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Original poster

Can I please have some book recommendations?

32 replies

happytobemrsg · 31/12/2024 20:21

In 2023 & 2024 I re-read books I already had on my kindle (with the exception of the first Bridgerton book). In 2025 I will ONLY read new books!

Can I please have some recommendations? I have previously enjoyed these books

Anything by Philippa Gregory (I really love historical romance)
Anything by Dan Brown
Anything by Khaled Hosseini

As you can see, not very high brow 😂

I do like a series so I can get really into the characters.

Thank you!

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EmpressaurusKitty · 02/01/2025 13:41

Not historical, but have you read the Kinsey Millhone detective stories by Sue Grafton? They’re great light reading & work either alone or as a series.

Original poster
happytobemrsg · 02/01/2025 13:13

ThursdayLastWeek · 01/01/2025 20:57

Susanna Gregory writes a good historical series - murder mystery stories, not in the least highbrow.

One set in medieval Cambridge, the other in restoration London.

Oh now that sounds good! I’ve not read a murder mystery type book for a while. When I was in my teens I went through all of the Alex Cross books but a historical one would be interesting

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Original poster
happytobemrsg · 02/01/2025 13:12

OdileO · 01/01/2025 20:55

I found Elizabeth Fremantle similar to Philippa Gregory, I liked her one about Lady Jane Grey’s sisters very much (Sisters of Treason I think). As others have said, Kristen Hannah. I also really enjoy Tracy Chevalier books.

If you like those multi- generational family epics you might like Pachinko, which I loved. I read I Must Betray You last year about the Romanian revolution, really enjoyed that too and I learned something as well!

I’ve also read some good books based on the Grey sisters. So interesting!

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ThursdayLastWeek · 01/01/2025 20:57

Susanna Gregory writes a good historical series - murder mystery stories, not in the least highbrow.

One set in medieval Cambridge, the other in restoration London.

OdileO · 01/01/2025 20:55

I found Elizabeth Fremantle similar to Philippa Gregory, I liked her one about Lady Jane Grey’s sisters very much (Sisters of Treason I think). As others have said, Kristen Hannah. I also really enjoy Tracy Chevalier books.

If you like those multi- generational family epics you might like Pachinko, which I loved. I read I Must Betray You last year about the Romanian revolution, really enjoyed that too and I learned something as well!

Original poster
happytobemrsg · 01/01/2025 20:54

And then Mrs Bensons Beetle by Rachel Joyce!

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Original poster
happytobemrsg · 01/01/2025 20:51

I've ordered City of Thieves by David Benioff as it has been likened to books by Khaled Hosseini.

The next will be the first Seven Sisters book as recommended, thank you.

I'm excited to get started!

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Original poster
happytobemrsg · 01/01/2025 20:46

TheGodOfSmallPotatoes · 01/01/2025 10:42

If you enjoy Philippa Gregory then you may enjoy Elizabeth Chadwick. Historical romance and she has a large back catalogue although her books are set earlier than Philippa’s.

For a slightly more highbrow version have you tried Sharon penman? Her Welsh trilogy beginning with Here be Dragons is wonderful

I’ve read that Welsh trilogy! The first book in particular was brilliant!

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CatsNdogs77 · 01/01/2025 18:48

I was going to say I'm also enjoying the seven sisters. Got into a right reading slump and had only read 2--3 books all year. I've read the 1st and just started the 2nd. Will be following to see what gets recommended to you for my next read!

Snowmanscarf · 01/01/2025 11:02

That Welsh trilogy looks good.

TheGodOfSmallPotatoes · 01/01/2025 10:42

If you enjoy Philippa Gregory then you may enjoy Elizabeth Chadwick. Historical romance and she has a large back catalogue although her books are set earlier than Philippa’s.

For a slightly more highbrow version have you tried Sharon penman? Her Welsh trilogy beginning with Here be Dragons is wonderful

Worthalltheyears · 01/01/2025 09:36

The Master and Commander series by Patrick O’Brian is excellent. Based on the Napoleonic wars.
Bit further back in history- the Macro and Cato series by Simon Scarrow. They are Roman centurions and this is another excellent series.

TinyMouseTheatre · 01/01/2025 09:29

Snowmanscarf · 31/12/2024 23:06

These are books I’ve enjoyed in the last year but do.

Thrillers
Hostage - Claire McKintosh
Three Hours - Rosemary Lupton
The Hide - Nell Pattison

Older women protagonists
Away with Penguins
Mrs Benson beetles
The Lido
Patricia Fisher cozy mystery series

Misc
west with Giraffes
Woman in the Photograph
Robert Harris books - historical
John Marr books

I haven't read the others but I thoroughly enjoyed Miss Bensons Beetle. So much that I bought my DSIL a copy too.

RedDeadReflection · 31/12/2024 23:07

Never Look Back by Lesley Pearse. You'll 100% get your historical romance fix!

Snowmanscarf · 31/12/2024 23:06

These are books I’ve enjoyed in the last year but do.

Thrillers
Hostage - Claire McKintosh
Three Hours - Rosemary Lupton
The Hide - Nell Pattison

Older women protagonists
Away with Penguins
Mrs Benson beetles
The Lido
Patricia Fisher cozy mystery series

Misc
west with Giraffes
Woman in the Photograph
Robert Harris books - historical
John Marr books

Original poster
happytobemrsg · 31/12/2024 22:42

Any non historical recommendations? I loved Kite Runner & A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

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WhiteHairedMyrtle · 31/12/2024 21:24

Pat Barker has written a trilogy about The Iliad told by the women of Troy.

The Silence of the Girls
Women of Troy
The Voyage Home

TeaSoakedDisasterMagnet · 31/12/2024 21:22

Stacey Halls has some good historical novels.

I’m a big fan of Jodi Taylor’s Chronicles of St Mary’s books, which combine sci fi and history.

toomanydicksonthedancefloor1 · 31/12/2024 21:13

If you like historical sagas then have you read the Century trilogy by Ken Follett? I'm
half way through the first book, Fall of Giants, and I absolutely love it. I'm loving the historical side of it as the first one is set during the First World War following families in different countries and of different classes.

Original poster
happytobemrsg · 31/12/2024 21:10

Oooh the Seven Sisters series sounds popular!! Will add that to my wish list along with Georgette Heyer. Thank you!

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Original poster
happytobemrsg · 31/12/2024 21:07

akissbeforebed · 31/12/2024 20:34

I'm recommending Kate Mosse to anyone who will listen at the moment. She writes historical fiction with women at the heart. I've just finished the Joubert family chronicles which I thought were all fabulous.

Sounds similar to how Philippa Gregory writes

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Snowmanscarf · 31/12/2024 21:04

EmpressaurusKitty · 31/12/2024 20:34

My favourite light reading is Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances. They’re mainly standalone but they’re good fun.

Was about to mention Georgette Heyer. Just read my first one and really enjoyed it. Funnily enough, the Brigerton tv series helped me picture the settings more clearly.

Seven Sister series - Lucinda Riley (or her stand alone books)

MissRainbowBrite · 31/12/2024 20:57

I'd definitely recommend the Seven Sisters series, I loved them all and they make a great read.
Also, take a look at Kristin Hannah. I've just finished the Winter Garden which I really enjoyed.

TinyMouseTheatre · 31/12/2024 20:56

Have you read The Blood & The Beauty by Sarah Dunnant? It's about Lucretia Borgia and I found it engrossing.

OddBoots · 31/12/2024 20:42

I have just finished the first of the Lucinda Riley series 'The Seven Sisters' and I can't wait to start the second one - I think it may suit your description.

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