Historical Fantasy, Historical Romance, Historical Rom-Com, Middle Grade Mystery
A week of historical reads
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In this article:
Romanov by Brandes
Cassie by Andrews
A Dash of Romance by Golden
Premeditated Myrtle by Bunce
Romanov by Nadine Brandes
5 STARS, Historical Christian Fantasy, My format: buddy-read with friend
Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop | Buy ebook on Kobo
Nastya smuggles an ancient spell on her way to exile with her family. The Romanovs wait patiently for rescue, befriending Bolshevik soldiers and encouraging each other to keep their faith.
Personal Review:
I see this book has some division in its ratings on Goodreads. I have to say it's my favorite of the 3 novels I've read from Brandes (yes, I think it's better than both Wishtress and Fawkes).
I really liked reading about the time the Romanovs spent in captivity. The torturously slow days allowed me to get to know the family, to understand the torn hearts of Zash and Ivan, and to appreciate the choices made, the thought put into each action, and the unfolding of everything that led to the action-filled ending.
Nastya was an extremely interesting and complex character. I could get so frustrated with her impulsiveness and poor decisions and the next page be completely thrilled with her strong will and quick thinking.
The story itself is not for the faint of heart. I looked up Romanov history when I was about 100 pages in and spent the next 100 pages dreading what was coming. It was hard to read but done well enough that I wasn't completely shocked or grossed out.
My only complaint is that there was so little about the magic system included in the story. The matryoshka doll was confusing the entire time. But the last few chapters really helped wrap things up. Speaking of the ending, I thought it was brilliant. I love a satisfied feeling of closure and hope at the end of a book and I got just that. The last 50 pages increased my 4.5 rating to a full 5 stars.
Content Warnings:
details of execution, gunshot wounds, a couple of bloody fights, the second half of the book is definitely not for those who are squeamish about blood
Cassie (The Orphan Train #2) by Wendy May Andrews
3.5 STARS, Historical Sweet Romance, My format: YouTube Audiobook
Goodreads Synopsis | YouTube Audio
Cassie accompanies the orphans she cares for as they take a train south to find families. She can’t help but run into Charles, the new dad of her favorite sibling group, and can’t make up her mind about him.
Personal Review:
I really liked Cassie's character. She was lovable and learned a lot and worked hard even though she didn't have to. And her love for the orphans was so sweet. I really liked to see her interact and follow her interactions with the boys.
I was not as impressed with Charles. He was the broody handsome type and apparently that type is not for me. I did not like how he never talked to Cassie *spoiler alert* and then declares his love for her like a lovesick poet. *Sigh*, even though it was adorable I didn't really believe it. *end spoiler*
There was also a confusing part towards the end that connected Cassie and Charlie. I even listened to it twice to try to figure out what was going on. I'm still not sure what happened.
So in summary, I love the writing and the story and the sweet orphans interacting with Cassie, but the romance just didn't work for me. I do plan to keep listening to the series!
Content Warnings:
kidnapping - not very descriptive and well-handled
A Dash of Romance (Romantic Encounters #1) by Paullett Golden
4.5 STARS, Historical Romantic Comedy, My format: ebook
Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop
After a misunderstanding of epic proportions, Abigail, a writer and vicar’s daughter, and Percival, a luxury-loving middle son, find themselves in a fake betrothal.
Personal Review:
I tried this first book in this series of Golden's to determine for myself if I'd like to read her new release coming this spring, which is #3 in Romantic Encounters. And my, oh my, I was not disappointed.
I do believe Abbie is my favorite heroine of all time. I very seriously loved her character as a writer, an ink-spiller, and a vicar's daughter. I really wish she was real because I want to be her best friend. Her father, the vicar Leland, was probably the best father-figure I have ever read. He was so understanding and patient and just enjoyed himself in the background.
I was not as convinced to like Percy. I was on Abbie's side - he was hilarious but he was also a rogue and rogues don't change. I remained suspicious for almost the entire book. To be fair, I have a sore spot about premarital relations, particularly when they are formal mistresses. And Percy really did like his mistresses (before the story starts and before he meets Abbie). That was the only thing reducing my star rating to a 4 as I read.
But then the epilogue happened. The epilogue!! Oh my gracious. I'm glad Abbie forgave Percy before I did because the epilogue seals everyone's love for Percy (or you are a heartless human). So, while I can't wholeheartedly recommend this to my Christian audience, I have to give it a fair 4.5 star rating...thanks to the epilogue.
Edit: I need to add that this story's situation is downright hilarious. The way that Abbie and Percy find themselves in a fake betrothal and how they deal with it had me laughing out loud almost the entire book. It really is a well-done romantic comedy.
Oh, and I have to say that the flash fiction pieces at the end were so fun! I love the quick emotional hit that flash fiction provides and I've never read so many historical romance pieces before. There were several scenes that weren't as squeaky clean as I like my romance to be, but the stories themselves were captivating.
Content Warnings:
much talk of mistresses (no descriptions), a couple of semi-detailed kisses
Premeditated Myrtle (Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries #1) by Elizabeth C. Bunce
4 STARS, Middle Grade Historical Mystery, My format: hard cover
Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop | Buy ebook on Kobo
Myrtle is convinced that her neighbor’s death was not from natural causes and she sets out to prove it, even when no one believes her.
Personal Review:
I love a good middle grade mystery. I have read all of the Aggie Morton series and it is surprising how similar those books are to this one. There are some differences, though, that make it distinct (which I will talk about below).
I really liked that Myrtle, our main 12-year-old girl "detective", had an adult as her investigative partner. Her governess Miss Judson was an absolute delight. I love Myrtle and her fiery disposition, Miss Judson and her calm but determined ways, and the way they interacted together. I loved that Myrtle had Miss Judson as a healthy but firm adult partner in their adventures.
As is important in any good mystery, the side characters were quite a mix of quirky and lovable personalities. I have to say that my personal favorite was Mr. Blakeney, a delight of a young man that we don't even meet until the second half of the book! I hope we see him again in future books, please, I hope so. His hilarious interaction with Myrtle was one of my favorite parts and I need more of it!
As for the mystery itself, I thought it was very well done. I guessed the murderer about 300 pages in (I was so proud!) but not all of what had taken place. So there were lots of twists and turns but none of them seemed unrealistic to the story. That is quite an accomplishment and it was very enjoyable for me!
Content Warnings:
a couple of moments where Myrtle is alone and caught off guard by or afraid of another person - however, most of the time she is with a trusted adult
What have you read lately?