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The Hapless Milliner (Miss Austen Investigates #1) by Jessica Bull: A Book Review

The Hapless Milliner (Miss Austen Investigates #1) Author: Jessica Bull Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense Publisher: Union Square & Co. Book Release Date: 2024 Pages: 364 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: A witty, engaging murder mystery featuring Jane Austen as an intrepid amateur sleuth—the first in a series.         Jane Austen—sparkling, spirited, and incredibly clever—is suddenly thrust into a mystery when a milliner’s dead body is found locked inside a cupboard in the middle of a ball. When Jane’s brother Georgy is found with some jewelry belonging to the deceased, the local officials see it as an open-and-shut case: one which is likely to end with his death. Jane is certain that he is innocent, and there is more to the murder than meets the eye. Her investigations send her on a journey through local society, as Jane’s suspect list keeps on growing— and her keen observational skills ...
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American Daughters by Piper Huguley: A Book Review

American Daughters Author: Piper Huguley Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks Book Release Date: 2024 Pages: 356 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: In the vein of America’s First Daughter , Piper Huguley’s historical novel delves into the remarkable friendship of Portia Washington and Alice Roosevelt, the daughters of educator Booker T. Washington and President Teddy Roosevelt.       At the turn of the twentieth century, in a time of great change, two women—separated by societal status and culture but bound by their expected roles as the daughters of famed statesmen—forged a lifelong friendship.        Portia Washington’s father Booker T. Washington was formerly enslaved and spent his life championing the empowerment of Black Americans through his school, known popularly as Tuskegee Institute, as well as his political connections. Dedicated to her father’s valu...

The Third Wife of Faraday House by B. R. Myers: A Book Review

The Third Wife of Faraday House  Author: B. R. Myers Genre: Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Romance Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks Book Release Date: 2024 Pages: 348 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis:   Two brides band together to unravel the secrets at the heart of a crumbling island manor in this delicious love letter to gothic fiction from the award-winning author of A Dreadful Splendor .         'Til death do us part…         November 1816: Restless but naive Emeline Fitzpatrick is desperate to escape her stifling life in foggy Halifax. Her guardian is lining up repugnant suitors, but Emeline has her eyes set on a lieutenant in the British Navy. She just needs to persuade him to propose, or her one chance at happiness will be gone forever.      But when Emeline’s hopes end in scandal, she finds herself with only one suitor left...

Masquerade by O. O. Sangyomi: A Book Review

Masquerade  Author: O. O. Sangoyomi Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Forge Books Book Release Date: 2024 Pages: 343 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Set in a wonderfully reimagined 15th century West Africa, Masquerade is a dazzling, lyrical tale exploring the true cost of one woman’s fight for freedom and self-discovery, and the lengths she’ll go to secure her future.         Ã’dòdó’s hometown of Timbuktu has been conquered by the warrior king of Yorùbáland, and living conditions for the women in her blacksmith guild, who were already shunned as social pariahs, grow even worse.          Then Ã’dòdó is abducted. She is whisked across the Sahara to the capital city of Ṣàngótẹ̀, where she is shocked to discover that her kidnapper is none other than the vagrant who had visited her guild just days prior. But now that he is swathed in riches rather than rags, Ã’d...

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish (Hecate Cavendish #1) by Paula Brackston: A Book Review

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish (Hecate Cavendish #1) Author: Paula Brackston Genre: Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Fantasy Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Book Release Date: 2024 Pages: 359 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish is book one in New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston's new, magic-infused series about Hecate Cavendish, an eccentric and feisty young woman who can see ghosts.          England, 1881. Hereford cathedral stands sentinel over the city, keeping its secrets, holding long forgotten souls in its stony embrace. Hecate Cavendish speeds through the cobbled streets on her bicycle, skirts hitched daringly high, heading for her new life as Assistant Librarian. But this is no ordinary collection of books. The cathedral houses an ancient chained library, wisdom guarded for centuries, mysteries and stories locked onto its worn, humble shelves. The mos...

A Murder Most French (American in Paris Mystery #2) by Colleen Cambridge: A Book Review

A Murder Most French (American in Paris Mystery #2) Author: Colleen Cambridge Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense Publisher: Kensington Books  Publication Date: 2024 Pages: 275 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review  Synopsis: Postwar Paris is surging back to life, and its citizens are seizing every opportunity to raise a glass or share a delicious meal. But as American ex-pat Tabitha Knight and chef-in-training Julia Child discover, celebrations can quickly go awry when someone has murder in mind . . .       The graceful domes of Sacré Coeur, the imposing cathedral of Notre Dame, the breathtaking Tour Eiffel . . . Paris is overflowing with stunning architecture. Yet for Tabitha Knight, the humble building that houses the Cordon Bleu cooking school, where her friend Julia studies, is just as notable. Tabitha is always happy to sample Julia’s latest creation and try to recreate dishes for her Grand-père and Oncle...

The Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah's Wife by Jill Eileen Smith: A Book Review

The Ark and the Dove: The Story of Noah’s Wife Author: Jill Eileen Smith Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian, Biblical Fiction Publisher: Revell Book Release Date: 2024 Pages: 328 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Zara and Noah have walked together with the Creator for their entire lives, and they have done their best in an increasingly wicked and defiant world to raise their three sons to follow in their footsteps. It has been a challenge--and it's about to get much, much harder.        When the Creator tells her husband to build an ark to escape the coming wrath against the sins of humankind, Zara steps out with him in faith. But the derision and sabotage directed their way from both friends and extended family are difficult to bear, as is knowing that everyone she interacts with beyond her husband, her sons, and their wives is doomed to destruction. And when the ark is finally finished and the animals have bee...