Historical Fiction Books

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“The Gimmicks is a gorgeous epic that astounds with its scope and beauty. With empathy and humor, McCormick unravels the ties between brotherhood and betrayal, love and abandonment, and the fictions we create to live with the pain of the past. This novel will blow you away.” — Brit Bennett, New York Times bestselling author of The Mothers. “Chris McCormick's The Gimmicks knocked me back and then knocked me over. A fascinating and bold debut novel that more than answers the promise of his terrific first collection of stories, Desert Boys. A wide-ranging, globe — Peter Orner, author of Maggie Brown & Others “Chris McCormick is a novelist of uncommon vision, empathy, and purpose. The Gimmicks crosses continents and decades to tell a remarkable story of historical trauma, friendship, and the moral combat of professional wrestling. Though haunted by ghosts, The Gimmicks is brilliantly, boisterously alive." — Anthony Marra, author of NBCC John Leonard Prize-winning, New York Times bestselling A Constellation of Vital Phenomena “[The Gimmicks’s] subcultures, emphasized in the book’s eye-catching cover design and promotional copy, are not what fuel it. It’s really about history — personal and collective — and it’s rooted in horrors from more than a century ago that are still making news today… At a time when plot and contrivance in literary fiction are not the most fashionable things, McCormick, in his early 30s, proves adept at old-fashioned skills that one hopes will never go entirely unpracticed.” — New York Times “This brilliant, kooky book touches on everything from the Armenian genocide and the arcane rules of backgammon to the spandexed underworld of semiprofessional wrestling in 1980s Los Angeles…Hardly a page will go by that you won’t marvel at McCormick’s tender, surreally comic study of two brothers…It’s all stranger than fiction, and too fantastic not to wish it were true.” — Entertainment Weekly "McCormick explores the plight of Armenian refugees who arrive in America with their bodies as their only commodity and how a national trauma shapes Armenian identity. Masterfully structured and stupendously ambitious, this sweeping historical epic bears comparison to Michael Chabon’s The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay (2000). Always moving, brilliantly realized, and full of wondrous humor, this is a debut of rare depth and brilliance." — Booklist (starred review) "A fluid, beautifully written story about professional wrestling, intergenerational trauma, genocide, and history, jumping through Armenia to America and from one generation to another." — The Millions

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“The Library of Legends is a gorgeous, poetic journey threaded with mist and magic about a group from a Chinese university who take to the road to escape the Japanese invasion of 1937 – only to discover that danger stalks them from within. Janie Chang pens pure enchantment!” — Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network “Janie Chang has beautifully melded history and the spirit world to create an adventurous love story for all of us readers who love books and who, in a perfect world, would do anything to save them.” — Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author of The Island of Sea Women and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan “Chang expertly weaves mysticism and historical details, and sets up a cast of memorable characters. This will charm readers from the very first page.” — Publishers Weekly “Janie Chang’s The Library of Legends is a delicious mix of history, myth, and romance. Chang deftly intertwines Chinese folklore and historical detail to create a magical, heartfelt read.” — Jean Kwok, New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Translation and Searching for Sylvie Lee “Janie Chang’s The Library of Legends delivers stark historical truths on the tail of a shooting star. Absolutely enchanting.” — Ana Johns, bestselling author of The Woman in the White Kimono “Love and fate entangle in a tender tale of star-crossed romance and scholarship. In The Library of Legends, Janie Chang whisks the reader on a journey of a lifetime, with the transportation of a university library of rare books across China. Based on Chang’s father’s own experience as a student-in-exile, it interweaves the pressures of war with a poignant saga of love lost and gained. Vibrant, rich, and moving, The Library of Legends brings an unusual true episode in Chinese history to shimmering, heartfelt life.” — Yangsze Choo, New York Times bestselling author of The Ghost Bride and The Night Tiger “Janie Chang brings wartime China to life in The Library of Legends, imbuing her characters with the same epic qualities they find in the mythic figures that follow them on their journey to safety. Moving smoothly between historical fiction and magic realism, this is a beautifully written story of love, hope, and courage.” — Bryn Turnbull, author of The Woman Before Wallis “Janie Chang has done it again with this story of an exodus of young students -- treasured as China’s future -- intermingled with an imaginary, unconventional departure of mystical beasts and legendary deities during a war that changes China forever. Evocative, unforgettable, The Library of Legends is truly out of this world!” — Weina Dai Randel, award-winning author of The Moon in the Palace “Atmospheric and beautifully told, Janie Chang has woven a tale that tugs on the threads of China’s history and legend alike. Readers will find themselves immersed in this story of love amidst war, hope amidst sacrifice.” — Stephanie Marie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of And They Called It Camelot “The Library of Legends is a luminous and enthralling story set during a pivotal period in the making of modern China, and highlights the Chinese determination to preserve their culture by saving precious historical treasures at great sacrifice. The exploits of historical characters and ancient mythological beings are interwoven in a blend of wonder, courage, and suspense.” — Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of The Splendor Before the Dark and Elizabeth I Praise for: Dragon Springs Road “Janie Chang’s second novel is a remarkable read, brimming with magic and the grit of realism. . . . With this novel, Chang asserts herself as an exciting, relatable voice . . . that requires us to re-examine our relationships to place, identity, and ancestry.” — Quill & Quire (starred review) “Beautifully told . . . fascinating . . . a great choice for a book club.” — Huffington Post “Lyrical and magical . . . Chang’s lovingly crafted novel will resonate with readers long after the story is done.” — RT Book Reviews “Dragon Springs Road is simply one of the best novels I have read in a long time. With her lyrical, heartfelt portrait of a vanished world . . . Janie Chang has created an enchanting and unforgettable book. I recommend it unreservedly.” — Jennifer Robson, author of The Gown “Chang unfurls this intriguing story—set against the chaotic backdrop of China in the early twentieth century-with precision. Rich with detail and a fascinating interplay between the spiritual and earthly realms, Chang’s second novel explores whether it is possible to overcome your past.” — Booklist on DRAGON SPRINGS ROAD “Janie Chang has a keen eye for detail and infuses them throughout this magical story, with its masterfully rendered setting of the early Chinese republic, characters who bring to life the constrictions of those girls, and a mystical benevolent spirit. The result is enchanting.” — Shilpi Somaya Gowda, author of Secret Daughter and The Golden Son on DRAGON SPRINGS ROAD “Both heartbreaking and hopeful, Janie Chang’s first novel is an immersive and enjoyable read.” — Booklist on THREE SOULS

