A round-up of the best historical fiction books about Colonial America!
Books about Colonial America
Reading about Colonial America and the stories about the hardships of settling in a new world make us appreciate the bravery of these first pioneers. We also appreciate their sacrifices in fighting for the birth of our amazing country. Check out this collection of historical fiction stories below in this round up of the best books about Colonial America.
Belleweather by Susanna Kearsley
I LOVE Susanna Kearsley books and this one was no exception. She’s up there with Diana Gabaldon in perfecting the blend of magic and history in her novels.
Belleweather takes place in 1759 on Long Island. The French-Canadian war is going on and a French soldier is captured and forced upon a Long Island family as an unwanted guest.
However, as this soldier pitches in around the house and gets to know the family, he is drawn to the daughter of the house, Lydia. Soon they’re involved in a forbidden romance which legend says ends in tragedy. However, someone in the future stumbles upon clues they’ve left behind. Was there more to the story? What really happened that night?
Tidewater by Libbie Hawker
This is a phenomenal read about the settling of Jamestown and the TRUE story of John Smith and Pocahontas. Not the Disney romance version. Read how an unlikely friendship and a wary peace between two clashing cultures paved the way for this settlement.
If you are familiar with the history of the Powhatans and the Jamestown settlers you know this will not be a happy story. I knew that going in, but I’m still glad I picked it up. I’ll admit, even prepared, I was still wrecked upon completing it. The reason for that is Libbie Hawker just did a fabulous job. Her writing draws you in and really makes you care. She manages to humanize everyone and explain the complexities of both cultures so there is no wrong side in the story. If you really want to understand and feel like you were actually witnessing a first settlement experience, the good, the bad and the ugly– this is a Must Read!
America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray
Stephanie Dray is one of my favorite authors. I’ve loved all her books. In addition to this gripping story about Thomas Jefferson’s daughter, she also wrote a fabulous tale about the famous Eliza Hamilton.
From her earliest days “Patsy” Jefferson knows her father loves his family dearly, but his devotion to his country runs even deeper. As his oldest daughter, she becomes his helpmate and travel companion, joining him in Paris when he becomes the American minister to France.
However, in Paris she discovers her father’s secret liaison with Sally Hemings, a slave girl. She also falls in love herself with William Short, her father’s protege. Is it possible for Patsy to balance the love, principles and the bonds of family? Her choices will continually follow her for years to come.
The Traitor’s Wife by Allison Pataki
No books about Colonial America list can be complete without a Revolutionary War book. But this one is not the typical hero one you’d anticipate. Instead, this is an interesting behind the scenes look at Benedict Arnold’s wife and what might have motivated their treacherous actions.
Do you have any other great suggestions? Please add them below in the Comments. For more on this time in history, check out my book round up on books about the Founding Mothers!
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