Picture a storyteller who spun tales of Josephine Bonaparte and wartime romance with a historian’s heart and a novelist’s flair—meet Heather Webb! A USA Today bestselling author, Webb crafts historical fiction that breathes life into forgotten figures and eras, from Parisian courts to Ellis Island’s gritty corridors. Her vivid prose and meticulous research have captivated readers in 17 languages, making her a beloved voice in the genre.
With awards piling up and a knack for collaboration, Webb’s journey from classroom to literary stardom is as compelling as her novels. Let’s dive into the world of this New England writer who’s reshaping historical fiction one page at a time.
The Making of Heather Webb
Born with a wanderlust for culture and history, Heather Webb grew up as a military brat, soaking up languages and stories across the globe. Armed with a BA in French and Education and an MA in Cultural Geography, she taught high school French for nearly a decade before a lightning-bolt moment changed everything. While reading a biography, Webb felt a spark to write about Josephine Bonaparte, despite never having penned fiction before. Her husband’s skeptical glance didn’t stop her—she dove into research, and her debut, Becoming Josephine, was born.
That leap from teacher to novelist wasn’t just a career shift; it was a calling. Webb’s love for history and storytelling, honed through years of teaching and travel, fueled her path. She met her agent at a conference, and her career took off, blending her educator’s discipline with a writer’s imagination.
Heather Webb’s Unforgettable Stories
Webb’s novels are like time machines, whisking readers to vibrant historical settings with complex, often female, protagonists. Her debut, Becoming Josephine (2013), traces Rose Tascher’s transformation into Napoleon’s empress, blending Creole roots with French Revolution chaos. Rodin’s Lover (2015), a Goodreads Top Pick, explores sculptor Camille Claudel’s passionate, tragic relationship with Auguste Rodin, showcasing Webb’s knack for flawed, fiery heroines.
Collaborations with Hazel Gaynor shine just as brightly. Last Christmas in Paris (2017), a World War I epistolary novel, won the Women’s Fiction Writers Association STAR Award for its heartfelt letters between lovers torn by war. Meet Me in Monaco (2019), a finalist for multiple awards, weaves Grace Kelly’s romance with a perfumer’s tale, sparkling with Côte d’Azur glamour. Her latest, Queens of London (2024), dives into the 1920s underworld, following “Diamond Annie” and Britain’s first female crime syndicate—a gritty, empowering saga.
Webb’s style marries rich historical detail with emotional depth, often spotlighting women who defy their era’s constraints. Her research is exhaustive, yet her stories feel alive, not academic, with themes of resilience, love, and ambition threading through every page.
Why Heather Webb Matters
Webb’s impact stretches beyond her bookshelves. By illuminating overlooked women like Camille Claudel or Ellis Island immigrants, she reshapes historical fiction to be inclusive and empowering. Her novels, translated into 17 languages, resonate globally, offering readers a lens into human struggles and triumphs. As an adjunct professor at Drexel University’s MFA program and a freelance editor, she mentors aspiring writers, sharing craft insights at conferences and on Writer Unboxed.
Her collaborations, especially with Hazel Gaynor, set a gold standard for co-authored fiction, blending voices seamlessly. Webb’s work reminds us that history isn’t just dates—it’s people, and she’s giving them a voice that echoes today.
- Born: Grew up as a military brat, details private
- Key Works: Becoming Josephine, Rodin’s Lover, Last Christmas in Paris, Queens of London
- Awards: Women’s Fiction Writers Association STAR Award, Prima Magazine Book of the Year
- Fun Fact: Loves geeking out on pop culture and collecting cookbooks
Snag Last Christmas in Paris or Queens of London and dive into Heather Webb’s lush, empowering historical worlds!