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“Talia Carner ably illuminates a little-known piece of history: the sex trafficking of young women from Russia to South America in the late 19th century. Thoroughly researched and vividly rendered, this is an important and unforgettable story of exploitation and empowerment that will leave you both shaken and inspired.” — Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris “Rich with historical detail and evocative prose, The Third Daughter by Talia Carner fictionalizes the shocking true history of young Jewish girls who were trafficked into prostitution in Buenos Aires. I was blown away by this impeccably researched and beautifully written novel. An unforgettable story of strength and survival.” — Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of In Another Time “Inspired by [Carner’s] passion for justice for women worldwide…Recommended for its complex characters and a story based on a little-known part of history.” — Library Journal "Complex....A valuable contribution to our understanding of a difficult era." — Hadassah Magazine

Read more less

Book SynopsisUSA Today BestsellerIn this newest installment of the acclaimed New York Times bestselling series, Scotland Yard’s Ian Rutledge is faced with his most perplexing case yet: a murder with no body, and a killer who can only be a ghost.Spring, 1921.Trade Review“Excellent…Todd has rarely been better at creating a creepy atmosphere to enhance [a] nuanced exploration of human darkness. Rutledge remains one of today’s most fully rounded mystery leads.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "A Game of Fear continues the high standards readers have come to expect from Todd. It is a testament to both authors’ considerable talents, and a wonderful tribute to the late Caroline Todd.” — South Florida Sun-Sentinel “[A Game of Fear] continues the adventures of one of the more complicated and unique protagonists in a series you will ever find, which makes for a rich blend of history and intrigue." — Book Reporter “A superior example of crime fiction, a haunting exploration of war and its legacies and a sterling reaffirmation of its authors’ humanity, A Game of Fear offers escapist pleasures—including a breathless climax—while simultaneously eliciting thought on intellectual and moral issues.” — Fredericksburg Freelance-Star “The novel is written with a gentle familiarity, drawing the reader in to a detailed portrayal of characters with their own needs and personal history in habiting a world that recent literature has brought into focus for the 21st century reader. Recommended.” — Historical Novel Society “Each of Charles Todd’s engrossing novels about Scotland Yard Insp. Ian Rutledge, set post-World War I, puts a spotlight on often forgotten details about the Great War. It’s this minutia that illustrate the war’s effect on the characters and the region . . . Charles Todd are experts at subtly drawing parallels to 21st century concerns. The Great War ended more than a century ago but Ian’s personal issues and his investigations are relevant today.” — Florida Sun Sentinel on A Fatal Lie “A Fatal Lie provides an excellent book with which to walk into Rutledge’s pursuit of crime and determination to make things right . . . Those who value similar portrayals of place as character—as in Louise Penny’s Three Pines, for instance—will treasure A Fatal Lie and its Welsh backdrop. As a police procedural, also, the book’s persistent untangling of motive, means, and opportunity provides an instant classic for this mystery genre, along with an intriguing exploration of the heart’s effects on the mind.” — New York Journal of Books “Fans of the series will want Todd’s latest historical mystery.” — Library Journal on A Fatal Lie “[A] very captivating and page-turning mystery.” — Fresh Fiction on A Fatal Lie “This is the type of classic-style mystery that we have grown to love from Charles Todd, and it never fails to deliver.” — BookReporter.com on A Fatal Lie "This is a series, written by a mother-and-son team under the Charles Todd pseudonym, that shows no signs of slowing down. As always, this one combines crisp plotting with stylish prose. Ideal for historical-mystery devotees." — Booklist on A Divided Loyalty “Todd once and for all establishes the shell-shocked Rutledge as the genre’s most complex and fascinating detective.” — Entertainment Weekly “It is an intense ride to take . . . but one that is well worth it.” — Book Reporter on A Divided Loyalty “Ian’s resilience and his complex persona continue to make him an endearing character. And Todd, the mother-and-son writing team of Caroline and Charles Todd, continue their superior storytelling.” — Florida Sun Sentinel on A Divided Loyalty “The investigation and its ultimate destination are gripping.” — Kirkus Reviews on The Black Ascot “You’re going to love Todd.” — Stephen King "The melancholy tone that distinguishes the Rutledge series is a reminder that war never ends for the families and friends of lost loved ones. It just retreats into the shadows.” — New York Times Book Review “Their ability to make a century-old time and place feel as real as today is beautifully showcased in the latest Rutledge novel, and series fans should not miss it.” — Booklist

