Historical Fiction

Category: Historical Fiction

The Runaway Bride

By Jody Hedlund

MY THOUGHTS

What another terrific read by Jody Hedlund. I knew nothing about the bride ships until her first book. I had to wonder what would make a woman do something that seemed so drastic…England to Canada. Not only do they plan on marrying someone they don’t know yet, but they are in a totally new country across many miles of seas.
Ms. Hedlund does a great job of answering those questions by using probable situations. I really enjoyed the main characters in this book…their faults and all. The struggling of class really wasn’t important in Canada…but that was how these women were reared.

Love the quotes from the pastor that enter Peter’s mind as he lives his life after Christ changed his heart which changed his actions. The faith theme in this book is a good one. The theme of loving all of God’s children is terrific as well. I want to point out this is an adult read, at least in my opinion. If you think you have someone young in mind for it, I do recommend reading it yourself first. It’s a terrific story, but not all stories were meant for all ages. The carefulness that Peter shows in the relationship is terrific, and that is what true love is!

The continuing story of Mercy from the first book was a special treat. I enjoyed hearing about the other characters as well.

The story has terrific and realistic characters, a wonderful plot, and a natural and well woven hope and faith thread. I really enjoy historical fiction as I learn much that I never learned from a history book. I even read an article by a Canadian that mentioned she had no idea of several facts in Canadian history that happened right in her own backyard until she read historical fiction.

I am so eagerly anticipating the rest of this series! It’s history come to life.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Veiled in Smoke

Jocelyn Green

BOOK BLURB

Meg and Sylvie Townsend manage the family bookshop and care for their father, Stephen, a veteran still suffering in mind and spirit from his time as a POW during the Civil War. But when the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago’s business district, they lose much more than just their store.

The sisters become separated from their father, and after Meg burns her hands in an attempt to save a family heirloom, they make a harrowing escape from the flames with the help of Chicago Tribune reporter Nate Pierce. Once the smoke clears away, they reunite with Stephen, only to learn soon after that their family friend not only died during the fire–he was murdered. Even more shocking, Stephen is charged with the crime and committed to the Cook County Insane Asylum.

Though homeless, injured, and suddenly unemployed, Meg must not only gather the pieces of her shattered life, but prove her father’s innocence before the asylum truly drives him mad.

MY THOUGHTS

A beautifully written tale of a disastrous and difficult time in history. The characters are so real and as the book progresses, the hearts are unveiled as we come to know these characters and watch them grow and learn.

The setting is well done, the plot fascinating and compelling. A story I stayed up late into the night to read and savor.

There was something intangible in this book that just made it almost impossible to put down. Perhaps, like Stephen, I as a reader suspected something. I wasn’t even sure what it would be, yet I knew eventually the smoke would clear to reveal the truth of the narrative.

The history in this novel is fascinating. It was a instant grasp and such a wonderful part of the story to start out with a man from the Civil War. If ever a horrendous and unimaginable story exists, it’s that of Andersonville. I felt like it was pure genius by the author to weave that tale within this story.

It’s a book to inspire to persevere with God…and one I could pick up now and read it again as it’s so compelling. I’d still felt completely riveted to the story long after I had closed the book.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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Forever Hidden

by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse

BOOK BLURB

For Havyn Powell, growing up on her grandfather Chuck Bondrant’s dairy outside the 1904 gold-rush boomtown of Nome, Alaska, offered all she needed. She had the love of her mother, two sisters, and grandfather. But now, at 23, Havyn realizes the stability of her life may soon vanish. Havyn is determined to find a way to keep the family together, but her grandfather’s health is declining and everyone seems to be holding secrets from each other, including the handsome, dark-haired stranger who recently arrived.

John Roselli arrives in Nome looking for a steady, consistent job. He has grown tired of the promises of getting rich quick and just wants an honest job with honest pay. His grandfather once knew a Chuck Bondrant, and so when John arrives at the dairy, he’s quickly offered a job–and a path to more if he wants it.

