My Book Reviews

Category: Historical Fiction

This category contains any posts published in reference to books of Historical Fiction genre.

  • Flying Angels by Danielle Steel

    Flying Angels by Danielle Steel

    Flying Angels

    Flying Angels by Danielle Steel

    Release: November 1st 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Delacorte Press
    Source: NetGalley
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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    World War II brings together six remarkable young flight nurses, who face the challenges of war and its many heartbreaks and victories as unsung heroes, in this inspiring novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel.

    Audrey Parker’s life changes forever after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Her brother, a talented young Navy pilot, stationed there, poised to fulfill their late father’s distinguished legacy. Fresh out of nursing school with a passion and a born gift for helping others, both Audrey and her friend Lizzie suddenly find their nation on the brink of war. Driven to do whatever they can to serve, they enlist in the Army and embark on a new adventure as flight nurses.

    Risking their lives on perilous missions, they join the elite Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron . And they fly into enemy territory almost daily to rescue wounded soldiers from the battlefield. Audrey and Lizzie make enormous sacrifices to save lives alongside an extraordinary group of nurses.  Alex, who longs to make a difference in the world. Louise, a bright mind who faced racial prejudice growing up in the South.  Pru, a selfless leader with a heart of gold.  And Emma, whose confidence and grit push her to put everything on the line for her patients.

    Even knowing they will not achieve any rank and will receive little pay for their efforts, the “Flying Angels” will give their all in the fight for freedom. They serve as bravely and tirelessly as the men they rescue on the front lines, in daring airlifts, and are eternally bound by their loyalty to one another. 

    About the Author:

    Danielle Steel has been one of the world’s bestselling authors, with almost a billion copies of her novels sold. Her many international bestsellers include All That Glitters, Royal, Daddy’s Girls, The Wedding Dress, The Numbers Game, Moral Compass, Spy, and other highly acclaimed novels. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina’s life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; Expect a Miracle, a book of her favorite quotations for inspiration and comfort; Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved; and the children’s books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood..

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Flying Angels Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    I don’t know how Danielle Steel manages to release so many beautiful novels each year, but “Flying Angels” was one of her highlights this year, and I enjoyed it!

    What’s different about this story is that it strays from the usual romance that the author is famous for writing. Instead, we get strong women who find themselves aboard the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron during WWII. The author depicted the scenes wonderfully, and it was clear that she had done ample research on the subject and how nurses operated during the time. The author also included the after-effects of the emotions that the warriors face realistically. For instance, I thought the scenes when Alex checks in on Petty Officer Stanley were well penned.

    However, the highlight of the tale is in its characters, which the author shines in depicting. Whether it be Audrey, Pru, Lizzie, or Emma, the author wrote the backstory of all the characters wonderfully. Each of them faces various challenges, and it was inspiring to see how they survived and became stronger. Also, the author adds some shocking moments where some of the core members pass away, which I did not expect. Moreover, I loved the close bond between Lizzie and Alex and Pru and Emma. I also enjoyed the small moments where Audrey shares with her mother. However, Alex was probably my favorite of them all, as she leaves her posh aristocratic life to help others.

    Overall, if you are a fan of historical fiction, particularly regarding World War II, you should indeed check out “Flying Angels.” It is an emotional story that will make you reach out for the tissues.

  • The Other Side of the Whale Road by K.A. Hayton

    The Other Side of the Whale Road by K.A. Hayton

    The Other Side of the Whale Road

    The Other Side of the Whale Road by K.A. Hayton

    Release: August 1, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Lightning Books
    Source: The write Reads Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Kobo

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    How dark were the Dark Ages? Joss is about to find out…

    When his mum burns down their house on the Whitehorse estate after too many vodkas, sixteen-year-old Joss is sent to live with welcoming foster-carers in a sleepy Suffolk village.

    The place is steeped in history, as streetwise Joss learns first-hand when a bike accident pitches him back more than a thousand years to the Anglo-Saxon encampment of Haegelisdun. But, he is soon living in the village: tending the fields, eating lumpy porridge and dense bread and sleeping on a rock-hard bed. But he has read his history, so he knows his new friends Aesc, Merwenna and Leofric – as well as his thuggish rival Wuffa – are in peril from a forthcoming Viking invasion.

    Risking execution by mistrustful Anglo-Saxon warriors as well as slaughter by the Danes, can he warn the doomed King Edmund in time? And what will it mean for Joss’s troubled family – and his turbulent relationship with new girlfriend Alice – if he ever gets home?

