Being a great fan of historical fiction based on fact
586258
Being a great fan of historical fiction based on fact, I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Tagliarini's book as much as I did "The Nightingale" by Hannah and "Lilac Girls" by Kelly. Very much looking forward to reading more from this author.
509442
I love historical fiction more than any other genre.  It is my favorite way to learn history as I can be entertained while reading some fascinating stories.  Author Giulia Catalani has done this for me here with her great story about a courtesan during the Victorian period.  Another word for a high class prostitute, she began this lifestyle while living in China yet continued it after becoming the wife of a New York preacher.  What is most interesting is what she does with her earnings and gifts.  A fascinating and highly original read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
2530642
i just finished reading this novel, and I really enjoyed it. Many have commented and provided thorough analysis, so I won't repeat what's already been said. I do feel, however, that many of the critical reviews stem from a desire to have this novel be exacting in its historical accuracy. It's not a textbook, or a biography - it's historical fiction. If, like me, you enjoy reading about history through fiction, then this book will appeal to you. I learned many things about the Lindburghs that I never knew. And, I am always careful to take historical fiction at its face value. The author's note at the end does a great job of letting the reader know where Benjamin took "liberties" with the story, and she encourages further research if the reader is interested in learning more about the Lindburgh's legacy and struggles. Lastly, to the criticism that this book is like many others on the market right now - who cares if this storyline follows that of many other historical fiction books? Unfortunately, life is full of power-seeking males who are supported by strong women who often appear weak to those outside the relationship and that makes for a great storyline. I find those stories fascinating, including this one. Read it!
911566
I originally got the free preview of Slender Reeds: Jochebed's Hope, but I enjoyed it so much that I decided to buy it after arriving at the final page of the preview. It's historical fiction at its best...drawing you into "what-might-have-been" while staying true to historical events. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in well-written Biblical historical fiction. I doubt you'll be disappointed.
2020502
Historical fiction. Great for those of us who want to have a fun read and learn something at same time!  Occasionally the writing quality lacked, but in general the facts are strung together in a flowing way with plausible filler. Definitely worth the read!
518742
There are two things I love to get from historical fiction, especially when I am thinking about whether it's a good book club book. First, does it teach me something I didn't know and make me want to learn even more? Second, does it lend itself to spirited discussion and debate? IMPOSSIBLE SAINTS nailed it for both of these considerations.

Clarissa Harwood clearly loves London of the early 20th Century, as well as the history of the suffrage movement. She weaves these historical elements through a story of a headstrong and intelligent woman bent on changing the world while falling into a relationship (with an Anglican priest) that seems contrary to all of her other life goals. After reading IMPOSSIBLE SAINTS, I feel armed with a foundational knowledge of British suffrage, and would love to dig through Harwood's sources to learn more.

As for the second consideration (good book club discussion), the headstrong Lilia and the decisions she makes are perfect for book clubs. I can't get into the specifics without spoiling things, but let's just say I expected a different outcome and would argue to the death about why (and probably get just as much in return from my book club mates). Further, the topic itself, women's fundamental rights, is ripe for discussion any time, but especially in today's political environment. I think any women's book club would have a great meeting based on this book.
421753
This is my second reading of the book - very much enjoyed the interweaving of historical fact and a suspence fiction.
3006656
The story of Charlemagne's struggle to convert the Saxons of Northern Europe to Christianity  by force in the 770's and the story of Widukind, Duke of the Saxons,  the only one  who out-maneuvered and beat Charlemagne's army on several occasions.  This is a great historical fiction story based on fact.  The writing is very good but frequent grammatical errors should've been caught by proofreaders.  I really enjoyed this book once I really got into it and looked up some of the characters, of which there are a great many.  If you like history, this is a great read.
4430338
After reading "The Luxe", I couldn't wait to go out and buy the sequel, "Rumors". I love historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. I found it captivating, and the facts it contained were quite factual.

  While I feel very connected to some of the characters, I believe others were not created quite as well. Elizabeth, for example, is the one of the main characters in the previous book.  After reading both books, I still feel no connection with her. The other characters are mentioned less, but I can almost understand and relate to them better than Elizabeth! After two books, she still has absolutely no personality! This is very disappointing.

  Diana, on the otherhand, is quite a different story. She is by far my favorite character and her carefree and rebellious manner makes her more appealing because not everyone is as 'perfect' as the debutantees in upper class New York. Diana feels no need to go along with the way things are supposed to be and does things her own way.

  Overall, the are very elegant, scandalous, and captivating books. Set in one of my favorite time periods, they do not disappoint. Both interesting and factually accurate, "Rumors" is a must read and I would most definately recommend it as well as it's preceeding novel, "The Luxe".
2569511
although it's a little corny, I loved the book. It's historical fiction so part true and part recreation or fiction. The characters are well-developed, interesting and you get a real sense of history in the making.
3466631
Victor's Rage is an extremely well done historical fiction. As with Ann Angel's Freedom, I really love that the people that the story is written about were real, and that research was done into their lives to discover the truth. Yes, it is dramatized, but in very good form.

