Tag: historical fiction

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First Line Friday

First Line Friday

Happy Friday & welcome to the First Line Friday hosted at Reading is my Super Power. It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today I’m delighted to feature The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz. I really enjoy her books and have read all but one.

Royal Vale Plantation, Virginia

February 1774

Amid the timeless silence of the verdigris parlor, Juliet remained seated in her Chippendale chair… for the third hour.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Virginia plantation life is all she has ever known.
But could the life she was meant to live be waiting on a distant shore?

In 1774, Juliet Catesby lives with her father and sister at Royal Vale, the James River plantation founded by her Virginia family over a century before. Indigo cultivation is her foremost concern, though its export tethers her family to the powerful Buchanan clan of Glasgow, Scotland.

When the heir of the Buchanan firm arrives on their shores, Juliet discovers that her father has arranged for one of his daughters to marry the Scot as a means of canceling the family’s crippling debt. Confident it will be her younger, lovelier sister, Juliet is appalled when Leith Buchanan selects her instead.

Despite her initial refusal, Juliet realizes that fleeing Virginia is her only choice after finding herself in the midst of a scandal. The ship just leaving the harbor for Glasgow is her only hope. But she will soon realize that being part of the complex and calculating Buchanan clan is not the sanctuary she imagined–and the man who saved her from ruin is the very one she must now save in return.

426 pages Revell Publisher December 3,2024 publication date

Will you be reading this one? I hope to soon.

Thanks for stopping in today.

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Blog Blitz

Spotlight on The Teacher of Auschwitz on Holocaust Memorial Day January 27

From the bestselling author of Born Survivors, a novel inspired by the powerful true story of a man who risked everything to protect children in Auschwitz.

Fredy built a wall against suffering in their hearts…

At the dark heart of the Holocaust, there was a wooden hut whose walls were painted with cartoons; a place where children sang, staged plays and wrote poetry. Safely inside, but still in the shadow of the chimneys, they were given better food, kept free of vermin, and were even taught meditation to imagine full stomachs and a day without fear. The man who became their guiding light was a young Jewish prisoner named Fredy Hirsch.

But being a teacher in such a brutal concentration camp was no mean feat. Whether it was begging the SS for better provisions, or hiding his homosexuality from his persecutors, he risked his life every day for one thing: to protect the children from the mortal danger they all faced.

Time is running out for Fredy and the hundreds of children in his care. Can he find a way to teach them the one lesson they really need to know: how to survive?

The Teacher of Auschwitz shines a light on a truly remarkable individual and tells the inspiring story of how he fought to protect innocence and hope amid depravity and despair.

Categories
historical fiction Romance

Of Gold and Shadows: (A Victorian Historical Romance with Mystery and Intrigue Set in Oxford, England) (Time’s Lost Treasures) 

368 pages Bethany House Publishers September 24, 2024

ABOUT THE BOOK

The shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined. . . .

In 1888 Victorian England, Ami Dalton navigates a clandestine dual life. By day, she strives to establish herself as a respected Egyptologist, overcoming the gender biases that permeate academia. But with a heart for saving black-market artifacts from falling into the wrong hands, she is most often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker.

After eight years in India, Oxford’s most eligible bachelor, Edmund Price, has come out of the shadows to run for Parliament and is in search of an Egyptologist to value a newly acquired collection. Expecting a renowned Oxford professor, Edmund instead finds himself entangled with Ami, the professor’s determined daughter. As they delve into the treasures, their connection deepens, but trouble emerges when a golden griffin–rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk–surfaces, and they’re left to wonder if the curse really is at play, or if something more nefarious is hiding among the shadows. . . .

MY THOUGHTS

There are author’s whose books you will read if they’re around but don’t go out of your way to find them. This is not one of those authors for me. I must read all of the author’s books, couldn’t dare to miss one. They are filled with intrigue and action and keep me on my toes wondering how things will end up as the story progresses.
Danger is around every other corner and had me holding my breath as I was reading.


I enjoyed seeing a nontraditional role a woman had in this Victorian England taking pace regency style historical fiction book.
Growing up Ami Dalton has been impressed with the work her father does as an Egyptologist, hearing the talk and seeing the artifacts her father works with she became enamored with this type of thing as well. Getting the education to become one as a woman hasn’t been easy and many don’t take her seriously.


When she hears of precious artifacts falling into the wrong hands on the black market, she knows she must do everything in her power to save them and preserve them.


Edmund Price is looking for an Egyptologist to work with him to get a very valuable piece and he expects a renowned Oxford professor, a male to work with him. This is not what he gets.


A golden griffin rumored to bear the curse of Amentuk is found the danger starts. With danger abound can they escape with their lives intact? I loved learning about the Egyptian artifacts and the descriptions of the behind the scenes work of the Egyptologist is fascinating. A spellbinding read that has me anxiously awaiting the next in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I’ve been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write–except for that graffiti phase I went through as teenager.

