Emily Howes Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Emily Howes

Emily Howes is a British writer who writes historical fiction. Over the years, she has written many short stories. Some of those stories were shortlisted for awards like the Bridport Prize. That kind of recognition says a lot about how much care she puts into her work, reaching an audience worldwide.

One of the things people notice about her writing is how she handles characters. Her protagonists feel like real people, with thoughts and feelings that make sense. Because of that, readers can settle into her stories and enjoy spending time with the people in them. It makes the whole experience of reading her books feel easy and fun.

She also knows how to build a story that keeps people interested. Her narratives have a way of moving forward that makes readers want to keep going. Nothing feels forced or overdone, and the stories stay engaging from beginning to end. All of this adds up to a writer whose historical fiction is a genuine pleasure to read.

Howes writes historical fiction that readers around the world enjoy. Her stories reach people in many countries, and they keep coming back for more. She does this while staying true to her own voice and interests. That mix of wide appeal and personal honesty is part of what makes her work stand out.

Her characters and storylines help her connect with readers from different places. The themes she explores feel familiar even when the settings are far away or long ago. People find something in her books that speaks to them, no matter where they live. At the same time, she does not change her style to chase what is popular.

Staying true to herself is a big part of why her writing works. She tells the kinds of stories she cares about, in the way she wants to tell them. That honesty comes through on the page and gives readers something genuine to enjoy. It also means her books stay entertaining without feeling like they were made to please everyone.

So her reach is broad, yet her approach stays personal. Readers worldwide get stories that feel warm, real, and easy to get lost in. She keeps writing in a way that is hers alone. That combination is a big reason her historical fiction finds fans in so many places.

Looking ahead, Emily Howes still has plenty more to share. She keeps writing and exploring new ideas in historical fiction. Readers who enjoy her work can look forward to what comes next. Her future stories will likely bring the same warmth and care that her earlier writing does.

Early and Personal Life

Emily Howes calls East London home, where she lives with her two kids, two cats, and a dog. Her British upbringing shaped her early years. Family life and creative pursuits fill her time.

Over the years, her career has worn many hats. She has been a writer, performer, theatre maker, storyteller, and director. Her work has reached audiences through television, stage, and radio.

She also earned an MA in Existential Psychotherapy. In private practice, she is working as a psychotherapist. This mix of therapy and creativity informs how she understands people, and that understanding shows up in her writing.

Writing Career

The Painter’s Daughters became Emily Howes’s first published novel after it took a 2021 Mslexia award. Jo Unwin, Hilary Mantel, and Marianne Tatepo served as judges for that award. The book shares a little known story about Molly and Peggy Gainsborough and the mental health challenges the two faced side by side.

In 2026, her second title, Mrs. Dickens, was released. She continues to write, with more work on the way. Her career so far reflects a steady path from an award winning debut to a second release, and there is still more to come.

Overall Howes writes in a clear, grounded style that keeps readers close to her characters. Her tone stays warm and honest, even when the subject turns serious. She favors straightforward language over showy flourishes. This makes her historical fiction feel both accessible and genuine.

Mrs. Dickens

Emily Howes wrote the historical novel Mrs. Dickens. Phoenix published the book on June 11, 2026.

When Charles Dickens first married Kate, he was taken with her beauty and gentle nature. As his reputation as a novelist grew and the family rose in Victorian society, he became irritated that real people would not obey him the way his invented characters did. Kate gives him ten children and accompanies him across the world, yet no matter how hard she tries to be the perfect wife, she keeps feeling she falls short. She looks to Anne Brown, the household’s reliable servant, for comfort and friendship, and though Anne grows to feel great affection for Kate, her loyalty is stretched to its breaking point as the marriage falls apart.

This book offers a warm and engaging look at a marriage shaped by fame and family. Readers meet a woman who finds her voice over many years. The story moves with tenderness and honesty. New readers can look forward to a memorable experience.

The Painter’s Daughters

Emily Howes wrote this historical novel through Simon & Schuster, who published the book on February 27 in 2024.

The story itself follows Molly and Peggy Gainsborough, the cherished daughters of well known 1700s English based painter named Thomas Gainsborough. The two are close friends who watch their father work, test their mother’s patience, and roam barefoot through nearby muddy fields. Molly suffers spells of confusion mentally from an early age, sometimes forgetting herself, while Peggy quietly works to hide her sister’s condition. Their tale weaves together love, sisterly loyalty, control, and the struggle to match the flawless image the world admired in their portraits.

As a novel it tells a moving story about two sisters and the bond they share. Readers will find the relationship between Peggy and Molly easy to care about. The tale offers both warmth and tension in equal measure. New readers can expect a story that stays with them.