13 Best Historical Fiction Books About Real Women

ByMary Emmer
historical fiction books about real women

Looks Like Books contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclaimer to learn more.

Some of the most fascinating women in history lived lives that seem almost too extraordinary to be true. From queens and Hollywood royalty to pioneering entrepreneurs, famous writers, and women who challenged the expectations of their time, their stories are filled with ambition, courage, scandal, and sometimes a little mystery.

That’s what makes historical fiction books about real women so irresistible. These novels take us beyond the familiar names and historical facts, imagining the personal struggles, relationships, and decisions behind the women who made their mark on history.

I’ve gathered 13 of the best historical fiction books about real women, including Agatha Christie, Grace Kelly, Estée Lauder, Wallis Simpson, and several remarkable women you may know less about. Some changed history, some defied convention, and others simply refused to live the lives society expected of them.

And while these are works of fiction rather than biographies, each offers a fascinating glimpse into a life worth discovering.

From royal scandals and literary mysteries to groundbreaking careers and extraordinary acts of courage, these historical fiction books bring the stories of real women to life. Here’s a quick look at the 13 novels on my list, each inspired by a woman who left her mark on history.

  • The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
  • The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
  • The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner
  • Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen
  • The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin
  • Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran
  • The Girl in White Gloves by Kerri Maher
  • By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley
  • The Duchess by Wendy Holden
  • The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
  • The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little
  • The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe
  • The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull

Historical Fiction Novels Inspired By Real Women

Behind every famous name is a woman whose life was far more complicated, fascinating, and sometimes surprising than history books might suggest. These 13 novels reimagine the lives of real historical women, blending documented events with fictional storytelling to bring their experiences to life. Whether you love royal intrigue, family drama, literary mysteries, or stories of women breaking barriers, there’s something here for every historical fiction reader.

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict

Why You’ll Like It: What makes this premise so intriguing is that Agatha Christie, the queen of mystery herself, became the subject of a real-life mystery. I love the idea of Marie Benedict exploring what might have happened during those missing eleven days, especially through the lens of Christie’s personal life rather than simply her literary fame.

The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki

Why You’ll Like It: If you enjoy stories about wealthy, glamorous women whose lives were far more complicated than they appeared, Marjorie Merriweather Post is a fascinating subject. From her family’s cereal empire to her lavish estates, multiple marriages, and philanthropic work, this sweeping novel reveals a woman who was much more than a society hostess. There’s plenty of glamour, but also ambition, heartbreak, and a determination to make her own mark.

The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner

Why You’ll Like It: If royal intrigue, betrayal, and powerful women fighting for their place in history appeal to you, this is one to consider. The novel tells the story of Juana of Castile, a Spanish queen whose claim to the throne put her at the center of dangerous political struggles. It’s an especially intriguing choice for readers who enjoy questioning the historical accounts of women whose reputations were shaped by the men around them.

Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen

Why You’ll Like It: If you enjoy historical fiction about ambitious women who build something extraordinary, this is a wonderful choice. Set against the glamorous backdrop of New York City’s beauty industry, the novel follows Estée Lauder as she works to turn her passion for cosmetics into a business empire. Told through the eyes of her fictional friend Gloria, it’s a story of friendship, determination, and the sacrifices that sometimes come with chasing a dream.

My Take: I absolutely loved this book! I’ve always found Estée Lauder’s story fascinating, and Renée Rosen brings her ambition and determination to life in such an engaging way. If you enjoy historical fiction about women who built extraordinary businesses, this is one I’d definitely recommend. You can read my full review of Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl for more of my thoughts.

The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin

Why You’ll Like It: Anne Morrow Lindbergh was far more than the wife of one of America’s most famous aviators. She was an accomplished pilot and author who lived through extraordinary triumphs and devastating personal tragedy. This novel explores her complicated marriage to Charles Lindbergh while revealing a woman struggling to establish her own identity in the shadow of her husband’s fame. A compelling choice if you enjoy emotionally rich historical fiction about women finding their own voices.

Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

Why You’ll Like It: Long before her name became synonymous with famous wax museums, Marie Tussaud was navigating the dangers of the French Revolution. This novel follows her extraordinary life as a talented wax sculptor whose connections to the royal court put her in a precarious position during one of history’s most turbulent periods. If you enjoy historical fiction filled with political intrigue, fascinating historical details, and remarkable women fighting to survive, this one deserves a place on your reading list.

The Girl in White Gloves by Kerri Maher

Why You’ll Like It: Grace Kelly seemed to have it all: Hollywood stardom, extraordinary beauty, and a fairy-tale marriage to a European prince. But behind the glamorous public image was a woman whose personal ambitions and desires didn’t always fit the expectations placed upon her. This novel explores the complexities of Grace’s life, from her acting career to her transformation into Princess of Monaco. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about the women behind famous public personas.

My Take: I’ve always been fascinated by Grace Kelly. A beautiful Hollywood actress who marries a real-life prince and becomes Princess of Monaco? It’s practically the definition of a fairy tale! Of course, real life is rarely as perfect as the fairy tale suggests, and that’s part of what makes Grace’s story so interesting to me. I loved this book, and if you’re as intrigued by Grace Kelly as I am, you’ll want to add it to your list.

By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley

Why You’ll Like It: If you love discovering remarkable women whose accomplishments deserve far more recognition, meet Ann Lowe. This talented Black fashion designer created Jacqueline Kennedy’s iconic wedding dress, yet her name remained largely unknown to the public. The novel follows her determination to succeed in an industry shaped by racial and social barriers. It’s an inspiring story of creativity, resilience, and a woman who refused to let other people’s limitations define her future.

My Take: I love historical fiction that introduces me to women whose accomplishments haven’t received nearly enough attention. And if you’re interested in fashion history, Ann Lowe’s story sounds particularly fascinating. The woman who designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress deserves to be much better known!

The Duchess by Wendy Holden

Why You’ll Like It: If you’re fascinated by British royalty and the scandals that shaped history, this novel offers a fresh perspective on one of the most controversial women of the 20th century. Wallis Simpson has often been portrayed as the woman who stole a king from his throne, but Wendy Holden explores a more complicated story. With royal intrigue, glamorous society, and a romance that changed the British monarchy forever, it’s a fascinating look at the woman behind the headlines.

My Take: I loved this book! I’ve always been fascinated by Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII, and the whole abdication story is one of those pieces of royal history I never get tired of reading about. Wendy Holden’s take on Wallis made this especially interesting for me. If you’re as intrigued by this controversial royal romance as I am, I highly recommend it. You can also read my full review of The Duchess.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

Why You’ll Like It: If you love stories set in Paris during the Jazz Age, this novel takes you straight into the literary world of the 1920s. Told from the perspective of Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, it explores their marriage during his early years as a struggling writer. Against a backdrop of cafés, expatriate artists, and the Lost Generation, it’s an intimate story about love, ambition, and the challenges of being married to a man destined for literary fame.

The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little

Why You’ll Like It: Before Coco Chanel became one of the most recognizable names in fashion, she and her sister Antoinette were two young women determined to escape their difficult beginnings. Told through Antoinette’s perspective, this novel follows the sisters as they pursue independence, romance, and success in early 20th-century France. If you enjoy stories about ambitious women, complicated family relationships, and the beginnings of famous fashion empires, this one offers a fascinating glimpse behind the Chanel name.

My Take: If you love fashion history, this one sounds like a wonderful choice. We all know the name Coco Chanel, but I’m especially intrigued by the idea of seeing her early life and career through the eyes of her sister Antoinette. It’s a different perspective on a fashion legend whose name is still recognized around the world.

The Second Mrs. Astor by Shana Abe

Why You’ll Like It: If you’re fascinated by the Titanic and the glamorous world of America’s Gilded Age, this novel brings a deeply personal perspective to one of history’s most famous tragedies. Madeleine Force was just a teenager when she married wealthy businessman John Jacob Astor IV, creating a society scandal because of their enormous age difference. Their honeymoon ended aboard the Titanic, leaving Madeleine to face an uncertain future. It’s a moving blend of romance, tragedy, and the story of a young woman whose life changed overnight.

