#historicalfictionreads

[kathybarnes]

Imagine the sun beating down on your helmet, the weight of your shield pressing against your arm, and the rhythmic crunch of sand beneath your sandals. This is the daily reality of a Roman soldier, a man sworn to defend the vast expanse of the Roman Empire. Their lives were a fascinating blend of brutal training, grueling marches, fleeting camaraderie, and the ever-present shadow of death. If you yearn to glimpse this extraordinary world, journey alongsideLucius, a soldier whose story is etched in the pages of Rev. Michael H. Lavery’s book Lucius: A Soldier’s Journey “A Man’s Search For Truth.”...

[bucolicbook]

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis 

US pub date - 1/7/25

Fiona Davis has a gift of writing compelling historical fiction that draws the reader into the story, the time, and the environment and The Stolen Queen pulled me in within the first chapter. 

The research and the blend of fact and fiction were wonderfully done and the story so intriguing that I’ve already gotten a copy of The Woman Who Would Be King, a biography about Hatshepsut. The fictional characters are fully formed and their stories are just as engaging. 

My one issue with this one is that I did find the ending to be a bit too neatly wrapped up. 

Ending aside, I really enjoyed my reading of The Stolen Queen and recommend it. 

*my (step) dad brought my mother to the Tutankhamen exhibit at the Met when it opened in the late 70’s and looking through the catalog they brought home was one of my favorite pastimes when I was little.

Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the DRC 

[bibliobethblog]

Hello everyone and happy Friday! It’s the end of the week and I’m celebrating with a book haul. Shockingly enough I have already read two of these books - The Odyssey (review on the grid) and A Fire Endless (review coming soon!) I really enjoyed The Odyssey and will definitely be re-reading it in the future. A Fire Endless is the follow up to Rebecca Ross’ A River Enchanted in the Elements Of Cadence series. Finally The Dance Tree, which has been on my radar for a while and I finally gave in just before Christmas last year 😂 (yes I’m very behind on hauls ����). It’s a historical novel set in 16th century France about a real phenomenon - hundreds of women dancing all day without a break that led to a state of emergency being declared! “Set in an era of superstition, hysteria and extraordinary change, and inspired by true events, The Dance Tree is an impassioned story of family secrets, forbidden love and women pushed to the edge.” I’d love to know your thoughts on any of these books or authors. Let’s have a chat in the comments! #bookstagramuk #scottishbookstagrammer #booksfordaysss #thedancetree #kiranmillwoodhargrave #theodyssey #homer #afireendless #rebeccaross #elementsofcadence #fantasynovelseries❤️ #historicalfictionread #morebooksplease📚 #notenoughbooksintheworld #insatiablebookworm https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp5nzkfrnS2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[atruebloodwrites]

My pal @kimwritesbooks took this photo a while back, and it makes me very happy to look at it and think Fall is FINALLY here! . If you’re looking for a cozy historical read about a girl chasing her dream of becoming a doctor in 1930s San Francisco, I hope you’ll check out my second novel, ACROSS A BROKEN SHORE. . . . #yabooks #yareads #historicalfiction #historical #yahistoricalfiction #yahistorical #historicalfictionreads #historicalfictionreaders #yabookish #yabookishpic #yabookstagram #yabooksta #fallreads #falltbr #falltbrlist #cozyreads #yabooknerd #yabookworm #yabookshelf #yabooklover #yawriter #yawritersofinstagram #yaauthorsofinstagram #acrossabrokenshore #igauthor #igauthorlife https://www.instagram.com/p/CFmw41kADak/?igshid=1s47rx15ccl7m

[ansellefrere]

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A post shared by Anselle Laclos Frere (@anselle.laclos.frere)

