Readers Gotta Read

I’ve mentioned it in previous posts (like my WWII historical fiction favorites – see here), but I love history. And historical fiction books are my favorite genre to read. They transport me to another time and help me imagine what life looked like for earlier generations.

One of my favorite time periods to read about is the American Civil War Era. My interest in the Civil War first started with my dad. He’s a Civil War buff, and I remember visiting historic battlefields as a family growing up. The Civil War years (1861-65) played such a crucial role in America’s history, and I love discovering different perspectives from that time.

If you’re looking for the best Civil War historical fiction books to add to your reading list, here are my top 7 recommendations.  

1. Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Published in 1852, this classic novel shook the nation. This book tells the story of Uncle Tom, a slave whose faith and dignity remain strong even in the face of cruelty. Through his journey as well as the lives of those around him, the harsh realities of slavery are exposed while also shining a light on hope, courage, and the fight for freedom. This book was impactful for its time, with the president, Abraham Lincoln, telling Stowe, “So you’re the little woman who wrote the book that made this great war”. 
2. The Books of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate. A powerful dual-timeline story—1875, where a freed slave searches for her family through “Lost Friends” ads, and 1987, where a teacher uncovers these forgotten histories. A tale of loss, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
3. Sunflower Sisters by Martha Hall Kelly. A Civil War story told through three women—an abolitionist nurse, a slave girl fighting for freedom, and a plantation mistress clinging to the old ways. A powerful tale of courage, resilience, and the cost of change.
4. With this Pledge by Tamera Alexander. Set during the Civil War at Carnton House, this story blends history and romance in a way that tugs at the heart. Lizzie Clouston, a governess, is called to tend the wounded after the Battle of Franklin—and finds herself facing not only the horrors of war, but also an unexpected love that could change her life forever. Inspired by true events, this one will stay with you long after the last page. I’ve visited Carnton House, and it was helpful to read this book with my visit in mind.
5. Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee. Sometimes the most unexpected friendships change everything. During the Great Depression, Lorena is sent to interview former slaves for the Federal Writers’ Project. That’s when she meets Mattie, a 101-year-old woman with a lifetime of stories to tell. As Mattie shares her journey from slavery to freedom, Lorena begins to see history—and her own life—from a new perspective. This book’s setting takes place in the vicinity where I live, and again, that added to my reading experience.
6. Night Come Swiftly by P.B. Wilson. Meredith’s carefree childhood is shattered when she overhears her father’s plan to sell Tilly—her friend and the family’s slave. Guided by loyalty and faith, Meredith defies her father to help Tilly and her mother flee toward freedom, setting off a perilous journey that tests courage, love, and conscience. A suspenseful, faith-tinged historical story about friendship, sacrifice, and the cost of doing what’s right.
7. Nation At War: Civil War, (Dear America Boxset). This is a collection of four books written for a younger audience, showing different viewpoints during the Civil War. The stories are told from the perspectives of:
   • Clotee, a slave girl living in Virginia
   • Amelia is a young girl living in Delaware, a divided state
   • James, a Union soldier involved in heavy fighting
   • Emma, a young girl living in Virginia

Here’s a photo of me in front of Carnton House (the setting for “With this Pledge”. I definitely recommend visiting it if you’re ever in the area!)

What’s your favorite Civil War Era books? And have you visited any Civil War sites you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments!