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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Susan Zabolotny

Wash

By Margaret Wrinkle - Published 2013

Genres:

This story, involving three main characters, takes place in Tennessee right after the War of 1812 during the Western expansion. Wash (short for Washington) ...Read Review

Love and Lament

By John Milliken Thompson - Published 2013

Genres:

Love and Lament takes place in rural North Carolina during the 30 years leading up to and including World War I. Mary Bet Hartsoe ...Read Review

Death of a Dyer

By Eleanor Kuhns - Published 2013

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

This is the second in the Will Rees mystery series, which takes place in Maine in 1796. Rees has just learned of the murder ...Read Review

Vengeance

By Benjamin Black - Published 2012

Genres:

Mystery/Crime Thriller

Benjamin Black, pseudonym for Irish writer John Banville, has written number five in a series of crime noir novels featuring Detective Inspector Hackett ...Read Review

Miss Dreamsville and the Collier County Women’s Literary Society

By Amy Hill Hearth - Published 2012

Genres:

This story is told in the first person by 80-year-old Dora Witherspoon as she takes us back to Collier County, Florida, and the ...Read Review

The Walnut Tree

By Charles Todd - Published 2012

Genres:

A light, romantic story, The Walnut Tree takes place at the outbreak of World War I. Lady Elspeth Douglas leads a charmed life ...Read Review

Blackberry Winter

By Sarah Jio - Published 2012

Genres:

Mystery/Crime

“Blackberry winter” is a term used by farmers to describe the cold snap in spring that’s needed to set the blooms on ...Read Review

Ma, He Sold Me for a Few Cigarettes: A Memoir of Dublin in the 1950s

By Martha Long - Published 2012

Genres:

Nonfiction

I’m sure Martha Long’s book was liberating for her to write, but it was tough for me to read. I wanted ...Read Review

Arms of Love

By Kelly Long - Published 2012

Genres:

Inspirational Romance

This story takes place in Central Pennsylvania in the late 18th century. The citizens are embroiled in the revolution for freedom and experiencing ...Read Review