Tag Archives: historical fiction

Book Reviews – April 2026

27 Apr

Welcome back to SGL, friends. How this month has flown by! I’m surprised by how much I was able to read, let’s get to it, shall we?

The Powder (Tales of a Revolution: Bermuda) by Lars D.H. Hedbor – Hal is unexpectedly thrust into the middle of the revolution in colonial Bermuda when Molly’s father asks for his help in a daring plot that will aid the mainland rebels. Hal’s caught between his own more immediate concern of where his next meal will come from, and the seriousness of this cause.

~ I found this story engaging and very easy to read – I’d say younger readers could grasp what was occurring without trouble. I loved Molly’s spirit and the adults’ drive to do what was right, as well as give Hal a second chance. I got to meet Lars at a few book events these past months and enjoyed getting to talk to him about his stories and writing process. He’s a pacific northwest author, check his website out if you’re interested in his books!

In the Reeds: A Short Story Anthology by Tim Maddox – Maddox shares eleven short stories (and a few extras!) of his completed short stories for Reedsy.com weekly challenges. These cover fantasy, sci fi, espionage, snapshot of life and more.

~If you’ve been around a while, you’ll know that I don’t read many short stories/novellas because I always want them to be longer. And, while that is still true with these short stories, I still enjoyed them. A few stood out more than others of course, but I liked reading one or two before turning my light out at night, and not have quite so much pull to read ‘one more chapter’ like happens with a full length book. He’s another pacific northwest author, here’s his website, if you’re interested!

The Tales of Teltra by D.H. McCormack- I recently shared a separate blog post on this story, click the title to go check it out!

Little Women by Lousia May Alcott – Follow the March sisters as the family lives through the Civil War. Their home in New England is a haven against the world for all four of them – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. While Marmee and Hannah help them in their day to day, their father is away at war.

~dramatic reading, Spotify. I hadn’t read this in several years, somehow, so it was a delight to listen to it again. Although, it did take me far too long to finish since I couldn’t find my physical copy… The dramatic reading was great, although I wondered at the southern-sound of Hannah’s voice – is that something I forgot was there in the book, or was it just a choice for the dramatic reading? Anyway, I also liked how Alcott steps away from the story to tell the reader certain things and started wondering how that would go over in a book written nowadays or if it would be more of an irritant to modern readers without that nostalgia to smooth over the ‘preachy’ aspect of some of it. I digress. I was reminded why

Hope When It Hurts: Biblical Reflections to Help You Grasp God’s Purpose in Your Suffering by Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton – Both the authors have lived through difficult times- and still are. They’ve share thirty biblical reflections that, while they don’t shy away from the real pain that often accompanies life, they are full of hope in God.

~This is the second time my sister in law and I have gone through this book and we found it just as encouraging this time. The lessons are a good length with insightful questions at the end of each. Highly recommend this book whether your suffering is physical, emotional or psychological, chronic or not.

Ten Days in a Mad House and Other Stories by Nellie Bly – the first of the stories, ’10 days in a mad house’ was written in 1887 after Bly went undercover at a woman’s insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island. The assignment was given to her by Joseph Pulitzer. Other stories follow, giving more insight into the living conditions of the time.

~I thoroughly enjoy Bly’s writing style. That aside, it was further interesting, knowing that they were newspaper articles when they were first read. And that, if people were so moved, things could have changed for those she wrote about. Definitely recommend.

Currently Reading:

The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive #1) by Brandon Sanderson

Leave It To Psmith by P.G. Wodehouse (audiobook, Librivox) – I’ve just recently started listening to this again

Upon Waking by Jackie Hill Perry

Upcoming Hopefuls:

Little Men by Louisa May Alcott

The Oath by Lars D.H. Hedbor

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Book Reviews – April 2025

7 May

Welcome back to SGL for the monthly book review!

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

Memoria (The Nightingale Trilogy #3) by J.J. Fischer – follow the link to read about this trilogy of faith, friendship and memories.

The Magician’s Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia #1 or #6 (chronological or publication)) by C.S. Lewis -It’s a cold, wet day in London when neighbors Digory and Polly become friends. But it’s when they explore the secret passage and the door at the end of it that their adventure really begins. Narnia on its first morning. Evil sorceress Jadis whose dark magic threatens everything…even London.

~It’s quite interesting to read about just how Jadis arrived in Narnia… and if you’ve not read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, well… Jadis is the White Witch in that story. You’re welcome! Anyway, I do like Digory and Polly and their adventures with the magic rings. It’s got a bit more action than, maybe, The Horse and His Boy, but it is still a bit slow perhaps? I just genuinely enjoy this series.

