Biographical Fiction for Women's History Month

A collection of biographical fiction featuring women, both well-known and should-be-known, for Women's History Month in March.

Updated February 26, 2025
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That Churchill woman :
Barron, Stephanie
Paper Book
Wealthy, privileged, and fiercely independent New Yorker Jennie Jerome took Victorian England by storm when she landed on its shores. As Lady Randolph Churchill, she gave birth to a man who defined the twentieth century- her son Winston. But Jennie-reared in the luxury of Gilded Age Newport and the...
Her hidden genius : a novel
Benedict, Marie
Paper Book
"Brings to life Franklin's grit and spirit...an important contribution to the historical record." --The Washington Post The new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie! She changed the world with her discovery. Three men took the credit. ...
The mystery of Mrs. Christie
Benedict, Marie
Paper Book
"A deft, fascinating page-turner replete with richly drawn characters and plot twists that would stump Hercule Poirot." --Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network, The Huntress, and The Rose Code The New York...
The personal librarian
Benedict, Marie
Paper Book
In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture on the New York society scene and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world as she helps build a world-class collection. But...
Carnegie's maid
Benedict, Marie
Paper Book
Clara Kelley is not the experienced Irish maid hired to work in one of Pittsburgh's grandest households. She's a poor farmer's daughter with nothing in her pockets. But the other woman with the same name has vanished, so Clara is pretending to be her -- if she can keep up the ruse. Carnegie's Maid...
The first ladies /
Benedict, Marie,
Paper Book
The daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to back down as white supremacists attempt to thwart her work. She marches on as an activist and an educator, and as her reputation grows she becomes a celebrity, revered by titans of business and recognized by U.S. Presidents....
The Mitford affair /
Benedict, Marie,
Paper Book
"Plunges readers into a world of glamorous, charismatic young British debutantes and then turns that shiny world on its head...the most delicious storytelling." --Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post From New York Times bestselling...
The only woman in the room
Benedict, Marie,
Paper Book
She possessed a stunning beauty. She also possessed a stunning mind. Could the world handle both? Her beauty almost certainly saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer. Underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third...
The Swans of Fifth Avenue : a novel
Benjamin, Melanie
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * The author of The Aviator's Wife returns with a triumphant new novel about New York's "Swans" of the 1950s--and the scandalous, headline-making, and enthralling friendship between literary legend Truman Capote and peerless socialite Babe Paley. ...
The girls in the picture :
Benjamin, Melanie,
Paper Book
It is 1914, and twenty-five-year-old Frances Marion has left her (second) husband and her Northern California home for the lure of Los Angeles, where she is determined to live independently as an artist. But the word on everyone's lips these days is "flickers" -- the silent moving pictures...
Mistress of the Ritz :
Benjamin, Melanie,
Paper Book
In March 1940, the Nazis sweep Paris and immediately take up residence in one of the city's most iconic sites- The Hotel Ritz. There, under a roof legendary for its unprecedented luxury and for its fabled residents-including Coco Chanel, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Cole Porter, Hemingway,...
White houses :
Bloom, Amy,
Paper Book
For readers of The Paris Wife and The Swans of Fifth Avenue comes a "sensuous, captivating account of a forbidden affair between two women" (People)--Eleanor Roosevelt and "first friend" Lorena Hickok. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS...
Joan :
Chen, Katherine,
Paper Book
"This is not your grandmother's St. Joan. . . . If every generation gets the Joan it deserves, ours could do worse than an ass-kicking, avenging angel fighting simply for the right to fight."--The New York Times Book Review WINNER OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY IN PARIS BOOK AWARD *...
Remarkable creatures
Chevalier, Tracy.
Paper Book
From the New York Times bestselling novelist, a stunning historical novel that follows the story of Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot, two extraordinary 19th century fossil hunters who changed the scientific world forever. On the windswept, fossil-strewn beaches of...
Mrs. Lincoln's sisters : a novel
Chiaverini, Jennifer
Paper Book
"A fascinating glimpse into the women of an influential family on the front lines of some of the most important moments of that indelible time."--Booklist The New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker returns to her most famous heroine,...
The most beautiful girl in Cuba
Cleeton, Chanel
Paper Book
A feud rages in Gilded Age New York City between newspaper tycoons William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer. When Grace Harrington lands a job at Hearst's newspaper in 1896, she's caught in a cutthroat world where one scoop can make or break your career, but it's a story emerging from Cuba that...
The Hamilton affair
Cobbs, Elizabeth
Paper Book
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the American Revolution, and featuring a cast of legendary characters, The Hamilton Affair tells the sweeping, tumultuous, true story of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler, from passionate and tender beginnings to his fateful duel on the banks of the...
