History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

      Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing debut author, Ms. Amanda Connolly. She is the author of the recently released novel, The Lure of Wolves and Whispers . It is the first novel in a planned trilogy titled The Martyred Isle . This trilogy is set in a fantastical version of medieval Ireland and is heavily inspired by Irish mythology. In this interview, we discussed her inspiration that led to her writing, The Lure of Wolves and Whispers . She also tells us what we can expect from the next two future installments in The Martyred Island  trilogy. Thank you Ms. Connolly! (Photo Credit: Rob Lloyd Photography) What inspired you to write The Lure of Wolves and Whispers ? There are so many elements that shaped, and continue to shape, this story and series. Chief among them is my love for Irish folklore and history, especially my fascination with the legend of St Patrick and how he came to be known for banishing the snakes from Ireland – when there never were any ...

The Lure of Wolves and Whispers (The Martyred Isle #1) Author: Amanda Connolly Genre: YA Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance  Publisher: Sarah Barley Books/Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers Book Release Date: July 7, 2026 Pages: 464 Source: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: On the mist-shrouded Isle of Eireann, buying magic comes with a price.      But when her beloved older sister is gravely injured, Maeve risks everything to buy the forbidden magic that might save her. In exchange, Maeve trades her life to a ruthless and dangerously alluring rebel leader. Bound to do his bidding, Maeve finds herself thrown into a deadly competition to become the next queen and stand beside a prince rumored to be more brutal than his tyrannical father.        With the isle on the brink of war, trust and survival come at a terrible cost—one that will tear Maeve’s world, and her...

Murder at the Wham Bam Club (Psychics and Soul Food Mystery #1) Author: Carolyn Marie Wilkins Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense, Paranormal  Publisher: Kensington Books Book Release Date: 2025 Pages: 273 Source: This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: As Prohibition era speakeasies and Jazz Age excitement reign supreme throughout a deeply divided country at the height of the Roaring 20s, a young psychic in small town Illinois helps the Black community fight crime and corruption in this thrilling historical mystery written by a real-life psychic medium and jazz pianist.        After the death of her brave Harlem Hellfighter husband during World War I, young widow Nola Ann Jackson returned to her hometown of Agate to live with her Aunt Sarah, a local psychic. Under her aunt’s tutelage, Nola has been learning how to tap into her own intuitive gifts and communicate with the spirits. And sh...

The Gingerbread Queen (The Gingerbread Legacy #1) Author: Carrie Ann Noble Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy  Publisher: Oliver Herber Books Book Release Date: 2024 Pages: 264 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: Award-winning author Carrie Anne Noble’s charming adult fantasy debut! Sure to enchant fans of The Spellshop and The Whimbrel House Series , The Gingerbread Queen is a fairytale-inspired walk through a lush yet perilous enchanted forest, complete with a villainous duck, an unexpected magical inheritance, and heartwarming romance.        Once upon a time, Gretel defeated the witch of the gingerbread cottage and saved Hansel. Now, she must face what the witch left behind.         Germany, 1825. Thirteen years ago, Gretel fled the witch’s gingerbread cottage with brother Hansel. She’s changed her name, lived quietly, and tried to overcome her past—yet gossiping nei...

Martha Washington: An American Life Author: Patricia Brady Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography  Publisher: Penguin Books Publication Date: 2006 Pages: 280 Source: Personal Collection Synopsis: With this revelatory and painstakingly researched book, Martha Washington, the invisible woman of American history, at last gets the biography she deserves.          In place of the domestic frump of popular imagination, Patricia Brady resurrects the wealthy, attractive, and vivacious young widow who captivated the youthful George Washington. Here are the able landowner, the indomitable patriot (who faithfully joined her husband each winter at Valley Forge), and the shrewd diplomat and emotional mainstay. And even as it brings Martha Washington into sharper and more accurate focus, this sterling life sheds light on her marriage, her society, and the precedents she established for future First Ladies.        My Revie...

Death Was Not on the Guest List Author: Jenni L. Walsh Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense Publisher: Thomas & Mercer Book Release Date: June 16, 2026 Pages: 262 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: From USA Today bestselling author Jenni L. Walsh comes a witty Jazz Age mystery where rivalry, ambition, and deceit glitter under every chandelier…and no one gets out until the killer is unmasked.      In Chicago’s Gold Coast district, twenty of the city’s most glamorous socialites gather for a charity whist drive at the Bellevue House mansion. Brightest among them are Ginevra King Mitchell and Edith Cummings, real-life debutantes who inspired Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby .       But when their sharp-tongued hostess turns up dead and a blizzard traps everyone inside, suspicion and gossip give way to fear. After all, one guest has a habit of burying husbands, an...

  The Stolen Queen Author: Fiona Davis  Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Suspense Publisher: Dutton Book Release Date: 2025 Pages: 349 Source: Netgalley/ Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis, an utterly addictive new novel that will transport you from New York City’s most glamorous party to the labyrinth streets of Cairo and back.       Egypt, 1936: When anthropology student Charlotte Cross is offered a coveted spot on an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, she leaps at the opportunity. That is until an unbearable tragedy strikes.        New York City, 1978: Nineteen-year-old Annie Jenkins is thrilled when she lands an opportunity to work for former Vogue fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who’s in the midst of organizing the famous Met Gala, hosted at the museum and known across the city as the “party of the year.”  ...