An enjoyable work of historical fiction
350648
An interesting and fun piece of historical fiction. Reading the book with little knowledge of the Hapsburg's and the crazies in the line, I had no idea how much of the story was inspired by fact. You meet some moderately crazy rulers, Rudolf II, but then you also meet the cruel bastard son,Don Julio. Reference is made to some other interesting historical figures as well. I found the links between bloodletting, leeches, the attempts by some for improved medical knowledge, the use of the village "witch" for potions, very interesting in terms of the history and evolution of medicine.
3995981
It wasn't until finishing this novel that I realized that it was a true historical fiction novel in the sense that some characters and some of the story is based in historical facts. I truly love pieces like this. The book is immediately captivating. With twists and turns, you'll cheer for the main character, cry with her, love her. I'm a sucker for a good ending but I can appreciate the author's desire to keep some of the few factual pieces true to history. Overall, enjoyable book.
1818794
I love works of historical fiction and I was eager to read about the time just after William the Conqueror and his Normans invaded England from the Saxon perspective.  Judith Arnopp's The Forest Dwellers did not disappoint.  There is adventure, sadness, danger, betrayal, and love all leading up to one of English history's most famous mysteries: Who killed William Rufus?

The story is told first person from several characters' perspectives.  It begins with a small little put together family of young people who have lost their parents to war and living as a conquered people.  They are the Saxons who live in King William I's New Forest and must eek out an existence under the new harsh forest laws.  They try to fight to regain the forest home that they have lost, but it fails and they go through many hardships.  This is a story of loss, but it is also the story of their survival and that of some of the Norman's closely related to their tale.

The characters include both fictitious and real characters blended together in a nice story.  We don't know what many of the real people are like, but I think Judith writes us a pretty authentic picture.  When reading the various character point's of view, its like the many facets of a gemstone.  Each person's witness takes the story just a little further.  I found myself liking and loving several of the characters and managed to despise those meant to be despised.  A few of the characters just tugged at my heart, but I know the times were harsh.

The backdrop description of the Forest, the Environs, Winchester, and other places were well done.  As were the daily life descriptions of the forest dwellers and the manor dwellers.

The Forest Dwellers is a well-written snapshot of the latter half of the Eleventh Century in Norman England.  Really recommend for a historical fiction lover!
3178667
A fantastic piece of historical fiction. The author did his homework, and put together a really fun tale, weaving revolutionary era historical analysis with an intriguing plot. Highly recommended!
202029
Centurion's Daughter is a well written piece of historical fiction set in Gaul (France) when the Roman Empire was in its last gasps.

It is a time period I know little about but was soon more educated in as Aemilia's story was told. Aemilia herself was an interesting character, reminding me more of Saint Monica than of the more common spirited, assertive female usually seen in today's historical fiction. Aemilia was completely dependent, in turn, on her father, a local member of nobility, Soisson's bishop, and various other authorities. She usually had no choice but to do what she was told if she wanted to have clothing, food, and housing. However, as happens in real life, her natural character shone through and impulsive comments or acts of kindness would draw different influential characters' attention to her. They may have used her abilities for their own purposes but Aemilia's own goals were often served in the process. I found Aemilia a most appealing character and the way of telling her story to be refreshingly subtle.

In addition, the story seems carefully researched and the author brought this time period alive. Other characters in the book are equally well sketched with minimal description so that readers see the full gamut of personalities scheming to achieve their own goals while saving the little town of Soissons.

I suppose one could call this a YA book but it held my interest the entire time, as any well written book would regardless of intended age group. Highly recommended and I look forward with interest to seeing what Justin Swanton writes in the future.
3887336
I found this story to be a mesmerising read. It seemed to me that the young woman, Sister Sarah, was primarily escaping the options available to a young woman in those times (and with good cause), and that she was actually not a convincing contemplative. I like that the novel finished on a note of hope. An enjoyable read, with a really interesting historical setting.
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.
2304040
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It has something for everyone who loves historical fiction, and romance. It is a very meaty read as well. The historical setting is very well researched, the writing itself is very good.

This is something for the person who enjoys a good sexy romance but also yearns for a satisfying historical adventure.
138483
This is a well researched, well-written book of historical fiction. I learned a tremendous amount about the daily lives and struggles of 17th century New Englanders and Native Americans. This story is told mainly by the young clergyman Reverend Brewster and Linto, a Native American. It's interesting to see the parallels between the Puritan's prayers and devotionals and the Native American's spirituality. (In the 17th century it seems like everybody was praying to a higher power in hopes of surviving.) The characters - some are real people and some are fictional - were well developed. There are quite a few of them, and the author provides a much-appreciated character guide in the beginning of the novel. Overall, My Fathers Kingdom is an engaging read for fans of historical fiction.
4600718
I found this work of historical fiction to be interesting because it takes place during the Civil War era. Ms. Durham based her story upon her own great-grandfather's life and times. In March of 1882, two best friends since early childhood join the Confederate army. The ups and downs of the war (mostly downs - i.e. the Battle of Gettysburg) can either tear the two apart or bring them together.

