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….
Historical Fiction
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…
Dark Times for the Clarks Factory Girls by May Ellis | Book Review
This book can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone. The story centers on Jeannie, Kate, and Louisa, three young friends and coworkers at the Clarks Factory who are navigating life during the turbulent times of World War I. January 1916 after months on the front lines in France, Gerald, a pacifist Quaker, returns to live…
Betrayal of Mercia by MJ Porter| Book Review
This story plunges readers into the intrigue and betrayal surrounding King Wiglaf, focusing on those closest to him who have turned against him. A medieval court trial takes center stage which left me pleasantly surprised by its gripping developments. Then just when it seemed like nothing significant would occur, there were unexpected twists. I will…
The Pick-Pockets’ Plight by Lindsey Hutchinson | Book Review
The story picks up several years after the events of the first book, following Alice in England and BJ in Australia as they carve out new lives. Switching between their perspectives, the book shows both characters finding legal, hard-earned ways to survive, and highlights a world where persistence pays off and villains don’t always get…
Rebellion by Richard Cullen | Book Review
Trained as a squire, Estienne Wace navigates the turbulence of the time, developing his skills in battle and loyalty to his liege. The novel perfectly captures Estienne’s coming-of-age journey against the backdrop of medieval hardships, although I felt the pacing lagged a bit during his teenage years. It does pick back up after King John’s…