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra’s wildly rocky relationship in Strangers in the Night exposes the cinematic glitz of Hollywood’s golden age alongside Tinseltown’s darker underbelly. Readers craving a story that’s glamorous and deliciously dishy won’t be able to turn these pages fast enough!" — Stephanie Marie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of A Most Clever Girl "Heather Webb gets under the skin of two of the brightest stars showbiz ever produced, and takes us inside their tempestuous, compulsive, alcohol-fueled love story. Crackling with sexual tension, and full of insight about the pressures of mega-stardom, this is a spicy and addictive page-turner." — Gill Paul, USA Today bestselling author of The Manhattan Girls “Strangers in the Night is a gorgeously written, impeccably researched historical novel that delves into both the glamour and darkness of old Hollywood, as it details the passionate and tumultuous epic love story of Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra. By turns sexy and heartbreaking, beautiful and volatile, I loved this fascinating peek behind the curtain of a real Hollywood love affair.” — Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of Beautiful Little Fools "Heather Webb has set a new standard in historical fiction by writing a story that was so engaging that I forgot I was reading a book and not actually embodying the characters. Legendary stars Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner come alive under her deft handling of their tumultuous and passionate relationship and will leave readers feeling like they've leapt from the page into living, breathing people that they know. A lifelong fan of the famous crooner, my own music listening will forever be quite impacted by Webb's captivating book." — Camille di Maio, bestselling author of The Memory of Us "Author Webb grabs hold of the reader and does not let go. Told in intimate first-person chapters from both Ava’s and Frank’s viewpoints, their many spats, breakups, and reunions feel honest yet not overdone... Altogether, a rousing and well-done, probably mostly true, romantic novel." — Historical Novels Review "This page-turning fictionalized tale explores the tumultuous love story of two legends, from the atmospheric highs that catapulted them into the limelight to the shocking lows that threatend to rip them apart." — BookBub “A sexy read.” — Montecito Journal "This biographical historical fiction tells their love story with an amazing cast of characters. This book...should not be missed." — Beyond the Bookends

