She might like some of Geraldine Brooks's novels-they are very readable without being trashy. If she's willing to edge into fantasy/scifi, the Connie Willis novels about time traveling historians are really fun and full of historical detail. If she'd be interested in books with a more challenging narrative structure, Hilary Mantel's Bring Up the Bodies books are freaking amazing-as a historian I was amazed at the way that she captured the interior life of her characters.

(Also loved the Orphan Master's Son)

If she likes historical romance, look at Courtney Milan's series. She writes beautifully; the characters are strong women. A bit of modern sensibilities given the time period (usually 19th c Britain) but she does a lovely job with historical details and feel.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has she read the Outlander series?

+1

This.

Then watch the series together. Guarantee it will heat things up in the bedroom.

Anonymous wrote:Upon reflection, I would want for her books set in the 40s/50s. Thanks all

The Book Thief is technically YA but it's such a great book.

Orange Prize winners are a good bet.

Disobedience
Small Island
The Lacuna

Are some past winners/honorable mentions

The Orphan Master's Son was incredible. Kept me up at night until I finished it.

Anonymous wrote:Has she read the Outlander series?

+1

Circling the Sun

Upon reflection, I would want for her books set in the 40s/50s. Thanks all

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rules of Civility was wonderful, btw.

It's a YA book written on the 8-9th reading level.

Proceed with caution OP. I would not be thrilled if my DH bought a kid's book for me.

Mr. Towles’s first novel, Rules of Civility, which was published in 2011, was a New York Times bestseller and was named by the Wall Street Journal as one of the best books of 2011. The book has been translated into over 15 languages, its French translation receiving the 2012 Prix Fitzgerald. In the fall of 2012, the novel was optioned by Lionsgate to be made into a feature film.

Philippa Gregory is good for brain candy historical fiction, but for something a bit different:

Sarah Dunant has several beautifully written books that take place in Italy (Renaissance).

Matthew Shardlake Mysteries are compelling and set in Tudor England.

I loved Rules of Civility. (Love Great Gatsby too) but I can't think of anything else in that era.

Another great one is Summer of Katya by Trevanian.

Tracy Chevalier has some great ones. I used to put her in the Phillipa Gregory category but recently read even more of her work and she is compelling.

Anonymous wrote:Rules of Civility was wonderful, btw.

It's a YA book written on the 8-9th reading level.

Proceed with caution OP. I would not be thrilled if my DH bought a kid's book for me.

Rules of Civility was wonderful, btw.

Has she read the Outlander series?

Anonymous wrote:My wife likes historical fiction but is looking for something outside of the orbit of The Other Boleyn Girl (I acknowledge the chronological distinction). Any suggestions for a book that is set in a more contemporaneous period? My list so far includes:
-Rules of Civility
-The Silver Music Box
-The Orphan Master's Son
-Code Name Verity
-The Invisible Bridge

Can you be specific about your time period? There are some good ones set during WW2, but to me they don't even feel like historical fiction, probably because I'm older (not old enough for WW2 though) and heard about it so much from parents/grandparents. Any particular era?

The Silver Music Box is basically a romance novel, or reads like one. Is that the type of book she likes?

My wife likes historical fiction but is looking for something outside of the orbit of The Other Boleyn Girl (I acknowledge the chronological distinction). Any suggestions for a book that is set in a more contemporaneous period? My list so far includes:
-Rules of Civility
-The Silver Music Box
-The Orphan Master's Son
-Code Name Verity
-The Invisible Bridge