Tag: historical fiction

ARC Book Review: In This Moment (Timeless #2) by Gabrielle Meyer

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Christian Historical Romance
Length: 416 pages
Author: Gabrielle Meyer
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: May 2nd, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until, that is, she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives–and everyone she knows in them–forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of an influential senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a Navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she’s asked to join a hospital ship being sent to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she’s a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon, yet unable to use her modern skills in her other paths.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era. The mysterious British gentleman. The prickly, demanding doctor. The charming young congressman. She’s drawn to each man in different ways, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer.

With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

Thank you to Bethany House for a gifted copy.

LOVED THIS SO MUCH.

This book took me on a JOURNEY y’all. And I loved every moment. I read the first book as an audiobook so I wasn’t quite sure how it would translate to me reading in print, but don’t worry, Meyer’s crafts beautiful stories no matter the media.

I loved seeing how Maggie worked through deciding which place would be best for her to stay. Each time period is in a critical war era and clearly so much research has been done to bring the historical aspects to life. The transitioning chapters kept the pacing going and had me on pins and needles wondering what would happen next.

The romance starts off as a bit of a love square, but never fear, I loved the way each time period and love interest was handled. Even when I became undecided between the two I really appreciated how everything worked out in the end. It felt true to each of the characters.

I loved this book so much. I just have to say it again. The faith journey also hit me in the soul. I liked that it didn’t feel preachy or forced, but rather more real and impactful.

I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT BOOK.

Overall audience notes:

  • Christian Historical Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: mild-high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: war themes (Civil War, Pearl Harbor and 9/11), loss of life, chronic illness (celiac disease)

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Book Review: The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi #1) by S.A. Chakraborty

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Historical Fiction
Length: 483 pages
Author: S.A. Chakraborty
Publisher: Harper Voyager US
Release Date: February 28th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Amina al-Sirafi should be content. After a storied and scandalous career as one of the Indian Ocean’s most notorious pirates, she’s survived backstabbing rogues, vengeful merchant princes, several husbands, and one actual demon to retire peacefully with her family to a life of piety, motherhood, and absolutely nothing that hints of the supernatural.

But when she’s tracked down by the obscenely wealthy mother of a former crewman, she’s offered a job no bandit could refuse: retrieve her comrade’s kidnapped daughter for a kingly sum. The chance to have one last adventure with her crew, do right by an old friend, and win a fortune that will secure her family’s future forever? It seems like such an obvious choice that it must be God’s will.

Yet the deeper Amina dives, the more it becomes alarmingly clear there’s more to this job, and the girl’s disappearance, than she was led to believe. For there’s always risk in wanting to become a legend, to seize one last chance at glory, to savor just a bit more power… and the price might be your very soul.

Shannon Chakraborty, the bestselling author of The City of Brass, spins a new trilogy of magic and mayhem on the high seas in this tale of pirates and sorcerers, forbidden artifacts and ancient mysteries, in one woman’s determined quest to seize a final chance at glory—and write her own legend.

Thank you to Harper Voyager and Bibliolifestyle for the gifted copy.

PLEASANT SURPRISE.

I loooove Chakraborty’s debut trilogy (The City of Brass) but you never know what’s going to happen when you pick up a new book. And here I am, happily throwing five stars at this one because it was SO GOOD.

It felt like a big classic fantasy read. I absolutely am enthralled by Amina. I love that she’s an older bada** mother who takes on trials and adventure to keep her loved ones safe. The set-up for this was perfect and I love that it was from the angle of Amina telling her story, her legend.

There’s a big found family vibe here too and y’all know that’s about an auto-read scenario for me. I loved the whole crew, getting some of their backgrounds and the funny banter and caring souls everyone was. I loooved all of the sea travels and how even with a travel plot (not usually my thing) the pace kept things going. And there was enough happening each time that I kept wanting to know more. The audiobook is INCREDIBLE and highly recommend that option.

Super complex religious, political, and more dynamics intersect throughout. I loved that this had the historical elements woven in with the fantasy. It’s complex without being overwhelming. The writing style is fluid and easily holds your attention. It’s just a great book. I can’t wait for Amina’s next adventure.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: closed-door
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, creature attacks, blood/gore depiction

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ARC Book Review: The Cuban Heiress by Chanel Cleeton

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction
Length: 336 pages
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: April 11th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In 1934, a luxury cruise becomes a fight for survival as two women’s pasts collide on a round-trip voyage from New York to Havana in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s page-turning new novel inspired by the true story of the SS Morro Castle.

New York heiress Catherine Dohan seemingly has it all. There’s only one problem. It’s a lie. As soon as the Morro Castle leaves port, Catherine’s past returns with a vengeance and threatens her life. Joining forces with a charismatic jewel thief, Catherine must discover who wants her dead—and why.

Elena Palacio is a dead woman. Or so everyone thinks. After a devastating betrayal left her penniless and on the run, Elena’s journey on the Morro Castle is her last hope. Steeped in secrecy and a burning desire for revenge, her return to Havana is a chance to right the wrong that has been done to her—and her prey is on the ship.

As danger swirls aboard the Morro Castle and their fates intertwine, Elena and Catherine must risk everything to see justice served once and for all.