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“Fascinating…Myers’s novel is as much a coming-of-age story as it is a lesson in the power of the working class to bring about change.” — Washington Post "A vibrant and warm book that feels easy to pick up and hard to put down." — Buzzfeed “Readers are transported back to 1946 in this fascinatingly rich debut novel…. A vibrant story that sheds light on the lives of women in the post-war period.” — Woman's World “Moving…A winning debut that reveals how our past is always with us.” — Toronto Star “Myers brilliantly seduces us with her setting—a North Carolina town of beautiful socialites, opulent dresses, and elegant soirees—before revealing a terrible secret that threatens the entire community. This is a story of courage, of women willing to take a stand in the face of corporate greed, and most definitely a tale for our times.” — Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue “A sparkling debut… Historical fiction fans will be pleased.” — Publishers Weekly “The Tobacco Wives is a sweep-you-away story with a lush North Carolina setting and a courageous woman at its center. What more do we want from a story than this? Myers’s prose is stitched together as beautifully as the fancy dresses her protagonist Maddie Sykes sews for the elite women of this tobacco town. The question at the heart of this novel trembles with power—what happens when what we know is right conflicts with what we are being told is true? Myers’s story will resonate long after you turn the last page; powerful and authentic, The Tobacco Wives is unforgettable." — Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Surviving Savannah “Debut novelist Myers sets her activist novel in 1946, but the causes of workers’ and women’s rights are timeless.” — Booklist "The future in Bright Leaf seems bright for Maddie Sykes and for the local tobacco wives who can’t get enough of Maddie’s glamorous gowns. But beneath the idyllic surface lie dangerous underpinnings and a choice that will test one young woman’s spirit, forcing her to weigh the relative value of profits and people. A beautifully rendered portrait of a young woman finding her courage and her voice." — Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours "The Tobacco Wives by Adele Myers puts the strong bonds between women in the post-WWII era front and center.” — Popsugar “Adele Myers brings mid-century North Carolina vividly to life in her impressive, beautifully detailed debut novel, The Tobacco Wives, a suspenseful coming-of-age story of a brave young woman’s search for dangerous truths obscured by corporate deceit and betrayal.” — Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Resistance Women “With an atmosphere so thick you could blow it out in smoke rings, Adele Myers vividly conjures post war North Carolina, where ladies wear matching hats and gloves and no one questions the supremacy of the all-powerful tobacco leaf—except one young woman, trying to find her place in the world, torn between conflicting loyalties. A thoroughly immersive and engaging read!” — Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author of Band of Sisters "The Tobacco Wives is a perfect example of the kind of historical fiction I love best: a story firmly grounded in the past that still feels powerfully resonant today. In Adele Myers's capable hands, post-WW2 North Carolina--the tobacco capital of the South--comes alive in technicolor, with all the glamour of Southern society, as well as a hidden underbelly of dangerous secrets and lies. We're along for the satisfying journey as Maddie Sykes--a plucky 16-year-old who has faced more loss than anyone deserves--learns what she's made of and tries to summon the courage to stand up to people who could make or break the rest of her life. A powerful debut and coming-of-age story rich in pitch-perfect dialogue and detail, The Tobacco Wives will transport you to Big Tobacco's golden age just as it begins to unravel--and remind you that we all have the power to stand up and fight for the things that are right." — Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names and The Forest of Vanishing Stars “North Carolina native Myers mines her family history while incorporating extensive research on Big Tobacco in this chilling exposé…. The novel’s message resonates today.” — Historical Novel Society “[A]n authentic rendering of small-time Southern life in the '40s as well as an engrossing depiction of the power of female connections. Perfect for Lisa Wingate fans.” — The Augusta Chronicle "[A] sparkling debut." — Arlington Magazine “The semi-autobiographical The Tobacco Wives is a first novel and a tour-de-force. Myers evokes the postwar world with deftly-drawn believable characters, and a real-life situation that highlights women’s activism and the toxic lies of a major industry.” — AuthorLink

