Originally published on 5/10/25

Spring is in full swing, and Mother’s Day is right around the corner! This special holiday honoring all the moms—and mother figures—in our lives is the perfect time to dive into a book about moms. So we rounded up our favorite historical fiction books about famous mothers—and mother figures. 

Interested in royals? Pick up The Other Princess by Denny S. Bryce—a moving tale about Queen Victoria that highlights how blood doesn’t always define who your motherly figure is. Or if you’re more into American royalty, consider And They Called It Camelot by Stephanie Marie Thornton, a fictionalized account of Jackie Kennedy’s life that Woman’s World Senior Editor Melissa D’Agnese described as “emotional, elegant and fascinating.” Whatever you’re feeling, these 10 historical fiction books about moms are sure to delight. Keep reading to discover our entire list of recommendations.

‘The Princess’ by Wendy Holden

Readers are transported to 1961 Britain in this fascinating tale about beloved Princess Diana Spencer. Born into the Spencer earldom, Diana grew up amid her parents’ divorce, and her refuge was always her romantic novels. So when she becomes a candidate for the Prince of Wales, her dream to be loved intersects with Charles’s need for a bride. What follows is an astonishing story of Diana’s route to the altar, her life as a young mother and beyond.

What readers are saying: “Wendy Holden is an amazing writer, and her storytelling is spectacular. I could envision each and every moment and simply did not want to put this book down. Her characters, both historical people and fictional, were written so clearly, I truly felt like I was right there watching everything occur.” 

‘And They Called It Camelot’ by Stephanie Marie Thornton 

In her rich, fascinating account of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis’ life, author Stephanie Marie Thornton effortlessly transports us back in time. Packed with vivid details, this tale follows the devoted mother and iconic First Lady as she picks up the pieces of her life after her husband’s untimely death and becomes an American legend of her own. A powerful and uplifting portrayal.

What readers are saying: “I was gearing up for a long travel day, and this novel about Jackie O and JFK looked captivating,” says D’Agnese. “And it really was. It was emotional, elegant and fascinating.” 

‘The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post’ by Allison Pataki 

This fictionalized account of the life of Marjorie Post, the heiress to the Post Cereal Company empire, tells the story of C.W. Post’s only child. After her father’s success, Marjorie becomes a high-society wife and mother in New York City, where she raises three daughters. With homes all over the country and an astonishing amount of money, Marjorie marries several times and makes history with her business acumen, which was unheard of for a woman in the 1900s. 

What readers are saying: “After seeing Amy Schumer’s brilliant portrayal of Marjorie Post in the Netflix movie Unfrosted, then seeing Marjorie pop up in Apple TV’s Palm Royale, I just had to read this book about the heiress to the Post Cereal Company empire,” says Patty Bontekoe, Woman’s World Executive Editor. “I loved every minute of this peek into the extravagant life of a very powerful woman. The book spanned Marjorie’s life, from her childhood in the late 1800s up to her death in 1973. The descriptions of her high-society life in New York City were mesmerizing!” 

‘Let’s Call Her Barbie’ by Renée Rosen

From bestselling author Renée Rosen comes a moving and inspiring tale. In 1956, Ruth Handler dreamed up Barbie: a special doll based on her beloved daughter Barbara. Her vision was that the doll would help girls realize their dreams of being whatever they want. Next, Ruth assembles a creative team to bring the doll to life. What follows is a battle of fighting for what you believe in and relying on the ones you love. 

What readers are saying: The premise, the on-screen fun, the performances…I loved Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie,” says D’Agnese. “So when I saw this fictional book that was inspired by the real-life story of Barbie’s creator, I had to read it! Full of behind-the-scenes drama and triumphs across decades, Renée Rosen’s well-researched novel shines as bright as Barbie!”

‘Mary: Mrs. A Lincoln’ by Janis Cooke Newman

In this fictional auto­biography, former First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln reflects on the joys and heartbreaks of her life—from her courtship with Abraham Lincoln and the séances she held in the White House to her husband’s assassination, the death of three of her children and her involuntary stay in an insane asylum. 