Havyn’s plan for helping out the family means using her beautiful singing voice and her sisters’ musical talent at a local roadhouse. They’re an immediate hit, and it looks like her plan will be a success. But the spotlight brings with it dangerous eyes that covet Havyn and are jealous as she and John grow ever closer. But will they realize the peril before it’s too late?

MY THOUGHTS

Forever Hidden is a sweet yet heart wrenching story of three girls who are sisters. Three incredibly talented and opinionated girls. The characters are definitely what draw the reader in to the pages. They are incredibly well developed, and they each have their own wonderful personalities with flaws to which readers can relate.

The setting of a dairy farm is well done. We have goats that we milk and use that milk to make cheese so I really enjoyed that part of the story. We use to have seventy chickens or so, but honestly I can’t say I was overly fond of them. We hope to get some in the spring, and their mention throughout the story makes me eager to get maybe six. I have never been able to raise chickens for eating either.

Just as in life, there are surprises, tests of faith, forgiveness, and hope. The faith theme is strong in this book, and I greatly appreciated the Godly truths woven in the story. This book gave me the feel of a prairie romance with a bit more realism and Alaska( which obviously isn’t a prairie!) .

I’m eagerly awaiting the next read in this series.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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An Uncommon Woman

by Laura Frantz

MY THOUGHTS

I look forward to this authors books every year. They are always a special treasure of a well woven storytelling. This one is no different.

The setting is set so incredibly well done that the reader is taken along on the adventure of those who long ago set off to a new frontier to establish homes, communities, and towns. There was so much danger in that- whether it be seen or unseen-they risked their lives to live differently, to experience a new place, and to put down roots in their own land.

This is the story of a young woman…a sister to five brothers, a niece, a daughter, and a friend. Each relationship is special and each relationship adds another layer to a story well told. A love story that’s so much like any other, yet it has its own difficulties. A friendship that withstands so much sadness and loss. A family that rejoices over successes and grieves over loss.

In short, this story is what makes up life. Our homes, our dreams, our hopes, most of all- our love for our fellow human beings and the building of our lives intertwined with their lives.

So take a journey back in time…to the new frontier filled with dangers of Indians, disease, and the unknown pitfalls that lie ahead. It’s a terrific novel that I recommend…as I do all of Laura Frantz’s stories.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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On Wings of Devotion

by Roseanna M. White

BOOK BLURB

All of England thinks Phillip Camden a monster–a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But as nurse Arabelle Denler watches the so-dubbed “Black Heart” every day, she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their paths twist together and he declares himself her new protector, she realizes she has her own role to play in his healing.

Phillip Camden would have preferred to die that day with his squadron rather than be recruited to the Admiralty’s codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved. What comes as a shock is the reborn desire to truly live that Arabelle inspires in him.

But when an old acquaintance shows up and seems set on using him in a plot that has the codebreakers of Room 40 in a frenzy, new affections are put to the test.

MY THOUGHTS

I really liked the characters in this read. In general, when reading stories based during the war, I tend to enjoy the history more than anything else. That is in abundance in this novel, but I was drawn in by the characters. Being a plain woman like Arabelle is definitely something with which I could relate. I could also relate to her never thinking a man would fall in love with her. I don’t relate on the family part, but I certainly had empathy towards her as I loved growing up in my large family. Her being so desperate to have a family to love that would love her in return resonates much in today’s society, I think.

The hero in this book is well done. Who doesn’t love a hero that transforms to a better person from the beginning to end? Phillip is a wonderful hero, and his story is the story of many in this world. He’s a multifaceted individual who this reader came to really like. His growth came with trial, and he fought with God. His spiritual journey was incredibly well done, as well.

The plot was a fascinating one, and it makes the book hard to put down. Nothing incredibly surprising, but such a tremendous story to tell. This author is so very good at weaving a terrific story with plenty to keep the reader engaged.

Perhaps my favorite part of the book was the faith theme. It’s strong in this book, yet woven incredibly well within the characters lives. It’s a story of faith, hope, and redemption that’s sure to please this authors fans as well as lovers of historical fiction.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

The book and its information as well as a signed copy can be found HERE.
Below are links to purchase On Wings of Devotion
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | Roseanna’s Shop (signed)

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling and award-winning author of more than a dozen books. She is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 2,000 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family’s story have garnered national media attention for many years including ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER, The Hour of Power, The Harvest Show, and over 1,000 other TV appearances and radio interviews. She lives and writes in Colorado with her husband of twenty-five years and their two amazing kids.