In this installment of the Waldmann family, there is an emphasis on Victor's line of the family. In it, we find that he is almost constantly on the verge of exploding, sometimes with reason and sometimes without. Klara, Angel's best friend from Ann Angel's Freedom, more often than not relates the stories of his youth to his daughter, Rieke.

I enjoyed Rieke very much. She had the passion of her father, and steadfastly refused to marry a man whom she had no positive feelings for. In the beginning, she only knows Heiner as the boy that harassed her in the schoolyard as a child. And she only has eyes for Willem. Circumstances occur that alter the course of her life, but the way the information is presented is done so well that I wasn't outraged at the outcome. It's true I would have preferred a different ending for her. Come to think of it, I would have preferred a different ending for Victor (her father) as well. But again, the writing is superbly done. I didn't feel cheated and I didn't feel as if the author just changed it to fit real events. There's an actual process of creating a storyline that fits the time line, and I commend the author for this. I can't imagine how tedious that may have been for her.

I would have liked a bit of a cameo from Angel, at least more than her name just being mentioned. It would have been fun for me since I've now read both novels, but even without this I'm happy. It is a  thoroughly researched piece of work that pays of marvelously.
273207
I love historical fiction and this book was a mixture of a great deal of nonfiction with a little fiction. I wasn't sure I'd like it but surprisingly I did. I liked the case this book made that history is perhaps best understood though fiction and through the lives of the more common people rather than only through the famous people of the time - in this case through telling the story of Jane, Benjamin Franklin's sister. This book was carefully researched and beautifully written. It was not an easy read but it was a fascinating one. It will stay with me for a long time. I'm glad I read this book. It was very satisfying on many levels. Perhaps the facts that I come from Massachusetts and that my name is also Jane might have something to do with it.
2570456
I was really inmpressed by Nancy Bilyeau's first novel.  It had everything that I love in a good historical fiction book.  It was an exciting read from the very beginning with a mystery that had me guessing until the very end.  It is filled with lots of history and interesting facts from this famous time in history, the reign of Henry VIII.  There are some great characters in the book that really move the story along well, the most important being Joanna Stafford.  I loved reading about Joanna and all of her many adventures, she is smart, brave, and always struggles to do what she thinks is right.

One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was that it is a story about England during Henry VIII's time, but Henry is not a main character in the story at all.  It was nice to read about some other people that were important players at this time as well.  I particularly liked reading about Bishop Gardiner, he was so complex and devious I spent a lot of time trying to figure out his motives and real goal.  The two monks that are sent to help Joanna are also interesting characters that kept me wondering if they were truly good monks or had an agenda of their own.

This is story filled with action and suspense and kept me up late into the night so I could find out how it ended.  It is a complicated mystery with several layers of history and clues to go through to understand how everything comes to a satisying conclusion in the end.  I highly recommend it to any historical fiction fan, especially for those who enjoy reading about the Tudor's but is looking for something a little bit different.  I am definitely looking forward to the next novel by this new  author.
854928
As one who considers himself somewhat of a historical fiction fan, this is about a good as they come. Great work, can't wait to read the next one!
3074726
I loved it!  A great historical fiction based on true store! We can learn much from past generations! Enjoyable read.
1463276
When author Regan Walker reached out to see if Id like to review her new inspirational novel, she pretty much had me at Scotland, A.D. 1072. If youve been hanging out on my blog for long, you know that I deeply value non-fiction work, but its fiction that captures my heart and soul. And well-written fiction that weaves in historical fact as well? My favorite way to grab a history lesson  especially when it pertains to the history of my Christian faith.

 Most readers will agree that the best of fiction not only introduces you to another world, but reveals something worth knowing in the process  about humanity, another time or place, or all of the above. Such is the gift of novels like Regan Walkers The Refuge, a story that boldly intertwines adventure, spirituality, and romance against the backdrop of history.

From its first pages, I felt myself drawn into a fascinating era Id previously known little about. While I appreciated the wealth of historical detail  obviously the result of in-depth research  I probably enjoyed even more seeing the transformation of Catronas character. Through this spirited protagonist, we see that the company we keep really does matter. It can either drag us downor pull us up.

In era and scope, The Refuge reminded me very much of Heather Day Gilberts Vikings of the New World series (God's Daughter and Forest Child), so if youve enjoyed those, I recommend this one to you as well.

Fans of inspiration histfic won't want to miss Regan Walkers masterful depiction of this romantic, bygone world.

Thanks to the author for providing me a copy free of charge. All opinions are mine.
2824860
If you like historical fiction then buy this book. A great, character-driven piece that has obviously been well-researched. The people and plot are backed by a fascinating look into London in the Regency era. It kept me up well into the wee hours for several nights. I'm hoping the next installment comes out soon.