Learned by heart /
Donoghue, Emma,
Paper Book
"A wrenching love story" (Chris Bohjalian, The Washington Post) based on the true story of two girls who fall secretly, deeply, and dangerously in love at boarding school in 19th century York, from the bestselling author of Room and The Wonder. Drawing on years of...
Becoming madam secretary
Dray, Stephanie
Paper Book
" She took on titans, battled generals, and changed the world as we know it... New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray returns with a captivating and dramatic new novel about an American heroine Frances Perkins. ...
My dear Hamilton :
Dray, Stephanie.
Paper Book
USA Today Bestseller "An edge-of my sear immersion into historical events...No study of Alexander Hamilton would be complete without reading this book." --Karen White, New York Times bestselling author "The best book of the year!" --Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling...
The bookseller's secret : a novel
Gable, Michelle
Paper Book
For fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz! "The Bookseller's Secret is a delight from start to finish, a literary feast any booklover will savor!" --Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye ...
Sister stardust
Green, Jane,
Paper Book
*NATIONAL BESTSELLER* A PARADE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF THE YEAR A NEW YORK POST BEST BOOK OF THE WEEK In her first novel inspired by a true story, Jane Green re-imagines the life of troubled icon Talitha Getty in this...
The lady of the rivers
Gregory, Philippa.
Paper Book
#1 New York Times bestselling author and "queen of royal fiction" (USA TODAY) Philippa Gregory brings to life the story of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, a woman of passion and of legend who navigated a treacherous path through the battle lines in the War of the Roses to bring her...
The other queen
Gregory, Philippa.
Paper Book
From #1New York Times bestselling author and "queen of royal fiction" (USA TODAY) Philippa Gregory--a dazzling new novel about the intriguing, romantic, and maddening Mary, Queen of Scots. Fleeing violent rebellions in Scotland, Mary looks to Queen Elizabeth of England for...
Three sisters, three queens
Gregory, Philippa
Paper Book
"There is only one bond that I trust: between a woman and her sisters. We never take our eyes off each other. In love and in rivalry, we always think of each other." From the #1 New York Times bestselling author behind the upcoming Starz original series The White Princess,...
Matrix /
Groff, Lauren.
Paper Book
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE 2022 JOYCE CAROL OATES PRIZE FINALIST FOR THE 2021 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION One of Barack Obama's Favorite Books of 2021 Named a Best Book of the Year by The New York Times,...
A girl called Samson :
Harmon, Amy
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling author Amy Harmon comes the saga of a young woman who dares to chart her own destiny in life and love during the American Revolutionary War. In 1760, Deborah Samson is born to Puritan parents in Plympton, Massachusetts. When her father abandons...
When we flew away : a novel of Anne Frank before the diary
Hoffman, Alice
Paper Book
Bestselling author Alice Hoffman delivers a stunning novel about one of contemporary history's most acclaimed figures, exploring the little-known details of Anne Frank's life before she went into hiding. Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl has captivated and inspired readers for...
The royal governess : a novel of Queen Elizabeth II's childhood
Holden, Wendy
Paper Book
"This captivating page-turner whisks readers back in time to Buckingham Palace in 1933...A majestic story that delves into the incredible life of Queen Elizabeth II before she took her place on the throne."--Woman's World   Sunday Times ...
The other Alcott /
Hooper, Elise
Paper Book
A People Magazine and POPSUGAR pick! "[May's] adventures illuminate the world of intrepid female artists in the late 1800s [...] The Other Alcott comes alive in its development of the relationship between Louisa and May."  --The New York Times Elise Hooper's debut...
Mrs. Houdini : a novel
Kelly, Victoria
Paper Book
"Richly lyrical and thought-provoking" (Publishers Weekly, starred review), this "stellar debut from a novelist to watch" (Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize winning author) explores the passionate marriage of Harry Houdini and his wife, Bess--a love story that defied death itself. ...
The invention of wings
Kidd, Sue Monk.
Paper Book
The #1 New York Times bestseller of hope, daring, and the quest for freedom taken on by two unforgettable American women, from the celebrated author of The Secret Life of Bees. "A remarkable novel that heightened my sense of what it meant to be a...
A piece of the world :
Kline, Christina Baker,
Paper Book
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER "Exquisite. A must-read." --Kristin Hannah From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the smash bestseller Orphan Train, a stunning and atmospheric novel of friendship, passion, and art, inspired by Andrew Wyeth's mysterious and iconic...
