat in the comments!