The Secret Life of Sunflowers is the interesting story of Johanna Bonger, sister-in-law of Vincent van Gogh, who, despite overwhelming odds, ensured the genius of van Gogh’s art was eventually recognized and valued after his death. Continue reading
Category Archives: Historical Fiction
29 Highly Rated Historical Fiction Books to Read Next
The best historical fiction takes you back in time to learn about locations, events, and ways of life you may not know about. The stories also introduce you to memorable characters who represent both the good and the bad sides of society during a given time period. Continue reading
Audiobook Review: Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva, Narrated by Euan Morton
Mr. Dickens and His Carol is an imaginative tale of Charles Dickens’ inspiration for A Christmas Carol, one of the most beloved stories about the meaning of Christmas. Similar to A Christmas Carol, this historical fiction novel also has themes of hope, love, generosity, and forgiveness. I found Mr. Dickens and His Carol to be the perfect book to read during the days leading up to Christmas. Continue reading
29 Top-rated World War II Novels for Fans of Historical Fiction
There’s a good reason World War II fiction is such a popular book genre. The war was a classic case of good versus evil, with both heroic and haunting moments to read and write about. Continue reading
Audiobook Review: Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger, narrated by Rich Orlow
Ordinary Grace is historical fiction at its finest. Author William Kent Krueger artfully weaves a coming of age story set against the backdrop of one eventful and tragic summer in small town America in 1961. And Rich Orlow is the perfect voice of a man looking back on that summer and describing its influence on his life. Continue reading
Book Review: Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns
Cold Sassy Tree, published in 1984, is one tall glass of sweet Southern storytelling. With strong themes of love, compassion, spirituality, and family (with more than a dash of humor and gossip), it’s easy to see why this historical fiction novel was a bestseller in its time. Continue reading
Book Review: Semper Fidelis: A Crime Novel of the Roman Empire by Ruth Downie
Semper Fidelis is the fifth book in Ruth Downie’s Medicus Novels series. It’s set in England (formerly known as Britannia) during the Roman occupation somewhere around 122 AD. The time period, setting, characters, and plot make it a light and entertaining read. Continue reading
Book Review: A Test of Wills by Charles Todd
A Test of Wills is a satisfying, traditional English mystery with a nontraditional main character. Ian Rutledge is trying to rebuild his career at Scotland Yard following World War I, but PTSD, lack of clues, and secretive villagers are making it difficult to solve a high-profile murder. Continue reading
Book Review: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Lessons in Chemistry chronicles the struggles of a woman scientist as she tries to succeed in a male dominated industry in the 1960s. It ranges from heavy to amusing, with a persistent hatred for Christians and the Catholic Church woven throughout (not amusing). Continue reading
Book Review: I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys
I Must Betray You is a gripping, historical young adult novel about a teenage boy’s struggle for freedom in the final days of Romania’s oppressive communist regime. It shines a bright light on a topic that isn’t well-known to young people, and I highly recommend it as an account of what true oppression looks like. Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 