Romance & Chick Lit
@ashertopia
Deanna Love Gottreu
The Golden Reviewer
Myra Ovalle
ReneeK
@robinswandering
REQUESTING eGALLEYS FOR NOOK, DROIDS & KINDLE
SETTING UP YOUR KINDLE TO RECEIVE E-GALLEYS
HOW TO REQUEST REVIEW COPIES OF BOOKS
Category Archives: Historical Fiction
Stories with fictional characters and events in a historical setting. Includes Amish, Westerns, Cold War, Historical, Ancient History, Roman, Greek, etc. Also includes virtual history and alternative history.
Historical Fiction, ReneeK, Romance & Chick Lit
The Captain's Daughter by Delamere
London, 1879 When a series of circumstances beyond her control leaves Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater putting on the most popular show in the city. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage. That is, as long as the shadows from her past don't catch up with her.
The Captain's Daughter
by Jennifer Delamere
After a hand injury forces Nate Moran from his army regiment in India, he returns home to London, a place that holds bitter memories. He agrees to fill in temporarily as a stagehand while his brother recuperates from a broken leg, but Nate is counting down the days until he can rejoin his regiment. His future is decided—until he meets a beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate yearns to leave behind.
I decided to step out of my regular book genre again. Sometimes I just need something completely different than what I normally read.
This is the first book in "London Beginnings Series."
I'm a fan of historical fiction. Jennifer Delamere is a new author for me. The historical setting of the story is 1879 London- and the historical characters of Gilbert and Sullivan that feature with their musicals made the story's setting delightful.
The story is based off of three girls who become orphans after the death of their parents and end up in George Müller's orphanage. Then focuses on Rosalyn the eldest eventually finds work as a housemaid. You find yourself skipping 6 years in the future and Rosalyn is accused of stealing and the unwanted advances of her employer's new husband. She flees to be with her other sister to Bristol.
This was an easy read. I found the character interesting and likable. Not a lot of depth with the character but, there is a lot of action to keep the book interesting. The book wasn't predictable and it did leave you wanting more depth with the characters.
I'm not going to give away the story so you will have to read it for yourself. Overall, this was a fun read that I had a hard time putting down.
ReneeK is a sweet tea addicted mamma who loves to cuddle up to a good book. She blogs at Little Homeschool on the Praire and writes about family, homeschooling, having a special needs child, and about whatever else tickles her fancy.
This book was provided by the publisher via Litfuse Publicity as a review copy.
The Ebb Tide by Lewis
Oh, to see the ocean, Sallie thought. And to spend the summer as a nanny. She shook her head in amazement. This seemed too good to be true, but she really must talk it over with Dat and Mamm, especially since she'd be gone so long. And after I promised Mamm I'd take baptism classes this summer . . .
by Beverly Lewis
Sallie Riehl has dreamed of traveling at least once before settling down to join church, so she is thrilled at an unexpected summer opportunity to nanny in Cape May for a well-to-do family. However, saying even a temporary good-bye to Paradise Township means forgoing baptism another year, as well as leaving behind a would-be beau. Yet the weeks in Cape May soon prove unforgettable as Sallie meets a Mennonite young man whose friendship she quickly begins to cherish. Has she been too hasty with her promises, or will she only find what her heart is longing for back home?
Beverly Lewis has a wonderful way to make stories come alive within the pages of her books. Every time I finish a book or a series I'm sad to see it come to an end.
Sallie is not the typical Amish girl and wants to explore places before she joins the church. After her first trip to a faraway place by airplane doesn't happen she is give an opportunity to see the ocean for the summer. Her intent is to return home and join the church. Life isn't always laid out in a neat package. Sometimes God has different plans for us and Sallie has to find out which path God is leading her on.
This is just a beautiful story that is so descriptive in the details of Sallies surrounding and of her heart. You can't help but not to be swept away in her dreams. Not to mention that this is a page turner to the very end.
All of Beverly Lewis books have such intriguing characters and plots. Most of all a message about our Christian walk. This story I see waiting on God to direct our paths and not trying to please others but, letting go and let God direct our way.
I'm not going to give away the story. I enjoyed this story and look forward to more books from Beverly Lewis.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
The Newcomer by Woods Fisher
In 1737, Anna Konig and her fellow church members stagger off a small wooden ship after 10 weeks at sea, eager to start a new life in the vibrant but raw Pennsylvania frontier. On the docks of Port Philadelphia waits bishop Jacob Bauer, founder of the settlement and father to ship carpenter Bairn. It's a time of new beginnings for the reunited Bauer family, and for Anna and Bairn's shipboard romance to blossom. But this perfect moment cannot last.
