10 Must-Read Royal Historical Fiction Books—Filled With Drama, Glamour and Intrigue!
By Melissa D'Agnese,
14 hours ago
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Palace intrigue, high-stakes drama, glittering gowns, family secrets…there are many reasons readers love royal historical fiction novels. Not only do they provide a sweeping, and often juicy, fictional escape, they are also brimming with real historical details, behind-the-scenes scandals and fascinating little-known facts about famous royal families. This well-researched blend of fact and fiction entertains and enthralls—and if you’re looking for a royal historical fiction book recommendation, you’re in the right place!
Feel like traveling to 1860s Mexico to attend a ball with a mysterious suitor? Pick up Ana Maria and the Fox by Liana de la Rosa. In the mood to be whisked to 1960s Britain where a young Princess Diana meets the Prince of Wales? Try The Princess by Wendy Holden. If a dazzling WWII epic about a reporter who travels to the Bahamas and infiltrates high society sounds interesting, look no further than The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams.
For our full list of royal historical fiction book suggestions, keep scrolling!
The year is 1935, and Cleo Davenport was always told that she was an orphan. But now, there are rumors swirling that her father is actually the Prince of Wales. Once she turns 17, she decides to take matters into her own hands and looks into tracking down her parents to discover the truth she always longed for. But what will she find out?
What readers are saying: “To lift my spirits, I reached for this book that transported me back in time,” says Lauren Stachiw, Woman’s World Beauty Director. “Cleo leaves no stone unturned on her journey to find out her true lineage, and her perseverance is inspiring. By the end, all the sadness I was feeling vanished—and I realized enjoying the moment is what matters!”
Set in Russia in the late 1800s, the plot follows Maria Feodorovna, a Danish princess betrothed to Alexander Romanov and destined to give birth to Russia’s last monarch.
What readers are saying: "A uthor C.W. Gortner takes full advantage of the empress’s perspective to do what historical fiction does best—intertwine an engaging personal story with historical events. Once again, he proves himself a master of this genre. You get all the intimate details of dress, living conditions, customs, politics and history in a neat packet of sharp prose and masterful storytelling. Highly recommended!”
New York Times bestselling author Beatriz Williams whisks readers to 1900s Switzerland and 1941 Bahamas in this scandalous, sparkling tale. In 1941, newly widowed Leonora “Lulu” Randolph is sent to the Bahamas on assignment to investigate the Governor and his wife for a New York society magazine. Before long, Lulu is swept up into a wartime Caribbean scene filled with spies, traitors and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. As she infiltrates this scene, she uncovers secrets and falls in love. As the two timelines switch back and forth, the fates of two women’s lives are intertwined. A fascinating story of espionage, bravery, sacrifice and love.
What readers are saying: “ I loved everything about this story—especially the way the generations were woven into a gripping family tale with a royal twist based on actual facts and events. Brava, Beatriz!”
It’s 1889 in Paris and Luz Alana is the new heir to her family’s rum business. Because she’s a woman, no one seems to be taking her seriously—until she meets a titled Scotsman named Evan Sinclair. Could a marriage of convenience save them both?
What readers are saying: " The suspense in A Caribbean Heiress in Paris is fascinating and spans several different countries, a fight over a dukedom and so much money being stolen and wasted. The love between Evan and Luz Alana is so strong, but it all depends on whether or not she decides to stay in the end. I am in love with my very first book by Adriana Herrera and the first BIPOC Historical Romance I've ever read. It definitely will not be my last!"
Filled with rich historical charm and decadent detail, this novel begins in 1939 and follows Elizabeth, wife of King George VI, who is determined to make her husband’s reign a success. But while she holds great power, she’s also hiding secrets that threaten their lives. Soon, events expose how the royal family utilized its matriarch to survive one of the most dangerous times of the century. A perfect pick for fans of The Crown !
What readers are saying: “ I was really surprised at some of the information provided in this book. It was a real page-turner and was interesting both from a historical view and from learning about the Queen as a real person.”
This beautifully written story of heartbreak and intrigue transports readers to a small villa in Versailles during the reign of Louis XV. In 18th Century France, girls were sent to the villa, overseen by the King’s favorite mistress, Madame de Pompadour, to become potential courtesans of the King. Then, each girl is sent to the palace of Versailles, with its famed Hall of Mirrors, where they meet a charming man they are told is a Polish Count. Here they live an indulgent life filled with gorgeous gowns, delicious food and plush beds. When beautiful and brilliant Veronique arrives at the school, she uncovers a secret that changes her life. An illuminating saga about a mother and daughter in 18 th century France that will linger in readers’ minds long after the last page.
What readers are saying: “ Masterfully blended with the highest quality of prose, uncovered actions and a storyline that holds intrigue and captures one's attention, the tumultuous 18th century France comes alive with a remarkable pace in this novel.”
Ana Maria Luna Valdés has strived to be the perfect daughter for the Luna family, but when she’s sent to London to seek refuge during the 1860s French occupation of Mexico, she meets the austere Mr. Fox at a ball. What follows is a series of interesting events and a marriage of convenience.
What readers are saying: “Emails, texts, video meetings…my weekdays are draining, but unplugging by reading a tale set in a time before all the tech noise always does the trick,” shares Carey Ostergard, Woman’s World Executive Editor. “I loved this slow-burn romance!”
The White Queen by Phillipa Gregory tells the story of Elizabeth Woodville, a woman who rises from a common life in the 1460s to eventually become Queen of England—the book was also the inspiration behind the critically acclaimed Starz TV series by the same name. Gregory’s book chronicles the Wars of the Roses and brings to life the extraordinary life of Elizabeth—a woman who changed history forever.
What readers are saying: “ I adore how Philippa Gregory takes history and brings it to life with magic, and The White Queen is no exception. I adored the story of Elizabeth and Edward and all the twists and found myself unable to put this book down.”
With dynamic characters and a unique premise, this novel—told throughout different points in time—first brings readers to 1947, where embroiderers Miriam and Anne receive the honor of helping create Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown. Then in 2016, a girl named Heather finds a set of royally embroidered flowers in her grandmother’s things and begins unraveling long-lost family secrets. A richly detailed saga.
What readers are saying: “I thoroughly enjoyed The Gown for several reasons, not the least being my fondness for anything that centers around the British Royal Family. We are accustomed to seeing what the media shows us and it is normally from only one point of view. But getting a glimpse of the Royals from the vantage point of an embroiderer is totally unique. Fans of the Royal Family and of historical fiction/romance are sure to enjoy this one as will those who enjoy family sagas.”
Readers are transported to 1961 Britain in this fascinating tale about beloved Princess Diana Spencer. Born into the Spencer earldom, Diana grew up amid her parents’ divorce, and her refuge was always her romantic novels. So when she becomes a candidate for the Prince of Wales, her dream to be loved intersects with Charles’ need for a bride. What follows is an astonishing story of Diana’s route to the altar and beyond.
What readers are saying: "This book is brilliant. Diana tells a childhood friend about the string-pulling that brought about her engagement to her Prince charming. What if all those Barbara Cartland books on Diana's shelves shaped the future princess into a hopeful romantic? A woman who just wanted her own happy ever after? Reading this brought back memories of teenage me watching the wedding of the century. If you are a royal watcher and have a fondness for Princess Di, you will not want to miss this book."
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