📖 Overview
Hazel Gaynor is an English author of historical fiction and fantasy who has established herself as a notable voice in historical fiction since 2012. Born in Yorkshire and now based in Ireland, she transitioned from a corporate career to writing following the 2008 recession.
Her breakthrough novel "The Girl Who Came Home" (2012), focused on Irish emigrants aboard the Titanic, began as a self-published work before being acquired by HarperCollins. The book's success launched her career as a traditionally published author with William Morrow imprint.
Gaynor's work often explores significant historical events and periods through the lens of personal stories. Her background includes running the blog "Hot Cross Mum" and contributing to writing publications, including interviews with established authors for Writing.ie.
The author holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies from Manchester Metropolitan University and currently resides in Kilcullen, County Kildare, Ireland. Her career shift from corporate professional to full-time writer occurred after being made redundant from her position at Irish law firm A&L Goodbody.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently rate Hazel Gaynor's books between 4.0-4.3 stars on Goodreads, praising her detailed historical research and ability to weave real events with fictional characters.
What readers liked:
- Rich period details and atmospheric settings
- Strong female protagonists
- Emotional depth without becoming melodramatic
- Clean writing style suitable for multiple age groups
- Seamless blend of fact and fiction
What readers disliked:
- Slow pacing in middle sections
- Predictable romance subplots
- Some characters feel underdeveloped
- Multiple timeline narratives can be confusing
On Amazon, "The Girl Who Came Home" averages 4.5/5 stars from 3,000+ reviews. Readers specifically note the fresh perspective on the Titanic story. One reviewer wrote: "She makes history come alive without sensationalizing tragedy."
"The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter" receives similar ratings (4.4/5 from 2,000+ Amazon reviews) with readers highlighting the authentic portrayal of lighthouse life. Common criticism points to "overly convenient plot coincidences."
Across platforms, readers describe her work as well-researched historical fiction that emphasizes human connections over historical events.
📚 Books by Hazel Gaynor
The Girl Who Came Home
A novel centered on a group of Irish emigrants aboard the Titanic in 1912, following both their fateful journey and the story of a survivor decades later.
The Cottingley Secret A dual-timeline narrative connecting the 1917 Cottingley fairies photography hoax with a contemporary bookshop owner discovering the truth about these famous photographs.
A Memory of Violets@ Set in Victorian London, explores the lives of flower sellers through the story of two sisters and a young woman who discovers their tragic history.
The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter Interweaves the stories of a 19th-century lighthouse keeper's daughter and a pregnant woman in 1938 discovering family secrets.
The Bird in the Bamboo Cage@ Chronicles the experiences of teachers and students at a missionary school in China during World War II.
When We Were Young & Brave Tells the story of a British school in China during WWII, focusing on a teacher and student's survival during Japanese occupation.
The Last Rose of Shanghai@ Set in 1940s Shanghai, follows the relationship between a Chinese heiress and a Jewish refugee against the backdrop of war.
Meet Me in Monaco Co-written with Heather Webb, follows the friendship between Grace Kelly and a perfumer during the 1955 Cannes Film Festival.
The Cottingley Secret A dual-timeline narrative connecting the 1917 Cottingley fairies photography hoax with a contemporary bookshop owner discovering the truth about these famous photographs.
A Memory of Violets@ Set in Victorian London, explores the lives of flower sellers through the story of two sisters and a young woman who discovers their tragic history.
The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter Interweaves the stories of a 19th-century lighthouse keeper's daughter and a pregnant woman in 1938 discovering family secrets.
The Bird in the Bamboo Cage@ Chronicles the experiences of teachers and students at a missionary school in China during World War II.
When We Were Young & Brave Tells the story of a British school in China during WWII, focusing on a teacher and student's survival during Japanese occupation.
The Last Rose of Shanghai@ Set in 1940s Shanghai, follows the relationship between a Chinese heiress and a Jewish refugee against the backdrop of war.
Meet Me in Monaco Co-written with Heather Webb, follows the friendship between Grace Kelly and a perfumer during the 1955 Cannes Film Festival.
👥 Similar authors
Kate Morton writes multi-layered historical fiction that moves between time periods and focuses on family secrets, similar to Gaynor's approach to historical events. Her novels often center on grand houses and mysteries that span generations.
Beatriz Williams specializes in historical fiction set in the early to mid-20th century with strong female protagonists. Her work frequently explores significant historical events through personal narratives and incorporates romance elements.
Lucinda Riley creates historical fiction that spans multiple time periods and countries, with particular attention to familial connections. Her novels incorporate detailed research and often feature dual timeline narratives that connect past to present.
Susanna Kearsley writes historical fiction that blends romance with mystery and sometimes incorporates supernatural elements. Her work features well-researched historical settings and often focuses on connections between past and present.
Fiona Davis writes historical fiction centered on iconic New York City buildings and the women connected to them across different time periods. Her novels combine detailed historical research with dual-timeline narratives that illuminate women's experiences in different eras.
Beatriz Williams specializes in historical fiction set in the early to mid-20th century with strong female protagonists. Her work frequently explores significant historical events through personal narratives and incorporates romance elements.
Lucinda Riley creates historical fiction that spans multiple time periods and countries, with particular attention to familial connections. Her novels incorporate detailed research and often feature dual timeline narratives that connect past to present.
Susanna Kearsley writes historical fiction that blends romance with mystery and sometimes incorporates supernatural elements. Her work features well-researched historical settings and often focuses on connections between past and present.
Fiona Davis writes historical fiction centered on iconic New York City buildings and the women connected to them across different time periods. Her novels combine detailed historical research with dual-timeline narratives that illuminate women's experiences in different eras.