Redemption (Infinity Blade #2) by Brandon Sanderson – Siris and the God King were betrayed by their true enemy, the Worker of Secrets (the creator of the Infinity Blade) and left in the Vault of Tears. When he finally gets free from the prison, Siris joins the rebellion against the Worker of Secrets’ reign. But the rebellion seems to have little direction and the battle within himself is just as real as the ones outside.

~I listened to this on Hoopla, directly after finishing book 1, and felt a little confused as to how it started… I felt like I’d been dropped into the story a couple of chapters in. I am assuming that’s because these books were based on the Infinity Blade video games. Once I got past that (blind acceptance type of thing), the story kept my attention. I liked most of the twist and turns in the plot although… I remember being kind of disgruntled about one. No Spoilers though! If you’re wanting to read a Sanderson, but not wanting a re-read, I can recommend this duology for something quick, fun and only slightly confusing

Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep – follow the link to read about this 2024 release of mystery and sweet romance!

DNF’d (did not finish)

The Reverberator by Henry James – Reason: far too much descriptions of the characters that made everything drag painfully.

The Fighting Preacher by John Hill Aughey – Reason: well, I read full speeches from two different statesmen…

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – Reason: I was enjoying listening to this immensely at the beginning. The pov from the octopus was so interesting and well done! But, I got maybe a quarter in and there were enough s*x references that I turned it off and returned it to the library. Ugh. I was disappointed because it was such a unique premise – a story of an older woman and an octopus’ friendship?!

Up next possibles:

The Book of Three

The Mad Girls of New York by Maya Rodale

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Of Gold and Shadows Book Review

29 Apr

I used to never buy new books, much less pre-order them. But over the past few years, I’ve been changing that stance. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “If an author is dead or famous, I use the library. If they’re new or need support, I buy the book.” I’ve started taking that more to heart, and even the well-known ones still need support, you know? =) Yes, that’s book-math in all it’s glory.

Anyway, I have loved Michelle Griep’s books for years (links for her other books that I’ve reviewed are at the end of this post). Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep is the first book in Time’s Lost Treasures series. It was published in September, 2024

This novel is set in 1888 Victorian England. It follows Ami Dalton as she struggles to make a name for herself as an Egyptologist amid the gender biases that academia is steeped in. However, her heart also lies in rescuing black-market artifacts, so she’s often disguised as her alter ego, the Shadow Broker.

We also follow Edmund Price, Oxford’s most eligible bachelor – after eight years in India, he’s returned to London to run for Parliament and to find an Egyptologist to value his newly acquired collection. He expects to find the esteemed professor, but instead finds the professor’s daughter, Ami. As she begins work on the collection, their connection deepens but then a golden griffin that supposedly bears the curse of Amentuk surfaces. Ami and Edmund must work together to decide whether there really is a centuries- old curse causing problems or if there’s a darker force hiding in the shadows.

The Shadows hold secrets darker than they ever imagined

My review:

I’ll be honest with you, I’ve not been reading very many historical fictions lately. It’s a shame but as I’m very much a mood reader, these things happen. I had this one on my shelf since it released back in September but never could quite start it for some reason… Once I started it, I was quickly hooked. I do adore Ami’s kindhearted, slightly absent-minded ways. Her determination to see historical artifacts where they can be appreciated and safeguarded. Her love of flowers and bees… Of course, Edmund is quite wonderful as well. His deep loyalty to those he cares about. His devotion to being honest, and to being vulnerable when necessary.

I found the storyline to be intriguing and appreciated the, perhaps, lesser known details/facts about that era that were sprinkled in. While I found some of the plot devices a bit expected, they weren’t heavily leaned on to support the plot! Huzzah! Which honestly, is what I expected from Griep – her stories are never cliche’ and her characters never cardboard-cutouts.

The ending was quite satisfying and sweet without being sugar-coated if you know what I mean. I did love that we got to see Ami and her father’s relationship grow through the story as well.

I’d definitely recommend this novel! If I rated via stars, it’d get a solid four, maybe a four and a half, from me.

Other books by Michelle Griep:

The House at the End of the Moor

The Captured Bride 

The Thief of Blackfriar’s Lane – apparently I never reviewed this one. Suffice it to say that it was fantastic- plot twists and character depths that I appreciated. It’s been two years since I read it and I can still recall some of my favorite scenes. I’ll have to read it again this year and write out a proper review!

