I’m curious . . . what makes a historical novel “great” in your eyes? What features draw you into the story? For some it may be the romantic thread, for others it could be a desire to experience a specific time period. Here are four characteristics of great historical fiction that never fail to hook me.
A Stron
g Heroine
There’s nothing I like better in a historical novel than a gutsy heroine. I know women throughout history were supposed to be demure and submissive, but I love it when one steps out of the mold. In Caught in the Middle
A Unique Time Period
Another characteristic that sets a book apart for me is a unique setting or time period. Debut author Rebecca DeMarino nailed that with her novel, A Place in His Heart
A Clash of Cultures
I fell in love with Lori Benton’s writing with her debut, Burning Sky
Meticulous Historical Research 
Every time I open one of Sarah Sundin’s World War II romances, I know I’m in for a treat. She’s quickly risen to my absolutely-must-read-everything-she-writes category of authors. Her new novel, In Perfect Time
Sundin is a master of research, weaving historical facts and technical detail into the stories in a way that lifts the characters and plots rather than bogging them down. I don’t want to give away too much of the storyline of In Perfect Time, but I appreciated how she worked the hair-raising adventure of a group of real life flight nurses into this book. And there is a sweet, sweet moment at the end that actually made me choke up. I’m NOT the kind of person who typically cries at books and movies, so this was quite a feat.
So, what pulls you into a story and keeps you reading past your bedtime? Is it unlikely heroes? Touching romance? Believable struggles? I’d love to hear what draws you to your favorite authors and keeps you coming back for more. 
And here’s a bit of news…
Do you have family/friends in the Tacoma, Washington? I’ll be visiting the Parkland/Spanaway branch of the Pierce County Library on September 15. I’ll be talking about my debut novel, MISTAKEN, set in Washington State during Prohibition. Find out what drew me to this era and some of the fun things I learned while researching this novel. I’d love to see you there!
Blessings!
Karen
Thanks for including “Caught in the Middle” Karen! You could’ve included “Mistaken” and “Out of the Ruins” too, but I know you’re not supposed to do that.
Have a great weekend!
Love,
Regina
I adored Caught in the Middle, Regina. I read it while on vacation at a hot spring resort. It was pure bliss to soak in the bubbles while reading your book!
For me, great historical fiction has to have strong characters, not just a strong heroine. It needs to read as a contemporary no matter the setting, meaning that I don’t enjoy constant use of Victorian English, and “thee’s” and “thou’s”. I understand certain phrases make it authentic, such as “pray tell” or some such thing and that’s ok.
I do feel that the author needs to have done substantial research so that the action fits the time period and so forth. I think a novel might read as “weak” if you weren’t sure that the author had done the hard work.
The other sure winner to hook me in is an intriguing story line. You can have the good characters, the solid research, the great historical setting, but if the storyline doesn’t catch you and keep you reading, the characters sort of flounder around with nothing to do.
All that said, I adore your writing, Miss Karen. I also really have enjoyed Jane Kirkpatrick through the years. And I really WANT to read Sarah’s book!
I think you’ll love Sarah’s books, Connie. She’s the total package! 🙂
I am super picky when it comes to historical novels. I’m not a big romance fan so there has to be something more to drive the story.
Adventure seems to pull me in. I loved “A Name of Her Own” by Jane Kirkpatrick. It was about the Indian wife of one of the members of the Aster party. The second overland party to cross to the Pacific Ocean, after Lewis and Clark.
Also agree with the unique time period. Which is why I think I enjoyed Gilbert Morris’ House of Winslow series when I was younger. Each book is set in a different period in American history.
I haven’t read A Name of Her Own. I’ll have to look for that one! I love Jane’s writing.
I love an historical novel that makes me feel the character’s struggle. Lori Benton did that with Burning Sky. I anguished over the choices Willie would have to make to exist in either of her worlds.
In Rebecca’s book, I wanted to rescue Mary from her plight. What woman could endure years of being unloved by the man she tried to care for.
And in Sarah’s book, I was swept away by the intrigue of the war. The characters were so real and their circumstances often so dire, I couldn’t believe they’d survive their struggles.
I haven’t read Regina Jennings yet. But she just went on my Amazon book order. 🙂 I hope it comes in time for my flight. Pat Lee
I really enjoyed Regina’s book, Pat! She does a fantastic job of using humor to lighten what could be a very dark storyline.
Thank you for including me 🙂 And your books meet a high research standard. I’m so impressed with how you brought 1906 San Francisco to life.
As for what draws me, characters always come first – fascinating characters with depth. I’m also drawn to interesting or unusual time periods – which is pretty much all of them 🙂 I’m so glad Christian fiction has expanded to include more eras and locations!
Thanks, Sarah! Writing about the earthquake was a little intimidating. So many people are well-versed in the history, I knew I’d get dinged for any mistakes. But there were such great resources out there.
And I agree–characters come first for me, too.
What a lovely post, Karen. And sadly I have not read your books yet. You are on my list of to-reads. What I look for in any book are layers, something beyond the obvious, something which appeals to my soul, something with which I can identify and interact with and ‘chew on’. Sarah’s books are the most balanced writing I’ve read in a long time. I identify with more than one character. I am there long after I finish the last page. It also helps when authors such as yourself are personal with readers. Thank you. ~Joyce (I enjoy Jane K. too.)
Thanks, Joyce! I love chatting with readers. We’re all book lovers, right? 🙂
I agree with what you said about Sarah’s characters sticking with you after the last page. I remember accidentally praying for Mellie and Tom while I was reading With Every Letter. I laughed out loud when I remembered that they were fictional characters. They felt that real to me.
Believable characters a page turner
I don’t usually like historical fiction , but have recently read two that I couldn’t put down, mainly, because they were fun. The heroines were strong, spunky women and drew me into their stories. One was Deanne Gist, “A Bride Most Begrudging.” The other was Jen Turano, “A Change of Fortune.”
What a wonderful article, and I do agree!
Historical fiction, in my opinion, needs to be just that–historical. I’m coming across a lot of books that are little more than “once upon a time” with little true historical substance. I enjoy a few details that pull in my emotions and opinion concerning the injustices or developments of the time.
The best historical fiction I have read lately had its history in place–and correct–and the romance was kept as an element of the action, but not the driving force. In addition the authors spent time on good, descriptive language, along wonderful character development.
Most of all, if a book is labeled as Christian, there should be some element of spiritual growth the reader should walk away with–beyond simple forgiveness and duty. While important, those can be quite empty without something to flesh them out.