Books matching: historical setting
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- #1
Save:'The Lotus Palace' by Jeannie Lin is a historical romance mystery set in Tang dynasty China, featuring complex and nuanced characters. The story revolves around Yue ying, a former child sex worker, who is determined to save her sister from being wrongly convicted of a crime. The book weaves together a captivating murder mystery with a slow-building romance between Yue ying and nobleman Bai Huang, set against a backdrop of richly detailed historical setting peopled with diverse characters. The writing style immerses the reader in a forgotten time, bringing to life the world of courtesans and scholars in Tang Dynasty China with vivid descriptions of the era's cultural details.
ANUNSEENFORCE threw Yue-ying from her pallet. The entire building shook around her and the rafters groaned until she was certain the Lotus Palace was going to be torn apart. Too startled to move, she ... - #2
Save:The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell is a historical fiction novel set in ninth-century Britain during the Danish invasion. The story follows Uhtred, a young Saxon boy who is captured and raised by Danes, navigating the complexities of loyalty and identity. Through vivid battle scenes and detailed historical context, the book paints a picture of a tumultuous time in English history, focusing on the clash between Saxons and Danes. The narrative is driven by Uhtred's transformation from a boy to a warrior, exploring themes of destiny, loyalty, and the struggle between paganism and Christianity.
The Danes were clever that day. They had made new walls inside the city, invited our men into the streets, trapped them between the new walls, surrounded them, and killed them. They did not kill all t... - #3
Save:'The Tea Rose' by Jennifer Donnelly is a historical fiction novel set in 19th-century London and America, following the journey of Fiona Finnegan, a strong and resilient young woman facing tragedies, love, and hardships. The plot intertwines historical events like Jack the Ripper's reign with Fiona's quest for success and revenge, creating a character-driven narrative that spans several years and continents. The book explores themes of ambition, perseverance, and the strength of the human spirit through well-developed characters and complex relationships.
The writing style in 'The Tea Rose' is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into a world filled with vivid descriptions, atmospheric settings, and compelling storytelling. Despite some predictable moments and pacing issues, the novel manages to keep readers hooked with its mix of love, mystery, suspense, and historical accuracy. The book delves into the societal issues of the time period, offering a blend of realism and escapism that captures the essence of Victorian London and New York, making it a captivating read for fans of historical romance and strong female protagonists.
The scent of Indian tea leaves—black, crisp, and malty—was intoxicating. It floated out of Oliver’s, a six-story wharf on the Thames’s north bank, and wafted down the Old Stairs, a flight of stone ste... - #4
Save:'When He Was Wicked' in the 'Bridgertons' series by Julia Quinn tells the story of Francesca Bridgerton, a widow who finds herself drawn to her deceased husband's cousin, Michael Stirling. Despite their shared attraction, Francesca struggles with guilt and grief, while Michael has been in love with her for years. The book explores themes of love, loss, guilt, and second chances, set against the backdrop of historical romance. The writing style varies from the usual lighthearted tone of the series, delving into deeper, darker emotions and intimate moments.
In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and clear that one feels as if one’s been hit in the chest, all the breath knocked out, and one knows, absolutely knows without...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Bridgertons ) - #5
Save:In 'The Apothecary' by Maile Meloy, set in the 1950s during the Cold War era, Janie Scott, a 14-year-old American girl, moves to London with her family where she befriends Benjamin, the son of a mysterious apothecary. Together, they uncover the secrets of the apothecary's ancient book of magical potions and embark on a dangerous mission to prevent a nuclear disaster orchestrated by Russian spies. The plot combines elements of history, magic, adventure, and espionage, creating a suspenseful and thrilling narrative that appeals to young readers and adults alike.
The book seamlessly weaves together Cold War spies, magical potions, alchemy, and the threat of nuclear war, immersing readers in a world of intrigue, suspense, and fantastical elements. Janie and Benjamin's journey to save the apothecary and thwart the plans of their enemies is filled with action, mystery, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged from start to finish. Meloy's writing style expertly blends historical fiction with fantasy, creating a compelling story that captures the imagination of readers and transports them to a world where science and magic collide.
