Ten sister fictions for the second half of 2025
And a chance to win some great historical novels over on Facebook
Back in January, I posted this list of ten sister novels publishing between January and June and so I’ve been keen to do the same for July to December.
Highlighting great new books is part of my work as an editor for the Historical Novel Society’s review magazine, and as an admin of the American Historical Novels Facebook group. For those who don’t know this group, I post a list of twenty new historical novels set in America or featuring American characters, with a little blurb about each, on the first Friday of each month. Twice a year, we also hold a multi-author giveaway and we have one coming up this weekend! Authors will be posting in the group throughout Saturday, offering signed paperbacks and ebooks for readers who comment on their posts. It’s totally author driven, no one is after your email address or a even a review (although both are always welcome), and there are some great authors stepping up this weekend. Here are some of the novels that you can get your hands on this Saturday if you join the group:
But back to sister stories (although there are a few up above of course!)
Here are ten new novels to be on the look-out for in the second half of 2025:
High Season by Katie Bishop
I was so glad to find this thriller, coming out in August. It’s a story of a sister lost, a trial, memory, and a long hunt for the truth. That sounds like a great combination to me. I’ve already got this one on hold at the library!
I’ll Be Right Here by Amy Bloom
This one promises to be a story about immigration, sisters, and found family. I’ve previously read Bloom’s White Houses so I’m confident this will be a good read.
The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell
Not the first novel about the Brontë sisters and likely not the last. This one focuses on Charlotte’s later life and secrets in Emily’s. I’m very tempted by this cover, and pleased to see the cover is the same in the US and the UK.
Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein
This novel leans into one of the great tropes of sister fiction: elder sister Mia is a responsible caregiver to her energetic and talented sibling Cricket. Billed as a tender portrait of sisters, love and ambition, this, along with Our Last Vineyard Summer, looks like great summer sister fiction.
Our Last Vineyard Summer by Brooke Lea Foster
This one is out July 1st. Betsy and her sisters are called back to Martha’s Vineyard after the death of their father in a dual timeline story set in 1965 and 1978.
The Cassatt Sisters by Lisa Groen
If you’ve followed some of my past posts about sisters in the art world (the Harms sisters and Egon Schiele, Gainsborough’s daughters, Whistler’s wife Beatrix and her sisters ), you won’t be surprised to know I’ve picked up this one for review for the Historical Novel Society. I can’t wait to read all about Mary Cassatt, her sister Lydia, and Edgar Degas.
Persephone’s Curse by Katrina Leno
Ghosts, magic and sisterhood are the key themes in this one. If urban fantasy is your thing, then this might be the perfect choice. It’s out on December 2nd.
The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis
I’ve read it and loved it. Here’s a link to my recent post about this one:
In the Light of the Sun by Angela Shupe
Opera, sisters, and WW2. This one is inspired by real events. Looks good! I have this on my radar for sure.
The Secret Sister by Felicity York
The big draw for me here is that this one is set at Chatsworth House. If you have never visited, put it on your bucket list asap, and not just for its connection to another group of unforgettable sisters, the Mitfords.
Speaking of whom… Outrageous is just out on TV and I’m watching it in the US on Britbox. It’s all about the Mitford sisters and stars Bessie Carter, who I loved as one of the Featherington sisters in Bridgerton, as Nancy. If you’re watching, look out for a future post from me about this new show.
In the meantime - back to the books. And don’t forget to join the American Historical Novels Facebook group and join in the fun on Saturday!
Kate