Categories
historical fiction

Cloaked in Beauty: (A Christian Western Historical Romance Fairy Tale Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty) (Texas Ever After) 

352 pages Bethany House Publishers December 17, 2024 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Trust no one in the shadows of the piney woods . . .

Letty Hood has spent the last fifteen years of her life hidden away with her grandmother in the backwoods of east Texas to escape the deadly schemes of an uncle who wants her dead. Now, with her twenty-first birthday on the horizon, she is forced to accept the escort of a stranger and return to Houston in secret so she can claim a birthright that will make her one of the wealthiest women in Texas. If she lives long enough to inherit.

Pinkerton agent Philip Carmichael has one duty: get the Radcliffe heiress home alive. Expecting a spoiled girl, Philip is surprised to encounter a woman of rare strength with a kind soul and keen wit. As they journey together, Letty’s resilience wins his admiration, breaking through his hardened cynicism. Yet the threat to her survival grows more menacing with every mile, and Philip fears that keeping Letty out of harm’s way may be just as impossible as keeping her out of his heart.

MY THOUGHTS

Cloaked in Beauty by Karen Witemeyer is the author’s retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood story. I’ll admit I liked her version much better, with the author’s usual laugh out loud humor added her quirky characters and we can’t forget the wolf (Rusty) is it okay to have a wolf as a favorite character and the fairytale like settings the story is magical. From the mansion to going into hiding and the magical forest to roam in with her wolf I was totally captivated.


I think we all need a Philip Carmichael in our lives, a Pinkerton agent he is tasked with finding Letty after she has been in hiding for many years and escorting her home safely. Though he tries not to show it he is captivated by Letty and will do everything in his power to keep her safe.

As the danger unfolds mile after mile with their perilous journey the only one who can keep them safe is letting God take control of this situation.
Will Phillip be free to admit his feelings for Letty or will his formal training keep them apart?


I loved this retelling and greatly look forward to more books in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, Karen is a multiple award-winning author and a firm believer in the power of happy endings. She is an avid cross-stitcher, tea drinker, and family board game player who makes her home in Abilene, TX with her heroic husband who vanquishes laundry dragons and dirty dish villains whenever she’s on deadline. Learn more about Karen and her books at http://www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Thank you for stopping in. Peaceful dreams.

Categories
historical fiction

The Pianist’s Wife-A heartbreaking story of friendship, loyalty and the true cost of love

341 pages Lake Union Publishing February 4, 2025 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

A heartbreaking story of friendship, loyalty and the true cost of love, from the bestselling author of The Secret Midwife and Wives of War.

Berlin, 1944: Amira and Gisele have been best friends since they were children, and now Gisele is the only person who knows Amira’s secret. A secret that puts her and everyone she loves in unimaginable danger amid the daily horror and violence of Nazi Germany.

With the threat of exposure drawing closer, Gisele’s suggestion that Amira marries her friend Fred, a famous pianist, might just be the lifeline she needs to keep them both safe. Because Fred has secrets too.

As the two strangers promise to look after each other, a profound love develops. But while the war rages on, Amira, Fred and Gisele are soon faced with terrible choices that will test their loyalty—and their courage—to the ultimate limits. How far will they go to keep each other alive?

An unforgettable World War Two novel about those who chose to defy the Nazis from within Germany.

MY THOUGHTS

Based on true history. My heart aches for all affected by the war, any war, past present and future.


Childhood friends Amira and Gisele have enjoyed a lifelong friendship, now they are adults. Amira has a secret that she’s been shieled from and it really hasn’t affected her until her father passes away. After his death she must face the harsh realities who she is and realizes even more why her father kept her hidden away for her safety.


Full of secrets that if found out could be life altering. No one should have to worry about not being accepted for who you are and your secret meaning death if found out.

I love reading the author’s books. Her books are so well researched, and I simply can’t put them down. Engrossed in the book, it kept me company for the while afternoon.

This book honors women and the sacrifices they make. May we never forget the victims of the wars and the ultimate sacrifices they have given.
This author’s writing keeps me coming back every single time. Amazing!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Soraya M. Lane graduated with a law degree before realizing that law wasn’t the career for her and that her future was in writing. She is the author of historical and contemporary women’s fiction, and her novel Wives of War was an Amazon Charts bestseller.

Soraya lives on a small farm in her native New Zealand with her husband, their two young sons and a collection of four legged friends. When she’s not writing, she loves to be outside playing make-believe with her children or snuggled up inside reading.

