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Showing posts with label Historical fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Historical fiction. Show all posts
Aug 11, 2015
Hearts Awakening by Delia ParrMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love books with people who are real. People who aren't the smartest, the prettiest, the richest, the perfect. This is one of those stories.
Ellie Kilmer didn't have much choice - or chance - in life. She chose to spend her life caring for her elderly parents. Tall and plain, it wasn't like she had many offers anyway. Upon their deaths, she was shuffled between her cousins, neither of whom wanted her, until she accepted a business-like proposal.
Jackson Smith had survived losing the love of his life and his unfaithful wife. With two young boys to raise, he needed help. Living on an island away from town, his only good option was to marry again. But he had no use for another woman other than to raise his boys. What better woman to pick than one who lacked any appeal?
Will being a stepmother fulfill Ellie's inner desire for a family of her own? Can Jackson trust another woman when two others have let him down?
A good story with characters the reader can get behind and root for. Engaging little boys who act like little boys, not little angels, and even a stray dog to round the story out. Worth the read!
Aug 3, 2015
Code of Honor by Sandy DenglerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The first in a series, this book caught my interest in the first few pages. Samantha Connolly was born and raised in Ireland, but there's nothing for her there anymore. Doomed to finish life as a spinster, she gambles on an advertisement asking for indentured servants in Australia.
Cole Sloan had a lot of Australian land and little money. The laws had changed and no longer allowed him to use the native black people for slave labor. Enticing Irish lasses to his shores was the perfect solution. Or so he thought.
Sam's sisters, Meg and Linnet, sell themselves into indenture along with her. They arrive in Australia hoping for a better life and husbands. What they find is hard work, a steamy tropical jungle, crocodiles, and a master who drives a hard bargain.
This is the type of book that doesn't wrap up many loose ends at the finish. It more or less pauses at a logical point, to be picked up again in book 2. If you enjoy long historical sagas, this is a good one.
Jul 28, 2015
The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection: Nine Historical Novellas Celebrate Marrying for All the Right Reasons by Amanda BarrattMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a collection of nine short romance stories, all set at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. It's hard to rate a book of multiple stories, because some are so much better than the others. In general, I'm not a big fan of short stories, but two of these make the price of the book worth it.
There is one in here that really stood out to me titled "The Highwayman" by Shannon McNear. This story surpassed the others in the uniqueness of its main characters. Ms. McNear defied the stereotypical hero and heroine so commonly found in short romances. You can't help but connect with these two people and wish them their the desires of their hearts. I haven't read anything by this author before, but I'll be looking for her first full-length novel.
My second choice is "The Most Ineligible Bachelor in Town" by Connie Stevens for some of the same reasons. The hero and heroine are both down-to-earth people, the type you'd invite over for dinner after church. He's got his quirks and she's got some baggage, but you want them to get it figured out.
There aren't any bad stories in this collection. I just highlighted the two that really caught my eye. They are all light reading and suitable for all ages.
Jul 15, 2015
To Capture Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarinoMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book of The Southold Chronicles. It continues the fiction story inspired by the author's ancestors. There are many references to the first book, so I recommend the reader take this series in order.
Heather Flower is the daughter of her tribe's Grand Sachem. She is stolen away by a warring tribe and rescued by Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren, a Dutchman. Heather Flower's people are friendly with the English settlers. Across the ocean, the Dutch and English are at war.
Benjamin Horton has grown up with Heather Flower, their families being close friends. He wants nothing more than to protect her, from another attack as well as from the handsome Dutchman.
Lots of good history in this book and many, many characters. It can be a little overwhelming to keep them all straight. But the author does a good job of building the closeness of not only a large family, but the friends that surround them. There is a puzzle to be solved near the end of the story. I liked that.
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Winners will be notified on July 23rd. Get your entry in now!
Jul 10, 2015
Irish Meadows by Susan Anne MasonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this story on many levels. One - which struck me as I read through it - was the Catholic background of the Irish immigrants. So many times we see that aspect of the Irish glossed over or shoved under the rug. But it was such an integral part of who they were. It brought the level of historical authenticity of this story up a whole notch.
The characters are intriguing and complex. These aren't cookie-cutter ethnic characters. They have backgrounds, faults, ambitions and goals. It's a fairly large cast and the author did a great job with all of them. These are the type of people you wouldn't mind renting a room to.
There are snippets of history slipped in all throughout the story. I always love that.
And it has horses. Lots of horses! (Okay - I'm biased, I admit it.)
