Historical Bookworm – Page 17 – Podcast for fiction readers and history lovers

August 15, 2021June 23, 2022

In a Far Off Land by Stephanie Landsem

This review was originally shared in episode 16. Listen to episode 13 to hear Stephanie share about all that went into writing this fantastic book.

The Book

As the Great Depression hits the Midwest, Minerva Sinclaire runs away to Hollywood, determined to make it big and save the family farm. But beauty and moxie don’t pay the bills in Tinseltown, and she’s caught in a downward spiral of poverty, desperation, and compromise. Finally, she’s about to sign with a major studio and make up for it all. Instead, she wakes up next to a dead film star and is on the run for a murder she didn’t commit.

Only two unwilling men—Oscar, a Mexican gardener in danger of deportation, and Max, a too-handsome agent battling his own demons—can help Mina escape corrupt police on the take and the studio big shots trying to frame her.

But even her quick thinking and grit can’t protect her from herself. Alone, penniless, and carrying a shameful secret, Mina faces the consequences of the heartbreaking choices that brought her to ruin . . . and just might bring her back to where she belongs.

The Review

This book is one of the most beautiful prodigal stories out there. It is an amazing story of love lost and gained, of forgiveness, second chances, grace, the beauty of family.

Mina veered off the straight path and went to Los Angeles to become an actress. Her dreams became just dreams when life threw the most dire of curve balls at her. Her journey was touching–painful to read but redemptive at the end.

If this is the first of Stephanie’s books you are reading, it definitely won’t be your last. The story is doused with love and grace given, that could never be deserved or earned even if one tried.

Love that never says “no” or “enough” is the perfect title for this book. The life-changing lessons of faith are inspiring and noteworthy.

If you love historical fiction that will keep you crying both happy and sad tears, filled with intrigue, mystery and suspense–but also inspires your heart to live a life of love–then In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem is the perfect book for you.

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.

The Author

Stephanie Landsem writes about women in history for women in history. Her latest novel, In A Far Off Land, is a story of murder, romance, and mercy set in the glamour of 1930s Hollywood. Her biblical fiction brings the unknown women of the gospels to life in The Living Water Series and the Walk In Her Sandals series. She has traveled on four continents and dozens of countries. When she can’t travel, she reads fiction and history and dreams of her next adventure whether it be in person or on the page. She makes her home in Minnesota with her husband of 30 years, occasional adult children, three cats, a dog, and a tortoise named Moe.

August 15, 2021June 23, 2022

Episode 16: Guest Jody Hedlund & a Review of In A Far Off Land

Jody is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. She shares about her new time travel novel Come Back to Me, her love of cats, and the fun of writing. Learn more about her at her website JodyHedlund.com/ and her ReaderRoom Facebook group.

We share prolific hymn writers in our Pinch of the Past. A look at the reformer Martin Luther, the “The Godfather of English Hymnody” Isaac Watts, and blind teacher and lobbyist Fanny Crosby.

Bookworm Review: If you love historical fiction that will keep you crying both happy and sad tears, filled with intrigue, mystery and suspense then In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem is the perfect book for you.

We are giving away a copy of Come Back to Me.

Giveaway began on August 15, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 27, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

August 10, 2021June 23, 2022

The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski

This review was originally shared in episode 14 of the Historical Bookworm Show.

The Book

Amid the violent last days of the glittering Russian monarchy, a princess on the run finds her heart where she least expects it.

1917, Petrograd. Fleeing the murderous flames of the Russian Revolution, Princess Svetlana Dalsky hopes to find safety in Paris with her mother and sister. But the city is buckling under the weight of the Great War, and the Bolsheviks will not rest until they have erased every Russian aristocrat from memory. Svetlana and her family are forced into hiding in Paris’s underbelly, with little to their name but the jewels they sewed into their corsets before their terrifying escape.

Born the second son of a Scottish duke, the only title Wynn MacCallan cares for is that of surgeon. Putting his talents with a scalpel to good use in the hospitals in Paris, Wynn pushes the boundaries of medical science to give his patients the best care possible. After treating Svetlana for a minor injury, he is pulled into a world of decaying imperial glitter. Intrigued by this mysterious, cold, and beautiful woman, Wynn follows Svetlana to an underground Russian club where drink, dance, and questionable dealings collide on bubbles of vodka.

