When I think of books that have stayed with me throughout the years, I see so many adventurous yet romantic journeys through history and beyond! From time-slip romances, arranged marriages, to a beautiful collection of mythological lore, these are four historical fiction books that made me feel something real, even if they aren’t necessarily trending.
At Last Comes Love by Mary Balogh
Mary Balogh has written plenty of charming historical romances, but At Last Comes Love remains one that I find myself returning to every now and then. It follows Margaret Huxtable, the eldest sister of the Huxtable family, who has put her obligations over her own personal desires. When she suddenly receives a marriage proposal ultimatum from a former suitor, she panics and makes up an imaginary fiancé on the spot! As fate would have it, Duncan Pennethorne, the disgraced Earl of Sheringford, is in desperate need of a wife to salvage his reputation and finances.
Their arranged agreement to marry is crucial in resolving all of their issues, but also the root of many misunderstandings, secrets, and an undeniable spark of romance. As the lines between fake and real blur together, both Maraget and Duncan must confront their pasts if they hope to secure a future together.
The Penguin Book of Mermaids, Edited by Cristina Bacchilega and Marie Alohalani Brown
This collection of stories and poems celebrates mermaids and sea-women from all around the world. From myths, folktales, legends, and even lesser-known tales that rarely appear in mainstream compilations, these are individual journeys that show readers how different cultures imagine one of the world’s most fascinating figures! What I love is that this book delivers a more grounded and historical approach to the iconic “mermaid books” we see today.
Evelina by Frances Burney, edited by Edward A. Bloom
Evelina is one of those charming classics that I’m surprised to see not too much hype around. It blends romance, humor, and social critique in a readable and relatable format. This novel follows our heroine, Evelina, as she steps into eighteenth-century London society for the first time. She navigates social scandals, snobby men, and awkward parties within the boundaries of etiquette in that era. This book offers a witty, fresh, and delightful story with coming-of-age themes!
A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux
Despite this book being beloved by many historical romance readers (including me), it is one of those stories that rarely appears on modern recommendation lists, but should. Jude Deveraux delivers a swoonworthy royal love story, blending time-travel elements with strong emotional depth, beginning with Dougless Montgomery, a distressed modern-day woman, who is crying upon a tombstone in an old English church. Out of nowhere, she comes face-to-face with Nicholas Stafford, Earl of Thornwyck, a hero from the sixteenth century. Their connection is equally magical and dramatic, proving that love can truly transcend time and space!
There’s truly something so magical in discovering books like buried treasure! These novels have earned a special place both in my heart and on my shelf. I hope after this, they find a place in yours, too!
If you’re looking for some historical romances to either read or gift, click here.
Want to explore some of the books that have captured the minds and hearts of the Bookstr team? Check out our Bookshop bookshelf, Bookstr Team Recommendations.