I was seven and living in Los Angeles when Japan surrendered at the end of World War II, and my first vivid memories are of how happy and excited everyone was. My parents took me to a parade on Fairfa... - #6
Save:'Ravishing the Heiress' in the Fitzhugh series by Sherry Thomas revolves around the emotional journey of Millie and Fitz in their arranged marriage. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, including Fitz's past love, Isabelle, returning and the challenges they face in their marriage. The writing style is described as emotional, with flashbacks providing insight into the evolution of Millie and Fitz's relationship over the years.
Sometimes, as she lay in bed at night, she thought of falling in love, in the ways of a Jane Austen novel—her mother did not allow her to read the Brontës. Love, it seemed to her, was a result born of... - #7
Save:In the book "Scandal in Spring" by Lisa Kleypas, Daisy Bowman, the youngest of the Wallflowers, is facing pressure from her father to find a husband or be forced into an unwanted marriage. Daisy's father gives her a time limit to secure a match, leading to an ultimatum that threatens her independence. As Daisy navigates this challenge, she finds herself drawn to Matthew Swift, a man she once despised but who has undergone a transformation that stirs unexpected feelings within her. The story unfolds with themes of family dynamics, romantic tension, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of historical romance and societal expectations.
The narrative in "Scandal in Spring" weaves together the individual journeys of Daisy and Matthew, exploring themes of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Through a series of engaging interactions and emotional revelations, the characters evolve and confront their pasts, leading to a climactic resolution that promises a satisfying conclusion to the Wallflowers series. Lisa Kleypas's writing style shines in this installment, blending humor, drama, and romance to create a compelling tale of love and redemption within the Regency era.
“I shouldn’t tell you about it,” Daisy railed, pacing back and forth in the Marsden parlor later that evening. “In your condition you shouldn’t be distressed. But I can’t keep it to myself or I will ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wallflowers ) - #8
Save:"Darkness on His Bones" in the James Asher series by Barbara Hambly delves into a world where characters are deeply developed and valued by the readers. The plot revolves around the critical condition of James Asher, one of the central characters, creating suspense and a sense of uncertainty regarding his fate. The story explores the morality of befriending a vampire, Don Simon Ysidro, who has a dark past of killing thousands, prompting readers to question the value of good deeds in the face of past crimes. Set in Paris in 1914, the book weaves together themes of trust, betrayal, and difficult choices, showcasing different forms of power and the consequences of one's decisions.
Something frightful has happened to Jamie. In the middle of last month he crossed to Paris, ostensibly to attend a conference on Magyar verb forms, but in truth, I think, at the behest of some of his ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series James Asher ) - #9
Save:The Brethren by Robert Merle is the first volume in the 'Fortunes of France' series, set in the sixteenth and seventeenth century France. The story follows Pierre de Siorac, who narrates the tale of his father and blood brother returning from war, purchasing a castle, and establishing a family in Mespech. The narrative is rich in historical detail, focusing on the Wars of Religion in France, the complexities of faith, and the struggles of the noble household amidst the tumultuous times. The writing style has a 1970s feel with nods to sixteenth-century prose, providing a unique perspective on history through the lens of religion and family life.
- #10
Save:In the book 'Dissolution' by C.J. Sansom, readers are taken back to 16th century England during the reign of King Henry VIII and the dissolution of the monasteries. The story follows Matthew Shardlake, a hunchback lawyer and Commissioner for Thomas Cromwell, as he investigates a murder at a monastery in Scarnsea. As Shardlake delves into the murder mystery, he also navigates the turbulent political and religious landscape of the time, where loyalties are divided between the king and the reformers of the Church of England and the Catholic Church.
AS I PASSED DOWN Ludgate Hill, I noticed a stall brimming with apples and pears and, feeling hungry, dismounted to buy some. As I stood feeding an apple to Chancery, I noticed down a side street a cro...
