👶👶👶👶: The Ladies Hall, by Vanessa Miller

It absolutely infuriates me to discover more and more of the struggles that Black Americans have endured for so long due to racial injustice. And to see society regress in this manner in this day and age, especially after so many remarkable strides, is just incensing,.

On a positive note, this new historical fiction novel by Vanessa Miller shines a light on three extraordinary women who paved the way for countless generations of Black women. In the mid 1880s, Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt encountered relentless racism while attending Oberlin college, the first university to adopt a race-blind admission policy in the US. Yet, with great courage they broke barriers not just for people of color, but specifically for Black women. I genuinely cannot fathom why someone's skin color or gender should ever dictate their potential for success or achievement - yet, here we are grappling with this reality.

A big thank you to Vanessa Miller for this thoroughly-researched treasure of a novel. I truly appreciate your talent in conveying the immense challenges these women faced and the significant advancements they made along the way. Also a big shout out to Angel Pean_ - what an excellent narrator you are!

Thank you also to partners, Thomas Nelson Publishing, Zondervan Audiobooks, and NetGalley for this gifted audio review copy.

Read 8/4/26

👶👶👶👶: The Secret Society of Librarians, by Kate Thompson

Leave it to Kate Thompson to uncover all the wartime bookish history! Every time I pick up one of her books, I know that I will be immediately transported. While her stories often delve into the harsh realities of the past, there's a sense of hope that shines through. and I truly relish her stories. I've been fortunate enough that Read Forever Publishing has gifted all three of her latest novels focused on bookish themes during World War II, and I can honestly say I've never been disappointed. Her research is impeccable as always, and can we just rave about the gorgeous covers???!!!


In this particular story, we are privy to 2 concurrent and heartbreaking narratives - one unfolds in Poland and the other in England during the occupation. Joyce and Dorotha, both librarians and cherished friends, find their lives turned upside down by the war. In a story as compelling as it is tragic, I found myself cheering out loud for these courageous women who risked it all for the love of books and the pursuit of freedom.

Read 7/24/26

👶👶👶👶: Liberty Street, by Heather Marshall

A mere week ago, @heathermarshallauthor released her latest book, and I was intrigued from the get-go. As you know by now, I'm a sucker for a historical fiction novel that opens my eyes to lesser-known facts from the past. This particular novel explores the dark history of all-female reformatories in the early 60s Canada, specifically the Andrew Mercer Reformatory, where women and girls aged 16-35 were sent under the Female Refuges Act (aka, the Incorrigible Law). Under this law, anyone - from parents to teachers, or even concerned citizens - could bring these females before a magistrate claiming she was unmanageable or leading an idle life, and initiate her institutionalization. As you can imagine, not only were these laws exploited by citizens to control girls and women, but the employees of the institutions themselves abused their authority over them.

This story delved into the inhumane treatment of these women through the eyes of brave female reporter, Emily Radcliffe, who decides to enter Mercer Women's undercover in 1961. Little did she know the chilling reality she was about to face.

The story also weaves in a second timeline set in 1996, where Detective Rachel Mackenzie unravels a mystery intricately linked to the past.

This novel was certainly a page-turner that had me disgusted at how women were seen as so dispensable back then. A law that would incarcerate women for such subjective behavior is absolutely mind blowing🤯. You can bet I went down the rabbit hole to delve into similar institutions in the US😱.

Many thanks to partners @ballantinebooks , @penguinrandomhouse , and @netgalley for this #gifted review copy.

Read 6/22/26

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👶👶👶👶: Where the Girls Were, by Kate Schatz

I can’t believe I waited so long to dive into this incredibly meaningful book! It was so filled with heart and emotion, brimming with the hopes and dreams of women of a bygone era. I found myself feeling an empathy I never expected for unwed mothers in the 60s, and honestly, it made me think about young women throughout history. These girls often found themselves in circumstances they couldn’t fully understand, mostly because they had never been given the knowledge or support to navigate their situations. Meanwhile, the men involved were most often free to move on with their lives unscathed while these poor girls were branded sinful and vile.

@k8shots really did a tremendous job with sweet Baker, and all of her characters. She even threw in some unexpected curveballs that added layers of depth to the story. It was truly beautiful.

