Gamble of Hearts
6.0
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If you liked Bridgerton, you'll love Gamble of Hearts! A regency romance laced with adventure, an...
Historical Romance
Charlotte (184 KP) rated Close Your Eyes: A Fairy Tale in Books
Jun 22, 2023
A well written story set in the 1400's, recounted by Samuel, the court jester. Samuel is likeable, fun and it's heartwarming to see him learn a new skill that helps him to follow a dream.
Being a jester has its advantages, not only did it gain him favour with the King, leading to working in the castle but it earned him the trust and confidence of many. With this trust he's able to weave a rich tapestry of stories together, tales of love and hope, hardships and tragedy.
A truly beautiful, heartwarming and haunting read that gives you food for thought.
I would definitely recommend this for the romantic reader, the reader that enjoys a historical background and anyone that is in a book group - it's an absolute must!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Children of the Siege (book 1) in Books
Feb 22, 2024
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Children of the Siege (Book1)
By Diney Costeloe
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nineteenth-century Paris is in flames, houses ransacked, streets barricaded. Most people are fleeing the ravaged city, but the St Clair family have made a fateful decision – to return to Paris from their house in the country.
As the horrors of the Commune and the ensuring siege engulf the St Clairs, little Helene falls ill and becomes separated from the family. Lost and alone, she must fend for herself on the war-torn streets.
This was a pretty decent read. I love historical fiction, this is set in 19th century France when war is raging as well as civil unrest we follow a family dealing with life and the changes war has brought on them.
Thrill (Pleasure Seekers #1)
10.0
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Tyler Jones is celebrating hitting his mid-thirties with a new job and it’s unlike anywhere he’s...
Sea Glass and Fireflies
10.0
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Elsie Hayward moves into her uncle's seaside estate on what should have been her wedding day. All...
Historical Romance
The Painted Lady
8.0
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Aspiring artist Delaney Harper sails to New Orleans after her mother’s death. On the night of her...
Historical Romance
Strait Lace (Loxley Hall Books)
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It is 1905. Edwardian England. Harriet Loxley, the daughter of a vicar and niece to a prominent...
Historical Fiction Women in History Suffragettes
The Schoolmaster's Daughter
8.0
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Deep in debt and desperate for a solution, Julius Claydon knows that marrying a wealthy woman is his...
Historical Romance Regency
Ever Since the Ball
8.0
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Miranda Harlake's only chance to escape the detestable match her parents are arranging is a sham...
Historical Romance
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The Ninth Daughter (Abigail Adams #1) in Books
Mar 12, 2018
I think that’s what made the book enjoyable, was despite the mystery being the main hook, the political tension and bickering between the patriots and the British was always in the forefront and mentioned when need be as it was central to the story. Every so often you had mention of Abigail’s refusal to drink tea for example, or minor scuffles happening between citizens and the Redcoats.
Despite the tensions however, Abigail puts her ideas and beliefs aside and works alongside the British to solve this mystery. I enjoyed reading her character. She’s strong willed and has a good retort every so often when she needs to speak out, which shocks other characters as it wasn’t considered “proper”. I enjoy Abigail’s unorthodox behavior and it may seem as if she gives an air of an annoying stubborn woman, but it’s because of her personality that things get done no matter whose side you’re on or who you support.
John and Abigail’s relationship was also nice to read. They’re both equals and you can see a subtle quiet strength between them and they compliment each other perfectly. There’s a mutual respect between the two and if they were alive now, they would probably be a political supercouple ;)
The mystery aspect of the book was good and the intrigue is definitely noted. The setting is superbly done and very descriptive. The list of suspects was substantial and revelation of the culprit isn’t much of a surprise but the execution of obtaining the criminal and his background story was excellent to read , and was very satisfying to see the bad guys get their dues. The supporting characters are also well done - although I have to admit, there are just a little too many for me. Even minor characters have their personality and details and although it’s good and makes the world building more detailed and rich, sometimes it’s a bit hard to follow as to who’s who. (Perhaps a section of cast of characters would help in this case - especially when some characters share the same last name)
I’ll be picking up the next book to read. It’s definitely worth looking into for those that love historical fiction mysteries. The tea has been dumped!!! So you have to figure out what sort of chaos is going to happen and what mystery Abigail will solve next.