The Newcomer
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
As Bairn grasps the reality of what it means to be Amish in the New World – isolated, rigid with expectations, under the thumb of his domineering father – his enthusiasm evaporates. When a sea captain offers the chance to cross the ocean one more time, Bairn grabs it. Just one more crossing, he promises Anna. But will she wait for him? When Henrik Newman joins the church just as it makes its way to the frontier, Anna is torn. He seems to be everything Bairn is not – bold, devoted, and delighted to vie for her heart. And the most dramatic difference? He is here; Bairn is not. Far from the frontier, an unexpected turn of events weaves together the lives of Bairn, Anna, and Henrik. When a secret is revealed, which true love will emerge?
This is the second book in the Amish Beginnings Series. Overall, this could be read without the first book in the series. The first book in the series is Anna's journey to the new world. You will miss some of the character interactions and some of the history behind the individuals. Suzanne Woods Fisher's books always does a good job laying the ground work on a series in each book. I love stories that are historical.
The story picks up when they arrive in the port of Philadelphia after they crossed the Atlantic Ocean. They are preparing to make the journey in the wilderness were Jacob Bauer has secured some land for the community.
I find it intriguing the Amish coming to the New World to create a community to worship God without persecution. The details of the era and the worked needed to create a community was intriguing and made for an interesting read. The courage and faith of the individuals kept the group going despite the difficulties they faced.
All the characters have a lot of depth about them to make you feel almost part of the story. I love all the history put into the pages and the individuals you meet.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
Historical Fiction, Romance & Chick Lit, The Golden Reviewer
Slender Reeds by Gregory
This is a story of the Hebrew people living, in slavery under the rule of Pharaoh Ramas, struggling to hold on to God's promises and a mother's hope to save her infant son from sure death by the hand of an Egyptian soldier.
Slender Reeds
Jachebed's Hope
by Susan Gregory
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Jachebed is a young Hebrew woman, living with her mother Elisheba, married to Amran, a godly man who believes in the one true God of the Hebrew people. These people are living in slavery under the cruel rule of Pharaoh Ramas.
Shephrad is the daughter of the High Priest Nege. Nege is an evil priest and very cruel to his daughter. After a severe beating, she runs away from home. She is found, near death, by Jachebed and her mother. They befriend the young girl, teaching her to be a mid wife.
Ramas is concerned about the large Hebrew population and orders his solders to kill every male child up to the age of three years. Jachebed has a young son she has been hiding. A lot of the Hebrew mothers have lost sons and she is afraid someone will tell the solders about her son. She is a weaver of reed mats and baskets. She will make a water proof basket and send her son adrift on the Nile River. She has observed that Pharaoh's daughter and her ladies bathe daily near the reeds. This will be a good place to place her son. Hopefully he will be discovered by Princess Meril and not eaten by the crocodiles that inhabit the Nile River.
A very interesting read. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Gregory, but look forward to reading more in the future, Highly recommend the book.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is a founding book blogger for BookGateway.com and has generously provided this review. She describes herself as "an 86 year young great-grandmother and an avid reader."
Historical Fiction, Myra Ovalle, Romance & Chick Lit
The Lassoed By Marriage Collection
March 4, 2016 Myra Ovalle	Leave a comment
Nine relationships started after saying I Do
by Bell, Breidenbach, Carter, Connealy, Jepson, Lillard, Welborn, Y'Barbo, Zediker
Lassoed by Marriage is a collection of short stories about unwilling marriage. Start a journey with all the characters that start off in a situation that forces them into marriage. Walk with them as they try to overcome obstacles and try to start a relationship. See them try to overcome their fears and reservations and strive to help better their relationship. Follow Cynthia and Lord Elliot Carlyle struggle to get past her sister's deceptions and work to make their marriage work. Observe Katie as she strives to keep her son by marrying George her son's uncle. See as she fights to break the stigma that follows her as she is the mother of a illegitimate son. Root for Penny as she fights to keep her family's land by marrying a prisoner. Watch her try to teach her husband forgiveness for past wrongs done to him. Watch Coral and Hiram try to break the family feud despite being virtually forced to marry each other. Witness as a lord without title preform act of mercy as he rescues a widow and her land from people that threaten her. But both have secrets they are keeping from each other will they drive them apart or bring them together. Notice as a new minister offers sanctuary to Molly who was in a desperate situation. But will her outlaw brother drive the m apart? Laugh at Hattie's antics that land her married to the town sheriff. Watch Maila fight to free herself and her husband from Rose the first wife. Observe as Tanner discover Debba after 4 years of isolation.
