Historical Fiction Archives

November 17, 2020November 16, 2020

The Lost Village-Books On Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction-Available Now

After some psych thrillers and crime procedurals, I was ready to get back to history. Next on my list was this one. I had enjoyed The Italian Villa and was hopeful that the author had maybe improved upon the last book.

What I found however, is that much of what I said in that review still applies.

It’s a similar plot. A woman, Luce, goes to Italy to find out her historical roots. There is a hint of mystery because her mother, Angelina, left Italy when she was young, rarely talks about family, and has hinted at how dangerous it would be to dig up the past.

I liked that premise. I should put in here that I found out in my teens that I am half-Italian. When my mom and I went to Italy while I was in college, I felt like I had come home. There was no reason for it – I know nothing about my heritage or lineage.

But I understood people, I felt comfortable wherever we went in the country, and I felt like a part of me had been awakened. In that regard, I totally related to Luce. I “got” her desire to find out more about her heritage.

I also liked how she found that things weren’t what she expected, what she’d been led to believe by her mother over the years. I think it was a good way to illustrate the importance of finding your own truths.

I suppose that could be said about Luce’s personal life as well. Not giving anything away, but she finds answers to more than just her heritage.

That itself is also interesting. She finds out more about the family history from her grandmother, as well as her own experiences with other family members.

And herein lies the issue I have with this book.

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When I see that something promoted as a “historical novel,” I usually expect there to be a contemporary storyline that sets the stage for the historical part, which then takes up the majority of the story.

In my humble opinion, to be considered such there should be at least a 50/50 split, preferably more. If a majority of the story isn’t in the past, I’m not sure it can be considered historical.

I’m sure we can all relate to choosing a book based on “what do I feel like reading now?” And then having certain expectations of the book based on those conceptions.

And now we come to the reason I brought it up.

I stand by my critique in my review of The Italian Villa. Once again, the historical parts are told in passive voice, as Luce’s grandmother tells the stories of the past more as a reminiscence. It takes a lot of the bite out of the history and makes it difficult to become engaged.

It also leaves too little to the historical sections. Because they are told from one person’s point of view as a memory, there’s no life to the actual events. It’s all just ghosts. And it seemed as if the contemporary storyline far outpaced the historical – as I mentioned, that makes it difficult to read as a “historical novel.”

For the points of this story, and for how important the past was, actual flashbacks would have been so much more effective. It was actually quite convoluted as is, especially with the confusion surrounding the characters in the contemporary storyline.

It’s really a shame, because the secrets that Luce’s family were hiding were real doozies. I just wish the revelations would have been more impactful.

I’d still recommend the book because the family secrets that are finally revealed are interesting, and there are some truly compelling moments filled with emotion.

But know that (for me at least), it doesn’t fit the definition of a true “historical novel.” There was no chance to be immersed in the past. And that’s a major reason I like the genre.

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Author Bio:
Daniela Sacerdoti is the author of the bestselling Glen Avich series which has sold over one million copies in ebook to date, Sacerdoti’s debut novel Watch Over Me was named the eighth bestselling Kindle book of all time in 2015, when she was also ranked as the eleventh top-selling Kindle author. She lives in a small village in the middle of nowhere, with her Scottish husband, two children, a Cocker spaniel and a foundling kitten (who was definitely a witch in a past life). Visit her website at https://www.danielasacerdoti.com

November 12, 2020November 10, 2020

From a Paris Balcony-Books On Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction-Available Now

The story that started in Paris Time Capsule and continued in The House on the Lake finishes in From a Paris Balcony. As with the other two books in the trilogy, the author uses a contemporary plotline in conjunction with historical timelines.

This time we follow Sarah, an art curator whose life has been turned upside down. When she finds a mysterious letter that hints at a tragic mystery involving one of her ancestors, she takes the opportunity to go to Paris to see what she can uncover.

In the course of doing so, she rents the apartment that has been central in the trilogy – Marthe’s Belle Epoque living quarters that had been closed up for decades. Of course, there has to be conflict (because nothing is easy in Paris) and it seems as if an artist is already in residence.

