👶👶👶👶👶: The Outlaw Noble Salt, by Amy Harmon

You'd best hop on the fastest train and grab yourself a copy of this magnificently-rendered novel.

Only Amy Harmon can make her readers swoon over a character such as Butch Cassidy! She imagined his character in such a redeemable way that I was actually crying over a man I never thought was remotely worthy of empathy. She has perfectly melded the historical story of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid with the golden Amy Harmon touch. And let me tell you, there ain't nothing like Amy Harmon's storytelling!

She is remarkably adept at researching historical figures, then making them so real, so palpable, it's as if you've lived right alongside them. There have been very few books of Amy's that have not made me cry and feel depth of emotion that knocks me off my feet. And no one can tackle historical fiction like this amazing author!

I'm such a sucker for Wild West stories, and learning more about the infamous Butch Cassidy was just the icing on the cake. Now make him a redemptive outlaw that speaks in hokku, and is going "soft" for a sweet famous singer, and I'm all in!

I am ever so grateful to Amy Harmon and Lake Union Authors for this gifted review copy. What a joy to add this gem to my Amy Harmon collection!

Read 4/9/24

👶👶👶👶: The Porcelain Maker, by Sarah Freethy

WOWIE KAPOWIE! WHAT A DEBUT👏👏👏!!! It makes me so happy when a new author knocks their debut out of the park, and Sarah Freethy has done just that! This dual timeline novel, set against the backdrop of WWII Germany, leads readers through the life and love of German artist Bettina Vogel and Jewish architect Max Erlich. We are taken from a bright, cheerful time in their young carefree existence, through a progressively deteriorating situation as the Nazi movement takes hold in Germany. Sarah Freethy captures the terror, hope, and courage that enveloped so many during this time.

I had never even heard of Allach porcelain, which was produced at a plant near Dachau concentration camp using the imprisoned Jews as the primary source of labor. It never ceases to amaze me how little I know about this time period, despite reading SO MANY WWII books.

So, kudos to Ms. Freethy for sharing this little known history in such an engrossing manner; I was glued to the book from start to finish! This novel had excellent character development, a solid plot, and a compelling dual timeline. Congrats on writing such a brilliant debut!

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

Read 11/7

👶👶👶👶👶: A Girl Called Samson, by Amy Harmon

Surely, this novel is nothing short of a momentous accomplishment for this best-selling author. If I didn't know better, I would think Amy Harmon lived a previous life as Deborah Samson, herself. The language is so perfectly authentic of the time period; the setting is so completely captivating. Never once during the time I read it did I not feel completely immersed in the Revolutionary War era right along with Ms. Samson.

Deborah Samson is every woman, a devoted servant, a selfless individual, and an uncompromising patriot. As Robert Shurtliff, none of these qualities are diminished, but instead, enhanced. Only her unwavering fortitude is a quality that shines through in her new role. The most amazing thing was to discover that Deborah Samson was a real individual in history, and Amy has succeeded in bringing her to life once again for her readers. I was enchanted by the epistolary portions of this novel as it allows readers into the depths of "Rob's" conscious thoughts. I was mesmerized by the detailed history and, in turn, by Harmon's meticulous research.

This story broke me, as do all of Harmon's works, but in the most beautiful way. I can always count on her stories to uplift, inspire, and instill in me a newfound hope. I laugh, I sob, I am renewed.

Quite honestly, Harmon, herself, is every woman. She bares her soul, not only in her writing, but with her fans. We learn from her novels that she is an exquisite writer and we learn from her posts that she is a doting mother, a concerned citizen, and more importantly, a humble human being. She shares it all with us, and we feel that much more connected to her writing in this way. Thank you, Amy, for sharing your humanity and your talent.

💯You MUST pick up this incredible novel. I guarantee you will not be disappointed, and you will come away from it better than you were before.

Many thanks to Amy Harmon and Lake Union for this gifted review copy. It is a gift I won't soon forget!

Read 4/1/23

👶👶👶👶: The French House, by Helen Fripp

Cheers 🥂 and many thanks to partner, Forever Publishing for this gifted beauty.

Okay, I see you Helen Fripp 😏... I'm not sure what I expected going into this novel, but wow, what a journey! Ms. Fripp took me on a most wonderful adventure into the history of champagne production. Who knew there was such rich history when it comes to bottles of "bubbly"! Nicole Clicquot was an absolute force to be reckoned with, and what an empire she built!