This book is filled with so many different elements its impossible to get bored.
Myra Ovalle is your average typical girl. She loves to read. Her favorite types of books are historical fiction, biblical fiction and action adventure fiction. She would love to share her love of books and all the wonderful books she have read with you. Check out her new blog: From a Book Worm To You
Whispers in the Reading Room by Gray
Can a man with a mysterious past and naive librarian work together to solve a murder.
Whispers in the Reading Room
Shelley Gray
Zondervan Fiction
Lydia is fascinated by the handsome mysterious stranger that visits her library every day. Not knowing who he is or having ever spoken to him she feels puzzled when he rescues her at the lobby of a prestigious hotel. She discovers his name and the fact that everyone in the city is either afraid or intrigued by him. After rescuing her at the Hartman Hotel they ensue a fragile relationship. Sebastian Marks is intrigued by the quiet librarian but is hesitant to form any kind of tie to her due to his secrets. After peering into her seemingly happy life he discovers that she is penniless, with a demanding mother hounding her to marry anyone for money. On the other hand Lydia knows nothing about what he does and demands that he take her to his establishment. When he finally agrees to take her to his establishment things take an unexpected turn. A gentleman's murder puts both of them in danger. Sebastian afraid that because of him Lydia will get hurt tries to break off their blooming relationship. Will Sebastian and Lydia realize their feelings for each other and find the murder?
I loved the book it was mysterious and hard to put down. I loved how much detail was put into the book and the perfect balance of mystery. I will probably read the rest of the series as soon as I can. I would recommend this book to historical fiction lovers. Get ready to be blown away by this book.
A Spy's Devotion by Dickerson
C an two people who seemed to be destined to be apart work together to stop a traitorous plot?
A Spy's Devotion
The Regency Spies of London
By Melanie Dickerson
Waterfall Press
Julia Grey is an orphan that grew up in the charity of her uncle's home. Growing up in upper society she was never let forget that fact she was not up in the social class. With a small dowry her hopes of landing a good match are slim. She and Phoebe her cousins have grown up as close as sisters, so when Phoebe is enamored with Nicholas Langdon and asks Julia's help to land him she willingly agrees. Nicholas Langdon is a second son who needs to marry someone with a good dowry. Back from the army due to an injury he tries to fulfill a promise to a dying man to deliver his diary to someone at the War Office. When he gets mugged and the journal stolen he gets pulled in to the spy game. After being brought up to date his mission is to get as close as possible to Robert Wilhern who is suspected of treason. Using Phoebe as his way in, he meets Julia Grey who captures his attention and feelings. Having been burned by his past fiancé who left him for a much older richer man he decides to be cautious. Julia is trying her best to get Nicholas to notice Phoebe but soon realizes that she has growing feelings for him. After being continuously reminded by her aunt and uncle that she is the poor relation and should stay away from Nicholas she starts to see things more clearly. So when Nicholas reveals that he is a spy and asks for her help she agrees. As danger mounts and sparks fly will they be able to stop a traitorous plot and figure out their feelings?
This book was very hard to put down. It had mystery intrigue at every flip of the page.
@ashertopia, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Black City Saint by Knaak
Nick saved the world years ago in an event humans know as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Unfortunately, another "opportunity" has come his way.
Black City Saint
by Richard A. Knaak
Pyr
This is a fascinating setting: Chicago in the 1920s, the height of prohibition with bootleggers and gangsters warring for turf, and very few electronic devices. [SPOILERS] Nick even humorously ponders about how great it would be if there were such things as portable devices to contact people from their automobile, among other things. [END SPOILERS] The two gangs and name dropping of some real gangsters gave readers something to connect with in such a foreign world. A detective noir set in this world isn't so much of a stretch, but adding in magic, fantasy creatures and more makes this very different from most books. But not all.
Fans of the Dresden Files by Butcher wont be able to miss the obvious parallels. [SPOILERS] An out of time detective that only solves fantasy problems, with fantastical, and not always trustworthy sidekicks, tied to a ruling council from another, hidden world, tries to stop the big bad from using their magic to destroy a Chicago. [END SPOILERS] As a fan of Dresden, more is usually better. But Knaak's Nick isn't the same as Butcher's Dresden, though for one very big reason: the addition of Christian characters into the mythology.
