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. 

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.

New York by Edward Rutherfurd

This is a comprehensive history of New York, from the landing of the Dutch to the attack on the World Trade Center. This fascinating historical record follows fictional families of diverse cultures and ethnicities, American-born and immigrant that are all part of the fabric that is New York. Along with these fictional families the history moves between the ages from agriculture and merchant through the industrial age and, ultimately the digital age. This is a tremendous work. It is heavy and long but also enjoyable. Happy Reading!

Amour of Light by Ken Follett

With every Follett novel, I keep looking for the same thrill and excitement I got with reading The Pillars of the Earth. I have read several Follett novels and loved most of his books. Unfortunately, this novel did not meet that expectation. It is basically about how the Industrial Age changed life in Britain. There is an unexpected heroine and more than one nemesis. Nonetheless, it was a satisfying read.