History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

By Her Own Design: A Novel of Ann Lowe, Fashion Designer to the Social Register Author: Piper Huguley Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks Release Date:  June 7, 2022 Pages: 384 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: The incredible untold story of how Ann Lowe, a Black woman and granddaughter of slaves, rose above personal struggles and racial prejudice to design and create one of America's most famous wedding dresses of all time for Jackie Kennedy.      1953, New York City      Less than a week before the society wedding of the year where Jacqueline Bouvier will marry John F. Kennedy, a pipe bursts at Ann Lowe’s dress shop and ruins eleven dresses, including the expensive wedding dress, a dress that will be judged by thousands. A Black designer who has fought every step of the way, Ann knows this is only one struggle after a lifetime of them. She and her seamstresses will find the way to re-create the dresses. It may take

The Last Princess Author: Shelley Wilson Genre: YA, Historical Fiction Publisher: BHC Press Release Date: May 24, 2022 Pages: 256 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Northumbria, 866 AD      Edith still has much to learn about the art of ruling a kingdom, but when her family is murdered, she's faced with the challenge of staying alive.       As a young woman in Anglo-Saxon England, Edith finds it hard to be heard above the Eldermen who are ripping the kingdom to pieces, but nothing can prepare her for the arrival of the pirates and the Vikings. Torn from her homeland and sold into slavery, she's determined to survive at any cost.       Finding allies in the unexpected and enemies closer to home, Edith clings to her dream of returning home one day to reclaim her throne and to exact revenge on those who harmed her family. My Review: Edith is a princess of Northumbria. She is her father’s chosen heir because her father has no sons. One nig

The Key to Deceit (Electra McDonnell #2) Author: Ashley Weaver Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense Publisher: Minotaur Books Release Date:  June 21, 2022 Pages: 269 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: The second in the Electra McDonnell series from Edgar-nominated author Ashley Weaver, The Key to Deceit , is a delightful World War II mystery filled with spies, murder, romance, and wit.     London, 1940. After years of stealing from the rich and giving to the poor—well, to themselves, anyway—Ellie McDonnell and her family have turned over a new leaf as they help the government’s war effort. It’s true that the straight-laced Major Ramsey didn’t give them much choice, but still, Ellie must admit she doesn’t miss breaking and entering as much as she might have thought. What she does miss is the challenge of unlocking an impossible code and the adrenaline rush that comes from being somewhere she shouldn’t.      So when Major Ramsey turns up

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea Author: Axie Oh Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Feiwel & Friends Pages: 336 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Axie Oh's The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is an enthralling feminist retelling of the classic Korean folktale "The Tale of Shim Cheong," perfect for fans of Wintersong, Uprooted, and Miyazaki’s Spirited Away .      Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering.       Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village―and the beloved of Mina’s older brother

Veil of Winter (Dericott Tale #3) Author: Melanie Dickerson Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Christian Publisher: Thomas Nelson Release Date: June 14, 2022 Pages: 320 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: She’s hounded from every side by treacherous elements and foes, but her greatest enemy lies within.      In the mountains near France, the medieval Princess Elyce is being forced to marry, thus forming an alliance that will enrich her father but enslave her kingdom. Instead, she chooses to feign her death and flee to Prague to beg King Wenceslaus to help save her people.      In England, the young knight Sir Gerard has a vision from God instructing him to help Elyce on her quest. When he arrives to find she has been near death for days, he manages to revive her. However, thinking the stranger was trying to kiss her, the princess immediately distrusts him. But her desperate situation forces her to accept his aid.       Pursued by her enemy’s guards over

The Myrtle Wand by Margaret Porter Publication Date: October 11, 2022 Gallica Press Genre: Historical Fiction Synopsis: The Myrtle Wand , a retelling and a continuation of the classic ballet Giselle, restores original story elements to transform a tale of blighted romances and betrayals into a quest for redemption and restorative love.      Princess Bathilde de Sevreau, her school friend Myrte, and the peasant girl Giselle have heard the legend of the vilis, ghostly maidens who rise from their graves by night to roam the forest, seeking revenge on faithless lovers. Each will fear being ensnared by that spectral sisterhood...      Bathilde, destined for a marriage of convenience with Albin, Duc de Rozel, leaves her ancestral château for the Sun King’s sophisticated and scandalous court. As participants in royal ceremonies and entertainments, the princess and the soldier gradually recognize their deep feelings for each other, as well as mutual hopes for a happy and satisfying unio