I was introduced to Knaak in my adolescence via his contributions to the Dragonlance saga. Legend of Huma is a favorite all these years later. One thing a Christian who loves fantasy has to do is to distinguish between fantasy "gods" and the real "God." I dislike (very much) when an author takes real Christian characters and changes them and their theology/ the theology they represent to fit the fantasy of their world. This was a real concern for me when [SPOILERS] Nick turns out to be Saint George (who fought the dragon), who believes in the real God, but also fights to keep the realms of humans and faeries separate. Faeries aren't allowed to enter churches, holy water and blessed items hurt them, Saint Michael/ Michael the Arch Angel shows up possibly, and so on also conflate the issue. While I'm not usually a fan of this, Knaak did a good job walking a line here of being respectful to the characters while integrating them into the mythology. Nick Medea, for instance, is grounded even by his name – he is named after the real place of St. Georgius' death, Nicomedia. [END SPOILERS] But the main issue for me still exists: the Christian characters have been merged with fantasy characters and included and treated like mythology. As a Christian, and acknowledging that the battle between St. George and the Dragon is very likely legendary, I prefer that Christianity not be included as just another source for mythology, because to me it isn't.
This is a fast paced, fun fantasy noir that fans of both genres will enjoy.
Scott Asher is the Editor-in-Chief of BookGateway.com. His personal blog is AshertopiA – a land flowing with milk and honey… and a lot of sticky people where he turns real life into stupid cartoons, writes on Christianity, Zombies, and whatever else he wants and posts Bible studies from his classes at church.
Calico Spy by Brownley
Can a Sheriff and Pinkerton agent work together to catch an elusive murder and work out their feeling for each other.
Undercover Ladies #3
by Margaret Brownley
Shiloh Run Press
Katie Madison, a Pinkerton operative, is sent undercover as a waitress to Calico Kansas. Her new assignment is to investigate the murder of two Harvey House restaurant waitresses . Branch Whitman as the town's sheriff is mad at the fact that a Pinkerton is sent to solve the case. He is stunned at the fact that the beautiful waitress that frequents his thought is the Pinkerton operative sent to help. When a secret from the past threatens to tear away what the sheriff holds dear he must decide to trust Katie or risk losing it all. As they face challenges together they can feel the growing attraction between them and don't seem to know what to do about it. Will they be able to work together and catch the elusive murderer and figure out their feelings for each other?
The Calico Spy is the third book in the Undercover Ladies series. I really enjoyed this book. Once I started it I had a hard time putting it down. I loved the vivid description that brought the story to life. The descriptions of the waitress protocol had me cringing and feeling sorry for Katie while laughing during the funny parts. It had me guessing what was going to happen throughout the whole book. The characters and their antics were very refreshing. The author wove the western, mystery and romance elements beautifully. I would highly recommend this book to historical romance lovers or someone who loves a good mystery. I will definitely read the rest of the series.
Blessing by Lyn Cote
November 30, 2015 admin	Leave a comment
Can two seemingly opposite people unite together to face the danger that seems to lurk everywhere?
Quaker Brides #2
by Lyn Cote
Tyndale House Publishers
A chance encounter at the Seneca Falls women's suffrage movement leaves Blessing Brightman and Gerard Ramsey hoping to never cross paths again. Blessing is the Quaker widow of a difficult man whose death left her with wealth and a high standing in society. Gerard Ramsey is the son of a wealthy Boston family who craves independence and respect from his father. As Gerard's best friend decides to court Tippy, Blessing's best friend, he decides to dissuade him and moves to Cincinnati. There he gets to know Blessing for who she is. A simple Quaker woman with a passion to help those nobody deems worth helping. As he decides to enter in a business venture that will seemingly give him the independence he seeks from his father, nothing is as it seems. Someone wants to ensnare him with deceit, while the past Blessing has tried so hard to overcome seems to come back and taunt her. Things start to escalate as racial tensions start to give way to violence. As they fight their way through everything the feel themselves falling for each other but their past and their need for independence get in the way. Will they work their way through their problems and feelings?
This was historical masterpiece. It explored two of the major movement of that time, women's suffrage and the anti-slavery movements. It also brought a sense of intrigue and danger I was not expecting. The book was well researched and was masterfully written. The author wove the historical, intrigue, and romance elements together very beautifully. I loved it and will recommend and read the rest of the series.
Divine Dungeon 1-4 by Krout
Everybody, Always by Goff
That Night In Nashville by Kade
Thor: Goddess of Thunder, Vol. 1
Dead Six by Correia & Kupari
Archives Select Month January 2020 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 January 2009 December 2008 June 2007
BookGateway.com – Your Gateway to Great Books!