Herewith the opening theme of Dangerous liaisons :The prequel, penned with a naturally shed Crow feather. Read how Valmont and Mme de Merteuil met and how they became so devious! #dangerousliaisons #laclos #classicreads #classicnovels #choderlosdelaclos #historicalfictionbook #read #seduction #romance #steamy #calligraphy #reader #historicalfictionread #historicalfiction #booklover #18thcentury #amwriting #amreading #valmont #mmedeMerteuil https://www.instagram.com/p/CNRvl6zHqxE/?igshid=19mvqxi4umqga

[booksteacupandreviews]

Many thanks to Berkley for eARC. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Miss Aldridge Regrets is engaging historical crime mystery that revolves around Lena Aldridge, a showgirl in London Soho, finds herself amid murders and drama of upper class family when she has to leave London after the murder of her best friend’s husband and owner of the club she worked at. The plot is filled with glamor, mystery and drama that take place mostly on the ship, RMS Queen Mary while all the backstories of characters take place in London that mostly includes what happenes in Lena’s life a week ago and how that influences her to take role on Broadway and board the ship to NY. I loved layers in the story and the setting of Queen Mary. We see the class differences on the ship, how the floors was divided in classes, some people were allowed to explore certain levels while some were not, and how staff also behaved as per the class they dealt with was interesting to read. We also read the struggle of working class family, life in Soho through Lena’s past and prejudice of higher class through secondary characters and Abernathy family. Mystery is most interesting, well written filled with red herring. Climax is tense. I couldn’t guess the killer until this point. I’m also disappointed with the reasons motive of whole game. It didn’t make sense the way the killer changed thoughts and decisions which makes the end weird, implausible and questioning the morals and ethics that’s why it’s a 4 star from me. However, I could agree on one thing one has to put their own survival first when caught in situation like this so I don’t mind Lena’s decision in the end. Overall, this is intriguing, well written and fun historical murder mystery with many layers and perfect setting. * Swipe for check points * QOTD - which is your favorite historical mystery? . . . . . #MissAldridgeRegrets #LouiseHare #BerkleyBooks #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalFIctionlovers #Historicalfictionreader #20thcenturysetting #Historicalmystery #Crimemystery #murdermystery #historicalmurdermystery #bookreview #Bookreviewer #readersofig #bookblogging #bookbloggers #bookbloggersofig #BooksTeacupandReviews #indianbookstagram #bookishaesthetic https://www.instagram.com/p/CfrZ16ovc8n/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sassybrit]

Free Book Downloads! Includes the much-loved "Cholama Moon" by Anne Schroeder (Central Coast Series, #1) #Free @anneschroeder2 #historicalfiction

Free Book Downloads! Includes the much-loved “Cholama Moon” by Anne Schroeder (Central Coast Series, #1) #Free @anneschroeder2 #historicalfiction

Currently free for a limited period!

(Free until 31st August)

https://books.bookfunnel.com/historicalfictionreads/wu49e6qg3l Cholama Moon by Anne Schroeder (Central Coast Series, #1)

  Cholama Moon Anne Schroeder (Central Coast Series, #1) Publication date: October 12th 2018 Genres: Historical Fiction, family drama, secrets, and a dash of romance! ) Make sure you have some hankies on standby…

[bucolicbook]

The Secret of the Three Fates (Ruby Vaughn, #2) by Jess Armstrong 

US pub date - 12/3/24

Despite not having read the first title in the series, the cover and synopsis really appealed so I borrowed the audiobook of the first from my library before starting this. 

Very atmospheric, Gothic, post-Great War setting with a defined mystery and some paranormal elements. The chemistry between Ruby and Ryan has continued to grow as well. It’s an engaging story that I really enjoyed. 

I am definitely looking forward to more titles in this very fun series. 

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the DRC

[bucolicbook]

Wartime Arrivals at Harbour House (Wartime Arrivals at Harbour House, #1) by Fenella J. Miller 

US pub date - 11/29/24

Family life in wartime - a view of citizens and the upheaval the stress and chaos on communities. 

