Tag: Historical Fiction (Page 1 of 5)

BOOK REVIEW: The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe

August 26, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From USA Today bestselling author Joanna Shupe comes a spicy Anastasia story full of secrets and betrayal, set among the glittering streets of New York City's Gilded Age.

In 1880 a baby was stolen from the wealthiest family in America. Though no ransom was ever demanded, the Pendelton family never gave up hope . . . and their reward became the stuff of legend.

After being raised in a children’s asylum, Josie Smith ends up on the streets and quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her singing voice draws crowds on every corner, and she’ll stop at nothing to become famous and travel the world, loved and adored by all. Maybe then she won’t think about the family who gave her away as an infant.

Leo Hardy isn’t afraid to use his charm and wits to make a fast buck, especially with a mother and five siblings to support. When he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman singing on the street, Leo notices her striking resemblance to the infamous missing baby’s mother, Mrs. Thomas Pendelton. The Hardys lost everything thanks to the Pendeltons, and once Leo sees Josie, he seizes the opportunity to settle the score. All he needs to do is pull off the biggest swindle of his career.

As the two are catapulted into Knickerbocker High Society, they grow closer to their goal, as well as to each other. But secrets can only stay hidden for so long. Soon the truth unfolds, and both Josie and Leo must separate what’s real from what’s just gilding.

Review:

The Gilded Heiress was an Anastasia retelling that swirled with lies, secrets, lust, and revenge. With a morally grey male and a female whose happily ever after will have you rooting for her, this historical romance was a quick read. The sexual tension and development of trust and friendship made this book so easy to devour! For me, it should have been an instant hit. But it didn’t matter how much I tried, I couldn’t ever connect to Josie and Leo. And for me to truly enjoy and fall for a book, I desperately need that connection. My heart was so sad I wasn’t able to. So while this one didn’t work for me, I have a feeling so many others will fall in love with this story!

He seemed almost magical in that moment, a guardian angel who’d dropped out of the sky to help me achieve my dreams. He leaned closer, still holding on to my hand. “You and me, Josie? I guarantee we’ll make headlines together.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang

October 4, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Her beauty hides a deadly purpose.

Xishi’s beauty is seen as a blessing to the villagers of Yue―convinced that the best fate for a girl is to marry well and support her family. When Xishi draws the attention of the famous young military advisor, Fanli, he presents her with a rare opportunity: to use her beauty as a weapon. One that could topple the rival neighboring kingdom of Wu, improve the lives of her people, and avenge her sister’s murder. All she has to do is infiltrate the enemy palace as a spy, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within.

Trained by Fanli in everything from classical instruments to concealing emotion, Xishi hones her beauty into the perfect blade. But she knows Fanli can see through every deception she masters, the attraction between them burning away any falsehoods.

Once inside the enemy palace, Xishi finds herself under the hungry gaze of the king’s advisors while the king himself shows her great affection. Despite his gentleness, a brutality lurks and Xishi knows she can never let her guard down. But the higher Xishi climbs in the Wu court, the farther she and Fanli have to fall―and if she is unmasked as a traitor, she will bring both kingdoms down.

Review:

A Song to Drown Rivers was not for me. All of the elements were there…a heroine we could root for, a kingdom we wanted to see thrive, a hero we would fall for, political intrigue, and a retelling that would hold us in the palm of its hand. Yet none of it worked for me. I wasn’t able to connect to any of the characters. I didn’t find myself rooting for anyone. The political intrigue didn’t keep me interested. And so many things felt glossed over, since this book spanned a few years yet was a relatively short story. But the ending? That was the final reason why this book didn’t work for me and I closed the story so disappointed. Below are a few more of my thoughts….

This was not a romance. If you believe that romances can end without a HEA or HFN, then we definitely have differing views of how we want a romance novel to end. Yes there was some instalove within the pages. But once you get to the ending, you’ll see why I was left broken hearted. Yes there was something in those last few paragraphs, but that wasn’t near enough.

This was not a fantasy. It read more as a historical fiction. And while there were some paranormal elements towards the end of the book, that’s it.

How was it believable that she was a concubine for two years? I really struggled with this point. The most they did was share a few kisses and slept next to each other, but never did anything. Maybe if this was aged as a younger young adult novel, then it would have seemed feasible? But that’s not the case here.

The story felt like it could have been set anywhere. As someone who was excited to immerse myself into a legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, I felt like the story could have easily been set in countless places across the world. It was missing the richness and depth I was looking for.

And lastly, what was the point of the issues with her heart? As someone with a heart ailment, this didn’t sit well with me. Was it just anxiety? We never got any answers, and then after a while the issue seemed to just fade away from the pages.

