Historical Fiction Bargain Book Box

Historical Fiction Bargain Book Box

Travel through the ages with this sweeping collection of fifteen novels that transport you from the battlefields of ancient mythology to the high-stakes world of twentieth-century fashion. This box features epic storytelling from masters of the genre like Wilbur Smith and Dolen Perkins-Valdez, exploring the hidden lives of painters' daughters, royal secrets, and the women who fought for their countries. While predominantly focused on historical narratives ranging from the Wars of the Roses to the civil rights movement, the set also includes a delightful contemporary mystery and mythic retellings. These books are remainders and may show minor shelf wear.

1. Nemesis by Wilbur Smith Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1939 Paris, Paul Edmonds is a man determined to save his country from the encroaching Nazi threat while battling his own past. He joins forces with a beautiful and dangerous resistance fighter, embarking on a high-stakes adventure that spans continents and tests their courage. Wilbur Smith delivers his signature blend of breathless action and historical detail in this gripping tale of vengeance and survival on the eve of war.

2. The Winter List by S.G. MacLean In 1660, Charles II returns to the throne and orders a hunt for the regicides who signed his father's death warrant, forcing Lady Seonaid to navigate a treacherous political landscape. She returns to London as a spy, armed with a list of names that could destroy her family if they fall into the wrong hands. This atmospheric thriller captures the paranoia of the Restoration era, blending espionage with a complex family drama.

3. Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez Civil Townsend, a young Black nurse in 1973 Alabama, seeks to make a difference in her community but discovers a horrific injustice being perpetrated by the clinic where she works. Based on true events, the novel follows her fight to protect two young sisters from forced sterilization and the decades-long battle for accountability. It is a searing and compassionate exploration of medical ethics, racism, and the enduring power of hope.

4. The Housekeepers by Alex Hay Mrs. King, a housekeeper with a secret past, orchestrates a daring heist on the grandest house in Mayfair on the night of a lavish costume ball. She assembles an all-female crew of servants and thieves to strip the mansion of its treasures right under the noses of the wealthy guests. This Upstairs, Downstairs revenge thriller is a fun, fast-paced caper that exposes the rot hiding behind Edwardian splendor.

5. The Midnight House by Amanda Geard In 1940, the disappearance of a woman from Blackwater Hall leaves a legacy of secrets that haunts the estate for generations. Decades later, a young journalist uncovers a bundle of letters that unravels the mystery of the "Midnight House" and connects her to the tragic history of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy. The story weaves together dual timelines to explore the enduring impact of war, love, and lost identity.

6. The Heir of Venus by Laura Shepperson This feminist retelling of the Aeneid focuses on the women left behind and silenced by the legendary hero Aeneas, specifically his wife Creusa and the Queen of Carthage, Dido. It challenges the traditional narrative of the Roman epic, giving voice to those who paid the price for the founding of an empire. The novel blends mythology with a modern sensibility, examining the cost of destiny and the definition of heroism.

7. The Affairs of Ashmore Castle by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles In the 1920s, the Earl of Stainton and his family struggle to maintain their grand estate and social standing amidst a rapidly changing world. The novel delves into the lives of both the aristocracy upstairs and the servants downstairs, revealing the scandals and financial woes that threaten their way of life. It is a classic family saga perfect for fans of Downton Abbey who enjoy rich period detail and domestic drama.

8. The Painter's Daughters by Emily Howes Peggy and Molly are the daughters of the famous painter Thomas Gainsborough, capturing the world's attention in their father's portraits while hiding a dark secret at home. As Molly shows signs of the mental illness that plagues their family, Peggy fights to protect her sister from the cruel treatments of the 18th century. This debut novel is a moving portrait of sisterly love, artistic legacy, and the fear of madness.

9. Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara A prophecy declares that Psyche, a princess of Mycenae trained as a warrior, will defeat a monster, but she instead faces the god of desire, Eros. Accused of creating chaos, Eros is cursed to fall in love with the first mortal he sees, leading to a romance that defies the will of Olympus. This sparkling retelling reimagines the classic myth with wit and heart, focusing on agency and the nature of true love.

10. A Marriage of Fortune by Anne O'Brien In 1469, Margaret Paston writes letters that chronicle her family's struggle to hold onto their lands and status during the chaotic Wars of the Roses. The novel focuses on the women of the Paston family as they navigate sieges, legal battles, and arranged marriages to secure their legacy. It brings a real historical family to life, highlighting the resilience required to survive in medieval England.

11. The Last Fashion House in Paris by Renee Ryan As the Nazis occupy Paris, a young fashion reporter and a Jewish designer use their positions within the Maison Trouvère to secretly aid the resistance. They risk their lives to hide refugees and pass messages right under the eyes of the enemy officers who frequent the salon. The story combines the glamour of haute couture with the gritty reality of wartime espionage and moral courage.

12. In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King Salvador Dalí and his wife Gala escape WWII to live in America, hiring a young woman named Narciso who discovers their garden is home to mythological secrets. A retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth set against a surrealist backdrop, the story blurs the line between art and magic. It is a dark, atmospheric fantasy that explores the dangerous allure of genius and the price of immortality.

13. The Woman on the Bridge by Sheila O'Flanagan Winnie O'Leary dreams of a happy marriage and a quiet life in Dublin, but the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent Civil War tear her world apart. Based on the author's family history, the novel follows a woman's fight to keep her family together while her country is divided by violence. It is a poignant, romantic saga about loyalty, sacrifice, and the personal cost of political freedom.

14. The Royal Windsor Secret by Christine Wells Cleo, an orphan working at a luxury hotel, discovers she may be the illegitimate daughter of the Prince of Wales, who is about to abdicate for Wallis Simpson. Her quest for the truth leads her into a dangerous web of royal protocol and scandalous secrets that the monarchy is desperate to hide. This historical drama offers a fresh perspective on the romance that shook the British Empire.

15. The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose In this contemporary sequel to The Maid, Molly Gray is now the Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel when a famous author drops dead in the tea room. As the police investigate, Molly must use her unique observational skills to clear her name and uncover the truth about the guest's past. While not a historical novel, it provides a charming, cozy mystery puzzle centered on an unforgettable protagonist.