    About the Author:

    As an RAF child, K.A. Hayton grew up in various parts of Europe, arriving in England just in time for the winter of discontent. Moreover, she spent her first year of an English degree at Sheffield University studying Anglo-Saxon poetry, which sparked an enduring interest in the Dark Ages.

    She lives in rural Suffolk, very close to the Anglo-Saxon burial site of Sutton Hoo, where she is a keen runner, sea-swimmer and supporter of Ipswich Town FC.

    The Other Side of the Whale Road will be released in September by Lightning Books under Mrs Hayton’s pen name, K.A. Hayton.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn 

    The Other Side of the Whale Road Review:

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    The first aspect that struck me about the story was its concept of time travel. I liked the way Joss goes back in time when he falls into the quarry in Hoxne. The author also touches on Anglo-Saxon history nicely without shoving too much information. Moreover, I didn’t know about Edmund and the battle at Hoxne with the Vikings till I read this book. I thought this was a nice story to get readers interested in history.

    The author also writes the characters nicely. Joss is charming in the lead as he tries to figure out what is happening to his life. I also loved the supporting characters like Leofric and Cyneburga and how protective they are of Joss. The author also mentions some thought-provoking moments, like how people’s instincts and behavior don’t change much, no matter how advanced we are. Some people ridicule and display hostility towards others for being different, irrespective of the circumstances. Some parts of the story are also exciting, like when Wuffa comes with his sword to attack Joss.

    However, the story does take a while to pick up, as it is not till the fourth chapter where Joss finds himself in another timeline. Also, initially, it took time for me to adjust to the characters’ names, as they sounded complex. Furthermore, it would have been nice to make it exciting if there was more action and adventure in the story.

    Apart from that, I enjoyed reading “The Other Side of the Whale Road” and found it a charming debut by the author.

     

    The other side of the whale road

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Other Side of the Whale Road by K.A. Hayton Blog Tour hosted by The write Reads Tours. 

    Book Tour Schedule

    18th August

    19th August

    20th August

  • Cad’s Pick by Cheryl Holt

    Cad’s Pick by Cheryl Holt

    Cad's Pick

    Cad’s Pick (Cads Trilogy #2) by Cheryl Holt

    Release: August 16th 2021
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Cheryl Holt
    Source: HFVirtual Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    New York Times bestselling author, Cheryl Holt, delivers the second novel in her new and dazzling ‘CADS’ trilogy.

    Warwick Stone is a rich, handsome cad. He revels in outrageous ways and enjoys his reputation as a scoundrel. But when his father suddenly inherits the family’s earldom—an elevation that was completely unexpected—Warwick has to marry in a hurry and start siring some heirs. As the consummate bachelor, who never expected to wed, the whole notion of matrimony is exhausting. He figures he’ll quickly pick a fetching debutante with a good dowry, and he’ll become a husband by expending as little effort as possible.

    Wilhelmina Dobbs had an odd childhood. Her father was a famous artist, but a flawed and damaged man. As a girl, she followed him across Europe, standing in the background as he painted masterpieces and disgraced himself with his extravagant habits. After his death, she retired to the country to live quietly and paint too. After watching her father regularly disgrace himself, she’s sworn off all men. She can’t imagine ever marrying and intends to remain a spinster.

    When Wilhelmina crosses paths with Warwick, sparks fly and passion ignites, but his corrupt reputation precedes him. He represents everything she detests in a male, but he’s spoiled and determined, and he always gets exactly what he wants. When he decides he wants Wilhelmina, how can she resist?

    About the Author:

    Cheryl Holt is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon “Top 100” bestselling author who has published over fifty novels.
    She’s also a lawyer and mom, and at age forty, with two babies at home, she started a new career as a commercial fiction writer. She’d hoped to be a suspense novelist, but couldn’t sell any of her manuscripts, so she ended up taking a detour into romance where she was stunned to discover that she has a knack for writing some of the world’s greatest love stories.

    Her books had a wide acclaim, and she has won or had nomination for many national awards. She is one of the masters of the romance genre. For many years, press acclaimed her as “The Queen of Erotic Romance”, and also as “The International Queen of Villains.” She is particularly proud to have been named “Best Storyteller of the Year” by the trade magazine Romantic Times BOOK Reviews.
    She lives and writes in Hollywood, California, and she loves to hear from fans.

    WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

    Cad’s Pick Review:

    “Cad’s Pick” is a charming continuation in the Cads trilogy and was a fun book to read.

    In keeping the theme of the series, the story starts similar to the previous book, where we see Warwick having to marry because of Neville, his father. Then, he happens to meet Wilhelmina, and the story takes off.

