Historical Fiction

Mrs. Hudson and the Christmas Canary (Holmes and Hudson #6) by Martin Davies

This is a pretty good historical fiction mystery set in Victorian London. Flottie is the teenage housemaid for Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. She occasionally assists Mrs. Hudson, the cook, and Holmes in his investigations. This time, Flottie helps solve a 23 year old mystery of the missing solid gold Christmas canary that belonged to a wealthy family and was handed down over the generations. It was displayed as the Christmas tree topper every year, until it was mysteriously stolen during a house party.

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November 15, 2022 0

Clara in a Time of War by C.J. McGroarty

This is a quiet, sweet book about courage, loneliness, and love set during the Revolutionary War. Clara is struggling to work her husband’s farm while he’s off at war. One morning her son finds an injured man, Declan, in their carriage house, and her quiet life changes. Clara nurses him back to health and the two slowly develop feelings for each other, despite her marriage. As the British army inches closer to Clara’s door, Declan moves on, never forgetting about Clara. Does the couple have any chance at happiness?

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October 18, 2022 0

Something in the Heir by Suzanne Enoch

This was a cute historical fiction/romance with a good touch of humor. Set in Regency era England, the story follows the exploits of Emmeline and William Pershing who have enjoyed a perfectly convenient marriage for eight years. More business partners than husband and wife, Will married Emmeline to help her keep her childhood home, and in turn, Emmeline helped Will advance his career with the government. It is all threatened when the couple are invited to Emmeline’s grandfather’s house for his birthday party. The home came with a caveat: Emmeline and Will must have children within the first five years of their marriage or they forfeit the place. While the couple’s few attempts to conceive came to nothing, Emmeline did not let that deter her. She created two imaginary children for the couple and has been lying to her family for the past eight years.

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September 22, 2022 0

Children of Gods and Fighting Men (Gael Song #1) by Shauna Lawless

This is a fantastic first book in a thrilling Historical Fiction Fantasy series. The book is set in 981 A.D. Ireland. The Viking King of Dublin is dead and his wife, Gormflaith, has plans to install her son on the throne. But there are several sons and uncles that Gormflaith must go through before she achieves her goal. Gormflaith also has a secret that she must keep to avoid death by those sworn to kill her race. Gormflaith is a Fomorian, an immortal race who can do fire-magic.

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September 10, 2022 0

The Proposition by Madeleine Roux

2.5 stars rounded up to 3

This is a historical fiction romance set in 1819 England. Clemency is a young woman who initially was dead-set against marriage, but finds herself engaged to a dashing young baron. Lord Boyle swept Clemency off her feet, but once they were engaged, his affection cooled and Clemency is confused. Audric Ferrand shows up in town determined to get revenge against Lord Boyle on behalf of his sister. He convinces Clemency to join his cause and help him destroy Lord Boyle.

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August 4, 2022 0

Accomplished: A Georgie Darcy Novel by Amanda Quain

This is a cute YA contemporary retelling of Pride & Prejudice. Georgiana Darcy is a Junior at an elite prep school in upstate New York. She suffered an “Incident” with Wickham Foster at the end of her sophomore year that would have cost anyone else besides a Darcy expulsion. But, with her brother living back in New York near her and suffocating her with rules and oversight, Georgie needs to figure out a way to forget Wickham, win back her prep school and make her brother relax and realize she can take care of herself.

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August 3, 2022 0

Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This is a very good historical fiction that follows the rise of an iconic 1970s rock band and their mysterious breakup at the height of their popularity. The story is told through a series of interviews of the band members, managers and their friends. I listened to the audio and the cast did a fantastic job of portraying the story.

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July 5, 2022 0

The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle by Jennifer Ryan

This is a sweet and heartwarming historical fiction set in England during WWII. After renowned fashion designer Cressida Westcott’s home and design business is bombed in the London Blitz, she leaves London and returns to her familial home in a small village. Hoping that her niece and nephew are more welcoming than her deceased, estranged brother, she appears on their doorstep with nothing but the clothes on her back. She wonders how she will handle living in a small village while she tries to rebuild her business and life back in London.

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June 3, 2022 0

Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner

This is a charming historical fiction set in 1950s London and is a follow up to the Jane Austen Society book, but can be read as a stand-alone. The story is set in Bloomsbury Books, a new and rare book store that has been running for a hundred years. It is run by men that are set in their ways. The general manager created 51 unbreakable rules that all employees must abide by, and they especially chafe the women working at the store.

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May 28, 2022 0