For more information about Soraya and her books, visit http://www.sorayalane.com or http://www.facebook.com/SorayaLaneAuthor, or follow her on Twitter @Soraya_Lane

Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
historical fiction

The Poppy Sisters: Step into the past with this captivating historical novel, filled with heart-wrenching moments and unforgettable characters

375 pages

ABOUT THE BOOK

Phoebe is a volunteer nurse at a Base Hospital in Étaples, France, treating men who’ve served on hte Western Front. Their courage and resilience inspires her, and though she’s meant to keep her distance, Captain Archie Bailey soon captivates her heart.

Her younger sister Celia is a nurse at a POW camp on the island of Jersey. These men fight for the forces that bombed her brother and parents, but long hours spent healing them shows her they aren’t the monsters she expected.

Despite the miles between them, both Celia and Phoebe come to see the commonality in their experiences – the sense of community and friendship, the unexpected moments of love and laughter, and a bond so strong that even war can’t break it…

MY THOUGHTS

I enjoyed this historical fiction book and found it interesting and informative.

Phoebe, volunteer nurse at a Base Hospital in Étaples, France. Matron does her best to keep the nurses minds occupied with just nursing but there’s no counting on where the heart will lead. Phoebe soon finds herself falling in love with patient Captain Archie Bailey. Planning a life together after the war when he’s well enough he gets sent to the frontline then goes missing in action, presumed dead.

Celia is a nurse at a POW camp on the island of Jersey. She knows the men she is nursing back to health are from the same unit that killed her brother and parents. After getting to know these men she realizes they are just regular men with hopes, dreams and fears just like all of us. Falling in love with one of them shouldn’t have happened, but it has.

Phoebe and Celia are sisters with many similarities, they understand what the other is going through and know the fears they face. Heartbreaking……. there are no real winners in war, it just causes some to die earlier than others. Kept my attention as you can only pray for the best. The author writes such realistic work I could vividly imagine the scenes playing out as I read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Deborah Carr is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical fiction. She was born and lives on the island of Jersey, in the Channel Islands where she sets most of her books.

Her first book, Broken Faces was runner-up in the Good Housekeeping Novel Writing Competition in 2012 giving her the confidence to keep going. Her WW1 novel, The Poppy Sisters was an Amazon First Reads Editor’s Pick and The Poppy Field and An Island at War were USA TODAY bestsellers.

The Channel Islands was the only place in the British Isles occupied by German forces during WW2. This dark time in the island’s history is the setting for her latest novel, Neighbours at War. An Island at War and part of The Beekeeper’s War was also set during the Jersey Occupation.

She is the author behind the Mrs Boots trilogy inspired by Jersey woman, Florence Boot, the woman behind the Boots empire.

Deborah lives near the beach and begins each day walking by the sea with her three rescue dogs before sitting down to write.

Thank you for stopping in.

Categories
historical fiction

The Mapmaker’s Daughter: A most spellbinding and heartbreaking historical fiction novel

TRIGGER WARNING—— BLOOD SPOTS

375 pages Avon publisher September 1, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Could a rediscovered map show her the way?

Present day: When thirty-six-year-old Robyn Willoughby discovers an exquisite yet blood-stained Tudor map in her father’s antique map shop, desperate for a distraction from her problems, she decides to investigate. But as Robyn delves into the mystery, she finds herself caught up in a centuries-old secret – one that will change her life forever.

1569: Forced to flee Holland to escape persecution, twenty-year-old Freida Ortelius uses her mapmaking skills to start anew in London. Soon her rare talent catches the eye of Queen Elizabeth, who demands Freida’s help in fighting the Spanish threat. Freida must now embark on a deadly mission, the consequences of which will echo down the ages…

A sweeping and heartbreaking read, perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley and Kathryn Hughes.

MY THOUGHTS

We have two strong women main characters, one in each time frame.

1500’s: Freida Ortelius a married woman with an infant son who she is afraid to let out of her sight. Her parents were killed while she was locked away in a cupboard as a child. She now fears those she loves will disappear as well including her seafaring husband.
Learning her skill from her father as a child, this cartographer is tasked by Queen Elizabeth to make a map for Sir Francis Drake.

Present Day: Robyn Willoughby lives with her father and is having a hard time in life accepting her husband is presumed dead, lost at sea as the seven-year period is almost here and she must declare him.
In her father’s antique map shop one day she finds a bloodstained Tudor map who neither have any memory of its receipt into the shop. Her story is the embarkment of fascinating historical research into this map and the secrets it carries.

Though both stories were fascinatingly intriguing I did enjoy the historical side more. Finished this in one day as I could barely put it down.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Growing up in Surrey, Clare always dreamed of being a writer. Instead she followed a career in IT, before moving to Norfolk for a quieter life.

Now writing full time, she lives with her husband and the youngest of her six children. Weekends are spent researching for her historical dual timeline books amongst the local castles and monastic ruins, or visiting the nearby coast.

