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Category Archives: Historical Fiction
The Silvered by Huff
In an alternate reality set in medieval times, there exists the kingdom of Aydori. Ruled by werewolves and mages, Aydori finds itself under attack by the Empire, a sprawling kingdom that wages war with the new and terrible powers of science. With the majority of the Aydori soldiers fighting on the front lines, the rest of the small kingdom is forced to flee to high ground. But a sneak attack by the Empire manages to capture five of Aydori’s most powerful mages.
The Silvered
by Tanya Huff
DAW
November 2012
With a prophecy foretelling the Empire and its king as the ultimate ruler of the land, and a holy war declared against the werewolves and mages, it falls to Mirian Maylin, a young girl who barely qualifies as a mage, and Tomas Hagen, a werewolf with no family left, to defy the Empire, rescue the captured mages, and see to it that the prophecy doesn’t come down on the side of the Empire.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Tanya Huff’s work, and this story certainly didn’t disappoint. And while the backdrop of a land ruled by magic fighting against the emerging power of science is not wholly original, Huff’s style of writing and character development puts a unique spin on the entire setup.
With that said, this book can be extremely complex. The number of characters, their relationships, importance, and rank can leave the reader juggling quite a bit of information early on. I actually had to reread the entire first chapter and make it a point to commit to memory exactly who was who.
It also bears mentioning that this is a book for more mature readers, in that it depicts quite a bit of bloodshed and death. The ravages of war leave no one untouched, and nearly every character loses a loved one on the battlefield.
Of course, like so many stories of its kind, the central focus is on a boy and girl and the feelings that develop between them on their journey. However, almost just as much focus is put on the captured mages, who aren’t simply waiting idly in their cells to be rescued. Huff also shies away from storybook endings where all the characters live happily ever after, and there are several moments in the story that are truly heartbreaking.
If you’re a fan of magic, werewolves, and good writing, you should definitely read this book.
Matthew Scott is the Dark Fantasy & Horror Editor of BookGateway.com who describes himself as just another average reader who enjoys sharing his opinion on various books, authors, and whatever else may cross his path.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
The Tutor’s Daughter by Julie Klassen
Emma Smallwood has spent her life helping at her father’s school. Now, with enrollment dwindling and her father mourning the passing of her mother, Emma finds herself reaching out to the father of former pupils in order to gain new students to the school. A return letter brings an intriguing offer. Does Emma have the courage to step outside of what she’s known to bring new adventures to her life?
The Tutor’s Daughter
by Julie Klassen
Bethany House
January 2013
In an effort to bring additional students to her father’s boarding school, Emma writes to the father of former pupils, a baronet, who has remarried and now has two young sons. The response she receives is a surprising one. As his wife is loathe to allow her sons to leave home, Sir Giles Weston offers double the rate for them to come to Ebbington Manor to teach them.
She initially questions the rash decision when she remembers her relationship with the older Weston sons-Phillip and Henry. Phillip she remembers with fondness. He was always kind to her when he was a student. On the other hand, Henry, the elder of the two, made it a point to torment her, as young boys are wont to do.
Emma and her father are met with surprise upon their arrival at the Weston’s home, Sir Giles having forgotten to tell his family that they were coming. This would be only the first of many surprising events that happen while they stay with the Weston’s. Strange happenings at night, a piano forte that seemingly plays itself, and many secrets exist in the Weston household. And in the midst of this, love blossoming from an unlikely place.
Having read another of Klassen’s novels before, I looked forward to reading this one. I, like Klassen, am a fan of Regency Period writing. As such, I enjoy the intent in Klassen’s writing. She really does make an effort to create novels in the fashion of the period, working to stay true to that time.
As for this novel in particular, I did enjoy the read the first time through. That is related entirely to the story. I loved the premise and what she was trying to write, as well as the suspense she worked to create and keep throughout the story. Klassen created a story that kept moving forward for me through most parts. While there were small lulls in the action and story moving forward, they weren’t cumbersome and didn’t impact the overall experience of reading for me.