Read more less

Book SynopsisBefore Princess Margaret, before Duchess Meghan, there was Princess Louise: royal rebel.As the fourth daughter of the perpetually in-mourning Queen Victoria, Princess Louise’s life is more a gilded prison than a fairy tale.Trade Review“An Indiscreet Princess is a fascinating and intimate portrait of the life of Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s fourth daughter. Blalock powerfully depicts Louise’s passions, struggles, and triumphs while effortlessly immersing the reader in the royal household and their personal lives. A glittering, poignant story." — Chanel Cleeton, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author “A royal princess determined to create a hidden love, and a demanding queen who vows to keep her in her place—I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Rich in period detail, An Indiscreet Princess is a beguiling story of duty, power, and a young princess's passion for art and love. A thoroughly engaging read.” — Shelley Noble, New York Times bestselling of Summer Island "Meticulously researched and vividly written, Georgie Blalock paints a detailed portrait of Princess Louise and her refusal to bow to society's—or her mother's—expectations, from Louise's unusual admittance into the National Art Training School to her sweeping romance with a renowned sculptor. Fans of The Crown's Princess Margaret will adore this look at Princess Louise, the unconventional daughter of Queen Victoria, as she bends all the rules to live a life on her own terms." — Stephanie Marie Thornton, USA Today bestselling author of A Most Clever Girl “An Indiscreet Princess is an enthralling portrayal of Princess Louise, the talented and headstrong fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. Georgie Blalock paints a vivid and accessible portrait of a woman navigating duty and desire, set against the richly-drawn backdrop of Victorian society, featuring all the luminaries of the age. Highly recommended.” — Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author of The Siren of Sussex "Princess Louise was a woman out of her time: a creative freethinker with a strong will and a passion for living, who was raised in the restrictive environment of her mother, Queen Victoria’s court. In Georgie Blalock’s novel Louise steps out of history and into our hearts as she struggles to hew a fulfilling role for herself. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the pressures of being royal in an era when princesses had few choices, and a portrait of a very likeable, relatable woman who lived 150 years ago yet feels incredibly modern." — Gill Paul, bestselling author of The Manhattan Girls "Georgie Blalock has delivered a mother-daughter story of immense proportions. Especially because the mother is Queen Victoria and the daughter is Princess Louise, a rebellious woman determined to pursue a life of art and forbidden love. An Indiscreet Princess is a must read for fans of The Crown, Princess Margaret, and all things Royal.” — Renée Rosen, author of The Social Graces 'This is a brilliantly told tale that pits a royal princess’s passionate desire to use her extraordinary talents and follow her heart against her duty to family, queen, and country." — Lecia Cornwall, author of The Summer in Berlin "Vivid and compelling, Georgie Blalock’s An Indiscreet Princess tells the story of a passionate young artist who also happens to be a princess, and thus struggles to forge a meaningful life in the face of stifling convention. Louise’s longing to live as herself, rather than the princess the world sees and expects, had me rooting for her from the first page. Brimming with forbidden love, artistic ambition, and the nuance of life in the royal family, this was a fascinating and memorable read." — Kristin Beck, author of The Winter Orphans and Courage, My Love "Anglophiles and history buffs will enjoy seeing inside the lives of the royal family and find inspiration in Louise’s strength. Readers of Marie Benedict and Melanie Benjamin will want to scoop up Blalock’s (The Other Windsor Girl) latest." — Library Journal "Fans of Philippa Gregory’s and Alison Weir’s royal-centric historical fiction will savor Blalock’s (The Last Debutantes, 2021) expertly etched portrait of a woman desperately trying to balance her own desires with her royal duties." — Booklist

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Based on the life of her own great-great-grandmother, Janson’s fictional interpretation of this dark period in Australia’s history... exposes how horrific and harrowing Aboriginal lives were during this time of brutal conquest, attempted cultural obliteration, resistance, and survival." — Booklist How good it is to hear a Darug voice speaking of Darug history. — Kate Grenville, Award-Winning Author of The Secret River

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Dowry, two young women two generations apart discover the joy and heartbreak of following their dreams. Aspiring Hollywood actress Violet makes a shocking choice in 1940, and seventy years later, Mari sets out to discover what happened on that long ago summer.Santa Cruz, Summer 1940: When auburn-haired Violet Harcourt is crowned Miss California on the boardwalk of her hometown, she knows she is one step closer to her cherished dream: a Hollywood screen test. But Violet’s victory comes with a price—discord in her seemingly perfect marriage—and she grapples with how much more she is willing to pay.Summer 2007: Single mother Marisol Cruz lives with her parents in the charming beach cottage that belonged to her grandfather, Ricardo, once a famed performer on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Drawn to the town’s local history and the quaint gazebo where her grandparents danced beneath the stars, Mari sells raffle tickets at the Beach Boardwalk Centennial Celebration, and meets Jason, a California transplant from Chicago.When Mari discovers the obituary of Violet Harcourt, a beauty queen who died too young, she and Jason are sent on a journey together that will uncover her grandfather’s lifelong secret—his connection to Violet—a story of tragedy and courage that will forever transform them.  

