Bookworms can’t get sufficient of Taylor Jenkins Reid. The historic fiction-romance-contemporary creator (severely, what style can’t she nail?!) is a everlasting fixture on the New York Occasions Bestsellers Record. Whereas TJR was already related nicely earlier than BookTok blew up, HelloSunshine’s adaptation of Daisy Jones & The Six propelled her to ultra-author reputation.
Each novel she’s revealed since 2017, together with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Malibu Rising, and Carrie Soto is Again, has been optioned for TV or movie, making TJR’s profession the literal definition of when it rains, it pours (in one of the best ways).
So, what makes a TJR novel that good? She is aware of methods to pull at her readers’ heartstrings whereas retaining them on their toes. Her books have thriller, fiery romances, betrayal, loss, laughs, and complicated relationships. Moreover, she’s discovered a method to write historic fiction storylines that aren’t dry or education-y.
Whether or not you need to get extra into historic fiction or wish to fill your time till TJR declares her subsequent mission, this checklist of comparable authors will preserve your library and creativeness booked and busy.
Fiona Davis
I may go on and on about how unbelievable of a historic fiction creator Fiona Davis is. She has this insanely cool expertise for writing tales that focus on historic buildings and landmarks in New York Metropolis. It’s extremely area of interest but brilliantly written for the overall reader to take pleasure in. Who doesn’t need to examine hidden rooms within the New York Public Library (The Lions of Fifth Avenue, my private favourite of hers) or the infamous “Large Apple Bomber” and its ties to Radio Metropolis Music Corridor (The Spectacular, due this June)? The vibe of Davis’ novels could be very a lot that of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and infrequently explored over twin timelines.
Patti Callahan Henry
Like TJR, Patti Callahan Henry dabbles in each up to date and historic fiction writing. But additionally just like the Malibu Rising creator, Henry writes in twin timelines, weaving collectively her characters’ previous and current lives in such enchanting and beautiful particulars — you may really feel like you already know the protagonists and antagonists in and out. At present, Henry has 5 historic fiction novels beneath her title. Her most up-to-date, The Secret E-book of Flora Lea, spans 20 years in London, from 1939 to 1959, and facilities round a lacking youthful sister and a mysterious fairy story. Nonetheless, when you’re a C.S. Lewis fan, you may need to begin with As soon as Upon a Wardrobe. It is a touching nod to the late creator’s youth and his most well-known masterpiece, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
Elissa R. Sloan
In case your favourite TJR novel is Daisy Jones & The Six, then run, don’t stroll, to select up a replica of The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes. Very like TJR, Elissa R. Sloan’s novels closely lean into the glitz and glamor of being a Hollywood “it” lady. However as we’ve seen play out in The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones, with nice fame comes even higher hardships. Whereas Sloan’s debut novel facilities round a lady group within the early 2000s, her sophomore title Hayley Aldridge Is Nonetheless Right here is essentially impressed by the #FreeBritney motion.
Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Dolen Perkins-Valdez is a fan favourite amongst Scary Mommy E-book Membership members. Her shifting novel Take My Hand was a July 2022 E-book Membership choose, and greater than a 12 months after its launch, our neighborhood nonetheless by no means misses a chance to reward Perkins-Valdez’s storytelling and its resonation within the aftermath of overturning Roe v. Wade. Set in Nineteen Seventies Alabama, the e book follows a younger nurse named Civil Townsend desperate to make a distinction. Her journey — alternating between her first day and impending retirement — highlights the huge disparities in care between Black and white People in our healthcare system. Different Perkins-Valdez titles value trying out embrace Blam and Wench.
Kristin Hannah
A historic fiction author who wants no introduction, Kristin Hannah has authored over 15 books. A few of her most well-known titles embrace The 4 Winds, The Nice Alone, Nightingale, and Firefly Lane, the latter of which was tailored right into a Netflix sequence. Hannah’s chronicles span a variety of settings, eras, and POVs. In the event you benefit from the relationship intricacies between TJR’s characters, you’ll have a enjoyable time piecing collectively the totally different ties amongst Hannah’s characters.
Marie Benedict
If TJR was your introduction to historic fiction and also you’re itching for extra, take a peek at Marie Benedict’s catalog. She finds vital ladies in historical past, typically forgotten or unrecognized throughout their time, and brings their hidden tales to life. She’s written about Albert Einstein’s spouse and Girl Clementine. The Thriller of Mrs. Christie — as in the Agatha Christie — got here out in 2018 and was an immediate New York Occasions and USAToday bestseller. Benedict’s most up-to-date titles, Her Hidden Genius and The Mitford Affair, have additionally struck a chord with followers and climbed the charts.
