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Cara Edgar (32 KP) rated The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This is my favourite book of 2017! Without a doubt! Join Evelyn telling her life story with a no holds barred account. This is an elegant story with the glamour and dark side of Hollywood. This could easily be about the actresses of old Hollywood with many people having a sneaky suspicion of just who it'll be about. If you like Hollywood, glitz and glamour, historical fiction and real life honesty about subjects then this is a must read book for you.
Erika (17789 KP) rated The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society in Books
Feb 1, 2020
I was really torn on what to rate this. I like historical fiction, but I normally stay away from anything WWII and beyond. I'm also not into sickly-sweet romance. It was an interesting juxtaposition between that and the events of Guernsey occupation during WWII. The characters were entertaining, but a little one-dimensional. I could tell you how it ended once the first letter came from Guernsey. If you want an easy, light read, and enjoy silly romance, this may be the book for you.
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated Girls on the Line in Books
Oct 5, 2020
The women who went to Europe in 1917 as signal corps officers with the US Army, played an enormous part in helping bring the âGreat Warâ to its conclusion. However, until 1979, they were literally the unsung heroes of WWI, because the army refused to recognize them as proper soldiers. This injustice brought author Aimie K. Runyan to write this gripping historical fiction novel, that highlights these women and their contributions. You can read my #bookreview of âGirls on the Lineâ on my blog now.
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated The Lost Vintage in Books
Oct 5, 2020
France and fine wine are practically synonymous, so when Kate needs to study for her Masters of Wine test, where else would she go but to her own familyâs vineyards in Burgundy? There she finds thereâs much more thatâs been corked up than just some delicious drinks. This is the basis of Ann Mahâs newest novel âThe Lost Vintageâ and you can read my review of this contemporary and historical fiction book on my blog here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2018/07/27/bottling-their-history/
The Chocolate Lady (94 KP) rated Carnegie's Maid in Books
Oct 5, 2020
Pretending to be someone youâre not can be a problem, but in Clara Kellyâs case, it was a matter of survival. Through a case of mistaken identity, Clara accidentally lands the post of Ladyâs Maid to the wealthy Carnegie family. For the sake of her family back in Ireland, Clara must play the part or lose everything. You can more about this historical fiction story by the author of âThe Other Einstein,â in my review here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2017/12/29/cinderella-or-pygmalion/
ClareR (5879 KP) rated Shield of the Rising Sun (Path of Nemesis #3) in Books
Sep 8, 2020
This is the third book in a series of historical fiction novels set in the Roman era. Even though I havenât read the first two books, I had no problem at all in understanding what was going on in the Shield of the Rising Sun. Although that now doesnât stop me from wanting to read the first two books!
The story is told by three characters: Albinus, his son Faustus, and Faustusâ uncle, Calvus. The battle scenes, mainly from Albinusâ point of view, were gory (I like this - I know, probably a bit odd!) and the politics with all the infighting and back-stabbing was fascinating. How did anyone ever feel safe at this time? Iâll answer that: if they were clever, they NEVER felt safe!
This story shows the true reach of the Roman Empire - there are scenes in Britain, Germany and Egypt, as well as in Rome. It frankly amazed me how quickly Roman soldiers seemed to be able to travel - and mostly (if not solely) on foot!
The main characters were all three very likeable men, who had me rooting for them throughout - even though it was pretty obvious what would happen to one of them from the start )Iâm giving nothing away here!).
I enjoy reading a lot of historical fiction, and itâs not often that I read books set in the Roman period. I donât know why, thereâs no reason I can think of, and this makes me realise that I really should read more! If, like me, youâre a fan of historical fiction, then youâll enjoy the rich descriptions and history packed story within the pages of this book.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Adam Lofthouse for joining in and commenting in the margins!
The story is told by three characters: Albinus, his son Faustus, and Faustusâ uncle, Calvus. The battle scenes, mainly from Albinusâ point of view, were gory (I like this - I know, probably a bit odd!) and the politics with all the infighting and back-stabbing was fascinating. How did anyone ever feel safe at this time? Iâll answer that: if they were clever, they NEVER felt safe!
This story shows the true reach of the Roman Empire - there are scenes in Britain, Germany and Egypt, as well as in Rome. It frankly amazed me how quickly Roman soldiers seemed to be able to travel - and mostly (if not solely) on foot!
The main characters were all three very likeable men, who had me rooting for them throughout - even though it was pretty obvious what would happen to one of them from the start )Iâm giving nothing away here!).
I enjoy reading a lot of historical fiction, and itâs not often that I read books set in the Roman period. I donât know why, thereâs no reason I can think of, and this makes me realise that I really should read more! If, like me, youâre a fan of historical fiction, then youâll enjoy the rich descriptions and history packed story within the pages of this book.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this book, and to Adam Lofthouse for joining in and commenting in the margins!
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Darkest Sin in Books
Dec 4, 2023
I loved this follow up to The City of Vengeance, and Cesare Aldo is quickly becoming one of my favourite characters in historical fiction at the moment. And thatâs saying a lot, because I read quite a bit of historical fiction!!