That being said, Emma Smallwood is not one of my favorite female characters. I very much like the initiative she takes at the start of the novel, in writing to the Westons. However, after that point, she seems to be one who allows the events around them to happen to her, as opposed to actively working to be part of the action. I had higher hopes for her development as a character.
Additionally, regarding format, I really didn’t care for what seemed to be random quotes from other novels. I kept going back to see how those quotes related to the material around them. They seemed to be put into the novel to add credibility to Klassen’s work. Frankly, she doesn’t need it. Her work can stand on its own, and the extra quotes were cumbersome and offputting.
Overall though, I did enjoy the novel and would read it again. Klassen is dedicated to her craft and creating the world around her characters, which is something I can appreciate as a reader. The novel is a quick read and does have some points that are surprising and unexpected. It’s definitely one that’s work a look.
Robin Gwaro is a founding book review blogger at Bookgateway.com and has generously supplied this review. She describes herself as “a woman just trying to keep it all together. Most days, I have the juggling act down! Others, I have the broom and dustpan handy to clean up the mess. My life is not always easy, it is not always neat, but it is always worth every minute!” Her personal blog is Just Wandering. Not Lost.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
The Tutor’s Daughter by Klaussen
Julie Smallwood is the main character in this delightful book. She is fast on her way to being a spinster due to her vast knowledge of books. She reads constantly and hoards her books like they were gold. Her father runs a small academy for young men of the gentry.
The Tutor’s Daughter
by Julie Klassen
Bethany House Publishers
January 2013
The year is over, all the students have graduated and gone home. Julie’s father receives an offer to come to Cornwall and tutor Sir Giles Weston’s two young sons. The two older Weston boy were taught by Professor Smallwood and this seems an ideal situation for Sir Giles since the boys’ mother thought they were to young to be away from home. Her father is delighted by the invitation and soon they are on their way to Cornwall.
The Smallwood’s arrival at Weston Manner is anything but pleasant. . Something very strange is going on. Julie and her father soon settle into the routine of tutoring the boys and are enjoying their stay in the country. Julie is beginning to have feelings for one of the Weston men. She is aware nothing will come of her feelings, but she can dream can’t she. Why would a Baron’s son want to have anything to do with a lowly tutor’s daughter?
Suddenly Julie’s life is turned upside down. Pranks are being played on her. Strange love letters are being slid under her door, she hears music being played late at night, a large hand appears on her mirror, and someone is coming into her room at night. These are things she can live with, but when she gets locked in an abandoned chapel and almost drowns, her father calls a halt and they return home to their small academy.
Will Julie’s love be returned by Mr. Weston or will she live out her days as a spinster – longing for what might have been?
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is well written, a page-turner and the plot holds you spell-bound. I fell in love with Julie from the first page and you will too.
Highly recommended.
Romance Editor Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is an 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top..
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Band of Sisters by Gohlke
Fleeing her Irish homeland, with shame on her shoulders and little sister in tow; Maureen O’Reilly sets sail for America to make good on a promise made to her father years ago.
Band of Sisters
By Cathy Gohlke
Tyndale House
August 2012
After surviving the long passage across seas and then the obstacles and unexpected help on Ellis Island, she finds herself thrown out into the cold confusing streets of New York. But she knows all will be well once she finds the wealthy family that owes her deceased father a favor. She was not expecting that family to close their door on her and leave her scrambling for work and shelter elsewhere.
Looking for a job becomes disheartening, especially after the lodging she’s had to lower her standards for. Against her own want, she decides to use the influence of a man who befriended her upon her arrival.
When she is given the job as a sales clerk in a distinguished department store, she is thrilled. But when she notices her coworkers getting promoted and then disappearing, the luster slowly wears off and danger sneaks in. So she decides to get to the bottom of it.
Playing sleuth at the store runs her into trouble, and she has no one to turn to. She has a sister who wont speak to her, a family who turned her out and a man she doesn’t trust following her around the city.
