History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

  The Spectacular  Author: Fiona Davis Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense Publisher: Dutton Release Date: 2023 Pages: 368 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: From the New York Times Bestselling Author of The Magnolia Palace : A thrilling story about love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams, set amidst the glamour and glitz of Radio City Music Hall in its mid-century heyday.       New York City, 1956: Nineteen-year-old Marion Brooks knows she should be happy. Her high school sweetheart is about to propose and sweep her off to the life everyone has always expected they’d have together: a quiet house in the suburbs, Marion staying home to raise their future children. But instead, Marion finds herself feeling trapped. So when she comes across an opportunity to audition for the famous Radio City Rockettes—the glamorous precision-dancing troupe—she jumps at the chance to exchange her predictable future fo...

Starring Adele Astaire Author: Eliza Knight Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: William Morrow Release Date: 2023 Pages: 395 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight returns as she delves into the life of Adele Astaire, who served up smiles and love both on and off the stage—with and without her also famous brother Fred Astaire—along with a determined young dancer with rags-to-riches dreams.      A spirited rising stage star…      Adele Astaire was a glittering, glamorous star, dancing with her brother, Fred, endearing herself to audiences from New York to London. But although she is toasted by royalty and beloved by countless fans, Adele Astaire has dreams of a loving husband and a houseful of children. And when she meets Lord Charles Cavendish, her wishes may just come true—but at what cost?      A determined young dancer …      Ever sin...

The Moon Sister (The Seven Sisters #5) Author: Lucinda Riley Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance Publisher: Atria Release Date: 2019 Pages: 544 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Lucinda Riley, this sweeping and majestic tale transports you to the grandeur of the remote Scottish Highlands and Madrid torn apart by civil war as two women bound across time and distance search for the truth of their place in the world.      Tiggy D’Aplièse spends her days reveling in the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands, where she works at a deer sanctuary. But when the sanctuary is forced to close, she must take a job as a wildlife consultant on the vast and isolated estate of the elusive and troubled Charlie Kinnaird. She has no idea that the move will not only irrevocably alter her future, but also bring her face-to-face with her past.      At the estate, she meets Chilly, an ...

Sisters of Castle Leod by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard Publication Date: January 19, 2023 Black Rose Writing Genre: Historical Fiction Source: This book was given to me b Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Finalist - 2022 American Writing Awards      Millions are fans of Diana Gabaldon's popular Outlander books and television series, but few know that Gabaldon's fictional Castle Leoch was inspired by a real Scottish castle, Castle Leod. The two sisters who lived there at the turn of the twentieth century were among the most fascinating and talked-about women of their era.      Lady Sibell Mackenzie is a spiritualist, a believer in reincarnation, and a popular author of mystical romances. Petite and proper, she values tradition and duty. Her younger sister Lady Constance, swimming champion and big game hunter, is a statuesque beauty who scandalizes British society with her public displays of Greek-style...

Josephine Baker’s Last Dance Author: Sherry Jones Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Gallery Books Release Date: December 4, 2018 Pages: 384 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Discover the fascinating and singular life story of Josephine Baker—actress, singer, dancer, Civil Rights activist, member of the French Resistance during WWII, and a woman dedicated to erasing prejudice and creating a more equitable world—in Josephine Baker’s Last Dance .     In this illuminating biographical novel, Sherry Jones brings to life Josephine's early years in servitude and poverty in America, her rise to fame as a showgirl in her famous banana skirt, her activism against discrimination, and her many loves and losses. From 1920s Paris to 1960s Washington, to her final, triumphant performance, one of the most extraordinary lives of the twentieth century comes to stunning life on the page.     With intimate prose and comprehensive res...

Stolen Author: Jessica Titone Genre: YA, Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Jessica Titone Release Date: November 24, 2017 Pages: 232 Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: In the twilight days of World War II, seventeen year old Ella's heart is broken when her partner, Jesse, mysteriously vanishes from their London ballet school. A search for him proves futile, leaving Ella to take matters into her own hands. Lured by a strange melody, she ventures through an old attic door and emerges in an idyllic, magical land. There she meets Wren, who instills in her the ways of the forest and fear of the mountain queen. The quest to rescue her lost love forces Ella down a path that questions her loyalty, tests her fortitude, and examines her heart's deepest desires.       My Review: Ella is a student at a ballet academy that dreams of becoming a ballerina. She falls for her partner, Jesse. Just before their romance b...

Give in to the Feeling Author: Sarah Zama Genre: Historical Fiction, Paranormal Publisher: Sarah Zama Release Date: March 4, 2016 Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Chicago 1924      When Susie dances with Blood in Simon’s speakeasy, she discovers there’s a new world beyond the things she owns and the things she’s allowed to do. Blood values her thoughts, her feelings and offers his respect for her as a person. So different from the luxury Simon has offered her. The exciting club nights and the new freedom of dressing and doing as she pleases.      But Susie’s still Simon’s woman, and he won’t allow her to forget it.      Soon, Susie there might be more than two men fighting over her. As Blood and Simon confront each other, Susie sees the spirit world filter into her world and crack the reality she knows. And when she looks through the shards of the illusion she’s been livi...

Marie, Dancing Author: Carolyn Meyer Genre: YA, Historical Fiction Publisher: Harcourt, Inc. Release Date: 2007 Pages: 260 Source: Personal Collection Synopsis: The music soars. The curtain lifts.      Marie van Goethem, a fourteen-year-old ballet dancer in the famed Paris Opéra, has led a life of hardship and poverty. For her, dancing is the only joy to counter the pain inflicted by hunger, her mother's drinking, and her selfish older sister. But when famed artist Edgar Degas demands Marie's presence in his studio, it appears that her life will be transformed: He will pay her to pose for a new sculpture, and he promises to make her a star.      As Marie patiently stands before Mr. Degas each week, she dreams about supporting her family without being corrupted like most young dancers. She dreams about a life as a ballerina on the stage of the Opéra. And she dreams about being with her true love.      In this deeply moving, histor...