Daring, Delightful and Dazzling: These 10 Dual-Timeline Historical Fiction Books Have It All
These immersive reads link modern-day drama with historical events—you won’t want to stop reading!
Unforgettable characters, long-held secrets and themes of loss and resilience…dual timeline books have it all. These stories often blend history and the present (or future!) and contain a mystery or surprising connection between the two timelines, keeping readers engaged. These books are appealing both to lovers of historical fiction and to those who prefer modern-day scenarios, as they include both. Dual-timeline books are more popular than ever, especially in women’s fiction, as the stories are relevant, enthralling and emotional. To help you sort through the many options, we’ve rounded up 10 dual timeline books that are sure to satisfy!
If you want to explore the glitz and glamour of 1950s Hollywood, check out The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s blockbuster—Woman’s World Senior Editor Melissa D’Agnese calls it “one of the best books” she has ever read. Or maybe you prefer WWII epics? In that case, we recommend Kelly Rimmer’s The Things We Cannot Say, a story of one woman’s search to uncover her family’s secrets.
Keep scrolling to discover all of our favorite dual timeline historical fiction books.
‘Magnolia Palace’ by Fiona Davis
Readers are transported back to 1919 New York City in this richly captivating tale. Lillian Carter’s life is in shambles: She lost her mother to the Spanish flu, and all her work as a model has dried up. When she’s offered a job at the majestic Frick mansion, she accepts. Then, 50 years later, another model, Veronica Weber, has a job at the Frick Collection museum, and she stumbles upon dark secrets that reveal the eerie truth about the Frick family.
What readers are saying: “After spending all day on screens, I love picking up an actual book—especially if the story transports me to a pre-screen era!” says Patty Bontekoe, Woman’s World Executive Editor. “And this one delivered! I adored going back in time to New York in the ’20s, and I was so intrigued by the mystery that connects the two women over several decades.”
‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Hollywood glamour and salacious scandal abound in this spellbinding novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The story follows modern-day journalist Monique Grant, who is stunned when Evelyn Hugo, a famously reclusive actress, requests that Monique write a story about her life and career. As Evelyn details her fame in the mid- to late-1900s, she talks about each of her seven marriages, but it soon becomes clear that Evelyn was hiding more than a few secrets. A marvelous mix of juicy gossip, poignant moments and unforgettable characters.
What readers are saying: “I adore absolutely everything about 1950s Hollywood,” shares Melissa D’Agnese, Woman’s World Senior Editor. “And this book fully transported me there. Between the love story and the captivating drama, I found myself turning pages late into the night. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read.”
‘The Gown’ by Jennifer Robson
With dynamic characters and a unique premise, this novel—told throughout different points in time—first brings readers to 1947, where embroiderers Miriam and Anne receive the honor of helping create Princess Elizabeth’s wedding gown. Then in 2016, a girl named Heather finds a set of royally embroidered flowers in her grandmother’s things and begins unraveling long-lost family secrets. A richly detailed saga.
What readers are saying: “I thoroughly enjoyed The Gown for several reasons, not the least being my fondness for anything that centers around the British Royal Family. Getting a glimpse of the Royals from the vantage point of an embroiderer is totally unique. Fans of the Royal Family and of historical fiction/romance are sure to enjoy this one, as will those who enjoy family sagas.”
‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah
This #1 New York Times bestselling novel—now set to be a major motion picture—paints a powerful portrait of love and strength in the midst of war. In a sleepy French hamlet, Vianne must say goodbye to her husband as he heads for the front and to her sister, who will join the Resistance. As Vianne stays home, trying to save herself and her daughter from the perils of war, Isabelle risks everything in the name of the Resistance. The story moves between the 1940s and 1995, when an elderly woman recalls her wartime experience. A haunting and rich tale that celebrates the strength of the human spirit.
What readers are saying: “I love WWII-era books and this portrayed such a heroic side of the war and the lengths that people will go to fight for what’s right. This has become one of my favorite books I’ve ever read! So many different angles and stories that make it so complex and emotional but so amazing!”
‘The Thing We Cannot Say’ by Kelly Rimmer
From bestselling author Kelly Rimmer, The Things We Cannot Say will enchant any historical fiction fan. In 1942, Poland, 15-year-old Alina Dziak yearns to marry her fiancé, Tomasz, but World War II changes it all. In 2019, Alice, a mom of two, is trying to juggle it all: raising her son with special needs, working on her strained marriage and helping her ailing 85-year-old grandmother, who suddenly asks her to go to Poland for information about the family—a history Alice knows nothing about. Going back and forth between Nazi-occupied Poland and modern life, Rimmer delivers a poetic, emotional and intricately layered storyline.
