Historical Fiction
June 2025
Recent Releases
My Name Is Emilia del Valle
by Isabel Allende

Raised by her Irish former nun mother and a loving stepdad in San Francisco, Emilia del Valle never knows her Chilean aristocrat father. As a young journalist covering the Chilean Civil War of 1891, she begins a romance and also meets the father who abandoned her. Isabel Allende fans will relish reading about the del Valles, whose various members often appear in her work. Try this next: Kaitlyn Greenidge's Libertie.
Gabriële
by Anne Berest and Claire Berest

Talented young French musician Gabriële Buffet meets mercurial Spanish artist Francis Picabia in 1908 and soon marries him. In Paris, the couple grows close with artist Marcel Duchamp while embracing the avant-garde as World War I approaches. Written by two of Buffet's great-granddaughters, this eye-opening biographical novel spotlights a woman integral to art history. Try this next: Jeanne Mackin's Picasso's Lovers.
The Book Club for Troublesome Women
by Marie Bostwick

In 1963 suburban Virginia, four married women form a book club: arty newcomer Charlotte; former Army nurse Vivian, now pregnant with her seventh child; Ohio transplant and mom-to-three Margaret; and newlywed Bitsy, who'd dreamed of being a veterinarian. Starting with Betty Friedan's controversial The Feminine Mystique, the women read, change, and draw closer over the course of a year. For fans of: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.
These Days
by Lucy Caldwell

Germany rains bombs on Northern Ireland's capital city in spring 1941. Navigating the destruction, sisters Emma, who's secretly in love with coworker Sylvia, and Audrey, who's not-so-happily engaged, do what they can to help others while questioning their futures. For more historical fiction about the Belfast Blitz, read Melanie Maure's Sisters of Belfast or S. Kirk Walsh's The Elephant of Belfast.
The Story She Left Behind
by Patti Callahan Henry

In 1927, a famed author leaves her South Carolina home in the middle of the night. In 1952 London, Charles Jameson finds the author's papers and a letter addressed to Clara, the daughter she left behind. This soon leads Charles, Clara, and Clara's young daughter to the Lake District in search of answers. Try these next: Rhys Bowen's The Tuscan Child; Ann Hood's The Stolen Child.
Austen at Sea
by Natalie Jenner

Sisters Henrietta and Charlotte, who adore Jane Austen's books, sail to England in 1865 to visit Jane's last surviving sibling, Frank. On board are two brothers who deal in rare books (also going to see Frank) and Henrietta's secret beau. Dramatic events on ship and in England see all their lives transformed in this evocative tale. Try this next: Gill Hornby's Godmersham Park.
Six Days in Bombay
by Alka Joshi

Whispers of independence swirl in 1930s Bombay, India, as young Anglo-Indian nurse Sona bonds with her latest charge, famous painter Mira Novak, who's also mixed race. After Mira dies, Sona is determined to honor her new friend's request: hand-delivering paintings to people in Prague, Florence, and Paris. Read-alike: Three Words for Goodbye by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb.
The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club
by Martha Hall Kelly

Inspired by real events, this compelling novel follows Mari Starwood in 2016 as she visits reclusive Martha's Vineyard painter Elizabeth, who has ties to Mari's recently deceased mother. Elizabeth tells Mari about the island during World War II, focusing on two teenage sisters who form a book club, run the family farm, and look for German U-boats and spies. For fans of: Madeline Martin's The Last Bookshop in London; Amy Lynne Green's The Blackout Book Club.
The Eights
by Joanna Miller

In 1920, Oxford University admits degree-seeking women for the first time. On Corridor Eight, insecure Beatrice, socialite Otto, scholarship student Marianne, and grieving Dora bond as they navigate sexism, personal loss, societal expectations, and the lingering trauma of World War I. This well-researched, character-driven debut will please fans of Natalie Jenner's Bloomsbury Girls and Dorothy L. Sayers' Gaudy Night.
The Lilac People
by Milo Todd

Moving back and forth in time, this poignant debut follows trans man Bertie and his girlfriend Sofie living happily in 1930s Berlin before Nazi persecution forces them to hide on a farm. In 1945, they risk everything to protect a young trans Holocaust survivor since even the Allies are arresting some LGBTQIA+ people. This "well-written, engrossing story full of suspense" (Library Journal) details a lesser-known aspect of World War II.
Library Events
Drawing Dynamic Anatomy With Oklahoma Comic Arts Foundation
Thursday, June 26, 6:00pm
Northwest
Eric of Literati Press and JEO Creations is leading a discussion and workshop on how to draw and render “Dynamic Anatomy” as influenced by masters such as Burne Hogarth, Tim Sale, Jack Kirby, Mark Silvestri and more! An informative workshop that examines the history, technique and gives learners a means to apply what they have learned!
Fraud Prevention Conference: Recovery and Resources: Moving Forward
Friday, June 27, 9:00am
Belle Isle
Expert speakers from local and national organizations will present you with the latest statistics and trends in existing and emerging scams. We are a virtual host site for the conference. The program will be projected on screen and you will be able to send in questions via chat.
Computer Keys: Navigating the Age of Ai
Saturday, June 28, 10:00am
Downtown
AI is shaping our world in powerful ways. In this session, we’ll dive into how to use AI responsibly—understanding its impact, staying safe, and thinking critically about the content we encounter. Whether for personal use, school, or work, learn how to navigate AI thoughtfully and make informed choices in the digital age. Seats for this class are limited, so we encourage you to secure your spot by registering in advance. Don't miss out on this opportunity to empower yourself with valuable tech skills.
Create, Craft, and Chat!
Wednesday, July 2, 1:30pm
Bethany
Bring your own project and materials and knit, crochet, or sew your way through the afternoon with members of the community who share your enthusiasm for crafts. All types of fiber arts welcome! *Materials and projects will not be provided * Ages 8+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This is a recurring event held the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
U.S. Citizenship Class
Thursday, July 3, 6:30pm
Southern Oaks
Learn the basics of becoming a U.S. Citizen! The Southern Oaks Public Library is partnering with Community Literary Centers to provide free weekly classes that explore the steps of the naturalization process. Tutors will be available to teach English skills and review the questions etc. needed to prepare you for the Citizenship interview. The class is available each week on ZOOM.
Library Resources
Summer Reading Program
Our Summer Reading Program (June 1-July 31) is open to ALL ages, from pre-readers to adults, so sign up today for a chance to win some great prizes this summer!
Consumer Reports
Access the latest reviews and ratings of cars, appliances, electronics, home and garden equipment, products for babies and kids and more from Consumer Reports. You can also access Cars Best Deals Plus which gives you the information you need to select the right car and negotiate the best price for it.
JobNow
JobNow features job and career resources such as chatting with a live job coaching expert, resume and cover letter templates, interview tips, expert resume review, and more.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that will provide a FREE book each month for a child from the time they are born until their 5th birthday. Register your child to receive a free, age-appropriate, high-quality, personalized book mailed directly to their home each month.
MyHeritage
MyHeritage includes birth, death, and marriage records from 48 countries, the complete U.S. and U.K. censuses, immigration, military, and tombstone records and more than 3 billion family tree profiles.
Contact your librarian for more great books!