Books Like...

In "Calico Palace," Gwen Bristow brings to life the early days of California's Gold Rush and the development of San Francisco through the captivating story of Kendra Logan. Kendra, an unwanted child, finds love, heartbreak, and resilience as she navigates the tumultuous times of the gold discoveries. Alongside memorable characters like Marny, the daring gambling hostess, and Pocket, the steady miner, Kendra experiences the hazards and heartaches of the goldfields, the San Francisco fires, and the treacherous journey across the isthmus of Panama. Bristow's vivid descriptions and attention to historical detail make the narrative come alive, offering a glimpse into the dreams and determination of those who shaped the vibrant landscape of Gold Rush era California.

The book is a blend of historical romance and adventure, following Kendra's journey from an unwanted child to a resilient woman who finds her heart's desire amidst the chaos of a rapidly changing San Francisco. Through the lens of Kendra's experiences, readers are transported to a time where people from all walks of life converge in search of love, wealth, and new beginnings, painting a vivid portrait of a city and its inhabitants driven by ambition and hope.

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.

In "The Gamble" by LaVyrle Spencer, set in the 1880s frontier town of Proffitt, Kansas, the story revolves around Agatha, a 35-year-old spinster who runs a millinery shop and advocates for prohibition. Scott, the owner of the Gilded Cage Saloon next door, is drawn to Agatha despite their differences. The slow-building romance between Agatha and Scott, enemies turned lovers, is a central theme. The book also delves into the historical context of the time, including the impact of prohibition on the characters' lives.

The novel skillfully weaves together elements of romance, history, and character development. The author's vivid descriptions transport readers to the frontier town, immersing them in the world of Agatha and Scott. The slow burn romance, detailed historical backdrop, and well-developed characters contribute to the book's engaging plot and writing style.

'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.

'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.

'Forever Amber' by Kathleen Winsor is a historical romance novel set in Restoration England. The story follows the life of Amber St. Claire, a young and ambitious girl who rises from humble beginnings to become a mistress of King Charles II. The plot is filled with drama, passion, and scandalous events, including encounters with the plague, the great fire, and various escapades that shape Amber's character. The writing style is described as compelling and engaging, with a mix of historical accuracy and melodramatic elements that keep the reader hooked till the end.

'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.