So sadly, I don’t recommend this book. I seem to be in the alone category though. Maybe if this was marketed as a historical fiction and not a romantasy I would have gone in with a better mindset? But even still, that ending just left me feeling wrong. I need a HEA or HFN when I close the pages, and if I would have known in advance that it was sorely lacking, I wouldn’t have picked up this book.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer

June 18, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

BOOK REVIEW: The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In 1942, Europe remains in the relentless grip of war. Just beyond the tents of the refugee camp she calls home, a young woman speaks her wedding vows. It’s a decision that will alter her destiny…and it’s a lie that will remain buried until the next century.

Since she was nine years old, Alina Dziak knew she would marry her best friend, Tomasz. Now fifteen and engaged, Alina is unconcerned by reports of Nazi soldiers at the Polish border, believing her neighbors that they pose no real threat, and dreams instead of the day Tomasz returns from college in Warsaw so they can be married. But little by little, injustice by brutal injustice, the Nazi occupation takes hold, and Alina’s tiny rural village, its families, are divided by fear and hate.

Then, as the fabric of their lives is slowly picked apart, Tomasz disappears. Where Alina used to measure time between visits from her beloved, now she measures the spaces between hope and despair, waiting for word from Tomasz and avoiding the attentions of the soldiers who patrol her parents’ farm. But for now, even deafening silence is preferable to grief.

Review:

The Things We Cannot Say was an emotional powerhouse that intertwined the past and the present. I listened to the audiobook, and it was phenomenally done. Both narrators made you feel every part of this story, and whisked you away into the lives of these two brave women. I can’t wait to see what Rimmer releases next!

It costs our ancestors too damned much for us to have this life – the best thing we can do to honor them is to live it to its fullest.

Alina Dziak lived in Poland, and her story seeped into my heart so effortlessly. She saw the world beautifully, and while she could be naïve at times, her rosy colored glasses started to color over as the story unfolded. As the Nazi soldiers slowly started to occupy her town, life changed. And what felt like carefree moments started to be filled with moments that would cause terror to pool in my stomach. We watched as their lives drastically changed. The conditions they were put in were horrific and gut wrenching. The consequences they faced were beyond unthinkable. Life could never be the same, and so many they loved died from the hands of monsters.

“Life doesn’t work that way, Alina. Hatred spreads – it doesn’t burn out with time. Someone needs to stand up and stop it.”

We alternated between Alina and Alice, with Alice being from the present. She was married with two kids, and her Grandma was in the hospital from a stroke. She seemed to be drowning in her life at times. The tension between her and others was acute…..I’m not saying more than that, other than watching her grow from that first page to the last was a journey! I was so proud of the woman Alice became in those final chapters. I loved watching her find her place, her happiness, and not being afraid to use her words to convey what she wanted. I was cheering her on every step of the way!

“We are meant to be together,” he whispered, trailing his finger down the side of my face. “We were made for each other, and everything else in the world will just have to figure itself out because we are going to be together. I love you.”

With the last third of the story, I couldn’t stop crying. Especially when something clicked, then the sobs were hysterical. And I kept crying while listening to this book for the next hour, on and off. There were tears of heartache, tears of healing, and so many more too. So make sure you have all the tissues next to you, because they are definitely needed. Alina’s story was powerful, and a must read! This is one of those books that will stick with you for years to come. The history will settle itself into your heart, and you’ll feel every emotion and plight these characters felt too. This is a must read if you are a historical fiction lover!

BOOK REVIEW: Tomorrow is for the Brave by Kelly Bowen

May 15, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Tomorrow is for the Brave by Kelly Bowen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Based on true events, Tomorrow Is for the Brave is a gripping World War II page‑turner about a courageous woman who risks it all for what is right—perfect for fans of Natasha Lester and Kristen Harmel.

1939, France: Lavish parties, fast cars, and a closet full of the latest fashion—to the average eye, socialite Violet St. Croix seemingly has it all. But what she truly wants is a life full of meaning and purpose. So when France falls to Germany, Violet defies her parents’ wishes and joins the war effort. With her impeccable skill for driving under pressure, she is soon sent to North Africa to shepherd French Foreign Legion officers carrying valuable intelligence through dangerous territory.

But as the Allies encounter one mishap after another, Violet becomes convinced there is a spy in their ranks. And when her commanding officer is murdered, Violet realizes she might be the only one who can uncover the traitor and save the lives of countless soldiers on the front lines. Convincing others to believe her is difficult enough. Finding someone she can trust just might be impossible.