The story follows the lives of Jonathan and Elizabeth Roby and their two children relocated to a new area as war begins and the joys they discover amidst the sacrifices they must make. 

The history makes this a strong choice for readers, and the writing style is engaging (though it took me a little while to get used to). 

This was my first time reading the author, and I will read more of her work. 

*A Kindle Unlimited read

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the DRC

[bucolicbook]

The Secret War of Julia Child: A Novel by Diana R. Chambers

US pub date - 10/22/24

The richly vivid and detailed writing pulled me in right away and I really enjoyed learning more about Julia Child and her younger years (I grew up occasionally watching her PBS show in reruns and not knowing anything about her other than her cooking talent). The descriptions allowed me to visualize what I was reading with ease and I really appreciated that. 

A highly enjoyable historical fiction read and a definite recommendation. 

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the DRC

[bucolicbook]

The Story Collector by Evie Woods

US pub date - 8/13/24

I was in by the end of the first chapter. And by the time I finished the first of Anna’s story, I was officially hooked. 

The Story Collector was a bit of magic in book form, and I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. 

I devoured this story and I finished it in two days. 

This was my second time reading the author, and I can’t wait to read more ❤️

Thank you to Harper360 and NetGalley for the DRC 

[bucolicbook]

A Place to Hide by Ronald H. Balson

US pub date - 9/17/24

A Place to Hide is extremely well researched and written. Historical fiction, it’s an extraordinarily important book, and I recommend it. Afterward, if you don��t already know, find out about the helpers in the war, the real people. 

It pulled me in right away and kept my attention to the point where I wasn’t switching between ARC’s (I will often be reading two or three during the same time period) and solely reading this. However, this isn’t an easy book to read -in fact, it’s downright difficult to get through knowing that it’s all based on factual history - it’s heartbreaking but it’s extremely compelling. 

Teddy is a young Washington man in the US government when WWII is looming when he’s transferred to the US Consulate in Amsterdam where he will have the soul destroying job of telling people who are desperate for a visa to the USA that they are ineligible due to lack of paperwork, knowing that many he denies will be terminated for merely existing when Hitler invades. 

The other day I was reading an article about the upcoming N American election. In a poll, more people were concerned about ‘the cost of living�� than ‘democracy’. I was speechless. 

My grandfather was a Marine in WWII, on the front lines; his war experiences were not something he spoke of. I remember my grandparent’s friends, the older ladies and men with numbers tattooed on their arms. How people who seemed happy could have such shadows and sadness in their eyes. I saw this living history while growing up; it was something we were well aware of. 

I don’t comprehend how people can listen to the former president, 45, and not hear him for who aspires to be in this country. I fully comprehend the cost of living crisis (I live here too), but democracy? 

As an adult, I read a lot of history, and the book banning and whitewashing of history for our young people concerns me immensely. Both are among the reasons why I homeschooled my now adult children.

Everyone who thinks that it couldn’t happen today should read this book. To see what losing freedom looks like under the power of a hate filled, power hungry (wannabe) despot. 

TL;DR? Read this book!!!! 

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the DRC 

[bucolicbook]

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods US pub date - 11/7/23

As a lifelong reader, books about books never fail to interest me, and tempt me to read them.  I was thankful, therefore, to receive a DRC for this and began it eagerly. 

Upon starting this, I was immediately drawn in by the gorgeous writing. And kept in thrall by the writing, the characters, the story, the messages…

I could go on and on about the utter magic of this novel, but I will simply say that I loved it, and I’m so, so glad I read this 😍. 

Full recommendations from me. 

Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for the DRC 

[bucolicbook]

Jackie: A Novel by Dawn Tripp 

US pub date - 6/18/24

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Take one of the most famous, iconic women in modern history and write about her life. A high reaching prospect, indeed, but one Ms Tripp manages admirably; Jackie is well researched, engagingly written, and manages to also be compulsively readable. Even readers who know much of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis’s life, this one is still an intriguing read, written in JBKO’s “voice”. It absolutely kept me turning the pages. 

