Category: Historical Fiction

Historical Fiction

Theme: Unconventional Women

Kristie

Two of the best books I’ve read in recent months focus on women going against society’s expectations during periods in history when such behavior was much less acceptable. These are books not to be missed:

October in the Earth, by Olivia Hawker, takes place in Depression-era Kentucky. Del Wensley is the submissive wife of the area’s most influential and charismatic preacher. But not all is as it seems and, when her husband’s rampant infidelity is revealed, Del decides to leave her life behind and ride the rails. Crisscrossing the country, she meets friends and foes, learning the laws of life as a hobo from a young woman named Louisa. As the two travel together, Del is relentlessly pursued by her disgraced husband. She witnesses kindness and horror, sympathy and rejection, and comes to understand that true Christian behavior is found in the most unlikely places.

I devoured this book, spellbound by its imagery and the relationship between Del and Louisa. They hop on and off boxcars, face unimaginable danger, and are challenged physically, but their strength and friendship are their armor through every difficulty. There is so much to love about this story, not the least of which is an ending that I never expected. 9.5/10 Stars

Don’t Forget to Write, by Sara Goodman Confino is available with a Kindle Unlimited subscription and comes with the accompanying audiobook, which is superbly narrated. Set in 1960, we follow twenty-year-old Marilyn Kleinman, the rebellious daughter of Jewish parents who is sent to live with her great aunt Ada after being caught necking with the rabbi’s son in the synagogue. Aunt Ada is strict, cantankerous, and critical, but she is also wise, generous, and well-respected by all who know her. Aunt and niece spar endlessly, but their bond deepens over two summer months. Meanwhile, Marilyn learns life lessons she never realized she needed and comes into her own as a young woman ready to make her own choices.

I finished this book today and I knew I would be remiss if I didn’t mention it here. It is wondrous. One of the best books I’ve read this year, and nothing I say here will do it justice. It could be seen as historical fiction or as a coming-of-age story. Some might interpret it as a comment on hot button topics like religion, race, and sexual attraction. My main takeaway of this extremely well-written novel was this: even if we don’t agree with someone, even if we don’t understand them, we can still love and respect them. I’ll say no more. Just read this book. 9.5/10 Stars

ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), Historical Fiction, Reading Wrap Up, Romance

August Reading Wrap Up!

Kristie

August has been only a semi-productive reading month, but better than I expected after a very slow start. It’s been a hodge podge of advance copies, historical fiction, regency romances, a cute story of a pet fox, and a fantastic contemporary novel with time travel. Here are some of the highlights:

Best Book of the Month: The Seven Year Slip, by Ashley Poston

I LOVED this book. Imagine a magical apartment in NYC, one that transports you seven years into the past. This is what happens to Clementine when she inherits her aunt’s flat in a one-hundred year old building. Problem #1: Seven years ago her aunt was alive, traveling abroad, and had sublet the apartment to a young man named Iwan. While Clementine and Iwan learn to share the space in the past, she is also vying for a promotion at a literary agency in the present. Problem #2: Every time Clementine goes home she doesn’t know if she will stay in the now or be swept back seven years. Despite that, there is a certain advantage of knowing the past and the present, because she has the power to change things for the better. It isn’t as confusing as it sounds, but it is incredibly clever. Some will figure out the “twist” (I did) and some will not, as well as the hint that is always given when the time slip is about to happen. This is my second Ashley Poston book and I think I may have liked it even more than The Dead Romantics. She takes the modern rom-com concept and adds a bit of magic that I’ve never seen anyone do better. 9.5/10 Stars

Biggest Disappointments: Shark Heart by Emily Habeck and Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

Oh, these two books! I was so looking forward to both of them, especially Shark Heart, the story of a newly married couple who receive the news that the husband is changing into a Great White Shark. Such a unique concept that was executed so poorly, due to flashbacks and tangents. Oddly, this was exactly the problem (plus a ton of language) in Happiness Falls, the story of a Korean American family where the dad goes missing one morning. The youngest child, a 14 year old non verbal autistic son with Angelman Syndrome, is the only person who saw what happened. Again, a superb concept with so much potential. And, again, a plot bogged down by tons of minutiae. Sadly, 6/10 Stars for each of these.

Best Author Discoveries: Ashtyn Newbold and Martha Keyes

I’ve been in a clean historical romance mood lately, and happily surprised at the way certain authors create distinctive stories within the boundaries of time period norms. Aside from personal favorites Sally Britton and Joanna Barker, Ashtyn Newbold and Martha Keyes do a very good job of this. I loved the characters, dialogue flow, and plots in both of Ashtyn Newbold’s books I read this month. Martha Keyes writes a lot of books set in late 18th century Scotland. The writing is a bit more cumbersome because characters use a heavy Scottish accent, but I’ve enjoyed the characters and their stories. Although Unrequited, set in England, was a misfire for me.

