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​I live in Nigeria and haven’t actually left the country yet, but that hasn’t stopped me from exploring the world. 

Books are my passport, and my absolute favorite destination is Europe. 

Whether you are currently planning a dream vacation or, like me, you just want to step into someone else’s shoes and experience a totally different culture from your couch, you need to add these books to your shelf.

​To give you the full experience, I didn’t just stick to the usual famous spots like Paris or London.

I made sure to include incredible stories from all over Europe, even from countries that aren’t in the news all the time but have the most fascinating histories and vibes. 

If you want to feel like you’re truly walking down a new European street today, check out the list below.

Must-Read Books Set in Europe

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Set in a quiet village in France during World War II, this beautiful book tells the story of two very different sisters. 

As Nazi soldiers invade their country and even take over one sister’s home, each woman must find her own way to survive. 

One stays home to protect her daughter, while the other bravely joins the underground fight against the enemy. 

I completely fell in love with how this story brings historical France to life. It shows the incredible strength of women during dark times, and the French setting makes the drama feel so real and personal. 

You will definitely cry, but it is totally worth it!

The Secret of Snow by Tina Harnesk

This lovely story takes us straight to a small, snowy mountain town in Sweden. 

It follows an eighty-five-year-old woman who is secretly dealing with a hard illness, and a young man who just moved to the village and discovered an old box of indigenous culture items. 

As their paths cross, secrets from the past come to light. 

I absolutely enjoyed reading about the beautiful, icy Swedish landscape and learning about the local culture. 

It is a wonderful mix of sad moments and sweet humor that shows us how we are all connected by history. 

A Riviera Retreat by Jennifer Bohnet

This one is literally escaping to a beautiful vacation home on the sunny coast of France.

It is about four different women who all need a break from their stressful lives. They win a ten-day trip to the gorgeous French Riviera, where they live together, share their deepest worries, and form a wonderful friendship that changes their lives forever.

I really loved the bright, sunny setting of France in this book. It made me feel like I was sitting right there on the beach with them, tasting the fresh air. 

It is the perfect, light read for anyone who wants a happy and relaxing escape.

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

This powerful book is set deep inside a quiet forest in Sweden, in a tiny town that loves ice hockey. 

Everyone puts their hopes on the teenage boys of the junior team to win a big match. 

But right before the game, something violent happens that changes everything and tears the community apart. 

To be completely honest, I did not enjoy how sad and heavy this story got at times, but the cold, dark Swedish setting was done so well.

It really makes you think about how a small place can hold big secrets, and what it means to stand up for the truth.

The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende

This moving story connects two different times and places, starting in Vienna, Austria, back in 1938. 

A little six-year-old boy named Samuel is put on a special train by his mother to escape danger, carrying only his violin. 

Decades later, his life connects with a young girl fleeing danger in modern times.

I thought the historical European setting was incredibly sad but very important to read about. 

It shows how the choices made in Europe long ago still touch lives today. It is a deeply touching story about family love and survival that will stay in your heart for a very long time.

The Sea Sisters Swimming Club by Sue McDonagh

After a sudden health scare, a fifty-year-old woman leaves her busy police job and moves to a lovely, quiet seaside village in Wales.

She is lonely at first, but a friendly group of local women who love swimming in the cold ocean takes her in. She eventually learns to face her fears and even finds a bit of romance along the way.

I truly enjoyed the beautiful description of the Welsh coast in this book. 

The cold sea and the friendly village felt so real and welcoming. 

It is a wonderfully joyful story that proves it is never too late to start a fresh chapter.

The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay

This exciting historical mystery takes place in Germany right before the famous Berlin Wall came down in 1989. 

A smart woman working for the government finds hidden letters and realizes her father is alive inside a secure prison in East Germany. 

She leaves everything behind and flies to West Berlin to sneak across the wall and save him. 

I absolutely loved the fast-moving setting of Berlin during the Cold War. 

The divided city creates so much suspense, and it was amazing to read about a family finding their way back to each other against all odds. You will be hooked from the very start!

A Postcard from Italy by Alex Brown

An English woman working at a storage company finds a beautiful collection of old art, diaries, and letters from the 1930s. 

Her discovery takes her on a big journey to a lovely pink villa on the cliffs of Italy. 

As she learns about a young woman who followed her heart to Italy after the war, she begins to fix her own broken heart. 

I completely adored the warm, romantic Italian setting in this book. Reading about the cliffs and the beautiful Italian coastline made me want to pack my bags immediately.

It is a sweet, comforting story filled with romance and family secrets.

Maria by Michelle Moran

You might know the famous songs from the movie The Sound of Music, but this book tells the real, complicated story of Maria von Trapp in Austria. 

It shows her life as a young woman before she married the Baron, and how she helped her family survive the danger of the war using their voices. Later, she fights to make sure her true story is told correctly. 

I really liked learning about the real history of Austria behind the famous Hollywood movie. 

The setting feels grand yet dangerous, and it is fascinating to see how the real truth is so much more interesting than fiction.

The Summer House in Santorini by Samantha Parks

A young woman named Anna decides to run away from her messy life, failed relationship, and career troubles in search of a fresh start. 

She lands on the gorgeous island of Santorini in Greece, where the bright blue roofs, beautiful villas, and clear water help her feel happy and alive again. 

She also meets a handsome, quiet local man named Niko.

I absolutely loved the gorgeous Greek island setting of this book! It felt like a perfect summer dream come true. 

If you are looking for a sweet, romantic story filled with sunshine and beautiful views, you will love this one.

At the end of the day, that is the true beauty of reading – it completely erases borders. 

You don’t have to wait for the perfect vacation to start experiencing the incredible depth, history, and beauty that Europe has to offer.

​These books completely swept me away, and I know they will do the exact same for you, no matter where you are reading from. 

Go ahead and look through the full list above, pick the country you want to visit first, and start reading.