Many thanks to partners @thedialpress and @netgalley for this unexpected gem of a novel!

Read 6/5/26

👶👶👶: The Manhattan Confessions, by Jocelyn Green

This third installation of On Central Park continues in the rich setting of The New-York Historical Society where Ivy Malone serves as head librarian. As she juggles her role as a preservationist, she inadvertently finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of transformative events tied to the world of high society. This latest novel delivers a mix of intrigue, romance, and a wealth of historical details, all wrapped up in this fast-paced new release!

As a big fan of historical fiction and an admirer of New York, I relished in the plot. Once again, the author dives into an impressive array of topics in this narrative, ensuring that you’ll be thoroughly engaged. So if you prefer wholesome historical fiction with a side of conspiracy (and some scripture thrown in as well), this novel is available now!

Many thanks to @author_jocelyn_green and @bakerpublishinggroup for this #gifted review copy!

Read 4/21/26

👶👶👶👶: The Hired Man, by Sandra Dallas

I can always rely on Sandra Dallas to deliver a captivating story that often takes place in the Old West. Set against the backdrop of the Dust Bowl in a small town in Colorado, the story unfolds when a mysterious stranger comes to the rescue of a young boy in a near-death situation. In the midst of the struggle to live out these difficult days, the town must also come to terms with this newcomer. In addition, the oldest daughter of the family that takes him in, must also sort through her conflicted feelings about this hired man as well.

In true Sandra Dallas style, the focus is on a compelling female lead —young Martha Helen—whose coming-of-age journey reveals the profound struggles families faced during this challenging period in history. I was completely taken by surprise by the twist at the end! While I’m still processing my feelings about the resolution, it’s clear that the author did her homework with regard to the conditions. I felt completely absorbed by the despair and resilience of that time!

Many thanks to @stmartinspress for sharing this #gifted review e-copy.

Read 4/10/26

👶👶👶👶: It Girl, by Allison Pataki

I'm absolutely captivated by the stories of lesser-known historical figures! @allisonpataki has truly outdone herself with her early-1900s revisionist historical fiction novel, 𝑰𝒕 𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒍, which shines the spotlight on the real iconic "Gibson Girl," Evelyn Nesbit.

In order to lend creative license to her work, the author focuses on a first-person narrative of Evelyn Talbot, a Gilded Age sensation who rose from humble beginnings to fame. It was heartbreaking to follow this poor young girl's path as she was exploited right from her earliest days as a model and muse. Her own mother did little to shield her from the abuse of wealthy, powerful men.

What I love most is how the author artfully navigates the complex dynamic of beauty, showcasing both the power it can bring and the objectification and dehumanization that often accompany it. You know you've found a fantastic book when it inspires readers to dive deep into research and learn more about the subject. Kudos to you, Ms. Pataki!

Many thanks to #partner, @ballantinebooks for sharing this #gifted early review copy.

Read 3/14/26

👶👶👶👶: The Man in the Stone Cottage by Stephanie Cowell

I have to be honest, I’m ashamed to admit that not only have I never read anything by the Brontë sisters, I wasn't even aware of their fascinating history until now. I owe a big thank you to @cowell.stephanie for writing such a beautiful historical fiction novel that shines a light on the lives of these remarkable women and the hardships they endured.

This story was so thoughtfully crafted, filled with rich nuances and brilliant insights that helped fill in the historical gaps surrounding these incredible minds. I was genuinely surprised by how much I learned about the Brontë family through these pages. Ms. Cowell brought these characters to life in a way that truly humanized them by revealing their struggles and insecurities beyond their renowned intellect.

I truly enjoyed the story and, although somewhat depressing in its reality, the plot was engrossing. What a unique angle from which to tell their stories!

Many thanks to partners, @regal_house_publishing 

and @netgalley for this #gifted review e-copy.

Read 1/16/2026

👶👶👶👶: To Outwit Them All, by Peggy Wirgau

It truly takes a remarkable woman to step up and take action when danger looms, and that’s exactly who Agent 355 was - the only female member of the legendary Culper Spy Ring. In her captivating reimagining, Peggy Wirgau brings us the story through the eyes of Betty Floyd, aka 355.

The novel propels readers into the New York social scene at the height of the American Revolutionary War, and grabs hold of the reader's attention from the beginning.

