My all time favorite historical fiction series by Susan May Warren...
590571
I adored Heiress, and as a result it made my top fiction list for 2011. But I absolutely loved Baroness, so you know it will make my 2012 top fiction list. In my opinion, this story was fantastic because it was so insightful regarding the human heart. The themes were deep, and the characters were so three dimensional, that I couldn't help getting choked up a few times. I cared about the characters and the hard lessons they learned. Who doesn't want to believe that real love can change a person for the good? We're all attracted to danger at some point, and I loved how the author showed why these young women felt unfulfilled and rebellious. It was because of unmet needs in childhood, which wasn't something that they could be protected from no matter how much their parents loved them. Life hurts, and wounded people run from emotional pain. That was brilliantly shown in this book.

The themes in this novel of both physical and spiritual adoption was beautiful, and the lesson about love and commitment going hand in hand was touching as well. There is no worse feeling than deep regret, and when I read stories with this theme, emotion tugs at my heartstrings every time. Forgiving one's self is one of the hardest lessons to learn. So is tasting real love, suffering as the result of poor choices, having the past rear up to bite you when you least expect it, and ultimately watching it destroy innocent people in the end. But when a person sacrifices their own life for someone else's because of a deep, abiding love for them, it always moves me to tears.

There was something very Christ-like about Guthrie that I couldn't help being moved by, and I believe there a little bit of Rosie in all of us; yet because of His deep and unrelenting love, Christ died for us anyway. I loved how this story illuminates universal truths about people, and I appreciated how the author wove a thread of faith through the entire story, and did it so seamlessly. It really pulled everything together. Not to mention that every detail in this story made me feel like I was living in the Roaring 20s... from the clothing, the clubs, and the culture, to the way people interacted with each other. Did I mention the pulse-pounding kisses? Prepare to get breathless a few times and forget that you're reading fiction. I love stories that make me feel like I'm somewhere else.

Real life doesn't always have a happy ending, and the conclusion of this story was bittersweet, but that was what made the last few chapters so emotional for me. Healing takes time. The pacing of this story felt like real life. God is with us even when we don't see Him or feel His presence. I love that Rosie is still learning how to deal with her deep scars from childhood, and how you can see that God is pursuing her despite her determination to run from the pain. It gives me chills just thinking about the potential the author has for this character to learn some important lessons in the future. Bottom line, I love historical fiction, and truth be told, Susan May Warren is a master at crafting it. I can't wait for the next book.
339550
I am a huge fan of historical fiction, particularly the 1000 to 1600's period.  I absolutely loved this series!  The characters fall deeply in love, but it is far from the simple path that many writers use and the difficulties that are the norm in historical fiction.  But through all of it, they do find the deep and abiding love that all historical romance fans love (even after some rather questionable starts)!!!  I would love to read more by this amazing author and plan to follow her career!
2202076
This is one of my MOST favorite trilogies of all times.  I never had world history and this series is well researched and is a real set of historical novels.  Riveting.  Can hardly put them down.  Learned SO mUCH!  Was also entertained too!  I love this author.
545205
With each new installment in the Veronica Speedwell series, I become increasingly convinced that this is one of the best historical fiction mystery series out there. The characters are utterly charming and the plot is consistently engaging, full of intriguing twists and turns. A Treacherous Curse is easily my favorite book in the series thus far.

When the book opens, Veronica and Stoker have settled into a comfortable routine as they undertake the monumental task of cataloging the Earl of Rosemorrans artifacts. Then, John de Morgan, Stokers ex-best friend and the man who stole his wife, is found murdered. And Stoker is the main suspect in the murder investigation. Before they know it, Veronica and Stoker are embroiled in yet another mystery. From Egyptian curses to mysteriously changing rooms to Stokers ex-wife, this case may be their most challenging one yet.

I absolutely loved how much both Veronica and Stoker grew in the installment. In the first two books, they were both beginning to figure out their partnership and what they wanted from life. In A Treacherous Curse, Stoker must face his past and Veronica must decide if she truly wants to create a life in London. I thought that their interactions with each other were the best part of the novel. The secondary characters were just as interesting, they were all well-developed and nuanced. I particularly liked Monsieur d'Orlande, Stokers ex-wife, and Lady Tiverton.