It’s no spoiler to say that Laurent and Sarah are meant to be the couple to follow, but in honesty, I didn’t much care for their story line. As with the other two books, the contemporary sections felt awkward.

The dialogue didn’t flow, there didn’t seem to be a lot of chemistry, and some of the plot points seemed at loose ends. The transitions between the two eras were sometimes abrupt and it almost seemed like the author lost focus for a bit before bringing the plot back to wrap up at the end.

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What kept me reading, however, were the historical sections. With Marthe’s story coming to a close, it is now easy to see that this is where the author seemed much more comfortable. I really got a better sense of Marthe’s time and the events that led to the tragedy mentioned in the letter that Sarah found.

I don’t know if it’s the intrigue of the closed-up apartment and period it “lives” in that draws my attention or if the writer was just more comfortable creating a story around an actual event (opposed to fabricating Sarah’s contemporary life).

I can’t speculate on the latter, but it certainly appeared to me that the author liked the past and treated that storyline with more care. All in all, it was a good trilogy, and I am glad that I had the opportunity to read it.

Website: http://www.ellacarey.com/
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Twitter: @Ella_Carey

Author Bio:

Ella Carey is the international bestselling author of The Things We Don’t Say, Secret Shores, From a Paris Balcony, The House by the Lake, and Paris Time Capsule. Her books have been published in over fourteen languages, in twelve countries, and have been shortlisted for ARRA awards. A Francophile who has long been fascinated by secret histories set in Europe’s entrancing past, Ella has degrees in music, nineteenth-century women’s fiction, and modern European history. She lives in Melbourne with her two children and two Italian greyhounds who are constantly mistaken for whippets.

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

The Girl Without a Name-Books On Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction-Available Now

I’m a big fan of this author (here are my reviews of Burning Island and My Name is Eva). I love her writing style, and she relates a story in a way that makes it real. Her writing is well-researched and heartfelt…this book is no exception.

I will say that I expected something completely different than what I thought the book was going to be focused on, so that was a nice surprise. Actually, there were two surprises, because after the introduction, I still thought the story would be different. It went way beyond my initial perceptions.

The set-up of a current-day tragedy spurring the flashbacks and recollections that make up the bulk of the story was very effective. I like how Billie (the daughter) took it upon herself to try to solve the mystery of what was aggravating her father.

The story is told mainly in flashbacks, from 1939 all the way up to 1952. There are chapters set in 2004 (the current time) as well as some letters interspersed as well. But everything moves seamlessly through the shifting times and perspectives.

The story of the children who were evacuated from London to the countryside during WWII has been a common theme lately, but this time it only took up the first part of the book. It was important to understand the connections that were made at this time, as they had direct bearing on later events.

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I thought the author did an admirable job with both Stevie and Ruby’s characters. It was easy to see their personalities and character arcs that led from childhood to adulthood. I also liked how Joan was included to help propel the plot and give foreshadowing to past events.

I know that sounds weird, but her recollections in the present gave the reader an idea as to what happened back during the war (and after the war was over). That made reading the events of the past even more exciting to me.

Once I realized (by the dates at the headings of chapters) that the climax of the story was approaching, the feeling of dread I had grew. I had an idea of what had happened, but it didn’t lessen the impact of the actual event.

The author also is very clever in how she refers to the characters. I won’t say more than that, because I don’t want to ruin what I thought was an excellent (albeit small) twist, but it turns out that Stevie and Ruby had more in common than meets the eye.

Okay, I’ll give you a hint. Pay attention to how Billie refers to her father. And make the connections. It was a great attention to detail that actually spoke volumes about her father’s state of mind and attitude toward the pivotal event.

I’m not saying more. But once again, Suzanne Goldring has produced a story that will stay with me for quite a while. Another excellent addition to the Historical Fiction genre.

