Category: Historical Fiction

Christian Fiction, Five Stars, Giveaway, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Religion, Moderate Violence

A Waltz With Traitors Blog Tour

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This book is a stunning portrayal of war and the hard decisions that have to be made.

I loved that though the author didn’t sugar coat the circumstances, she beautifully wove the realities of the legions’ situations with hope and faith.

Even with those realities this book was hard to put down. I loved how the author was able to take an event spread out over so many miles of track and so much time and condense it into such a compelling account.

She shed light on an event that needs to be remembered and gave life to the individual struggles and emotions they may have experienced.

I admit to being lost in the historical details every now and then, but that only made me want to adjust my ignorance and get back into the story.

Rating: Romance and Language was clean. The Violence, though never graphic or vulgar, did include mentions of sexual assault, executions and war battles.

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Historical Fiction

Godmersham Park Book Tour

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A richly imagined novel inspired by the true story of Anne Sharp, a governess who became very close with Jane Austen and her family by the #1 International bestselling-author of Miss Austen.
On January 21, 1804, Anne Sharpe arrives at Godmersham Park in Kent to take up the position of governess. At thirty-one years old, she has no previous experience of either teaching or fine country houses. Her mother has died, and she has nowhere else to go.
Anne is left with no choice. For her new charge—twelve-year-old Fanny Austen—Anne’s arrival is all novelty and excitement.
The governess role is a uniquely awkward one. Anne is neither one of the servants, nor one of the family, and to balance a position between the “upstairs” and “downstairs” members of the household is a diplomatic chess game. One wrong move may result in instant dismissal. Anne knows that she must never let down her guard.
When Mr. Edward Austen’s family comes to stay, Anne forms an immediate attachment to Jane. They write plays together and enjoy long discussions. However, in the process, Anne reveals herself as not merely pretty, charming, and competent; she is clever too.
Even her sleepy, complacent, mistress can hardly fail to notice.
Meanwhile Jane’s brother, Henry, begins to take an unusually strong interest in the lovely young governess. And from now on, Anne’s days at Godmersham Park are numbered.

Godmersham-Park-Excerpt

AUTHOR BIO
Gill Hornby is the author of the novels Miss Austen, The Hive, and All Together Now,
as well as The Story of Jane Austen, a biography of Austen for young readers. She lives
in Kintbury, England, with her husband and their four children.

4 1/2 stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Royal Romance, Victorian

Having a Voice

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Based on the true story of the free-spirited daughter of Queen Victoria.

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“As a young woman, Princess Louise is considered the most beautiful and talented daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She is also strong-willed and resists following the queen’s rigid rules and strict protocols for a princess.

After her father’s untimely death, Louise’s life is upended by the inconsolable grief of her mother and the rippling effect that rocks the British Empire. Captive to the queen’s overwhelming mourning, Louise is forbidden to leave her mother’s tight circle of control, attend balls, or have any kind of relationship outside the royal family. She is relegated to the position of personal secretary to her mother—the same position each of her sisters held until they were married.

Already an accomplished painter, Louise risks the queen’s wrath by exploring the art of sculpting, an activity viewed as unbefitting a woman. When Louise involves herself in the day’s political matters without Queen Victoria’s approval, including championing the career of a female doctor and communicating with suffragettes, the queen lays down the law to stop her and devotes her full energy and resources to finding an acceptable match for her defiant daughter.”

This book is an absolutely fascinating historical fiction of a princess who comes to life under Moore’s hand.

A depiction of well researched history, the push and pull of family relationships, enduring love and the complexities of being both a royal and a person.

I loved the focus Moore placed on Princess Louise. You could tell the history was carefully researched, but was only a backdrop to the life of an amazing woman.

Her family was written incredibly well and Moore showed possibly very tricky relationships as genuine and real. Those relationships deepened the story and our knowledge of the princess, but never over shadowed her story.

The efforts in finding her a husband and their subsequent romance was heart melting, but only served to deepened our understanding of the princess.

Above all else this was a beautiful story about the power of voice and one woman’s struggle to have a voice, even in the shadow of a queen. And it was fabulously done.

Five Stars, Giveaway, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Moderate Violence, Victorian
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“Hazel Thornton has one great ambition: to help the sick and wounded as a nurse. But that dream can never become a reality. After a devastating childhood trauma, she has spent her life battling fits of panic that make it impossible to finish her studies. Everything changes, however, when a trip to Spain takes a perilous turn that derails her plans to visit her father for Christmas and immediately plunges her into the dangers of a brutal war.

With single-minded focus, she springs into action to help her fellow travelers. To ensure their continued care, she begins work at a Spanish hospital alongside Dr. John Jackson—a man whose only emotion seems to be wariness of his new assistant. Armed with gifts of support from each of her dearest friends, a group that dubs themselves the Blue Orchid Society, Hazel embarks on a journey of hope and healing to battle the demons of her past with the help of the doctor who has captured her heart.”

