History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

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...

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 o...

  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 so...

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 ad...

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...

Katherine Howard: A Tudor Conspiracy Author: Joanna Denny Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography Publisher: Pitakus Books Release Date: 2005 Pages: 304 Source: Personal Collection  Synopsis: A riveting new biography of a much neglected Queen - the doomed child-bride of Henry VIII Joanna Denny, author of Anne Boleyn , reveals another sensational episode in Tudor history - illuminating the true character of Katherine Howard, the young girl caught up in a maelstrom of ambition and conspiracy which led to her execution for high treason while still only seventeen years old. Who was Katherine, the beautiful young aristocrat who became a bait to catch a king? Was she simply naive and innocent, a victim of her grasping family's scheming? Or was she brazen and abandoned, recklessly indulging in dissolute games with lovers in contempt of her royal position? Joanna Denny's enthralling new book once again plunges the reader into the heart of the ruthless intrigues of the Tudor court - and g...