The Captain’s Confidante: 9/10 Stars

The Matchmaker’s Request: 9/10 Stars

The Innkeeper and the Fugitive: 8.5 Stars

Of Lands High and Low: 8/10 Stars

Unrequited: 6/10 Stars

Expatriate Women in 1940’s Paris: The Paris Assignment by Rhys Bowen and The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel

These two books would make good reading for a college paper because there are so many parallels between them. Both books are about women who move to France and get swept up in marriages with men who do not live up to their expectations. Both women are separated from their children. Both are put to work during the war, doing jobs they never expected to do. I doubt all of these similarities were intentional (even the titles are similar) but I still liked each book. The plots are still individual enough to stand firmly on their own as decent stories of strong women making impossible choices during a very turbulent time. 9/10 Stars for each.

As I said, a hodge podge of a month!

Historical Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Four MORE Historical Romances

Kristie

It’s so satisfying to be swept back in time and carried away in a clean, period romance. There is a group of authors I like, mostly with Covenant Communications Publishing, who churn out stories that are both delightful and deep. Once you’re able to get past the completely unoriginal cover art, you’ll find that some lovely books await.

Here are four I’ve read recently:

A Beautiful Love, by Megan Walker, was a shorter novel that reads as a Beauty and the Beast retelling. A scarred young hero must find his way back into a society that demands polished perfection. It was a decent read, but a bit thin. 8/10 Stars

Courting the Vicar’s Daughter, by Sally Britton, had great potential. I loved the main characters and the premise of a wealthy heir trying to find some purpose in his life while befriending a young lady who has motivation but no means. I did feel a slight disconnect from the story, however, and there was an irritating misunderstanding near the end that felt completely unnecessary. 8.5/10 Stars

The Managing Miss, by Heidi Kimball, was very fun and a book I would recommend. The oldest sister of an aristocratic, but orphaned and impoverished group of siblings, makes a last-ditch effort to save her family. She creates a ruse to introduce one of her cousins to eligible young men by means of a made-up connection to an influential neighbor. She schemes, but does so guiltily and with personal sacrifice. This was a great book with eccentric characters and a menagerie of pets that were hilarious. 9/10 Stars

Reforming Lord Neil, by Sally Britton, is the best of the bunch and a book I hope one of my blog followers will consider reading. A penniless widow has been turned out by her brother-in-law and must now fend for herself, her young daughter, and her mother. Her glittery society life has become one of hard labor and living by her wits. When a disheveled man shows up at her farm she has little to offer, but allows him to stay and work, unaware of his background and his own recent turn of fortune. There is growth, kindness, service, and admiration among these fantastic characters with an extremely satisfying ending. Just remembering the story makes me want to read the book again. I highly recommend it! 9.5/10

Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance

Two Superb Historical Romances

Kristie

Thanks to two wonderful books, my sensitive heart was left in pieces twice this week. A rare thing. Allow me to share them with you. Both are available now. Both are worth your time.

Hope Between the Pages, by Pepper Basham, is a dual timeline story. Set in Asheville, North Carolina, the modern plot follows Clara Blackwell, a bookseller struggling to maintain the family business. A trek to England weaves in the story of Clara’s great-grandmother Sadie, a plucky young woman who once worked at the Biltmore Mansion and followed her heart across the sea. There is mystery, intrigue, profound loss, and unusual romances in both time periods. The strong family connections and class distinctions add extra elements of thought-provoking drama in this surprising find by an author I’ve read before, but only an advanced copy rom-com. Pepper Basham’s historical fiction is definitely where her strength lies. 9/10 Stars

The Lady and the Lionheart is by Joanne Bischof, one of the BEST author discoveries I’ve made in 2023. You’ll recall my recent glowing reviews of her Blackbird Mountain series. The Lady and the Lionheart is another beautiful, heart-wrenching novel that touches on the themes of trusting God and rising above our challenges. Set mostly in a Victorian-era circus, we follow lion tamer Charlie Lionheart as he cares for his infant niece. The baby’s high fever brings him to Ella, a nurse-in-training with her own tragic past. Compassionate Ella sees beyond Charlie’s profession and scandalous appearance. There is so much depth and nuance to this book, I do not want to reveal too much except to say it is a masterful piece of writing. Strangely, it parallels well with the contemporary More Than We Can Tell, by Brigid Kemmerer. If I was still in college I would write a paper about these two books. Read The Lady and the Lionheart. You’ll be glad you did. It deserves much more applause and acclaim than I can give it here. 9.5/10 Stars

Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Series & Collections

Blackbird Mountain Series, by Joanne Bischof

Kristie

It is 1890, and 21 year old widow Aven Norgaard has traveled alone from Norway to Virginia. The only family who awaits are her late husband’s cousins and a kind aunt who assured Aven in a letter that she had a home there when she arrived. But after months of travel, nothing is as she expects. Aunt Dorothe is dead and the cousins are not small children who need care, but three brothers who live and work together in their orchards and cidery.