~ Laura

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Release Day: Amelia is Out Now!

21 Feb

Hello friends, you’ll graciously forgive me for sharing yet again, about my new release, Amelia. It’s my debut novel and I’m quite excited to send it out into the world. If you follow me over on Instagram, you’ll see that I was sharing quotes and Meet the Character videos. There’s more Amelia content to come, so if you don’t follow me there – it’s definitely not too late to join the fun!

Amelia is available today, February 21st, 2025! It’s available on Amazon and will be available at Roundabout Books in Bend, Or very soon.

Get the Paperback here
Get the E-book here

Synopsis:

What does it mean to be a woman of true beauty in a society obsessed with all the wrong things? This question is at the heart of Amelia, the debut novel—and the first installment in the City of Roses Collection—by author Laura Starr Waxman. 

It’s the late 19th century in Portland, Oregon. After having been sent away by her overbearing mother, sixteen-year-old Amelia Lynn Hughes finds herself living in a welcoming home with her adored Aunt Angie. Unbeknownst to Amelia, her aunt harbors a life-altering secret that will soon change everything. 

Captivated by the allure of high society, Amelia tries to fit in but finds it unfulfilling. Determined, Amelia pursues her long-held ambition of becoming a journalist and enters into the male-dominated world of newspaper reporting—no easy feat for a young woman who aims to move beyond the societal columns. Complicating matters, two suitors vie for her hand. While one has her heart, the other may hold the keys to her future. 

In the end, Amelia must choose the path she truly desires. Is being a journalist worth the sacrifices required? And how exactly should a young woman of substance carry herself in a changing world? 

Get the Paperback here
Get the E-book here

Visit my Amazon Author Page

You can watch for news about any giveaways, sales and any future projects on my Website, Instagram, or Pinterest. Of course, I’ll keep you updated here on SGL as well.

~Laura

p.s. the next blog post will be book reviews!

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Amelia is Coming Soon!

17 Dec

I am so excited that the time has come to give full details about my upcoming release, Amelia!

A few fun facts: this is my debut novel; I’m self-publishing; I’m trying to learn marketing without losing my mind; I’ve got wonderful editor; I’ve also got a lovely friend who’s helping with all the steps of self-publishing.

Synopsis:

What does it mean to be a woman of true beauty in a society obsessed with all the wrong things? This question is at the heart of Amelia, the debut novel—and the first installment in the City of Roses Collection—by author Laura Starr Waxman. 

It’s the late 19th century in Portland, Oregon. After having been sent away by her overbearing mother, sixteen-year-old Amelia Lynn Hughes finds herself living in a welcoming home with her adored Aunt Angie. Unbeknownst to Amelia, her aunt harbors a life-altering secret that will soon change everything. 

Captivated by the allure of high society, Amelia tries to fit in but finds it unfulfilling. Determined, Amelia pursues her long-held ambition of becoming a journalist and enters into the male-dominated world of newspaper reporting—no easy feat for a young woman who aims to move beyond the societal columns. Complicating matters, two suitors vie for her hand. While one has her heart, the other may hold the keys to her future. 

In the end, Amelia must choose the path she truly desires. Is being a journalist worth the sacrifices required? And how exactly should a young woman of substance carry herself in a changing world? 

This is a lovely, cozy story of a young woman finding her path amid trials and successes. I hope you’ll give it a try once it’s released, and that, for now, you’ll share news about it to those you think might enjoy it!

You can watch for updates on my website, Instagram, or Pinterest. Of course, I’ll keep you updated here on SGL as well!

Thanks for stopping by SGL,

Laura

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Sisters of Bethlehem Springs Series Review

11 Dec

Updated on Dec, 11th 2024 – In the interest of sharing some more historical fiction novels with you, I decided to bring this post from 2019 to your attention. I fondly remember these sweet stories from time to time – Hatcher is a favored storyteller for sure. With my own novel set in the late 1890s, it’s fun to revisit novels set in the same time period!

I’m excited to be sharing this series by Robin Lee Hatcher with you guys today. I know I promised this review to you way back in December but it’s finally here! And it’s definitely worth the wait. Trust me. I actually heard about this series from my aunt who found it at her local library.

