Jocelyn Green joins us for a chat about her favorite books, Egyptomania, and her latest release The Metropolitan Affair. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!
For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at masked heroes of television including Zorro and The Loan Ranger.
In 1942, an impulsive promise to her brother before he goes off to the European front puts Avis Montgomery in the unlikely position of head librarian in small-town Maine. Though she has never been much of a reader, when wartime needs threaten to close the library, she invents a book club to keep its doors open. The women she convinces to attend the first meeting couldn’t be more different–a wealthy spinster determined to aid the war effort, an exhausted mother looking for a fresh start, and a determined young war worker.
At first, the struggles of the home front are all the club members have in common, but over time, the books they choose become more than an escape from the hardships of life and the fear of the U-boat battles that rage just past their shores. As the women face personal challenges and band together in the face of danger, they find they have more in common than they think. But when their growing friendships are tested by secrets of the past and present, they must decide whether depending on each other is worth the cost.
The Review
World War II, a plethora of wonderful books, and a diverse cast of characters make up the latest book from Amy Lynn Green known as The Blackout Book Club. Each chapter features the daily life and sometimes history of one of four main characters. Avis is the first one we meet, and she’s been thrust into the role of librarian on behalf of her brother who is enlisting in the war.
We also meet Martina and Ginny, two women who are as different as night and day, but each with their own unique struggles.
Louise is the owner of the library, though she does not intend for it to be open much longer. Avis comes up with the idea of the book club as a way to save it from being turned into a nursery school.
These four women are the founding members of The Blackout Book Club, and as time goes on, they slowly start adding more townspeople to their ranks. The “minutes” are taken at each meeting, and these are a fun glimpse into the personality of whoever steps into the roll of secretary.
As time goes by, each woman must deal with the hand life has dealt them, all while trying to do their part for the war effort and praying that all their men will return home.
For fans of World War II fiction, this is a different take on the history of that era. There is mention of victory gardens, women working in factories, and men taking on roles that would have ordinarily made them unfit for traditional military duty. Fans of Christian fiction will be disappointed not to find much faith-based content throughout, though it is a clean read.
Amy Lynn Green is a lifelong lover of books, history, and library cards. She worked in publishing for six years before writing her first historical fiction novel. She and her husband live in Minnesota, where she teaches virtual classes on marketing at writer’s conferences, engages with book clubs, and regularly encourages established and aspiring authors in their publication journeys. Connect with her on Facebook or Instagram (@amygreenbooks), or sign up for her newsletter at amygreenbooks.com to get quarterly emails filled with bookish fun.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
In two world wars, intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide across two generations
In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same–until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie’s inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling’s injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the SS officer he’s tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.
Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, never expecting to fall in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper’s daughter. But when war breaks out in Europe, their relationship is put in jeopardy and may not survive what lies ahead for them.
As the ripples from the Great War rock Evie and Sterling’s lives in World War II, it seems yesterday’s tides may sweep them all into danger again today.
THE REVIEW
Emotional. Poignant. Riveting. “Yesterday’s Tides” is a sweeping historical drama, brimming with espionage and romance! Thoroughly researched and beautifully crafted, this novel is one to be savored. One enlivened by a cast of diverse characters who move the heart and enriched by profound spiritual themes that uplift the soul.
For the longtime fan of Roseanna M. White, “Yesterday’s Tides” is a must read, filled with delightful cameos by beloved characters from series past. For the reader who’s yet to pick up one of White’s novels, “Yesterday’s Tides” serves as a marvelous introduction to her work, sure to result in the binge-reading of her phenomenal backlist.
If you enjoy period dramas set in the First and Second World Wars, “Yesterday’s Tides”is sure to be your cup of tea!
THE AUTHOR
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia.
Review by ECPA bestselling author Angela Bell is a 21st century lady with 19th century sensibilities. Her activities consist of reading voraciously, drinking copious amounts of tea, and writing letters with a fountain pen. Learn more about her at AuthorAngelaBell.com
Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.
A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They’re easier to handle, they’re more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father’s passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.
Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father’s death–even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth risking ruining everything for the feisty woman he’s come to admire.
REVIEW
Rebel women in historical times are hardly anything new in the fiction world–so it’s refreshing when the rebellious character in question is Nora Fenton. There are plenty of times when her confidence wavers and she gets trampled on by the men who are tasked with planning her life, yet she forges ahead with the desires of her heart–to save Emberwild and its horses, especially Arrow.
When the search for answers in his father’s death leads Silas to Emberwild, he encounters more than simply training a tempestuous trotter. He meets Nora who is determined to help train Arrow for racing so Emberwild can once again be a profitable endeavor. Accidents happen and suspicions rise in the midst of family turmoil and unearthed secrets. With so many decisions hanging in the balance, this story mixes intrigue with romance, resulting in a page turner until the very end.
If you’re in the mood for a combustible combination of danger, romance, strong characters, willful horses, and family drama–The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H McGee is a must-read!