Categories
historical fiction

An Honorable Deception: (English Historical Romance Series with Mystery and Private Investigators Set in Edwardian England) (The Imposters) 

400 pages Bethany House Publishers November 19, 2024 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

n the trying art of balancing investigations and love, a detective must determine his priorities when faced with dangerous circumstances that could threaten everything he holds dear.

As the leader of the Imposters, an elite private investigative firm, Lord Yates Fairfax has made an art of concealing his identity. But when his newest client, the beautiful Lady Alethia Barremore, is shot while leaving their meeting, he throws caution to the wind and rushes to her aid. Though Lady Alethia thought she was only looking for her missing former nanny, she has clearly stumbled upon something much more dangerous.

Lady Lavinia Hemming suspects her longtime friends hold more secrets than they’re willing to admit, and when she stumbles upon the truth that they’re the esteemed Imposters, she recruits herself into the firm. While she is happy for the distraction of an investigation, Lavinia’s own family secrets continue to haunt her. And the one thing bringing laughter back into her life–her friendship with Yates–lands her squarely on the disagreeable side of her best friend: his sister.

Tormented by a past she doesn’t dare voice aloud, Lady Alethia does what she can to help her handsome host, her new friends, and the investigators. But as clues lead them deeper into the dark side of society, Alethia, Yates, and Lavinia learn anew that the gentry isn’t always noble . . . even as they fight to hold fast to their own honor.

MY THOUGHTS

It seems like just yesterday I read the first book in the series and here we are finishing up the third and final book in the series. Though this and each book can be read as a standalone I highly recommend starting at the beginning and reading them in consecutive order for the full magnificence of the full series.


I enjoyed seeing some of the characters in all three books and a few have their own special story now finally. A series tie in with characters from another series by the author was a great addition.
The continued return of the circus performers was not something I expected but did enjoy.


This is my favorite book in the series if I had to pick one though I did love them all. We are treated to a delightful package of mystery, intrigue, suspense, reckoning, forgiveness, a greater understanding and romance.
There were some tough subjects tackled in this book, but the author handles them well and in a respectful way.


Very in-depth plot and realistic characters kept me glued to this hard to put down book.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at http://www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Have a marvelous day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Uncategorized

Letters to Whitman: A Short Story 

October 5, 2023 publication date Calleia Press publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

“A moving, brilliantly conceived short piece… funny, grim, insightful” – Readers’ Favorite

“Highly recommended to Civil War aficionados, fans of Walt Whitman, and all those who appreciate beautiful writing.” – Renaissance Writer blog

During the American Civil War, the poet Walt Whitman volunteered in army hospitals tending to sick and wounded soldiers. This poignant short story imagines one of these patients, Private Nathaniel Gwynnett of the 97th New York Volunteer Infantry, writing to Whitman after returning to his regiment.

MY THOUGHTS

Though this is fictional I didn’t find it any less informative
Letters to Whitman follows the life of Private Nathaniel Gwynnett of the 97th New York Volunteer Infantry. He met poet Walt Whitman who volunteered in army hospitals in Washington when Nathaniel was a patient there. Walt boosted the moral of the men there and also brought small presents.


After returning to his regiment Nathaniel writes letters of daily life during the civil war and of their travels. Though there are good times there are also sorrows, losing friends, leaking tents, not enough to eat, etc.

Nathaniel uses these letters as a way to lift his spirit during battle as he tries to turn this into a friendship.
I do wish the book wasn’t all epistolary format though.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR

Margo Laurie studied history at university and is a member of the RNA. She is the author of the Christmas ghost story New York Miracle and the historical fiction novella The Anarchist’s Wife about the 1920s Sacco-Vanzetti case. She lives in the North West.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Uncategorized

Man of Shadow and Mist (Of Monsters and Men Book 2)

322 pages Barbour Fiction publisher June 1, 2023 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”
–Bram Stoker, Dracula
 
England, 1890
 
Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.
 
James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.
 
When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.
 
Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?

MY THOUGHTS

This cover, I love it as it goes perfectly with the story.
A Man of Shadows and Mist is the second book in the Of Monsters and Men series.


A historical romance but also gothic I was immersed in the ambience, a dark chilling manor, screams in the night. The author’s writing style is one you will get lost in as you are in her world while reading this.


James has returned from Transylvania to North Yorkshire living in his manor he just wants to care for and find a cure for his dying mother. This is the late 1800’s, he is misunderstood and ostracized, those around him fear him and think he’s evil.


Rosa helps her father out in his subscription library of which James goes to often. She winds up seeing him around town and brings him books. I enjoyed seeing her kind and helpful attitude when no one else wanted anything to do with him.


History, mystery full of encouragement and faith filled. This is my favorite book by the author so far and I look forward to more intriguing books by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I’ve been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write–except for that graffiti phase I went through as teenager.

You are wonderful. You can do it. Thank you for stopping in.