This story picks up not long after book 1, and Aldo is called to a convent that has had reports of an intruder. This isnât a harmonious convent, though. There are opposing ideas on what sort of convent it should be (with some very unchristian nuns!), and it has itâs share of secrets.
Meanwhile, Constable Carlo Strocchi has taken his new wife home to introduce her to his mother, and he happens to stumble across the remains of a rather unpopular former officer of the cityâs criminal court. And it looks as though he has been murdered.
I love this blend of historical fact and fiction: the Mediciâs and the roles of nuns (to be enclosed or not?), the inequalities in Italian society at the time, womenâs roles and lack of power, the structure of authority and how the catholic church ruled supreme (and not particularly morally). Aldo is the bastard son of a wealthy man, and when he is âreunitedâ with his family, heâs not exactly welcomed back with open arms. He does however meet his niece, and she is far more accepting of him, even if it is, I think, a way of getting her own way!!
This is such an atmospheric read, and is thoroughly addictive. There are enough twists, turns and threats to Aldoâs life to make it very difficult to put the book down!
So is Aldo a threat to my love of Giordano Bruno or Matthew Shardlake? Err, nope, but heâs joining them - and if you like either of these, youâll love Aldo Cesare!
This story picks up not long after book 1, and Aldo is called to a convent that has had reports of an intruder. This isnât a harmonious convent, though. There are opposing ideas on what sort of convent it should be (with some very unchristian nuns!), and it has itâs share of secrets.
Meanwhile, Constable Carlo Strocchi has taken his new wife home to introduce her to his mother, and he happens to stumble across the remains of a rather unpopular former officer of the cityâs criminal court. And it looks as though he has been murdered.
I love this blend of historical fact and fiction: the Mediciâs and the roles of nuns (to be enclosed or not?), the inequalities in Italian society at the time, womenâs roles and lack of power, the structure of authority and how the catholic church ruled supreme (and not particularly morally). Aldo is the bastard son of a wealthy man, and when he is âreunitedâ with his family, heâs not exactly welcomed back with open arms. He does however meet his niece, and she is far more accepting of him, even if it is, I think, a way of getting her own way!!
This is such an atmospheric read, and is thoroughly addictive. There are enough twists, turns and threats to Aldoâs life to make it very difficult to put the book down!
So is Aldo a threat to my love of Giordano Bruno or Matthew Shardlake? Err, nope, but heâs joining them - and if you like either of these, youâll love Aldo Cesare!
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Dec 15, 2021
Deborah (162 KP) rated Devil's Consort in Books
Dec 21, 2018
This is the third book by Anne O'Brien I have read recently, and I have found her to be a very readable author - far better that the dull Gregory, if you want my opinion! All three of the novels I have read have been written in the first person, which is a narrative technique that I don't generally care for as it often feels too contrived and limits the point of view (see Philippa Gregory!). However, O'Brien, for me, has managed to pull this off and the first person narrative works for her and gives you a real empathy with her protagonists.
This was a good read and a good piece of historical Fiction, with perhaps a bit more emphasis on the Fiction element, as a few incidents I'm not convinced actually happened, or have been embroidered in the retelling. This deals with Eleanor's earlier life, from just before she becomes Queen of France to just after she becomes Queen of England. There could be a whole other book to be written on her life after the end of this book!
O'Brien made Eleanor come alive for me as a person, even if, as I have already said, I did have some reservations on historical accuracy. I think that if an historical novelist gives you a real feel for a person and makes you want to know more, then they have certainly done their job. There are some good biographies on Eleanor out there, so hopefully readers of this novel will feel inspired to seek them out.
This was a good read and a good piece of historical Fiction, with perhaps a bit more emphasis on the Fiction element, as a few incidents I'm not convinced actually happened, or have been embroidered in the retelling. This deals with Eleanor's earlier life, from just before she becomes Queen of France to just after she becomes Queen of England. There could be a whole other book to be written on her life after the end of this book!
O'Brien made Eleanor come alive for me as a person, even if, as I have already said, I did have some reservations on historical accuracy. I think that if an historical novelist gives you a real feel for a person and makes you want to know more, then they have certainly done their job. There are some good biographies on Eleanor out there, so hopefully readers of this novel will feel inspired to seek them out.
Sam (74 KP) rated A Tudor Turk in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I fell in love with Will and Awa throughout the book and really felt a bond with the characters. I found it fascinating to read about the different historical events and I really think this is an interesting way to spread knowledge of history! Iâd rather learn about history when it is mixed in with fiction than sit down with a textbook!
The novel is constantly exciting, and it kept me gripped right up until the end.
I really canât wait to see how the story progresses in the second book!
The novel is constantly exciting, and it kept me gripped right up until the end.
I really canât wait to see how the story progresses in the second book!
Jade Clarke-Mackintosh (7 KP) Jan 24, 2018
Cara Edgar (32 KP) Jan 25, 2018