Books matching: historical backdrop
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:Marsha Canham's 'The Blood of Roses' is a historical fiction novel that continues the captivating story of Alexander and Catherine Cameron amidst the backdrop of the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. The book intricately weaves together romance, historical events, and rich details of the rebellion, leading up to the Battle of Culloden and its aftermath. Through the characters of Alexander and Catherine, readers are taken on a journey filled with love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war, providing a compelling blend of romance and historical accuracy.
The narrative not only delves into the personal struggles and growth of the main characters but also explores the broader historical context of the Jacobite Rebellion, shedding light on the motivations and consequences of the uprising. Marsha Canham skillfully balances the romantic elements with a deep dive into the historical events, creating a story that is both emotionally engaging and historically informative, making 'The Blood of Roses' a must-read for fans of historical fiction and romance.
Catherine Ashbrooke Montgomery bowed her lovely blonde head and dabbed a delicately worked lace handkerchief at the wetness that collected persistently along her lashes. No one in the crowded chapel t...
(Also, see 14 recommendations for the series The Highlands ) - #2
Save:The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali is a poignant love story set in 1953 Tehran, where Roya and Bahman's budding romance is interrupted by a coup d'etat. The book immerses readers in the vibrant world of Iran, filled with rich descriptions of the country's sights, scents, and sounds. Despite the historical backdrop, some readers found the political elements to be lacking in depth, while others appreciated the emotional depth of the love story.
Roya's journey to uncover the truth about Bahman's disappearance spans nearly sixty years, leading her from Iran to California and back. The book weaves together themes of love, loss, and longing against the backdrop of Iran's turbulent history. While some readers praised the book for its beautiful writing style and engaging plot, others found the storyline to be predictable and the characters to be somewhat clichéd.
He came around and opened the car door because he was Walter, because he had been raised by a mother (Alice: kind, sweet, smelled of potato salad) who had taught him how to treat a lady. Because he wa... - #3
Save:'The Border Hostage' in the series 'Clan Kennedy' by Virginia Henley follows the story of Heath Kennedy, a half Gypsy who is captured by border reivers who mistake him for his brother-in-law Ramsey Black Douglas. Despite being ignored by his own clan as a bastard son, Heath finds his place with the Douglas clan as a horse trainer. His capture leads to a journey of love and self-discovery with Raven Clarendon, a fiercely independent heroine trained in the ways of the Craft and a falcon trainer. Set in the tumultuous times of the Borderlands between Scotland and England, the book weaves in historic facts with compelling tales of love and magical bonds, creating an engaging blend of fiction and romantic fantasy.
The narrative in 'The Border Hostage' is characterized by strong characters, historical depth, and a blend of fiction and reality. The author, Virginia Henley, expertly intertwines the history of Scotland's turbulent past with the romantic saga of the Kennedy Clan, offering readers a captivating story of love, courage, and honor. The plot revolves around Heath and Raven's journey of self-discovery and love, set against the backdrop of border disputes and magical bonds, creating a highly charged and sensual link that keeps readers engaged till the final page.
(Also, see 23 recommendations for the series Clan Kennedy ) - #4
Save:'Hell's Half-Acre: The Untold Story of the Benders' delves into the chilling tale of a family of serial killers on the Kansas frontier. The author brings to life this forgotten horror story with vivid descriptions of frontier violence, making it a hard-to-put-down read that reads like good fiction. However, some readers feel that the book tries to fit the story into the mold of In Cold Blood, which doesn't quite work due to excessive historical window dressing and tangential details.
- #5
Save:In "Lord John and the Private Matter," readers are introduced to Major Lord John Grey, a closeted gay aristocratic officer in His Majesty's Army, who finds himself entangled in a murder mystery spy thriller set in 18th century London. The story follows Lord John as he navigates through the parallel worlds of London, from male prostitutes to elegant aristocratic events, while investigating stolen military documents, a brothel, a molly house, syphilis, cross-dressing, and murder. The plot is rich in historical detail and features a convoluted mystery that eventually unravels, showcasing the protagonist's honorable character and struggles with societal expectations.
The writing style of Diana Gabaldon in this novel is described as brisk, detailed, and engaging, with a breakneck pace that immerses readers in the sights and smells of London in June. The book offers a fun and light-hearted read, providing a glimpse into Lord John Grey's life and challenges, including his homosexuality and the need for secrecy in a time where such relationships were taboo. Despite some readers finding the plot slow at times, the book is praised for its vivid setting, good research, and the protagonist's likable nature.
