Enjoyable historical fiction
933838
I purchased this book some years ago to read during a long car ride because the book was long, and I am a fan of historical fiction (and non-fiction too, for that matter.)

I was pleasantly surprised. The book is well-written, engaging, reasonably fast-paced, and I didn't notice any jarring anachronisms or inaccuracies of the sort that usually ruin historical fiction. The story is interesting, to boot, although I was not especially gripped by the love-story aspect.

Having not had the privilege yet of reading any Jean Plaidy, the closest author I can compare this to is Sharon Kay Penman, and I have to say that if you like Penman, Gregory's THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL will not disappoint you.
3989501
I enjoy well written historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. I am also a violinist and that instrument in particular lends itself well as a character in historical fiction such as seen in The Red Violin. This story "may" be a bit intense for middle school readers but maybe not in view of other series directed to middle and high school such as The Hunger Games. It certainly personalizes the experience of a Jewish family that had a treasured instrument looted during kristallnacht and the roll that instrument ultimately played in the career of their very talented grandson.
3622866
Wonderful historical fiction by a very readable author.
1153238
First of all, I listened to this on my Kindle more than I actually read it. However, I did not pick up on any errors as far as typos go. It seemed to flow smoothly, although at a somewhat sedate pace at times. It felt like the author did some research on the healing arts of the time period and attitudes toward "witchcraft". One thing I appreciated is that the story contains realistic human failings without endorsing them. Although this book has a Christian theme, it does not bury its head in the sand and ignore reality and reality is that there are evil deeds done in the world. There are now and there were in the time period in which this novel is set.
I did not realize this was Christian fiction when I got it. Once I realized it was, I was interested to see how it would be handled. It was not overly preachy (which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing) and the tale held my interest. I enjoy historical novels and like to pick up on a lot of detail of how lives were lived in earlier times. This book provided some of that, and I wouldn't have minded a bit more. All in all, though, I enjoyed this book.
4829395
I really enjoyed this book. I found it to be a quick read and I was sad when it was over because I really liked the characters and felt like I had gotten to know them throughout the course of the book. I enjoy a good historical fiction book where you are entertained by a great storyline but learn a little history in the process. I'll look forward to future books by this author.
1411818
Great historical fiction novel. Kept me interested in the storyline while learning a bit about World War II. There is some implied sexual scenes, not explicit. The violence is not overdone, but is present, just enough to give you an understanding of the times.
2261934
I thoroughly enjoyed this work of historical fiction which incorporated real people and built upon the stories. I learned more about the Quakers. I enjoyed the quilt making story too.
3311391
Ms. Merewether did an excellent job with this historical fiction story. I enjoyed the story, characters, and setting. Looking forward to the next book.
809851
this is an area of historical fiction with which I am not all that familiar and I enjoyed the experience. It is a but dark at times, but does represent the superstitions and ideas of this period in history. It also speaks to the struggle of those attempting to introduce foreign concepts of science, medicine and actual investigative processes. The story starts strong, and while it does lag a bit in the middle, it picks up and finished nicely.
343446
I really enjoyed this book.....I'm a big fan of historical fiction that has women as the main characters.
496699
I like historical fiction and this book gave me a glimpse of what happened when the Germans came into Italy. I had not read much about that. I'm not a historical buff so there may be things wrong historically as some readers find in historical novels but it gave a good glimpse with a good story.
364550
I do not generally select historical fiction, but this story was pleasant and held my interest. Of course it was predictable, but that is why I read romance in the first place. Worth a read.
4016358
This is well-written historical fiction that takes place in Wales and England from 1055  to 1066. It is a period of history I knew little about before reading this book. The story centres around the spirited Edyth, who is the granddaughter of Lady Godiva. She is only fourteen years old when her family is exiled to Wales  and there she captures the eye of the larger than life King of Wales. He eventually makes her his wife and Queen, but their marriage comes at great cost. She finds herself on the opposing side of a bitter feud with the Earl Harold Godwinson and his handfasted wife, Lady Svana, a woman with whom she is friendly, with terrible consequences for them all.

The author does an admirable job creating a believable and attractive character from the facts of history about Edyth. The Chosen Queen is the first in a new historical fiction series that brings to life the Saxon, Viking and Norman queens. The author has obviously done a lot of research, and it is a fascinating read into another time. Ill look forward to the next installment.
1601785
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. The characters are well rounded and set against a rich, historically accurate backdrop. The writing is polished and overall this is a book I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
1549517
I got this on a whim, but I do enjoy historical fiction. I am not a romance novel kind of gal, but in this story the two were so well entwined that I had a hard time putting it down
1528322
Good fiction with historical background. Story line is absorbing and keeps you reading along until the end. For people who like historical fiction, this is a good choice.
3317357
I love historical fiction, especially when some of my favorite characters from familiar fiction as well as history show up together (even if liberties are taken to make it happen).  The story is not considerably complex but it is well paced and enjoyable providing an interesting as well as educational glimpse into life at the time the story is set.  I am often amused when fictional characters interact with historical figures effectively and this book does an honest job of blending the two.

Pratchett provides an enjoyable look at the "what ifs..." of our old friend Dodger's life.  Dodger's transformation and most recent evolution is rather speedy but we know that Dodger is nothing if not adaptable.  Know a little bit about the title character in advance would be helpful but doesn't seem to be necessary to enjoy the story.  Overall I would highly recommend this story - especially to fans of Dickens characters as well as Prachett's previous works.