Historical Fiction – Page 2

Review: The Trouble with Anna

Title: The Trouble with Anna
Author: Rachel Griffiths
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback arc
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

“Sizzling and stylish. I’ve never blushed or laughed so hard!” —Kass Morgan, author of The 100 series

A tart young woman and an arrogant lord collide in this flirty, sexy, and remarkably modern historical romance, perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

Anna didn’t intend to ride in a high-stakes horse race or start up a betting ring. She certainly didn’t mean to find herself in so many darkened corners with Lord Julian Ramsay, quarreling and kissing. But when her grandfather’s strange will stipulates that Anna must marry or she’ll be left broke, there’s nothing she won’t do to win her fight for independence. Even go head-to-head with Lord Ramsay, with her own heart as the prize.

Fans of the slow burn will devour this frenemies-to-lovers story perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean and Evie Dunmore.

Review:

This historical romance was so fun! Anna wanted her freedom and independence, but her grandfather forced her to marry in the terms of his will. Despite that, she still tried her best to earn her independence. I loved the banter between Anna and Julian. There were a couple of instances of miscommunication that were frustrating, but they made a cute couple.

The Trouble with Anna is a fun regency romance!

Thank you Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of this book!

Content warnings: death, parental death (off page)

Have you read The Trouble with Anna? What did you think of it?

Review: Fast Times, Big City

Title: Fast Times, Big City
Author: Shelly Frome
Genre: Historical Fiction, Thriller
Publisher: BQB Publishing
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Paperback
Release Date: June 22, 2023
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Like most people, Bud Palmer felt this was just another day. Though the era was drawing to a close, he assumed his life as a sports columnist in the subtropics, in keeping with the benign fifties itself, would go on as predictable as ever. But that particular autumn morning he was thrust into a caper that was totally beyond him, forced him to leave Miami and take the train to Manhattan, and suddenly found everything in this restless “Big Apple” was up for grabs, on the brink, at a dicey turning point.

Review:

This was an interesting thriller. Bud had to hunt for an aspiring actress who had stolen an important briefcase from some gang members in Miami. I loved the world building. It really felt like I was in New York in the 1950s.

Fast Times, Big City is a suspenseful thriller!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for sending me a copy of this book for a paid campaign!

Have you read Fast Times, Big City? What did you think of it?

Review: Mit Out Sound

Title: Mit Out Sound
Author: Rick Lenz
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Chromodroid Press
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Would-be movie producer Emily Bennett didn’t believe the legend of a lost movie, starring James Dean and John Wayne. But when she meets two uncannily talented celebrity impersonators-Jimmy Riley and Tom “Duke” Manfredo, and stumbles upon the elusive film editor who stole the master negative of Showdown, it dispels her doubts, fills her with a courage she didn’t know she had, and she sets out to complete the movie.

But as Emily and her stars prepare for day one of shooting, they find themselves entangled in a complex love triangle with Oedipal undertones, mirroring their own past lives and off-screen dynamics. As doubts about their ruthless director, Solange Borugian, surface, Jimmy’s and Duke’s friendship is turned upside down, while Emily and her brother Ben, struggle with their own unresolved issues and are forced to confront their dying father.

On location in Arizona, amidst Apache holy grounds and the magic of day-for-night shooting, the lines between past and present blur and the flawed characters’ backstories intertwine into a tumultuous finale that exposes their hidden animosities, demons, and loves.

Review:

This book gives an interesting look at filmmaking in the 1970s. Emily had a lot of work to do to finish an old film starring John Wayne and James Dean with impersonators. There was a lot of personal trauma that connected the characters, and they had to figure out how to cope with it to finish the job. I think fans of John Wayne and James Dean will like this novel!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death, murder, cancer, child abuse, car accident

Have you read Mit Out Sound? What did you think of it?

Review: The Queen’s Spade

Title: The Queen’s Spade
Author: Sarah Raughley
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: BookSparks
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In this riveting historical thriller that’s loosely inspired by true life events, The Count of Monte Cristo meets Bridgerton as revenge, romance, and twisted secrets take center stage in Victorian England’s royal court when Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, plots her way to take down the monarchy that stole her from her homeland.

A young lady can take only so many injuries before humiliation and insult forge a vow of revenge . . .

