A deeply moving historical narrative, this book intertwines the lives of two generations—one navigating the idyllic yet shifting world of 1914, and another uncovering its secrets from the lens of 1997. Initially, I found the story a bit challenging to follow due to its large cast and shifting timelines, but once the threads began to…
Historical Fiction
Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks | Book Review
In the opening novel of his Hundred Years’ War trilogy, Michael Jecks masterfully brings the common soldiers of Edward III’s army to life, crafting a richly detailed, immersive story that lingers long after the final page. Fields of Glory follows Berenger Fripper and his vintaine of twenty archers from their landing near Cherbourg through the…
The Resistance Girls by Alice G. May | Book Review
The Resistance Girls by Alice G. May is a captivating and emotionally driven World War II novel that shines a spotlight on the extraordinary courage of ordinary women. The story follows Serenity (Wren) Ashworth as she answers the call to serve her country in a covert resistance unit, and her journey from grief to quiet…
Tough Times on Coronation Close by Lizzie Lane | Book Review
Even without reading the earlier books in the series, I found The Close to be a richly woven, emotional story that swept me into the lives of its characters from the very first page. Set during the hardships of wartime, this book beautifully captures the daily struggles of ordinary people—especially the women—trying to protect their…
Enemies of the Crown by Peter Gibbons | Book Review
King Aethelred’s grip on the English throne grows more precarious by the day. His misguided policies—shaped by his inner circle of bishops—have not brought peace, but instead opened the floodgates to further Viking incursions. Sweyn Forkbeard, the fearsome battle-king of the Danes, is growing ever more bloodthirsty and relentless in his quest to conquer England….
The Lavender Bride by Alexandra Weston | Book Review
This book is set against the backdrop of Hollywood in its glory days. Back when McCarthyism was prevalent and so was rising star Marilyn Monroe. Add in atomic testing, international unrest after the war and you get the idea of what Audrey is facing as she moves from Sheffield, UK to Hollywood. Audrey dreams of…
The Mirror by Nora Roberts | Book Review
After finishing The Mirror, the second book in Nora Roberts’ Lost Bride Trilogy, I found it to be an engaging read overall, though not quite as captivating as The Inheritance. The first book hooked me with its suspenseful plot and compelling characters, but this installment at times felt weighed down by unnecessary details—particularly the repetitive…
The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner | Book Review
This was a beautifully written, deeply emotional, and utterly compelling story that showcased the strength and resilience of women. From the very first page, I was completely engrossed in the lives of Miriam and Annie, eagerly turning the pages while bracing myself for the emotional impact—especially as the story reached its heart-wrenching conclusion. I loved…
The House of Echoes by Alexandra Walsh | Book Review
The House of Echoes is a captivating dual-timeline novel that masterfully weaves the present with the past, taking readers from modern-day Pembrokeshire to the tumultuous Tudor era. Rich in historical detail, the story follows Caroline Harvey, who, after the death of her famous grandfather, uncovers a centuries-old connection to Anne Brandon—a woman who fled the…
The Storyteller’s Daughter by Victoria Scott | Book Review
This book follows a dual timeline, with one set in 1940/41 and the other in 2008/09. As usual, I found myself drawn more to the earlier timeline. The story alternates between the perspectives of two main female characters: Nita, a determined reporter in the past, and her great-niece, Beth, in the present. Nita’s journey was…