    The author has a lovely talent for writing romance and executes the same flawlessly in the story. Warwick and Wilhelmina make a charming pair, and I enjoyed their connection. I liked how Wilhelmina turns down Warwick and stays her ground, which excites him to pursue her even further. The author wrote Warwick nicely, where you see him change from a scoundrel to a dedicated guy.

    Moreover, I liked the more extensive cast of characters like Cassandra, Blanche, and Robert, and their storylines intermingled with the main couple. Frankly, I thought Robert was a compelling character and found the scenes where he lurks and follows Cassandra intriguing.

    While the book is light-hearted and charming, it is still very similar to the first book. I found many similarities between Warwick and Hunter and Wilhelmina and Hannah. Usually, in such a series, I would like the characters to contrast between the books while staying consistent with the overall theme. At times, the story did feel repetitious.

    But apart from that, this was a cute book and a lovely addition to the series. “Cad’s Pick” is a fun continuation to “Cad’s Wish,” and I look forward to reading “Cad’s Choice” in the trilogy.

    Giveaway:

    9 winners will receive a copy of Cad’s Wish and 1 grand prize winner will win all three books! To enter, please leave a comment below with your email address. Please note, your email address will be added to the author’s newsletter mailing list.

    The giveaway is open to US addresses only and ends on August 27th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

    Cad's Wish

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Cad’s Pick (Cads Trilogy #2) by Cheryl Holt Blog Tour hosted by HFVirtual Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Friday, August 6
    Review at Booking With Janelle (Book 1)
    Review at Across the Sky in Stars (Book 1)

    Saturday, August 7
    Excerpt at Historical Fiction with Spirit

    Monday, August 9
    Guest Post at Novels Alive
    Review at Rajiv’s Reviews (Book 1)

    Tuesday, August 10
    Feature at The Cozy Book Blog

    Wednesday, August 11
    Review at Booking With Janelle (Book 2)

    Thursday, August 12
    Review at Pursuing Stacie (Book 1)

    Friday, August 13
    Review & Excerpt at Elodie’s Reading Corner (trilogy)

    Sunday, August 15
    Review at Booking With Janelle (Book 3)

    Monday, August 16
    Review at The Enchanted Shelf (trilogy)

    Tuesday, August 17
    Excerpt at Passages to the Past

    Wednesday, August 18
    Review at Rajiv’s Reviews (Book 2)

    Thursday, August 19
    Feature at Reading is My Remedy

    Friday, August 20
    Review at Pursuing Stacie (Book 2)

    Monday, August 23
    Review at Chasing Leslie (trilogy)

    Wednesday, August 25
    Excerpt at Coffee and Ink

    Thursday, August 26
    Review at Rajiv’s Reviews (Book 2)

    Friday, August 27
    Review at Pursuing Stacie (Book 3)

  • City of Angels by Kenneth Bromberg

    City of Angels by Kenneth Bromberg

    City of Angels

    City of Angels by Kenneth Bromberg

    Release: November 10, 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Flame Tree Press 
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Flame Tree Press

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    The year is 1924.
    Sam Lacy is a tough homicide detective. He follows his own code of conduct within the racist and corrupt Los Angeles Police Department. Sam’s beautiful ex girlfriend has been murdered and a ruthless person is assaulting young Chinese women. Are the crimes connected and can Sam stop the killers before powerful forces stop him? Sometimes, a good detective can’t let the law get in his way.

    Sam navigates L.A.’s  corrupt criminal with help from an unlikely trio. Sam’s partner, Lonnie, is a handsome detective whose carefree  attitude conceals a troubled past outside of the law. Sam’s friend, Edward Bixby, is a brilliant man whose crucial forensic work is performed off the books since the LAPD would never hire a Black man for a murder investigation. And Susan, Sam’s sister and moral compass is a war widow and mother who pursues leads of her own. The story takes place in the movie capital of the world, a city that attracts wide eyed innocents and cold hearted killers; a City of Angels.

    FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

    About the Author:

    Kenneth Bromberg grew up in the beach cities of Southern California with a passion for tennis, American history, and literature. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles, after which he worked for several years as a bartender. He eventually returned to UCLA to pursue an MBA and become a certified public accountant.

    After retiring from accounting, Kenneth fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a novelist. His first work, American Dreams, is based upon stories told by his grandmother who immigrated to New York from a small Jewish village near Kiev in the first years of the 20th century. 

    He lives in Santa Monica, California, with his wife of forty years.

     Facebook | Goodreads

    City of Angels Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    Firstly, I must say I admired the author’s writing style. The story takes place in 1924 in Los Angeles, and the details the author provides of the setting made me felt like I was reliving the era. The author maintains the momentum as Sam and the team investigate the Sokolski case and Dorothy Holcomb’s murder. Some of the scenes that stood out for me were the trial of Pennington or how they conducted the forensics and investigation.