THE AUTHOR
Stephenia H McGee is a multi-published author of stories of faith, hope, and healing set in the Deep South. She lives in Mississippi, where she is a mom of two rambunctious boys, writer, dreamer, and husband spoiler. Her novel The Cedar Key was a 2021 Faith, Hope, and Love Readers’ Choice award winner. A member of the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), she loves all things books and history. Stephenia also loves connecting with readers and can often be found having fun with her Faithful Readers Team on Facebook. For more on books and upcoming events and to connect with Stephenia, visit her at www.StepheniaMcGee.com.
Reviewed by Christie Kern. Follow @WriterCBK219 on Instagram for more book reviews and recommendations.
Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.
Julie Klassen joins us for a chat about regency England, Jane Austen Easter eggs, and her latest releaseSisters of Sea View. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!
A Pinch of the Past: What do Mary had a Little Lamb and Thanksgiving have in common? Author, editor, activist, and mother Sarah J. Hale. (Full post here.)
Years ago, he shattered her heart. Now she must trust him with her life.
As the only girl in her family, and with four older brothers, Ivy McQuaid can rope and ride with the roughest of ranchers. She’s ready to have what she’s always longed for–a home of her own. She’s set her heart on a parcel of land south of Fairplay and is saving for it with her winnings from the cowhand competitions she sneaks into–but her dream is put in jeopardy when the man she once loved reappears in her life.
After two years away, Jericho Bliss is back in South Park as an undercover Pinkerton agent searching for a war criminal. He has no intention of involving a woman in the dangerous life he leads, but one look at Ivy is all it takes for him to question the path he’s set out for himself.
Even though Jericho tries to resist his longtime attraction to the beautiful and vivacious Ivy, he finds himself falling hard and fast for her. In the process, his worst fear comes true–he puts her smack-dab in the middle of danger. With Ivy’s life in the balance, will Jericho give her up once again, or will he find a way back to her, this time forever?
THE REVIEW
Oh. My. Holy Saint Peter! Jody has done it again, she’s roped me in and hog-(steer)-ties me with another McQuaid book!
I wasn’t so sure about this one. Ivy has been that annoying little sister, with a really big mouth and larger personality since book 2. And I wasn’t sure I was gonna like her. And while it’s not my favorite of the Colorado Cowboys (that’s still a toss up between Flynn and Brody), I really appreciate how Jody grew her up, but also kept the same elements that were Ivy. It made her and this story feel more real; sometimes authors grow up the characters too much and they change and it feels less like real humans. This didn’t.
And the slow burn and tension between her and Jericho! Come on! I was just like get on with it… but then when those kisses (yes, plural) came, it was fantastic. But, again, like real life, the tension didn’t stop there.
But among all the kisses, tension, bickering and banter, I deeply appreciate how Jody intertwined scripture and biblical truths into the story. That’s one of the reasons I alway pick up her books. I know I’m gonna get fantastic characters, a marvelous story, and deep spiritual truths as well.
If you enjoy capable cowgirls, romance with a little sizzle, and family sagas, you’ll want to grab a copy of Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund.
THE AUTHOR
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over forty sweet historical romances and is the winner of numerous awards. She lives in central Michigan with her husband and is the mother of five wonderful children and five spoiled cats. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.
Sixteen-year-old Olive Alexander has lived on a ranch in the Jornada del Muerto region of southern New Mexico her entire life. But when World War II begins, the government seizes her family’s land for the construction of a new, top secret Army post.
While her mother remains behind, Olive is forced to live in nearby Alamogordo with her grandmother and find a place in a new school. When Jo Hawthorne crosses her path, Olive sees a chance for friendship—until she learns that Jo’s father is the Army sergeant who now occupies her beloved ranch. Already angry about her new reality, Olive pushes Jo away. But as she struggles to make sense of her grandmother’s lapses into the past and increasingly unsettling hints about what’s happening at the ranch, she slowly warms to Jo’s winsome faith and steady attempts at friendship . . . until one devastating day when the sky explodes around them and their lives are torn apart.
Seven years later, Jo returns to Alamogordo, still angry and wounded by the betrayals of that fateful day. Determined to put the past behind her once and for all, Jo hunts for answers and begins to realize the truth may be far more complicated than she believed, leading her on a desperate search to find her friend before it’s too late.
THE REVIEW
One thing that never fails to get my attention is a story set during a time or situation in history that is almost entirely new to me. Come Down Somewhere is a coming of age tale, a story of friendship, and on a broader scale, an homage to what was done unwittingly when the Trinity nuclear bomb was tested in southern New Mexico. Wright doesn’t attempt to place blame, merely tells a story that must be told, thereby paying respect to them and what was done to their home. Through modern eyes, it’s a no-brainer that this testing is problematic, but to the scientists of the time, this is such new technology that no one really understands the implications outside of the impact zone.
Into this aftermath, Wright bravely sets her story of a friendship torn apart. Wright’s voice is unique as she shifts between the perspectives of Olive and Jo, and the years between them. Jo’s section in particular is rife with her emotions and reactions to a place she never wanted to see again. Her hope and her dread are tangible and kept me eagerly turning those pages. Wright’s description of the setting is impeccable. I could practically feel the sweat sliding down my back as Jo walked along the streets of Alamogordo.
