87 New Historical Fiction Books Hitting Shelves This Year

"Above the Salt" by Katherine Vaz traces the years-long connection between John and Mary, two Portuguese refugees who flee religious conflict, are separated, and land in the United States just ahead of the Civil War. Both find themselves in Illinois, where John teaches at a school for the deaf and Mary works as a gardener. When war breaks out, they find themselves yet again at a crossroads. Should John join the Army or stay behind, and should Mary accept her employer's proposal or follow her heart with John? Their choices weave with the choices that lead a nation to turn against itself.

Release date: Nov. 7