About
- Established in 1997, the Historical Novel Society is an international literary society devoted to promotion and advocacy for the genre of historical fiction.
Membership
- Historical Novel Society members include authors, readers, librarians, editors and industry professionals – membership is entirely open, and anyone enthusiastic about the genre is welcome.
Events
- Our worldwide membership loves to meet. Many travel thousands of miles to attend our conferences in person; many more enjoy our virtual options from home. Others form member connections in their area through regular Local Chapter meet-ups. Discover what’s on with conferences, Local and Virtual Chapters, and more.
Book Reviews
- Our exclusive, members-only print magazine, the Historical Novels Review, publishes reviews of hundreds of historical fiction books each quarter, in addition to features and columns. Become a member to receive the magazine and enjoy all our other benefits.
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Articles
- We publish articles in our members-only print magazine, Historical Novels Review, as well as web features exclusive to this site. All are original pieces, commissioned by our Features Editors based on topics of interest to members – interviews with historical fiction authors, publishers, and agents; explorations of novels and subgenres; guides, and regular columns on historical fiction market news, debut authors, and more. Articles are written by vetted contributors, most of whom are Society members. If you’re a member interested in joining the team, Contact Us.
Awards
- HNS Awards have helped discover authors and launch their careers (e.g., Michel Faber, Ruth Downie, Nikki Marmery, Hilary Green, Elizabeth Macneal, and many more) and provided vital support for others. Our ARA Award is one of the most generous of all literary prizes. If you’d like to partner to sponsor an award, Contact Us.
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JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO

The Life She Forgot

By JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO - Published 2025

Genres:

1913. Merryn has lived with amnesia for three years, and in an impulsive moment, she proposes to her new beau, who accepts just as ...Read Review

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House

By JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO - Published 2025

Genres:

Inspirational

English Coast, 1901. Sydney Forrester has always been drawn to broken things. They are a puzzle that her mind itches to solve. To her, ...Read Review

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple

By JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO - Published 2024

Genres:

Mystery/Crime Romance

The title doesn’t lie; in The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple the innocuous truth is indeed as elusive as it sounds, maybe ...Read Review

The Lost Melody

By JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO - Published 2022

Genres:

Set in northern England in 1886, most of this story takes place in what was called a lunatic asylum. On the death of her ...Read Review

A Midnight Dance

By JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO - Published 2021

Genres:

Inspirational Romance

A Victorian London mystery plays out on the stage in Politano’s latest inspirational romance, centered on the life and career of Ella ...Read Review

The Love Note

By JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO - Published 2020

Genres:

Inspirational Romance

After Willa Duvall declines her fourth offer of marriage, she takes a position nursing Golda Gresham, matriarch of the British manor of Crestwicke. ...Read Review

Finding Lady Enderly

By JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO - Published 2019

Genres:

On a dark night in London’s East End, 1871, a well-dressed stranger offers rag woman Raina Britton the chance to become mistress of ...Read Review

A Rumored Fortune

By JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO - Published 2018

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

Politano returns and introduces the heiress Tressa Harlowe in this delightful Victorian mystery. Tressa yearns for one more moment with her recently deceased ...Read Review