The character development was excellent, and I really loved Betty's character. I felt her hesitation and uncertainty as if it were my own when she was thrown into the world of resistance. A core part of the story dealt with her indecision as she grappled with whether she was ready or even willing to make the tough decisions that could change the course of history.

Overall, this is a fantastic historical fiction read for anyone fascinated by the American Revolution and the sacrifices it involved. It was the perfect pick to wrap up on #nokings day!

Many thanks to partner, Books Forward for this gifted review copy!

Read 10/19/25

👶👶👶👶: The Lost Garden, by Angela Petch

I'm continually amazed by the stunning stories woven from tragedy. Angela Petch has written a moving coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop in the small town of Sant' Agnese in Mussolini's Italy in the 1930s.

As readers are transported into the world of Castello di Montesecco, we meet Tina, a young girl born into privilege, but missing the influence of her deceased mother, a figure shrouded in secrecy.

The narrative unfolds naturally as Tina becomes entwined in the resistance while under the watchful eye of her militant father.

I was so impressed with Ms. Petch's ability to cultivate characters through time. It felt as though I was growing up right alongside Tina and her friends, experiencing the profound impact of war alongside them. So much of what was written in this novel frighteningly parallels what we are experiencing in the USA today. From the very first page, I was hooked; the writing was simply exceptional!

Many thanks to partners, Bookouture and NetGalley for sharing this stunning historical fiction novel.

👶👶👶👶: The Girl in the Green Dress, by Mariah Fredericks

Is anyone else out there just completely captivated by Zelda Fitzgerald? I can't help but appreciate how Mariah Fredericks has woven such an entrancing historical fiction mystery around this forever fascinating woman. Not only was her marriage to the literary genius, F. Scott Fitzgerald, shrouded in intrigue, but I've always felt her allure is in her wild spirit and flair for drama. Ms. Fredericks has packed this novel with so much depth: the reporter's complex PTSD as well as Zelda's fragile mental health, multiple historical mysteries involving unsolved deaths, and the intense dynamics between Zelda and F. Scott. Plus, we get a glimpse into the shadowy side of fame through the eyes of writer turned reporter, Morris Markey. The author masterfully links the reporter's discoveries to post-WW2 politics and the elite who seem to operate above the law. And all this unfolds in the dazzling backdrop of the Jazz Age! It really doesn't get any better than this!

If you appreciate great historical fiction with several nods to actual historical figures, enjoy gaining new perspectives on unsolved mysteries, and are drawn to the depths of human emotion, don't miss this one!

Many thanks to St Martin's press and NetGalley for this gifted review e-copy!

Read 9/4/25

👶👶👶👶: The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau, by Kristin Harmel

I am such a fan of @kristinharmel ! Her historical fiction novels are incredibly well thought out, and I love the unique spin she adds to her stories. In this case, the reader follows Colette Marceau, a descendant of Robin Hood, who carries on the family tradition by stealing jewelry from undeserving Nazis in order to fund the French resistance in the 1940s. In this dual-timeline narrative, Colette then continues her life-long pursuit in current-day Boston in order to fund the Boston Center for Holocaust Education. The story unfolds from there, with lifelong secrets unfurling as the story progresses.

It was an unexpected story with twists along the way, and I was invested from the get-go! Ms. Harmel did a marvelous job with the dual timelines, which certainly takes quite a bit of talent. Most importantly, she conveys the plight of the Jewish people, both during and after these human atrocities, in a very empathetic manner.

Many thanks to partners, @gallerybooks

 and @netgalley for this #gifted review e-copy.

Read 7/8/25

👶👶👶👶: The Tapestry of Time, by Kate Heartfield

This engaging historical fiction novel set during WWII revolves around four sisters: Kit, Ivy, Rose, and Helen. Their father, a passionate historian, had always been convinced that the Bayeux Tapestry holds prophetic secrets. Unfortunately, the Nazis are equally as captivated by the tapestry...

With elements of magical realism, the story draws readers into the sisters' journeys as they navigate their unique roles in the fight against the Germans. Along the way, we witness their hesitation to embrace their clairvoyant abilities.

While I do enjoy multiple points of view, I’ll admit that keeping track of all four sisters sometimes made my head spin! But honestly, that probably comes from juggling so much else in my life right now that has nothing to do with the book😩.