This novel had intrigue, suspense, romance, plenty of historical detail, and a lot of girl power. There were several, "No! Don't do it!" moments of foreshadowing, which kept me in constant suspense. Despite tremendous setbacks, Nicole, the protagonist, always persevered; I found myself rooting for her as the novel progressed. All of the characters were just so well fleshed out and the setting was absolutely gorgeous.

I truly look forward to more historical fiction by @helenfrippauthor !

Read 11/13/22

👶👶👶👶: Woman on Fire, by Lisa Barr

I was so surprised and incredibly excited to receive this gorgeous book from @harperperennial in the mail! Being that WWII Historical Fiction is my favorite genre, I jumped at the chance to read and review this one!

Full of intrigue and noteworthy historical facts, this novel held my interest from page one. Jules Roth is an intelligent, quick study who takes her work very seriously, while Margaux de Laurent is a conniving, self-destructive fiend willing to take anyone down that gets in her way. Add a sexy male artist to the mix, and you've got one thrilling, provocative story!

Written in a dual timeline, readers are given the history of the stolen artwork from WWII in small increments, and then led on a thrilling journey from multiple points of view in the modern-day quest to find the painting. With a cast of intriguing characters, Woman on Fire is a thrill ride from beginning to end!

Many thanks to @harpercollins for gifting me with this novel in exchange for an honest review!

Read 6/27/22

👶👶👶👶: Bluebird, by Genevieve Graham

What a lovely introduction to Genevieve Graham! This novel was just splendid and full of so much history that I was completely unaware of! I learned of the incredible Canadian effort during The Great War, along with all of the intricacies that tied our two countries together thereafter. With dual timelines spanning a century, Ms. Graham certainly did her homework, and was able to tie the two stories together seamlessly, filling in all the gaps!

Not only did I learn about the brave Bluebirds of the CAMC, but I also gleaned so much information about tunneling during The Great War (of which I was completely ignorant), The Roaring 20s and its accompanying feminist evolution, Prohibition and The Temperance movement, and the Rumrunners that ran counteractive to that movement. It was SUCH an enlightening novel and I will be on the lookout for more of this author's work!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read 4/5/22

👶👶👶👶: The Fault Between Us, by Bette Lee Crosby

What a perfect first read for 2022! This novel was brimming with hope, laden with sentiment, and full of historical information. I honestly new little about the devastating San Francisco earthquake of 1906, so I found this historical fiction story incredibly compelling.

When I read the synopsis, I was under the impression it would be heavy on the romance, which honestly gave me pause. But I'm happy to report, Bette Lee Crosby did a wonderful job of incorporating a sweet love story within a thoughtful, intelligent narrative.

I grew to love the characters and really flew through the book, as the storyline was fascinating. It was a sweet story that really kicked off my 2022 reading in a positive way!

Many thanks to Bette Lee Crosby

for gifting me with this lovely copy in exchange for an honest review!

Read 1/5/22

👶👶👶👶: The Cartographer's Secret, by Tea Cooper

I always love learning about little known history and this novel did not disappoint. Centering on events surrounding the disappearance of German explorer, Dr. Ludwig Leichhardt, this novel takes readers on an imagined journey of a family closely linked with his explorations in Australia and subsequent vanishing.

Ms. Cooper did an excellent job in fleshing out her characters and really allows readers to become immersed in their plight. I appreciated the background into Leichhardt's story, as I had never heard of his exploration, and know very little Australian history. I especially welcomed the nod to the many female cartographers of the time, who were often overlooked because credit for their work was given to their husbands.

All in all, this was an engaging work of historical fiction. The mystery was entertaining and the setting was exquisitely rendered.

Many thanks to TLC Book Tours for inviting me on this book tour and to Harper Muse Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read 12/13/21        

👶👶👶: The Forest of Vanishing Stars, by Kristin Harmel

This novel was truly unique. It was a Historical Fiction novel with elements of Mysticism, Christianity, and Judaism. At first, I wasn't sure it was for me, but as I continued reading, I became quite enthralled. The story moved at a quick clip and was fairly compelling.

It was definitely not a typical WWII Historical Fiction novel. The uniqueness stemmed from the story of Yona who was stolen from her birth family as a toddler by a rather peculiar lady with psychic ability, who teaches her to rely solely on herself and the forest around her to survive. Many a time she hinted that Yona was destined for greater things. Yona's transition from utter isolation to a fully functioning community member was enchanting, but also somewhat implausible.

What was most intriguing to me was that this novel and its characters were inspired by true stories of individuals who survived in the wilderness just outside of Poland during the Nazi occupation. The lengths they went through to outsmart and outrun the Nazis was absolutely incredible.