Jennifer Moore created a story of strength, of finding your independence, and realizing what’s worth fighting for.

Her imagery had the ability to make things at once heavy and then light. I felt the tension, thought I was in the hospital and could practically smell the dank place they were held in. I was fully drawn into every aspect of this story.

Her characters are strong and she writes with beautiful emotion. Hazel’s struggles were both real and relatable. I loved this book and thought it was the perfect addition to the Blue Orchid Society Series.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Violence (they are in a hospital in the middle of a war, but it’s not graphic), Low Religion

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Five Stars, Giveaway, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence
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“At eleven years of age, Rosalind Ainsworth was convinced that Sebastian Lumley, the future Duke of Kelbrook, was the most odious young man she’d ever met. And ten years later, after having had no contact with the nobleman in the intervening time, her opinion of him has not changed. Unfortunately, neither has the marriage contract their fathers signed soon after her birth.

As Rosalind’s twenty-first birthday and the appointed wedding day approaches, Sebastian makes a rare appearance in London. His first meeting with Rosalind since childhood goes less than perfectly, but Sebastian has a compelling reason for honoring their marriage contract—a reason outlined in a document kept behind his workshop’s locked door.

After a quick wedding, the new couple relocates to Finley Park, where their acquaintanceship slowly blossoms into affection. But when Sebastian’s secretive work threatens their fledgling relationship and Rosalind’s life is placed in jeopardy, Sebastian finds himself forced to choose between the man he has pledged to help and the woman he has come to love.“

Arranged marriages were not uncommon during the Georgian Era, in fact they were the norm. Not all arranged marriages were unhappy, and many were very successful. But there aren’t many stories about those. I loved the mature and natural way Sian Ann Bessey presented it. It felt real for the time period, and was also infused with goodness and hope. Her plot felt both genuine and historically accurate.

I’ve mentioned before how much I love her ability to write tension. Both in the suspense and in the romance. This book had both of those. The romance was built slowly, but beautifully. And the mystery gives us little mentions that leave delicious breadcrumbs without ruining the suspense.

Her characters have quirks that are endearing and back stories that create depth. I immediately connected with both main characters and loved every moment of their adventure together.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence

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Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence, Regency Romance

More than Romance

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“Amateur inventor Kester Barrington prefers the peace and quiet of his estate to the bustle of Society. But when his tight-knit group of friends, the Gents, descends on Livingsley Hall for their annual gathering, he stoically joins in their activities. It all seems exhausting—until an unexpected addition to the party catches his eye: his new neighbor, the lovely Violet.

Violet Ridley longs to make friends in this new corner of the country, but her family’s fortune was made through investments rather than inheritance, and Society can be fickle. So when tragedy forces her family to shelter at neighboring Livingsley Hall, Violet is delighted to receive a warm welcome from the Gents. In particular, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to Kester. The pair is a study in contrasts: Violet, with her sunny disposition, and Kester, with his prickly facade. Their connection is impossible to deny, but both Kester and Violet harbor heavy constraints. As their association becomes increasingly tangled and confused, their only hope of pursuing a life together is to trust one another with the very truths that could tear them apart.”

I’ve frequently commented on Sarah Eden‘s ability to connect readers to characters in a deep and meaningful way. A way that leaves a lasting impression. Violet and Kes were no exception. Violet in particular spoke to my heart, I saw so much of myself in her.

Sarah’s stories are about so much more than Romance. They’re about real relationships in various forms: friendships, romances, familial connections and how we navigate them.

Her writings encourage me to be a better friend, a better, sister and daughter, a better wife, a better me.

Despite her disinterest in kissing scenes, her  books will make you swoon too, but they also connect, uplift and inspire.

This book addressed grief, disability, and mental health awareness in a beautiful story about learning to trust yourself and others with such heavy things. I loved it.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence, Low Religion

High Romance, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Violence

Freedom to Be

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“Bloomsbury Books is an old-fashioned new and rare book store that has persisted and resisted change for a hundred years, run by men and guided by the general manager’s unbreakable fifty-one rules. But in 1950, the world is changing, especially the world of books and publishing, and at Bloomsbury Books, the girls in the shop have plans:

Vivien Lowry: Single since her aristocratic fiance was killed in action during World War II, the brilliant and stylish Vivien has a long list of grievances–most of them well justified and the biggest of which is Alec McDonough, the Head of Fiction.

Grace Perkins: Married with two sons, she’s been working to support the family following her husband’s breakdown in the aftermath of the war. Torn between duty to her family and dreams of her own.

Evie Stone: In the first class of female students from Cambridge permitted to earn a degree, Evie was denied an academic position in favor of her less accomplished male rival. Now she’s working at Bloomsbury Books while she plans to remake her own future.

