Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell

This medieval historical novel focuses on a little-known period in English history. The story begins in the year 1002. It is a fascinating story. Emma becomes queen at the age of fifteen, married to a much older king who appears to be unstable. Through the constant threat of Viking invasion, a husband that does not love her, and the unexpected love for a man she can never have, this novel sizzles with adventure, intrigue, and betrayal. With a little research, I learned that Queen Emma was a real person, which made the story more pleasurable. I enjoyed every minute of this novel and eagerly await its sequel. Happy reading.

The Poet Empress by Shen Tao

This is a wonderful novel. It was recommended to me by my sister, along with several video reviews praising the book. I will admit that I was not enthusiastic about this read simply because fantasy is not my preferred genre. However, as I read, I was first struck by the author’s characterization. Her prose painted a vivid picture of each character. As I read and came to know Wei Yin, the peasant girl turned concubine. I understood her. I felt her mission and eagerly followed the path she traveled. It is mysterious, emotional, and haunting. The last thirty pages of this novel were shocking but completely satisfying. I recommend this novel without reservation. Happy Reading!!

 

Lady of the Tower (Lydiard Chronicles Book 1) by Elizabeth St. John

This was a fascinating novel based on the life of the author’s ancestor, Lucy St. John. She and her sisters were orphaned and raised by a loving uncle and an aunt who was less than kind. The novel explores the intrigue and political upheaval of the Court of King James I of Scotland. Lucy, who is wholly interested in apothecary science, has an innocent liaison with the Earl of Sufolk. She is betrayed by her jealous older sister, and others at the court use the untrue rumor to ruin her reputation. However, Lucy St. John was stronger than anyone anticipated. She survived and made a life for herself, her new husband, and her children. His appointment as the jailer of the tower. made Lucy the Lady of the Tower. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to the next novel in the Lydiard Chronicles.

The Black Birds of St. Giles By Lila Cain

Lila Cain is a pseudonym for Kate Griffin and Marcia Hutchinson, who teamed up to write this fascinating historical fiction novel. The story centers on Daniel and Pearl, who escape slavery from a Jamaican sugar plantation during a fearful slave uprising and the eventual burning of the main plantation house. Through several twists and turns in the story, Daniel finds himself serving in the British Navy during the American Revolutionary War for Independence. Besides the King’s promise to free all ex-slaves fighting for the crown, Daniel saves the life of a major who offers an inheritance. Neither promise comes to fruition, leaving Daniel and Pearl to navigate life through one of London’s underworlds, St. Giles. It is a heart-wrenching story of love, survival, and betrayal. It was hard to put down. This is a great read for all lovers of historical fiction. Happy reading!

 

Devil Water by Anya Seton

This was not the first time I read Anya Seton. I read Katherine by this author years ago, and I loved it. This novel was completely different. There were many highs and lows. It turned out to be a good story, but it took a slow and winding road to get there. The novel is well researched and rich in detail, which accounts for the slowness of the prose. It is relatively a good read, but not my favorite. 

The Lost Queen by Signe Pike

This wasn’t what I expected. I was looking for historical fiction, but it read more like Irish Folklore than history. Although all the reviews I read were glowing, with many 5-star ratings, I didn’t have the same experience. I felt no affinity for the main character. For me, this was a slow read my. There are many peaks and lulls, and the lulls were often long. In fact, I really had to push through it. 

Daughter of The Otherworld by Shauna Lawless

Ms. Lawless has once again created another compelling novel of Irish History and folklore. Many characters from the first trilogy live on in this new series. This being the first novel of a new trilogy, it is obviously the setup for a more intriquing story line to come, and I am excited to wait for the next novel. I recommend this novel without reservations. Happy Reading!

The Tudor Vendetta by Gortner, C.W.

Mysteries abound in Queen Mary's court. The Tudor Conspiracy continues the mystery, scandals, and intrigue amid Queen Mary’s court. Brendon Prescott becomes an unwitting investigator, determined to uncover the mysteries of the Tudor court while protecting Princess Elizabeth at all costs. As said in my review of The Tudor Secret, this is a delicious medieval mystery. I enjoyed every minute. Happy Reading.

The Tudor Conspiracy by C.W. Gortner

The Tudor Conspiracy continues the mystery, scandals, and intrigue amid Queen Mary’s court. Brendon Prescott becomes an unwitting investigator, determined to uncover the mysteries of the Tudor court while protecting Princess Elizabeth at all costs. As said in my review of The Tudor Secret, this is a delicious medieval mystery. I enjoyed every minute. Happy Reading.

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.

I Am Resolute by Nancy Turner

This is a pre-Revolutionary War family saga. A child and her siblings are taken captive by pirates from their Jamaican Plantation home. Resolute and her sister Patience are transported to Canada as slaves. The novel follows Resolute through a life of hardship and triumph. I became invested in this character from the first page to the last. Resolute becomes a remarkable woman. Her wit, courage, and determination become her tools for survival. The story follows the Talbot siblings through several generations as they each pursue freedom just as the American colonies that have become their home, also pursue freedom.

This novel is rich in historical detail and vivid descriptions of time and place. Although it can sometimes become bogged down in minute details, it is nonetheless a great read. Happy Reading!

The Weavers Legacy by Olive Collins

This is the second novel of the O’Neill family. I listened on audible. Curiously, there is no other connection to the first novel, The Tide Between Us, except the family name. As in the first novel, it is a thoroughly engrossing saga of a complex family and their survival in a new land. They migrate to America and the West at a time of hostilities between Americans and the Native Americans. There is a lot of prejudice and hatred but also love and compassion. This is a good historical read.

The Running Vixen by Elizabeth Chadwick

This is the second novel in Chadwick’s Medieval Trilogy. When the daughter of a prominent baron is widowed, her father seeks another marriage for his daughter, Heulwen. Things become complicated when the boy she grew up with, as her father’s ward, returns. He is no longer a boy, and the attraction between the two is immediate. There is already bad blood between the man who was promised her hand in marriage and the man she now found herself in love with. The two men have a complicated history. Again, Chadwick gives a sweet love story complicated by conflict and divided loyalties. 

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

I listened to this novel on Audiobook, and I was pleasantly surprised. The author’s description of small towns in Appalachia was great. Her characterization was amazing. I felt as if I knew Demon. It was impossible not to develop compassion for this kid whose life was tragic from the beginning. Every character came with their particular dysfunction. Most were likable, if not understandable. However, as the novel evolves, Demon makes one stupid mistake after another, and I could not help feeling that he was losing the fight in the maze that was his young life. Still, my hope that he would eventually get it together kept me engaged in the story. This is a heartbreaking commentary on the life of an addict, and at the same time, Demon’s story is inspiring. I was not too fond of this book, but I could not leave the story. It was like watching an accident you don’t want to see but cannot look away. I recommend this novel. Happy Reading!

My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

This is a wonderfully written and well-researched novel of the life of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton. The authors could not tell Eliza’s story without telling the story of Alexander Hamilton, the love of her life, a brilliant but flawed man. He was a military officer, a statesman, and our nation's first treasurer. I thought I knew the history of our founding fathers but besides being a breathtaking page-turner, this novel was a retelling of history with all the ups and downs, losses and victories. It is also the story of the birth of our nation and all those who made the idea of a United States of America come into existence. All the players are there, from Washington to Monroe. If you like historical fiction, this novel will not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.