The Iron King by Maurice Druon (historical fiction)

The King in question is Phillip the Fair, who had a pretty big hand in unifying a bunch of holdings into what is "France."  The book is really good, so good that you don't want it to end.  Top-notch historical fiction.

Crowner's Crusade by Bernard Knight (historical fiction)

This is a prequel to a popular series of novels, and it was fairly good.  I especially liked the plausible re-telling of Richard II's voyage from Palestine to his capture in Europe after his Crusades ended.

Blood Sisters: The Women Behind the Wars of the Roses by Sarah Gristwood (nonfiction)

Lately there has been a really nice crop of re-evaluation of large historical events and trends from the perspective of the important women, and I enjoyed this. Before this, I've only enjoyed their stories through historical fiction.

This is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz (fiction)

Go and get this book and enjoy yourself.  Raw and real, sad and hilarious.  A book ostensibly about love also touches on death, racism, hope, and all those amazing emotions.

Demetrius and the Gladiators directed by Delmer Davies (DVD)

This is the sequel to The Robe, an excellent Christian epic.  Demetrius is the slave who ends up in possession of said robe, and he goes through a crisis of faith that finds him a gladiator in the arena.  While this movie was not as good as The Robe, the fight scenes are excellent.

Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell (historical fiction)

Queen Emma is certainly a great subject for historical fiction.  This book has very few stupid moments, making great use of primary sources.  The author is effective even when she suggests a scenario that has no basis in the evidence.  The first in a trilogy.

The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau (historical fiction)

This book is a sequel to The Crown, and I think the author and the protagonist are getting better.  The very real sense of confusion and upheaval of Tudor times is part of the twists and turns, the mystery, even the love story.

The Marlowe Papers by Ros Barber (historical fiction)

An impressive attempt at a verse novel in Marlowe's style.  I was excited and interested once I realized what was going on.

Semper Fidelis by Ruth Downie (historical fiction)

Pretty tight, fun mystery.  I've read her Medicus about the same doctor investigator, which was excellent.  Semper Fidelis benefits greatly from the addition of more layers to the main female character, the medicus' native British wife, and the antics of Sabina, the wife of Emperor Hadrian.