Tag Archives: historical fiction

Something New from Jocelyn Green

15 Tuesday Jan 2019

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between two shores

 

Jocelyn Green is an author of some pretty amazing historical fiction. In fact, I am always sure to be aware of when she has a new release! I was truly excited to read Between Two Shores. Having said that, this novel was not my favorite. I am not sure I can put my finger on it, but I have a few ideas.

Between Two Shores began with a series of flashbacks that tell the back story of the main character, Catherine, her family, and Simon (a man she once loved.).  I somehow got lost in the flashbacks. So much so, I was afraid there might have been a prior novel and I had failed to read it! I thought for certain I had missed something. Secondly, I was a little disappointed in the big plot twist I for sure did not see coming. Had I not been so far into the story…i might have thrown in the towel.

Somewhere in the story…i really tried hard to find it again…Green writes that sometimes stories don’t end the way we think they should. This is true for me for this book.  Here is the thing, just because this book wasn’t my cup of tea doesn’t mean it won’t be yours. If you love historical fiction, a war-time story, and strong female characters, this could be your favorite book all year! I requested a copy from NetGalley to read because I know I love Jocelyn Green books. I was not required to give a positive review and I was not compensated.

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A New Favorite!

11 Wednesday Jul 2018

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engraved on the heart

 

This book is such a good example of why you should read new authors! Tara Johnson wrote an outstanding debut novel with Engraved on the Heart. It has all the essential historical fiction components: an interesting historical subject, a strong heroine, love, and a dashing hero.

I read this book in giant chunks, staying up too late to get just a little bit further.  This novel centers around the beginning of the civil war and the work of the underground railroad. A young lady, Keziah Montgomery, is the daughter of a Confederate family in Savannah. She reunites with an old friend, Dr. Micah Greyson,  who shares her heart and her desire to help enslaved people escape to freedom. Keziah does all that she can to protect their secrets, including agreeing to marry a man of her father’s choosing.

There is nothing lacking in this first effort by Tara Jacobs. I can’t wait to read her next book that should be out next summer.  If it has been awhile since you tried a new author, this one is for you. I requested a copy of this book from the publisher because I love historical fiction. I was not required to give this book a positive review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.

Love and Revolution

09 Friday Mar 2018

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A refugee assured

 

Lovers of historical fiction will find a new favorite in this story of revolution, adventure, and romance.  A Refuge Assured is a page turner with interesting and flawed characters who come alive as the story unfolds. Green writes around a tense and gory time in French history. In fact, the first few chapters had me googling to remind myself of history I had forgotten. While this book does involve a romance, it is not the focus. The love story of A Refuge Assured  is subtle and slow. There is no instant love, quick romance, and rush to marriage.

I loved getting to know the character of Vivienne Rivard as her life changes drastically in just a few short years.  As the story begins, Vivienne is a lacemaker for Mary Antoinette and the nobility of France.  After the French Revolution begins, Vivienne is forced to flee to America to save her own neck.  Everyone she loves is gone, and she must begin a new life. While there is a hero in this historical tale, Vivienne is a heroine in her own right. I love that Green allows Vivienne to make her own way and have a love story!

If you are an avid historical fiction reader, you will pick up on a connections between this novel and The Lacemaker by Laura Franz.  This connection was hinted at in Frantz’s book in the acknowledgements, which ultimately led me to read A Refuge Assured.  Both books are about 18th century lacemakers. I truly enjoyed both and highly recommend them. I requested a copy of this book from Bethany House Fiction because it was on my must read list. I was not disappointed! Bethany House does not require me to write a positive review. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

New from Sarah Sundin!

04 Sunday Mar 2018

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the Sea before us

 

This is the very first time I have read a book by Sarah Sundin! I am so glad I discovered her book, The Sea Before Us! It is the first book in her new series Sunrise at Normandy. I typically read 19th century historicals, so this World War II book felt new and interesting to me. This series will follow the lives of three brothers who are each on an unplanned path. The Sea Before Us is about the oldest of the Paxton brothers, Wyatt.  After tragedy strikes his family, Wyatt fleas his life in Texas and eventually joins the war effort in Great  Britain with the U.S. Navy. It is there he meets Dorothy, a Wren in the Royal Navy. While her heart belongs to someone else, Wyatt can’t help his growing affection for Wren.

While this book is definitely a romance, it also is full of substance. There is mystery, love, war, and so much history in this novel. Sundin clearly does her homework before writing. If I had one critique of the book, it would be the amount of technical information included. I got a little lost in all of the Navy speak, but it did not cause me to lose interest.

