History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

Loving Luther Author: Allison Pittman Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Release Date: 2017 Pages: 431  Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Germany, 1505      In the dark of night, Katharina von Bora says the bravest good-bye a six-year-old can muster and walks away as the heavy convent gate closes behind her.      Though the cold walls offer no comfort, Katharina soon finds herself calling the convent her home. God, her father. This, her life. She takes her vows—a choice more practical than pious—but in time, a seed of discontent is planted by the smuggled writings of a rebellious excommunicated priest named Martin Luther. Their message? That Katharina is subject to God, and no one else. Could the Lord truly desire more for her than this life of servitude?      In her first true step of faith, Katharina leaves the only life she has ever known. But the...

Casanova's Secret Wife by Barbara Lynn-Davis Publication Date: July 25, 2017 Kensington Books eBook & Paperback; 304 Pages Genre: Fiction/Historical/Biographical Source: This book was given to me by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Set in eighteenth-century Venice and based on an actual account by Giacomo Casanova—here is a lush tale of desire and risk.      Caterina Capreta was an innocent girl of fourteen when she caught the attention of the world’s most infamous chronicler of seduction: Giacomo Casanova. Intoxicated by a fierce love, she wed Casanova in secret. But his shocking betrayal inspired her to commit an act that would mark her forever …      Now twenty years later on the island of Murano, the woman in possession of Caterina’s most devastating secret has appeared with a request she cannot refuse: to take in a noble-born girl whose scandalous love affair ...

Luther and Katharina Author: Jody Hedlund Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Christian Publisher: Waterbrook Release Date: 2015 Pages: 402 Source: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: She was a nun of noble birth. He, a heretic, a reformer…an outlaw of the Holy Roman Empire.        In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora’s fate fell no further than the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther.      His sweeping Catholic church reformation—condemning a cloistered life and promoting the goodness of marriage—awakened her desire for everything she’d been forbidden. Including Martin Luther himself.       Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable, Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk anyone’s life but his own. And Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She clings proudly to her cl...

Setting the World on Fire: The Brief, Astonishing Life of St. Catherine of Siena Author: Shelley Emling Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography, Religion Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin Release Date: April 5, 2016 Pages: 256 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: One of only two patron saints of Italy, the other being St. Francis of Assisi, St. Catherine was ahead of her time. As a political powerhouse in late 14th century Europe, a time of war, social unrest and one of the worst natural disasters of all time--the plague, she worked for peace between Christians while campaigning for a holy crusade against Muslims. She was illiterate but grew into a great writer by dictating to assistants. She was frail and punished herself mercilessly, often starving herself, while offering moral guidance and inspiration to kings, queens and popes.      It's easy to see why feminists through the years have sought to claim the patronage of St. Cather...

The Lady Agnès Mystery - Volume 2:  The Divine Blood and Combat of Shadows Author: Andrea Japp Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller Publisher: Gallic Books Release Date: August 17, 2015 Pages: 624 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Agnès de Souarcy has survived the medieval Inquisition, but remains in grave danger. Her protectors must battle with powerful enemies.      "Five women, in the centre the sixth" are the enigmatic words foretelling Agnès's destiny. But will she fulfill the role that has been prophesied?      My Review: This story picks up where the first novel left off. Lady Agnes has escaped the French Inquisition, however she finds out that she is still in danger. Due to the prophecy that involves her, her enemies seek to get rid of her. Her allies who seek to protect her are determined to find out who wants to harm her at all cost. In order to protect all she holds dear, Agnes must fi...

The Lady Agnès Mystery - Volume 1: The Season of the Beast and The Breath of the Rose Author: Andrea Japp Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller Publisher: Gallic Books Release Date: July 13, 2015 Pages: 670 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: 1304: The Church and the French Crown are locked in a power struggle.       In Normandy, monks on a secret mission are murdered.      Young noblewoman Agnès de Souarcy fights to retain her independence but must face the Inquisition, unaware that she is the focus of an ancient quest.       My Review: When Lady Agnes’s husband dies, Agnes knows that her half-brother may take away her dower leaving her with nothing. Agnes fights to keep her manor and her lands. However, when a corpse is found on her property the signs point to Agnes as the murderer. Soon she finds herself amidst the French Inquisition. During her trial, she finds out that there is a p...

  Publication Date: September 16, 2014 | Skyscape (Amazon Children’s Publishing) | Formats: eBook, Paperback, Hardcover Genre: YA Historical Source: This book was given to me from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. READ AN EXCERPT .       Synopsis: By the author of the acclaimed Passion Blue , a Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book of 2012 and “a rare, rewarding, sumptuous exploration of artistic passion,” comes a fascinating companion novel. Artistically brilliant, Giulia is blessed – or cursed – with a spirit’s gift: she can hear the mysterious singing of the colors she creates in the convent workshop of Maestra Humilità. It’s here that Giulia, forced into the convent against her will, has found unexpected happiness, and rekindled her passion to become a painter – an impossible dream for any woman in 15th century Italy. But when a dying Humilità bequeaths Giulia her most prized possession – the secret formula for ...

Sacred Hearts: A Novel Author: Sarah Dunant Genre: Historical fiction Publisher: Random House Release Date: 2009 Pages: 448 Source: Personal Collection Synopsis: The year is 1570, and a new novice has just been forced into the Italian convent of Santa Caterina. Ripped by her family from the man she loves, sixteen-year-old Serafina is sharp and defiant. Her first night inside the walls is spent in an incandescent rage so violent that the dispensary mistress, Suora Zuana, is dispatched to the girl’s cell to sedate her. Thus begins a complex relationship of trust and betrayal. As Serafina rails against her incarceration, disorder and rebellion mount inside the convent, while beyond its walls, the dictates of the Counter-Reformation begin to impose a regime of oppression that threatens what little freedom the nuns have enjoyed. Acclaimed author Sarah Dunant brings the intricate Renaissance world compellingly to life in this rich, engrossing, multifaceted love story encompassing the...