History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

The Crow Queen (Eagles and Crows #2) Author: Melanie Karsak Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Clockwork Press Release Date: December 5, 2023 Pages: 267 Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: A queen at war.       A love woven by the gods.      The looming shadow of darkness to come.      Britain, AD 38, When destiny crowns Cartimandua queen of the Brigantes, she inherits not just the rule of her ancient tribe but an imminent war. Seeking to take advantage of the upheaval amongst the Brigantes, the Parisii tribe strikes.      Cartimandua’s enemies soon discover the new Brigantes queen wears a crown of thorns and talons. Carti has no time to waste on petty squabbles. The Cailleach whispers of a looming threat from the south. Wielding ruthless strategy and strength, Cartimandua acts quickly to secure her hold on the north before an even worse darkness descends.      But even amongst the shadows, there’s a ray of light. Her n

The Fall of Atlantis Author: Marion Zimmer Bradley Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Baen Release Date: 1987 Pages: 512 Source: Personal Collection  Synopsis: A wounded Atlantean prince...a deadly battle between Dark and Light...and the sisters Deoris and Domaris, whose lives are changed utterly by the magic involving them. These are the elements of The Fall of Atlantis , Marion Zimmer Bradley's epic fantasy about that ancient and legendary realm.      On one side stand the Priests of the White Robe, guardians of powerful natural forces which could threaten the world if misused. Ranged against them are the Black Robes, sorcerers who secretly practice their arts in the labyrinthine caves beneath the very Temple of Light. Caught between are Domaris and Deoris, daughters of the arch-priest Talkannon, trapped in a web of deadly sorcery--the same forbidden sorcery that could bring about the fall of Atlantis.        My Review: The Fall of Atlantis is the first in a prequel s

The Jeweler of Stolen Dreams (Daughters of La Lune #4) Author: M. J. Rose Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal Publisher: Blue Box Press Release Date: 2023 Pages: 352 Source: Netgal;ey/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: A captivating tale of two passionate women separated by decades but united by a shared vision. One, the famous jeweler Suzanne Belperron, fighting to protect her company and rescue the man she loves. The other, a young auctioneer whose exceptional gifts reveal a secret that endangers her very life.      “Only one thing saves you, and that is not losing sight of beauty.”      Paris, 1942. Suzanne Belperron is known as one of the most innovative jewelers of her time. Elsa Schiaparelli and the Duchess of Windsor are just two of her many illustrious clients. What no one knows is that Suzanne and her dear friend, American socialite Dixie Osgood, have been helping transport hundreds of Jewish families out of France since the war began. Bu

  Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl Author: Renee Rosen Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Berkley Release Date: 2023 Pages: 432 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: It’s 1938, and a young woman selling face cream out of a New York City beauty parlor is determined to prove she can have it all. Her name is Estée Lauder, and she’s about to take the world by storm, in this dazzling new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces and Park Avenue Summer .      In New York City, you can disappear into the crowd. At least that’s what Gloria Downing desperately hopes as she tries to reinvent herself after a devastating family scandal. She’s ready for a total life makeover and a friend she can lean on—and into her path walks a young, idealistic woman named Estée. Their chance encounter will change Gloria’s life forever.      Estée dreams of success and becoming a household name like Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein, and Revlon. Before Glori

  Goodnight from Paris Author: Jane Healey Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Lake Union Publishing  Release Date: 2023 Pages: 404 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: In Nazi-occupied France, an American film star takes on the most dangerous role of her life in a gripping novel about loyalty and resistance, inspired by a true story, from the Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Secret Stealers .      Paris, 1939. Hollywood actress Drue Leyton, married to Frenchman Jacques Tartière, lives as an expatriate in love. But when her husband is dispatched to Brittany to work as a liaison for the British military, Drue finds herself alone with her housekeeper, adrift and heartsick in her adopted city. With her career and fame forty-five hundred miles away, Drue accepts an opportunity that will change her life forever.       Befriended by seasoned wartime journalist Dorothy Thompson and urged on by political operative Jean Fraysse, D

The Anarchist’s Wife: A Novella of the 1920s Sacco and Vanzetti Case Author: Margo Laurie Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Calleia Press Release Date: 2022 Pages: 180 Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: In 1920, anarchists Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were accused of a robbery and double murder at a factory in Massachusetts. The case became one of the most notorious miscarriages of justice of the twentieth century.       The Anarchist's Wife is a poignant historical fiction novella which reimagines this American tragedy from the perspective of Rosa Sacco. Her husband was likely innocent of the crime he was accused of, but his possible involvement in anarchist violence was a far murkier question.      My Review: The Anarchist’s Wife tells the story of the Sacco and Vanzetti case from the perspective of Nicola Sacca’s Wife, Rosa Sacco. The story tells of Rosa’s courtship and marriage to Nicola Sacco. Her husband

Mastering the Art of French Murder (An American in Paris Mystery #1) Author: Colleen Cambridge Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense Publisher: Kensington  Release Date: 2023 Pages: 272 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: As Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, recently arrived from Detroit for an extended stay with her French grandfather, is on her own journey of discovery. Paris isn’t just the City of Light; it’s the city of history, romance, stunning architecture . . . and food. Thanks to her neighbor and friend Julia Child, another ex-pat who’s fallen head over heels for Paris, Tabitha is learning how to cook for her Grandpère and Oncle Rafe.      Between tutoring Americans in French, visiting the market, and eagerly sampling the results of Julia’s studies at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Tabitha’s sojourn is proving thoroughly delightful. That is, until the cold December day they return to Julia’s building and learn