DNF at 50% I had high hopes for Ribbons of Scarlet, an ambitious novel about seven women pivotal to the French Revolution. With six celebrated authors contributing, I expected a richly layered tale of courage, sacrifice, and upheaval. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet my expectations. This historical novel unites seven real women from all walks of life, including aristocratic Sophie de Grouchy, fruit-seller Louise Audu, pious Princess Élisabeth, and determined Charlotte Corday. Each one fights for her beliefs—Sophie educates peasants, Louise storms Versailles, and Charlotte seeks to rid the Republic of bloodshed. Their stories intersect in intriguing ways as the revolution intensifies, from gilded salons to the crowded streets. While the […]
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Faith, Family, and Finding Oneself in 1967 Alabama
3.5 rounded up Untethered is a thought-provoking exploration of faith, duty, and self-discovery set against the backdrop of a racially tense 1967 Alabama. Katia Daniels, the protagonist, has dedicated her life to caring for others—first her family, and now the boys at the Pike County Group Home. Her struggles with love, loss, and a deeply rooted sense of obligation unfold in a story filled with emotional depth and historical context. While I appreciated the book’s focus on faith and its examination of trauma, I had trouble fully connecting with the characters and the narrative. The writing sometimes felt awkward, and the story lacked cohesion, which made it hard to stay […]
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Secrets, Skeletons, and Supernatural Twists in The Last Daughter of York
3.5 stars For 11 years, her twin sister Caitlin’s disappearance has haunted Serena Warren. The discovery of Caitlin’s bones in an untouched 18th-century church vault thrusts Serena into a tangled web of family secrets, historical mysteries, and a relic with otherworldly power. Add in the Wars of the Roses, the Princes in the Tower, and a dash of paranormal intrigue, and you’ve got Nicola Cornick’s The Last Daughter of York. This dual-timeline novel spans centuries, weaving the stories of Serena in the present and Anne Lovell in the 15th century. Francis and Anne’s tale of loyalty and loss during the fall of Richard III is rich with drama, but Serena’s […]
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Revenge and Redemption in Ancient Egypt
Wilbur Smith, the legendary master of historical adventure, immerses readers in ancient Egypt with The New Kingdom. Known for his vivid storytelling, Smith’s novels span continents and eras, and this book certainly adds to his impressive legacy. Hui, a young scribe, sees his life shattered when betrayal and murder tear his family apart. Cast out by a conniving stepmother and brother, Hui’s journey takes him from the comforts of Lahun to the harsh realities of exile. Along the way, he joins the Hyksos—a formidable army of outlaws—and transforms into a fierce warrior. His quest for vengeance becomes intertwined with the fate of Egypt itself, as gods and mortals collide in […]
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Eliza Hamilton’s Untold Story of Love, Loss, and Legacy
4.5 stars. Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie’s retelling of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton’s life in My Dear Hamilton is rich with historical detail and vibrant prose. They bring Eliza to life not just as Alexander Hamilton’s wife, but as an influential figure who helped shape a nation. Through extensive research, including thousands of letters, they explore Eliza’s journey from spirited young woman to the grieving widow of a flawed yet brilliant man. Eliza’s fierce love for her country and her complex relationship with Hamilton lie at the book’s heart, and her character shines against the backdrop of a nation struggling to find its footing. The story is episodic, immersing readers in […]
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A Tale of Freedom, Friendship, and Bravery in Pre-Civil War Philadelphia
All We Were Promised transports readers to 1837 Philadelphia, where three young Black women—Charlotte, Nell, and Evie—struggle against societal constraints and personal secrets. Charlotte, who recently escaped slavery, lives as a servant to her white-passing father in a city she thought would guarantee her freedom. Nell, from a wealthy, freeborn Black family, is passionate about the abolitionist cause and introduces Charlotte to the movement. Their paths intersect with Evie, Charlotte’s old friend, who remains enslaved and longs for escape. The story delves into the meaning of freedom, both physical and emotional, as each woman seeks a better future in a city simmering with racial unrest and anti-abolitionist sentiment. Lattimore enriches […]
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A Riveting Return to Connilyn Cossette’s King’s Men Series
“We serve the God who spoke the universe into existence. The God who split the sea to rescue his people. The God who conquered death with an empty tomb. There is nothing at all that he cannot do. So keep your eyes on the Lord, my friend, for he is at your right hand. Do not be shaken” (Psalm 16: 8).—Connilyn Cossette, Shield of the Mighty. 4.5 rounded up to 5.Connilyn Cossette’s latest addition to the King’s Men series delivers a powerful story of love, loyalty, and redemption set in ancient Israel. Zevi, a seasoned captain in King Saul’s army, returns to his hometown of Maresha on a mission to […]
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The Soaring Journey of Bessie Coleman
Carole Hopson’s debut novel takes readers on a breathtaking journey through the life of Bessie Coleman, a pioneering aviatrix who pursued freedom in the skies when such aspirations were daunting for a Black woman. Set in early 20th-century America, this riveting tale spans from Texas cotton fields to the heights of European skies, exploring themes of perseverance and identity. Hopson’s vivid storytelling brings to life young Bessie’s first glimpse of an airplane, sparking her relentless drive to fly. Despite societal norms and racial barriers, Bessie’s determination leads her from Chicago’s segregated streets to France’s flight schools. The depth of Hopson’s research enriches the story, particularly through Bessie’s relationships with supporters […]
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A Tale of Mystery and History in the Winding Stair Mountains
Lisa Wingate’s latest novel, Shelterwood, weaves an interesting dual narrative set in the Winding Stair Mountains of Oklahoma, exploring the dark legacy of missing children across a century. In 1990, the remains of three young girls are uncovered in the newly created Horsethief Trail National Park, thrusting park ranger Valerie Boren-Odell, a grieving widow, into a mystery. Despite her boss’s reluctance to investigate, Valerie is determined to uncover the truth, aided by Choctaw tribal police officer Curtis Enhoe. Their investigation soon deepens with the discovery of a teenage boy’s disappearance and an unidentified man’s corpse, linking past and present tragedies. Parallel to this, the story flashes back to 1909, when […]
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A Lush Tale of Inheritance, Love, and Family Secrets
If you think your family is dysfunctional, wait until you dive into These Tangled Vines, a captivating tale of inheritance and identity set in the heart of the Italian wine country. This novel masterfully blends heartache and hope as Fiona Bell uncovers a life-altering secret: her biological father isn’t the man who raised her but a wealthy vineyard owner in Italy. When she learns he has passed away and left her in his will, Fiona travels to Tuscany, where she uncovers hidden parts of her family’s history. The narrative alternates between Fiona’s present-day journey and the forbidden romance between her parents, gradually revealing decades-old secrets that have shaped their lives—and […]
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