    The author also provides a grim picture where you see corruption from all the social ladders. Any historical books I read of L.A. during this time mainly revolved around the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. However, the author depicts L.A. as a place filled with crime, politics, corruption, and very little organization in the story, which was interesting.

    Another exciting aspect of the story is the way the author narrates it. The story progresses through the perspectives of various characters, and, in the process, you get to know their history and dynamics as well. We see the story shift between Sam, Susan, Edward, and Liam. The author wrote Sam brilliantly, where you see him face his internal struggles to do the right thing. I enjoyed the family dynamics between them all. While I liked Sam and Susan’s family dynamics, I especially found Liam’s point of view to be the most intriguing. I also enjoyed the relationship between Sam and Edward.

    However, I sometimes felt that too many characters on canvas appeared for just a brief moment, and it somewhat stagged from the plot. While I enjoyed how details the story was, the author could have trimmed some elements.

    Apart from that, I enjoyed reading “City of Angels” and found it an exciting Historical crime fiction novel.

     

  • Then Came the Thunder by Rachael Huszar

    Then Came the Thunder by Rachael Huszar

    Then Came the Thunder

    Then Came the Thunder by Rachael Huszar

    Release: July 2nd 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Rachael Huszar
    Source: HFVirtual Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    Jessalyn Joy loves her husband, but she can’t help the feelings that arose when he volunteered for the Union army. When he comes back to her in a box instead of on his feet, those feelings complicate even more.

    Jessalyn’s mourning period is cut short when something begins to attack the livestock in their small town, and greater dangers begin to threaten their provincial life. Thrown together with the new reverend, one of her own students, and a strange man somehow related to her husband’s passing, Jessalyn must find a way to stop the evils that threaten her husband’s first and ultimately last home.

    Set in the Southwestern home front, Huszar blends a taste of fantasy into a startling down-to-earth world, creating a high stakes adventure for this strong female protagonist and her band of amateur sleuths.

    About the Author:

    Rachael Huszar kept her life steeped in stories from a young age, and she began her own journey in story-making when she reached adulthood. In the time since, she has taken up swimming, roller skating, and consuming tabletop RPG streams. She spends the bulk of her time with her dog, Silo, and works full time as a designer in Dallas, Texas

    Website | Instagram | Goodreads

    Then Came the Thunder Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Then Came the Thunder” is a beautiful historical fiction novel that I did not want to end because it was splendid.

    You pick up some books that immediately connect with you, and this book was one of them. The author did a beautiful job with this novel, where she included a bit of everything. There is a touch of mystery and a dash of drama that surrounds a group of memorable characters. For me, more than anything else, it was how the author conveyed the main characters’ emotions.

    Jessalyn and Sam are fantastic in the lead, and I loved the bond they share. Initially, they don’t get along well, mainly because of how he teases her regarding Amos. But, you can see how their dynamics towards each other start to change once they spend more time. Interestingly, the author doesn’t directly push the two into a romance, which I admire, because that would have strayed from the story’s tone. I cherished many moments, like when Sam tends to Charley Templeton or the scenes with Lilah and Sam with Buccaneer.

    Similarly, the author also wrote the characters realistically, and my favorite was Jessalyn. My heart went out to her as she wondered what happened to Amos or when she reads his letters. It was interesting to see the dynamic between Sam and Jessalyn, with Amos in the picture. Even the supporting characters like Lilah and Roger complemented the plot so nicely. Of course, there is also the mystery behind the livestock, and I felt the author perfectly balanced these elements.

    Overall, “Then Came the Thunder” is an excellent start to the series, and I am excited to read its continuation!

    Giveaway:

    Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

    The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on August 16th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

    Then Came the Thunder

    Then Came the Thunder

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Then Came the Thunder by Rachael Huszar Blog Tour hosted by HFVirtual Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

     

  • Defiance by A.S. Fenichel

    Defiance by A.S. Fenichel

    Defiance

    Defiance (The Demon Hunters #4) by A.S. Fenichel

    Release: June 22nd 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Independent
    Source: Pumpupyour Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Kobo , Indigo , B&N

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    The Demon Hunters are about to face their biggest test, and they’ll need a lady to make the grade…

    Lady Serena Thurston had big plans—attend the best balls, meet a fine gentleman, get married, have a child or two and live happily ever after. But plans change. Serena knows firsthand what demons can do, and nothing will stand in the way of her goal to become a Demon Hunter—not even her absentee fiancé.