The novel does quote scripture quite often. Although it is done in a tasteful manner, and worked well into the story, it wasn't what I was expecting from this author. Having read Harmel's last novel (and having absolutely adored it), I was not expecting this to be a spiritual novel with psalms and scripture quotations throughout🤷‍♀️.

Overall, however, it was quite an enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!

Read 6/22/21

👶👶👶👶: The Woman in Red, by Diana Giovinazzo

📚Because we celebrate the strong women in our life today, I thought I'd review a novel about an incredibly formidable woman in history, Anita Garibaldi. The author, Diana Giovinazzo, did a tremendous job highlighting Anita's bravery and daunting work as Giuseppe Garibaldi's partner and eventual wife in the early 1840s. She was certainly ahead of her time and a trailblazer for other women who longed for adventure and aspired to make a difference. At a time when women were expected to stay home and care for the home and children, her boldness was seen as impropriety, and she was strongly condemned for her actions. But she persevered and ultimately became a Brazilian heroine.

🌷I learned so much about this intriguing historical figure and of course, the novel gave me perspective on the uprise in Santa Catarina, Brazil, which had the goal of unseating the Portuguese monarchy in the region. I knew nothing of Giuseppe Garibaldi, so in this respect, the novel was incredibly enlightening.

📕This was definitely my first "book cover made me buy it" novel. I literally knew nothing about the book, but with such a gorgeous cover, I HAD to have it! 

Read 3/27/21

👶👶👶👶👶: The Rose Code, by Kate Quinn

Kate Quinn has done it again! Filled with intrigue, suspense, and historical accuracy, 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓡𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝓒𝓸𝓭𝓮 had me hooked from page one! Quinn does such a phenomenal job developing her characters, that her readers can't help but feel invested in their lives. And these strong female protagonists are no exception; I was rooting for each of them in turn, and was dying to understand what caused the unexpected turn of events. Beth, in particular, absolutely wound herself into my heart - I just love an underdog!

I was so fascinated with the history of Bletchley Park and had no idea this series of events even took place. How I love learning about little-known history from talented authors!

Just as the "rose petals wind like stairs inward", so does the revelation the reader so desperately seeks. This novel was all-encompassing and had so many different facets, it's no wonder Kate Quinn is emerging as the new "It" author. As in 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓐𝓵𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓝𝓮𝓽𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓴, a strong theme of female empowerment hums through the novel. And whether you prefer romance, mystery, or historical fiction, she's gotcha covered in this novel! Quinn has certainly refined her craft as this was an easy 5-star read for me!

So hold onto your hats for a compelling journey that will have you on the edge of your seat for its entirety! It hits bookstores TODAY, so run and grab yourself a copy!!!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio for gifting me with this early review audio copy in exchange for an honest review!

Read 3/9/2021

👶👶👶👶Under the Light of the Italian Moon, by Jennifer Anton

⚘What a magnificent novel I've just finished on this beautiful International Women's Day! There couldn't have been a more appropriate day to release this sweeping saga singing the praises of women!

📚I am just so impressed by this debut novel by Jennifer Anton! This beautifully-rendered narrative is based on her own extended family's true story and tugs at your heartstrings while painting an accurate and heartbreaking picture of the rise of fascism in Italy leading up to WWII.

📚Ms. Anton has shared a tour de force with her readers and brings awareness to the terrors of dictatorship and the ever-increasing gluttony of wicked men. The women in this novel are strong, resilient, and steady as they act as a foundation for the ever-crumbling world around them. I shed tears and cheered in triumph as Anton spoke to the reality of what women endured during these most grievous times. This novel is an ode to the love and devotion poured forth from the hearts of women throughout their lives.

📚I so appreciated Anton's ability to weave the beautiful Italian language seamlessly into her story. She also melds in the key role that the Catholic religion played in the majority of Italians' lives during this dire time.

❤Many, many thanks to Jennifer Anton for an advanced reader's copy (isn't the cover just gorgeous). I am grateful that I can now share my thoughts on her incredibly talented work with you! This gem is out today!

Read: 3/8/21

👶👶👶👶👶: The Songbook of Benny Lament, by Amy Harmon

❓How to write a review that captures the sublime essence of this novel? I know you've all heard me drone on and on about Amy Harmon's talent, but let me just say that this incredible author knows no boundaries, and is an absolute master of words and emotion.