The plot moves along steadily; secrecy abounds, and there is even a bit of suspense before the story reaches its poignant end. The faith element is woven organically throughout the story, pointing readers to Christ in a way that is never heavy-handed or preachy. I found myself in tears over the reminder that nothing and no one is ever so far gone that redemption cannot reach them.
If you’re in the mood for a bold, eye-opening, and impactful coming of age tale based on true events in history – one that honors and validates those impacted – Come Down Somewhereby Jennifer L. Wright should be your next read.
THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Wright has been writing since middle school, eventually earning a master’s degree in journalism from Indiana University. However, it took only a few short months of covering the local news to realize that writing fiction is much better for the soul–and definitely way more fun. A born and bred Hoosier, she was swept off her feet by an Air Force pilot and has spent the past decade traveling the world and, every few years, attempting to make old curtains fit in the windows of a new home.
She currently resides in New Mexico with her husband, two children, one grumpy dachshund, and an overly demanding guinea pig. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers Association), and can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and sometimes (but very rarely) on Twitter. Her debut novel, “If It Rains,” was nominated for a Kipp Award in the Historical Fiction Category. “Come Down Somewhere,” her second novel, is now available from Tyndale House Publishers.
Follow her on Goodreads, BookBub, and Amazon for the latest updates on book releases, events, and more!
Reviewed by Beth Bulow
Disclaimer: The author offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.
Bryan Litfin joins us for a chat about Constantine’s empire, the early Church, writing, and his latest release Caesar’s Lord. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!
For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at some strange medical practices, one of which dates back to 6500 B.C. A treatment for headaches, head wounds, and madness, trepanning was not for the faint of heart. (Full post here.)
Today’s Bookworm Review is brought to you by Angela Bell. “If you love southern fiction and nuanced dual time stories, Paint and Nectar is sure to be your cup of tea!” (Full review here.)
In 1929, a spark forms between Eliza, a talented watercolorist, and William, a charming young man with a secret that could ruin her career. Their families forbid their romance because of a long-standing feud over missing heirloom silver. Still, Eliza and William’s passion grows despite the barriers, causing William to deeply regret the secret he’s keeping . . . but setting things right will come at a cost.
In present-day Charleston, a mysterious benefactor gifts Lucy Legare an old house, along with all the secrets it holds—including enigmatic letters about an antique silver heirloom. Declan Pinckney, whom Lucy’s been avoiding since their disastrous first date, is set on buying her house for his family’s development company. As Lucy uncovers secrets about the house, its garden, and the silver, she becomes more determined than ever to preserve the historic Charleston property, not only for history’s sake but also for her own.
THE REVIEW
With her debut novel The Dress Shop on King Street, Ashley Clark stitched herself into the fabric of my Must Buy Authors list. When I learned it was the first book in a series, I was thrilled…and a little worried the sequel wouldn’t live up to my expectations.
Dear reader, I needn’t have worried.
Reading an Ashley Clark book is like drinking a glass of iced tea on a summer’s day—you simultaneously want to swig back the whole thing and savor the sweetness of every sip!
Paint and Nectar, book two in Clark’s Heirloom Secrets series, is a work of art from beginning to end. Inhabited by a cast of multifaceted characters and brimming with southern charm, this book solidified Clark’s place on my Favorite Authors list. My head spins thinking of the work that goes into crafting a dual time novel, but Clark pulls it off like an old pro, weaving the plots and timelines together seamlessly. Her use of metaphor is exquisite, tugging at the heartstrings without breaking them, and her sassy, steel magnolia wit is an utter delight.
If you love southern fiction and nuanced dual time stories, Paint and Nectar is sure to be your cup of tea!
THE AUTHOR
Ashley Clark is the acclaimed novelist of The Heirloom Secrets Series. She writes women’s fiction set in the South, and her stories are filled with faith, sweet romance, and lots of family secrets. She loves all things vintage and the almost-forgotten stories of the past. Ashley finds her writing interests influenced by the spaces shared between femininity + strength, loss + legacy, and beauty + memory. She is an English adjunct instructor, a wife and homeschool mama, and she adores her adopted senior Cocker Spaniel.
Review by ECPA bestselling author Angela Bell is a 21st century lady with 19th century sensibilities. Her activities consist of reading voraciously, drinking copious amounts of tea, and writing letters with a fountain pen. Learn more about her at AuthorAngelaBell.com
Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of the Historical Bookworm Review Team.
Stephenia McGee joins us for a chat about horses, muscle cars, writing, and her latest release The Secrets of Emberwild. Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of this great book!
For today’s Pinch of the Past, we’re looking at how birthdays have been celebrated throughout history. By the way, did you know that “Happy Birthday” is not public domain? That’s right, more than a 100 years old, and someone still owns the copyright. (Full post here.)
Today’s Bookworm Review is bought to you by Beth Bulow. “If you love Biblical fiction full of endearing characters, a tender, hard-won romance, and exciting journeys to distant kingdoms, The Hidden Princeby Tessa Afshar is an absolute must read for you.” (Full review here.)
