Discover the most captivating Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies in this carefully curated list. Whether you’re drawn to romance, adventure, or tales of survival, these top 10 books will transport you to different eras. Below, we’ll count down from 10 to 1, each featuring timeless stories from incredible authors. Ready to dive in? Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies rocks!
Author: Sarah Mitchell
Sarah Mitchell is a historian and writer with a passion for uncovering history’s hidden gems through fiction. She has spent years reading and reviewing historical fiction and short story anthologies. She is an expert of: Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies.
10. Her Mail Order Mistake: A Sweet Historical Mail Order Bride Romance
London James
⭐ 4.4 out of 5 stars (222 ratings)
Category: Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies
A light and heartwarming romance set in the Old West, Her Mail Order Mistake tells the tale of a bride who navigates the unexpected twists of marrying someone she’s never met. This sweet story is about second chances and building trust.
Why You’ll Love It:
For fans of light historical romance, this short story offers a delightful narrative filled with love and the charm of frontier life.
Fun Fact:
This book is part of the Brides of Lone Hollow series, where each story highlights different mail-order brides.
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9. Virginia Company Bride: A Novella (The American Brides Collection)
Gabrielle Meyer
⭐ 4.3 out of 5 stars (90 ratings)
Category: Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies
Set in colonial America, Virginia Company Bride follows the journey of a woman who leaves England to marry in the New World. Full of hope and resilience, she faces the challenges of surviving in unfamiliar territory.
Why You’ll Love It:
This novella offers an insightful look into early American history and the strength of its women, making it a must-read for historical fiction lovers.
Fun Fact:
The American Brides Collection features other novellas set in different historical periods, offering a rich variety of stories across time.
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8. Lily Lassoes the Lawman (Uncertain Sweethearts Book 3)
Marisa Masterson
⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (35 ratings)
Category: Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies
A charming tale of love and justice, Lily Lassoes the Lawman is set in the wild West. Lily’s strength and determination shine as she tries to capture more than just a criminal – she sets her sights on the lawman himself.
Why You’ll Love It:
This short, romantic read combines Western adventure with a sweet love story. It’s a perfect escape for readers who enjoy strong female leads in historical fiction.
Fun Fact:
Part of the Uncertain Sweethearts series, each story features a different love interest and the unique challenges they face.
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7. Gretchen’s Dilemma: A Historical Mail Order Bride Romance
Christine Sterling
⭐ 4.4 out of 5 stars (749 ratings)
Category: Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies
Gretchen’s Dilemma takes place in early Minnesota, where a determined woman must decide between family duty and her quest for independence. This short romance provides a snapshot of life for women in a male-dominated society.
Why You’ll Love It:
This book brings to life the hardships and triumphs of frontier women, with emotional depth and historical authenticity.
Fun Fact:
Sterling’s historical romances are well-known for being meticulously researched, offering readers a genuine glimpse into the past.
Buy now on Amazon: Gretchen’s Dilemma
6. The Tiger Came to the Mountains (Trespass collection)
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
⭐ 4.2 out of 5 stars (1,762 ratings)
Category: Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies
In this compelling short story, The Tiger Came to the Mountains tells the tale of a family on the run during the Mexican Revolution. This historical piece intertwines survival and folklore, offering a gripping read.
Why You’ll Love It:
Moreno-Garcia’s prose is captivating, drawing readers into an intense narrative with themes of courage and family loyalty.
Fun Fact:
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is also the bestselling author of Mexican Gothic, another work that explores historical elements with a twist.
Buy now on Amazon: The Tiger Came to the Mountains
5. Redeeming the Outlaw (First Families of Flat River Book 11)
Christine Sterling
⭐ 4.6 out of 5 stars (225 ratings)
Category: Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies
Set in the Flat River region, Redeeming the Outlaw follows a wronged man seeking redemption. This short story dives into themes of forgiveness, love, and self-discovery in a historical Western setting.
Why You’ll Love It:
A Western romance that’s both emotional and action-packed, this short read is perfect for those who enjoy stories of second chances.
Fun Fact:
This is the 11th book in the First Families of Flat River series, each focusing on a different member of the community.
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4. Switching Gears: An Anthology of Western Short Fiction
W. Michael Gear
⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars (7 ratings)
Category: Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies
Switching Gears presents a collection of gripping Western short stories, exploring themes of change, challenge, and survival in a frontier world. It’s an anthology perfect for readers who crave quick, engaging tales of the Old West.
Why You’ll Love It:
With multiple stories to enjoy, this anthology offers diverse perspectives and plenty of action, making it a perfect choice for Western fiction lovers.
Fun Fact:
W. Michael Gear is also an archaeologist, which heavily influences the historical accuracy of his Western stories.
Buy now on Amazon: Switching Gears
3. Seven Stones to Stand or Fall: A Collection of Outlander Fiction
Diana Gabaldon
⭐ 4.7 out of 5 stars (11,519 ratings)
Category: Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies
This anthology features seven thrilling stories set in the Outlander universe, filled with drama, intrigue, and love spanning across time. A must-read for fans of the series, it offers new insights into the lives of beloved characters.
Why You’ll Love It:
Whether you’re a dedicated Outlander fan or just starting, these stories are a great way to experience Gabaldon’s masterful blend of history and fiction.
Fun Fact:
Many of these short stories delve into the side adventures of characters from the main Outlander series, offering more depth to their backstories.
Buy now on Amazon: Seven Stones to Stand or Fall
2. Spinster No More: A Christian Historical Western Romance
Kathleen Ball
⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars (147 ratings)
Category: Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies
In Spinster No More, a woman finds herself choosing between independence and love. Set in a Christian Western setting, this tale blends faith and romance, offering readers a heartfelt story about overcoming the odds.
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfect for readers who enjoy historical romances with a touch of faith, this short story is both inspirational and touching.
Fun Fact:
Kathleen Ball is known for her inspirational romance novels, often set in Western or historical backdrops.
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1. The Things They Carried
Tim O’Brien
⭐ 4.4 out of 5 stars (14,858 ratings)
Category: Historical Fiction Short Stories and Anthologies
One of the most iconic works in Historical Fiction Short Stories & Anthologies, The Things They Carried is a profound collection of interconnected short stories about the Vietnam War. O’Brien’s masterful storytelling captures the emotional weight carried by soldiers during and after the war.
Why You’ll Love It:
A mix of reality and fiction, this book delves deep into the human experience during wartime, making it a must-read for fans of historical and literary fiction.
Fun Fact:
Although The Things They Carried is classified as fiction, it’s heavily based on O’Brien’s own experiences in Vietnam.
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