As they interact with various literary figures of the time–Daphne Du Maurier, Ellen Doubleday, Sonia Blair (widow of George Orwell), Samuel Beckett, Peggy Guggenheim, and others–these three women with their complex web of relationships, goals and dreams are all working to plot out a future that is richer and more rewarding than anything society will allow.”

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This is a fantastically emotional book that makes you feel empowered, regardless of gender. It’s a book on societal structures and preconceived judgements. A critique on human nature and a champion for women without being degrading on the male sex. It was more a commentary on time period and history than anything else. And a discourse on writing itself.

You would think with all of that in one book, the read may feel sluggish and heavy.

I read it in two days, regretfully putting it down each time life called me away. I turned each page anxiously, thoroughly enthralled with the fabulously written characters on the page and the determination they showed.

The literary references are intellectually brilliant. They’re like little nuggets of happiness for every reading addict.

I would recommend this to readers of any gender, any genre and any time period.

***** Low Language, High Romance (there’s no sex on the page, but it is referred to. For as prudish as I can be, I was never uncomfortable with the language- but I wouldn’t give it a teenager to read either), Low Violence, Low Religion

Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Jane Austen Re-telling, Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Religion, Moderate Violence

The Murder of Mr. Wickham Book Tour

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“The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a party at their country estate, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances—characters beloved by Jane Austen fans. Definitely not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an even broader array of enemies. As tempers flare and secrets are revealed, it’s clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they’re all shocked when Wickham turns up murdered—except, of course, for the killer hidden in their midst.

Nearly everyone at the house party is a suspect, so it falls to the party’s two youngest guests to solve the mystery: Juliet Tilney, the smart and resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry, eager for adventure beyond Northanger Abbey; and Jonathan Darcy, the Darcys’ eldest son, whose adherence to propriety makes his father seem almost relaxed. In this tantalizing fusion of Austen and Christie, from New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray, the unlikely pair must put aside their own poor first impressions and uncover the guilty party—before an innocent person is sentenced to hang.”

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Have you ever thought, if Jane Austen held a house party and invited all her character, how would that go? Who would be friends?

As a Jane Austen fan I was delighted to be asked to be a part of this book launch. Who wouldn’t want a little more from this world. My one concern was if I would really feel as if I was back in Jane Austen’s world again. And Oh did I.

Claudia Gray did an amazing job of showing us what might have happened after happily ever after. Each character had a completely believable background since we last met them, a distinct voice and intriguing emotions.

Have you ever thought to yourself, why in the world did Wickham marry Lydia? Claudia portrays in her book, one of the best explanation I’ve ever heard. And if that’s not enough to get you to read it, the mystery alone would be.

How could any of our beloved characters be a murderer? You can’t turn pages fast enough. The author is really good at pointing the finger at everyone. Claudia’s mystery is woven wonderfully, giving you morsels of clues without any idea of who it really is.

There was one little moment that felt a bit like a soap box that seemed unnecessary. Until I kept reading. I was pleasantly surprised at how she encouraged a deeper thinking, and granted me a much needed dose of compassion for the era and what others may have struggled with. I came away impressed with how she handled all the complicated relationships on the page. Including the dimension she gave characters we thought we knew so well, and the new ones we are introduced to.

I would recommend this to not just fans of Jane Austen, but fans of historical fiction, romance, mystery, or just a good intelligent, entertaining read.

***** Low Language, Moderate Romance (the reason for this label is a spoiler alert, if you want details please don’t hesitate to message us here or on social media), Moderate Violence (the murder does not happen on page, but seen after the fact. The descriptions aren’t gory, but this is a murder mystery so it is referenced occasionally. There is also a moment of sexual assault told in flashback, but it is not detailed.), Moderate Religion (because two of the character’s professions have to do with the church, there is some intense discussions about morality and religious law. I felt however that these discussions only added to the depth of the characters and the intrigue of the story.)

Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Romance, Low Violence

Stars and Ice

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I have a confession. I have never seen the move Titanic. I’ve seen clips of it, but I’ve never seen the whole film. Obviously I’m very aware historically of what happened with the great ship Titanic, however I’m kind of glad I was not familiar with the intimate details before reading this book. I think it made the images more real and the emotions more poignant, then again with Rebecca’s writing it probably would have been that way regardless.

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“Shortly after midnight on April 15, 1912, the captain of the Carpathia, Arthur Rostron, is awakened by a distress signal from the RMS Titanic, which has struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage. Though information is scarce, Rostron leaps into action, determined to answer the call for help. But the Carpathia is more than four hours away, and there are more questions than answers: Will his ship hold together if pushed to never-before-tested speeds? What if he also strikes an iceberg? And with the freezing temperatures, will there be any survivors by the time the Carpathia arrives?