Read more less

Book SynopsisIda, meanwhile, has left her love for painting behind.It comes as no surprise to Ida when Ezra is hours late for a Thanksgiving dinner, only to leave abruptly for another supposedly urgent business trip to Boston.Trade Review"An atmospheric, character-driven story of a young woman’s struggle at the turn of the 20th century. . . . In Ida, Gunning has created a captivating personality. This is one that lingers well after the final page is turned." — Publishers Weekly “Gunning vividly evokes the volatile weather rolling in off the Atlantic and the rustic farming life of the time. Hardships that are a sea-change from Ida’s privileged past are balanced with breathtaking natural beauty…As Ida deals with the dark weight of tragedy in her life and the mysteries [her husband] left behind, she experiences moments of disappointment and love, joy, and accomplishment. One constant is her thirst for independence as she learns the secret to painting the light and finding her place in the world.” — Booklist “Ida Pease remains in the memory as the luminous portrait of a rebel outcast in the tradition of Thomas Hardy’s Bathsheba Everdine in Far from the Madding Crowd and Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter… But although life looks bleak for while, Ida’s growing intimacy with Martha’s Vineyard and her growing ability to capture its light-filled essence help her come to terms with the loss of her innocence and trust. Ultimately, she harvests both personal fulfillment and artistic sustenance from her new existence. In the process, she discovers infinite possibilities for her creative growth, which is immensely important not only for her development as an artist, but as an independent and creative woman in the modern age.” — Historical Novel Society “Sally Cabot Gunning’s compelling novel, Painting the Light, doesn’t just get the colors of Martha’s Vineyard right, but her prose gets every nuance in the complex relationships surrounding Ida, the protagonist.” — Martha’s Vineyard Times “The author does a fine job developing characters, right down to the minor ones, giving the reader insight into the hard life of farming and an appreciation of dreams that might or might not be realized.” — Jersey's Best “Gunning’s writing is elegant, the period details exact.” — USA Today on MONTICELLO “Well researched and beautifully written, this captivating novel tells the remarkable story of Thomas Jefferson’s daughter caught up in two families’ secrets. Highly recommended.” — Paulette Jiles, New York Times bestselling author of News of the World on MONTICELLO “If The Widow’s War identified Sally Gunning as a masterful new voice in historical fiction, Bound confirms her place as one of the very best in the field . . . Her Satucket novels are destined to become classics.” — Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize–winning author “[A] highly researched and gracefully presented novel . . . [with] both muscle and drive.” — Booklist on MONTICELLO “[A] brilliant exploration. . . . Highly recommended as an engrossing tale of a strong woman in tumultuous times, with deftly interwoven historical details that make her trials all the more authentic.” — Library Journal on MONTICELLO “Cabot shines in her descriptions of colonial life, in her fictionalized rendition of Ben Franklin’s charismatic personality and wide-ranging intellect, but especially in interpreting Franklin the man through Anne, a fully-realized, memorable character. It is Anne who brings imagined reality’s magic to the narrative. Intriguing historical fiction; a laudable interpretation of colonial life.” — Kirkus Reviews on BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S BASTARD

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Doesn’t a romantic comedy set on a 1930s Nevada dude ranch teeming with about-to-be-divorced women owe a certain debt to the era’s big-screen classics? Then again, it’s hard to believe a cinematic version could be any more fun." — New York Times Book Review "Johnson’s rollicking comedy sizzles, thanks to the immensely appealing voice of its aging narrator...brims with the clever banter and farcical situations of a classic Capra film." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Do you want to read something funny? Let’s say, a novel set at a divorce ranch in Reno in the 1930s? A book with memorably eccentric characters, sparkling dialogue, a satisfying plot twist, and some romance and sex? A feel-good literary comedy/western? Here it is, then, the book you've been looking for: Julia Claiborne Johnson’s Better Luck Next Time." — Julie Schumacher, author of Dear Committee Members and The Shakespeare Requirement "Rollicking, nostalgic, wistful and wise, Better Luck Next Time is another gem from Julia Claiborne Johnson. Like a modern-day Anita Loos (but with more heart), Johnson spins an irresistible yarn that captures Depression-era disappointments, hopes, and determination, and paints a touching story of how even a life gone wrong can be a life well lived." — Karen Dukess, author of The Last Book Party “Hilarious and clever.” — New York Post "Julia Claiborne Johnson's real skill is a literary sleight of hand: creating humorous characters with big hearts, then using them to deliver a story with a surprising emotional wallop. There were tears from heartbreak and joy! My face still hurts from smiling." — Steven Rowley, author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor "Invites comparisons to Shakespeare’s madcap comedies...Like Shakespeare with his fairies, Johnson uses her own brand of magic to bring these characters to life and to remind us that love often requires a second chance." — Chattanooga Free Press "Channels Frank Capra’s screwball comedies...There is a delightful sense of closure in the way Johnson wraps up this shiny package, which arrives just after New Year’s like a late holiday gift." — Christian Science Monitor "An engrossing portrait of 1930s Reno...witty and charming." — Booklist