The book has some very interesting and often humorous moments. It is well written, but don't expect a sweet story with a typical story format. This book is different than that. It reminds me more of a lot of short story remembrances put together to make a sensible plot. For me, it can leave me scratching my head as I try to figure out what happened when, where, and to what end. However, that sort of thing also makes it appealing to a lot of readers. Also, I am not a fan of a lot of vernacular that might be true to the area and times, but makes it difficult for the modern day reader to sift through. Uncle Tom's Cabin is the last book that I successfully read that included this sort of thing and I did muddle through that. As for Promises, I ended up skipping some of the dialogue because it was hard for me to get through.

All in all, I did like this story and I feel that Ardyce Durham has done a pretty good job of writing it. I especially think she has a great sense of humor, as is evidenced by her funny tales spread throughout the book.

*I received a copy of Promises in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*
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.
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.
3380302
I enjoy well-written historical fiction and "The Story of Land and Sea" fortunately falls into this category. The main characters are easy to relate to and come across as real people, not mere cardboard characters. Set during the last years of the American Revolution, author Katy Simpson Smith is able to bring this period alive with credible period details that add to the reader's enjoyment of the narrative.

One problem I had with the novel was the moving back and forth in time. Given that this is period fiction, I felt confused at times with the changing timelines, but overall, it wasn't too difficult to follow the narrative. I especially enjoyed the complex relationships between some of the central characters. If you enjoy well-written period fiction, this might be a good read.
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.
305425
The Trial of Misella is a good read for someone who likes historical fiction. Witek has done her homework about the era, so sticklers for accuracy in the genre will not be disappointed! Witek writes a heart-breaking tale of Misella Cross, who is sent from her home my her well-meaning mother to live in the Maltby family estate to be a "sister" to the Maltby's only daughter. The upper-class life she hoped for never materializes. Instead she's reviled by the family, save Lord Maltby, who has nefarious intentions.
Witek has a fine eye for description and a talent for storytelling. The plot moves swiftly. Wisely, Witek keeps her chapters short for those who only have snippets of time to read, making The Trial of Misella Cross perfect for those who want an ingrossing book to read over lunch or on the ride home.
What I liked about the book is even though Misella is a victim of circumstance, she's not a wallflower, she's not passive - she's an active character who makes what decisions she can to better her life.
270465
I picked up Dog Days in Bedlam because I'm a sucker for historical fiction

 of all time periods. This book, although set in a pre-Roman/pre-Christian

 Middle East (at least I think so), is less historical and more like a folk

 tale, but it was still a fun read.

 The story is set in the town of Bedlam is a which has not seen rain in

 many weeks. The land is parched and the Bedlamites, which incidentally is

 a synonym for lunatics, are downtrodden and poor. Of course it is now,

 when they are at their lowest, that their hedonistic king comes to visit.

 He takes the village for all it's worth. This causes even more trouble

 amongst the already troubled people, especially between the ridiculed

 Hershel, the son of a prostitute, and Ofra, the elder's daughter, who are

 just starting to gaze longingly at each other.

 Trapp writes the story of these two star-crossed lovers simply but

 tenderly, especially during those few private moments when Hershel and

 Ofra are alone. There are very few hidden motives that he does not

 express, and even the complex emotions of a mob are written clearly and

 believably. It's almost as if this were a story told around the campfire.

 A quick read, but satisfying.

 But this is an unrelenting book. If you're looking for a happily ever

 after or even a glimmer of hope, you'll find none for your main characters

 and only a little for this community which the reader ends up loving to

 pity. At some points you just want to call out "How much can one person

 bear!" Trapp takes a realistic view of the harsh, desperate people that

 is appealing, even if it means our lovers are doomed. I applaud Trapp for

 not taking the easy road and bowing to a happy ending, it's still hard to

 come to terms with.

 Here's a little advice: after you finish the book, eat an ice cream or go

 for a walk out in the rain to remind yourself of the pleasures in life.

 Jennifer Hagan Reviewer for CCR
2775184
A great piece of historical fiction. It has it all, love, hate, loyalty, betrayal, murder, political intrigue, infidelity, and forgiveness. The adventure and the action are present in every chapter. The characters are believable and the Author's research into the history makes this a wonderful book to read.