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Book Reviews

book cover image Gallows Wake

Gallows Wake by Helen Hollick, Book Review

Hollick is known for her highly entertaining pirate tales that combine spellbinding storytelling with finely researched nautical history. Gallows Wake, 6th in her series, delivers abundantly on that promise. I hope you enjoy my review.

book cover image Heir of Uncertain Magic

Heir of Uncertain Magic, Book Review

A setting in Victorian Boston and a nearby island, an endearing romance, and an intriguing magical system. I thoroughly enjoyed Charlie Holmberg’s Heir of Uncertain Magic. If that sounds fun to you also, here’s my review.

Book cover image Carnivale of Curiosities

The Carnivale of Curiosities, Book Review

With atmospherically rich effect, Amiee Gibbs’s The Carnivale of Curiosities combines gothic Victorian historical with dark fantasy. She intertwines themes of constructed family, freaks, and the reality of magic. I hope you enjoy my review.

book cover image of Horses of Fire

Horses of Fire: A Novel of Troy, Book Review

Like many of the recent Troy books, this latest, Horses of Fire, focuses on women. It consciously departs from Homeric tradition and historical accuracy in ways that may please readers or irritate them. Have a look at my review.

Book Cover Becoming Madame Secretary

Cover Reveal for Becoming Madame Secretary

Join me in celebrating the cover reveal for Stephanie Dray’s upcoming novel, Becoming Madame Secretary. Whether she’s bringing to life Cleopatra’s daughter or Jefferson’s, she’s an outstanding writer of historical fiction. Take a peek at what she’s done with Frances Perkins.

book cover image The Cliff's Edge

Review of The Cliff’s Edge by Charles Todd

Thirteen may be an unlucky number, but not with the thirteenth book in the Bess Crawford series. I’ve consistently enjoyed this mystery series. Set in 1919 postwar England, The Cliff’s Edge skillfully interweaves several intriguing elements: the long shadow of WWI, English village life just after the war, old hatreds, and a twisty plot. I hope you enjoy my review.

book cover image Duke at the Door

Review of A Duke at the Door, by Susanne Allen

My review of a sub-genre of historical fiction that I don’t usually read. From the bare-chested cover and the mention of a duke in the title, you may have guessed this is Regency romance, but with a shapeshifter fantasy twist. A light and humorous read for fun.