BOOKS

TOMORROW IS RELEASE DAY FOR FOREVER HIDDEN BY KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE AND TRACIE PETERSON…BE LOOKING FOR MY UPCOMING REVIEW.

HER LATEST RELEASE

A LANGUAGE OF LOVE by Kimberley Woodhouse
New York City, 1911
A milliner with thick Irish accent and a renowned baseball player with speech impediment meet at the office of a language teacher. But the issues with their backgrounds that first brought them together will also drive them apart.

I was first introduced to Kimberley’s books through the amazing series “Daughters of the Mayflower.” She has written four books in this series.

Her books have terrific stories, wonderful historical detail, and a well woven inspirational theme. I love the joy of a good story, and I love to learn about history through a fiction book. If you as a reader do as well, you won’t want to miss her books. One thing I truly love is that the books always have a tremendous faith theme that lends hope, forgiveness, and Christ in her novels.

Below are some of my reviews of her novels in the Daughter of the Mayflower series…

THE MAYFLOWER BRIDE

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed the history in this read. The characters are wonderful, and it helps give a real perspective to what the people suffered that took on the adventure of coming to the New World.

The book is written in a somewhat YA type…for which I’m thrilled because it is a book I can let my teenager daughter enjoy. Finding books like that is really hard to do these days.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend any history lovers to purchase this book and the series!

THE PATRIOT BRIDE

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed the history packed into this read. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin making their appearances really helps to pull one into the scene and times of this novel.

It’s really a light read which is always enjoyable to find after reading heavy, deep, or confusing reads. The romance was present but not overdone, which I prefer in my historical Fiction reads.

I have always enjoyed this author, and this book is no exception. This book may not be one hundred percent historically accurate, but it opens the imagination…and made for a very enjoyable story. The characters are well done, the plot believable, and the book overall recommended. I’m really enjoying this series!

Received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

THE GOLDEN BRIDE

MY THOUGHTS

The Golden Bride was an enjoyable story with fascinating history. It was an easy read based in San Francisco during the time of the gold rush. The story did a good job of explaining the conditions of the city during that time.

I really wanted more about the characters themselves, but these books are slightly larger than a novella…but not as long as a novel. For the word count, the author did a great job with the story.

My favorite part was the sweet pieces of history from the previous books in the series! What a treat that was… I also enjoyed the strong faith theme in the book.

This is another delightful read in the Mayflower Bride Series.

I received this book from the publIsher. All opinions are my own.

THE EXPRESS BRIDE

MY THOUGHTS

“…at twenty eight, he had nothing to show for himself except wealth. That thought in light of eternity didn’t make him feel like he’d accomplished much of anything.”

This is another terrific novel in the Mayflower Bride series! The characters are so well done and set in a fascinating historical setting. It had mystery, suspense, and a terrific faith theme. All the elements combine to make a book that I just wish had been longer.

I don’t want to say it’s my favorite in the series, but if it isn’t-it’s close! The authors notes on The Pony Express are interesting and not widely known so don’t miss those. Definitely do not miss this next book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series!

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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The Major’s Daughter

by Regina Jennings

My teenage daughter reviewed this book for the retail sites so I’m having her guest post her review here as well. This is the first time, but it won’t be the last. She has a love for reading as well so I hope to have her as a guest more often.

The Major’s daughter is a good read. The historical setting being the Oklahoma Land Run was well done and was my favorite part of the story. Oklahoma is finally being settled and treated as a state. ( I was born in Oklahoma, and I lived there seven years). The plot of who and how a town was settled was very good.

Frisco was an easy going person who only wanted a home. Caroline was a determined woman who didn’t want to live in her father’s fort. These characters were well written, but I didn’t really connect with them. My favorite characters were the secondary ones-Amber and Bradley.

The author fit Christianity well into the characters in the way they acted- nice and happy.