I was fascinated to learn more about The Bayeux Tapestry - something I'd never even heard of before, and I was certainly impressed with @kateheartfield 's thorough research!

Many thanks to #partners @tlcbooktours and @harpercollins for this #gifted review copy!

Read 7/22/25

👶👶👶👶: Blonde Dust, by Tatiana de Rosnay

One of the first books that sparked my passion for historical fiction was 𝘚𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘩'𝘴 𝘒𝘦𝘺, an international bestseller by Tatiana de Rosnay. So, when I stumbled upon news of her latest project, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! This captivating story is set in Reno, NV, in 1960, at the iconic Mapes Hotel and Casino, the epitome of vintage glamour in the west.

What unfolds in this narrative is quite unexpected. We follow Pauline, a young maid at the hotel, as she forms an unlikely friendship with Mrs. Miller. To her surprise, Mrs. Miller happens to be none other than the legendary Marilyn Monroe! What unfolds is a multi-layered story with wild mustangs, intriguing movie history, and a life-altering experience for sweet Pauline.

I was genuinely moved by how the author portrayed Marilyn Monroe's humanity. It offered me a new perspective on her life and the misconceptions that surrounded her. Plus, the behind-the-scenes glimpses into the filming of her last movie, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘧𝘪𝘵𝘴, were absolutely fascinating. Hats off to you, Ms. de Rosnay!

Many thanks to partners, Grand Central Pub & NetGalley , for this gifted review copy!

Read 6/19/25

👶👶👶👶: The Jackal's Mistress, by Chris Bohjalian

I genuinely make an effort to explore all sorts of books, but I always find myself irresistibly pulled back into my favorite genre: historical fiction. It’s amazing how much I’ve learned over the years from such talented authors, especially considering I didn’t exactly shine in history class!

In his latest novel, Chris Bohjalian has crafted a truly compelling story that immerses readers in the gripping realities of survival during the Civil War. I have such a deep appreciation for narratives that come from a place of empathy and compassion. The protagonist, Libby Steadman, beautifully captures this essence, guiding us through a time filled with fear and mistrust. Libby is surrounded by a cast of memorable characters that are as endearing as they are strong, and it was so easy to get attached to them all. Bohjalian reminds us that at the core, we’re all human beings, deserving of understanding and respect, even when our beliefs differ.

Kudos to Mr. Bohjalian for reminding us of this crucial lesson!

Many thanks to partners Doubleday and NetGalley for this gifted review e-copy.

Read 6/15/25

👶👶👶👶: The Girls of Good Fortune, by Kristina McMorris

Kudos to Kristina McMorris for once again shedding light on little known US history. There's nothing like a good historical fiction novel to teach me something I was completely oblivious to. I hesitate to admit I had no idea what getting "shanghaied" meant, nor had I any inkling about the Shanghai tunnels until I read this novel. If you've never heard of either one, this novel will teach you quite a bit about a time in our history that was absolutely laden with anti-Chinese sentiment.

This was quite an adventurous novel filled with several seemingly implausible turns. However, it held my attention from the beginning. Celia is a formidable character filled with grit and determination who finds herself in a situation that could have grave repercussions not only for herself, but for others in her orbit as well. This engaging story also came fully loaded with a satisfying ending - gotta love those full circle moments!

Kristina McMorris has always been an author who does her homework for the topics she tackles, and this was no exception! This is the fourth novel that I've been privileged to read by Ms. McMorris, and each time, I am better for it.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks & NetGalley and for this gifted review e-copy!

Read 6/9/25

👶👶👶👶👶: The Lost Passenger, by Frances Quinn

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT Frances Quinn!!! It's been a minute since I've read a 5-star novel, but this book earned every one of those stars! What a unique perspective of the sinking of the Titanic Ms. Quinn has presented. The most fascinating part of it all is that I honestly would not even bill this novel as just another "Titanic story." There was SO MUCH more to this novel.

I ran the gamut of emotion as I read this exquisite tale of Elinor Coombes, the daughter of the self-made "Cotton King," who worked for every penny of the wealth he was not born into. We learn that her father's wealth is enough for her new aristocratic husband's elitist family, but not Elinor's less-than-acceptable upbringing and mannerisms. She finds herself in a loveless marriage, in a life where every part of who she is seems to be dictated by her heartless mother-in-law, right down to the infant son she bore that they manage to tear away from her care.