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisRunning down the state like a spine, the river shared its name with the people of the Penobscot Nation, whose ancestral territory included the entire Penobscot watershed—the land upon which the Ames family eventually made their home.Trade Review“In The Lowering Days Gregory Brown gives us a lush, almost mythic portrait of a very specific place and time that feels all the more universal for its singularity. There’s magic here.” — Richard Russo, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Empire Falls and Chances Are “The Lowering Days is expansive in its scope and intimate in its details, a lyrical and sincere work by a novelist fully alive to the natural world." — Anthony Marra, New York Times bestselling author of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena "The Lowering Days is a masterful debut, a tender and elegant meditation on the thorny bonds of family and community, the enduring trauma of environmental degradations, and the salvific power of stories. At once lyrical and spare, graceful and steely-eyed, Mr. Brown’s prose conjures the work of Louise Erdrich and Jim Harrison. Every word is a gift and a revelation, and a call for reckoning." — Elizabeth Wetmore, author of Valentine "Unflinching, lyrical, and timely, The Lowering Days marks the emergence of a new and authentic voice in American letters. Brown is bona fide, a writer with incredible storytelling chops yes, but also a poet's soul, and a balladeer's heart." — Nickolas Butler, author of Shotgun Lovesongs and Little Faith “An intimate novel about a close-knit community at the mercy of two of the world’s most implacable forces—history and nature. Gregory Brown renders the lives and landscapes of rural Maine with great power and greater compassion.” — Madhuri Vijay, author of The Far Field “Brown stages a natural comparison: Why does each character resort to violence? Are their actions justified? How are they treated in the aftermath? The disparity quickly becomes clear: Molly must go into hiding and live off the land, while David and his family can return home safely each night.” — New York Times "Graceful and compassionate . . . The Lowering Days [is] a flashlight into the heart of a small Maine community perched on the precipice of the Penobscot River, its future and its past." — Boston Globe "Brown writes a fluid, lyrical prose that escorts us deep into the emotional lives of his characters." — Minneapolis Star Tribune "Brown tells a gripping tale. And in his hands the Penobscot region of the 1980s and '90s—with its eccentric cast of Vietnam veterans, hippy fugitives, gruff lobstermen, and Penobscot tribal members—comes wonderfully to life." — Kirkus Reviews "Lyrical and gorgeously written, Brown’s memorable outing does justice to a complicated web of issues." — Publishers Weekly

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn unforgettable historical tale set in fifteenth-century England of a brilliant woman’s defiance, courage, and ingenuity—from the author of The Locksmith’s Daughter and The Chocolate Maker’s Wife.Trade Review“Richly atmospheric, romantic, and chock-full of period details, this fast-paced tale and its many plot twists and turns are likely to keep historical fiction fans riveted.” — Booklist “The daughter of a merchant flouts 15th-century English convention to start a brewery in Brooks’s illuminating epic (after The Chocolate Maker’s Wife). Brooks’s attention to historical detail instills the novel with authenticity by including many historical figures and events, while Anneke’s lively voice keeps a strong grip on the reader as she works to overcome societal prohibitions against women in business and find happiness and contentment. Brooks’s immersive page-turner does not disappoint.” — Publishers Weekly

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“One antidote to the darkness, I have found, is a warm, hopeful novel. Louis Edwards has written such a book with his latest, “Ramadan Ramsey” . . . Edwards, a critically acclaimed writer who has received both a Guggenheim fellowship and a Whiting Award, hasn’t published a book-length work in nearly two decades. His new book was worth the wait.” — New York Times Book Review “An immediate global classic, Ramadan Ramsey joins the ranks of Sula, Oliver Twist, and Moll Flanders, as a tale named for a character that invites readers into a world both hyper-local and universal. New Orleans has never been more vivid on the page.” — Alice Randall, author of Black Bottom Saints “Ramadan’s resilience, quick wit, and steadfast spirit render him something of a 21st-century update on the characters of Dickens and Twain. . . . This will have readers enthralled with the beauty of life, despite all its tragedies and sorrows.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) “A young Southern boy travels to the Middle East to find his father in this delightful and intimate modern epic. . . . A novel that is as exhilarating as it is moving; a fine achievement.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Returning to fiction after a long hiatus, Edwards masterfully conveys the sights, smells, and tastes of each setting from the Ninth Ward to Istanbul and Aleppo. Surrounding Ramadan with a Dickensian array of churchgoers, fortune tellers, and hustlers as well as a kind-hearted Turkish cabdriver and Middle Eastern teens obsessed with American sports and music, Edwards vividly dramatizes every turn in his hero's quest to discover who he is.” — Booklist (starred review) “Ramadan Ramsey is a rollicking and exhilarating novel.” — Minneapolis Star Tribune

