Top Ten Tuesday: Books I'd Give to Readers Who Have Never Read Historical Fiction

This week's Top Ten Tuesday focuses on books we'd recommend to readers whom haven't read a particular genre before. I chose to focus on historical fiction, because it's always getting a bad reputation for being stuffy, boring, and generally not fun, but I have created a list of some of my favorite historical reads that prove the naysayers wrong! 

1.  The White Queen by Philippa Gregory - Gregory is by far my favorite historical fiction author for adults. She brings to life the Tudor court like no other and her Cousins' War is my favorite series.  I always recommend this book as it is my absolute favorite! Plus, after you read it, you could watch the TV show on Starz.

2.  Gilt by Katherine Longshore - Not all historical fiction needs to be boring! Longshore really does a fantastic job making the Tudor Court accessible to young adults and she keeps it extremely entertaining and fresh for those that may be "over" stories focusing on Henry VIII.

3.  The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani - This sweeping historical tale takes readers from small villages in the Italian Alps to the United States during World War I.  Trigiani creates such a vivid tale and one that will most definitely tug on your heartstrings.

4.  Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson - I always loved to recommend this novel to reluctant readers in middle school, because it's so captivating.  Once younger readers (and older readers too) realize this book is based on real events in Philadelphia, they will be completely engrossed.  The description of the the people who contract Yellow Fever isn't for the faint of heart though! 

5.  Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly- This book is a great read, especially if readers are reluctant to dive into a traditional historical story since this one includes time travel.  The French Revolution is so fascinating and Donnelly doesn't disappoint.

6.  Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys - This book was one of my favorite reads of 2013.  It takes place in the French Quarter of New Orleans during the 1950s.  You don't have to be a fan of historical fiction to enjoy this novel. It has so much more to offer.

7.  A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams - This is my absolute favorite beach read of 2013. It takes place in 1938 at a seafront community in Rhode Island. This book has everything. Not only is it a beach read, it has drama, romance, friendship, secrets, and a setting that's to-die-for.  

8.  A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly- This is one of those quiet books that grabs your heart and doesn't let go. It has a ton of historical details (early 1900s), but it also includes a coming of age tale, a murder mystery, and some romance. It's brilliant.

9.  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - I am surprised by how many people haven't read this classic novel. I'd say it's my favorite historical "classic" and a must read for all ages.

10.  Luxe by Anna Godbersen - Historical fiction doesn't have to be a snooze fest. I always recommend this series to girls and women who want a fluffy, fun read with historical details.  Godbersen does a wonderful job bringing the Gilded Age in Manhattan to life.  It's like Gossip Girl, but with even better dresses! 

What do you think of my list? Which historical reads are your favorite and which ones do you recommend?  Let me know! This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, so check it out!