What readers are saying: “I love stories that flip between past and present–and this is one of the best,” says Patty Bontekoe, Woman’s World Executive Editor. “The two women were inspiring and I was so curious to see how they were connected. The heartbreaking story kept me turning the pages long into the night and has stayed with me for years.”
‘Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?’ by Crystal Smith Paul
Author Crystal Smith Paul enchants readers in this page-turner starring the St. John sisters. The story begins when the sisters inherit a multimillion-dollar estate from famous silver screen icon Kitty Karr Tate after her death. But soon, Elise St. John discovers Kitty’s journal, and the truth behind her ascent to stardom threatens to expose a twisted web of lies and deep debts. What follows is a story about the powerful impact of family secrets on future generations.
What readers are saying: “I couldn’t put this down. I loved the different storylines and the diversity of perspectives. I learned so much history! I also loved the way the connections between characters slowly unfolded and the ending had me in tears. It was a fantastic historical family saga.”
‘The Alice Network’ by Kate Quinn
Based on a real-life female spy network in France during World War I, this story splits its time between 1915 and the aftermath of the war in 1947. Fearless Eve trains as a spy to gather intel under the Germans’ noses—until everything falls apart. Three decades later, Eve encounters Charlie, a headstrong young woman desperate to find the cousin she lost contact with during World War II. The unlikely pair join forces on an adventure that exposes the heartache and sacrifices of unsung wartime heroes.
What readers are saying: “Looking to bring some excitement to my life during a long weekend with no plans, I turned to this spy novel—and it drew me right in!” says Rachel Cosma, Woman’s World Health Director. “As I read, it was like I was watching a riveting spy movie, and it was all the more incredible to learn that real brave women inspired this tale!
‘Only the Beautiful’ by Susan Meissner
Characters who feel like real-life friends and a deeply compelling storyline combine in this novel written by bestselling author Susan Meissner. Rosie’s parents never told anyone of her ability to see colors when she hears words, but when they die in 1938, her secret gets out, and Rosie ends up in a hospital for the mentally ill, where she suffers injustices. Many years later, Helen, a friend of Rose’s former guardian, tries to reconnect with Rosie. A deeply heart-wrenching journey of grief, hope, family and second chances.
What readers are saying: “I have read many books by author Susan Meissner and have enjoyed them all. Only the Beautiful was no exception. Her research was impeccable. Meissner explored some very sensitive topics in this book. It was both heartbreaking and uplifting. The characters were well developed and the two female protagonists were both strong, determined and committed to what they believed in.”
‘The Goddess of Warsaw’ by Lisa Barr
This rich, multigenerational tale begins in 2005 Los Angeles as Sienna Hayes, Hollywood’s latest It Girl, aims to work behind the camera. She then meets Lena Browning, a Golden Age movie star, who was once a Polish Jew named Bina Blonski. She shares her story, taking Sienna back in time to 1943 Warsaw when beautiful Bina becomes a spy to fight against the Nazis. Then, more than a decade later, Bina rises to fame while wrestling past traumas.
What readers are saying: “I can’t believe this was the first book I read by Lisa Barr, but I’ll certainly be reading more,” says Courtney Shapiro, Woman’s World Digital Associate Editor. “It was both heartbreaking and stunning. I felt like I was witnessing these events firsthand, which is just a testament to Barr’s writing style.”
‘The Dream Daughter’ by Diane Chamberlain
This rich and breathtakingly written novel begins in 1970, when Carly Sears, a young woman widowed by the Vietnam War, finds out her unborn baby girl has a heart defect. Contrary to what she’s been told, her brother-in-law, a physicist with a mysterious past, tells her there may be a way to save her baby: time travel. From there, Carly ventures to the early 2000s, where advanced medical treatments exist. Carly’s last hope of rescuing her little one pushes boundaries of faith and science and requires her belief in the unbelievable.
What readers are saying: “As usual, the worst part of a Diane Chamberlain novel is reading the last line and knowing it is finished. While the story is a huge departure from the style of all her previous novels, it is no less enjoyable, and once again Diane has kept me up all night with this riveting book.”
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