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this delightful flip of a classic romance trope, Megan Frampton creates a handsome, witty, hero in need of a wealthy bride who meets his match in Lady Jane Capel, from A Wicked Bargain with the Duke.Trade Review“Strong heroines, sexy heroes, delicious stories. Make Megan Frampton your next read!” — Sarah MacLean, New York Times bestselling author "Frampton (A Wicked Bargain for the Duke, 2021) deftly turns up the sensual heat to full boil while effectively layering in ample measures of emotional vulnerability, making this a must-read for fans of sexy, smartly crafted historical romances." — Booklist “A captivating second in the Hazards of Dukes series (after Never Kiss a Duke). Frampton deftly handles heavy subjects of abuse and neglect without ever losing the light of her characters’ spirits or tamping down the steamy, slow-burn romance... Will enthrall readers of Eva Leigh’s Union of the Rakes series.” — Library Journal on Tall, Duke, and Dangerous “The prose is...quick-paced and often sharp and funny. With a captivating, easy-to-love couple and deliciously hot scenes, this breezy read will entertain...A solid choice when searching for a light, charming historical happy-ever-after.” — Kirkus Reviews on Tall, Duke, and Dangerous "Sparkling... [Never Kiss a Duke] bursts with delightful banter, restorative supporting characters who dance off the page, and plenty of steamy interludes and tantalizing yearning." — Entertainment Weekly "Megan Frampton’s Never Kiss A Duke is a delightful mixture of warmth, wit, humor, and sensuality that had me reading late into the night." — Lorraine Heath, New York Times bestselling author "Frampton (Never a Bride, 2019) could give Scheherazade a run for the money when it comes to crafting a compelling tale, and the superbly written first entry in her historical romance Hazards of Dukes series is another brilliant confection composed of equal measures dazzlingly droll wit and deliciously sexy romance." — Booklist on Never Kiss a Duke "Downright titillating." — Cosmopolitan

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"A powerful, gripping, and beautifully told story of three women navigating the crossroads of history. Divakaruni's eye is both unflinching and deeply compassionate, encompassing all the complexities of the sisters' lives. I couldn't put it down." — Madeline Miller, New York Times bestselling author of Circe and Song of Achilles “A spellbinding saga of the decolonization and partition of the Indian subcontinent, with a cast of vividly drawn, compelling characters.” — Amitav Ghosh, award-winning author “A national movement unsettles a country. Only a powerful imagination can recreate how profoundly it changes three women’s lives.” — Nayantara Sahgal, award-winning author “Divakaruni’s latest brilliant novel coincides with the seventy-fifth anniversary of the independence of India from British rule and its partition into India, Pakistan, and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). With great attention to detail regarding the political and religious upheaval this caused and its impact on ordinary citizens, Divakaruni tells a highly nuanced tale of a Hindu Bengali family living in the village of Ranipur near Calcutta…Woven throughout their stories is the violence, rage, and anguish of a divided nation, all stirringly depicted by Divakaruni in unforgettable prose.” — Booklist (starred review) "Divakaruni captures the upheaval and devastation of the partition of British India in this dazzling tale of three Hindu sisters caught up in the violent events...This is a must." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) "I have long been a fan of Chitra Divakaruni’s novels, but Independence is now my favorite. She tells the story of India’s independence through the eyes of three sisters, each of whom is uniquely different, with her own desires and flaws. I cheered for them and cried with them as they move through the history of their country that is at once devastating, inspiring, and triumphant. You will, too." — Lisa See, #1 New York Times bestselling author “One of Divakaruni’s greatest strengths as a novelist is the sheer strength of her characterization. The psychological acuity with which she presents her characters’ motivations and their leaps of faith is remarkable. . . Independence, her latest novel, is arguably her finest yet, a book that has big ambitions but an even bigger heart.” — First Post “For those of us who read to escape the banalities of daily life, Chitra Divakaruni’s books are oxygen. She writes about India in a way that makes the rest of the world disappear around you.” — Chicago Tribune "The author’s latest novel is an engaging family saga that explores resilience against a backdrop of violent national upheaval. The story is well paced as it follows its cast of characters through a chaotic world while still capturing the rich interiority of each of the three daughters. A moving depiction of family life following great loss." — Kirkus Reviews “Lyrical and richly detailed, Independence explores the implications of its title not only for a country, but for the young women who must learn to deal with a perilous, exciting new world.” — Shelf Awareness "As a story of strife and social disarray, of blind hatred and clear-sighted courage, Independence speaks to the present moment. With its limpid and luminous prose, it effortlessly brings home the lessons of our past." — Scroll.in “The title Independence refers not only to the Indian freedom struggle but to women’s struggle for freedom. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, who teaches creative writing at the University of Houston, has written a powerful novel that will resonate across cultures. Three Sisters, with its Chekhovian echo, would be a good title as well.” — New York Journal of Books

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less