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A Vote of Confidence, When Gwen Arlington complains about the mayoral candidate for their small town of Bethlehem Springs, she is encouraged to run for office herself. Although she’s unsure about upsetting her cozy life as a piano teacher and writing for the local newspaper, she decides to go for it. Unknown to her, newcomer Morgan Mckinley also decides to run for mayor. The health spa that he’s trying to build has stalled and he’s decided that being mayor will help cut through all the red tape. As both Gwen and Morgan try to prove that they are the best candidate for the job, not only to the residents of the town but to each other, sparks fly. But Gwen’s fiercely protected independence and Morgan’s guarded heart may just keep them as adversaries instead of allies.

Fit to Be Tied,  Cleo Arlington isn’t your typical young woman. She can rope, ride and wrangle a horse with the best of the outfit on her father’s ranch. But in 1916, those qualities aren’t what men are looking for in a wife. Her dreams of being married and having a family of her own look grim. So when Sherwood Statham comes to their ranch, she has a hard time with his uppity attitude. This English aristocrat isn’t there in Idaho by choice, but by order of his father. Cleo and Sherwood’s every encounter leaves one or the other mad as all get out. There’s no way he’s the one she’s been waiting  for, is there?

A Matter of Character, Writing dime novels isn’t what people expect of an heiress, so Daphne Mckinley keeps her hobby to herself. But the stories are a hit and the readers keep asking for more. Daphne eagerly obliges, continuing the saga of her villain Rawhide Rick, who is loosely based off local lore. But when Joshua Crawford comes to town in search of the man who has slandered his grandfather’s good name, Daphne learns just how powerful words are. She also has to make a choice on using her gift and just what she wants her life to be.

This series was so much fun. I love the time period – starting in 1915 – and Hatcher describes just enough of the world that you can picture it without there being too much reminding. Know what I mean? (there really can be too much description in a book. . .) The main characters are great, although I have to admit to liking Daphne the most (although I do remember getting frustrated at her a few times…) but I suppose that’s no surprise as she’s a writer and I’m a writer.

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aren’t these covers just perfect?! I’m in love

Anyway, this series was SO much fun, my friends. I read them all so quickly and was sad when they were over! Faith was an aspect of each book, but not overly done. (there can also be too much preaching in books…)  There is something so fun about reading novels set in this time period – the newfangled contraptions of typewriters and automobiles. The dresses, gloves and hats. (happy sigh)

The twists and turns were great as well, keeping me in suspense as to just how each book would end. I highly recommend this series, from teens on up! This series is definitely on my re-read list (we all have one of those, don’t we?)

Also, I have reviewed another of Hatcher’s books, The Shepherd’s Voice. Go check it out! It’s also set in Idaho.

~Laura

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An Exciting Announcement

31 Oct

Hello my friends,

Now that I’ve gotten caught up on book reviews, I wanted to share some exciting news.

I’ve been hard at work getting my first novel ready to publish! I am self-publishing and cannot wait to be able to share it with all my lovely readers.

It’s set in my favorite time period (in a place where I’ve lived), is a coming of age story and the main character is a redhead!

A little about me is that I’ve been a writer since I was a kid – poems, short stories etc, as long as I had a bit of time and a pencil and paper, I was scribbling away. I’ve mostly stopped writing poetry but have found that novels are so fulfilling to craft. I love character development and story arc and creating a whole world that one can get lost in.

As of yet, I don’t have a release date but you can bet that once I do, I’ll share it with you all! I would love some help sharing the news of this novel of mine, so if you could share this blog post, and any subsequent ones, to those who you think might be interested, I’d be ever so grateful!

Eventually, I’d love to have a small street team. I’ll announce that as I get all my ducks in a row!

I’ve got an author page on Instagram and Pinterest, if you want to check it out!

~Laura

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A Gentleman in Moscow Book Review

3 Oct

Welcome back to SGL, thanks for spending a few minutes of your busy day with me.

As most of you probably did, I saw this book floating around the internet, especially when it came out in 2016. And while I was intrigued, I never was moved enough to actually read it. Until I learned that they were making a tv series based on it, and of course, before watching it, I knew I had to read the book first.

Synopsis:

Count Alexander Rostov, a man of learning and wit, faces a Bolshevik tribunal in 1922 and is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol – a grand hotel right across the street from the Kremlin. The Count – a man who’s never worked a day in his life- finds that his reduced circumstances have provided him a foray into a much different sort of world.

My review:

I had hopes that this would be an enjoyable novel and that it wouldn’t have any…. ‘spice’ that would cause me to immediately close it and return it to the library. I’d never read anything by Amor Towles and so, of course, had no experience with his writing.