The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull

Why You’ll Like It: Everyone knows about Wallis Simpson and the king who gave up his throne for her, but what about the woman who came before Wallis? This novel introduces Thelma Furness, an American socialite who captured the heart of the future Edward VIII before his famous abdication. With Vanderbilt family drama, British aristocracy, royal romance, and plenty of scandal, it’s an intriguing look at a lesser-known woman whose life intersected with some of the most famous names of the era.

My Take: I never seem to get tired of stories involving Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII. The romance, the scandal, the abdication – it’s all endlessly fascinating to me! I haven’t confirmed whether I’ve read this particular novel, but the idea of exploring the woman who came before Wallis definitely catches my attention. If you’re equally fascinated by this chapter of British royal history, this sounds like another book worth considering.

How I Chose These Books About Real Women

For this list, I wanted historical fiction books that put real women at the center of the story, rather than novels where historical figures make only a brief appearance.

I looked for a mix of fascinating women from different eras and backgrounds, including royalty, writers, entrepreneurs, artists, and women who challenged the expectations of their time. Some of these books I’ve read and loved, while others caught my attention because of the remarkable women whose lives inspired them.

I also chose books by different authors to give you a variety of storytelling styles and perspectives. And while these novels are inspired by real people and historical events, they’re still fiction. Authors often imagine conversations, relationships, and motivations to fill in the gaps that history leaves behind.

Frequently Asked Questions About Historical Fiction Books Based On Real Women

Are historical fiction books about real women based on true stories?

Yes, but with an important distinction. These novels are inspired by women who actually lived and often incorporate real historical events. However, authors use their imaginations to recreate conversations, relationships, and personal experiences that may not be documented. That’s what makes them historical fiction rather than biographies.

How accurate are historical fiction novels about real people?

Historical accuracy varies from book to book. Some authors carefully follow documented events while imagining the details in between, while others take greater creative liberties with timelines, characters, and relationships. Many historical fiction novels include an author’s note explaining which parts of the story are factual and which were invented.

What’s the difference between historical fiction and biographical fiction?

Historical fiction is a broad genre featuring stories set in the past, often with fictional characters. Biographical fiction is a type of historical fiction that focuses on the imagined personal experiences of someone who actually lived. Many of the books on this list fall into both categories.

Can historical fiction help you learn about real women in history?

Absolutely! One of my favorite things about historical fiction is discovering fascinating women and historical events I might otherwise never have known about. While novels shouldn’t be treated as historical records, they can be wonderful starting points for learning more about the real people behind the stories.

Do I need to know the history behind these books before reading them?

Not at all. These novels are written to be enjoyed as stories, even if you know very little about the women who inspired them. In fact, sometimes it’s more fun to discover their stories through the novel and then explore the actual history afterward.

If you love historical fiction inspired by remarkable women and real events, there are plenty more fascinating stories waiting to be discovered! Whether you’re looking for another historical novel, a favorite author’s complete book list, or your next great read, here are a few more places to explore on Looks Like Books.

Conclusion

One of the things I love most about historical fiction is discovering the extraordinary lives behind familiar names – or learning about remarkable women I’d never heard of before.

These 13 historical fiction books about real women remind us that history is filled with fascinating stories of ambition, courage, romance, scandal, and determination. Whether it’s Agatha Christie’s mysterious disappearance, Wallis Simpson’s royal romance, or Estée Lauder building her beauty empire, there’s so much more to these women than the headlines and history books tell us.

And if you’re anything like me, finishing one of these novels will probably send you down a rabbit hole researching what really happened. Sometimes that’s half the fun!

Have you read any of these books? Or is there another historical novel about a real woman you’d recommend? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Please Share This Post!

Mary Emmer is the founder and primary author of Looks Like Books, where she helps readers discover new books, explore different genres, and celebrate the joy of reading. A lifelong book enthusiast and entrepreneur, she also brings a unique perspective shaped by four decades in the travel industry. More about Mary.