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Showing posts from September, 2024

Murder at the Seven Dials (Bow Street Duchess Mystery Series Book #1) By Cara Devlin: A Book Review

Murder at the Seven Dials (Bow Street Duchess Mystery Series Book #1) Author: Cara Devlin Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense, Romance  Publisher: Cara Devlin  Release Date: 2023 Pages: 304 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Synopsis: The romantic historical mystery series readers are devouring begins with Murder at the Seven Dials ...      A murdered opera singer. A duke drenched in her blood. For Bow Street Officer Hugh Marsden, the brutal killing is a straightforward case. Ever since his own exile from polite society, Hugh’s distaste for the ton has grown. Now, an opportunity to take down a peer of the realm has practically fallen into his lap. The only thing standing in his way? Audrey Sinclair, the Duchess of Fournier.       Audrey is certain her husband is wrongly accused, and she’s determined to prove it to the arrogant Bow Street officer, even if she must employ her most peculiar ability—or perhaps curse—to guide her investi

The Granddaughters of Edward III by Kathryn Warner: A Book Review

  The Granddaughters of Edward III Author: Kathryn Warner Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography  Publisher: Pen & Sword History  Release Date: 2023 Pages: 310 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Synopsis: Edward III may be known for his restoration of English kingly authority after the disastrous and mysterious fall of his father, Edward II, and eventual demise of his mother, Queen Isabella. It was Edward III who arguably put England on the map as a military might. This show of power and strength was not simply through developments in government, success in warfare or the establishment of the Order of the Garter, which fused ideals of chivalry and national identity to form camaraderie between king and peerage. The expansion of England as a formidable European powerhouse was also achieved through the traditional lines of political marriages, particularly those of the king of England’s own granddaughters. This is a joint biography of nine of those wo

Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Ravens of Avalon (Avalon #6) by Diana L. Paxson: A Book Review

Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Ravens of Avalon (Avalon #6) Author: Diana L. Paxson Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy  Publisher: Ace  Release Date: 2007 Pages: 416 Source: My State Public Library Synopsis: Marion Zimmer Bradley's beloved Avalon saga continues in 'a fine tribute to Bradley and the real-world triumphs and tragedy of Boudica.' ( Publishers Weekly )      Epic in its sweep and peopled by the remarkable women who have always inhabited Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Ravens of Avalon expands the legendary saga that has enchanted millions of readers over the years and is sure to please Bradley's loyal readership and anyone who loves wonderfully told stories of history, myth, and fantasy.              My Review: Ravens of Avalon is a prequel to Mists of Avalon . In this installment, it tells the story of Queen Boudica. Boudica trains with the priestesses of Avalon. When she is of age, she marries Prasutagus. During their marriage, Boudica and Prasutag

Mademoiselle Eiffel by Aimie K. Runyan: A Book Review

Mademoiselle Eiffel Author: Aimie K. Runyan  Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks  Release Date: September 10, 2024 Pages: 365 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: From the author of The School for German Brides and A Bakery in Paris , this captivating historical novel set in nineteenth-century Paris tells the story of Claire Eiffel, a woman who played a significant role in maintaining her family’s legacy and their iconic contributions to the city of Paris.      Claire Eiffel, the beautiful, brilliant eldest daughter of the illustrious architect Gustave Eiffel, is doted upon with an education envied by many sons of the upper classes, and entirely out of the reach of most daughters. Claire’s idyllic childhood ends abruptly when, at fourteen, her mother passes away. It’s soon made clear that Gustave expects Claire to fill her mother’s place as caregiver to the younger children and as manager of their home.      As she proves h

Katharine, the Wright Sister by Tracey Enerson Wood: A Book Review

  Katharine, the Wright Sister Author: Tracey Enerson Wood Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark Release Date: September 10, 2024 Pages: 448 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: She helped her brothers soar… but was the flight worth the fall?      It all started with two boys and a bicycle shop. Wilbur and Orville Wright, both unsuited to college and disinclined to leave home, jumped on the popular new fad of bicycle riding and opened a shop in Dayton, Ohio. Repairing and selling soon led to tinkering and building as the brothers offered improved models to their eager customers. Amid their success, a new dream began to take shape. Engineers across the world were puzzling over how to build a powered flying machine―and Wilbur and Orville wanted in on the challenge. But their younger sister, Katharine, knew they couldn't do it without her. The three siblings made a pact: the three of them would solve the problem of human

Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Sword of Avalon ( Avalon #7) by Diana L. Paxson: A Book Review

Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Sword of Avalon (Avalon #7) Author: Diana L. Paxson Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Ace Release Date: 2009 Pages: 450 Source: My State Public Library Synopsis: Epic in its sweep and peopled by the remarkable women who have always inhabited Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley's Sword of Avalon expands the legendary saga that has enchanted countless readers over the years and is sure to please Bradley's loyal readership and anyone who loves wonderfully told stories of history, myth, and fantasy.        My Review: Sword of Avalon is a sequel to Ancestors of Avalon . It is also a prequel to Mists of Avalon . Anderle is the Lady of Avalon. She is given a task to save an orphan prince who is destined to be king of Britain. In order to help make him king, she must work with a Greek prince to forge a sword fit for a king. Thus, the Sword of Avalon tells of the origins of Excalibur.     I absolutely adore Anderle! She is a very strong woman!