The thing was scarcely shocking in itself; Lord John Grey had seen worse, could see worse now, merely by stepping out of the Beefsteak into the street. The flower girl who’d sold him a bunch of violet... - #6
Save:The Magician by Colm Toibin is a fictionalized account of the life of Thomas Mann, a renowned German author of the first half of the 20th century. The novel delves into Mann's psychological focus, formal writing style, and his complex relationships within his large family. Toibin's writing style captures Mann's struggles, desires, and emotions, offering a glimpse into the inner life of this enigmatic figure. The narrative spans from Mann's pre-WWII years to his post-war exile, exploring themes of filial resentment, forgiveness, and the impossibility of returning to the past.
Toibin skillfully weaves historical events such as WWII, Mann's anti-Nazi stance, and his struggles with his suppressed homosexual desires into the narrative, providing a rich and immersive reading experience. The novel offers a nuanced portrayal of Mann's life, his relationships with his family members, and his internal conflicts, painting a vivid picture of a complex and multifaceted literary figure.
His mother waited upstairs while the servants took coats and scarves and hats from the guests. Until everyone had been ushered into the drawing room, Julia Mann remained in her bedroom. Thomas and his... - #7
Save:'An Unlikely Countess' in the 'Mallorens' series by Jo Beverley follows the story of Catesby Burgoyne, who unexpectedly becomes the new Earl of Malzard. Determined to prove his worth and take care of his responsibilities, including marriage and producing an heir, Catesby meets Prudence Youlgrave. After a chance meeting and an instant attraction, their lives become entwined when Catesby interrupts Prudence's wedding to save her from a cruel bully and ends up marrying her himself without her knowledge. The story explores their struggles as a newly married couple, battling resentful relatives, societal expectations, and their own insecurities while growing in love and confidence together.
beautifully portrays the challenges faced by women in that era, the importance of love and trust in a relationship, and the growth of the characters as they navigate through societal norms and personal struggles. Jo Beverley's writing style brings to life believable characters, a captivating plot, and a sweet romance that tugs at the heartstrings.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Mallorens ) - #8
Save:'A Delicate Affair' by Lindsay Evans is the first book in the 'Decades: A Journey of African American Romance' series, set in the 1900s. The story follows the unlikely romance between Golden, a struggling African American musician from the South, and Leonie, a privileged African American socialite from Washington. Despite their differences, they navigate societal pressures and personal challenges to explore their feelings for each other. The plot is steeped in historical references, providing an authentic backdrop that immerses readers in the time period and the struggles faced by African Americans in the early 20th century. The writing style captures the push and pull dynamic between the two lovers, evoking emotions and keeping readers engaged until the satisfying conclusion of their story.
- #9
Save:Set in the Yukon during the gold rush, "Harper's Bride" by Alexis Harrington tells the story of Melissa Logan, a woman sold by her abusive husband to Dylan Harper to settle a debt. Melissa, along with her baby daughter Jenny, finds herself in a precarious situation, but gradually grows from a timid, fearful woman to an independent individual under Dylan's care. The book explores the blossoming relationship between Melissa and Dylan, both of whom have tragic backgrounds, as they navigate their past hurts and slowly come to care for each other amidst the challenges of the Yukon wilderness.
Melissa Logan stood just inside the door at Harper's Trading Company, a rough, two-story log building on Front Street. The combined smells of wood smoke, tanned hides, bacon, and raw log walls clung t... - #10
Save:In 'Five Decembers' by James Kestrel, readers are taken on a gripping journey alongside Detective Joe McGrady in 1940s Honolulu, as he investigates a gruesome double murder involving a college student and a young woman of Japanese heritage. The story unfolds against the backdrop of WWII, with McGrady's determination to solve the case leading him on a harrowing journey across the Pacific, ultimately culminating in a showdown with the mastermind behind the crimes.
James Kestrel, the pen name of author Jonathan Moore, expertly weaves together elements of noir, mystery, historical fiction, and romance, creating a multi-layered narrative that keeps readers immersed from start to finish. The book intricately balances the historical events of WWII with a compelling mystery, offering a unique perspective on the era and delivering a truly unforgettable reading experience.