Out of money and options, Svetlana agrees to a marriage of convenience with the handsome and brilliant Wynn, who will protect her and pay off her family’s debts. It’s the right thing for a good man to do, but Wynn cannot help hoping the marriage will turn into one of true affection. When Wynn’s life takes an unexpected turn, so does Svetlana’s—and soon Paris becomes as dangerous as Petrograd. And as the Bolsheviks chase them to Scotland, Wynn and Svetlana begin to wonder if they will ever be able to outrun the love they are beginning to feel for one another.

The Review

A sweeping love story that rivets the reader with narrow escapes, nefarious characters, strong family bonds, and a hero and heroine whose fragile love will be tested by lies born of pride and the troubles of the world around them.

In trying to outrun her heritage, Princess Svetlana wilts under the pressures of saving her family single-handedly. All Wynn wants is a chance to further medical science and woo the icy princess. A marriage forces Svetlana to open her heart just as Wynn’s world collapses. Can Svetlana pick up the pieces of their marriage her once stoic heart would have abandoned?

If you’re looking for a sweet, clean read with two very different characters who learn to adapt to an ever changing world then The Ice Swan is for you.

This review was originally shared in episode 14 of the Historical Bookworm Show.

The Author

With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the INSPY and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle.

August 10, 2021June 23, 2022

Faith’s Mountain Home by Misty M. Beller

The Book

Nate Long has always watched over his identical twin brother, Aaron, even when it put him on the wrong side of the law. When Aaron is wounded in a shootout, the brothers are taken to Settler’s Fort to recover. As Nate works to make reparations for their past, he marvels at the nursing Aaron receives under the care of a woman with all the reason in the world to resent him.

Laura Hannon knows what it is to start over, and she knows Nate’s newfound faith is real. What she can’t look past is how far he allowed himself to be led astray by his brother’s weaknesses.

As a fledgling trust grows between Nate and Laura, they stumble upon a mysterious cave in the mountains that may not be as uninhabited as it seems. As they work together for a common cause, will the new lives they seek for themselves include love, or is there too much that stands between them?

The Review

Loving complex characters and multi-faceted relationships as I do, I have to say, I think the hero stole the show a little bit in this story. Nate is an ex-outlaw, with a kind heart and a lot of restitution yet to make. His brother is also interesting–the kind of character I want to see have his own book one day.

All in all, it’s a great cast. The whole town is full of people you can easily imagine meeting if you traveled back in time.

The romance is very sweet and steady. The heroine is kind and courageous; the hero, honorable and humble. There is little violence for a western. The faith element is overt, yet a natural part of the characters’ lives. And I loved the Montana setting; I would tell you about the cave, but you should probably discover that yourself.

This is the third book in the Hearts of Montana series (and from the bits I’ve seen of earlier characters in this book, I want to read the others).

If you enjoy a story about second chances–with plenty of the adventures a Montana wilderness can throw at you–definitely pick up a copy of Faith’s Mountain Home.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

The Author

Misty M. Beller is a today’s guest is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories set on the 1800’s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close and they continue to keep that priority today. Writing is a dream come true for her. Her family, both immediate and extended, is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream. Connect with Misty at her website MistyMBeller.com

August 10, 2021June 23, 2022

Episode 15: Guest Ann H. Gabhart & a Book Review of Faith’s Mountain Home

Join us for an interview with Ann H. Gabhart. Her first historical novel was published 1978 by Warner Books. Since then, she has published over thirty novels, including her latest Along a Storied Trail.

Pinch of the Past … A look at the significance of teacher apples, the first public school in America, and quotes be historical teachers that may surprise you.

Bookworm Review … Faith’s Mountain Home by Misty M. Beller. If you enjoy a story about second chances–with plenty of the adventures a Montana wilderness can throw at you–definitely pick up a copy of Faith’s Mountain Home.

August 10, 2021August 10, 2021

School, Apples, and Teachers

Why Apples?

In the 1700s, poor families in Denmark and Sweden gave teachers baskets of apples as payment for their children’s education
American children were also know to do this on the frontier and later during the Great Depression.
Here is a line from a song sung by Bing Crosby in 1939: “An apple for the teacher will always do the trick when you don’t know your lesson in arithmetic.”

Education in Early America.

The first public school in America was established on April 23, 1635, in Boston, Massachusetts and was known as the Boston Latin School.
Important people who attended were John Hancock and Samuel Adams.
Benjamin Franklin also attended, but dropped out!

Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori was born in Italy in 1870, Maria Montessori was exceptional from the beginning. She was the only female attendee of an all-boys school. Maria was one of Italy’s first female doctors, and became interested in education, and in 1907. She opened a child care center in in Rome where she put her her educational theories into practice.
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”

On the Frontier

Laura Ingalls Wilder the author of Little House on the Prairie author (1867–1957) was a teacher. She taught in a one-room schoolhouse which was 12 miles away from the town she lived in in South Dakota.
“The only stupid thing about words is the spelling of them.”

Take it from a genius…

So there you have it, a short look at a few teachers in history. Here is one final quote from a teacher, Albert Einstein. “Imagination is everything.” and as a writer and reader, I heartily agree.

July 26, 2021June 23, 2022

Episode 14: Guest Lisa T. Bergren & a Review of The Ice Swan

Interview: Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over sixty books with a combined three million+ books sold. Join us as she chats about her second edition Begotten book 1 of The Gifted Series.

On today’s Pinch of the Past eighteenth century coinage we are looking a the British coins, The Piece of Eight, techniques of theft. Money and currency are such an intricate part of everyday life. I hope this peek at the currency of years past has made the people who walked in the 1700s seem a little more human than before. If you enjoyed it, be sure to check out the Townsends YouTube channel.

Review: If you’re looking for a sweet, clean read with two very different characters who learn to adapt to an ever changing world then The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski is for you.

July 15, 2021June 23, 2022

Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin

This review was originally shared in episode 13 of the Historical Bookworm Show.

About the Book

Len-na is a wife and mother who farms alongside her husband in the tranquil countryside. Her faith has always been her compass, but can she remain steadfast when the questions grow increasingly complex and the answers could mean the difference between life and death? Len-na’ daughter Ans has recently moved to the bustling city of Leiden (Ly-den), filled with romantic notions of a new job and a young Dutch police officer. But when she is drawn into Resistance work, her idealism collides with the dangerous reality that comes with fighting the enemy.

Miriam is a young Jewish violinist who immigrated for the safety she thought Holland would offer. She finds love in her new country, but as her family settles in (Ly-den), the events that follow will test them in ways she could never have imagined. The Nazi invasion propels these women onto paths that cross in unexpected, sometimes-heartbreaking ways. Yet the story that unfolds illuminates the surprising endurance of the human spirit and the power of faith and love to carry us through.

Review

This was one heart-wrenching, life-changing, and inspiring book. It is unlike any other WWII book because of the way it captured the trials, persecution, and travails of Jews and their supporters during the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands. The compelling story was about the lives of three courageous, bold, and faithful women; Lena, Miriam, and Ans as they lived through one of the most horrific seasons in human history. Their faith was admirable and commendable. They took life in stride, sacrificing, loving, and trusting God even when it was impossible. Lynn Austin wrote a really compelling, profound, and inspiring masterpiece. The lessons of faith to be gleaned from this book are endless. If you’re in the mood for a deep, captivating, and educating story with themes of love, forgiveness, and restoration–and a wonderful WWII story–you won’t want to miss Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin. 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 Historical Bookworm Review Team.

About the Author

Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction and was one of the first inductees into the Christy Award Hall of Fame. One of her novels, Hidden Places, was made into a Hallmark Channel Original Movie. Lynn and her husband have three grown children and make their home in western Michigan. Visit her online at www.lynnaustin.org.

July 15, 2021June 23, 2022

Episode 13: Guest Stephanie Landsem & Review of Chasing Shadows

Author Stephanie Landsem talks about Depression-era Hollywood and her new book In a Far Off Land.

For our Pinch of the Past we are looking at another wonderful fairy tale–Rapunzel. From ancient Persia, to Italy, and then Germany this iconic fairytale is far from Disney’s Tangles, but oh the fun of history. You don’t want to miss this one.

Bookworm Review: If you’re in the mood for a deep, captivating, and educating story with themes of love, forgiveness, and restoration–and a wonderful WWII story–you won’t want to miss Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin.

July 3, 2021June 23, 2022

Episode 12: Guest Misty M. Beller & a Review of The Curator’s Daughter

Interview: Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. She shares her love for potato casserole (aka shepherd’s pie,) the mountains, and her novel Courage in the Mountain Wilderness (which is currently free on Kindle Unlimited.)

Pinch of the Past: With July 4th, right around the corner in the US I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the American political writings from before 1776, showing how the thought of the day finally grew into Jefferson’s monumental document.

Bookworm Review: The Curator’s Daughter by Melanie Dobson. If you love stories that delve into World War II through the eyes of a German SS officer’s wife, if you find inspiration in the lost and found pieces of people’s lives and how God knits them back together, The Curator’s Daughter is the book for you.