Do you remember when September was Back-to-School Month and not August? I do. At any rate, whether you have scholars heading back to the classroom or not, I hope you find time to explore the many delightful historical novels being released this month.

BEST COVER

Daughter of the Tarot by Clare Marchant (August 18)

“A haunting tale of one woman’s struggle to be independent at a time when strong women were seen as a threat and dealt with accordingly… Gripped me from the first page and refused to let go.” Bestselling author, Jenni Keer

You know I love striking colors on a cover. I also like the soft gentleness of Six Weeks by the Sea, and the intriguing placement of The Gossip Columnist’s Daughter. For sheer impact, though, I have to go with Daughter of the Tarot.

Six Weeks by the Sea by Paula Byrne (England, 19th century, August 5)

The Gossip Columnist’s Daughter by Peter Orner (Chicago, 20th century, August 12)

The Communist’s Secret by Suzanne Parry (WWII Russia, August 5)

Last Light Over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright (Texas, 1900, August 12)

Needle and Bone by Tonya Mitchell (Philadelphia, 1841, August 19)

BEST TITLE

Beattie Cavendish and the White Pearl Club by Mary-Jane Riley (August 21)

“1948. The shadow of war still lingers over Britain and Beattie Cavendish, former Secret Operations Executive agent, refuses to settle into civilian life. When offered an undercover role at the newly formed GCHQ, the nerve centre of Britain’s intelligence network, she doesn’t hesitate. Her first mission is to infiltrate the powerful Bowen family and find out what she can about politician Ralph Bowen who is suspected of being a communist sympathiser.” ~book description

Titles are tricky. It’s hard to say exactly why one compels you to pick up a book. While all of these made me stop and take a closer look, Beattie Cavendish and the White Pearl Club wins this month. Beattie is an interesting name, and the White Pearl Club sounds really interesting.

The Sea Witch by Eva Leigh (Puritan New England, August 26)

The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Canas (Zacatecas, 1765, August 19)

Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen (Surrey, 1938, August 5)

World Pacific by Peter Mann (Pacific Ocean, 1939, August 19)

The Hollywood Runaway by Alexandra Weston (August 30

MOST INTRIGUING

Dawn of Fate and Fire by Mariely Lares (August 12)

“Lares makes a triumphant debut with a vivid epic set in an alternate 16th-century colonial Mexico… Interweaving history, mythology, romance, and swashbuckling action, this is a surefire hit.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

This book hits it out of the park. It could have been included as best title or best cover, too. It’s inspired by one of my favorite tales, Zorro, and claims to be full of sword fights and secret identities. Set in 16th century Mexico, it’s also billed as historical fantasy. Yes, please.

Pullman by Debra Lee (New Orleans, 1920s, August 19)

The Secret Book Society by Madeleine Martin (London, 1895, August 26)

An Unlikely Prospect by Shelley Blanton-Stroud (San Francisco, 1940s, August 19)

Heir by Darcie Wilde (England, 19th century, August 26)

The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson (England, 18th century, August 5)

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Need more historical fiction on your TBR?

See Paper Lantern Writers’ weekly round up in the Facebook group Paper Lantern Readers. See even more new release titles at Historical Novel Society.

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