Fans of "queen of the beach read" author Elin Hilderbrand or historical fiction lovers in general will want to read Daughters of Nantucket (2023) by Julie Gerstenblatt, set during the Great Fire of 1846. Much like Chicago during the time of its Great Fire, Nantucket buildings were mainly constructed of wood, with the added danger of thousands of barrels of highly flammable whale oil sitting in the harbor. The story begins in the hot summer days leading up to the fire, told from the perspectives of three very different but connected women on the island. Eliza, the wife of a long absent whaling ship captain, has secret financial troubles, which causes her to target Meg, a free Black woman trying to open a new store on Main Street. Connected to both women through friendship is the true historical figure Maria Mitchell, the first American female astronomer. The story is a fascinating look into how living on a tiny island in the Atlantic ocean 30 miles from land produces strong, independent women, yet they still have to deal with many of the racial tensions and social constraints of the time.
If you enjoy reading Historical Fiction, check out our list for more ideas. We also have a list of books featuring inspiring women in historical fiction.
Written by Liz, Circulation.