7 No-Spice Historical Fiction Books

What is it about historical novels that draw us in? Is it the manners? The slower pace? The struggle of men and women trying to overcome their lot in life and the sweet taste of victory when they manage it? Men in cravats? (Don't lie, you love it.) Whatever the reason for our love, historical fiction novels remain a popular escape from the hustle an bustle of our modern world. This time, I've collected 7 of my favorite historical fiction novels and series to share with you. They all have romance without the spice and with low to no language. Enjoy!

We read, review and recommend books that do not have a lot of gore, horror, language, or open door intimate scenes. If you don't see a book on this list, we either haven't read it yet or it contained one of these things.

Jump to:

• Historical books with a dash of mystery

• Historical fiction series

• Inspired by Jane Austen

Historical books with a dash of mystery

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane (Trilogy)

Back Blurb: “There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.”

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Murder at Mistlethwaite Manor

Back Blurb: Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None meets The Gilded Age in this delicious, suspenseful murder mystery.

When Lady Emma Grace Hastings receives a much-coveted invitation to the most auspicious Christmas party of the season—one that comes with a 10,000 pound prize for the winner of a mysterious game—she cannot believe her good fortune.

But as the guests are assembled at Mistlethwaite Manor, the chilling intent of the game is revealed. Each guest has cause for alarm, because all of them have secrets, and to win the prize money, those secrets must be exposed.

Things take a sinister turn when Emma Grace finds herself caught between her old love and her soon-to-be betrothed. Suspicions abound, and old wounds are opened. The dead body in the study does not help. Nor does the raging winter storm that prevents escape from the manor. Emma Grace must battle her heart, use her wits, and put her sleuthing skills to the test to survive the weekend alive.

Because there is a murderer among them.

And no one with secrets is safe.

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The Lost Lieutenant (Serendipity & Secrets Series)

Back Blurb: Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero—he only wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.

Now Evan has a noble title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized from wounds incurred on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous—and if he doesn't recall it in time—will jeopardize not only his new marriage but someone's very life.

Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith.

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Historical Fiction Series

Back Inn Time Series

Back Blurb: “An exciting time travel romantic adventure!Each book in the Back Inn Time Series is stand alone, and can be read in any order.

The Back Inn Time series books are fun, faith-filled stories of what it might be like to suddenly experience life in a different time. These clean historical romances are packed with humor and adventure. Perfect for fans of dual timeline or time slip stories and Christian historical romance, these books answer the question every historical fiction fan wonders—what would it be like if I went back to that time? If you enjoy the wholesomeness of Amish, Western, or frontier fiction and adore romantic comedies, then visit a seaside Victorian inn where you can “step back inn time and leave your troubles behind!”

In this stirring Christian time-travel series, readers are swept away on romantic adventures throughout history. Each book features new characters who find love in the most unexpected places and can be read in any order.”

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Mr. Gardiner and the Governess (Clairvoir Castle Romances Series)

Back Blurb: A duke’s governess, a gentleman entomologist, and a castle full of flowers is the perfect setting for a summer romance.

As the new governess to the duke's family, Alice Sharpe must learn to control her impulsiveness. Employment in the duke’s household is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and could mean living in comfort the rest of her days. Unfortunately, her first encounter with the duke's houseguest, a handsome gentleman obsessed with insects, proves she may not be ready for the austere role of governess.

Rupert Gardiner has one goal: to have his work in entomology and botany published by the Royal Society. He is fortunate that the Duke of Montfort, believes in him and enlists Rupert to make a record of all the flora on the castle grounds. But Miss Sharpe’s spontaneity and continual appearance during his work is an annoying distraction. At least, that’s what he tells himself.

While Alice struggles to adapt to her new role, constantly striving to go unnoticed while still being herself, she cannot help but admire Rupert’s intelligence and focus. The more often they fall in together, the more her admiration deepens. But could a gentleman such as he ever fall in love with the governess?

As the first stand-alone novel in a new series by author Sally Britton, this story begins the Clairvoir Castle romances. This is a light-hearted series set in the Regency period.

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Seeking Persephone

Back Blurb: When Persephone Lancaster receives a marriage proposal from the ill-tempered Duke of Kielder, she refuses—and then reconsiders. The obscene sum of money he’s offering Persephone would save her family from ruin. With her characteristic optimism, she travels to the far reaches of Northumberland to wed a greatly feared stranger.

Lodged deep in a thick forest infested with wild dogs, the Duke’s castle is as cold and forbidding as the Duke himself, a man with terrible scars on his body and his soul. But the Duke’s steely determination to protect his heart at all costs is challenged by his growing attachment to his lovely and gentle bride.

With caring persistence, Persephone attempts to pierce the Duke’s armor and reach the man beneath. Yet he cannot tolerate such exposure, and his repeated rejections take their toll.

But when grave danger arises, the Duke realizes he must face the risk of revealing his true feelings or lose the woman he cannot live without.

A regency romance novel you won't want to put down.

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The Imagined Attachment (The Bath Schoolmates Series)

Back Blurb: She should be reconciling herself to spinsterhood, not falling for the baronet next door?

Miss Elaine Brooke has always spent more time daydreaming than actually living. With no fortune and no suitors, she is back from school and determined to face the reality of a quiet, lonely life. But an encounter with Daniel Ashburn, her childhood best friend and lifelong infatuation, sets her dreaming again. Soon she is imagining a very different life as Mrs. Ashburn.

Sir Phillip Ashburn has an estate to manage and a troublesome brother to marry off. He won't let a penniless neighbor ruin everything by turning Daniel's head. Intent on keeping Miss Brooke away from his brother, Phillip sets out to monopolize her time. Despite their disagreements, Phillip soon begins to wonder if she is more than a problem to be solved. As Phillip starts to question all his assumptions, Elaine realizes he isn't quite what she imagined. Could she possibly have set her heart on the wrong Ashburn?

Jane Austen meets Sabrina in this Regency Romance.

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