“Vashti’s Daughter” by Raven West is an intricate and captivating novel that weaves historical elements with a modern-day narrative, creating a mesmerizing story that challenges traditional perceptions and explores the power of legacy and truth. The protagonist, Anna Steine, a young, newly divorced owner of a publishing house, finds herself embroiled in a mysterious and supernatural journey that begins with an unassuming manila envelope labeled “Vashti’s Daughter.” Initially dismissive of the manuscript, Anna’s life takes a surreal turn as she experiences vivid dreams and unexplainable occurre ..read more

“The Saintly Imp” by Zwahk Muchoney is a fascinating and unconventional tale that blends elements of fantasy, religion, and historical fiction into a unique and compelling narrative. The story centers around Jarilhil, a diminutive demon from Hell, who seeks respite from his torment by embarking on an unlikely mission to become a Christian missionary. His journey leads him to the man who will become Saint Francis of Assisi, setting the stage for a series of unexpected and transformative events. Muchoney’s writing is engaging and richly imaginative, crafting a world that is vividly detailed and ..read more

“Sam Time” by Donna Balon is a refreshing and imaginative historical time-travel fiction that masterfully intertwines the past and the present. The protagonist, Samantha Hunter, is a compelling character whose journey through time is both enchanting and thought-provoking. As she toggles between her modern life and her vivid dreams set in the Victorian era, readers are treated to a unique and engaging narrative that keeps them on their toes. BUY NOW One of the strengths of “Sam Time” lies in Balon’s meticulous attention to historical detail. The portrayal of the 19th century is not only accura ..read more

“Love and Limelight: One More Seat at the Round Table – A Theatrical Triumph of Heart and Ambition” Susan Dormady Eisenberg’s enchanting novel, “One More Seat at the Round Table,” offers readers a captivating backstage pass to the tumultuous world of Broadway during the creation of Lerner and Loewe’s iconic musical, Camelot. Set against the backdrop of the 1960 theatrical scene, the novel explores the intertwined lives of feisty drama school graduate Jane Conroy and gifted actor Bryce Christmas, revealing that the most conflicted lovers in Camelot might not be Lancelot and Guenevere after all ..read more

“The Boy in the Rain: A Poignant Tale of Love and Peril in Edwardian England” Stephanie Cowell’s “The Boy in the Rain” immerses readers in the delicate and perilous world of Edwardian England, where love between two men is fraught with danger and societal taboos. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, the novel unfolds the passionate romance between Robbie, a shy art student, and Anton, a mature writer haunted by his past. The narrative is skillfully woven through the lens of societal constraints, weaving a tale of forbidden love in a time when the law harshly condemns homosexual ..read more

“The Adored One: A Captivating Tale of Love, Ambition, and Triumph” In Susanne Dunlap’s “The Adored One,” readers are transported to the dazzling world of early 20th-century New York, where the life of young Lillian Lorraine unfolds against the backdrop of Broadway’s golden age. This historical novel delves into the tumultuous journey of a spirited teenager who finds herself entangled with the charismatic Florenz Ziegfeld and faces the challenges of love, fame, and the pursuit of personal freedom. BUY NOW The narrative introduces us to Lillian at the tender age of 14, arriving in the bustling ..read more

In this meticulously researched and heart-wrenching historical account, the summer of 1631 is brought vividly to life as Dutch corsair and pirate Murad Reis unleashes terror upon the peaceful fishing village of Baltimore, Ireland. “White Slaves” narrates the harrowing story of 109 men, women, and children who are captured, enduring a 38-day voyage to Algiers, where they face the unspeakable horrors of slavery. BUY NOW At the heart of this gripping narrative is 15-year-old Felix Gunter, who becomes an unwitting protagonist in the voyage’s brutality. As the corsair captain subjects the captives ..read more

‘Cat’s Curse’ is a paranormal historical romance. This is the first book of the trilogy. Set in Scotland, we witness a love story between a prince and a succubus, Aedan and Cardea. While they can’t be together as the prince cannot touch anyone, and she needs to drink blood to stay alive, you are introduced to a complex yet enjoyable world of possibilities. BUY NOW The series has to be conducted from the beginning. The author provides a solid foundation to a story with many sideline plots that do not all necessarily have closure yet end in a satisfying way. The characters and world-building ar ..read more

I always feel a pang of envy for historical fiction authors whose chosen setting is a time and place where people kept records. Thusnelda, my heroine and the real wife of the rebel Arminius is mentioned about four times in the historical record. Total. That was the beginning of the research black hole I faced: early Germans had no written language. First, I accepted that we don’t know much of anything. Archaeologists can identify a steel sword in a grave, but conclusions about why it’s in that grave are a guess based largely on biased assumptions. We have no idea why people were buried in cert ..read more

‘Carnival Songs’ is a historical fiction set in Torrenceburg with, a complex town and much drama. From the beginning of the story, you immediately feel like sinking into it with a sense of waiting for something to go wrong. BUY NOW I wasn’t a big fan of the cover design and did not feel it did much justice to the content inside. The pace of the story is steady and keeps the reader intrigued. There are dark sides to the story, and at times, humor is added to the content. This created an interesting dynamic to the tale. I also particularly enjoyed how the author focused on ensuring the reading ..read more