The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner

This was a delicious medieval mystery. We are introduced to familiar historical characters, intertwined with interesting fictional characters. The author expertly weaves fact and fiction into a gripping tale of wonder and intrigue. I could not put this novel down. If you love historical fiction set in the medieval era, you will love this novel. I am starting the second novel in the series. Happy Reading.

Land of the Living and the Dead by Shauna Lawless

This is the third novel in the Gael Song Series. This novel is full of Irish history, folklore, and mythology. The author has created unforgettable characters who are both good and evil. I hesitate to say more for fear of exposing spoilers. I find myself wishing that this would someday be a movie. Again, I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this historical fantasy. I couldn't put the book down, and I anxiously await the fourth book in the series. Again, kudos to Shauna Lawless.

Silk Road by Colin Falconer

 This is a great historical fiction read. In 1260 CE, a knight and a cantankerous priest travel the treacherous Silk Road in an attempt to bring Christianity to the Mongol tribes of the East Asian steppes. The author vividly describes the differing landscapes, cultures, and customs of the Mongol people. The story centers on Josseran Sarrazini, a Frank Templar Knight charged with seeing the Priest on his mission. It is an epic adventure from start to finish. The characters struggle with duty, faith, and sin while enduring personality clashes with others and their host. I love reading about different cultures and religions. This novel was utterly engrossing, and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction and adventure. Happy reading!

Words of Kings and Prophets by Shauna Lawless

This is a historical fiction fantasy novel, the second in the Gael Song Series. As I stated in my review of the first novel in the series, fantasy is not a genre that I frequently read. However, I did enjoy this novel. This second novel explained some of the things that I did not understand in the first novel. Ms. Lawless skillfully weaves historical facts with fiction/fantasy. Unforgettable characters and a compelling storyline pull you into the story. I was completely engrossed in this novel. Kudos to Lawless. This is a fantastic read. Now, I am on to the third in the series. Happy Reading!

Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor

 Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor

This novel was originally published in 1944 and republished several times. It was once banned for its sheer decadence. Young Amber falls in love with a man she can never have. She is left pregnant and abandoned in London. She is beautiful and witty and uses her feminine wiles to charm and sleep her way from farm girl to mistress of the king, gaining a fortune and titles all the way, all in the pursuit of Lord Bruce Carlton. The novel is often described as a timeless romance; however, this description is somewhat misleading. I would classify the relationship between Lord Carlton and Amber St. Clare as a seventeenth-century stalker novel.

The Children of Gods and Fighting Men By Shauna Lawless

Historical fiction is by far my favorite genre, and I am often drawn to Irish history. This novel is an Irish Historical Fantasy. This novel started slowly, made slower by the many difficult-to-pronounce character names and local. That being said, as I read further, a compelling story began to emerge with well-defined characters and an emotionally charged storyline. Even though fantasy is not my favorite genre, this was a good read, and I do plan to read the second in the series.