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Top Hist Fic Picks for September 2023

By Linda Ulleseit
September 1, 2023

 

I hope September brings thoughts of cooling weather and the beginning of Fall for everyone. Even though the month can still be hot, my thoughts turn to orange and brown colors, pumpkin flavored recipes, and holiday preparations. What does September mean to you?

This September is particularly special because it brings the launch of Lantern Rebecca D’Harlingue’s second book, The Map Colorist, a riveting story of an artist who learns ambition from her mother’s example, resulting in secrets, deception, and tragedy. You will hold your breath all the way to the end before you know if love and family can prevail. (September 19)

 

 


BEST COVER

The Life I Stole by Nikola Scott

“Nikola’s best yet . . . I was immediately drawn into the story, rooting for the characters all the way to the end. Atmospheric and compelling. I loved it!” Lorna Cook

So many wonderful covers out there! Have you noticed that historical fiction covers seem to have moved away from the faceless women or women walking away? At one time, that was all there was. This month is another month full of lovely soft colors. It’s clear, though, that this one stands out. Set in London just as Queen Elizabeth ascends to the throne, this novel follows a doctor-in-training who struggles to keep a secret that has more consequences than she intended. (September 14)

BEST TITLE

Rusted Souls by Chris Nickson

“A knockout conclusion that showcases Nickson’s unique blend of intricate plotting and well-rounded character development. Series devotees will be thrilled ― Publishers Weekly Starred Review

Great title. This is the last in an eleven-book series, so I would never read it without starting at the beginning. It’s a crime novel, too, which is not usually my thing. Still, great title. (September 5)

MOST INTRIGUING

North Woods by Daniel Mason

“A sweeping novel about a single house in the woods of New England, told through the lives of those who inhabit it across the centuries—a daring, moving tale of memory and fate from the Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of The Piano Tuner and The Winter Soldier.” ~book description

This book starts with two young lovers running away from a Puritan colony. It traces the house through generations of people that live there, as well as a beetle and animals from the woods. It portrays a picture of the interaction between man and the natural world that makes the reader think about connections. (September 19)

MOST ANTICIPATED

Babylon by Michelle Cameron

“The extraordinary true story of the exile of the Jews in Babylon and their miraculous return seventy years later. The tale is personal and powerful, passing through the experiences of several generations. Some served in the palace, some made their homes in the city of Babylon, and others inhabited the deserted farms of the exiles. Insightful, colorful, and fascinating.” — Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of Helen of Troy, The Memoirs of Cleopatra, The Confessions of Young Nero, The Splendor Before the Dark, and many others

I actually read an ARC of The Map Colorist, and you are going to love it! So for this section I picked Babylon. This is the story of Sarah, beginning when Jerusalem is sacked and she is taken to Babylon with the rest of her people. It follows her family through generations as they strive to survive the politics of the day and preserve their culture. (September 12)

WOMEN’S FICTION

Flicker by Lori Hahnel (September 15)

A Storm of Infinite Beauty by Julianne MacLean (September 12)

The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff (September  12)

Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino (September 1)

All You Have to do Is Call by Kerri Maher (September 19)

The Hidden Years by Rachel Hore (September 14)

Fifteen Wild Decembers by Karen Powell (September 21)

The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson (September 5)

The Witching Tide by Margaret Meyer (September 5)

A Beautiful Rival by Gill Paul (September 5)

City of Women by Kathleen B. Jones (September 5)

MEDIEVAL

False Mistress by Amy Licence (September 8)

The Words of Kings and Prophets by Shauna Lawless (September 14)

The Last True Templar by Boyd and Beth Morrison (September 14)

RENAISSANCE

Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons (September 12)

19TH CENTURY

Jumbo by Stephens Gerald Malone (September 12)

MYSTERY

The Winter List by S. G. MacLean (September 7)

The Traitor Among Us by Anne Perry (September 12)

The Spanish Diplomat’s Secret by Nev March (September 12)

The Golden Gate by Amy Chua (September 19)

Murder at Midnight by Katherine Schellman (September 19)

Murder at the Merton Library by Andrea Penrose (September 26)

Land of Joys by Steve Wiegenstein (September 26)

Immortalised to Death by Lyn Squire (September 26)

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky (September 26)

The Fraud by Zadie Smith (September 5)

ANCIENT

Babylon by Michelle Cameron (September 12)

LGBTQ

Gin, Turpentine, Pennyroyal, Rue by Christine Higdon (September 12)

WORLD WAR II

The Royal Windsor Secret by Christine Wells (September 12)

Nineteen Steps by Millie Bobby Brown (September 5)

The Novelist From Berlin by V. S. Alexander (September 26)

KOREAN WAR

The Caretaker by Ron Rash (September 26)

FAMILY LIFE

Where There Was Fire by John Manuel Arias (September 1)

House of Caravans by Shilpi Suneja (September 19)

An Orphan’s Wish by Lizzie Page (September 6)

FANTASY

Upon a Frosted Star by M. A. Kuzniar (September 21)

The Pomegranate Gate by Ariel Kaplan (September 26)

 

 

Need more books on your TBR? See more new release titles at Historical Novel Society.

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Written by Linda Ulleseit

Linda Ulleseit writes award-winning heritage fiction set in the United States. She is a member of Historical Novel Society, Women's Fiction Writers Association, and Women Writing the West as well as a founding member of Paper Lantern Writers. Get in touch with her on Instagram (lulleseit) and Facebook (Linda Ulleseit or SHINE with Paper Lantern Writers).

View Linda's PLW Profile

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