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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Kate Foster

The Repentants

By Kate Foster - Published 2026

Genres:

Scotland, 1790, and Florrie Aitken—a wealthy but emotionally neglected housewife—strides out, determined to experience ‘pure bliss’. Unfortunately, just at the moment of ...Read Review

The Mourning Necklace

By Kate Foster - Published 2025

Genres:

Adventure Thriller

Author Kate Foster taps into a rich seam when she takes on the true story of Maggie Dickson, a woman hanged in 18th-century ...Read Review

The King’s Witches

By Kate Foster - Published 2024

Genres:

Literary

It is 1589, and Anna, the princess of Denmark, is heading for Scotland with her dour lady-in-waiting, Kirsten, to meet her betrothed, King James ...Read Review

The Maiden

By Kate Foster - Published 2023

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

In 1679, Lady Christian Nimmo stabbed her lover, Lord James Forrester, to death and was sentenced to ‘kiss the Maiden’, the guillotine which rose ...Read Review

Kate Foster

The Repentants

The Mourning Necklace

The King’s Witches

The Maiden

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