The year is 1862, and murderous desires are simmering in England. Nineteen-year-old Sarah Bonetta Forbes (Sally), once a princess of the Egbado Clan, desires one thing above all else: revenge against the British Crown and its system of colonial “humanitarianism,” which stole her dignity and transformed her into royal property. From military men to political leaders, she’s vowed to ruin all who’ve had a hand in her afflictions. The top of her list? Her godmother, Britain’s mighty monarch, Queen Victoria herself.

Taking down the Crown means entering into a twisted game of court politics and manipulating the Queen’s inner circle—even if that means aligning with a dangerous yet alluring crime lord in London’s underworld and exploiting the affections of Queen Victoria’s own son, Prince Albert, as a means to an end. But when Queen Victoria begins to suspect Sally’s true intentions, she plays the only card in Victorian society that could possibly cage Sally once again: marriage. Because if there’s one thing Sally desires more than revenge, it’s her freedom. With time running out and her wedding day looming, Sally’s vengeful game of cat and mouse turns deadly as she’s faced with the striking revelation that that the price for vengeance isn’t just paid in blood. It means sacrificing your heart.

Loosely inspired by the true story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Queen Victoria’s African goddaughter, The Queen’s Spade is a lush and riveting historical thriller perfect for fans of A Dowry of Blood and Grave Mercy.

Review:

The Queen’s Spade is a fast paced and suspenseful story. Sally, an African Princess who is now Queen Victoria’s goddaughter and ward, takes revenge on all the people who have wronged her. Sally was clever and strong, and she was underestimated by the people in power around her. This story showed a darker side to the monarchy than is usually presented. I know this will be one of my favourite books of the year!

The Queen’s Spade is a powerful story!

Thank you BookSparks for sending me a copy of this book as part of the Winter Reading Challenge 2025!

Content warnings: death of parents (off page), gun violence, drug use, racism, child abuse, drowning, slavery, stabbing

Have you read The Queen’s Spade What did you think of it?

Review: The Queen of Thieves (The Moonwind Mysteries #2)

Title: The Queen of Thieves (The Moonwind Mysteries #2)
Author: Johan Rundberg, A.A. Prime (translator)
Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Publisher: Amazon Crossing Kids
Source: Firefly Books Distributed Lines
Format: Paperback
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Mika will do what it takes to uncover a string of thefts in the city―and keep her fellow orphans safe. After a merciless winter, spring has sprung in 1880 Stockholm, and the city awaits the arrival of the SS Vega , the first ship to have sailed the Northeast Passage. Life is busy at the orphanage, but twelve-year-old Mika quickly notices that the older orphans are up to something―and it doesn’t look good. When Constable Hoff approaches her with information about thefts around the city, Mika becomes even more concerned about what the other kids are up to―and what they might be planning for the Vega celebration. The police will have no sympathy for orphans, and she’d hate to see her friends condemned to life in jail. But Mika soon finds herself in a bind she can’t get out of―one that could condemn her own life. Can Mika uncover who is really behind the thefts in the city and keep her friends safe, without getting caught? Find out in this breathless sequel to The Night Raven.

Review:

The Queen of Thieves is a story about orphans living in Stockholm in 1880. Mika solves mysteries involving the orphans she looks after. I was surprised at the twists and turns in the story. There were some heartbreaking parts, about the orphans wanting to be adopted and find their forever family. There are a couple of ongoing mysteries about Mika’s origin and a baby in the orphanage, so I’m looking forward to finding out more answers in the next book!

The Queen of Thieves is a great historical middle grade mystery!

Thank you Firefly Books Distributed Lines for sending me a copy of this book!

Content warnings: death of parent (off page), child abuse

Other books in the series:

The Night Raven (The Moonwind Mysteries #1)
The Lost Ones (The Moonwind Mysteries #3)

Have you read The Queen of Thieves? What did you think of it?

