History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

      Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing, Ms. Carolyn Marie Wilkins. She is the author of the  Psychics and Soul Food Mystery series. Her first novel, The Murder at the Wham Bam Club , features a psychic named Nola Jackson as an amateur sleuth. Her sequel,  Let the Murderer Say Amen , has just recently been released. In this interview, we discussed her inspiration that led her to writing Let the Murderer Say Amen . We also discussed why she decided for Nola to have psychic abilities as well as her love for the mystery genre. Thank you, Ms. Wilkins! (Photo Credit: Sally Cooper) What inspired you to write the Psychics and Soul Food Mystery series? I am a practicing psychic medium.  I talk to the dead, read Tarot cards and attend seances, so this book was a natural for me.   I also love reading and writing about African American history.  And of course, I love Soul Food.  Writing this series gives me the chance to combine several of my ...

Let the Murderer Say Amen (Psychics and Soul Food Mystery #2) Author: Carolyn Marie Wilkins  Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense, Paranormal Publisher: Kensington Books Book Release Date: July 28, 2026 Pages: 269 Source: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: As prosperity and great cultural changes sweep across 1920s America during the Jazz Age, Nola Ann Jackson learns more about developing her natural psychic talents from her aunt—talents that prove crucial when she investigates murder in her Black community.       The people of Agate, Illinois, have welcomed Bishop Pius Amun Ra with open arms, flocking to become congregants of his Temple of Righteous Revelation. He has won over the hearts not only of the Black churchgoers, but of the city’s white political and wealthy elite. Bishop Ra is more than a preacher of the good word, he is a faith healer, blessed with the gift on the banks of the...

The Female Tudor Scholar and Writer: The Life and Times of Margaret More Roper Author: Aimee Fleming Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography  Publisher: Pen & Sword History  Book Release Date: 2024 Pages: 207 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: A presentation of Margaret More Roper, an accomplished writer whose life offers insight into Tudor England and the English Reformation. Margaret More Roper may be remembered as the eldest daughter of Sir Thomas More, but she was much, much more. Well-educated, loyal, passionately pious, and a skilled writer and translator, Margaret inspired a generation and proved to Tudor England and beyond just how accomplished a woman could be. Her life provides a window into the turbulent times of the English Reformation and life at the court of King Henry VIII. In this biography, Margaret is presented in her own right and given the attention and acknowledgement she so richly deserves.     ...

     Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing author, David Cataletto. He is the author of Kings of the Coast, Montauk , which tells the story of a Native American princess who was kidnapped in New York in the 1660s. In this interview, we discussed why this event was forgotten in history. We also discussed his writing process and which parts of the book were true and which parts he used creative license. Thank you, Mr. Cataletto! What inspired you to write Kings of the Coast ?  I teach middle school history and English so wanted to teach my students about our incredible and dynamic history of Long Island, New York.    The story of Storm Lily, who was a Native American princess being kidnapped in 1660s New York, is largely forgotten. Why do you think the story is forgotten?   I think it happened so long ago and so much has changed that it might seem irrelevant to today's youth. Also, there is not much written evidence from this time period....

Anne Neville: Queen and Wife to Richard III  Author: Rebecca Batley Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography  Publisher: Pen & Sword History  Book Release Date: 2024 Pages: 256 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Anne Neville, often seen as a victim depicted by Shakespeare, was a powerful and influential figure in medieval England. Daughter, Wife, Princess, Widow and Queen: Anne Neville had many faces. Shakespeare presents her to us as a woman consumed with rage, bitterness and grief. He has her cursing the killer of her husband and father, before marrying him and condemning herself to despair. She rages, screams and weeps but ultimately she is shown as nothing more than a passive victim of the men who used and exploited her. This could not be further from the truth. Born into one of the most powerful dynasties in medieval England, Anne knew her worth, and her power. She was a great survivor escaping the tide of blood that consumed Eng...

Kings of the Coast: Montauk Author: David Cataletto Genre: YA, Historical Fiction Publisher: David Cataletto  Publication Date: June 4, 2026 Pages: 325 Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: MONTAUK — THE EDGE OF THE WORLD AND THE CENTER OF IT ALL       Based on true events. Inspired by a stolen princess.               A coast is thrown toward war. And two young heroes must rise.       In the dangerous world of 1600s Long Island, Princess Storm Lily and Seahawk come of age as Native nations struggle to survive the pressures of rivalry, invasion, and betrayal. When Storm Lily is kidnapped, her capture becomes more than a family tragedy, it becomes a threat, and the spark that could set the region ablaze.         As Seahawk crosses land and sea to bring her home, Storm Lily wages he...

The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes  Author: Chanel Cleeton Genre: Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery & Suspense Publisher: Berkley Book Release Date: 2025 Pages: 344 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: A mysterious book with a legacy spanning from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day unites three women—and their secrets—in this unforgettable novel from New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton.        London, 2024: American expat Margo Reynolds is renowned for her talent at sourcing rare antiques for her clients, but she’s never had a request quite like this one. She’s been hired to find a mysterious book published over a century ago. With a single copy left in existence, it has a storied past shrouded in secrecy—and her client isn’t the only person determined to procure it at any cost.        Havana, 1966: Librarian Pilar Castillo has devoted her lif...