Let me tell you, I was absolutely captivated. His writing style just pulled me in almost instantly to the world of the Count and the Metropol. It really was fascinating, reading about the grand hotel as it became the Count’s whole world. And of course, the Count himself was a wonderful character to read about – being a man of learning and insatiable wit… and seeing how he did grow and change as time went on.

Now, I’ve not studied Russian history, so I don’t know how accurate Towles’ portrayal of that was, but I did find it interesting, as well as the idea of seeing the changes without being a part of them, per se.

The descriptions of the food – for the Count is a dedicated lover of such- were wonderful. I always love it when I find a novel that somehow centers around good food (immediately, I thought of Chateau of Echoes and the Redwall series).

There is some ‘spice’ (aka sexual content) here and there throughout the story but I did find it to be written subtly enough that I didn’t dnf it. Because of these scenes, I would recommend pre-reading it before handing it to a teenaged reader.

All in all, I had a hard time putting this book down and an even harder time not picking it up again. I am interested in reading other books of his, so if anyone has a suggestion for a next read, I’d love to hear it!

All in all, highly recommend this book for the beauty of the scenes, the character development, the plot (all the things you don’t see coming!) and just a wonderful escape.

And hopefully, I’ll watch the tv series soon and will be able to come back and share my opinion on that.

~Laura

dnf = did not finish

While covering different genres, I do not read anything that has blatant sexual content. I will tell you if there is any sort of such (typically very mild and delicately put) in them and if I don’t think they’d be appropriate for young/teenage readers.

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Born of Gilded Mountains Book Review

24 Jun

This book by Amanda Dykes was just released this month (June 2024)! The cover is absolutely stunning, isn’t it? Now, this is only the second book of Dykes’ that I’ve read, the first one (and the one that lives in my heart) is Set the Stars Alight. This story felt very different from that one, but that’s the beauty of a good author – their stories aren’t all the same. Really, her ability to draw you into a new world is pretty fantastic. I only hope I can learn to do that with my own novels!

First, here’s the synopsis of Born of Gilded Mountains:

A lost treasure. A riddled quest. The healing power of friendship.

Legends are tucked into every fold of the Colorado mountains surrounding the quaint town of Mercy Peak, where residents are the stuff of tall tales, the peaks are taller still, and a lost treasure has etched mystery into the very terrain.

In 1948, when outsider Mercy Windsor arrives after a scandal shatters her gilded world as Hollywood’s beloved leading lady, she is determined to forge a new life in obscurity in this time-forgotten Colorado haven. She purchases Wildwood, an abandoned estate with a haunting history, and begins to restore it to its former glory.

But as she does, her every move tugs at the threads of the mountain’s lore, unearthing what became of her long-lost pen pal Rusty Bright, and the whereabouts of the infamous Galloping Goose Railcar No. 8, which vanished years ago–along with the mailbag it carried, whose contents could change the course of countless lives. Not to mention the fabled treasure that–if found–could right so many wrongs.

Among the towering mountains that stand as silent witnesses, the ghosts of the past entangle with the courage of the present to find a place where healing, friendship, and hope can abide amid a world forever changed.

Intriguing, isn’t it? I loved getting to see the combination of small mountain town and some of Mercy’s time as a starlet during Hollywood’s golden age. The characters of Mercy Peak were exactly that- characters! The stories and lessons passed on to each other were touching. The hunt for the truth of what happened to Rusty and the railcar were so fun. I thought the ending very touching and sweet and satisfying.

Now, one can’t love absolutely everything about a novel, eh? I found the unique format a bit distracting, but I’m thinking that’s because I was reading it as an e-book. If I had a physical copy and could flip through the pages like I normally do, I don’t think it would’ve been as jarring as it was. It’s a very cool premise, how Dykes did things (no more description, because no spoilers!) but it did pull me from the story occasionally. I found some of the townspeople overly-unique, and overly willing to share their struggles with a (virtual) stranger.

All in all, a fun story that touches on faith, friendship, choosing the life you want to live and incorporating a treasure hunt all in a gorgeous mountain town that made me want to live there. Definitely recommend.

I did receive a free copy of this book for my honest review.

Here’s a link to order your own copy from Baker Book House, Amazon or Bookshop.org (to support independent bookstores) .

~Laura

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Daughters of the Mayflower Series Review

12 Feb

I ran across this series while perusing the Christianbook site for more novels by Michelle Griep, and the first three were such a good deal that I decided to give them a try. Now, this series is rather unique as it is written by six different authors – and covers the stories of Americans from the Mayflower through World War 2. There are at least twelve books in total. I just found the site for the series here.