Review: The Girl of Many Crowns

Title: The Girl of Many Crowns
Author: D.H. Morris
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: New Classics Publishing
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: September 2, 2024
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

“The Girl of Many Crowns” is the true and inspiring story of Judith, the first princess of France, who is a pawn in a complex political game of chess as her father, King Charles, tries to hold on to his kingdom. King Charles, grandson of Emperor Charlemagne, is beset on every side by Vikings, rebel lords, and greedy neighboring monarchs. He marries 12-year-old Judith to Aethelwulf, the aging King of Wessex, for political advantage. When she is widowed less than two years later, he arranges a second marriage for her. But, when Judith refuses to marry a third time at her father’s command, King Charles imprisons her in one of his palaces.

Baldwin Iron Arm is a powerful knight from Flanders who pledges loyalty to King Charles and his family. As the companion of Judith’s brother, Louis, he fulfills his oath by protecting King Charles’ family from Vikings, rebel lords, wars, and assassination plots. He is conflicted when he must choose between obeying the king and rescuing his daughter Judith from her imprisonment.

Review:

The Girl of Many Crowns is historical fiction based on real people in 9th century Europe. Princess Judith was used as a political pawn to marry an old King, then his son after she became a widow, before she was able to exert her own independence. This was a detailed historical account with an intriguing plot!

The Girl of Many Crowns is a great read for fans of European Royalty!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book for a paid campaign!

Content warnings: sexual assault (off page), death, death of baby, animal death

Have you read The Girl of Many Crowns? What did you think of it?

Review: I Shall Never Fall in Love

Title: I Shall Never Fall in Love
Author: Hari Conner
Genre: Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction, Romance, LGBTQ
Publisher: HarperAlley
Source: Library
Format: Ebook
Release Date: October 8, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

George has major problems: They’ve just inherited the failing family estate, and the feelings for their best friend, Eleanor, have become more complicated than ever. Not to mention, if anyone found out they were secretly dressing in men’s clothes, George is sure it would be ruination for the family name.

Eleanor has always wanted to do everything “right,” including falling in love—but she’s never met a boy she was interested in. She’d much rather spend time with her best friend, George, and beloved cousin Charlotte. However, when a new suitor comes to town, she finds her closest friendships threatened, forcing her to rethink what “right” means and confront feelings she never knew she had.

Inspired by Jane Austen and queer history, I Shall Never Fall in Love shines a light on what it means to be true to yourself and rewrites the rules for what makes a happily ever after.

Review:

This was such a cute historical romance graphic novel! It was like a modern version of a Jane Austen novel. The characters had to deal with the same sexism that Austen’s characters had to deal with, such as women being expected to marry and owning or managing a property not being socially acceptable. They also faced racism and explored sexual identities. I liked that there were some facts at the end of the story about people of diverse gender identities and people of colour during that time period in England.

I Shall Never Fall in Love is a great historical romance graphic novel!

Have you read I Shall Never Fall in Love? What did you think of it?

Review: The Hotel Balzaar

Title: The Hotel Balzaar
Author: Kate DiCamillo, Júlia Sardà
Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In a wise and magical follow-up to The Puppets of Spelhorst, Kate DiCamillo revisits the land of Norendy, where tales swirl within tales—and every moment is a story in the making.

At the Hotel Balzaar, Marta’s mother rises before the sun, puts on her uniform, and instructs Marta to roam as she will but quietly, invisibly—like a little mouse. While her mother cleans rooms, Marta slips down the back staircase to the grand lobby to chat with the bellman, study the painting of an angel’s wing over the fireplace, and watch a cat chase a mouse around the face of the grandfather clock, all the while dreaming of the return of her soldier father, who has gone missing. One day, a mysterious countess with a parrot checks in, promising a story—in fact, seven stories in all, each to be told in its proper order. As the stories unfold, Marta begins to wonder: could the secret to her father’s disappearance lie in the countess’s tales? Book two in a trio of novellas bound by place and mood—with elegant line art by Júlia Sardà—The Hotel Balzaar masterfully juggles yearning and belief, shining light into every dark corner.

Review:

Marta’s mother works at the Hotel Balzaar while Marta creeps around the hotel during the day, being quiet and not disturbing anyone. One day, a woman arrives with a pet parrot. She tells Marta stories that remind Marta of her father who has disappeared. She realizes that the answers to her father’s disappearance may be hidden in these stories.

This story reminded me of the Eloise books and movies, since Marta lived in a hotel like her. However, there was a more serious tone since Marta was always thinking about her missing father. The story takes place decades ago and the beautiful black and white illustrations reflected that.