If you are looking for a new favorite author, you will find one in Sundin. I am anxiously awaiting book two, Sunrise at Normandy. I have also made a list of the other novels by Sundin to read in the meantime. I requested a review copy of this book from its publisher. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

 

 

Book Review: Heart on the Line

08 Saturday Jul 2017

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Heart on the line

 

I never miss a new Karen Witemeyer novel! I really enjoy the way she writes historical fiction. Heart on the Line is another well written story by one of my favorite authors. It contains all the essentials for a good read: a strong woman, a hero in the making, and a few twists and turns to keep things interesting.

Heart on the Line is the second full novel in the Ladies of Harper’s Station series. This story continues the story line of the women who have come to call Harper’s Station home. These ladies have created a community where women live independently and provide for themselves. They own stores, run the school, and farm all on their own. Grace Mallory is the town telegraph operator who came to Harper’s Station after witnessing her father’s murder. She has made this town her home, but longs to stop looking over her shoulder. Grace meets another telegraph operator who shows up to help just in time.

There are some really interesting twists in this fun story.  I found the love story in this book refreshing. Grace’s love interest isn’t a perfectly handsome and wealthyman in a tailored suit.  Heart on the Line makes for great summer reading and should definitely make your short list. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher. I was not required to give it a positive review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated. To find more books by Karen Witemeyer check out her website at KarenWitemeyer.com.

Book Review: Behind the Scenes

12 Wednesday Apr 2017

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Behind the Scenes

 

Jen Turano has created her own genre of fiction by writing humorous historical romances. Behind the Scenes is the perfect example of historical fiction meets romantic comedy. I have read many titles by Turano, and this by far is the quirkiest. While I enjoyed it, there were a few times I felt like parts of the story were a bit over the top.

In Behind the Scenes, a wallflower, Permilia Griswold discovers a murder plot while attending the Vanderbilt ball. It involves the handsome Asher Rutherford…one of the few gentlemen who found his way onto her dance card. Permilia knows she must protect Asher and find out who wants him dead, and why. From here, the story takes a number of crazy turns. Near the end, I found myself laughing at the unexpected conclusion. It was almost if Permilia had wondered on to the set of Days of Our Lives.  I should also add that Turano tells her stories through dialogue. There isn’t a tremendous about of scene description or pages of inner thought. Behind the Scenes is eighty percent conversation.

All things considered, Behind the Scenes is a decent read that I enjoyed. It isn’t a book I would consider a favorite, but not every book can be. This book is the start to a news series and I am hopeful I will enjoy the subsequent books even more.  Turano’s After a Fashion, is without a doubt one of her most memorable novels. If you enjoy humor and historical fiction, this book is for you! Jen Turano writes like no other author in the Christian Historical Fiction genre. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Netgalley and Bethanyhouse. I was not required to give a positive review and I have not been compensated in any way.

A New Favorite from Tamera Alexander

25 Wednesday Jan 2017

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a-note-yet-unsung

 

I have had the privilege of reading all three books in Tamera Alexander’s Belmont Mansion series.  This last book, A Note Yet Unsung is without a question my favorite of the three! It was a fantastic ending to a fabulous series!! While this book is third in the series, you could absolutely read it as a stand alone. Tamera Alexander does include characters from the previous books, but in a fun flashback sort of way.

A Note Yet Unsung, is a charming story about a tenacious woman before her time. Rebekah Carrington has arrived home to Nashville from Vienna without money or a safe place to live. She is an extremely talented musician living in a time when women are not invited to participate in symphonies. She soon finds that the city has acquired its own philharmonic with a promising conductor, Nathaniel T. Whitcomb. The war is over and times are changing… perhaps Mr. Whitcomb will offer her an opportunity to live her dream. Her hope for her future rests in hands.

I love the way Tamera Alexander develops this story. There is no love at first sight or unbelievable relationship created. Page by page, Rebekah and Nathaniel get to know one another. I love the amount of page time dedicated to the development of their story. This story is perfection, an easy five stars. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Netgalley. I was not required to give it a positive review. To be perfectly honest, I was patiently waiting for this book’s release so I could request it. I would have purchased a copy for myself because Tamera Alexander is in my top three must read authors!!

09 Monday Jan 2017

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a-moonbow-night

 

Every year I eagerly await a new story from my favorite author Laura Frantz. When I know my copy is in route to my mailbox I can hardly stand the anticipation! Laura Frantz is a historian, wordsmith, and a poet. Frantz’s newest novel, A Moonbow Night, does not disappoint! I hung on every word and turned every page with great anticipation.