Will she find the answers she is looking for, and in the process let go of the past so she can finally allow someone to truly love her?
This book was very enjoyable. The writer really pulled me into the story. I stayed very absorbed, doing my own detective work. I enjoyed so many of her characters and all the different stories they each had. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction, with a little mystery mixed in!
Heather Ring says that books are her plane ticket into another world, “I’d feel lost with out them. Reading is a part of me. However I am also an avid lover of the outdoors and pouring into my creative outlets. But I think my biggest passion, is spending time with my family and friends.”
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
A Season of Tending by Woodsmall
Rhoda Byler has a gift. One that has caused her community to shy away from her. Not only does she have an herb and berry garden that seems to produce when no others are, she also has been known to predict certain harmful events.
A Season of Tending
Amish Vines of the Orchards, book 1
By Cindy Woodsmall
Waterbrook Press
September 2012
Already shrouded by the guilt of her unfortunate past, the town’s sneers and insinuations only push her further into her garden and the only work she loves. It’s the one place she can hear her sisters voice and try to drown out the constant ridicule.
Digging her fingers into the dirt one morning, she finds a girl sleeping in her berries, clearly having been there all evening. Finding she is Amish, despite her clothing, she finds out how to return her home.
She is nettled by the stern older brother who shows up to claim her. Frustrated at her attempts to get him to see things her way, she is glad to see him leave. And very surprised when she sees him returning not a few days later. And this time with a business proposition.
Who is this man who has waltzed into her life so suddenly? Helping to pick of the pieces of his failing orchard may be just the distraction she needs. Could this be the ticket out from under the accusing stares of her neighbors? Or will she get much more than she could have ever bargained for?
I have to say, I have not met a book by this author that I have not enjoyed. From her very first book I have loved her stories, and this is no exception. She does such a great job weaving so many types of characters into her books. I always love to see how the story twists and turns. I am on pins and needles for the next book in this series. Very well done! Highly recommend!
Heather Ring says that books are her plane ticket into another world, “I’d feel lost with out them. Reading is a part of me. However I am also an avid lover of the outdoors and pouring into my creative outlets. But I think my biggest passion, is spending time with my family and friends.”
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
A Home in Drayton Valley by Sawyer
A story of hope, heart aches, disappointments, and love.
A Home in Drayton Valley
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Bethany House
October 2012
Tarsie Raines and her friend Joss and Mary Brubacher with their two children leave 1880 New York for Kansas. Tarsie hopes to get her friend Mary to a warmer climate, Mary is sickly and conditions in New York are not helping her. They hook up with an unusual wagon train. All the members and the Wagon Master are black. Joss is very prejudice and is reluctant to follow a black man, but Mary’s pleas prevail and they set off. Tradegy strikes on the trail and Mary passes away from her illness. Before she dies she ask Tarsie to take care of her children and to love Joss and bring him to Lord. Tarsie promised Mary, but how can she love Joss – he is mean, prejudice and has a foul temper. However, she did promise Mary and she would try to honor Mary’s last wish. When the train arrives in Kansas, the wagon train goes on it way and Joss and Tarsie set out for Drayton Valley. Tarsie tells Joss about Mary’s dying wish and ask him to marry her. Joss is reluctant to do so, but he needs someone to care for the children so he agrees,
Life in Drayton Valley is hard for Tarsie. Joss isn’;t interested in her as a woman – he only wants her to take care of the children and him. Tarsie meets Ruth, a colored women, with three children. Her husband is the boss at the local winery where Joss is now employed. Ruth befriends Tarsie and she agrees to teach Ruth how to read. Joss is dead set against this and forbids her to teach Ruth. She ignores him and the entire town and continues to seek out Ruth.
Tarsie has come to the end of her rope. She is leaving Joss and the children. This is very hard on her as she loves the children as her own and to her surprise has fallen in love with Joss. Joss is arrested for stealing. and Tarsie is held captive by the men that are responsible for the theft.