The mystery itself was fascinating. I loved the idea of the Egyptian mummy curse, it was so interesting to see how Raybourn developed it. Additionally, although Im no historian, I thought that the portrayal of the English-Egyptian relationship was well-developed and brought up some important issues related to the removal of artifacts. As far as the mystery went, the pacing was perfect and I was constantly changing my guess as to the perpetrators identity. I even occassionally laughed out loud, particularly in the scenes with Stokers ex-wife.

A Treacherous Curse was an excellent addition to what was already a wonderful series. Im going to be anxiously awaiting the next installment, I cant wait to find out whats next for Veronica and Stoker (particularly after that ending!!). I would recommend this series to fans of mysteries who enjoy strong female protagonists.

*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
1581479
By far my favorite of the series - makes me want to go back and reread the entire series!
1262843
This is the third book in the Bregdan Chronicles series by Ginny Dye.  I am hooked on this series. If you like historical fiction about the Civil War, and I loved Gone With The Wind, you will love this series, too.  Just try the first book, Storm Clouds Rolling, and see if you don't fall in love with the characters and want to follow them through the books.  There are life lessons tucked in throughout the books useful for today.  I just wish I had more time to read.
2416685
I stumbled upon this book in my local library about five years ago, and fell absolutely in love. As a dancer and an equestrian (and being 16 the first time I read the series), I have always felt a very strong connection to Rose, the main character, which could be a reason I love these books so much. It's the first book I've read that has a character interested in both of the same activities that I am!

 The entire series is phenomenal and has had me smiling, laughing, and crying at one point or another in each of the books. I've probably read the entire series four times, and have listened to it in audiobook another four times (I wish the 4th book would come out in audiobook), and I still get absolutely immersed in it! It's easy to tell that the author, Karen Ann Hopkins, has put a lot of thought and research into these books!

I'm not sure how often Ms. Hopkins reads these reviews, but i just want to thank you SO much for writing this amazing series, words cannot express how much I love all of the characters and the story you've developed for them! I can't wait until the next book, Journey, comes out!
2357746
In 2009 I swore off Barbara Taylor Bradford after reading Being Elizabeth.  However,  I had heard such good things about her latest series on Cavendon Hall, I just could not resist reading it.  I was not disappointed and I am glad I came back.  After reading Cavendon Luck,  I went back and read the first two books in the series because I wanted to know the characters better.  This is the Barbara Taylor Bradford I remember from her early books. A Women of Substance is one of my all time favorites of this genre.  It is also good historical fiction.  You really get to "feel" the impending war and see how people prepared for the inevitable sorrow that came to England during this difficult time.  I am looking forward to either her next installment or a new series.
3164272
I love historical fiction books & am so happy I found this book series (Bridges Over Time). Women of Ashdon is the 3rd book and it was fantastic!  Had a difficult time putting the book down!  I won't talk about the story as the description states what happens but the author does an awesome job with writing the story. The details are great - you can picture what's going on in your mind and these characters come to life.  If you like historical fiction books, you should definitely read this series - you will not be disappointed!
1801908
One of the best historical series I've read! As the consequences of choices from the earlier books come home to roost, the suspense is ratcheted up. . . the knights come to blows, the ladies twist their scarves at their restrictions, innocents are spared and sacrificed, the just find sparse justice, and the Gyptian's words haunt, in this third installment -- and I pray it is an installment and not the end!!! Ms. Gill leaves room for new adventures, but if she doesn't pen them, she has given us plenty of "tale" to give the readers hours and days to create our own, however lackluster they would be. . . Every page has meaning and while we are introduced to new historical figures, which led to more independent research, the story of our Estela and Dragonetz is always at the core. So much is revealed of family and love and treachery and deceit and who can you trust?? We meet those from both our main characters past who drove them to the decisions they had to make to be the persons they are today. You will delightedly, and self righteously, despise some of them, and pray for a change of heart in others! Never sure who will make it out alive, and you hold your breath until the last word. . . with such a surprising twist at the end, reminiscent of HItchcock to me. So glad I discovered this author and PRAY for a continuation of the travels of Estela and Dragonetz, Malik, Sascha, and Gilles, all those despicable sovereigns and their machinations, the commoners and high born whose lives the author weaves together in this lovely medieval tapestry of prose.
1026983
If I could give series more stars, I would. All three books are just exceptional. I wish there were more.  Since I read these three books, I have sought out more by Magnolia Belle. She is a really good author. I love the historical fiction.
4575697
Best family series I have ever read and I am avid reader of historical fiction! I have loved every page of every book. Great dialogue and wonderful story! My laundry mounted, my family ate cereal and eggs for all meals and the rest my housework just plain suffered until finished the series. Sigh, now I anxiously await the next book in the series.
903664
My favorite young adult dystopian series of all time!
2462279
Minstrels Call by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt

