Decapitating the Union is One Gorgeous Read!
922727
Decapitating the Union by attorney-author John Fazio is a tour de force, a fascinating read and a major contribution to the record of the 19th century's greatest crime, significantly affecting the America of today.  It goes a long way towards solving the controversy over the reason and nature of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, showing the dastardly act to be only one component of a full force attack on the government of the United States of America, involving multiple assailants and multiple targets. One gorgeous read.
1214157
This has to be my favorite political novel of all time. Giardina, who grew up in a coal camp, has an extremely lyrical - almost poetic - style. She strikes just the right note in juxtaposing the brutal corruption of the mine owners, stealing the land deeds, homes, labor and lives of the entire region - and the energy, excitement and pure romance of the union drive that organizes against immense odds to reclaim its members' rights to a living wage, safe working conditions and personal dignity.

The union is eventually broken at the end of the book - in part due to the vigilante mine guards that terrorized union members. In her afterward Giardina fast forwards 12 years to the Roosevelt administration, when a resurgence of the union movement leads to the abolition of the mine guard system. And coal miners win the right to organize.

By Dr Stuart Jeanne, author of THE MOST REVOLUTIONARY ACT: MEMOIR OF AN AMERICAN REFUGEE
2747397
There are so many things I want to say about this book, but all that comes to mind is WOW.  The story was perfectly crafted and set up so that, by the end, I was holding my breath for every character in the book.  The author ties everyone together so perfectly that you know them all, inside and out.  Diffenbaugh's writing style is beautiful and straightforward, which made reading very enjoyable.  Being with Victoria as she grew painfully into adulthood and confronted her past was a pleasurably exhausting and emotional journey that left me sobbing at the end.  The way that flowers became a part of the story as much as the people was interesting and very well done.  I loved the way Victoria used flowers to communicate all of the hurt and angry feelings she had about herself, but found a way to use them as a tool for bringing joy and happiness to others.  This book will leave you heartbroken and hopeful at the same time and you will feel a real sense of loss when you finish reading the last page.
2324303
This book is compelling and a must-read, especially if you love 1905-1910 Victorian England! It is a page-turner and I just can't say enough about it. Wonderful characters, especially the historical fiction and the way the upper classes in England spoke as opposed to the working classes. Having lived in England, there is quite a difference of a "posh" accent as opposed to a "cockney" accent. The author captures these characters in all their self-righteousness and naivet! Great book about suffragettes, and their struggle for the vote. Devastating tragedy, sex, lies, intrigue, this book has it all. It is a little confusing at first as all the characters speak in their own voice and their names head up each chapter so you know who is telling the story. After you sort out the characters, you will be in for an EXCELLENT read! Masterpiece, a real modern masterpiece. I can see this book will be a movie before too long.
2439971
This is one of those books that snuck up on me. I'm not a huge historical-anything fan because it involves keeping track of dates and timelines which for me, feels an awful lot like "mathing". (The mild form of dsylexia I have makes numbers a challenge sometimes.) BUT, when the audio for The Lovely and The Lost came up for review last spring, I took one look at that cover (the blue one), read the blurb, and decided to give it a shot. Because gargoyles and Paris.

I'm so glad I did!

Side note: If you're into audiobooks, these are ones you need to check out. The narrator does a beautiful job of bringing the characters and their world to life.

When I realized it was a sequel, I made a bee line to my library for book one, The Beautiful and The Cursed book (the pink cover). Page Morgan does a fantastic job of weaving together multiple POVs to give readers more than one character to champion. The same goes for the relationships too. Instead of only rooting for one couple, there are several, each with it's own set of issues, tension, and complications, but all of which I wanted to see end in HEA.

Seriously, this is the first series I've read where I wanted ALL THE SHIPS!  And the other three behind it too.

The prose alone is worth reading this series. I want to live in this Page Morgan has created, be a part of the story and it's characters.

Historical fiction, mystery, and paranormal romance, The Dispossessed trilogy has a little something for everyone and The Wondrous and the Wicked is a gorgeous, heart-achingly romantic end to this series!

Read it.

Favorite Quote(s):
"It was startling how accustomed she'd become to naked men waltzing about."
"However, as he took a step closer to the bed and tilted her chin up, she understood that he no longer wished to be a gentleman."
692692
I loved Grave Mercy and I'm glad the second book was just as good! I knew that the D'Albrets household was horrible but I didn't know to what extent (since Grave Mercy was in Ismae's pov, so we don't have much insight). The things that Sybella endured were horrifying and in all honesty, I don't know how she still had her sanity (somewhat) intact. Her pain and fury seriously got to me, I wanted her to abandon that household just as much as she wanted to. But she was sent there by the convent and had no choice but to do what she was sent there to do....

Dark Triumph dives real deep into the heart of the D'Albrets household and we learn some really frightening and horrific things.  There were times where I just wanted to drop this book and think about rainbows and unicorns but I couldn't. I was already so invested in Sybella's character that I had to know if she would escape and have the happiness and freedom, I know she craved and deserved. Sybella is afraid but she doesn't let that become her weakness, she's brave and so very loyal that I just couldn't help but love her. After all the disturbing and heartbreaking things we learn about her, I am completely honored to call her the most deadliest-kickass-heroine-assassin in the world.

