Books Like...

Desdemona, scorned and abandoned by the man she once loved, cursed the land with her dying breath while delivering her son Bayr from this day on, there will be no more daughters in Saylok. Bayr, who is raised by his uncle Dagmar among the keepers of the Temple Hill, is gifted with unparalleled strength but also a gentle heart and protective nature. His one purpose in life is to guard Alba, the first girl child born in nearly two decades and the long awaited salvation. But with time their bond and feelings will start to grow making his task more difficult and challenging. In order to defend their land and finally break the curse they will have to go against the corrupt king who built his throne on murder and lies. The First Girl Child by Amy Harmon is an epic and mesmerizing tale about love and loss, destiny and duty, sacrifice and redemption. It left me completely spellbound and in pure awe of this author's incredible and out of this world talent. This historical fantasy novel is a mythical and mystical masterpiece of contemporary literature and belongs on every reader's bookshelf. It is without a doubt my most favorite book of 2019 Amy Harmon always manages to paint vivid and vibrant pictures inside of my head with her lyric, poignant and captivating writing. I don't marely read her stories. No, I experience them with every single fiber of my being. I was captivated by this story from the first page and couldn't put it down until I've reached the end with tears in my eyes.

'Love and War' by Shirra Lynn is a beautifully woven story of forbidden love set in Europe, where the characters of Emil, Victoire, and Rolf navigate through a tumultuous period in history. The novel expertly connects the characters' perspectives, showcasing their struggles, passions, and sacrifices. The writing style of Shirra Lynn is enthralling, lyrical, and perfectly paced, making the love story between Victoire and Emil unfold organically while respecting the historical context and era. The story touches on themes of love, friendship, loyalty, and the harsh realities of the time, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Hot Under His Collar by Andie J. Christopher is a forbidden romance novel that follows the story of Father Patrick Dooley, a priest questioning his vocation, and Sasha Finerghty, a woman trying to break free from her family's expectations. As they work together on a fundraising project, their flirtation grows, leading to a forbidden romance that challenges their beliefs and desires. The book explores themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and questioning societal norms, all written in a racy and blunt style that keeps readers engaged.

In "The Bronze Horseman" by Paullina Simons, readers are transported into Stalin's Soviet Union during World War II, specifically Leningrad, as they follow the gripping tale of love and loss between the main characters, Tatiana and Alexander. The book beautifully portrays Tatiana as a survivor against all odds, showcasing her love, hope, and perseverance amidst the horrors of war. Through vivid writing and detailed historical context, the author brings to life the challenges faced by the characters in the midst of the German invasion, creating a powerful and emotional narrative.

The novel is not just a love story, but a rich tapestry of historical fiction that delves into the complexities of war, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. Paullina Simons' descriptive writing style immerses readers in the setting of wartime Russia, evoking a range of emotions from joy to sorrow, and creating well-drawn characters that resonate with authenticity and depth.

The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella is a historical novel set during WWII in Italy, focusing on the story of Livia, a talented cook caught in the turmoil of war. The book intricately weaves together elements of romance, war, and culinary seduction as Livia and British officer James Gould navigate their feelings amidst the chaos of Allied occupation and personal struggles. Capella's writing style, vividly descriptive and seamlessly transitioning between characters, immerses readers in the lush landscapes of Italy and the emotional complexity of the characters' relationships.

Where the Lost Wander is a historical fiction novel set during the westward movement in American history, following the journey of a wagon train heading to California. The story focuses on the perspectives of Naomi and John, as they narrate the incidents that occur during their trip, including their marriage, a tragic event involving an Indian, and the abduction of Naomi and her newborn brother by Indians. The book delves into the struggles, sorrows, and joys of the pioneers on the trail, portraying the harsh realities they faced during their hazardous journey.

Heaven's Fire by Patricia Ryan is a historical romance set in medieval England, focusing on the lives of the characters Rainulf and Corliss. The plot revolves around Corliss, a resourceful and intelligent young woman, who finds herself in danger from a vicious overlord. Rainulf, an academic and priest, becomes involved in Corliss's life as they navigate through challenges, danger, and a blossoming romance. The writing style of the book is engaging, with elements of suspense, detailed character development, and a glimpse into early medieval life.

Tsura is a historical romance novel set in Romania during WWII, focusing on the life of Tsura, a young woman who finds herself in a marriage of convenience with Mihai, an enemy translator, in order to save her friends and locate her missing brother. The book explores themes of survival, sacrifices, unlikely friendships, and the harsh realities faced by individuals during the war. The writing style is described as atmospheric, with a sense of danger surrounding the characters, and the plot includes elements of mystery, tragedy, human suffering, and different ways of thinking.

'Goodnight from London' by Jennifer Robson is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the story of Ruby Sutton, a young American journalist sent to London to cover the war. Through Ruby's experiences, readers are taken on a journey through the Blitz, witnessing the resilience and strength of the British people during this dark time in history. The writing style is engaging and the plot follows Ruby's growth as she navigates the challenges of wartime reporting, forming friendships, and finding love amidst the chaos of war-torn London.

"What the Wind Knows" by Amy Harmon is a captivating blend of historical fiction and fantasy, following the journey of Anne Gallagher as she travels back in time to 1921 Ireland. The story unfolds as Anne fulfills her grandfather's wish to spread his ashes in his homeland, leading her to a remarkable encounter with key figures of Irish history during the tumultuous period of the Easter Rising. Harmon's writing style intricately weaves together elements of romance, history, time travel, and poetry, creating a mesmerizing narrative that immerses readers in the vivid landscapes of both past and present.