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.

The Lost Apothocary by Sarah Penner

As usual, I read this book's reviews before choosing this novel. Some of the reviews were so bad that I was almost discouraged. One review changed my mind and I ordered the book. This novel is a little different from the books I usually read because it is a mystery. I found this book to be a delightful read. Anticipation moved me forward through the pages with uncommon speed. At times I thought it was predictable, but the author surprised me each time. I enjoyed this short novel and happily recommend it. Happy reading.

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!

A Respectable Trade by Philippa Gregory

This novel is far from what I’ve come to expect from Philippa Gregory. It was different and a surprisingly emotional read from beginning to end. Great characterization. I felt as if I knew these people and all of them touched me in one way or another. These are characters that I won’t soon forget. I enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it to historical fiction lovers.

The Wild Hunt by Elizabeth Chadwick

Medieval Britain, set in the Welsh border marches in 1098, a tantalizing love story emerges amid warring kingdoms. Ruthless land barons fight for dominance, while a young girl comes of age. This is a time when marriages are arranged and couples may not even know each other before vows are made before God. This novel was short and sweet and I loved every word. 

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.