This is book number one of the series Courage to Dream. I'm looking forward to book number two. And I'm feeling a little smug that I figured out who book two is going to be about before I read the author's note at the back of the book. HA!
Jul 1, 2015
The Innocent by Ann H. GabhartMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ann Gabhart once again immerses us in the Shaker village of Harmony Hill. The Shakers were governed by a theology that valued peace and work ethic above all. While these are admirable goals for anyone's life, they took it to the extreme. Marriage was considered a sin and individually was discouraged. Like other cults and communes, there was both good and bad in their culture. Ann Gabhart does an excellent job of presenting her Shaker characters in an understandable, and even sympathetic, way.
Carlyn Kearney's husband doesn't return from the Civil War. He's listed as missing. Two years after the war, she must admit the truth. He's not coming home.
Mitchell Brodie is the town's sheriff. Unpleasant duty is part of his job. Evicting a widow from her home ranks at the top of that list. A beautiful young widow who tugs at his heart.
With no family and nowhere to go, Carlyn turns to the Shaker village for a roof over her head and food on her plate. She's content to work for her keep, even if the Shaker teaching doesn't match the Bible teaching of her youth. But there are dark corners within the village. Can Carlyn fit in and find her own peace? Or will she get caught up in the darkness?
Jun 23, 2015
Masterpiece Marriage by Gina WelbornMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love quilting and history, so I knew I couldn't go wrong with this one. The creation of the crazy quilt, as they were done back in the day, was beautifully embedded in the story. The rich color and textures came alive under the characters clever fingers. Very well done!
Mary Varrs has a mission she needs to complete and a deadline looming in front of her. Zenus Dane has a flooded textile mill full of partially damaged bolts of fabric. Mary's neighbor - also Zenus's aunt - holds the key to both of them getting what they want. But will either get what they think in the end?
Truly a fun romance between the main characters and some very strong secondary characters (I love those!). I'm dinging it one star because the dialogue was very modern and I quite often forgot I was reading a historical piece. It doesn't harm the story, but if you're a history geek at all, it was a bit disconcerting. If you love quilts - read it for that alone!
Jun 18, 2015
The Meeting Place by Janette OkeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Set in the Canadian frontier during the turbulent years when France and Great Britain fought for control of the territory. Catherine Price was married to her British office on the same day Louise Robichaud married her French farmer. The two women met by accident in a forest meadow. Could their blooming friendship span a cultural divide steeped in hatred and suspicion?
Wonderful setting and history background to this story. Loved the rich descriptions of the area during this time. The characters are strong and likable, having missions the reader clearly understands and sympathizes with.
This is the first book in a series and it doesn't really end, it stops. The action, presumably, picks up with the next book. It is not a book to read as a stand alone novel. If you're not willing to invest in the series, this is probably not the best book for you. If you enjoy the saga of a full series, dig in!
Jun 9, 2015
A Place Called Bliss by Ruth GloverMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
A saga of a two families who leave Scotland to make their way in the growing territories of Canada. Sophia and Hugh Galloway, being of noble lines with deep pockets, settle in Toronto and build a mansion to rival what they left behind. Mary and Angus Morrison left Scotland for a better life, a chance to be successful away from the hierarchy of the old country. They settled in the western bush territory, where land was free if one was tough enough to prove it out. But through the years, the two families remained connected.
From the hardship of crossing the Atlantic to the struggle to survive on frontier, the reader is treated to numerous historical insights. Delightful details about how the upper class would dress, their mannerisms, their outings, all combine to give the reader a look back in time.
The story is good and the plot is engaging, but the it meanders quite a bit and drags on in places. Told in the omniscient point of view, the book reads more like a classic of old. The characters lack the intimate depth modern readers are accustom to.
If you like epic stories that cover more than one generation with excellent historical references, this might be the book for you.
Jun 5, 2015
The Preacher's Bride by Jody HedlundMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another gripping story from Jody Hedlund. I loved that I guessed which historical figure the story was inspired by early in the book. No spoiler here. You'll have to read it and see if you can figure it out.
Puritan maiden Elizabeth Whitbread wants to serve Christ by helping others. When the town's tinker and lay preacher, John Costin, is left a widower with four small children, Elizabeth knows she's been called to help. Elizabeth defies the town matron and even her betrothed to become the housekeeper Brother Costin needs.
The political winds of England are changing and the Puritans have fallen out of favor. John Costin has powerful enemies who resent his preaching. Enemies who aren't afraid to strike at those near him. Elizabeth is threatened and attacked by one such enemy. Despite the danger, she knows God wants her to continue to care for the children she's grown to love. And their father who occupies too many of her thoughts. But will the cost of her service be more than she's willing to pay?