The oldest, Jorgan, takes on the role of father figure to all who live on their land, including emancipated slaves. Haakon, the youngest, means well but chafes under the rules of his older siblings. It is Thorald, the quiet middle brother, Aven’s protector and friend, who most intrigues her.

Over the course of 4 years, we grow to love these characters as they explore their faith, fight personal demons, and constantly work to save their land. These books have such rich stories, I cannot do them justice here except to say that they completely enveloped me. The best I can do it recommend them highly and allow future readers to be swept away by their beauty. They are treasures.

9.5/10 Stars for this lush series!

Fiction, Historical Fiction, Suspense, Young Adult

Book Hangover Titles, 2023 Pt. 1

Kristie

This morning I saw an interesting post. Someone asked the question: “What was the last book you read that left you with a book hangover?” It got me thinking.

If you’re unaware, a book hangover can best be described as that feeling of numbness and mourning that happens when you finish a book that leaves you emotionally gutted. Some authors, like Diane Chamberlain and Brigid Kemmerer, are especially skilled at writing stories that have that effect on me. It’s probably why I keep going back to their books again and again.

Can a story still be great and not leave you with a book hangover? Absolutely! In fact, three of my favorite authors usually don’t (Katherine Center, Boo Walker, Mimi Matthews,) but I still find their writing engrossing and love their books. Like all reading, it’s a highly personal feeling. The important thing, hangover or not, is that special connection between an author’s work and the reader.

After seeing the original question, I went to Goodreads and browsed books I’ve read so far this year. There are lots, many of which I’ve rated very highly on this blog, but only fourteen qualify for the book hangover category. If you’re a reading slump, and it happens to all of us, I’m certain that one of these books will save you. Most have reviews on this site. Happy Reading!

Moonrise, by Sarah Crossan

Making Faces, by Amy Harmon

Whiskey When We’re Dry, by John Larison

The Stolen Marriage, by Diane Chamberlain

More Than We Can Tell, by Brigid Kemmerer

The Escape Artist, by Diane Chamberlain

The Spectacular, by Fiona Davis (just released!)

The Last House On The Street, by Diane Chamberlain

The Homecoming of Samuel Lake, by Jenny Wingfield

One, by Sarah Crossan

Restart, by Gordon Korman

Entitled, by Cookie Boyle

What to Say Next, by Julie Buxbaum

The Child Finder, by Rene Denfeld

Historical Fiction, Romance

A Heart Worth Stealing, by Joanna Barker

Kristie

My reading has slowed down a lot this month because of the beta reading detour, but I would be remiss if I did not dedicate a blog post to A Heart Worth Stealing, by Joanna Barker. Because beneath this unassuming cover is one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read–yes, you read that right! No matter how often I was pulled away, which was frequently, this book always called me back.

It is 1805, and Genevieve Wilde, an heiress in her mid-twenties, has been tasked with running her father’s vast estate after his death. Aside from overseeing the house accounts and the servants, she must now contend with threats and vandalism from an anonymous source. And, to top it off, her father’s beloved pocket watch is missing. Whether or not its absence is related to the ongoing drama is unknown and irrelevant. All Genevieve wants is to get it back.

Ignored by the police and condescended to by the local magistrate, Genevieve decides to hire a thief-taker, an unusual choice for a lady of her position. Enter Jack Travers, who insists he is the man for the job if only Genevieve will tolerate his methods, which are anything but conventional. And this is where the fun begins. Jack and “Ginny” embark on a relationship filled with tug-of-war banter, putting forth their efforts to outwit each other as much as finding the watch. In doing so, and with the story enhanced by some colorful supporting characters, feelings and secrets come to light while intrigue and adventure abound.

I would love, LOVE to see this book done as a film, because that is how it played out in my mind. And one of the best parts is that all of these entertaining escapades are achieved without steam or vulgarity. They rely solely and successfully on fantastic, high-quality writing. If you love historical fiction and want a clean story with wit, wonder, and tenderness, you will love this one! Joanna Barker has been a great author discovery! I will definitely read more of her books.