This is one of those series that grows on you. I liked the first book, but I wasn't invested enough in the story yet to truly appreciate it. The author was still growing her craft and developing her characters. By the time I got to book four, I found myself completely enraptured in her world, begging for more, and saddened to realize the series had finally come to an end. What an epic, enthralling adventure.
What I liked:
The world-building. Ms. Schmidt has a gift for painting full-scale worlds with unique cultures and compelling histories, a world so real I wish I could hop on a plane and go for a visit. The backstory is so rich and cleverly sprinkled throughout the story that I never felt as if I were sitting in a history class, but rather like I was living it as it happened.
The characters. Ah, the characters! Even the minor cast will tug at your heart and leave you wishing you had more. And Im so glad that many of the cast carry over from book to book, allowing us to experience their tales to the fullest. Brant is, as always, my favoritebut the other characters grew on me even more. Particularly Yole, Kitry, the Minstrel and especially Kamarie. I felt that THIS book of all the books pulled her to her lowest and yet to her highest, finally giving her the chance to prove her mettle. I wept with her, cheered with her, longed for her to succeed.
The authors voice. Ms. Schmidt has a compelling way with words. I love her descriptions, the richness of her passages, the detail and love she installs on the page. I tried to pick one quote from the book to share, but there are too many of themI would have to copy half the book. I finally chose this bit, because it is at once chilling and beautiful.
The sea of undead fighters was endlessTheir ferocity was only matched by their eerie silence. Even as they fought and fell, they uttered not a word or cry, as if the silence of the grave had risen up to swallow the living.
What I would have liked done differently:
Um. Not much. This story blew me away with its complexity and beauty. In the earlier books, the omniscient point of view was distracting and took me forever to get used to, but by the time she reached book four, Ms. Schmidt had mastered the technique so well I didn't even NOTICE the point of view. I think I would have liked more of the story to be told from Kamaries perspective. So much of her adventure we see through the eyes of others, and her story is SO GOOD in this book. But I love the characters surrounding her too much to make a big fuss about this point, because in all honesty I wouldnt want to give up a minute of my time with them either. My only other constructive comment iswhy cant there be a book five? Wink, wink. Just saying. I could really use one more book.
I suggest this book to fans of Tolkien and Lewis. If you like epic fantasy, compelling allegory and rich story-worlds, this book is a sure win. I rate this book high PG for thematic elements and battle sequences.
325950
Diana Gabaldon's Outland series is by far my most favorite of all time.  Her characters absolutely come alive for the reader!  Fans wait patiently (OK, IMpatiently) for years for the next installment, and pre-order the first printing as far in advance as possible.  The books are worth several re-reads.  To categorize these books as romance does them a great disservice -- they are so much more.  Terrific historical fiction, high adventure, mystery, suspense, humor, and yes, romance make these books wonderful page-turners that keep me laughing and crying.
Recommended for everyone!
3957876
I have read this entire series and have yet to find a story that does not measure up. I have learned so much about thirteenth century England by reading Mr. Doherty's books, I feel like I am there. If you are interested in historical fiction (much of it based on actual events and people) then I urge you to read this series. You will NOT be disappointed.  EXCELLENT!!!
3838025
I've now read all five books of this series - within a week - and am sad to see it come to an end.  Each book held my attention, and more!  I learned so much about King Hezikiah and his sons, and felt like I was living among them.  Biblicsl, historical fiction at its best.