    Tad Douglass is furious his fiancée has enrolled in the Demon Hunters’ school. Admittedly, he should have been more attentive after her capture by demons, but important Hunter business demanded his presence. Now, he’s forced to watch her transformation from an innocent young woman to a formidable Hunter. He’ll use every resource at his disposal to change her mind and return her to the simple life of a debutante.

    When people go missing in London, Serena and Tad must investigate—together. The mistrust and love simmering between them during their perilous mission is brought to a boil at the gateway to Hell. With the lines between good and evil blurred, and death lurking at every turn, it will take a leap of faith to embrace this new partnership—as heroes and as lovers.

     

    About the Author:

    A.S. Fenichel (Andie) gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.

    Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

    She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea’s books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.

    Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Defiance Review:

    “Defiance” is the fourth book in the Demon Hunters series and stands out from the rest because of Serena.

    I have read this series in order, and I feel the author ups the game for female leads. I liked Serena, and she was the reason why I enjoyed the book. She doesn’t want to be a traditional wife to Tad but instead wants to be a Demon Hunter and involve herself in action. I thought the author expressed her emotions nicely, especially when she experiences her first kill. It was also exciting to see how she trained to become a demon hunter and all the assignments she manages. One of the memorable ones is the one involving Mr. Babbitt and the demand. The author also wrote the conflicting relationship with her mother realistically, and it was interesting to see how she changed her mind.

    Moreover, the series doesn’t fall short in the romance, and we get to see it with Serena and Tad in this book. However, the only downside to this was how they used to involve themselves in steamy moments and continue arguing in the next chapter. I didn’t feel like their relationship progressed evenly in this story compared to the previous books. But, I did enjoy the moments when Serena helps Tad recuperate. Also, having read all the four books, I hoped there would be more progress on the Master and their plot to find him. While I enjoyed the characters’ assignments, it would have been nice to see the progression of the Master’s storyline.

    Apart from that, I must say, I have enjoyed reading the books till now, and am curious to see what the next installment will bring.

     

     

    The Demon Hunter

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Defiance (The Demon Hunters #4) by A.S. FenichelBlog Tour hosted by Pumpupyour Book Tours.

    Book Tour Schedule

  • The Day Lincoln Lost by Charles Rosenberg

    The Day Lincoln Lost by Charles Rosenberg

    The Day Lincoln Lost

    The Day Lincoln Lost by Charles Rosenberg

    Release: August 4, 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Hanover Square Press
    Source: Publisher
    Find it at: GoodReads ,  Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, 

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    An inventive historical thriller that reimagines the tumultuous presidential election of 1860, capturing the people desperately trying to hold the nation together, and those trying to crack it apart.

    Abby Kelley Foster arrived in Springfield, Illinois, with the fate of the nation on her mind. Her fame as a speaker against slavery had spread west and she knew that her first speech in the city would make headlines. One of the residents reading those headlines would be none other than the likely next president of the United States.

    Abraham Lincoln, lawyer and presidential candidate, knew his chances of winning were good. All he had to do was stay above the fray of the slavery debate and appear the voice of reason until the people cast their votes. The last thing he needed was a fiery abolitionist appearing in town. When her speech sparks violence, leading to her arrest and a high profile trial, he suspects that his political rivals have conspired against him.

    President James Buchanan is one such rival. As his term ends and his political power crumbles, he gathers his advisers at the White House to make one last move that might derail Lincoln’s campaign, steal the election and throw America into chaos.

    A fascinating historical novel and fast-paced political thriller of a nation on the point of civil war, The Day Lincoln Lost offers an unexpected window into one of the most consequential elections in our country’s history.

    About the Author:

    Charles  Rosenberg’s latest novel is the alternate history thriller The Trial and Execution of the Traitor George Washington. It imagines what might have happened if the British had kidnapped George Washington and taken him to England for trial..

    The first novel of Rosenberg was the legal thriller Death on a High Floor, an Amazon best-seller in 2014. It’s about the murder of the managing partner of a large international law firm. There were two sequels to that followed by new series in Write to Die, featuring a law firm in Hollywood.

    Before writing, Chuck was a legal script consultant to three television shows: L.A. Law, The Practice and Boston Legal, and The Paper Chase . During the O .J. Simpson criminal trial, he was one of two on-air legal analysts for E! Entertainment Television’s live coverage of the trial. He also provided commentary for E!’s coverage of the Simpson civil trial.

