If there’s one genre that gives us plenty of new stories each year, it’s historical fiction. It’s the perfect blending of multiple generations, time periods, and important events. Luckily for all of us curious readers out there, we’re being treated to multiple new historical fiction books being released in May of this year.
If you’re in the market for something brand new or a book that evokes a sense of familiarity, there’s something dropping for everyone. Check out these 5 fascinating and thought-provoking historical fiction books being released in May.
5. The Show Woman by Emma Cowing
Publication Date: May 1st, 2025
Scotland, 1910. Circus worker Lena has recently suffered the tragic death of her father and the sudden disappearance of her mother. With her sense of safety completely rocked, Lena is quickly advised to leave the world she loves and find herself a husband to care for her.
Before she’s forced to leave the life of a traveling performer, Lena finds an ally in Violet, a renowned trapeze artist who pitches her an unorthodox idea: starting an all-female circus act together. Recruiting fellow performers Rosie and Carmen, who each have their own reasons to run away, the women will be thrust into a world of business, prejudice, and violence. Together they’ll face demons past and present, and make their way in a world that may not be ready to accept them.
Why we recommend it: Tackling issues of sexism, found families, and freedom, The Show Woman is the perfect historical fiction book for folks searching for a female-centric read this spring.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter4. The Artist of Blackberry Grange by Paulette Kennedy
Publication date: May 1st, 2025
If a gothic mystery is more up your historical fiction alley, The Artist of Blackberry Grange is the perfect choice. In the summer of 1925, Sadie Halloran is seeking a new start following the devastating loss of her mother and a broken engagement that has left her feeling shameful and brokenhearted. In desperate need of a change, she accepts a job as a caretaker for her great aunt in the Ozarks.
There have been many rumours over the years about her aunt’s mansion, Blackberry Grange, and its potential hauntings. As her dementia afflicted aunt paints eerie portraits of her former lovers, Sadie begins to find that the paintings may be hiding a deeper, more mysterious truth within their brushstrokes.
Why we recommend it: A haunting mystery teeming with gothic atmosphere, this novel will be thrilling for lovers of historical fiction searching for something a little darker.
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3. The Manual for Good Wives by Lola Jaye
Publication Date: May 6th, 2025
A dual narrative story, this is a historical fiction novel that spans generations. Looking to escape a forced marriage to a cruel and abusive man, African princess Temi flees her home country to Victorian England, along with her childhood sweetheart Olu.
Over time, Temi develops an alter ego in order to keep her hidden: Mrs. Adeline Copplefield. Mrs. Copplefield is a respectable society lady who writes a weekly column about how young ladies can act as better wives. When her true identity is outed, Temi finds herself on trial in England, fighting for her life.
In modern-day London, Temi’s descendant, Landri, flees her own abusive relationship. She returns to her ancestral home, where she discovers a long-forgotten notebook that belonged to Temi. Through her reading, Landri will navigate her own journey of self-discovery, and how past trials can often help us through our present struggles.
Why we recommend it: Lovers of Bridgerton are sure to devour this tale of a woman choosing to make her way in a world that would otherwise reject her.
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2. Bitter Honey by Lola Akinmade Åkerström
Publication date: May 15th, 2025
A powerful tale of sacrifice and family. In 1978, Nancy travels from Gambia to Sweden on a scholarship, with big dreams of becoming Gambia’s first female president. When she meets the charismatic Lars, she believes that she’s found the perfect partner. But she’s about to discover that she doesn’t know as much about Lars as she originally thought.
In 2006, Nancy’s daughter Tina was a popular singer, having been selected to represent Sweden in that year’s Eurovision contest. When Tina discovers that the father she thought was long dead is in fact still alive, she demands information and explanation from her mother that Nancy is unwilling to provide. As the two women navigate the complexities of generational trauma and sense of self, they’ll both need to come to terms with their identities and navigate a new way forward.
Why we recommend it: A beautiful, sweeping narrative is at the heart of this mother-daughter tale.
1. Manic Pixie Dream Earl by Jenny Holiday
Publication date: May 27th, 2025
For a bit more of a lighthearted read this May, look no further than for Jenny Holiday’s latest installment in her Earl’s Trip series. Hijinks ensue on an annual trip for three Regency-era Earls, when alter egos are outed and mistaken identities lead to the best kinds of mishaps.
A love story between an Earl who moonlights as a poet, and a magazine editor who believes she’s publishing the works of a brilliant female poet is one for the ages. Add in some ride-or-die friends and hilarious banter, and you’ve got a recipe for a fun-filled romance.
Why we recommend it: This lively historical fiction romance is the perfect combination of sweet and funny.
May is a month chock-full of new releases, and these historical fiction books are sure to be a hit. Check them out if you’re on the lookout for something new and exciting!
