7 World War II Books Set on the Home Front

When I started writing The Light Over London, I wanted to tell stories I hadn’t seen before. I discovered that there’s a rich tradition of books set on the home front—no matter where that might be. Here are seven historical novels to add to your reading list.

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

The first thing you should know about City of Girls is that it’s a blast to read. This is due in large part to Vivian Morris, the narrator, who takes you through her debaucherous younger years in New York City’s theater world. Then the United States enters World War II, and she’s forced to grow up quickly. The story becomes more complex, a little tragic, but also wonderfully touching. 

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Set in France during the war, this book tells the story of Vianne and Isabelle, two sisters who find themselves handling the German invasion of France in very different ways. Hannah’s writing is sometimes lyrical and she uses some beautiful turns of phrase to describe the sometimes impossible decisions the two women are faced with.

The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher

My love for this book is pretty well documented at this point, but I can’t mention World War II fiction without bringing it up again. The Shell Seekers is ostensibly about a woman named Penelope Keeling and her mostly horrible children who are trying to convince her to sell her late father’s painting, which is also called The Shell Seekers. However, it’s much more than that with a narrative that weaves through several time periods—including Penelope’s time in the WRNS during World War II. For Pilcher aficionados, Noel from The Shell Seekers gets something of a redemption tour during September, but I’ll leave you to decide whether he’s really earned it or not. 

A Dangerous Crossing by Rachel Rhys

The war is a creeping threat in this book, set on an ocean liner bound for Australia on the eve of the German invasion of Poland. The main character, Lily, becomes fixated with a young man who is sailing with her. But the claustrophobia of the ship begins to take hold and bad thing happen the longer they’re out at sea.

The Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard

I read the entire five-book Cazalet series between 2017 and 2019, and I would happily do it all over again. The books span the interwar period through to post-war austerity, but the war-time years are really the pivot point of the narrative, highlighting the way the war hurries along the slow descent of one very privileged family.

After the Party by Cressida Connolly 

This book starts out like a domestic novel about the county set but quickly twists in ways that—if you don’t know the context of the story—will feel shocking. After the Party is immaculately researched and beautifully written.

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

Does The Alice Network happen during World War II? No. Is that going to keep me from putting it on this list? No, because this dual timeline book takes place during World War I and right after World War II. This book stands out for me because Quinn beautifully portrays the danger and brutality of the women working as spies behind enemy lies in World War I.

5 Historical Fiction Favorites

I've been reading a lot recently, but because I'm in the middle of both historical and contemporary romance projects most of it hasn't been romance. During times like this, one genre I lean on heavily is historical fiction. I get the same transported-to-another-era effect that historical romance gives me, but the focus of the books is different enough that I don't worry about getting sidetracked while writing my own work. Here are five of my favorite works of historical fiction and why you should give the a shot:

Rules of Civility, by Amor Towles

I have a thing for books about single women living in New York City from the 1920s to the 1950s. I can't exactly explain it, but something about them draws me in every time. Rules of Civility  is one of the best examples about this. It follows Katey after she and her friend meet a handsome banker in a bar on New Years Eve, and that's about all I'm going to tell you because it's worth discovering for yourself why it's one of a handful of books I recommend every time someone is looking for something to read.

The Pursuit of Happiness, by Douglas Kennedy

The Pursuit of Happiness isn't that Will Smith movie you're thinking of. Instead it's a coming of age story that follows a young woman's move to New York City in the fall of 1945 (see, I told you I have a thing for these books). The book describes Sara's romantic involvements and career through several decades of her life, but mostly it's about her growing into herself as a woman. I adore it (and not only because I would love to own Sara's Upper West Side apartment).

Katherine, by Anya Seton

My mother gave me my copy of Katherine for Christmas a few years ago, and I gobbled it up in a couple sittings. Katherine Swynford was the married mistress of John of Gaunt and their love affair endures war, plague, and political machinations. It's one of those books I read with a family tree bookmarked on my phone because of the complexities of the relationships and shifts in power, and it's a wonderful way to sink into another era.

Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, by Hilary Mantel

Although I had to read these as they were released and waited years between between them, I think the deserve to be talked about as a unit. The books follow the rise of Thomas Cromwell at Henry VIII's court, particularly during the dissolution of the king's marriage from Catherine of Aragon, the establishment of the Church of England, and his marriage to Anne Boleyn. The language is exquisite and the ever-shifting relationships between characters are fascinating. Now it's your turn. I want to hear what your favorite works of historical fiction are and what I should read next!

Also don't forget to preorder my upcoming release The Governess Was Wicked for just 99c. It comes out on Sept. 12 and will be here before you know it!