Review:

Tomorrow is for the Brave was a WWII story that will capture your heart. With danger at so many turns, a little bit of romance in the pages, and friendship that will warm your heart, I adored this book! This is my first by Kelly Bowen, and I definitely will be reading more books by this author!

You won’t last a day. Tino’s last words rang just as sharply in her head.

While it took me till chapter 5 to click with this story, once I did, I didn’t want to put this book down till that final page! I didn’t like Violet’s fiancé, Tino. Or her family either. Tino was controlling, grumpy, boring, and he invoked a lot of anger towards him. With the brink of war on their doorsteps, Violet wanted to help and volunteer with the Red Cross. Yet Tino and her father forbade it. But sometimes you have to go with your gut, and I love that Violet did just that!

George linked her arm through Violet’s. “There is a reason we chose to do this together . To come here together. None of this is easy. But having a friend makes the truly hard things bearable. Having you here has made these months away from home bearable.”
Violet heard the slight catch in George’s voice.

Violet was tenacious, brave, and someone that many will remember for their lifetime and beyond! I loved the historical note at the end of this story, that spoke of how Violet St. Croix was inspired by real life Susan Travers and what her experience was! From the moment that Violet signed up with the Red Cross, her entire future changed. I loved how she created independence for herself. I love that how led to her driving an ambulance. Violet was a woman who took charge of a situation, and I was just there gripping the pages having to know what happened next. While fear and horror leaped from the pages.

The first bomb fell somewhere behind them, a dull, crumping noise that ignited the darkness and shook the ambulance. George gripped the side of the ambulance door, and Violet gritted her teeth but didn’t slow.

On top of Violet, I loved her best friend, George. She was true, kindhearted, and the friendship she forged with Violet was beautiful. And besides George, I couldn’t help but love Henri. The animosity between Violet and Henry was done so fabulously! Their banter was smile inducing and fun! So, the moments where Henri listing 5 things about Violet, the book, dancing, and so much more…oh I was a goner. I loved Henri! Yet Henri and Violet were in such dangerous situations. There were no guarantees, and I was so nervous that they could just survive to that next day.

“Henri.” Violet finally stood. “We’ll survive this. We’ve come too far.”
“No matter what happens, I’ll be with you out there. You might not see me, but I’ve got your back. That I promise.”
“I know.” She reached up and touched the side of his face. “And I’ve got yours.”

This book made me scream out loud. I was terrified for Violet in a certain scene! Yet hold tightly onto all your hope, because there is an epilogue that is set in the future. And I closed this book with a smile on my face. Also, there was a mystery. We got a few chapters sprinkled here and there with a spy’s POV. It ended up being my secondary guess, and that’s all I’m saying! So good luck trying to figure it out! And I can’t recommend this book enough for those that love historical fiction with a sprinkling of romance!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Rise of the Snake Goddess (Samantha Knox #2) by Jenny Elder Moke

June 15, 2022 / Jen / 2 Comments

I'm so excited to be on the Rise of the Snake Goddess tour! Check out my review below and enter a fabulous giveaway! Enjoy♥

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Rise of the Snake Goddess (Samantha Knox #2) by Jenny Elder Moke

Rise of the Snake Goddess (Samantha Knox #2)
by Jenny Elder Moke
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The beautiful island of Crete, an archaeological find for the ages, and one seriously pissed-off Greek goddess. It’s just another day for Samantha Knox.

After being snubbed by her college’s archaeology department for an honor she rightfully earned, Sam is hell-bent on proving her worth to her misogynistic department head. So when an opportunity presents itself to solve the hidden meaning behind a symbol found inside a cave in Greece, Sam is all over it, and she’s bringing Bennett and Jo with her for the cross-Atlantic trip. Once on the island of Crete, Sam finds a treasure she never expected―the golden girdle of an ancient and powerful goddess, and she can’t resist its siren call, or the accolades she would win for discovering it. But before she can take credit for the find, the girdle is stolen and the island is hit with a series of earthquakes that don’t feel quite coincidental.

Soon Sam, Bennett, and Jo are embroiled in a wild hunt―one that takes them to tiny island shops, a glamorous high-stakes auction, and a fiery near-death experience―to find the girdle before someone can use it to raise the ancient goddess from her slumber. An unexpected heist, a terrifying trek through a labyrinth, and a fight to the death with the Minotaur itself lead to a final standoff she and her friends won’t soon forget―one that might just break up Sam and Bennett for good.

Set against the gorgeous backdrop and ancient ruins of the Greek islands, the pulse-pounding action in this twisting mystery will appeal to action-adventure fans, romance die-hards, and mythology buffs alike.