The author supplied the reader with many different storylines, and over all I truly enjoyed this book.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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A Pursuit of Home

by Kristi Ann Hunter

I’ve been waiting for Jess’s story, and I wasn’t disappointed. It was just as convoluted, mysterious, and exciting as Jess herself. There were beloved characters from previous books that added much to the story, but the character and skills of Jess really come through in this story.

Though the story is wrought with suspense and intrigue, Jess still is what makes this book so good. Her varied and amazing costumes, many talents, and backstory are fascinating. Her future uncertain

I really came to like Derek. He’s so far removed from what most thrilling main male characters are suppose to be. There is nothing overly exciting about him, but he’s content to be himself, which is rare. I’m no lover of art so that’s a foreign concept, but I loved that he knew so many interesting facts. He reminded much of my hubby…not exciting or thrilling, but steady and always there when needed. He really is a unique male hero, and that isn’t a bad thing.

This book has a mild faith theme that grows and is woven well throughout the book.

I usually would read a book like this in one or two sessions, but I didn’t with this one. I’m not really sure why myself. Maybe I wanted to savor a book that wrapped up so many book friends, or perhaps I was pretty sure of part of the ending at least so I didn’t feel I had to rush through the book. I savored this one.
With a wonderful cast of characters, a country that needs saving, and a young woman coming into her own and discovering new things about herself, it all wraps up to make for a terrific novel well worth the read.

Take a journey with Jess-mostly to see what she discovers about herself and where her heart calls home.

I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

“I know you can do it. You’ve had your time in the shadows. God has brought you into the light. Maybe it’s time to try living there. You might find that you shine.
Living in Light. What a concept.”

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First Love Forever-Romance Collection

by Susanne Dietze, Cynthia Hickey, Marcia Gruver, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Martha Rogers, Lorna Seilstad, Connie Stevens, Jennifer Uhlarik

Lots of wedding bells ringing in this beautiful collection by Barbour House.

This book has such sweet stories in it! For anyone who likes historicals and short stories you will definitely not be disappointed. They are sweet and touching. Each other tries to write a complete story in short format which is not an easy task.

His Anchor by Carrie Fancett Pagels is especially compelling. It’s wonderful characters, touching storyline, and an incredibly done novella. I was hooked to the last page…and was so disappointed when it ended. The one sad thing about a story. It has a terrific happily ever after.

If you are looking for some historical romance stories don’t pass up this collection. It’s incredibly written and the cover is gorgeous,too.

I received this book from the publisher and through Just Read Publicity Tours. All opinions are my own.

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The King’s Mercy

by Lori Benton

Lori Benton is a must buy author for me! She has such beautiful prose that sets the stage for her books. I savor every word in her books. I hate to admit this, but I’m sure you avid readers have sorta skimmed pages?? Am I the only horrible person that tends to do this in the slow parts of books?? Any guilty? Well , I am. However, finding a book written by Lori Benton is a treasure to savor…no skimming.

Her characters jump off the page and as I lose myself in the book, it becomes a movie. I fall in love with some characters, I cheer on for the right guy to win the fights, I cringe at the rudeness of others…I’m there, “a fly on the wall” watching it all. That is a Lori Benton book.

I think this book has the strongest faith and Christian theme than any other of her books. Now, I can’t promise that because my memory is faulty, but to me…it feels like the struggle Alex has with his Creator and Christ presents a terrific and strong Christian theme that makes it stronger in its spiritual message than in her other novels. It’s terrific…it even follows the story of a character in the Bible. Nope, no spoilers here…so just go get it and read it to find out.

Of course this book has its villains,too. Although it isn’t clear always who they are. One is a cruel man who takes advantage of younger women and children. This part of the storyline is difficult, but it is definitely a problem they encountered much during this time period…and sadly something our world still deals with because we live in a cursed world. The author handles this subject with great care, but I did want to mention it as some can’t handle stories like that. In the end there is joy and peace for those who seek the Lord…and justice for the villains.

It’s a wonderfully told story of love and redemption. The storyline is so different because it isn’t all a happily ever after exactly…but peace definitely reigns at the end…for the characters and the reader. Please don’t miss this beauty of a novel.

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