3.5 stars rounded up to 4
This is a compelling historical fiction about women who were convicted, given harsh sentences, and shipped off to an Australian penal colony. Continue reading “The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline”
2 stars
Let me first say that I loved Marie Lu’s Legend and Warcross book series. I’ve met her several times at San Diego Comic Con and she’s a total sweetheart. So it pains me to say this. Seriously. But I did not enjoy this YA Historical Fiction about the sister of Wolfgang Mozart. Continue reading “The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu”
2 stars
This is a well-researched historical fiction book about the supposed affair between the mistress of a home and Branwell Bronte, the brother of the daughters’ governess Anne Bronte, and the other famous Bronte sisters. Continue reading “Bronte’s Mistress by Finola Austin”
4.5 stars
This was the July book for my book club. I’ve never read this author before, but I really enjoyed his writing and will definitely read more of his books. This book is written about one fateful summer in the life of 13 year old Frank Drum who lived in New Bremen, MN in 1961. The book is told from his perspective 40 years after the events. Continue reading “Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger”
4.5 stars
Another gorgeous book from Paulette Jiles set in Texas in the aftermath of the Civil War. The book is so beautifully written I was transported back in time and felt like I was in the room with the characters and experiencing the story with them. Continue reading “Simon the Fiddler by Paulette Jiles”
4 stars
Wow. This is a great second book in the series about King Coelwulf and his courageous band of men’s fight to save Mercia from the invasion of Norse raiders. The action starts immediately after the battle at Repton and doesn’t let up until the devastating cliffhanger. Continue reading “The Last Warrior (The Ninth Century #2) by M.J. Porter”
4 stars
This is a well written and well researched historical fiction about the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains, one of Attila the Huns last battle against the Roman army. Continue reading “Rivers Ran Red: The Last of the Romans Triology by J.A. Grierson”
2.5 stars
This is an ok historical fiction about the mysterious Agent 355 – the famous “lady” spy who passes information to George Washington’s Culper spy ring. Continue reading “Rebel Spy by Veronica Rossi”
2 stars
Hiram Walker’s mother is a slave and his father is the plantation owner. Because his mother is a slave, he is also one. When his mother is sold away, Hiram’s memory of her is gone, but he’s given a mysterious power that years later saves his life when he almost drowns. With a renewed sense of life, Hiram plots his escape from the only home he’s ever known. Continue reading “The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates”
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