9.5/10 Stars

Fiction, Historical Fiction, Magical Realism, Women's Fiction

Weyward, by Emilia Hart

Kristie

“The connections between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet.”
― Emilia Hart, Weyward

Three women across five centuries are bound by an ancient name, a special gift, a humble cottage, and hardship. This is the story of Weyward, a loving tribute to the strength of females everywhere.

England, 1619. Altha, like many others of her era, has been accused of witchcraft and must stand trial for her alleged crimes. Violet, languishing in her family’s mansion in 1942, longs to know more of the outside world. And Kate, pregnant and afraid, escapes an abusive relationship in 2019, fleeing to a cottage left to her by a great aunt she never knew.

One by one, we learn more about these extraordinary women. We discover their connections to the mysteries of nature and to each other, showing their collective ability to rise above their constraints and the men who try to dominate them. They have their accusers, their predators, and their allies. But first they must endure their separate challenges and tap into the history and secrets that weave their stories together.

Weyward is an exceptional debut novel. It is unique, beautiful, haunting, and uplifting. Be aware that there are definite triggers, such as rape and emotional/physical abuse. But also know that in its storytelling lies the message that overcoming such things is possible. The power is within all of us.

9.5/10 Stars

Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Romance

Theme: Time Travel Romances

Kristie

This week, in an effort to fulfill some challenges for my book group, I read two novels that dealt with time travel. I’ll admit, there were things I liked about both of them and things that I did not. But I did realize what a tricky subject time travel is in a story. There are many details to consider: how does the person fall into another time? Do they stay or return? Do they bring someone back or leave them forever? Who do they tell? How much does their visit disrupt the future?

Let’s take a look at the two books I read, knowing that the concept of time travel is something still unexplored in reality and that a suspension of belief is required in order to embrace it in a plot.

I struggled with both books, but I liked the way time travel was handled more in Forever You, by Leah Busboom. If you’ve seen the movie Kate & Leopold, with its lightning strike and time portal, then you’ll have an idea of the way country singer, Lacy, accidentally jumps from 2021 to 1855 in the blink of an eye. Half of the book is her life in the past, half of it is in the present. She grapples with the lack of modern conveniences and is very self-aware of what she can and cannot endure in an era when everything was more difficult. She never tries to be someone she isn’t and makes some hard choices. The events of the past and present are sewn together in a clever way and, though the story itself is a bit syrupy, I appreciated that it stayed focused on Lacy and her two important relationships without a lot of external distractions. 8.5/10 Stars

What the Wind Knows, by Amy Harmon, is mainly set in Ireland. In 2001, writer Anne Gallagher travels from New York to the Emerald Isle to scatter her beloved grandfather’s ashes. In a swirl of mist and fog she is transported eighty years into the past, landing in 1921 amidst the Irish War of Independence. She is mistaken for her namesake (her great grandmother) who had gone missing, and must adjust to the time period and the questions about her sudden “reappearance.” Revolutionary Michael Collins and his crusade for Ireland’s freedom from Britain play large roles, forcing the reader to juggle a lot of names, events, historical facts, and fictional characters. The writing is lovely, especially as Anne spends time with long-deceased family members, but I felt like the story was trying to accomplish too much, which became tiresome. I would’ve preferred a trimmed-down version without the political drama. The ending, while hopeful, felt a bit forced in order to gift wrap a satisfying conclusion. 8/10 Stars

Fiction, Historical Fiction

The Stolen Marriage, by Diane Chamberlain

Kristie

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: where have Diane Chamberlain’s books been all my life? Yesterday I devoured The Stolen Marriage, another excellent story by an author who is quickly becoming a favorite. She is, certainly, the best author discovery I’ve made in 2023.

Set in the mid 1940s, World War II and the polio epidemic are raging and claiming lives both in the US and overseas. Baltimore nursing student, Tess DeMello, is grateful that her fianceé, Dr. Vincent Russo, doesn’t have to go to war, but despondent when he decides to help with the increasing polio cases in faraway Chicago. It’s only temporary, he says, and their wedding is still scheduled to take place on time. But as his return gets delayed again and again, Tess is convinced that Vincent is staying away for other reasons. Feeling rejected, despite Vincent’s reassurance that she’s the only one, Tess makes a decision that alters the course of her life.

Suddenly, everything Tess had planned is in the rear-view mirror. That momentary choice she made has placed her in a new situation surrounded by new people, none of whom accept and love her. But sometimes the greatest challenges are the things that show us our true strengths, and new places are not always what they seem.