Author Bio:
Following an eventful career as a public relations consultant, specialising in business and travel, Suzanne Goldring turned to writing the kind of novels she likes to read, about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. Whether she is working in her thatched cottage in Hampshire or her seaside home in North Cornwall, Suzanne finds inspiration in the secrets hidden by everyday life.

October 23, 2020October 23, 2020

An Angel’s Work-Books On Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction-Available Now

Once again, I was interested to find a historical fiction novel with a different point of view than others. This time, I learned about what it was like to be a nurse during WWII. Right off the bat, it was apparent that the author knew the subject matter.

The details of the main characters’ scenes in hospital and the various wards were plentiful. In some ways, they were the most interesting parts to me. The rest of the story was good, but I really felt the author’s voice coming through most clearly in the nursing scenes.

I liked the two main characters. I thought Mac and Jo were individuals and their personalities were distinct. Where they ended up working fit them well.

While I understand that the author had to have a twist for the plot, I’m not exactly sure how I feel about Mac’s injury and subsequent memory loss. It felt a little too contrived to me. But I liked how the women cared for and supported each other.

I did feel like there were also times where the author wasn’t sure where to go or what to have the characters doing. The story didn’t always feel linear, it sometimes wandered. That’s not a bad thing, but don’t expect a straight A to B plot.

Again, the scenes that were war- and/or nurse-centered were the strongest, and they’re ultimately what made me really enjoy this book. I like it when an author can imbue characters with realistic knowledge that makes them more human.

Author Bio:
A change in circumstance meant Kate Eastham made the shift from a career in nursing to being a carer for her partner. Determined to make the most of this new role ‘working from home’ and inspired by an in-depth study of the origins of nursing, she wrote her first novel at the kitchen table. Miss Nightingale’s Nurses was published by Penguin in 2018, closely followed by three more in the series. With her passion for history, Kate aims to make visible the lives of ordinary yet extraordinary women from the past. Her current historical fiction is set during the World Wars and will be published by Bookouture.

October 21, 2020October 22, 2020

The House by the Lake-Books On Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction-Available Now

Having read two other books by the author, it was natural for me to read this one as well. While Beyond the Horizon still remains the better book, it was neat to receive more information on the story that was begun in Paris Time Capsule.

This time, we start with Anna who is quite happy running her café in San Francisco. Her grandfather, Max, doesn’t talk much about his past – until one day he reveals a long-held secret. This sends Anna off to a castle in Germany to fetch something that Max left behind when he had to leave suddenly with the rise of Hitler and the onset of WWII.

As with the first book in the trilogy, it’s an interesting set up. The time period is rich with places, people, and events to build stories upon. It’s not hard to imagine that are still millions of stories to be told from that time.

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I did like how the author tied the characters from the first book into this one and how the stories intertwined. It was a nice through-line.

As with the first book, there is a slight issue with language and the writing style. It doesn’t seem as if the writer gained the confidence in style that shows up in Beyond the Horizon. There were also a few minor issues that caught me, such as Anna referring to her “flat” when she lives in San Francisco (should be apartment).

But the story is engaging, it’s a nice throughline from the first book, and I look forward to reading the last in the trilogy to see how it all wraps up.

Author Bio:

Ella loves to connect with her readers regularly through her facebook page and on her website.

October 13, 2020October 7, 2020

Under a Sky on Fire-Books On Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction-Available Now

Three words.

Have. Tissues. Ready.

I knew from this author’s previous books, A View Across the Rooftops and When We Were Brave, that I was in for an emotional and heartfelt story, and I was not disappointed. Ms. Kelman has a particular talent for creating characters and situations that are so real, a reader can imagine being a part of the story. She is probably my favorite historical fiction author.

I really liked the way she set up the main characters, all young women with very different backgrounds. It took awhile to figure out what the connection would be and how they would all relate to each other.

First was Lizzie, from the Highlands, with a deep personal secret she was determined to atone for. Then we met Diana, from Birmingham, whose father is still suffering from Shell Shock from WWI. Last was Julia in London, whose husband is called up, leaving her alone with two young children.