The Hotel Balzaar is a beautiful middle grade story!

Thank you @penguinrandomca and @tundrabooks for providing a copy of this book. This book was gifted to me from Penguin Random House Canada as part of the Holiday Book Magic Campaign! The Holiday Book Magic books are a curated list of books that are perfect for gifting and enjoying all year long!

Have you read The Hotel Balzaar? What did you think of it?

Review: Matchmaking, Mistletoe and a Moat

Title: Matchmaking, Mistletoe and a Moat
Author: Kim Janine Ligon
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: December 2, 2024
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Greyford Parker is eager to see his twin sister and her family, but is dreading the matchmaking marathon she has planned at the two week Christmas party at Castle Winterhaven. As the unexpected Duke of Wallingford he must find a bride. Preferably one with a large dowry to help bolster the estate’s finances his older brother dissipated before his death.

Lady Emmeline Spenser reluctantly agrees to attend the “husband hunting” party at Castle Winterhaven, but only if her dear cousin, Eleanor Brown, can also attend. Emmeline is worried suitors will
love her large dowry more than they do her. Eleanor has a plan to allay her cousin’s fears. Do they dare try it?

Review:

Greyford Parker’s twin sister, Caroline, is planning a two week long Christmas party at her home, Castle Winterhaven. There are lots of eligible men and women who have been invited, so Caroline is hoping her brother will find a match. Cousins Emmeline and Eleanor have been invited to the party. Emmie is a Lady with a dowry, but Eleanor is an orphan without one. The girls look like twins, so they decide to pretend to be each other so they can find men who love them for who they are, not for money. It’s an eventful Christmas party that ends in more than one marriage!

This was a cute historical holiday romance. I loved the “Parent Trap” kind of switch Emmie and Ellie did. Their mothers were twins so they looked like twins and were able to successfully fool the guests into believing they were each other. It was a clever way to find out if the men who fell for them really loved them or their money. This was a low stakes romance with a happy ending!

Matchmaking, Mistletoe, and a Moat is a fun historical romance for the holidays!

Thank you The Wild Rose Press for providing a digital copy of this book for a paid campaign!

Have you read Matchmaking, Mistletoe and a Moat? What did you think of it?

Review: Sunny Gale

Title: Sunny Gale
Author: Jamie Lisa Forbes
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Pronghorn Press
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: May 15, 2024
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

It’s 1895 and fourteen year old Hannah Brandt is struggling with the hard life on a new Nebraska homestead. When her imagination is captured by a wild filly she becomes obsessed with horses, which opens the door to her destiny. Just three years later she enters the first Cheyenne Frontier Day rodeo where she wins the relay race, the following year she wins the bronc riding and her fate is sealed. She gives herself a new name, Sunny Gale, and pursues a rodeo career, much to the disgust of her young husband and her very proper mother. Sunny defies convention with every move as the drive to compete takes over her life, leaving everything else behind, including husbands and children. It is a rough life she has chosen, but she craves the glory of the spotlight and refuses to bow to the expectations for a woman in her time.

Award winning author Jamie Lisa Forbes has once again days when rodeo was wide open for them to become stars. It is a
story of the social mores of the times and of a woman determined to defy them no matter how high the personal cost or where that choice might take her.

Review:

1895: Hannah Brandt was struggling with her family’s new life in Nebraska, until she decided to try riding a horse. She entered the world of rodeos and horse competitions, and changed her name to Sunny Gale when she started winning. However, her husband and mother weren’t happy with her new career. To have a successful career as a woman in the early 1900s means she must give up a lot, including her family.

This was a fascinating story. It was inspired by real women who competed in rodeos in the early 1900s, but they disappeared from history after they weren’t allowed to compete anymore. There was a lot of heartbreak in this story. There were numerous animal deaths, and Sunny tragically leaves her family to pursue her dreams. She was also treated horribly by most of the men in her life. Though many things that Sunny experienced are better for women today, things aren’t perfect, and women often have to give up other parts of their lives for success in their career.

Sunny Gale is a fascinating story about a woman who became a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry.

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death, death of animals, rape, child abuse

Have you read Sunny Gale? What did you think of it?