Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2026 Sign-Up #histficreadingchallenge

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The start of a new year means it’s time to sign up for some reading challenges. This one is a no-brainer – the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Marg at The Intrepid Reader. As well as indulging my love of historical fiction, I like sharing reviews and recommendations with other fans of the genre. And Marg also compiles fascinating statistics about the books read by participants each month.

You can find full details of the 2026 challenge here, including where to post your reviews each month, but the main idea is to choose one of six different reading levels to aim for:

20th Century Reader – 2 books
Victorian Reader – 5 books
Renaissance Reader – 10 books
Medieval – 15 books
Ancient History – 25 books
Prehistoric – 50+ books

I read over 60 historical fiction novels in 2025 which makes me officially ‘Prehistoric’. Given historical fiction is my favourite genre, it makes sense to aim for Prehistoric level once again. I already have my eye on some of the books in my TBR pile (see below).  If you enjoy historical fiction or would just like to read more of the genre, why not join me and sign up?

My Week in Books – 11th January 2026

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On the blog last week

Tuesday – This week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic was Best Books I Read in 2025.

Wednesday – As always WWW Wednesday is a weekly opportunity to share what I’ve just read, what I’m currently reading and what I plan to read next… and to take a peek at what others are reading.

Thursday – I shared my responses to the Classics Club 26 in 2026 questionnaire.

Saturday – I took part in the Six on Saturday meme, sharing six things from my garden this week.

Sunday – I shared my sign-up post for the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2026.

New on my shelves

Carrion Crow by Heather Parry (Pushkin Press via NetGalley)

Marguerite Périgord is locked in the attic of her family home, a towering Chelsea house overlooking the stinking Thames. For company she has a sewing machine, Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management, and a carrion crow who has come to nest in the rafters. Restless, she spends her waning energies on the fascinations of her own body, memorising Mrs. Beeton’s advice and longing for life outside.

Cécile Périgord has confined her daughter Marguerite for her own good. Cécile is concerned that Marguerite’s engagement to a much older, near-penniless solicitor, will drag the family name – her husband’s name, that is – into disrepute. And for Cécile, who has worked hard at her own betterment, this simply won’t do. Cécile’s life has taught her that no matter how high a woman climbs she can just as readily fall.

Of course, both have their secrets, intentions and histories to hide. As Marguerite’s patience turns into rage, the boundaries of her mind and body start to fray. And neither woman can recognise what the other is becoming.

What I’m currently reading

I’m reading Benbecula and The Pretender from my TBR pile and listening to the audiobook of Mary Anne, the first book on my new Classics Club list.

Look out for…

  • Book Review: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
  • Book Review: The Huntingfield Paintress by Pamela Holmes
  • Book Review: Tin Man by Sarah Winman
  • Book Review: Whale Fall by Elizabeth O’Connor