Historical Fictionistas discussion

I am a very picky reader because my reading time is both valuable and scarce. I am always unsure of what to purchase or check out from the library because I don't want to waste my time on silly reads. I am looking for a book in the historical fiction genre (obviously) that is intelligently written, has romance, but that is not the central plot, and takes place in Europe. I read The Historian and adored it, so anything close would be good. Thanks!

The Winter Sea although it does have a romantic line to it....but a good story

This one is very long, but well worth the read The Count of Monte Cristo.

If you liked The Historian, then you will love:

It covers a huge amount of time during the Rennasaince, and is a massively interesting read. A lot of research went into the book. Also, one of my favorite all time books is:

Both of them are really well written, and relatively quick reads.

My favorite literary HF thus far has been At Swim Two Boys by Jamie O'Neill.

If you like a little bit of romance with your history try Anne Easter Smiths novels. They're about the Plantagentes, a mistress of Richard III, a daughter of Edward IV, Margaret (older sister to Edward and Richard), and Cecily Neville (Edward and Richards mother).
The books are, A Rose for the Crown, The King's Grace, Daughter of York, and Queen By Right respectively.
I really enjoyed them and would highly recommend them to anyone.

I have lots of recommendations since HF has always been a favorite genre for me. Thinking back over what I really loved I would have to suggest off the top of my head my real faves. These would be by Anya Seton, by Anya Seton, and by Annemarie Selinko and by Taylor Caldwell.

I recently readThe Rossetti Letter byChristi Phillips and I think it's just what you're looking for--I enjoyed it a lot.