Everyone Welcome - Historical Fiction discussion

I'll start this off like this for others:

I am currently reading Tsarina, which is a historical fiction novel about the rise to power of Catherine I of Russia by author Ellen Alpsten.

The Widow Queen

Poland, 984. Duke Mieszko I unites the lands, thus giving the birth to the first ruling dynasty of Poland namely Piast. His oldest son and heir, Boleslaw, wishes to continue his father’s legacy as the first ruler of a united Poland. His daughters are to seal a peace and alliances through marriages as daughters are meant to.

4/5 stars: Vividly imagined novel with ruthless historical figures shaping the map of the 10th century Europe. I found the second half of the story having a bit slower pace than the first half.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Simon wrote: "I'll start this off like this for others:

I am currently reading Tsarina, which is a historical fiction novel about the rise to power of Catherine I of Russia by author [author:Ell..."

I found the second half having a slower pace than the first half. I wonder how you will feel once you're done reading it.

Annette wrote: "Simon wrote: "I'll start this off like this for others:

I am currently reading Tsarina, which is a historical fiction novel about the rise to power of Catherine I of Russia by auth..."

Hey Annette,

So far it's still good, but have semi put it aside (62% done) as I started reading A Fall of Marigolds for my book club for April. Will share some thoughts on both when completed.

Annette wrote: "
The Widow Queen

Poland, 984. Duke Mieszko I unites the lands, thus giving the birth to the first ruling dynasty of Poland namely Piast. His old..."

Sounds intriguing :)

Simon wrote: "Annette wrote: "Simon wrote: "I'll start this off like this for others:

I am currently reading Tsarina, which is a historical fiction novel about the rise to power of Catherine I o..."

Hey Simon,

I haven't read The Fall of Marigolds, but I'm familiar with the author. I've read her two other books and liked them a lot.

Annette wrote: "Simon wrote: "Annette wrote: "Simon wrote: "I'll start this off like this for others:

I am currently reading Tsarina, which is a historical fiction novel about the rise to power of..."

So far it's good - it actually helps that I've been to Ellis Island in NYC, so I can actually relate more to the historical fiction part more compared to just reading a book set in Ellis Island . . .

The Bell in the Lake


A seven-hundred-year-old stave church is being deconstructed in Norway. This is not just a wooden church, but an intricately built artefact with decoratively painted timber walls. Why would you risk the process of transporting this precious cargo to Germany?

Rare gem 100 stars. The blend of the location, its people, customs, myths, their stave church and the legendary church bells all come together like a fairytale, enchanted by the chime of the bells. And with the combination of the warm characters, together create a fascinating story.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Annette wrote: "The Bell in the Lake


A seven-hundred-year-old stave church is being deconstructed in Norway. This is not just a wooden church, but an intr..."

Sounds interesting :) Saw this as a pre-release and caught my attention as one that could be worth reading. Will have to source this one out . . . Thanks!

I finished the novel A Fall of Marigolds

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Fantastic review Simon. I've read two books by this author: As Bright As Heaven and The Nature of Fragile Things. Liked them both. I have this one on my TBR, but as soon as I see that it's dual timeline and one is set in modern times, I have to say no thank you. I'm done with those.

Simon wrote: "Annette wrote: "The Bell in the Lake


A seven-hundred-year-old stave church is being deconstructed in Norway. This is not just a wooden chu..."

By the way, a friend of mine texted me yesterday that she started reading this book and so far is loving it :)

Annette wrote: "Simon wrote: "Annette wrote: "The Bell in the Lake


A seven-hundred-year-old stave church is being deconstructed in Norway. This is not jus..."

I read a little preview of it, but was having a tough time getting into it. Maybe it was because once I am in a book already, my mind doesn't like getting distracted reading wise, or maybe it's one that takes some time :)

Simon, it starts with a story of two sisters and then gets to the "real" story. But I got into it from the beginning. So it could be that it may not be a book for you :)

Annette wrote: "Simon, it starts with a story of two sisters and then gets to the "real" story. But I got into it from the beginning. So it could be that it may not be a book for you :)"

I'll try it again, but maybe. I think when you're already reading one book your mind doesn't like getting distracted with other ones until it's been "completed".

I prefer to read one book at a time.

