Every year, She Reads reaches out to readers to discover the books that they thought were the best of the year! This year we had over 8,000 of you cast your vote and the results are in. In our roundups of all the Best Books of 2024, we’ll include the number one book, chosen by you and some favorites from our professional book loving editors. We hope this reading year was as wonderful for you as it was for us!
Best Historical Fiction of 2024: The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr
The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr
The Goddess of Warsaw tells the riveting story of Lena Browning, a glamorous Hollywood actress with a haunting past. Before she was a screen legend, Lena was Bina Blonski, a Polish Jewish woman who fought in the Warsaw Ghetto as a spy and assassin. Balancing heart-pounding action with the emotional weight of sacrifice and survival, The Goddess of Warsaw is a thrilling tale of identity, resilience, and what it takes to protect the people you love.
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From sweeping narratives to discovering untold stories, these 10 standout titles offer windows into worlds that feel both distant and deeply resonant. Whether it’s reimagining familiar events or immersing ourselves in the lives of courageous, complex characters, historical fiction offers a unique blend of education and escapism.
James by Pervical Everett
James is the winner of the National Book Award and continues to receive praise from readers. This retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the enslaved Jim’s perspective is a harrowing novel that intricately weaves themes of survival, freedom, and the complexities of human connection. James skillfully blends humor and heartbreak, tackling the promise of freedom and the weight of systemic injustice. It’s a fresh, powerful take on an American classic that feels both familiar and brand new.
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The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
The author of The Stationery Shop returns with a beautiful novel The Lion Women of Tehran capturing the spirited friendship between two young girls. Together, they imagine becoming “lion women” who challenge societal norms. The novel explores resilience, the bonds of friendship, and the bittersweet magic of childhood dreams. It immerses you in rich cultural details while pulling at your heartstrings with its warmth and honesty. Ellie’s journey is equal parts tender, hopeful, and inspiring.
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The Women by Kristin Hannah
Historical fiction fans adore Kristin Hannah and her latest novel, The Women, has garnered much attention. Frankie McGrath is a California nursing student whose life takes a drastic turn when she enlists as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War. Thrown into unimaginable chaos, Frankie’s journey is raw, gripping, and deeply personal as she grapples with camaraderie, betrayal, and the brutal realities of war. This story doesn’t shy away from the grit—it’s as much about survival as it is about self-discovery. The Women is a tribute to the resilience and courage of the women history often forgets.
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The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn knows how to write dynamic female characters that will captivate readers and The Briar Club stands out. Meet Grace March. Her arrival in Washington, DC stirs up the secrets of her eclectic neighbors, from an ex-baseball star to a young woman tangled in an affair with a gangster. Against the backdrop of McCarthyism, the residents form surprising alliances while navigating shifting loyalties and political paranoia. The Briar Club balances sharp humor with poignant social commentary, giving a peek into a world where every whispered secret could upend lives.
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Becoming Madame Secretary by Stephanie Dray
In Becoming Madame Secretary, readers are swept into the life of Frances Perkins, the trailblazing woman who became America’s first female cabinet member. From the bustling streets of New York to the political arenas of Washington, Frances’s journey is filled with grit, heartbreak, and determination. Becoming Madame Secretary captures the political and social landscape of the early 20th century. It’s a triumphant story of ambition, resilience, and the drive to create lasting change.
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The American Queen by Vanessa Miller
The American Queen tells the astonishing true story of Louella, a woman whose strength transforms her from an enslaved person to the queen of a self-proclaimed kingdom. When her husband, Reverend William, leads a daring escape, Louella finds herself at the heart of a community striving to build a life of freedom and dignity. Readers are mesmerized by the incredible blend of hope, heartbreak, and determination in Louella’s journey. The American Queen is about more than survival—it’s about redefining what freedom truly means.
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All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
Set in 1837 Philadelphia, All We Were Promised is the story of Charlotte, a formerly enslaved woman still fighting for her freedom—this time from her own past. Trapped in a city that promises liberty but delivers new forms of oppression, Charlotte must navigate her identity as she hides in plain sight alongside her white-passing father. All We Were Promised explores the complicated, layered realities of freedom with a rawness that’s both thought-provoking and heart-wrenching. The stakes feel personal, and Charlotte’s voice draws you into every moment of her journey. It’s an unflinching look at identity and the sacrifices tied to justice.
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The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
In The Frozen River, Martha Ballard, a midwife in 1789 Maine, finds herself at the center of a murder mystery when a man’s body is discovered encased in ice. Her meticulous records may hold the key to solving the crime, but uncovering the truth pits her against the town’s elite. Weaving together suspense with historical fiction, The Frozen River creates a chilling atmosphere that pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the last page.
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The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Golden Age Hollywood dazzles in The Seventh Veil of Salome, a story of ambition, rivalry, and betrayal. When Vera Larios, an unknown Mexican actress, is cast as the lead in a highly anticipated movie, she becomes the envy of Nancy Hartley, a struggling starlet willing to do anything for fame. Readers are hooked by the cutthroat glamour of 1950s Hollywood and the complex, deeply flawed characters fighting for their dreams.
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