Category Archives: Historical Fiction

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawson

Posted on July 11, 2025 by bseat

This is my first time reading something by Lawhon, but it will certainly not be my last! Based on a real midwife who lived in Maine in the 1780’s this book sang with authenticity. Lawhon imbued the story and the … Continue reading →

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Blood &Beauty and In the Name of the Family by Sarah Dunant

Posted on July 4, 2025 by bseat

In these times it is helpful to look back in history and find a time period not unlike our own and see what lessons we can learn.  So I decided to read about the Borgia family. They were consumed with … Continue reading →

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The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian

Posted on June 20, 2025 by bseat

I have always loved historical novels! So when I saw this book by Bohjalian, who is a masterful storyteller, it made it all the more attractive!  The combination of being immersed in history with an author who creates strong, interesting … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction | 1 Comment

The Eyes of the Queen by Oliver Clements

Posted on December 13, 2024 by bseat

I have to say that I tend to like historical fiction and novels about spies. So if you combine the two? Well let’s just say I was all over this series as soon as I found about it! John Dee … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Series, Spy/Covert Operatives, Suspense | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Imperium, Conspirata and Dictator by Robert Harris vs. Two for the Lions by Lindsey Davis: A Comparison

Posted on November 15, 2024 by bseat

While traveling in Italy I read about its history by reading novels by Robert Harris and Lindsey Davis. I learned a lot from each of these authors and am grateful to have had access to their insight and the massive … Continue reading →

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The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen

Posted on October 18, 2024 by bseat

I always like to read novels about the places I am going to visit. When you read this I will be traveling in Italy and will have just spent three days in Venice. Bowen’s book, with its rich details of … Continue reading →

Posted in Books to take on vacation, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Shanghai by Joseph Kanon

Posted on October 4, 2024 by bseat

When I think about books by Joseph Kanon a few words come to mind: atmospheric, complex, realistic. Shanghai is a good example of Kanon’s unique and inimitable style. dSet in Shanghai in 1938, just after Kristallnacht, a huge influx of … Continue reading →

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The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

Posted on September 13, 2024 by bseat

Time travel plot lines are always a bit dicey. It is easy for an author to get caught up in the ‘how” and the rules of time travel and the plot line can stay focused on those things rather than … Continue reading →

Posted in Books to take on vacation, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction, Suspense | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The Shadow Land by Elizabeth Kostova

Posted on August 30, 2024 by bseat

I read The Historian by Kostova and loved that book, so it was easy to pick up her third book, The Shadow Land. I was not disappointed! This is a book what happened under the Communist regime in Bulgaria immediately … Continue reading →

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Night Watch by Jayne Anne Phillips

Posted on August 2, 2024 by bseat

Some novels capture a time so vividly that they become seared into our consciousness as if we were actually there. Phillips has managed to do this in this novel about the aftermath of the Civil War with characters so vivid … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Prize Winner | Tagged | 1 Comment