Lizzie and Diana are joining up in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, while Julia finds herself promoted to being a steno in Churchill’s War Rooms. Each woman takes her own path to help the cause, and the ways they all get there are both engaging and informative.

I especially liked Julia’s job. Her proximity to Churchill and interactions in the War Rooms were very realistic. I got chills reading some passages, knowing how accurate they were (we visited the museum of his War Rooms when we were in England a few years ago). Well done to the author for that.

And then the Blitz occurs.

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Again, this is where the author’s talent for creating authentic scenes shines. The terror and uncertainty of the residents of London is palpable, and I truly felt like I could smell the smoke and see the rubble of the bombed-out buildings. Very few authors can evoke such vivid scenes.

Of course, with it being war time, you know that there is going to be heartache and loss. The author does a fantastic job of building the tension, tracking each of the three ladies as they learn their jobs, meet new people and form relationships that may or may not be fruitful.

You just know that one (or more) of them is going to suffer a tragedy of some sort. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop. And even though I expected it, I wasn’t prepared for it when it actually happened (and no, I’m not going to tell you what happens or who it happens to).

But this is where you will definitely need those tissues I mentioned at the beginning. The emotion that pours from the pages is absolutely heart-wrenching.

I did like how the author highlighted the strength of women and the important parts that they played in the war effort. There were a few times it verged on preachy, but then it became more restrained and palpable. To be sure, there were a lot of unsung heroines over the course of the war (the details on the barrage balloons were especially educational).

There was a small subplot about Julia’s mother-in-law that popped up late in the story and for the most part didn’t go anywhere. I would have liked to have seen that fleshed out, especially in light of Julia’s job.

Ultimately, this is a story about how friendships forged in fire are quick but resilient, and family doesn’t have to mean blood relations. I loved every minute of this book, even though it left me a sniffling mess by the end. I highly recommend picking this one up.

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Author Bio:

Suzanne Kelman is an Amazon International Bestselling author in America, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Her WW2 historical fiction books “A View Across the Rooftops” and “When We Were Brave,” together have sold over 150,000 copies and are published by Bookouture – an imprint for Hachette U.K. Her third WW2 Book, Under A Sky on Fire, publishes October 13th, 2020. Kelman’s books have also been translated into five languages.

She is also the author of the bestselling book, “The Rejected Writers’ Book Club”, published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, “Rejected Writers Take the Stage” and “The Rejected Writers’ Christmas Wedding”.

Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.

In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition. As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, “Over My Dead Body”, had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.

Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State. Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch – https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com

October 10, 2020October 5, 2020

A Wild Hope-Books On Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction Saga-Available Now

If ever you were looking for a book that was the definition of an epic story, you would be hard pressed to find one that fits better than this sprawling novel from Celeste De Blasis.

Fair warning: the book was originally released in 1985 as Wild Swan and is part one of a trilogy. To truly understand the scope of this book, one has to think back to novels like Roots, The Thorn Birds, and even Gone with the Wind and The Godfather.

They were all written when television was still in its relative infancy (or, in the case of Gone with the Wind, didn’t exist at all). Novels were a major form of entertainment. They needed to be exciting, with memorable characters and unforgettable settings. They needed to be written with detailed descriptions so people could picture unknown places or understand subjects they otherwise would know little about.

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For example, in A Wild Hope, you will learn more than you every thought possible about breeding horses. That’s just one backdrop of this story, but you’ll receive so much information you might be ready to go out and try it yourself.

I was swept away by the descriptions and writing style of the author. She truly was able to take me out of time and put me into when- and wherever Alexandria was. I appreciated her ability to do so, because that is something that is sometimes lacking in today’s novels.

If you can get past the long passages that discuss horses, as well as several other topics, you’ll find a story about a woman torn between two men – one of the very simplest of conflicts. This one is especially well-done, because the two men also happen to represent the two separate lives that the heroine (Alexandria) has led. Which should or could she continue to true happiness?

You’ll have to read it to find out. Just because a book is almost 800 pages doesn’t mean that I am going to give you the Cliff’s Notes version.