🔥In this latest novel, Ms. Harmon transports us to New York in the 1960s, to the center of life in the Italian mafia. Benny Lament wants little to do with his "famiglia" and their ties to the mob, and would much rather focus solely on his one true love, music. That is, until another distraction enters his orbit, Esther Mine. Suddenly the two begin a journey full of musical rapture, harsh realities, raw emotion, and surprising revelations.

🎶This novel is a joy for music fans and is perfect for those who enjoy historical fiction with a little romance and a touch of mystery. I was so immersed in this musical rendezvous where I could hear the rhythm and feel the beat.

❤As always, I am in awe of Amy's ability to captivate her audience; it is so evident that she adores her characters. This allows the reader to follow suit and embrace each magnificent individual readily. Benny's soft and strong demeanor paired with Esther's sassy courage is something I will remember long after the last page was turned. Harmon always does unparalleled research on her subjects and time periods and weaves a story full of both resolve and compassion. This novel is absolutely perfect for our time and place, tackling tough topics such as racism and stereotypes.

🗓So, please mark your calendars for this treasure due out March 16th! I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

🙏A million thanks to Amy Harmon and Lake Union Publishing for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy in exchange for a very honest review.

For more fun reviews and insight with some pictures too, follow me @mamasgottaread on Insta.

Read 1/25/21

👶👶👶: The Winter Sea, by Susanna Kearsley

This was a lovely story set in Scotland during the Jacobite Rebellion of the mid-18th century. The historical aspects of this novel were fascinating to learn about, as I knew very little about Scotland's past. The author crafted this story with current-day author Carrie McLelland writing a novel about the experiences of her ancestor, Sophia Paterson.

In my humble opinion, the literary technique of using a frame story has to be done just right in order to avoid a disconnected narrative. The timing almost necessitates perfection to pull the reader from one intriguing story into the next without making the reader feel as though momentum has been lost. A novel that achieved this balance impeccably, in my opinion, is Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. Throughout much of this particular novel, however, I found myself fully invested in the events, only to be pulled away to another moment in time. If I'm honest, it left me frustrated, and also kept me from forming an emotional bond with the characters.

Despite this, the setting was magnificent, and the author excelled at allowing the reader to feel immersed physically in the scene. In addition, the story itself was certainly compelling, and I can never turn down a good historical fiction novel - especially one in which I learn little-known facts.

👶👶👶 Last Garden in England, by Julia Kelly

Julia Kelly has crafted a lovely, visually gratifying novel. Her story centers around Highbury House Estate in England and its beautiful gardens. The focus is on the women who inhabited the estate or worked in and around the famed gardens during the different time periods of 1907, 1944, and present day. Each story was unique and enchanting. I found myself enveloped in the landscape, especially in the earlier century, as Ms. Kelly's descriptions were incredibly vivid. It was, without a doubt, an aesthetically pleasing novel. I also appreciated being immersed in the history and topography of English gardens, something I've really never thought much about. 

I will admit, however, that the multitude of characters spread out between the various time periods initially proved to be disorienting. Thankfully, I eventually grew accustomed to each person and found my bearings. Additionally, what were meant to be "aha" moments were somewhat predictable for me (though in all fairness, I pride myself in uncovering the outcomes of novels way ahead of time).

I would recommend this novel to those looking for a lighter Historical Fiction novel entwined with a bit of romance, as well as for those who enjoy complex character webs. Be on the lookout for this one on March 3, 2021.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery books for gifting me with this early review copy in exchange for an honest review.

For more bookish fun, follow me on Instagram @mamasgottaread !

Read 12/6/20

👶👶👶 Atomic Love, by Jennie Fields

I always enjoy learning more history through well-written novels.  In this "explosive" (couldn't resist) story centering on Rosalind Porter, a guilt-ridden scientist who worked on the Manhattan Project during WWII, we learn of her guilt and shame stemming from the devastation her work ultimately led to.  We also discover the  steamy embroilment with her colleague and possible traitor, Thomas Weaver. Enter Charlie Szydlo, an FBI agent assigned to the task of gleaning much needed intel by convincing Rosalind to spy on Weaver. In all honesty, this novel leaned a bit more toward romance than historical fiction, which I tend to shy away from, but having read it for a Bookstagram buddy read, I thought I'd give it a go.

I appreciated the POV shift from Rosalind to Charlie, giving us a more in-depth peek into each character's feelings and personality, and allowed me to grow fond of each character in turn. However, it was a bit predictable and tied up rather neatly, as would be expected in a romance, but not necessarily in the reality of such historical events.

Having said that, it was an easy read that moved at a quick clip, and I definitely recommend it for historical fiction romance fans!

Read 9/30/20