Review:

Rise of the Snake Goddess was an action packed adventure! With mythology, treasure hunts and even a goddess, this book was a lot of fun. Fans of National Treasure and The Mummy should have a blast reading this book!

“Isn’t that what drew us to this course of study in the first place? The promise of a discovery that would change the world?”
“Last time we discovered something, it nearly ended the world,” Bennett pointed out.
“Are you going to let that keep you from ever seeking adventure again?” Sam asked.

Our favorites Sam, Jo, and Bennett were together at college. When they intercepted a letter for Bennett’s professor, who we met in Curse of the Specter Queen, it led them on an adventure of a lifetime. They ended up of traveling to Crete, yet not everything was at it seemed. Caves, treasure hunters, relics, mythology and puzzles filled the story making this a fascinating read!

“It’s a secret passage,” she breathed in wonder.

The characters made this story for me! Jo continued to crack me up with her antics and do what she wanted to do attitude. I loved how she could be so clever! But most of all I loved her and Sam’s mended friendship and how they worked together as a team. They were the truest of best friends! Sam continued to impress me with her ability to not quit and her wits! Sam was so clever and smart, the adventure she led us on was one I won’t forget!

“Just once in this whole business, Bennett, I do wish you’d understand what I’m trying to do. I wish you’d understand me.”
Bennett looked down in surprise. “Why do you think I don’t understand you?”
“Because if you did, you’d help me, instead of constantly trying to stop me.”

Shockingly I felt like Bennett was the one who needed to grow the most in this story. He always tried to see the best in others. And while that was an admirable trait, it also led him to put that trust in others blindly that didn’t deserve it. I was so happy to see how far he had come from that first page to the last. Plus I loved seeing how much he cared for Sam and his sister, and the lengths he would go to to protect them.

These walls weren’t built to keep something out; they were built to keep something in.

The cast also included characters I absolutely loathed like Theo and one of the other professors, Professor Atchinson. There were others who I didn’t know if we should trust or not. It kept me guessing and I loved that each one stood out and felt unique. Finishing that last page, I felt like the message in this book was only you can find your true self-worth. You can’t let it be dictated by others and their expectations of you. Only you can forge your own path and love yourself truly. I was so happy that Sam, Bennett and even Jo encompassed those feelings on their journey!

The Snake Goddess had risen.

Stories were told, lies were spun and Sam, Jo and Bennett did everything possible to keep themselves not only out of trouble but alive too! There was a secret that came out from the first book that left me dying laughing! It was so perfect lol! So with a smidgen of romance and a ton of adventure, Rise of the Snake Goddess was a story not to be missed!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Find it:
Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

About Jenny Elder Moke:

Jenny Elder Moke writes young adult fiction in an attempt to recapture the shining infinity of youth. Her debut novel, Hood, was a Junior Library Guild Selection, a Mayor’s Book Club selection, and received critical acclaim.

When she is not writing, she’s gathering story ideas from her daily adventures with her two irredeemable rapscallions and honing her ninja skills as a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Jenny lives in Denver, CO with her husband and two children.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Giveaway:

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Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/1/2022	YABooksCentral	Excerpt
6/2/2022	@simplybeccamee	IG Review
6/3/2022	Just Another Teen Reading Books	Review/IG Post
6/4/2022	Review Thick And Thin	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

6/5/2022	A Court of Coffee and Books	Review/IG Post
6/6/2022	Karen Dee’s Book Reviews	Review/IG Post
6/7/2022	Book-Keeping	Review/IG Post
6/8/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
6/9/2022	Lisa Loves Literature	Review/IG Post
6/10/2022	@wraithreads	TikTok Review/IG Post
6/11/2022	DB’S Guide to the Galaxy	Review

Week Three:

6/12/2022	@drewsim12	IG Review/TikTiok Review
6/13/2022	Read With Serena	Review/IG Post
6/14/2022	@ReadsReaders	YouTube Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/15/2022	Star-Crossed Book Blog	Review/IG Post
6/16/2022	popthebutterfly	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/17/2022	Fire and Ice	Review/IG Post
6/18/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/IG Post

Week Four:

6/19/2022	beersbooksandboos	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/20/2022	The Real World According To Sam	Review/IG Post
6/21/2022	@jacleomik33 The Page Ladies	IG Post Review
6/22/2022	The Reading Devil	Review/IG Post
6/23/2022	Emmiepooh2	IG Review
6/24/2022	The Girl Who Reads	Review/IG Post
6/25/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review

Week Five:

6/26/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
6/27/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
6/28/2022	BookBriefs	Review/IG Post
6/29/2022	Library of Alexandria Archives	Review/IG Post
6/30/2022	onemused	Review/IG Post