    Rosenberg has also taught extensively as an adjunct law professor, including at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles , the Loyola Law School International LLM Program in Bologna, Italy,

    A graduate of Antioch College and the Harvard Law School,an editor of the Harvard Law Review, Chuck currently practices in the Los Angeles area .He lives with his wife, who is the very effective “in-house” initial editor of everything he writes. 

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Day Lincoln Lost  Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    Let me preface by saying that I don’t know much about the history of Abraham Lincoln other than the very basic biodata. Hence, I enjoyed reading this story because it opened my eyes to research the topic further.

    The author starts off the story brilliantly as we see Lucy on the run. As the story progresses, the author introduces us to additional characters that lead to a bigger picture. The characters are also nicely drawn. I particularly liked Clarence and thought he stood out in his conversations with Lincoln and Abby. Similarly, even Annabelle was electrifying in the scenes with Polly and Hostetler. Another highlight of the story was the trial. I love novels where we have a riveting court case, and this book did not disappoint on that account. It was fascinating to see how Lincoln and Lizar conducted Abby’s trial.

    However, after reading the story, I researched the topic further and found that the events in the tale are altered and not what happened in reality. While I understand that this is historical fiction and the author has the right to spin the story, I felt disappointed after finding this out as someone with limited knowledge about the Presidency. Moreover, the story felt disjointed towards the end, as the trial events get over pretty early on the story, and the rest of the book follows Lincoln’s Presidency and the politics with the vote. Also, I felt that there were too many characters on the canvas, and some of the scenes were unnecessary.

    Nevertheless, I found this to be a very captivating novel. Overall, “The Day Lincoln Lost” is a decent historical novel, which I recommend reading but not benchmark against the actual events that transpired.

  • Cad’s Wish by Cheryl Holt

    Cad’s Wish by Cheryl Holt

    Cad's Wish

    Cad’s Wish (Cads Trilogy #1) by Cheryl Holt

    Release: August 16th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: BookBaby
    Source: HFVirtual Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Kobo

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    New York Times bestselling author, Cheryl Holt, delivers her new and dazzling ‘CADS’ trilogy, three lush novels filled with drama, heartache, and love forevermore…

    Hunter Stone is London’s most notorious cad. He’s lived a life of debauchery and vice, and he’s the most dedicated bachelor in the kingdom. He’s notorious for his wicked ways, and he always has a beautiful woman on his arm to keep him company. But when his father suddenly inherits the family’s earldom—completely an elevation that was unexpected—Hunter is next in line to be earl. He has to marry quickly to secure the title and inheritance. What’s a cad supposed to do?

    Hannah Graves is a modern, independent young woman. She thinks men are fools and idiots, and she’s decided to avoid the path to matrimony that most females are forced to walk. When her father died and left her a small inheritance, she fled her rural life in the country and used the money to open a bookshop in London. She’s proud of herself and delighted with the strong choices she’d made, but it’s not easy to be a female proprietor in a man’s world, and she constantly dances on the edge of fiscal ruin.

    When Hannah meets Hunter, sparks fly and passion ignites. But Hunter’s corrupt reputation precedes him, and he represents everything she detests in a male. But he’s a handsome, wealthy scoundrel who always gets exactly what he wants. When he sets his eye on Hannah, how can she resist?

    About the Author:

    Cheryl Holt is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon “Top 100” bestselling author who has published over fifty novels.
    She’s also a lawyer and mom, and at age forty, with two babies at home, she started a new career as a commercial fiction writer. She’d hoped to be a suspense novelist, but couldn’t sell any of her manuscripts, so she ended up taking a detour into romance where she was stunned to discover that she has a knack for writing some of the world’s greatest love stories.

    Her books had a wide acclaim, and she has won or had nomination for many national awards. She is  one of the masters of the romance genre. For many years, press acclaimed her as “The Queen of Erotic Romance”, and also as “The International Queen of Villains.” She is particularly proud to have been named “Best Storyteller of the Year” by the trade magazine Romantic Times BOOK Reviews.
    She lives and writes in Hollywood, California, and she loves to hear from fans.

    WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

    Cad’s Wish Review:

    Cad’s Wish is an entertaining romance that gives you everything you expect in the genre and is a delightful start to the series.

    What I primarily liked about the story is the characters and their connections. The story has quite a large cast of characters, and it was interesting to see how they all connected and intermingled. I liked the father-son bond between Hunter and Neville, even if they got on each other’s nerves most of the time. There were also side characters like Amelia and Winston, who I found fascinating. While I did not like them at the beginning of the story, my opinion changed later.

