Tag: historical fiction

ARC Book Review: If the Tide Turns by Rachel Rueckert

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction
Length: 432 pages
Author: Rachel Rueckert
Publisher: Kensington
Release Date: March 26th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Set during the Golden Age of Pirates and the shadowy aftermath of the Salem witch trials, this vivid literary debut is inspired by the captivating true story of real-life pirate Samuel Bellamy, combining high seas adventure, star-crossed longing, surprisingly timely questions about social justice and freedom, and the emotionally satisfying tale of one strong-willed young woman determined to choose her own path.

1715, Eastham, Massachusetts: As the daughter of a wealthy family, Maria Brown has a secure future mapped out for her, yet it is not the future she wants. Young, headstrong, and restless, Maria has no desire to marry the aging, mean-spirited John Hallett, regardless of his fortune and her parents’ wishes. As for what Maria does want—only one person has ever even asked her that question.

Samuel Bellamy, an orphaned sailor searching for work, meets Maria by chance, enthralling her with talk of far-flung places and blasphemous ideals. But neither is free from the social order into which they were born. When Sam is banished from Maria’s parents’ home after asking for her hand, he vows to return a wealthy man, and Maria promises to keep the faith until then.

Sam is drawn into piracy and discovers a brotherhood more equal and fulfilling than any on land, despite its dangers. Beguiled by the chance to both fight for justice and make a fortune to bring home to Maria, Sam is torn between duty to his crew and his desire to return. Separated by more than just the ocean, time slips by as Sam and Maria cling to their love for each other. Maria is determined to stay strong in her conviction in Sam, but as rumors swirl and her position in Eastham turns perilous, Maria is forced into an impossible decision.

Now, on a journey no less treacherous and eventful than Sam’s, Maria draws on every shred of her courage and resilience not merely to survive, but to honor her own yearning for freedom.

Thank you to Bibliolifestye Tours and Kensington Books for the gifted ARC.

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.

I had high hopes for this one after seeing some good reviews but I find myself with middle of the road thoughts about how everything went down. The insta-love was a bit meh. I was a little bit charmed by the swept away vibes of it, but he mostly taught her to swim and then they were in love and I feel like I’m missing something.

Then for 90% of the story they are in separate parts of the world both doing completely different things. It made this hard to call a romance (which was my expectation). There’s some good self growth journey moments and I liked where things ended up at the closing pages at least. There was a lot of pirate content, which is always my favorite and I could tell this book was well researched. I always appreciate that aspect when reading a historical book.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Fiction + Romance
  • Language: low
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: moderate
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: still birth, mistreatment/shaming of a women, death of friends

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Book Review: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 8 (The Unselected Journals #8) by Beth Brower

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction
Length: 339 pages
Author: Beth Brower
Publisher: Rhysdon Press
Release Date: December 3rd, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

“Strange, considering it all now after a night’s sleep, that I’d had no premonition of what awaited. That seems to be the nature of life, however. Things that ought to come with warnings rarely do.”

The Year is 1884 and Emma M. Lion has, at long last, gained her majority. Entering a golden age of friendship with Pierce, Islington, and Hawkes, Emma is confident she will manage whatever comes her way. It is The Season she must help Arabella secure a husband, while navigating the threat of Aunt Eugenia, the unflagging adoration of Charles Goddard, and the amusing unpredictability of St. Crispian’s. But the secrets of her trusted friends are what might very well bring about disaster.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

Readers have compared The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion to Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse, L. M. Montgomery, and Jean Webster.

DID I SURVIVE?

Because I’m pretty sure this book finished me. Oh my gosh I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH. PLEASE READ IT. It is clever and humorous and deeply felt through every emotion. The friendships are something I can’t even describe. One of the best representations of found family I have, and will ever, read.

I adore Emma so much. I love that seeing the subtle changes to her character as this series goes on. And don’t even get me started on Pierce, Islington and Hawkes. Of which I would deep dive into every single one of them if this wasn’t a review for book eight and I refuse to ruin anything for anyone. Let’s just say I have thoughts and bless anyone who listens to my marco polo’s at this point.

THE WAY I NEED VOLUME 9.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical fiction
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: mild
  • Content Warnings: mentions of child abuse and attempted murder (recounted), physical altercations

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Book Review: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 5 (The Unselected Journals #5) by Beth Brower

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction
Length: 261 pages
Author: Beth Brower
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: November 24th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

I took Treasure Island to church with me as a talisman.
“What a lovely bible,” Mrs. Tribly said.
“Isn’t it just?” I replied, hoping she would not ask me to read a favorite verse aloud.
I do not believe the psalmist wrote,
Fifteen men on a dead man’s chest,
Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum. The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be, which comprise a series of volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

Readers have compared Beth Brower’s writing to Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde, P.G. Wodehouse, and L.M. Montgomery.

CHARMING AS ALWAYS.

I love this series and how every time I’m cranky about a book slump (or a string of bad reads) this series cures me every time. These book are a delight. I love how quick they are to read but how the time moves slowly as you watch Emma grow and learn.

This had some beautiful themes of working through grief and strong friendships. I love all of these characters and look forward to continuing this series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Fiction
  • Language: none
  • Romance: flirting
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one (recounted), depictions of grief

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Book Review: The Key to Deceit (Electra McDonnell #2) by Ashley Weaver

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Mystery
Length: 272 pages
Author: Ashley Weaver
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Release Date: June 21st, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The second in the Electra McDonnell series from Edgar-nominated author Ashley Weaver, The Key to Deceit , is a delightful World War II mystery filled with spies, murder, romance, and wit.

London, 1940. After years of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor―well, to themselves, anyway―Ellie McDonnell and her family have turned over a new leaf as they help the government’s war effort. It’s true that the straight-laced Major Ramsey didn’t give them much choice, but still, Ellie must admit she doesn’t miss breaking and entering as much as she might have thought. What she does miss is the challenge of unlocking an impossible code and the adrenaline rush that comes from being somewhere she shouldn’t.

So when Major Ramsey turns up unannounced with another job, she can’t say no. A woman’s body has been found floating in the Thames, with a bracelet locked onto her wrist, and a cameo locket attached to it. It’s clear this woman was involved in espionage, but whose side was she on? Who was she reporting to? And who wanted her dead?

LOVED.

Gosh, go read this series y’all!! Two books in and I am obsessed. I love the mystery and history vibes. I love that they are fast paced and great audiobooks and I am SMITTEN with the romance. There is angst and tension and alllllll the things.

I love how well the story is crafted that leaves me guessing and plowing through pages so I can see who the culprit is while also being well balanced with Electra and her journey too. I love all of these characters and am anxious to get my hands on the next book.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Mystery
  • Language: low
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: moderate
  • Content Warnings: weapons violence, murder, attempted murder and near death experiences

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