A very interesting ending. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It will make you laugh, make you cry, you will experience the prejudice against the colored people, and you will pray that Tarsie finds the love and peace she so richly deserves.
Highly recommended.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is an 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top..
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Princess Elizabeth’s Spy by MacNeal
Britain’s beloved monarch may be approaching ninety, but there is another younger side of Her Royal Highness. Special Agent Maggie Hope is back. She made her debut in MacNeal’s first novel Mr. Churchill’s Secretary.
Princess Elizabeth’s Spy
A Maggie Hope Mystery
by Susan Elia MacNeal
Bantam
October 2012
World War II sweeps the Continent and England steels itself against German attacks. Maggie Hope is an M1-5 Operative. who has hidden talents. She has completed training and hopes for a juicy assignment. To her great consternation, she is sent to Windsor Castle to tutor the young princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. The upstairs-downstairs world of royals and servants proves to be very dangerous indeed. Maggie must be on her toes at all times. Castle life is not what she had envisioned it to be.
Maggie is assigned a senior handler to whom she is required to make timely reports. She doesn’t always see eye to eye with her handler which causes some minor problems. Things really heat up at the Castle when the Young Princess Elizabeth is kidnapped. Maggie resolves to do everything in her power to help rescue the princess. What happens and who the kidnappers are will surprise you.
Ms. MacNeal is an excellent writer of historical fiction. She perfectly captures the spirit of wartime Britain. I loved the book and you will too.
Highly recommended.
Mary Asher, the Golden Reviewer, is an 80 year old avid reader reviews the newest in Christian fiction and non-fiction with a sprinkle of the secular on top..
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Against The Tide by Elizabeth Camden
After her life is turned upside down as a child, Lydia Pallas battled back and used her incredible intelligence to create a new life for herself. Having gained a position as a translator for the Navy, she focuses on creating stability in her life. All of that will be changed with the acceptance of an offer from Alexander Banebridge.
Against The Tide
by Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House
September 2012
During his childhood, Alexander Banebridge, or Bane as he chooses to be called, was delivered into a life of control and imprisonment by the Professor. The Professor had spent years creating a very elaborate criminal system, dealing specifically in the trade of opium. After escaping the control of the Professor through freedom in Christ, Bane has made it his life’s work to destroy the opium trade.
In order to find the information he needs, Bane enlists Lydia’s help to translate documents. This is the only way that Bane will be able to gain the upper hand in his quest and stop the Professor for good. What follows is a journey through intrigue and political roadblocks, with a little love thrown in for good measure.
When I started the novel, I am not really sure what I was expecting. As the city of Boston is one of my great loves, I picked this book up based on the setting for the novel. Since Camden focuses mainly on story and not scenery, it’s important to note that there are not a great deal of long descriptive passages in the novel. There is also very little in the way of history of the characters. You get glimpses into their pasts, but it is just enough to keep you from wondering why they have ended up as they have. Camden explains their tales in a very straightforward way and focuses on the present tense.
That’s the only small quibble I have with the novel. I am a reader driven by the history and the motivation of characters. I like for this to remain a bit hidden, to be revealed through actions and climatic points in the novel. If you are a reader who likes the information to be given up front and without preamble, then this novel will work well for you.
That being said, I also allow work to stand on its own merit outside of my personal likes as a reader. Camden’s story has enough tension to keep you reading, and the story is fast-paced. There was no point in my reading where I had a desire to skip pages because of dragging story line. Her focus is primarily on driving forward, which is a great aspect to her writing.
Another high point for Camden is that she has created a strong female character in Lydia Pallas. There are few things that will turn me away from a book faster than a female character who withers in the face of adversity. Lydia faces adversity at every turn and refuses to back down from any challenge that Camden creates for her. From childhood through the end of the novel, Lydia has to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds in order to come out on top at the end.
And in the end: she does.
