Tag: historical romance

Book Review: The Weight of Air by Kimberly Duffy

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Kimberly Duffy
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: February 7th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In 1911, Mabel MacGinnis is Europe’s strongest woman and has performed beside her father in the Manzo Brothers Circus her entire life. But at his unexpected death, she loses everything she’s ever known and sets off in the company of acrobat Jake Cunningham for America in hope of finding the mother she’s just discovered is still alive.

Isabella Moreau, the nation’s most feted aerialist, has given everything to the circus. But age and injury now threaten her security, and Isabella, stalked by old fears, makes a choice that risks everything. When her daughter Mabel appears alongside the man who never wanted to see Isabella again, Isabella is forced to face the truth of where, and in what, she derives her worth.

In this evocative novel from Kimberly Duffy, the meaning of strength takes center stage as the lives of three circus performers become entangled beneath the glittering lights and flying trapeze of Madison Square Garden.

INCREDIBLE.

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. It kept me completely entertained and I wanted nothing more than to continue picking it back up. I loved the setting and the storyline and all of the themes woven in.

Mabel was a wonderfully beautiful FMC. I loved the exploration of beauty and strength and what it means to work hard and find your home. I loved every side of her and seeing her growth throughout the book brought out all the feels. Alongside that, Mabel’s romance with Jake? LOVED IT. A perfectly angsty slow burn build of these two recognizing all of the feelings they had for one another. When that moment finally came together I was giddy. I love books like this.

Isabella’s post partum depression rep brought me to tears. The way it was portrayed in a time period that wasn’t as forgiving squeezed my heart. It felt raw and honest and I loved seeing her journey too. It wasn’t all sunshine and high places and I appreciated every facet of her point of view too.

The circus setting was really cool and I loved the way it was used for the characters deeper stories. The passion the performers had and the strength it took to find that balance in life. I loved every minute of this book.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: moderate
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a father, brief assault, physical altercations, near death experiences, loss of a spouse (recounted), post partum depression and general depression depictions

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Book Review: The Enemy and Miss Innes (Tales from the Highlands #2) by Martha Keyes

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 311 pages
Author: Martha Keyes
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: June 2nd, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

All that stands between him and freedom? Turning her hatred to love.

Elizabeth Innes has a tongue too sharp for her own good, and she is never more ready to employ it than when faced with the MacKinnons. With just one piece of evidence connecting their clan to a near-deadly attack, she is determined to prove the laird guilty and see him brought to justice. So, when chance throws her in the company of one of the MacKinnon men, she resolves to take advantage of the opportunity to glean more information.

Malcolm MacKinnon has long lived under the thumb of his cousin and laird, Angus, who keeps a secret with the power to ruin him. With his mother and siblings entirely dependent upon Angus’s capricious generosity, he cannot afford to offend his cousin. When Angus proposes a way for him to finally be free of his shackles, Malcolm is more than ready to oblige. All he must do is help Angus seek revenge upon the rival, neighboring clan. The way to do it? Gain the trust—and love—of one of their young women.

As Malcolm and Elizabeth pursue their goals, they find their tasks much more difficult than anticipated, with challenges to their loyalties at every turn. Both must decide how far they are willing to go for revenge—and love.

A GOOD E2L.

I snagged this on audio and devoured it in a day! I love the way Martha Keyes tells stories and this was no different. I really appreciate that this felt true to the enemies to lovers trope and gave me all that angsty banter I love so well.

The storyline was good and moved at a steady pace. I liked the rebuilding aspects (which I felt was an overall illusion to more) and that we got to see the couple from the previous book too! There’s a good dose of drama that doesn’t go over the top and seeing the villain shut down is always one of my favorite parts of a book.