And honestly, don’t let the length scare you away. In today’s “immediate information age” it’s easy to forget what it used to be like: to stop, and breathe, taking the time to immerse yourself in a whole different world. When reading could be an absolute luxurious pleasure instead of something to do quickly to fill a few hours.

This book is worth investing your time because there is so much to take in. From the detailed descriptions of England’s West Country over to early-mid 1800s Maryland (and several places in between), I felt like I was there.

The emotions of the characters are real, their troubles consistent with the times, and their reactions purely human. Everything just reads as genuine.

With winter coming, it would be a good time to consider this book (or rather, 3 books, as I assume the trilogy will be completely re-released), especially if you are in a place where you might be stuck due to weather. You’ll be happy to give yourself the ability to follow Alexandria’s trials and tribulations.

Author Bio:
Millions of readers have fallen under the spell of the lush, enthralling and bestselling novels by Celeste De Blasis. Tales of adventure and romance set against the sweep of history—all are storytelling at its finest. After graduating from Pomona College, Celeste devoted her life to impeccable research and spellbinding writing. A native Californian, Celeste grew up on the historic Kemper Campbell Ranch in the Mojave Desert, where she lived until her death in 2001.

October 7, 2020October 5, 2020

Paris Time Capsule-Books on Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction-Available Now

I really enjoyed this author’s Beyond the Horizon. I thought it had interesting (and little-known) history and realistic characters. When I saw that more of her books were available, I was excited to see what else the author tackled.

On the surface, this one had a fantastic premise. Cat receives a mysterious letter and key in the mail; the letter urges her to call a lawyer in Paris. When she does, she is told that she has to fly to Paris to settle…something. But it’s mysterious.

Once everything is settled, she finds that she has inherited a Belle Epoque apartment that hasn’t been touched in decades. Everything from the furniture to the artwork and personal letters is just as the owner left it.

I loved these parts of the novel. The author vividly created the apartment and its furnishings so that I could practically feel the dust tickling my nose and see the moth-eaten fabrics. This was well-done.

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I also liked how Cat was a bit “vintage” herself. She seemed to prefer dress styles from the 30s and 40s, which made her a throwback perfect for the era of the apartment. This was a nice touch and a clever connection.

I gather from looking at publishing dates that this was one of the first novels (if not the first) written by the author. It shows in the dialogue and plotting. The conversations between characters seems very stilted and unnatural. For example, there are times when a name is used repeatedly instead of a pronoun.

There was also overuse of some words. Christian calling Cat “honey” ALL of the time comes to mind. I mean, I know that it’s possible he was just one of those people who only uses a pet name and that reflects his actual lack of commitment or connection to Cat. But it was a little too much.

And while we are on the subject of Christian, I didn’t like him. He was a snob (as were his friends and family) and pretty much a jerk. I know that was the point, but it was jarringly obvious that he was not the one for her.

The plot also meandered a bit. Loic and Cat seemed to argue too much about who the apartment actually belonged to – at times, it seemed as if neither one actually wanted it (which was weird). The middle could have used some tightening and each character’s perspectives could have been clarified.

These are some things about the book that indicate it was an early attempt by the author because they seemed unpolished. I still liked the plot of this one, and (since I read a later book of hers) I know that she has improved over time, so I look forward to more from her!

Author Bio:

Ella loves to connect with her readers regularly through her facebook page and on her website.

September 30, 2020September 30, 2020

The Lost Children-Books on Tour (Review) WWII Historical Fiction-Available Now

I try and avoid sad books, because there’s enough sadness in real life and I read to escape.

Some authors like to wallow in the sadness of their stories, while others use the sadness to show fortitude and the resilience of the human spirit. In spite of being a book filled with tragedies, this one belongs in the latter category, and I am very glad that I read it.

As I have mentioned a few times, I find it interesting when my reading topics seem to follow patterns. I recently read another book that centered on the evacuation of young children to the countryside out of cities and strategic towns in WWII England.