Enter a gift from her father for first-class tickets on the maiden voyage of the Titanic... she is elated to escape the clutch of her in-laws and get some well-deserved time alone with her son. Though you well know the fate of the giant ship, you'll just have to read the novel to find out what happens to Elinor in the aftermath of this tragedy. It's a doozy that kept me on the edge of my seat until the end! I will share that Elinor is full of grit and determination, and each character along the way is so well fleshed out!

And to think I won this novel in a Goodreads giveaway! I hadn't won one in quite a while, so it was really fun to be chosen as a winner! Many thanks to Goodreads and Random House for this remarkable novel! And thank you, NetGalley, for also allowing me to read the gifted e-copy late into the night!

Read 3/29/25        

👶👶👶👶: Junie, by Erin Crosby Eckstine

 
I feel so giddy when an author knocks it out of the park for their debut novel! Erin Crosby Eckstine has written such a powerful novel that I would've NEVER guessed this was her first! Bravo, Ms. Eckstine💯!

Junie, a 16-year-old enslaved girl, is a character that will stay with me long after the last page was turned. The author managed to create a feisty character with heart and an indelible spirit unlike any I've encountered in the recent past. A well-crafted cast of characters joins Junie as this coming-of-age story unravels seamlessly.

Despite the addition of magical realism, a genre that requires a deft ability to reach a precise balance between suspension of disbelief and a realistic plot line, the author managed to hit the nail on the head. Her writing is silky smooth, and I just couldn't put the book down!

This historical fiction novel is based on the author's ancestral grandmother, and the care and precision with which she writes has resulted in a stunning tribute.

If you're looking for an Own voices historical fiction novel with a twist to read during Black History Month, look no further. This book will readily transport you to the pre-civil war era and will leave a lasting imprint on your heart.

Many thanks to partners, Random House and NetGalley for this gifted review copy!

Read 2/20/24

👶👶👶👶: The Sunflower House, by Adriana Allegri

What a magnificent debut by Adriana Allegri ! This is an impeccably researched historical fiction novel that rendered me speechless despite the mountains of WWII novels I have read in the past. Ms. Allegri has a true gift as a writer and had me glued to the pages from the get-go.

We meet Allina, a spirited young lady who struggles with staying quiet in the midst of all the injustice she is surrounded by. After a series of horrific events, Allina finds herself forced to work at the Hochland Home, a Nazi baby factory, mirroring one of the real-life Lebensborn facilities opened by Hitler to perpetuate the "German master race." Readers follow Allina's journey as a member of the resistance as her life intersects with Karl, an SS officer, who harbors his own hidden skeletons.

Allegri does an incredible job with the dual timeline. She seamlessly transitions between Allina's modern-day life with her daughter, to whom she eventually discloses the atrocities of the past.

I look forward to reading more of Allegri's work in the future - with such a strong start, I'm sure she will continue to grace readers with her amazing words.

Many thanks to partners, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 11/12/24

👶👶👶: Small Things Like These, by Claire Keegan

This was a very atmospheric novel, and one must be in the mood for melancholy in order to appreciate it. Claire Keegan certainly writes beautifully, and one has to recognize understated truths to grasp the depth in this novel. She does a tremendous job of allowing her readers to feel the reality of life in a town ravaged by poverty in the late 80's, Ireland.

What I appreciated most was the historical aspect of the book, shedding light on the tragic "Laundries" of Ireland that operated well into the late 20th century. These were institutions headed by the Church that took in "fallen women" who had become pregnant out of wedlock. It was a place of degradation that viewed any pregnancy, whether consensually or by rape or incest, as the young lady's fault, and treated these women as abominations. Their babies were taken, and they were mistreated and held in enslavement under the guise of charity. Ultimately, unmarked graves of 155 women were found, which led to a formal apology by the state (unfortunately not by the church) in 2013.

Overall, I appreciate authors that illuminate these dark times in the past, so that such cruelty will not repeat itself. Kudos to Claire Keegan for informing her readers.

Of special note is that a movie based on this novel will be released on November 8th!

Read 12/8/23