The Stolen Marriage was a superb read that I could not put down. Diane Chamberlain has a fluid writing style that captivates the reader from the very beginning and characters who feel like real people giving us a glimpse into their lives. She touches on domestic themes, often weaving in racial issues that were happening at the time, giving the reader a lot to think about without being heavy handed. Her storytelling is unparalleled, with endings that leave you gasping for air. You will feel sorrow, empathy, shock, and relief. Like the other books I’ve read by Chamberlain, The Stolen Marriage is a wild emotional ride that I would willingly go on again and again as I continue to work my way through all of her novels.

9.5/10 Stars

Historical Fiction, Romance

The Unknown Beloved, by Amy Harmon

Kristie

I’m struggling, dear reader. I’m struggling. As much as I love historical fiction, I’m realizing that the events chosen by the author don’t always work. This is my dilemma with the last two Amy Harmon books I’ve read, A Girl Called Samson and now The Unknown Beloved.

Why is it that some historical fiction feels so right? I’m thinking of Rhys Bowen’s and Jennifer Ryan’s books set during World War II, Fiona Davis’s The Spectacular, and even the iconic Titanic movie. The Spectacular is the one I compare the most with The Unknown Beloved, because both of them have to do with killers that terrorized major cities. In The Spectacular it was The Mad Bomber in New York. In The Unknown Beloved it is the Torso Murderer, known for killing and dismembering his victims in Cleveland, Ohio.

Bear with me as I try and work this out in my mind. First of all, the suspect thought to be NYC’s Mad Bomber was caught. Caught in the book and caught in real life. It was a case that pioneered criminal profiling for the future of police work. And, although, there are some fictional characters at the center of The Spectacular, mainly the female protagonist who becomes a Rockette, there is the right balance between her story and the crimes. And, most importantly, there is no forced romance that gets in the way.

The Unknown Beloved begins in the 1920s. A couple is murdered, leaving their young daughter, Daniela, orphaned. Fast forward fifteen years when Daniela is living with her aunts and renting out a room to Michael Malone. Malone has been chosen by Eliot Ness (known for bringing down Al Capone) to discover the identity of the Cleveland Torso Murderer. But he’s also the officer who, once upon a time, helped a frightened little girl after the death of her parents. Now Malone is forty and widowed. Daniela is twenty five. She’s wise beyond her years and has some extra sensory gifts that can help with the case…and this is where my issues begin.

The magical realism–Daniela can touch fabric and psychically know details about the person who owned the garment–and the attraction between a jaded treasury agent and a young seamstress are too outside the bounds of possibility for me. Not that large age differences can’t happen between couples, but because there just doesn’t seem like enough compatibility to sustain this particular relationship. It feels more like they are two lonely people yielding to the coincidence of seeing each other again after all these years.

So I guess my point is that, yes, we should definitely expect fiction when we read Historical Fiction, but so much of a book’s success is based on what is fictionalized. Some readers might not care–which is fine. I’m learning that I do care. Therefore, in my odd, roundabout way I can only give The Unknown Beloved a lukewarm rating. The writing is still great, the story is interesting, but it’s flawed. Not just with the romance but with the outcome of the crime, which seemed like a very strange backdrop for a romance from the very beginning.

8/10 Stars

ARC (Advanced Reader Copy), Historical Fiction, Romance, Series & Collections

Return to Satterthwaite Court, by Mimi Matthews

Kristie

AVAILABLE April 11, 2023

I am so honored to have been chosen by Mimi Matthews to be part of her launch team for Return to Satterthwaite Court! This delightful novel of historical fiction is the third in the series of Somerset Stories, after The Work of Art and Gentleman Jim. But it also works perfectly fine as a standalone. The other books, each wonderful in its own way, are only lightly referenced.

It is December 1844 when we meet Lady Katherine Beresford and Lt. Charles Heywood, who has recently returned from several years at sea. Like the best literary romances there is awkwardness, tension, even annoyance, right from the beginning when these two have their first haphazard meeting on a busy street. Throw in a horrified best friend and a mangy stray dog and the encounter is nothing if not comical. And while Kate (Lady Katherine) is much more tenacious than most Victorian young ladies, she is kind and endearing in her pursuit of the handsome lieutenant. Her determination serves only as a reminder that females of that era had to orchestrate certain parts of their lives when so many other things were beyond their control.

There is mystery, intrigue, and terrific banter between the two characters. It easily played out as an entertaining movie in my mind’s eye, reminding me of some of my favorite onscreen couples. Because, although you know they will get together in the end, the journey to that conclusion is great fun.

If you love clean historical fiction with excellent character development and witty dialogue, I highly recommend this charming book!

9/10 Stars