This one has a similar setting, but I was pleased to find a different perspective on the experiences of the children. Molly and Jacob were fortunate to have found a town like Leadburn which proved that it really does take a village to raise children, especially in the face of war and uncertainty.

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I don’t want to go too much into the plot because I think that the reader needs to experience Molly and Jacob’s journey on their own; it will be much more powerful.

I liked how they befriended people who were in similar situations to them. Everybody in the town had lost somebody important, whether it was in the war, by natural causes, or (in Frieda’s case) by force. They all showed bravery in the face of adversity, especially Molly.

The author did a fantastic job of illustrating how loss doesn’t have to define the rest of one’s life and how good people can come together to support each other, maybe thereby lessening their feelings of loss. Isolation does nobody any good.

I also liked how the author showed the importance of making connections with other people. One never knows the influence a person can have on somebody else. Sometimes, it could even result in people who were kept apart coming back together.

Ultimately heartwarming and uplifting, I’m glad that I got through the sad parts (and yes, I did cry) because Molly and Jacob will stay with me for a long time.

Author Bio:

Shirley Dickson was born and grew up in the seaside town of South Shields. She left school at fifteen and can’t remember a time when she didn’t write. She entered her first short story competition in ‘School Friend’ when she was eleven. After Shirley retired from auxiliary nursing, she was able to devote her time to writing.

After living in various locations, she settled under the big skies of Northumberland and has lived with her husband in the same house for over forty years. Shirley has three daughters and four grandchildren and likes nothing better than family gatherings.

September 29, 2020October 2, 2020

The Italian Girls-Books On Tour (Review)-Historical Fiction (WWII Italy)-Available Now

It’s funny how my book choices/tours seem to go in waves. For a while, the historical fiction novels I was reading were mostly about the French resistance. Then there were a few about Jewish people being hidden in different countries. Even a few about England.

But this is the third or fourth book in the past few weeks that has focused on Italy. I find it fascinating, because WWII is often remembered as Hitler’s War, but Mussolini was right in there with him, at least for a while.

My love for learning through historical fiction is nothing new to anyone who has read past reviews. This time, I got the fascinating perspective of Italian cinema. It’s one of those little things that one never thinks about (who can think about movies while there’s a war going on?) but continue they did…at least for a while.

I thought that the author did a fantastic job of paralleling the stories of Livia and Isabella. Although their lives were completely opposite of each other (university student and actress), they had much in common. I also liked how their stories touched each other, but never fully intertwined.

Each of the women were brave, although one was more forthright and took action. The other was a reluctant hero who stayed naïve for far too long. By the time the latter person “woke up” she had even more difficult choices to make, which led to a complicated end-of-the-war time for her.

If anything, the author clearly wanted to get the point across that in a time of struggle, it is important to choose your side wisely; otherwise, it might be chosen for you and you’ll have to take whatever happens as a result.

What I thought was most interesting about this book was the period in which it takes place. Many people don’t realize that the Italians (in a strange way) were more protected under Mussolini – at least, several of them had become comfortable with the fascist government.

Once he was removed, however, there was a vacuum of leadership that allowed for the Germans to invade and take over. The author did a great job illustrating the depravity of the Germans, their defiance of societal norms, and the desperation they exhibited when they knew they were failing.

It was also a stark reminder of just how far the German occupation expanded before it was beat back by what seems like sheer will…at least in part. When I read books like this, I am reminded of how easy it was for them to grab their footholds, and how it can never be allowed to happen again.

This story of fortitude, bravery, and the compelling urge to do the right thing should be on the top of your reading list.

**Website:** http://www.debbierix.com/
**Twitter:** https://twitter.com/debbierix

Author Bio:
Debbie Rix has had a long career in journalism, including working as a presenter for the BBC. Her first novel, The Girl with Emerald Eyes was set around the building of the tower of Pisa and she has since released Daughters of the Silk Road and The Silk Weaver’s Wife. Debbie writes heartbreaking historical novels about love, tragedy and secrets.