Books Like...

Set in the 1840s, 'Jubilee Trail' by Gwen Bristow follows the story of two women who forge a strong friendship despite their differences in personality and background. They embark on a journey of wagon travel across America to California, encountering adventurous and colorful characters along the way. The author includes meticulous historical details about the early days of California, portraying the rebellious and resilient heroines and their involvement with intriguing men. The settings range from rich land holdings to lively gambling halls, creating a sweeping adventure filled with epic storytelling.

The book captures the essence of historical romance with a focus on the historical aspects rather than the romance itself. The author's detailed descriptions and cookie-cutter characters, like the bad woman with a heart of gold and the naive good girl, add depth to the narrative and immerse readers in the journey across the country to California. Despite some long-winded passages, 'Jubilee Trail' manages to captivate readers with its vivid portrayal of settings and engaging storytelling.

Celia Garth by Gwen Bristow is a classic work of historical fiction set in Charleston during the American Revolution. The story follows a young seamstress named Celia who becomes entangled in the drama of the War for Independence as she works for a perfectionist dressmaker, Mrs. Lacy. Through Celia's eyes, the reader experiences the everyday lives of regular people under British occupation and her involvement in passing along information about British activity. As the war intensifies, Celia's life becomes more intertwined with Mrs. Lacy, leading her to face loss, love, and become part of the infamous patriot Swamp Fox spy ring.

Bristow's rich use of description and historical knowledge makes Celia Garth a very engaging read. The author paints a vivid picture of Charleston and the surrounding countryside during the Revolutionary War, capturing the historical events through the eyes of a young woman. The book is praised for its well-researched and realistic portrayal of the era, blending historical facts with a romantic subplot, making it a compelling and informative read.

'A Dangerous Business' by Jane Smiley is set in Monterey, California, in the 1850s and follows the story of Eliza, a resourceful prostitute who aspires to be a detective like Poe's Dupin. Together with her friend Jean, they investigate a series of murders targeting prostitutes in the town. The narrative unfolds with multiple murder suspects, one-dimensional characters, and an emphasis on strong female leads. delves into the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society, highlighting the historical aspects of the setting and the struggles of the characters to navigate through dangerous circumstances.

The Winthrop Woman by Anya Seton is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Elizabeth Fones, a strong-willed woman who married into the influential Winthrop family in 17th century Puritan New England. The book follows Elizabeth's journey as she navigates through societal expectations, conflicts with her family, and her own desires for independence and love. Set against the backdrop of political unrest, religious zeal, and personal struggles, the novel paints a vivid picture of colonial America and the challenges faced by individuals during that time. Through detailed historical research and rich character development, the author brings Elizabeth's story to life, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of her life and the era in which she lived.

'Katherine' by Anya Seton is a historical fiction novel that brings to life the relationship between Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt in 14th century England. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions of the time period, rich historical accuracy, and the portrayal of the intertwined lives of the main characters. Seton's writing style is described as beautifully written, captivating, and immersive, making readers feel like they are experiencing the events alongside the characters.

'These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine, 1881-1901' by Nancy E. Turner is a captivating tale of Sarah Prine, a pioneer woman in the late 19th century Arizona Territory. Through Sarah's diary entries, readers witness her journey of establishing a ranch, facing hardships like sickness, bandits, and Indian attacks, while also experiencing moments of joy, humor, and romance. The book offers a vivid glimpse into the pioneer experience, showcasing Sarah's resilience, hard work, and ambition as she navigates through life in the wild west.

The novel, written in diary format, provides a first-hand account of Sarah's life as she grows from a young girl to a woman in the Arizona Territory. The story is filled with a mix of heartbreak, love, and adventure, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction set in the American Southwest during the 1800s. Sarah's strong character, her love for books, and her enduring spirit shine through the pages, creating a narrative that is both poignant and inspiring.

'When We Lost Our Heads' by Heather O'Neill is a tale that follows the intertwined lives of two women, Marie and Sadie, from childhood into adulthood. Set in Montreal and a boarding school in the UK in the late 1800s, the story delves into their complex relationship filled with jealousy, competition, and tragedy. The book explores themes of class, gender inequality, and oppression, portraying the lives of women on different layers of the economic spectrum during that era. O'Neill presents the narrative in a whimsical and fairy tale-like style, with explicit sexual scenes that evoke discomfort in some readers but also serve to address issues of gender roles and female oppression in society.

'Ahab's Wife' by Sena Jeter Naslund is an historical novel that weaves together various serious life issues and famous 19th-century characters, events, and issues. The protagonist, Una, embarks on a journey filled with shipwrecks, slavery, cannibalism, and encounters with well-known historical figures. The book delves into Una's life growing up in a lighthouse, her experiences working on a whaling ship, surviving a shipwreck and whale attack, marrying Captain Ahab, and interacting with famous characters from history.

The writing in 'Ahab's Wife' is described as beautiful, with engaging prose and great characters. The novel takes readers on a journey through pre-Civil War culture, providing incredible detail of life on board a whaling ship and exploring themes such as mental health, cannibalism, being lost at sea, and other difficult topics often ignored. The book offers a different perspective on historical events and characters, making it an interesting read for those who enjoy historical fiction and stories about strong women.

'Into the Wilderness' by Sara Donati is a historical romance novel set in 1792, focusing on the story of Elizabeth Middleton and Nathaniel Bonner. The book explores the adventures and challenges faced by the characters as they navigate love, survival, and societal expectations in the American wilderness. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and filled with rich historical details that transport readers to a different time and place.

The plot of 'Into the Wilderness' revolves around the blossoming romance between Elizabeth and Nathaniel amidst the backdrop of post-revolutionary upstate New York. The characters are portrayed as complex and well-developed, with the storyline blending elements of action, romance, and 18th-century drama. Readers are drawn into a world filled with vivid descriptions, compelling relationships, and a sense of historical authenticity that captures the essence of the time period.

The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye is a sweeping historical novel set in colonial India and Afghanistan during the British rule in the 19th century. The story follows the life of Ashton, an English boy raised by an Indian nursemaid, as he navigates between his dual identities and struggles to find his place in society. The novel offers a blend of romance, adventure, and political intrigue, with vivid descriptions of the landscape and cultures of India and Afghanistan. The writing style is a mix of romantic fantasy and gritty history, combining dashing heroes, rescued princesses, and precise, dynamic storytelling that captures the complexities of relationships between different cultures and religions.