Robin Gwaro is a founding book review blogger at Bookgateway.com and has generously supplied this review. She describes herself as “a woman just trying to keep it all together. Most days, I have the juggling act down! Others, I have the broom and dustpan handy to clean up the mess. My life is not always easy, it is not always neat, but it is always worth every minute!” Her personal blog is Just Wandering. Not Lost.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Courting Cate by Gould
In Paradise, Pennsylvania, Cate Miller is known more for her sharp tongue and fiery temper than her striking appearance. Her sweet and flirty sister, Betsy, on the other hand, seems to have attracted most of the bachelors in Lancaster County!
Courting Cate
by Leslie Gould
Bethany House
November 2012
But the sisters’ wealthy father has made one hard-and-fast rule: older Cate must marry first, before younger Betsy can even start courting. Unfortunately, untamable Cate has driven away every suitor-until Pete Treger comes to town, that is.
Prodded by the men of the area, Pete turns his attention to winning Cate’s hand. But is his interest true or is there a scheme at play?
My Thoughts: It’s easy to tell by my book reviews that I like Amish Fiction. This is the first book that I have read by Leslie Gould and I wasn’t disappointed.
Cate figures that she will be an old maid, since she doesn’t think anyone could put up with her temper. Having raised her younger sister Betsy since birth and being in charge of her father’s business office has made Cate fairly independent.
When Betsy starts courting, their father issues an edict: Betsy cannot get married or court until Cate does. At the same time as the declaration, Pete, an Amish man from New York, comes to Lancaster County, and begins to court Cate. She, however, is immediately suspicious.
Anyone who has read the Shakespeare play, or even seen some of the numerous movie, television, and book adaptations (including the Heath Ledger classic 10 Things I Hate About You) will be able to guess how the story goes. However, it’s still a wonderful book, and I couldn’t put it down. This is a great story with many twists and turns. Why did Pete leave his family? Will Pete and Cate get together? Can the fiery Cate actually be tamed?
Amish fiction fans will recognize Gould from the Women of Lancaster County series she co-wrote with Mindy Starns Clark, but this book showcases Gould as an Amish author on her own. Courting Cate is the beginning of the Courtships of Lancaster County series, and if the rest of the series is as good as this title, I have a feeling it will be in high demand.
Cate was a lot of fun and added a lot of personality to this story. All the characters felt real and very likable. This is somewhat of a twist on your Amish Fiction which I find refreshing. You still see Cate’s grace and dignity and her relationship with her Savoir shine through in all situations.
Thanks for a well written book with delightful characters. I look forward to reading more in this series and by the author.
ReneeK is a sweet tea addicted mamma who loves to cuddle up to a good book. She blogs at Little Homeschool on the Praire and writes about family, homeschooling, having a special needs child, and about whatever else tickles her fancy.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
The Memory Jar by Goyer
Sarah Shelter has lived in West Kootenai for the last ten years and wonders if she will ever fall in love. Since the tragic death of her best friend, Patty. She carries a lot of guilt because of her tragic accident. She holds her feeling inside.
The Memory Jar
Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors #1
By Tricia Goyer
Zondervan
October 2012
Sarah loves to bake cupcakes and would love to own her own bakery someday. She discovers that she has a talent that God created in her that is different than most in her Amish community. She finds herself at odds with most in the Amish community that believe that Sarah is going too far in her creativity and many find it prideful, but Sarah sees things differently.
Jathan Schrock came to hunt and try to figure out his future with his responsibilities that are expected of him from his family back home in Berlin, Ohio. What he wasn’t planning on was Sarah Shelter to captivate him.
My thoughts: Tricia Goyer did an amazing job with this story. Her characters were deep, heart touching and very likable. I enjoyed how different this story is from most Amish novels. It was very refreshing. I loved that I didn’t know what would happen next. The conclusion of the story was fun and nothing like I expected.
The Memory Jar is a captivating story that kept me wondering it was going to end. I hope to see these characters in another one of the author’s novels.