Thank you to Berkley and Netgalley for an eARC.

LET ME TELL Y’ALL.

This is my new favorite Cleeton book. I have continually enjoyed her books over the years and this is once again, no different. I devoured this in two sittings because I could NOT put it down. I love the way the author put together this fast paced story yet with gorgeous writing had me completely connected to the characters and wondering what was going to happen next.

The plot follows a bit of a murder mystery on a ship vibe. With a swoony gem thief and an heiress with a secret. I loooved the way all of these secrets started coming to light. They were well timed pieces that would have me trying to read even faster not knowing how it would all end. I loooved both Elena and Catherine. I love anything that has a women supporting women vibe and these two + their tight friendship helped bring necessary justice to many wrongs.

Historical wise, I had never heard of this ship and one of my favorite parts of historical books is reading the note at the end about the specifics the author drew from. This felt fresh and unique in the historical fiction genre and I know is one of the best books I’ve read recently.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Fiction + Romance
  • Language: a little
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: gun violence, multiple attempted murders, drownings, arson, loss of parents (recounted)

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Monthly Reading Wrap-Up: March 2023

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I had a GREAT READING MONTH Y’ALL. 45 books, so many five stars. I’m reading for spring!

Favorites this month!

  • Last Violent Call
  • Pleasantly Pursued
  • Betting on the Boy Next Door
  • Blackmoore
  • Kulti
  • The Bear and the Nightingale
  • The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi
  • When the Day Comes
  • The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Reread)
  • Things We Never Got Over
  • Along a Breton Shore
  • Return to Satterthwaite Court
  • Six Scorched Roses
  • Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder
  • Lady of Darkness
  • The Girl in the Tower
  • The Winter of the Witch
  • Tilly in Technicolor
  • Kissing for Keeps
  • Wicked Walking

Least favorites:

  • The Impossible Princess
  • Trial of the Sun Queen
  • A Crown of Swords
  • [Novella] Last Violent Call (Foul Lady Fortune #1.5) by Chloe Gong
  • Pleasantly Pursued (Bradwell Brothers #2) by Kasey Stockton
  • The Heir and the Spare by Kate Stradling
  • One Iridescent Night (The Iridescent Series #1) by Brianne Wik
  • Infinity + One by Amy Harmon
  • [ARC] Betting on the Boy Next Door (Betting on Love #1) by Melanie Jacobson
  • [Reread] Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
  • [ALC] Long Live the Elf Queen (The Elf Queen #2) by J.M. Kearl
  • [ARC] When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder
  • Gentleman Jim (Somerset Stories #2) by Mimi Matthews
  • [Reread] Kulti by Mariana Zapata
  • [ARC] Oxford Star by Laura Bradbury
  • [Reread] The Bear and the Nightingale (The Winternight Trilogy #1) by Katherine Arden
  • The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi (Amina al-Sirafi #1) by S.A. Chakraborty
  • The Impossible Princess by Kiera Dominguez
  • When the Day Comes (Timeless #1) by Gabrielle Meyer
  • [ARC] Legends and Liars (Echoes and Empires #2) by Morgan Rhodes
  • [Reread] The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia #1) by Carissa Broadbent
  • The Fire in the Glass (The Charismatics #1) by Jacquelyn Benson
  • Sir Andrew and the Authoress (Clairvoir Castle Romances #3) by Sally Britton
  • Things We Never Got Over (Knockemout #1) by Lucy Score
  • [ARC] Along A Breton Shore by Arlem Hawks
  • Trial of the Sun Queen (Artefacts of Ouranos #1) by Nisha J. Tuli
  • A Crown of Swords (The Wheel of Time #7) by Robert Jordan
  • Nightbirds (Nightbirds #1) by Kate J. Armstrong
  • [ARC] Return to Satterthwaite Court (Somerset Stories #3) by Mimi Matthews
  • A Companion for the Count (Clairvoir Castle Romances #2) by Sally Britton
  • The Prince of Prohibition (Fae of the Roaring Age #1) by Marilyn Marks
  • Oathbound (The Royal Rose Chronicles #1) by Victoria McCombs
  • [ARC/Novella] Six Scorched Roses (Crowns of Nyaxia #1.5) by Carissa Broadbent
  • [ARC] Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
  • Lady of Darkness (Lady of Darkness #1) by Melissa K. Roehrich
  • [Reread] The Girl in the Tower (The Winternight Trilogy #2) by Katherine Arden
  • [Gifted] Love Redesigned (Some Kind of Love #1) by Jenny Proctor
  • Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen
  • Lady of Shadows (Lady of Darkness #2) by Melissa K. Roehrich
  • This Time It’s Real by Ann Liang
  • Seven Faceless Saints (Seven Faceless Saints #1) by M.K. Lobb
  • [Reread] The Winter of the Witch (The Winternight Trilogy #3) by Katherine Arden
  • [ARC] Tilly in Technicolor by Mazey Eddings
  • The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
  • Battling the Bluestocking (The Donovans #3) by Martha Keyes
  • [ARC] Kissing for Keeps (Sheppard’s in Love #1) by Martha Keyes
  • [Gifted] Wicked Walking (Fallow Creek #2) by Claudia Cain
  • The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester

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