Jun 2, 2015
Love Unexpected by Jody HedlundMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Could not put it down! Fascinating story, beautifully told, more than worth every minute of reading. Characters so real you'll think of them as old friends by the end of the book. My favorite Jody Hedlund book so far.
Emma Chambers wants a home of her own with a husband and a family to care for. But she's moving once again with her brother until their ship sinks into Lake Huron off the coast of Presque Isle. Pulled from the waters by handsome lighthouse keeper Patrick Garraty, Emma finds herself the unwelcome and unwanted guest of the only other woman at Burnham's Landing. When the circuit preacher suggests she marry the newly widowed Patrick Garraty and become mother to his young son Josiah, she agrees.
In spite of the fact that she can't cook and has absolutely no idea how to raise a child, Emma is thrilled with her new home. She's even getting used to the idea of being married to the taciturn stranger who spends most of his time either fishing or tending the light. His kindness stirs feelings she barely understands. But then she hears things - disturbing things - about his past. Just who did she marry? Is he the man she thinks he is? Or is he the man the rumors say?
May 30, 2015
Out of the Storm by Jody HedlundMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This story is set in my back yard - well - almost. It's always fun to read about a place that you've visited.
Isabelle Thornton watched her father pull the bodies from the frigid waters of Lake Huron. Another ship wrecked, in spite of her father's diligent tending of the lighthouse in Presque Isle, Michigan. Only one of those who washed ashore was still alive. Isabelle knew she'd have to tend his injuries while her father buried the dead. But she never expected to fall for Henry Cole. She never expected to fall for any man, much less the son of a wealthy lumber baron. She knew her future could never include a husband and family.
This is a novella, so it's shorter than a full-length novel. I prefer a longer story in general. Not a bad story, but not as good as the other Jody Hedlund books I've read.
May 27, 2015
Love's Rescue by Christine JohnsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Beautifully written tale of secrets and romance in the Florida Keys. Delightful setting with all the mystery and marsh of Key West. Smell the salty air and feel the humid breeze as the story unfolds.
Elizabeth Benjamin was expected to make a brilliant match in Charleston. Instead, she returns home after the death of her mother to take care of her father and her crippled brother. When the ship she returns on hits a reef, she's rescued by the one man she needed to forget. Rourke O'Malley hasn't changed. Not one bit. But even if her heart still yearns for him, she knows her loyalty and duty belong elsewhere. Her father views her duty differently. He expects her to marry well and secure the future of their family. Can she marry the man her father has chosen and forget the handsome pirate who holds her heart? Does she even want to after her father's secret is revealed?
May 23, 2015
Wings of a Dream by Anne MateerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rebekah Hendricks knows what she wants in life, and it's nothing like what her mother envisions for her. Rebekah longs to shake the dust from her small Oklahoma town from her feet as she finds adventure in the big city. Arthur Samson offers her all her heart desires, but first he must train to do his part in WWI.
Then the telegram arrives. Rebekah is sent to nurse her ailing aunt, an aunt she barely remembers. She arrives in a little Texas town that could be the equivalent of the one she grew up in. And she finds her aunt on a farm much like her father's back in Oklahoma. But nothing else is the same. She arrives in time to watch her aunt pass from life and to meet the four children her aunt is responsible for. Children Rebekah knew nothing about.
Sheriff Henry Jeffries helps her and the children through the Spanish Flu crisis. Rebekah and the four children escape the often fatal disease. But then what? The children's father is serving in France. They have nobody to care for them, except Rebekah, and she plans on traveling to Dallas to find Arthur. Pulled between her desires and her new responsibilities, Rebekah learns that life - and people - aren't always what they seem.
I had a little trouble getting into this story at the beginning, but warmed up to it quickly and enjoyed the read. The secondary characters are strong and the storyline is compelling. The history of the Spanish Flu outbreaks and how people coped during them is heart-tugging. Worth the read!
May 20, 2015
A Constant Heart by Siri MitchellMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Interesting historical tale set in Elizabethan England. Historically well done, going in depth into the whole royal court aspect of life. A Constant Heart parts the curtain and lets us see behind all the pomp and circumstance.
Marget, raised by a knighted merchant father who has done well financially, is married to the Earl of Lytham because he needs her money. Still, she hopes to find love and acceptance with her new husband. What she finds instead is a life at court. A life comprised of intrigue, power struggles, and danger. Can she earn the love and respect of the Earl without alienating herself from the Queen?