ReneeK is a sweet tea addicted mamma who loves to cuddle up to a good book. She blogs at Little Homeschool on the Praire and writes about family, homeschooling, having a special needs child, and about whatever else tickles her fancy.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
Life with Lily by Kinsinger and Fisher
“On a small Amish farm in upstate New York, young Lily Lapp has plenty to do and plenty of people to love. But changes are coming–including a new baby brother, a new teacher at school, and new ways of looking at the world. Lily’s growing up Amish, and there’s always a lot to learn–if only Lily can stay out of trouble.”
Life with Lily
The Adventures of Lily Lapp
by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher
Revell
October 2012
In Life with Lily you will meet 5 year old Lily Lapp. Lily is very mischievous, and an overall good girl. Lily tries very hard to stay out of trouble bu.t with so much adventure around every corner it makes it hard. Lily works and plays hard. She is about to learn many of life’s lessons on honesty, patience, and the love of family.
My thoughts: It was interesting to read about Amish life from a child’s perspective rather than an adult perspective. I feel like I was taken back to the days when I was a kid and read the “Little House on the Prairie” books.
This is a great series that is wholesome, entertaining, and will delight parents and children alike for years to come. I love it when I find a book that I don’t have to worry about for my kids to read.
The chapters are short and feel like mini short stories. Which I think is what makes this a great book for younger kids to keep their attention. I also liked how they have a, “Frequently Asked Questions About the Amish” at the end of the book. My kids haven’t read any books on the Amish at this point. This will be a good place to start at before we read the book.
I enjoyed the adventures of Lily and look forward to the other books in this series. This story is well written and you will fall in love with the Lapp family.
ReneeK is a sweet tea addicted mamma who loves to cuddle up to a good book. She blogs at Little Homeschool on the Praire and writes about family, homeschooling, having a special needs child, and about whatever else tickles her fancy.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
A Season for Tending by Woodsmall
When Rhoda was seven years old her father gave her and her older sisters a blueberry bush and a herb plant. Her sisters had other thing to do, but Rhoda (Rhodes) loved and tended hers with care, so her father gave her a new bush, herb or gardening tool for her birthday and Christmas each year.
A Season for Tending
Amish Vines and Orchards
by Cindy Woodsmall
Waterbrook
September 2012
Rhoda has an unusual gift what you might call a, “sixth sense,” “foresight”, or “gift of healing.” She has feeling about situations and people that something bad is about to happen and Rhoda can describe the event in ways that unnerve both the Amish and Englisch in the community. Her gift causes a lot of grief to her and her family.
Her healing comes from the knowledge of her herbs and prayer. She also raises berries and has a successful business canning the produce of her garden. The others in her community are freighted of her gifts and she is forced to tear down her herb garden.
The King family own an organic apple orchard in another Amish community. Samuel King meets Rhoda in an awkward way. He can’t deny the fact that he is fascinated with her unorthodox skills in the garden. When the Apple orchards needs help to save this year’s harvest Samuel thinks of Rhoda and her gift in the garden.
Unlike most Amish novels the main characters don’t have any romantic feelings for one another. It would be more of a mutual respect that could combine both of their business in something spectacular.
My thoughts: Cindy Woodsmall has written many fantastic Amish novels. This novel is a great read overall I enjoyed it a lot. I have to say that I had trouble with Rhoda’s gift of sight. I think the story would have been better without it. I don’t think it benefited the story.
The story was a little slow at first building the characters and the plot. The book did get more interesting as you got into it. The characters are likable and have a lot of character. They like to joke and play around and just enjoy life. Catherine drove me crazy and I was glad she didn’t take up to much space in the story.
Maybe I am like some of the community in the book and I am bias against Rhoda’s gifts. I believe in healing and other supernatural things when it comes to my God but this book just didn’t do it for me in that area. You will have to decide for yourself. As far as the other books in the series we will have to see which direction the author takes it.
ReneeK is a sweet tea addicted mamma who loves to cuddle up to a good book. She blogs at Little Homeschool on the Praire and writes about family, homeschooling, having a special needs child, and about whatever else tickles her fancy.
This book was provided by the publisher as a review copy.
