Bookworm Review – Page 10 – Historical Bookworm

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.

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

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.

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.

June 20, 2021March 8, 2022

A DANCE IN DONEGAL by Jennifer Deibel

The Book

All her life, Boston-born Moira Doherty has relished her mother’s descriptions of the Emerald Isle. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira is compelled to fulfill her dying wish–that she become the teacher in Ballymann, the beloved village in Donegal, Ireland, she’s heard so much about.

After an arduous voyage, Moira begins a challenging new job in an unfamiliar and ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion.

Rumors about Moira’s mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she’s journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends–and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced–as she seeks to navigate a life she’d never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.

Review

A Dance in Donegal is an exquisite Irish love story. Jennifer Deibel weaves this 1920s era love story in the Irish countryside with just enough suspense, mystery, and romance that you cannot help but hold your breath from chapter to chapter.

As far as steaminess, this book gives enough romantic tension to tease, yet descriptions are discreet and wholesome. There is one violent scene that might be a trigger for more sensitive readers. A man attempts to assault a young woman. This scene was short and tactfully portrayed.

The spiritual arc was accompanied by Bible verses in the characters’ thoughts, oftentimes presented as though God himself was speaking.

If you’re in the mood for a sweet Irish love story with beautifully described countryside, fun Gaelic colloquialisms, and the theme of how God restores one woman’s reputation–thereby cementing her place and call in Ireland–you won’t want to miss A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

This review was originally shared in episode 6 of the Historical Bookworm Podcast.

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

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher whose work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com . Her debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, releases Feb. 2, 2021 from Revell and is available for pre-order wherever books are sold!

Order A Dance in Donegal here:

Baker Book House
ChristianBook
Barnes and Noble
Target
Amazon
Books-A-Million
IndieBound
Walmart

May 29, 2021May 15, 2022

Episode 9: Guest Tessa Afshar and a Review of Dreams of Savannah

Join us for a chat with historical biblical fiction author Tessa Afshar as she talks about her experience as a writer, reader, and child of God. She shares about her latest release Jewel of the Nile and the unique characters of this book. You can find more about Tessa and her latest release at TessaAfshar.com

Pinch of the Past …We enjoy the history of Cinderella, from its beginnings in Ancient Greece to China and finally the Disney version. You won’t want to miss these sweet glimps of history before the fairy godmother said, “bibbity bobbity boo.”

Bookworm Review …If you enjoy historical adventures that force the characters to grow and aren’t afraid to tackle some sticky questions, along with providing multiple romance threads, you need to find a copy of Roseanna M. White’s Dreams of Savannah.

May 17, 2021May 15, 2022

Episode 8: Guest Roseanna M. White & a Review of Destined for You

Join us for a chat with bestselling author, cover designer, and editor Roseanna M. White as she shares her experience as a cover designer, editor, writer, and her latest novel The Nature of a Lady (book one of the Secrets of the Isles series.)

Ever hear of Ice-brook temper? What about a childe (child with an “e”?) For a snippet of medieval terminology listen to this segment of a Pinch of the Past.

On the Bookworm Review we take a look at Destined for You the latest release by Tracie Peterson. If you enjoy a Christian novel with strong Biblical themes, sweet romance, a dab of suspense, and a historical setting, you won’t want to miss Destined for You, Book 1 in Tracie Peterson’s Ladies of the Lake Series.

May 3, 2021May 15, 2022

Episode 7: Guest Kimberly A. Duffy & Review of Under the Bayou Moon

Join us for a chat with Kimberly A. Duffy as she shares about her latest release Tapestry of Light, pivotal scenes in the book, and her love of India.

In our Pinch of the Past segment we look at different occupations of the 1800s including some quaint vendor cries that might stick with you the next time you eat a sweet potato.

For our Bookworm Review, we talk about Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse.

Episode 6: Guest Elizabeth Camden & a Review of Braced for Love

Join us for a chat with librarian and award-winning writer, Elizabeth Camden as she shares her wisdom about writing touching love stories, the worth of failure, and the inspiration behind her latest release The Prince of Spies. Find out more about Elizabeth on her website ElizabethCamden.com. If you like historical tidbits and fun vintage photographs, follow Elizabeth on her Facebook page Author Elizabeth Camden.

On the Pinch of the Past we explore the odd and humorous slang employed by Tom Arleth, a secondary character in Grace Livingston Hill’s 1932 edition of Happiness Hill. This crackerjack of a character uses terms right from the era in which the book was written.

Our Bookworm Review features Mary Connealy’s latest release, Braced for Love. If you enjoy reading clean, western romance with a little danger, family values, and a marriage of convenience, you won’t want to miss Braced for Love, book 1 in Mary Connealy’s Brothers in Arms Series.