History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

The Night Ends With Fire Author: K. X. Song Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Ace Book Release Date: 2024 Pages: 430 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Infused with magic and romance, this sweeping fantasy adventure inspired by the legend of Mulan follows a young woman determined to choose her own destiny—even if that means going against everyone she loves.       The Three Kingdoms are at war, but Meilin’s father refuses to answer the imperial draft. Trapped by his opium addiction, he plans to sell Meilin for her dowry. But when Meilin discovers her husband-to-be is another violent, ill-tempered man, she realizes that nothing will change for her unless she takes matters into her own hands.       The very next day, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in her father’s place.        In the army, Meilin's relentless hard work brings her recogn...

Single Girls Author: John Searles Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Mariner Books Book Release Date: July 7, 2026 Pages: 376 Source: This book was given to me by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: An infectious and utterly charming fictionalization of the iconic Helen Gurley Brown’s early years at the helm of Cosmopolitan , and the intrepid group of women she took under her wing to create one of the most talked about magazines of all time.        In 1965, Helen Gurley Brown, a soft spoken, self-professed “mouseburger,” is fresh off the runaway success of her book Sex and the Single Girl , a revolutionary call to single women urging them not to rush into marriage on anyone’s timeline but their own, and, even more radically, to enjoy their sex lives, gloriously free of shame. Upon the book’s publication, half the country is outraged (her mother, for one, hates it), and the other half will follow her anywhere. Moved by the thousa...

      Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing author, Lisa K. Winkler. She is the author of Gershwin's Bess , which is a biographical novel of African American opera singer, Anne Brown, who originated the role of Bess in George Gershwin's opera, Porgy and Bess . In this interview, we discussed why Anne Brown is a trailblazing figure. We also discussed opera, especially on how there is a large disparity of African American opera singers and on whether opera is a dying art. Thank you, Mrs. Winkler! What inspired you to write  Gershwin’s Bess ? Gershwin’s Bess began life as a short play I wrote for 365 Women’s Play Writing. https://365womenayear.wordpress.com/about-project-365/ .  I had written two plays and was looking for inspiration for my next play. The site has a data base of women who hadn’t yet been written about and I started googling. The names were listed in alphabetical order by first name. Anne Wiggins Brown caught my attention. I immediately began ...

Gershwin’s Bess Author: Lisa K. Winkler Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Atmosphere Press Book Release Date: June 9, 2026 Pages: 328 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: From Baltimore to New York City, soprano Anne Wiggins Brown refuses to be silenced. Encouraged by her mother and undeterred by a father who insists on “sensible” ambitions, Anne pursues her passion for opera amid heartbreak, prejudice, and the trials of the world in the late 1920s–1930s.        In Gershwin’s Bess , Anne perseveres and navigates the competitive world of Juilliard, a failed marriage, and the racism that denies her access to traditional stages. George Gershwin’s plans to write an opera starring all “Negroes” present an opportunity she can’t afford to lose. From her first audition to opening night two years later, she becomes an integral part in the creative process, singing melodies and lyrics as Gershwin writes them. When Anne lands...

      Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing debut author, Ms. Amanda Connolly. She is the author of the recently released novel, The Lure of Wolves and Whispers . It is the first novel in a planned trilogy titled The Martyred Isle . This trilogy is set in a fantastical version of medieval Ireland and is heavily inspired by Irish mythology. In this interview, we discussed her inspiration that led to her writing, The Lure of Wolves and Whispers . She also tells us what we can expect from the next two future installments in The Martyred Island  trilogy. Thank you Ms. Connolly! (Photo Credit: Rob Lloyd Photography) What inspired you to write The Lure of Wolves and Whispers ? There are so many elements that shaped, and continue to shape, this story and series. Chief among them is my love for Irish folklore and history, especially my fascination with the legend of St Patrick and how he came to be known for banishing the snakes from Ireland – when there never were any ...