An enjoyable read, especially if you're into the history of that era.
May 16, 2015
Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie HakeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love a book with strong secondary characters and this is one of them. The main characters are interesting and engaging too, of course, but the secondary characters really took this tale to the next level for me.
Lady Sydney Hathwell came to the United States to marry a man who had corresponded with her father. Her father now deceased, she felt obligated to meet his choice for a husband for her. But it was disaster at first sight.
Sydney flees to her uncle's ranch, her American mother's brother. But there's a catch. Uncle Fuller doesn't like females. So Sydney becomes "Syd" with a haircut and a change of clothes. From a British royal lady to a British fop training to be a ranch hand.
Big Tim Creighton doesn't relish babysitting his partner's nephew until Fuller gets home. How's he going to turn this prissy greenhorn into something his uncle will be proud of?
Plenty of page-turning adventures in this book. You'll laugh out loud at some of the antics "Syd" gets into. And giggle some more at Tim's inability to grasp the blatantly obvious. And if you don't love Velma ... well ...
I'll ding it one star because in places it got a little preachy. But the laughs will more than make up for that in the long run.
May 12, 2015
Paradise Valley by Dale CramerMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I loved the premise of this book. It starts in 1922 when Amish fathers in Ohio were jailed for keeping their children out of the public school. Caleb Bender decides to move his family to Paradise Valley, Mexico, where schools are not regulated - if they exist at all. Their church decides that one family should go first to the new land and determine if the move is good for more. Caleb's family learns the language and are befriended by Domingo, a half-Indian/half-Mexican native who speaks several languages. The land is good where they settle, and they build their farm. But not everything is good. The land has been torn apart by warring factions. Between the bandits and the government forces, who know who to trust?
The characters are good, solid people, the kind you'd like for next door neighbors. The setting and history of the story are very well done. I'm dinging it down to three stars because it's one of those books that doesn't end, it just stops. It's obviously the first in a series, and while I enjoy series books, I like them to each have a definite beginning and ending. That's a personal preference and may not bother other readers.
May 1, 2015
A Change of Fortune by Jen TuranoMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Whimsical story about a young English woman who has lost her fortune and travels across the ocean to New York City to find the culprit who stole it. Lady Eliza Sumner takes a governess position, but she's found out soon enough when handsome Hamilton Beckett arrives on the scene - or at the scene - of the crime. The two partner with an unlikely cast of characters to save Eliza's fortune and solve a mystery from Hamilton's past.
A fun story with engaging characters. It would have gotten a 4-star review from me if the characters had been more authentic to the time period. There is quite a bit of modern language and behavior in this one. It doesn't spoil the story, but for someone who loves the historical aspect of a historical romance, it got in the way.
Apr 28, 2015
The Blue Castle by L.M. MontgomeryMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
For Valancy Stirling, turning 29 years old was worse than a death sentence. No husband. No prospects. Living with her widowed mother and aunt. Stifled and alone, she lived a life she despised. She had no hope for anything better. And then the doctor told her she was dying.
Armed with the strength of knowing her time was limited, Valancy found the courage to break free. She walked away from her upper-crust family and its bondage to tradition and public perception. Freedom tasted sweet and got even sweeter when she met Barney Snaith. Could she sustain such happiness, even for the short while she had left?
It's fun to take a break from contemporary writing and sink back into the prose of bygone days. Written in the omniscient point of view, this story clues the reader in to the thoughts and motivations of everyone in the room. Sometimes that's just ... refreshing.
Apr 21, 2015
Rebekah by Jill Eileen SmithMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
We have only sketchy information about most women in the Bible. Jill Eileen Smith does an awesome job of fleshing out these women in her stories. While fiction, this story is a plausible exploration into the life of Rebekah, the wife of Isaac.
Rebekah leaves her brother's home to marry a man she's never met. She knows about him, of course. Isaac's fame has spread far and wide. He is the chosen offspring of Abraham. Imagine the emotions that batter her from all sides as she makes that journey. They meet, they marry, but how much do they really know about each other? As a couple, they face infertility, tense family relationships, and then finally the birth of their twins. The long-awaited children that will eventually drive a wedge between Rebekah and her husband.
Jill Eileen Smith crafts a compelling story that colors in the spaces between the verses. There is plenty of emotional punch to keep the reader engaged. The story also transports the reader back in time to experience the smells, tastes, and textures of a time long, long ago.
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