Monday Moods is a weekly bookish meme created and hosted by Unwrapping Words (aka, me!). The premise is simple: every week, there’s a new ‘mood’, ranging from tropes to genres or actual moods (happy, sad, etc). On a Monday, feel free to post about books on your TBR, books you’d recommend, or a mix – whatever you like – that fits the ‘mood’ prompt. And of course, you can use your own if you’re not fussed on a particular one!
I’ve been trying to read more Historical fiction recently, not just in Romance (where I do particularly enjoy Regency), but across genres and time periods. I especially like diving into historical fiction for eras I don’t tend to read too often. I usually shy away from WWI & WWII fiction, but really enjoyed Alice Winn’s heart-breaking In Memoriam. Speaking of heart-breaking…more and more I’m seeing ‘historical’ used to refer to the era I grew up in, and nothing quite makes you feel old like that does!
This Week, I’m in the Mood For Something…
Historical
Medusa’s Sisters
Lauren J.A. Bear
Genre: Historical – Fantasy
Age: Adult
Format: ebook
Published: August 8th, 2023
Era: Ancient Greece
I Want to Read This Because it sounds like an interesting take on Greek mythology – there’s a few Medusa retellings out there, but as far as I’m aware, little about her sisters, who often seem forgotten. I’m intrigued by the direction Bear might take this.
The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet
Lindz McLeod
Genre: Historical Romance
Age: Adult
Format: Paperback
Published: April 29th, 2025
Era: Regency England
I Want to Read This Because it’s a sapphic take on Charlotte Lucas and Mary Bennet and how can I not be intrigued by that???
This Cursed House
Del Sandeen
Genre: Historical Horror
Age: Adult
Format: ebook
Published: October 8th, 2024
Era: 1960s New Orleans
I Want to Read This Because I feel like Historical Horror is underrated in both genres, and when authors combine them the results can be incredible. This is an incredibly intriguing book, taking the Southern gothic horror tradition and seemingly doing something quite different with it. I’m really excited to dive into this one.
The Convenient Marriage
Georgette Heyer
Genre: Historical Romance
Age: Adult
Format: Paperback
Published: January 1st, 1934
Era: Regency England
I Want to Read This Because I’ve previously read two of Heyer’s books, and absolutely adored them, so am very keen on reading more. This just happened to be the next one I got my hands on.
A Sinner at the Highland Court
Celeste Barclay
Genre: Historical Romance
Age: Adult
Format: ebook
Published: October 19th, 2020
Era: Medieval Scotland
I Want to Read This Because I haven’t read much medieval romance (yet), and it’s definitely an area I want to explore more. I’m intrigued by it and the different ways writers might portray this time period. Scotland also seems incredibly popular as a setting!
What historical books are on your TBR? Do you read a specific genre within historical (romance, horror, fantasy), or like me a little of everything? Do you have a favourite era/time period/setting? I’d love to hear your thoughts on historical fiction!
Unwrapping Words 