Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors. Her storytelling is emotional and compelling, with complex characters you can’t help but grow attached to. Whether you’re already a fan of her or you’re new to her books, you’re in the right place: I’m sharing my favorite Kristin Hannah books (all historical fiction novels) below!
Make sure these are on your TBR list if you haven’t read them yet. 🙂
Who is Kristin Hannah?
Kristin Hannah is a bestselling author of over twenty novels, mainly contemporary fiction, romance, and historical fiction. (I’ve only read her historical fiction books so far, but I definitely plan to try some of her other novels in the future!).
Her popular novel, Firefly Lane, was adapted into a TV show, with more screen adaptations in development (more details below).
Must-Read Historical Fiction Books by Kristin Hannah
I’m a huge fan of Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction novels – in fact, some of them are on my list of all-time favorite books.
If you haven’t read them, I highly recommend checking them out! Not only will they tug at your heartstrings, but you’ll probably also learn something new about a period in history. Plus, they’re totally unputdownable.
And now, here are my favorite Kristin Hannah books!
For more reading inspiration, check out these highly-anticipated 2024 historical fiction books.
The Nightingale
Set in France during the late 1930s to early 1940s, this powerful and atmospheric WWII story follows two French sisters as they grapple with the Nazi’s invasion of their homeland.
In a small, remote village, Vianne and her daughter are forced to live with a German captain in their home, doing what they can to survive while resources grow scarce.
Vianne’s younger sister, Isabelle, decides to risk her life by joining the Resistance in Paris – surrounded by danger at every turn.
Will the sisters ever see each other again?
This was one of the first historical fiction novels I ever read, and it completely captivated me. It opened the door to a whole new genre that I love!
The Great Alone
A family of three (Ernt, a Vietnam veteran struggling with PTSD, his wife Cora, and their teenage daughter, Leni) moves to the outskirts of Alaska in the 1970s, completely unprepared. But the harsh winter isn’t the only thing they’re up against.
This engrossing, emotional story is about love, survival, and family, set against the backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness.
This was a solid 5-star read for me (one of my favorite books of all time), and I highly recommend it. Side note: you might want to keep a box of tissues nearby!
Publication date: February 6th, 2018
The Women
This story follows a young woman who joins the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. It shines light on the forgotten sacrifices of women during the war.
Frankie McGrath comes of age during a turbulent time for her country: the 1960s. When her brother is shipped off to war, Frankie decides to leave behind her sheltered life and enlist as a nurse.
I read this book this year (it’s a recent release) and absolutely loved it! I was so invested in the story and could not put it down – I read it in just a few days. (Just be aware, like with many of Kristin Hannah’s stories, it is quite emotional and heart-wrenching at times).
(This was also one of my picks for the best book club books to read in 2024! Here is a plot summary and book club questions for The Women.)
Release date: February 6th, 2024
More historical fiction by Kristin Hannah (that I haven’t read yet):
- The Four Winds (set in the 1930s, during America’s Great Depression)
- Winter Garden (spanning decades, partially set in war-torn Leningrad during WWII)
- Firefly Lane (partially set during the 1970s in America)
Have any of Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction novels been adapted into movies or TV shows?
Yes! Firefly Lane – which is partially set during the 1970s – was adapted into a popular TV show on Netflix starring Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke. There are 2 seasons available to watch.
Additionally, there are multiple Kristin Hannah adaptations currently in the works! The Nightingale is in development, set to star sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning. There is no set release date yet.
The Great Alone is also currently in development, with the screenplay being written by Julia Cox. There is no set release date yet.
What’s your favorite Kristin Hannah novel (either historical fiction or not)? Let me know in the comments!
The women was my favorite. Previously it was the great alone.
They’re both SO good! Both are reads that have definitely stuck with me.