The first one is The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse- set in 1620. Mary Elizabeth joins her family and small community of Seperatists aboard the Mayflower in search of a better world. William Lytton is also seeking a fresh start. As a carpenter aboard the ship, he hopes to succeed in this venture. When he’s asked to look out for the interests of the Virginia Company as the community settles in exchange for a goodly sum, he agrees. But the season is late for sailing and even when they do reach land, the people are weak from the journey and building a settlement is a challenge. Will Mary Elizabeth and William survive the natives and the innumerable losses as spring comes? Will William be branded a traitor just when things seem to be turning for the better?

Next is The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’barbo – set in New Orleans, 1725. Maribel Cordova clings to the little she has left of her mother- a shawl that has been passed down through the family since they came to the New World. But she’s lost something else – her father’s treasure. And the one man who can help her find it is attorney Jean-Luc Valmont. When he accepts a position on the governor’s staff, he is certain that he’s buried his past deep enough that it will never see the light of day. But then Maribel walks into his life, and as the daughter of a notorious pirate, she could ruin everything. Will they both be able to find what they seek, and hold onto what they hold most dear?

And last but not least, is The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep- set in  Upper Fort Wilderness in Upstate New York, 1760. Mercy Lytton straddles two cultures that are united in their cause- to defeat the French. Mercy was raised among the Mohawks and has keen sight that makes her invaluable as a scout for the English military. When she is chosen for a mission with three men, she is expecting the physical danger. But the real danger is to her heart. Elias Dubois is condemned as a traitor and awaiting the gallows. At the last moment, he is offered the chance to live a little longer and help guard a shipment of gold. The gold that he stole in the first place. As he sets off with Mercy, an old ranger and a whiny soldier, Elias realizes that Mercy is far more intriguing than any woman he’s met. Will they be able to deliver the gold on time – and will they find common ground amidst the divided loyalties that split the country?

My Review: I enjoyed the first novel but felt that it was quite slow moving in the first half (or even longer) I would have liked to see more of their time in the New World than was shared. Nothing faulting the author here though, personal preference. I also felt that the characters could have jumped off the page more – while I liked both Mary Elizabeth and William, I wasn’t gripped with needing to know how their story ended. A good book but could have been even better, in my opinion. I am not sure that I’ll read it again but give it a try, it’s worth a one-time read!

As for the Pirate Bride, I had only read some short stories of hers in collections (you know, where there’s a handful of similar short stories in one book?). But I was excited about it as it was a book centered on PIRATES. And yes, I needed to capitalize that whole word to get across just how excited I was about it. The above synopsis doesn’t tell you near enough about what actually happens in this novel! I really enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down. I’ve not read a novel quite like it before, which was so refreshing! I will definitely be looking out for more books by her. But, back to this one – Maribel is a spunky kid- and young woman. Yes, we get to see her in two different stages in her life which really brought her to life. If we had only seen her grown, we wouldn’t have understood her struggles and stubbornness and love for ships. Y’Barbo didn’t overdo it on the information on the details (rigging, masts, starboard, etc) about the ships which I appreciated. But I did revel in what she included. Danger and intrigue; family devotion and betrayal; faith being put to the test; sweet, clean, lovely romance – all are covered in this one, folks. The characters were real and jumping off the page. In other words, give this one a try!

As for The Captured Bride by Griep – I absolutely loved it! I was sucked into the story right from the beginning, and couldn’t stop thinking about it whenever I had to put it down to do things..like life. Mercy was such a great character – her skills and knowledge were believable; her weaknesses true to life and her being willing to learn and live made it so that you could identify with her. I really liked Elias as well- the intrigue behind his story was so good and while, after finishing it, I wondered how I didn’t see ‘that’ coming –the truth is that it’s written so well that I just didn’t! Griep wove so many twists and turns into the story that it’s sure to keep you intrigued, just like it did me! This one is definitely on my Favorite Reads of 2021!

So, as a summary, each book that I read, I enjoyed more than the last one. I look forward to slowly reading more of this series but I’ll probably be trying to get them through the library before buying any more, penny pincher that I am.

Kathleen Y’Barbo’s website is here.

Kimberley Woodhouse’s website is here.

Michelle Griep’s website is here.

My review of Griep’s House at The End of the Moors is here.

Have you read any of this series?

~Laura

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