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I think this will also make a stellar listen. 

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Recommended!

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Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the DRC

[bibliobethblog]

2023 has been the year that I’ve FINALLY read Pachinko! It’s been on my shelves since it was first released and despite the rave reviews, I’ve kept it hidden away, worried it wouldn’t live up to the hype. Let me tell you, it deserves every word of that praise, and if like me, you’ve been putting it off too, I strongly urge you to reconsider!⁣ ⁣ Set in the 1900’s the narrative begins with a focus on teenager Sunja who falls in love with a stranger on the seashore of her home in Korea. Her world is turned upside down when she finds out she is pregnant and her lover is married. However, she is saved by a gentleman staying at her mother’s boarding house, passing through on his way to Japan who offers to marry her and raise her child as his own. ⁣ ⁣ Sunja rejects her son’s biological father who is both wealthy and powerful and travels with her new husband to Japan. This sets of a host of unforeseen consequences for her family as the story continues to unfold under the difficulties of being Korean and impoverished in a Japanese town. ⁣ ⁣ I love a book with an epic family saga at the heart of the story. You see the characters over so many years and then follow their children and learn how their lives have been affected by the actions of the previous generation. It was a beautiful portrayal of struggle, family dynamics and the darker side of human nature when success and wealth are placed within reach. ⁣ ⁣ By the time I finished Pachinko, I really felt as if I had been on the same journey as our characters, as a quiet observer in the same room. I felt the pain, the suffering, the hope and the dogged determination within the family to build better lives and succeed amidst multiple obstacles. Can’t wait to read whatever Min Jin Lee writes next! #bookstagramuk #scottishbookstagrammer #readingmybacklist #pachinko #minjinleepachinko #koreancharacters #reviewingbooksonthegram #fivestarreads2023 #historicalfictionreaders #unforgettablereads #1900sjapan #beautifulbooksandideas https://www.instagram.com/p/CpatS56rtns/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[bibliobethblog]

Cunning Women is described as a book for fans of The Essex Serpent (one of my favourite books) and The Mercies (on the TBR) so I was excited to get to it with the #hfbookclub organised by the lovely @r4ch4elreads ⁣ Packed full of atmosphere and tension, this novel follows a small fishing community in the early 17th century. Our female lead, Sarah has a birthmark that marks her as a witch, just like her mother. Torn between her desperation to just be an “ordinary girl,” and her curiosity for what her powers could bring her, Sarah hopes that her younger sister, Annie is not marked by witchcraft. On meeting a farmer’s son Daniel, she begins to hope of a normal life with the potential for love. ⁣ ⁣ However, the family are already shunned by many of the community for their strange ways and when a new magistrate is appointed, determined to root out all evil and ungodly ways, Sarah’s dream (and the lives of her family) are in real jeopardy.⁣ ⁣ I had so many mixed emotions regarding this book. I loved the setting, and thought some of the characters incredibly intriguing, specifically Sarah who wasn’t your atypical “perfect” female lead. Saying that, I couldn’t really connect with the relationship between Sarah and Daniel. The connection between them seemed to accelerate so quickly that it made it difficult to believe in. I’m quite particular with romance in novels - it has to feel authentic and sadly in Cunning Women, it didn’t quite hit the mark. ⁣ ⁣ That isn’t to say though that I wouldn’t read anything else by this author. I liked the writing style, the setting and the obvious research that Elizabeth Lee has undertaken to write this novel. ⁣ ⁣ 3.5 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 💫 ⁣ ⁣ #bookstagram #scottishbookstagrammer #bookreview #cunningwomen #elizabethlee #witchybooksofig #booksandflowers #bookclubreads📚 #buddyreads #historicalfictionbookstagram #prettybookslovers #historicalfictionreview #historicalfictionreaders https://www.instagram.com/p/ChC_hfCrv4L/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=