The frozen river : a novel
Lawhon, Ariel
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * GMA BOOK CLUB PICK * AN NPR BOOK OF THE YEAR * From the New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia and Code Name Hélène comes a gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha...
I was Anastasia : a novel
Lawhon, Ariel
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * From the bestselling author of The Frozen River comes an enthralling feat of historical suspense that unravels the extraordinary twists and turns in Anna Anderson's fifty-year battle to be recognized as Anastasia Romanov. Is she the Russian...
Finding Dorothy :
Letts, Elizabeth.
Paper Book
This richly imagined novel tells the story behind The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the book that inspired the iconic film, through the eyes of author L. Frank Baum's intrepid wife, Maud. "A breathtaking read that will transport you over the rainbow and into the heart of one...
Caroline : Little House, revisited
Miller, Sarah 1979-
Paper Book
USA Today Bestseller! One of Refinery29's Best Reads of September In this novel authorized by the Little House Heritage Trust, Sarah Miller vividly recreates the beauty, hardship, and joys of the frontier in a dazzling work of historical fiction, a captivating story that...
Maria :
Moran, Michelle.
Paper Book
NATIONAL BESTSELLER . Maria von Trapp. You know the name and the iconic songs, but do you know her real story? This dramatic novel, based on the woman glamorized in The Sound of Music, brings Maria to life as never before. "As immersive, heartbreaking, and ultimately...
The tattooist of Auschwitz : a novel
Morris, Heather (Screenwriter)
Paper Book
 #1 New York Times Bestseller and #1 International Bestseller * Now a Peacock Original Series starring Harvey Keitel and Melanie Lynskey This beautiful, illuminating tale of hope and courage is based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau...
The diamond eye :
Quinn, Kate.
Paper Book
Don't miss the thrilling new novel from Kate Quinn, The Briar Club, coming July 9th! New York Times Bestseller The bestselling author of The Rose Code returns with an unforgettable World War II tale of a quiet bookworm who becomes history's deadliest female sniper. Based...
Sisters of night and fog
Robuck, Erika
Paper Book
Set across the European theatre of WWII, Sisters of Night and Fog tells the story of two women whose clandestine deeds come to a staggering halt when they are brought together at Ravensbruck concentration camp. A striking reminder of how deeply we are all connected, which forces us to ask, 'Could I...
The social graces
Rosen, Renée
Paper Book
In the glittering world of Manhattan's upper crust, where wives turn a blind eye to husbands' infidelities, and women have few rights and even less independence, society is everything. The more celebrated the hostess, the more powerful the woman. And none is more powerful than Caroline Astor. But...
Jackie :
Tripp, Dawn Clifton.
Paper Book
In this mesmerizing novel about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, acclaimed author Dawn Tripp has crafted an intimate story of love and power, family and tragedy, loss and reinvention. "A brilliant, beautiful book [that] touches the soul."--Chris Bohjalian, New York Times...
Half broke horses : a true-life novel
Walls, Jeannette.
Paper Book
From the author of The Glass Castle and Hang the Moon--"Walls vividly depicts her astonishing, resilient grandmother with a lightness of touch that is plainspoken yet heartfelt" (Chicago Tribune). Half Broke Horses has transfixed readers everywhere. "Those...
Beauty mark : a verse novel of Marilyn Monroe
Weatherford, Carole Boston
Paper Book
In a powerful novel in verse, an award-winning author offers an eye-opening look at the life of Marilyn Monroe. From the day she was born into a troubled home to her reigning days as a Hollywood icon, Marilyn Monroe (née Norma Jeane Mortenson) lived a life that was often defined...
Katharine Parr, the sixth wife : a novel
Weir, Alison
Paper Book
"A sharp and lucid blend of grim fact and stylish fiction" (Publishers Weekly), this thrilling novel in New York Times bestselling author Alison Weir's Six Tudor Queens series follows Katharine Parr, King Henry VIII's sixth and last wife, and the romantic intrigue after his death...
Anna of Kleve, the princess in the portrait :
Weir, Alison,
Paper Book
The surprising and dramatic life of the least known of King Henry VIII's wives is illuminated in the fourth volume in the Six Tudor Queens series--for fans of Philippa Gregory, Hilary Mantel, and The Crown. Newly widowed and the father of an infant son, Henry VIII realizes...
The engineer's wife :
Wood, Tracey Enerson,
Paper Book
THE USA TODAY BESTSELLER! THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER! She built the Brooklyn Bridge, so why don't you know her name? Emily Roebling built a monument for all time. Then she was lost in its shadow. Discover the fascinating woman who helped design and construct the Brooklyn...

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