Annette wrote: "I prefer to read one book at a time."

Me too :) I am finishing up my current read before I started my book club pick, but decided to take a little break from it, and I read my book club pick and now am back to my original read.

Annette wrote: "Fantastic review Simon. I've read two books by this author: As Bright As Heaven and The Nature of Fragile Things. Liked them both. I have this one on my TBR, but as soon as I see that it's dual tim..."

Hi Annette. Now that I think on the book more, most of it is set on Ellis Island, so really even though it's a "dual timeline", most of it's set in the historical time period not so much the present day for the bulk of the novel.

That's good to know, but my library doesn't have this book. So I think I'll just skip it :)

Annette wrote: "That's good to know, but my library doesn't have this book. So I think I'll just skip it :)"

OK :) How was The Nature of Fragile Things? This one sounds interesting due to the fact that it has to do with the 1906 Earthquake in California - a topic I don't know anything about.

It was very good. Highly recommend it.

Annette wrote: "It was very good. Highly recommend it."

Good to know - think now that I am introduced to Susan Meissner, future books will be easier to get into - how interesting that most often takes one book by a new author and other ones by the same person are much easier to transition into :)

hmm...I never felt that way :)

Annette wrote: "hmm...I never felt that way :)"

Well, I would think it is, but then again maybe not . . .

Finished Tsarina

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Great review Simon. In the second part, descriptions were too detailed for me, it slowed the pace. And I so agree on the sexual context. So unnecessary.

Annette wrote: "Great review Simon. In the second part, descriptions were too detailed for me, it slowed the pace. And I so agree on the sexual context. So unnecessary."

Thank you Annette :) I didn't find the historical portions too be too overwhelming (actually helped me learn more Russian history), but yes I found the sexual content just to be a little overdone, and not too necessary in parts, but I don't think that should take away from how good this book is - not bad for a debut :)

I started earlier The Royal Governess, as it sounds quite interesting to me still since last year's release. Historical fiction novel about Marion Crawford, who was Queen Elizabeth II & Princess Margaret Rose's governess . . .

Mr. Dickens and His Carol


3.5 stars: With luminous prose, the story begins with beautiful character development. A character that is warm, likeable, good-hearted and generous among other characteristics. But when he is left alone, he is a lost man searching for something. That something for me wasn’t well-defined in this story. The part of the story that is rooted in fact of financial hardship and how it affects his relation with his family is the most interesting part. The muse part is fictional and for me didn’t work that well.

P.S. Highly recommend this author’s upcoming book Love and Fury about Mary Wollstonecraft.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Ice Swan

Russia, October 1917. As Petrograd is raging with Revolution, nobles are fleeing the city, among them Princess Svetlana Dalsky with her family.

France, 1918. Edwynn MacCallan is a medical officer at English hospital in Paris. He is a second son of Duke of Kilbride. Since his brother will inherit the estate, he finds a profession where he can feel useful.

In Paris, Svetlana as a Russian emigre has to be careful who she can trust. When her cut leg needs tending, Dr. MacCallan pays attention not only to her wound, but also to her beauty and mannerism which suggest she comes from aristocracy.

4 stars: It is written with beautiful prose and an engaging dialogue, combined with atmosphere of suspense created by underlying mystery and intrigue. The deftly plotted story with lush descriptions takes time with revealing the plot.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Annette wrote: "
The Ice Swan

Russia, October 1917. As Petrograd is raging with Revolution, nobles are fleeing the city, among them Princess Svetlana Dalsky with h..."

This one sounds quite interesting - comes out I see July :)

Finished this weekend, the novel The Royal Governess

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Am currently reading Remember Me: A Spanish Civil War Novel

The Great Mistake


What shaped Andrew Haswell Green to become one of the most influential people shaping the map of New York City as we know it today? And what drove another man to murder Green at the age of eighty-three?

4/5 the proceedings of the murder case did not hold my interest, but the character development gives the story an interesting depth, which is the strength of this story.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Forest of Secrets

England, 1586. After weeks on the road investigating a possible treason, Mistress Ursula Stannard is journeying back home with her retinue. She solves mysteries and has the ear of the queen and her council. Upon her arrival home, she has an unexpected guest: Etheldreda Hope, a simple country woman who comes from the New Forest. The vicar in her area wouldn’t listen to Etheldreda, so she thought to turn to Mistress Stannard regarding some strong goings-on in her village. “She thinks these Goings On, whatever they are, could have something to do with Mary Stuart.”