In A Moonbow Night, author Laura Frantz has penned a tale of love and hardship in the wilderness. It so reminds me of the stories like Legends of the Fall or a River Runs Through It. The leading lady, Temeperance is lovely but strong and a heroine in her own right. Sion, the man who invades Tempe’s life and heart, in my mind is handsome like Brad Pitt and rough around edges. They meet at the Moonbow Inn on the Shawnee River run by Tempe and her family. Sion comes to find that he needs Tempe’s help as a guide to complete his work as a surveyor. They set out together on a dangerous trek through the wilderness where they will risk their lives and hearts.

I was totally captivated by this story! I am blown away by Frantz’s ability to write a new story with unique characters. This book is wonderful and I stayed up late a few nights so I could read it without interruption! I whole heartedly recommend A Moonbow Night to anyone who enjoys historical fiction done well. I was given a complimentary copy to this book by its publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. In all honesty, I would have bought this book had I not received a review copy.

A New Book from Julie Klassen

21 Wednesday Dec 2016

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the-innkeeper-of-ivy-hill

 

I am a long time fan of author Julie Klassen. I have read every book she has written with the exception of The Silent Governess. My favorites include The Secret of Pembrooke Park, The Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Painter’s Daughter.  Klassen’s new novel, The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill, is a bit different than her prior novels. I can’t say that it will make my list of favorites, but it could be a start to an interesting series.

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill isn’t so much about a single character but about an entire town with a focus on a number of characters.  If you follow period dramas and novels, I would liken the setting to Lark Rise to Candleford with hints of Jane Austen and even the Mitford Series by Jan Karon. Klassen discloses these as inspiration in her Author’s Notes, but I assumed so as I read…especially because of a character named Sir Timothy (Lark Rise to Candleford).

Of all the characters Klassen writes about in this novel, my least favorite was Thora who gets quite a bit of page time. I am pretty sure she was meant to be more like a Dorkus (Lark Rise again) but I couldn’t shake the image of Harriet Olsen from Little House on the Prairie.  Thora is a tough middle aged woman who lacks any gentility and was difficult to pull for in the story. My favorite character, Jane, didn’t get as much page time as Thora. Well, at least it felt that way.  The book begins with Jane and her current predicament of widowhood, looming debt, and an Inn she never really had much to with that is now hers to run. This novel is not about Jane finding love again, or being rescued by anyone but herself.  I’ll admit that I am a sucker for romantic historical fiction and because all romance in this book belongs to Thora…I struggled.

I will read the next book in this series, with hope that I will see some closure for characters I feel like I have come to know. Klassen is still one of my favorite authors, this just wasn’t my favorite book. It took me longer than usual to get through, but I did finish.  I would encourage you to read The Painter’s Daughter to really get why Klassen is such an amazing writer. She really is top notch.  I was given a complimentary copy of this title by its publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are my own and I have not been compensated.

New from Shelley Shepard Gray

03 Wednesday Aug 2016

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Loyal Heart

I so enjoyed The Loyal Heart by Shelley Shepard Gray! I was a little timid choosing it to read because I have never read anything by Gray and I have the tendency to be a Historical Fiction snob. Historical Fiction, for me, must feel accurate, tell a page turning story, and include a romance. It is a tall order, but Gray does it!

The Loyal Heart  is the first book in Gray’s A Lone Star Hero’s Love Story series. Novels based in Texas are always fun to read because of the culture and dynamic of people who live there. In The Loyal Heart a war widow, Miranda Markham, is struggling to continue life without her husband Phillip. They were married just before he left to fight. Though they had little time together, their match was a true love story. Phillip’s comrades made a pact to care for Miranda in the instance Phillip didn’t make it home. Robert Truax, who served with Phillip, travels to Galveston to see to Miranda and investigate her circumstances. Robert makes it his mission to see Miranda’s life made better and in doing so finds himself falling for her.

Author Shelley Shepard Gray does many things right in this novel. Gray created interesting and believable characters I really enjoyed reading…and spent many late nights doing so. She also did an amazing job telling the back story, the one a reader often doesn’t get. Not only did she tell the back story, but she did so through flashbacks and she managed to do it well. I did not feel lost or confused and I feel like the chapters that look back enrich the story.

As a picky Historical Fiction reader, I give this novel an easy five stars. It has been a long time since I have read something I enjoyed so much. Gray has a new loyal reader in me. I was given a complimentary copy of this book by BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.