Hi historical fiction fans!
I’ve been in a bit of a knitting frenzy lately, and let me tell you there’s nothing better than a knitting project paired with a good audiobook. It’s the peak of relaxation — and you get to chip away at your TBR while doing it! 10/10 highly recommend
If you’re on the lookout for the perfect last minute Valentine’s gift for your bookish sweetheart, be sure to check out Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendations. Our host of professional book nerds will take a look at what your sweetheart loves to read and what they don’t, what their reading goals are, and what they need more of in their bookish life. Then, our Bibliologists go to work selecting books just for them. TBR has plans for every budget. Surprise your favorite book nerd with Tailored Book Recommendations this Valentine’s and visit mytbr.co/gift.
Bookish Goods
Pride and Prejudice Art Print
This romantic art print featuring a quote from Pride and Prejudice is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Get it from Spilt Milk Press on Etsy. $20
New Releases
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson (February 7, 2023)
In 1950s Philadelphia and Washington D.C., two young Black women fall for men they’re not meant to fall for: one, a Jewish man, and the other hailing from an elite Black family with a status far above her own. Both women find themselves pregnant and fighting against prejudice — against both themselves and their loved ones — as they strive against all odds for the lives that they want.
Hungry Ghosts by Kevin Jared Hosein (February 7, 2023)
In this historical novel of family, class, religion, and mystery, a wealthy man goes missing leaving his wife alone in their large house in Trinidad. Marlee Changoor offers a stipend to a farmhand living in the barracks below her house to keep guard. But as the mystery unfolds and the lives of the wealthy couple and the poverty-stricken families living in their shadow become increasingly entwined, it will change their community forever.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
With Valentine’s Day coming up in less than a week, it seems like the perfect time to talk historical romance. It’s an ever-popular genre full of standout authors like Beverly Jenkins, Alyssa Cole, and Courtney Milan. And these two recent releases are perfect for anyone looking for their Valentine’s Day historical romance fix.
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
This Bridgerton-esque romance inspired by the real-life Patterson family, follows four determined young Black women looking for love and their way forward in life in 1910s America when wealthy Black families were few and far between. The Davenport sisters and their friends are surrounded by wealth and luxury — but following their hearts will be a challenge unlike any other.
The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews
This Victorian romance follows an equestrienne with few hopes on the marriage market who finds her perfect match in a tailor who loves designing riding habits, particularly for the daring Evelyn. But will an unfashionably independent woman and a half-Indian tailor be accepted by society? Or will they have to make their own rules and their own way?
That’s it for now, folks! Stay subscribed for more stories of yesteryear.
If you want to talk books (historical or otherwise), you can find me @rachelsbrittain on Instagram, Goodreads, Litsy, and occasionally Twitter.
Right now I’m reading She and Her Cat by Makoto Shinkai. What about you?