4/5 I found some descriptions of Ursula’s thinking process slowing the pace at times. However, if you are familiar with this series and the character of Ursula, then you may feel differently about this.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Annette wrote: "
Forest of Secrets

England, 1586. After weeks on the road investigating a possible treason, Mistress Ursula Stannard is journeying back home w..."
You read some very good and interesting sounding titles Annette - like me :) Definitely not a lack of content out there reading wise.

Hope I can tackle my 2021 reading challenge & more.

Simon wrote: "Finished this weekend, the novel The Royal Governess

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Am currently reading [book:Remember Me: A Spanish Civil War Novel|488..."

Great review. I have it on my TBR.

Annette wrote: "Simon wrote: "Finished this weekend, the novel The Royal Governess

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Am currently reading [book:Remember Me: A Spanish Civil..."

Thanks Annette! I like the royal family stuff, but this one was interesting as it appears to not be talked about much as to who raised this royal icon we've come to know and appreciate.

Everyone has a beginning story to tell, so was curious to know Queen Elizabeth II's "beginning".

M, King's Bodyguard


Based on a true story, about one detective’s work to preserve the life of his king and prevent an assassination in Edwardian London.

5/5 With brisk prose and great sense of humor, this novel brings an interesting lead character. He has risen from humble beginnings of being a baker in Ireland to being a chief detective. With his natural instinct and valuable experience, he can quickly catch someone spinning a yarn. His work takes readers on a thrilling journey of confronting anarchists, tracking down villains, and solving cases.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Miriam's Song

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. So I’m not familiar with her other Biblical fiction stories for which she is known and praised.

3.5/5 The story has a very strong beginning, but then it becomes obvious it’s a retelling of Moses’ story without any fresh edge to it. It fails to bring a compelling story. I was very much drawn by the character of Hatshepsut and thought she would take integral part in this story as she is the adoptive mother of Moses. But that’s not the case.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Finished Remember Me: A Spanish Civil War Novel

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Started this evening reading Before We Were Yours

I didn't request Remember Me as the style of writing of this author is too drawn-out for me, but the subject is interesting. Highly recommend The Return by Victoria Hislop.

Annette wrote: "I didn't request Remember Me as the style of writing of this author is too drawn-out for me, but the subject is interesting. Highly recommend The Return by Victoria Hislop."

Thanks Annette. Will check it out :)

The Royal Secret


5/5: I'm not one for book series, but I was very much impressed by character development and if you like some thrill of an intriguing plot, the story does culminate in that.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The War Nurse

5/5: This story is concentrated on the work of the nurses and with detailed descriptions it gives a good sense of what it means to be a nurse during WWI and at the time when nursing is not a career path yet. It is textured with historical facts and people that add interesting depth to the story. For example, Rouen is known for production of wool and cotton which the heroine uses to make protective masks when influenza strikes; or appearance of Marie Curie and heroine consulting with the expert on X-rays.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Annette wrote: "
The War Nurse

5/5: This story is concentrated on the work of the nurses and with detailed descriptions it gives a good sense of what it means to ..."

I like that this is a historical fiction novel set in WWI :)

Finished Before We Were Yours

Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Great review Simon. But I got to a point where I don't want to read anymore depressing stories.

A Book of Secrets


The premise of the story is interesting, shedding light on Africans living and working in Tudor England. They married English people and owned property.

3.5/5: I was engaged with the protagonist at first, but then the writing becomes more descriptive and I struggled to stay engaged.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Emily's House

Irish Immigrant Margaret Maher was Emily Dickinson’s maid and confidante. Did Margaret honor Emily’s only wish?

5/5: Written with awe-inspiring prose, peppered with humor and flashed-out heroines. Wonderful depiction of two strong women, one a solitary following her talent, the other restless cherishing her independence, both ahead of their time.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Annette wrote: "Great review Simon. But I got to a point where I don't want to read anymore depressing stories."

Thanks Annette. Yeah parts of the book did tug at my heartstrings, but found the story to be a real eye-opener. Should make for some good discussions at my May book club :)