    The prime romance of the story is Hunter and Hannah, and the author wrote them nicely. Albeit a bit cliched, it was nevertheless fun to see how they met each other. I also enjoyed the bookshop being the backdrop of their romance. Speaking of the bookshop, the author also adds bits of action and excitement when there is a fire, and Hannah’s opinion of Hunter changes. I liked Hunter in the lead and thought he was dynamic. It was interesting to see how his perception of marriage changed throughout the story as he gets involved with Hannah.

    However, at times I felt as though there were too many characters on canvas. For instance, I felt people like Nate and Marston were unnecessary to the plot and served only as page fillers.

    Overall, “Cad’s Wish” is a fun start to the “Cads” trilogy, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

    Giveaway:

    9 winners will receive a copy of Cad’s Wish and 1 grand prize winner will win all three books! To enter, please leave a comment below with your email address. Please note, your email address will be added to the author’s newsletter mailing list.

    The giveaway is open to US addresses only and ends on August 27th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

    Cad's Wish

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Cad’s Wish (Cads Trilogy #1) by Cheryl Holt Blog Tour hosted by HFVirtual Book Tours.  Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Friday, August 6
    Review at Booking With Janelle (Book 1)
    Review at Across the Sky in Stars (Book 1)

    Saturday, August 7
    Excerpt at Historical Fiction with Spirit

    Monday, August 9
    Guest Post at Novels Alive
    Review at Rajiv’s Reviews (Book 1)

    Tuesday, August 10
    Feature at The Cozy Book Blog

    Wednesday, August 11
    Review at Booking With Janelle (Book 2)

    Thursday, August 12
    Review at Pursuing Stacie (Book 1)

    Friday, August 13
    Review & Excerpt at Elodie’s Reading Corner (trilogy)

    Sunday, August 15
    Review at Booking With Janelle (Book 3)

    Monday, August 16
    Review at The Enchanted Shelf (trilogy)

    Tuesday, August 17
    Excerpt at Passages to the Past

    Wednesday, August 18
    Review at Rajiv’s Reviews (Book 2)

    Thursday, August 19
    Feature at Reading is My Remedy

    Friday, August 20
    Review at Pursuing Stacie (Book 2)

    Monday, August 23
    Review at Chasing Leslie (trilogy)

    Wednesday, August 25
    Excerpt at Coffee and Ink

    Thursday, August 26
    Review at Rajiv’s Reviews (Book 2)

    Friday, August 27
    Review at Pursuing Stacie (Book 3)

  • Necessary Sins by Elizabeth Bell

    Necessary Sins by Elizabeth Bell

    Necessary Sins

    Necessary Sins by Elizabeth Bell

    Release: August 7th 2019
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Claire-Voie Books
    Source: HFVirtual Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon , Kindle ,B&N , Indiebound

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    In antebellum Charleston, a Catholic priest grapples with doubt, his family’s secret African ancestry, and his love for a slave owner’s wife.

    Joseph Lazare and his two sisters grow up believing their black hair and olive skin come from a Spanish grandmother—until the summer they learn she was an African slave. While his sisters make very different choices, Joseph struggles to transcend the flesh by becoming a celibate priest.

    Then young Father Joseph meets Tessa Conley, a devout Irish immigrant who shares his passions for music and botany. Joseph must conceal his true feelings as Tessa marries another man—a plantation owner who treats her like property. Acting on their love for each other will ruin Joseph and Tessa in this world and damn them in the next.

    Or will it?

    NECESSARY SINS is the first book in the sweeping Lazare Family Saga that transports readers from the West Indies to the Wild West, from Charleston, Paris, and Rome into the depths of the human heart. Passion, prejudice, secrets, and a mother’s desperate choice in the chaos of revolution echo through five generations. If you enjoyed THE THORN BIRDS or the novels of Sara Donati, dive into Elizabeth Bell’s epic historical fiction today.

    Finalist for the James Jones First Novel Fellowship
    Second Place in the Maggie Awards for Excellence in the category Novel with Strong Romantic Elements

    About the Author:

    Elizabeth Bell has been writing stories since the second grade. At the age of fourteen, she chose a pen name and vowed to become a published author. That same year, she began the Lazare Family Saga. It took her a couple of decades to get it right. New generations kept demanding attention, and the saga became four epic novels.

    After earning her MFA in Creative Writing at George Mason University, Elizabeth realized she would have to return her two hundred library books. Instead, she cleverly found a job in the university library. She works there to this day.

    Elizabeth is an active member of the Historical Novel Society, and she loves chatting with fellow readers, writers, and history buffs. 

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Pinterest | Bookbub

    Necessary Sins Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Necessary Sins” is what I would benchmark how a perfect historical fiction should be. This book, in my opinion, is the epitome of the genre, and I loved every bit of it.

    You know that feeling you get when you pick up a book to read? It’s big and heavy, but you can sense something special about it? That is precisely how “Necessary Sins” was to me. Even though I am not a fan of massive books, everything about the book, from its gorgeous cover to its poignant epigraphs, the characters, and the situations, compelled me to read the story. Moreover, people who follow my reviews know that I am a sucker for family sagas, and this book did not disappoint. We meet the Lazare Family, and this beautiful saga focuses mainly on Joseph in this book.

    The author also writes the characters so compellingly that it makes you feel like you are with them in that era. I enjoyed beginnings with Matthieu and Marguerite, but the highlight of the tale was Joseph. The author portrayed his emotions beautifully. You can see the complex feelings he goes through whenever he sees Tessa. He feels self-conscious and awkward about his feelings, even though he is a good person in all other ways. I loved the way the author spun the tale between Joseph and Tessa. Also, the author ends the story on a high note, yet open-ended, that makes you immediately want to read the next book.

    Similarly, the author touches on topics like Slavery and Catholicism and the mindset of the people during that era. If you are a fan of historical fiction and family sagas, you NEED to read this book. Overall, “Necessary Sins” was hard to put down, and I loved reading every page.

     

    Blog Tour Schedule

    Necessary Sins

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Necessary Sins by Elizabeth Bell Blog Tour hosted by HFVirtual Book Tours. 

    Wednesday, August 4
    Review at The Cozy Book Blog

    Friday, August 6
    Review at The Enchanted Shelf

    Monday, August 9
    Review at Rajiv’s Reviews

    Wednesday, August 11
    Interview at Books, Tiaras, and Lattes

    Friday, August 13
    Review at Coffee and Ink

    Monday, August 16
    Review at Passages to the Past

    Friday, August 20
    Review at Passages to the Past

    Wednesday, August 25
    Review at Robin Loves Reading

     

  • Betrayal by A.S. Fenichel

    Betrayal by A.S. Fenichel

    Betrayal

    Betrayal (The Demon Hunters #3) by A.S. Fenichel

    Release: April 27th 2021 
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Independent
    Source: Pumpupyour Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo , Indigo

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    In service to His Majesty, one must be prepared for Hell.

    To survive as a scullery maid requires hard work, discipline, and a stiff upper lip. To survive as a Demon Hunter is something else entirely. Elizabeth Smythe learned this after she was captured by Demons and rescued by Hunters. Now a Hunter herself, Elizabeth’s first task in this new and strange world is to aid the recently wounded Reece Foxjohn, and get him back into Demon-slaying shape. . .

    Reece Foxjohn is used to defying convention. He enraged his family by becoming a Demon Hunter, and prefers eviscerating demons to mixing with society. He is a man who doesn’t hesitate when he knows what he wants, and what he wants is Miss Elizabeth Smythe. To watch her behead the progeny of Evil is to behold a thing of beauty—one he must claim for his at all costs. . .

    About the Author:

    A.S. Fenichel (Andie) gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.

    Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.

    She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea’s books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.

    Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Betrayal Review:

    “Betrayal” is the third book in “The Demon Hunters” series and an attractive continuation.

    Elizabeth is probably my favorite character in the series because of her strong will. She does not let anyone bring her down and is not intimidated to speak her mind. Even when Lillian says something hostile towards her, Elizabeth gives it right back. Moreover, she has strong feelings towards Reece Foxjohn but doesn’t immediately agree to his demands for marriage when he proposes. I liked how cautious she is about making decisions and took her time. Moreover, in keeping the trend with the series, the author writes the romance between Elizabeth and Reece charmingly. I loved their scenes together of drama, angst, and romance.

    Moreover, the author also adds some exciting, adventure elements to keep the story fresh. Again, the team has to figure out what the Master is plotting and fight various forces like the Trebox and malleus. Some of the memorable moments in the story for me were when Elizabeth finds herself trapped in the Master’s lair or when she sees the horrid sight of Carlotta. Some of the supporting characters like Connie and Drake were memorable.

    However, while I found the plot exciting, I hoped that the story would differ from the previous ones. At times, the action felt repetitious to the earlier books, where not much progressed in capturing the Master.

    Apart from that, I enjoy this series for the lovely character and romance the author brings into the exciting historical world with supernatural elements. Overall, “Betrayal” is a beautiful addition and my favorite in the series, mainly because of Elizabeth. I look forward to reading the last book, “Defiance.”

     

    The Demon Hunter

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Betrayal (The Demon Hunters #3) by A.S. Fenichel Blog Tour hosted by Pump up your Book Tours.

    Book Tour Schedule: