News of the World by Paulette Jiles

October 18, 2016

Long before Paulette Jiles’ News of the World was nominated for the National Book Award, I agreed to participate in the book tour for the novel. It’s a small book, only 224 pages, but it’s a powerful story with sections that will remind readers of...

Secrets of Nanreath Hall by Alix Rickloff

August 18, 2016

Alix Rickloff has written historical and paranormal romances, but Secrets of Nanreath Hall is her first historical novel. It’s a disturbing, fascinating story of a mother and daughter. But, it’s the daughter’s story, the atmospheric depiction of...

The Woman in the Photo by Mary Hogan

June 28, 2016

Elizabeth Haberlin is one of the most refreshing characters I’ve read about in a novel in quite some time. She’s a strong-willed, determined young woman who brings Mary Hogan’s entire novel, The Woman in the Photo, into focus. And, her story...

Margaret the First by Danielle Dutton

April 07, 2016

Margaret the First was not a queen, but an original at a time when women usually were not recognized. Danielle Dutton writes experimental historical fiction to dramatize the life of Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle. Born Margaret Lucas, she was the youngest of...

Enchantress of Paris by Marci Jefferson

August 04, 2015

If you love sweeping historical novels featuring the kings and queens, you won’t want to miss Marci Jefferson’s latest novel, Enchantress of Paris. Marie Mancini might not be a household name, but the story of her love for Louis XIV, the Sun King,...