From Woman's World · Carissa Mosness · · 2m
Fiona Davis Shares NYC Historical Fiction Favorites
Fiona Davis reveals nine NYC historical fiction books she loves.
In brief
Fiona Davis reveals nine NYC historical fiction books she loves. Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author, shares nine historical fiction books set in New York City she recommends. Originally reported by Woman's World.
Fiona Davis' New York Novel
Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of eight historical fiction novels, releases Samantha: The Next Chapter inspired by American Girl doll Samantha.
“I didn’t have an American Girl doll growing up, I was already in college when they launched, and I don’t have children to play with them either”
Samantha: The Next Chapter
Samantha: The Next Chapter follows Samantha Parkington as an adult searching for justice in 1920s New York City after her family’s legacy is stolen.
“I love that era for its fashion and the women’s movement”
American Girl Connection
Davis collaborated with American Girl to create Samantha: The Next Chapter, which focuses on suffrage and women’s rights in 1920s New York City.
“I’d co-edited a group of short stories about the suffrage movement several years ago”
Research Partnership
American Girl provided historical research for Samantha: The Next Chapter, including details on 1920s New York City wages and suffrage movements.
“If I needed to know how much a shop girl was paid in 1920, she would find that information”
Next Novel Release
Davis is preparing to release The Jewel of Sugar Hill in January 2027, set at New York City’s Morris-Jumel Mansion in the 1800s.
“It takes place at New York City’s Morris-Jumel Mansion in the 1800s and follows Eliza Brown”
Morris-Jumel Mansion
The Morris-Jumel Mansion served as George Washington’s headquarters during the Revolutionary War and was owned by Eliza Jumel, who became the richest woman in New York City.
“She was born into poverty, but she came to New York and became the richest woman in the city because she was so skilled at buying and selling real estate”
Writing in Her 40s
Davis began writing novels in her mid-40s after gaining life experiences and maturity, which she says made her ready to write about love and loss.
“In my 20s, I hadn’t really experienced much, and so to write about love or loss, it, it wouldn’t have flown”
Fiona Davis' Favorite Books
Davis recommends nine historical fiction books set in New York City, including The Alienist, The Personal Librarian, and Brooklyn.
“There’s so many great books set in New York City”
Book List
Davis’ favorite NYC historical fiction books include The Alienist, The Personal Librarian, Harlem Rhapsody, The Matchmaker’s Gift, The Two-Family House, Passing, City of Girls, Brooklyn, and Time and Again.
“I could pull a list together for sure”
Samantha: The Next Chapter Release
Samantha: The Next Chapter is available now and will be released in January 2027.
“Samantha: The Next Chapter, which is inspired by the American Girl doll Samantha Parkington, is available today”
Next Steps
Davis continues to write historical fiction books set in New York City and shares her favorite books with readers.
“I think that’s a wonderful thing: It doesn’t matter if you’re 20 or 80, you have something to say and figure it out and get it out there”
The key point
Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author, shares nine historical fiction books set in New York City she recommends.