The romance between her and Beast is so beautiful and sweet that it made me hug the book to my chest and smile. Both Beast and Sybella have gone through so much that they understand each other and can't help but fall in love. Beast is so stubborn and protective, that its no wonder Sybella is easily annoyed by him and yet....still manages to love him all the more for it. They totally complement each other!

The plot was fast-paced and had me at the edge of my seat. Although, it wasn't as political as Grave Mercy, it was still just as dangerous. Full of twists and turns and truly evil character's that I just wanted dead and other's that I had mixed feelings for. I don't want to spoil anything too big, so just go read this series if you haven't already. Especially if you're a historical fiction addict like me!
3266427
I absolutely ADORED this book and was so sad when I finally finished it! The 1880's was such an interesting era; so many dramatic industrial and social changes occurred. The author does a really good job of immersing you in that world. I really felt like I could picture everything, from the clothes to the streets to the architecture. The characters, though, are what really make this book wonderful. Some you root for with all your heart, and some you just absolutely despise. Nellie Bly is such a fascinating character. She was a groundbreaking journalist at a time when female journalists were essentially unheard of. Between her fearless determination and the significance of the mystery she is trying to solve, I found myself totally on the edge of my seat and constantly eager for more. Truly an amazing book!
2335303
Ok, I don't usually do the review thing because I never know what to say, but this one (the 3rd of the series) was so gut-wrenching, so glorious, so beautiful that I just had to post. If you haven't started reading this series, you are really missing out. Elizabeth has created a fascinating alternate reality that draws you in and haunts you even when you're not reading. I'm looking so forward to the final book of the series and hopeful that she's working on the other stories (dare I hope for another series?) that she's hinted at in recent weeks
2979797
The novella starts in May 1775 as we follow Elisabeth Liberty Lawson through the trials and tribulations that were happening in the Virginia Colonies, Colonial Williamsburg. While the main characters are fictitious, the happenings and places they took place could be deemed historical fiction / historical romance along with notables touched on throughout:  Patrick Henry, Thomas Gage, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Renegades.

Elisabeth is abandoned by her fianc and suspected of being a spy for the British. No one comes to her aid, even her father, except the Patriot, Noble Rynallt, a man with formidable enemies of his own. Picking herself up with poise and humility, she falls back upon her skills as a lace-maker and soon finds herself left with a terrible choice; I felt horrible for her throughout and despised all those who used her. Laura, as always, has done impeccable research and spins quite the tender romance between Elisabeth Liberty and Noble Rynallt. I was enraptured by their romance and read as if on pins and needles until the end! I was provided a paperback copy of The Lacemaker for review from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
3444407
Laila Ibrahim has wrought a magnificent piece of art using words as her medium!  Yellow Crocus takes the reader through a time in our country's history when one was being forced to choose sides. The melding of two families joined by the shame of slavery into one message of love and forgiveness has been remarkably accomplished in this debut novel!  A MUST READ especially for those interested in pre-Civil War history!
3138038
Chris Holmes has written a marvelous book.  Blood on the Tartan is so much more than romance, it's a moving history of an era long forgotten in the annals of time.

The `Clearances' in Scotland saw hundreds moved off their ancestral lands by the profiteering overlords to make room for sheep. Before it was stopped, there was death, bloodshed and heartbreak.  Doctor Holmes has painted a picture with words that beautifully describes just one village in the throes of being cleared off their lands.

This is a must read for history lovers.  You will revel in the strong leading characters, Katherine Ross and Ian MacGregor, as well as the supporting cast.  Two thumbs up from this reader!

Diane Davis White
Author of Moon of the Falling Leaves
4693117
A Stray Drop of Blood by Roseanna White is a novel of epic proportions that blew me away. It beautifully wove together rich history, complex characters, deep spiritual content, romance, and a mesmerizing story all in an edgy and artistic package. This book is reminiscent of the highly acclaimed Mark of the Lion trilogy by Francine Rivers, yet takes its own unique twists and turns through the Roman Empire and the lives of the early Christians.

This story delves deep into sin and the psychological consequences it creates. The author does not shy away from the dark realities of life. Instead she juxtaposes this darkness with the light of Jesus and the power of his shed blood in a way that is almost palpable and that touched me to the core. I loved the way author contrasted Greek and Roman philosophy and mythology with Hebrew theology. It has been a long time since I have found a novel this mentally stimulating.

I could go on all day about the elements of this book that I adored. Suffice to say that I give it my highest possible recommendation. This is a story that will stay with me for many years to come.
4461903
Specimen is a stunning blend of psychological warfare, sci-fi splendor, dystopian delight, and smoldering romance. The mystery and suspense of this read will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time!

Specimen begins in a lab. The world exists in a place of utter turmoil and disorientation is the predominant theme. Caught in the middle is Specimen 72! A man who doesn't remember who he is, why he is being held in a lab, or what he is supposed to be doing. Only one thing exists for him, and that is his desire for his doctor Riley.
"I need to touch her."

Riley has been assigned to Specimen 72. She is conditioned to care for him and run tests on his daily progress. As Riley and Sten (specimen seventy-two of a group of eighty-nine) spend more time together, the doctor/patient relationship transforms into something deeper. The heady combination of Sten's desire to be with Riley, the drugs that are pumping through his system, and Riley's attraction to him become the catalyst for bringing them together!

As desire increases between Riley and Sten, the government-run lab begins to make further demands on the specimens or "super soldiers". Sten is forced to acknowledge his job as a "government controlled soldier" and is sent out in the field. As the tests and tribulations increase in intensity, he begins to remember who he is. The struggle between what is right and wrong is questionable. The identity of those who are good and those who mean to do harm is blurred. As the world begins to crumble around them, can Riley and Sten survive?

Told in Sten's POV, Specimen was a non-stop action packed read. The pacing was consistent with that of a roller coaster. The characters are complex and well developed throughout. Each detail is crafted with precision to enhance the plot. I simply could not put it down! Specimen is a complex read that will leave you breathless.

Overall, Specimen is a must read for Sci-Fi/Dystopian/Romance Readers. If you are looking for a blend of action, steamy romance, and intrigue, then look no further. I have always been a fan of Savage's work, and this read only solidifies my feelings about this author. Her writing is smart, concise, steamy, and quite diverse. Specimen is simply amazing! Regarding the ending, I can only hope there is more to come!
17458
This superb stand-alone book by Manda Scott is a truly exciting and astounding read.
First of all I would like to mention that the author has accomplished an immense feat by combining the history of Joan of Arc and the horrible burning tragedies, taking place in the year 2014, in a most compelling and gripping fashion.
Secondly storytelling is of an absolute top-notch quality, as usual I might say, and because of that it makes this book such a sensational and outstanding work to read from the beginning till the very end.
All the characters involved come masterly to life within this exciting tale, and at the same time burning emotions as the likes of suffering, violence and death come to the forefront of this emotional historical thriller.
I would like to express that main events between AD 1429 and AD 1431 concerning the historically heroics of a certain Marguerite de Valois, daughter of King Charles VI of France, which began in Orleans, and finally Joan of Arc's subsequent death by burning in Rouen, and not to forget the events that are taking place in the year 2014 are all linked with each other in a very subtle way.
So what will follow is a race against time, and a fight for Police Inspector Capitaine Ines Picaut against the culprits of these arson attacks, while at the same time within her own life she has to do her utmost to protect people who are closest to her.
To be able to win this war against these murderers she has to dig deep into the history of Orleans to unravel the mysteries of the present.
Very much recommended, for it is a compelling and gripping book, and one that I would like to call as a "Burning Hot Thriller"!
4128268
It was a privilege to read this book, the reasons are numerous, I will say this is one of the best historical fiction books I have read this year. I will be reading all of Marina's books that's how much of an impression this authoress made.

Marina's writing is evenly exquisite and assured. She has an unmistakable gift for dialogue. Her narrative comes alive, you feel as if you are watching a play, not surprising since Marina is well versed in theater. She also masters Irish brogue expertly. The laborious research is more than obvious, details are evident as historical points merge with the perfect amount of creative, smart fiction. Irish nationalism fully exploited in an interesting and educational manner, not to mention the unfamiliar and unsung figurehead of Blumer Hobson.

Blumer Hobson serves as the main protagonist and what an outstanding job Marina provided with full on character development. Blumer possesses three dimensionality, you learn of the man not limited to his fierce yearning and passion along with pivotal role in the quest for Irish nationalism. Marina doesn't limit her originality to Blumer, rather she expounds upon the various females playing a major part in Blumer's life as well as the fight for Irish nationalism. Highlighting the historical women fighting with and alongside men added texture and interest to this already stellar narrative. Again, full characterization as the women portrayed reveal their strength, independence mixed with their passion and vulnerabilities. In fact passion plays a poignant part of the narrative, so much so allegiance and drive blinded those fighting for the cause inciting mutiny and division, a tunnel vision of sorts as Blumer became an iconic scapegoat.

Marina delivers a literary narrative visiting Irish nationalism, historical fiction fans craving a cerebral look into Irish history will savor this read. With all certitude Marina will open the gate to learn more of Ireland, its heroes/heroines and unsung heroes/heroines of historical times, their passion, courage and tenacity. Exceptional read from a deft authoress.
13387
I was blown away by this book!  The characters were compelling, the story inventive and riveting, and the writing was gorgeous -- elegant in a way we seldom see.  I savored every sentence and hated finishing it!  I wish there were such thing as a Double-Pulitzer, because that's what this book deserves!
2291212
Literally read this fantastical murder story in a single sitting! Combines murder with history and the heart in a way to make you sympathize with guilty!