It’s an easy read and I love picking up books in this genre when the mood strikes.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: fires, assault, physical altercations, mentions of past domestic abuse, extortion, animal injury

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ARC Book Review: Love Unseen by Rachel Kelley Stones

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 248 pages
Author: Rachel Kelley Stones
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: July 5th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Hannah Hadley is a permanent fixture in London Society and well on her way to becoming a spinster. Despite her beauty and kind disposition, Hannah has accepted the harsh reality of her situation: she will never marry. Continually affected by an illness from her youth, Hannah acknowledges her chances of entertaining potential suitors, at least respectable ones, is slim.

To members of the ton, Jonathan Carter is undeniably unsuitable. Though he is in possession of a massive fortune and is handsome as well, there remains an insurmountable black mark against him: his is new money. Even so, he’s caught off guard when his enchanting neighbor, Miss Hadley, flatly rejects his offer to dance. Despite their rocky introduction, however, they find themselves inexplicably drawn to one another. But when circumstances force Hannah from her home, the couple’s warm association comes to an abrupt end. Now, Jonathan must find a way to rescue the woman he just might love or risk losing her forever.

Thank you to the author and Covenant Communications for the ARC.

GREAT DEBUT.

I enjoyed this one a lot! Hannah was such a wonderful FMC and her resilient strength shown throughout the whole book. She doesn’t let her disability define her and I loved seeing her define her self-worth and place in society.

There was even DUAL POV with Jonathan too. I adored him as well. I liked seeing his self reflection and growth as he acknowledged mistakes, made apologies and pursued Hannah. They were a sweet pairing and I liked all of their interactions.

A charming story that gets some intense scenes towards the end. I liked the pick-up in action and the rush I felt flying through pages wondering if Jonathan and Hannah were going to make it back to each other. Filled with redemptive characters (and some villains that in no way deserve redemption), a nice level of drama and a satisfying romance, I thought this was a great debut and I look forward to more books by this author.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: ableism, loss of sight, loss of a father (recounted), brief assault, physical injuries

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Book Review: A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction + Romance
Length: 405 pages
Author: Amy Harmon
Publisher: Lake Union
Release Date: April 1st, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

From New York Times bestselling author Amy Harmon comes the saga of a young woman who dares to chart her own destiny in life and love during the American Revolutionary War.

In 1760, Deborah Samson is born to Puritan parents in Plympton, Massachusetts. When her father abandons the family and her mother is unable to support them, Deborah is bound out as an indentured servant. From that moment on, she yearns for a life of liberation and adventure.

Twenty years later, as the American colonies begin to buckle in their battle for independence, Deborah, impassioned by the cause, disguises herself as a soldier and enlists in the Continental Army. Her impressive height and lanky build make her transformation a convincing one, and it isn’t long before she finds herself confronting the horrors of war head-on.

But as Deborah fights for her country’s freedom, she must contend with the secret of who she is—and, ultimately, a surprising love she can’t deny.

LOVED WITH EVERY FIBER OF MY BEING.

I honestly don’t even know how to write this review because this book consumed my soul and I loved it so much. It made me feel proud to be a woman and want to shout to hear these untold stories more. I LOVED Deborah Samson. Her courage and bravery. Choosing a hard path, but the path that gave her hope and freedom. I loved the way she carried herself and her resilient, hard working nature that bled into those around her. Deborah is the type of female leads in books that make me love reading.

The romance was completely different than I expected, IN THE BEST WAYS. I loved the age gap, forbidden romance and all the intense and passionate feelings between Deborah and [redacted because I don’t want to spoil]. They had amazing chemistry and I was GLUED to my page anytime they were in the same scene because the magnetic pull between them yanked me along too. I am a puddle after the way everything worked out and wrapped up in the end.

This book was incredible. I expected no less from Amy Harmon (one of my top five authors ever). I love the beautiful way she crafts a story and brings all of these historical aspects to life. I am in awe every time I come to the closing pages. This book needs to be read by all.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Fiction + Romance
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: vague fade to black; closed-door
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: war themes (Revolutionary specifically), indentured servitude, loss of life, loss of loved ones, brief mentions of abuse and parental abandonment

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