Kate Connolly is excited to join her sister in America and proud to be traveling on the grand Titanic. As a third-class passenger, she is among the last to receive instruction and help after Titanic hits an iceberg. Despite the chaos of abandoning ship, Kate is able to reach the upper decks and manages to board a lifeboat, though after seeing the Titanic sink into the abyss and hearing the cries from the hundreds of people still in the water, she wonders if any rescue is even possible.

Told in alternating chapters from both Captain Rostron on the Carpathia and Kate Connolly on the Titanic, this historical novel is a compelling, heart-pounding account of two eyewitnesses to an epic disaster. Rostron’s heroic and compassionate leadership, his methodical preparations for rescue, and his grit and determination to act honorably and selflessly to save lives and care for the survivors, sets the course for this awe-inspiring story.”

We are happy to tell anyone that will listen of our love of Rebecca Connolly‘s writing. She is an expert at swoony moments and witty banter. This book isn’t a romance. However, Rebecca is also an master story teller and that fact shone through this book.

The writing was incredibly well researched and impressively empathetic. I loved how the focus was more on the ramifications of the disaster, than it was on the disaster itself.

As a work of historical fiction, Rebecca has stated that all the names are real, and she does an amazing job of helping you feel like them as people and not just names on a page. She uses her amazing story telling to give them fictional moments, but those fictional moments just make the experience as a whole seem that much more real. Your heart breaks and stutters and heals as theirs does.

Her story did what historical fictions ought to do. It made me want to know more; more about the people, more about their moments and more about the rest of their lives.

This book was so hauntingly spectacular while also being a stunning message of hope. The dual perspectives was genius. It allowed the story to represent both the tragedy of the Titanic, told with detail and precision until you think your heart just can’t take it anymore. And the sacrifice and goodness of those on the Carpathia that came to their rescue.

I closed the book thinking, this is why we tell stories. So that people like this, and moments like this, can be remembered and honored. Thank you Rebecca for telling their story in such a beautiful way that it will linger with us and we won’t forget the heartache and the compassion you brought to life.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Low Violence (Though Rebecca is detailed in the story, I would still put it here. Her descriptions are never gory and they’re a result of a natural disaster not physical force intended to harm), Lowish Religion (Captain Rostron was a religious man and his introspective thoughts are sometimes portrayed in a spiritual in nature. Rebecca uses it in a fabulous way in the novel that feels natural and in line with the captain’s character.)

Five Stars, Historical Fiction, Low Language, Low Religion, Low Violence, Moderate Romance

Love Practically

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I’ve mentioned before how Nichole Van is pretty much a modern renaissance woman. Writer, photographer, designer and apparently an incredible poet. The title of her latest novel comes from a poem one of her characters writes that is as beautiful and stirring as the novel itself.

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As a young woman, Leah Penn-Leith fell hopelessly in love with Captain Fox Carnegie—the only irrational mark on her decidedly sensible life. Fox, unfortunately, did not return her regard.
Their story should have ended there. After all, Fox left for India. And Leah returned home to Scotland to rear her much younger brothers.
But twenty years later, Fox appears on Leah’s doorstep—older, scarred, and world-weary—proposing a marriage of convenience between them. He needs a mother for his young ward, and Leah, with her capable good sense, comes highly recommended. What woman could say No to such a proposal? Not Leah. Fox has always wreaked havoc on her ability to think rationally.
After their marriage, Leah confronts the chaotic reality of Fox’s life. His castle, ten miles up a rugged Highland glen, is shambolic. His ward, Madeline, is a precocious handful. Fox’s time in India is shrouded in rumor and mystery. Worst of all, Fox himself is distant and broken, his personality as altered as his scarred body.
Throughout it all, Leah is left with two questions: What happens to a woman after her most-cherished fantasy comes true? And can a marriage, begun in practicality, transform into something deeper? Something like . . . love.

Nichole’s stories are real and raw. Heartache and misunderstandings that are not filled with drama, but just filled with life. There are no villains, though sometimes there are people who do villainous things. And always an eventual love this is lasting and genuine, but hard work.

This story has enough lighthearted moments and characters to make you laugh out loud and enough heartache to make the tears flow free. Underlying everything with emotions that resonate and characters that make you feel seen.

Nichole’s words do more than just tell a story. Her words paint pictures that fill your mind and your heart for days and weeks after. Sometimes I feel like she’s crawled up in my brain and used her story to poke and prod at the dark spots, until her characters struggles become my own and her story makes me see things I didn’t know I knew.

This novel was all of that. Beautiful, stirring and instantly going on my re-read shelf.

***** Low Language, Low Violence(there are mentions of war and injury and mental illness, but nothing detailed), Moderate Romance (because Leah and Fox are married fairly soon in the novel there are more adult conversations and actions, but all the actions are off page, and all the communication is respectful between a husband and a wife), Low Religion