What readers are saying: “I love sneaking a little peek into the life of someone famous—it can be a fascinating break from the same-old, but at times there’s just too much shallow over-share. I was looking for something a bit more insightful when I stumbled across this title, and it really delivered. This riveting read was filled with tender moments. It made my heart ache as I recognized the struggles Mary encountered as a woman, a sister, a mother and a wife.” 

‘The Other Princess’ by Denny S. Bryce

Readers are taken back to Victorian England in this powerful tale that follows the real-life story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta—an African princess raised in Queen Victoria’s court. Despite her charm and wit, Sarah’s past haunts her and she desperately seeks refuge from her nightmares. What follows is her emotional story as she fights her way through oppression, searching for a home, identity and love with the help of her new matriarch, Queen Victoria. 

What readers are saying: “This is one of the most wonderful books I have read in a long time! Vivid descriptions, wonderful characters, so complex and inspiring. There were parts that left me breathless, sometimes in tears, other times laughing out loud. I could not put this book down!” 

‘By Any Other Name’ by Jodi Picoult

Bestselling author Jodi Picoult is beloved for her powerful tales, and her latest tells the story of two women centuries apart. In the present day, young playwright Melina Green submits her work—inspired by her Elizabethan ancestor Emilia Bassano—to a festival under a male pseudonym. In 1581 England, young Emilia navigates her own struggles as a woman in theater, while raising her children: a moving story of courage and ambition.

What readers are saying: “I’m always first in line to read Jodi Picoult’s new books,” says Bontekoe. “Her novels are so well-researched, and she creates such compelling female characters. This was a sweeping tale of two brave, inspiring women.” 

‘The First Ladies’ by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray 

Bestselling authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray unite in this empowering historical fiction story. Eleanor Roosevelt was an outspoken first lady who fought for civil rights and women’s rights. And when she befriends educator Mary McLeod Bethune, the daughter of formerly enslaved parents. As mothers and activists, the pair find common ground and share their secrets and dreams. Their friendship becomes something they rely on, and they are there for each other through the best and worst of times. 

What readers are saying: “I was missing a close loved one who moved far away recently, and I wanted to immerse myself in a story about true connection, so I picked up this book because the cover felt so welcoming, and the story inspired me. It shows the good that can come from the friendship of two passionate women. We can accomplish so much when we put our minds and hopes together.”

‘The Second Mrs. Astor’ by Shana Abe

Unforgettable characters, moving plotlines and a page-turning plot…this novel by Shana Abe has it all! Set in 1900s New York City, the book follows 17-year-old Madeleine Talmage Force after the rich John Jacob “Jack” Astor becomes infatuated with her. That attracts the attention of the media and soon Madeline becomes their target, especially after Jack dies on the Titanic at the tail end of their honeymoon. Now Madeline must deal with life as both a single mother and a society lady: a perfect blend of heartbreak and hope. 

What readers are saying: “If you enjoy historical novels, you’ll love this one. No oft-repeated facts of that fateful voyage, but instead an in-depth look into the hearts and souls of the characters. And you will know them as intimately as if they were your friends. A wonderful book!” 

‘The Wildes’ by Louis Bayard

Discover the love and loss of Oscar and Constance Wilde in this adventurous novel by Louis Bayard. After moving to the countryside in 1892, the members of the Wilde family finally feel like their life is on the right track. Oscar, Constance and their two sons are thriving… But when a poet named Lord Alfred Douglas arrives, that all changes. Now, Oscar finds himself drawn to him and not his wife, which could affect the Wilde family—and Constance’s motherhood journey—for good. 

What readers are saying: “Ingeniously plotted with an exceptional eye for detail, this is a harrowing story and emotionally devastating tale that is brilliantly written.” 

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/books/historical-fiction-books-about-moms-moving-reads