Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Ascent: House of Normandy Book 1 by Cathie Dunn is a richly textured historical novel that features a little-known yet pivotal woman in medieval history, the enigmatic Poppa of Bayeux. We find ourselves back in the 9th century in Neustria, during a time of Viking incursions and fragile alliances. The story follows Poppa as she’s handfasted to Hrólfr, a powerful Norse warrior. Their relationship begins as a political necessity, but it grows into a complicated bond as Hrólfr’s ambitions threaten to divide them. When Poppa’s place is threatened by court politics and Hrólfr’s royal aspirations, she must draw on her inner strength to protect herself and her daughter.

Author Cathie Dunn has a flair for detail and a clear enthusiasm for history, and as such, she excels at transporting readers into the heart of the Viking era with vivid descriptions and emotional precision. I was captivated by Poppa’s strength and intelligence because she’s not a passive historical footnote, but a vibrant and realistic person navigating love, betrayal, and survival. She's someone we can get behind and relate to even as modern readers because the common threads of her humanity are foregrounded for us. The political and cultural dynamics between the Franks and the Vikings were also explained well, but without overwhelming the personal story. There’s romance too, and it's an enjoyable one, but it’s also the kind that’s hard-won and tested by real-world stakes, so it feels relevant and never idealized. Overall, Ascent is a beautifully written, thoroughly researched tale of medieval power and personal endurance, and it's perfect for fans of historical fiction that celebrates the resilience of forgotten women.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Adiel and the Führer: A Thought-Provoking Tale of Alternate History (Project 613) is a work of fiction penned by author Elyse Hoffman in the time travel, alternative history, and sociocultural issues subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. In this uniquely gripping tale of alternate history and the moral dilemma of altering the past, we are introduced to Adiel Goldstein, a German Jew. Adiel faces the rise of Hitler and a chance to prevent the Holocaust. The story navigates the complexities of Adiel's life, balancing the desire for a better future with the fear of altering history's course. The narrative explores personal and political threads, portraying the emotional struggle of Adiel, torn between preserving his family and potentially changing the course of a catastrophic event.

Author Elyse Hoffman has used her narrative prowess to craft an atmospheric and truly riveting reading experience, challenging preconceptions about the consequences of altering historical events and tackling thought-provoking questions about the ethical implications of time travel. The novel captures the tension of the era perfectly in its dialogue exchanges and descriptive prose, exploring the human cost of confronting an evil that has not yet fully revealed itself. I also found the character work to be quite exceptional, getting into some really unusual mindsets with convincing levels of emotional, religious, and cultural conviction to deliver well-informed attitudes that speak empathetically of the people who went through the true atrocities of World War II. Overall, I would highly recommend Adiel and the Führer as a daring and emotionally resonant work that leaves a lasting impact, and one that history and science fiction fans alike are sure to enjoy.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Vincent Van Gogh is somewhat of a legend, and not just in the art world. His “Starry Night” (1889) and other classic paintings are used in many forms and enjoyed for many reasons. His mystique makes him a popular character to study and use as a key figure in stories, from the mystery behind his cut-off ear to his unexplained seizures and the time he spent in the insane asylum. But what happened in those last two months of his life in 1890 after he left the asylum? Did he kill himself, or was his plight the result of a love triangle gone adrift? Diane Byington’s novel Louise and Vincent takes a unique approach, making these final two months of the iconic painter’s life into a love story. Louise Ravoux, an innkeeper in Auvers-sur-Oise just north of Paris, was suffering at the hands of an abusive husband while struggling to keep their inn financially solvent and raising her two daughters. In walked Vincent and the attraction was instantaneous. But the art that bound them did more than pull them together, despite an angry husband. The deadly result changed Louise’s life forever and there was a secret she would carry with her for the rest of her life.

Diane Byington’s novel Louise and Vincent is a historical work in the class of contemporary classics like Tracy Chevalier’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Lady and the Unicorn, and Susan Vreeland’s Luncheon of the Boating Party and Forest Lover. The plot begins with the main character Louise as an old lady living in New Orleans. She shares her story with an art historian, Dr. Danielle Dupree, who, Louise discovers, is the granddaughter of an old friend. Danielle has stories to share, too, and a treasure her grandmother saved for Louise which will confirm her story. The beginning and end of the novel are set in the present day and are narrated in the first person, but the story as it began in Auvers-sur-Oise is written in the third person. The reader will be captivated from the very beginning as the romance develops and Louise finds new meaning and a life far from her abusive husband. It is a life full of love and art, but also full of sorrow and loss. An enchanting read.

Reviewed by C.R. Hurst for Readers' Favorite

One of the best ways to learn history is through stories, and I have always enjoyed reading stories about women in history who have defied convention to lead compelling lives. In Kit Sergeant’s historical novel Marie-Madeleine, we meet one such woman, Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, who joins the Resistance movement in World War II France after she flees the German bombing and defeat of Paris in 1940. For the next four years, she heads a spy network to reveal Nazi sympathizers in the corrupt Vichy government. However, she finds herself torn between her responsibilities as a mother, her dedication to the Free France cause, and her passion for a man whom she may very well need to sacrifice for that cause.

Kit Sergeant’s ability to capture the heroism and patriotic zeal of women who risk their lives during turbulent times is shown clearly in her World War II Women Spies series. In Marie-Madeleine, the first of this series, the author has not only chosen an inspirational woman as her subject but also illustrates that women in history, like women today, struggled with the competing demands of family and profession. Nowhere is this made more apparent than in a statement made by a fellow spy who remarks: “Your children will always love you unconditionally, but someday, when you tell them what you did during the war, they'll have a hell of a lot more respect for you.” It is this kind of insight that made Marie-Madeleine such a wonderful read for me, so much so that I hope to read the next book in the series, Nancy Wake.

Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite

Morgan is experiencing stress at work because the publishers are losing money and dropping authors and editors. However, she has a manuscript that could potentially turn things around for General Publishing Company. The manuscript has been passed down through generations and Morgan is convinced that it is the unpublished autobiography of Sarah Winchester. Olivia used to work for Mr. Lieb but left after falling pregnant by a deceitful man. Luckily, she has found employment with Mrs. Winchester, who is willing to help her hide her pregnancy as they work on a new project. Mrs. Winchester has been the subject of many rumors, but she now wants to tell her story. To find out more about their journey and to find out if Mrs. Winchester is indeed a crazy spiritualist, you should read Mrs. Winchester's Biographer by Deanna Lynn Sletten.

I love books with strong female characters, and Mrs.Winchester's Biographer by Deanna Lynn Sletten did not disappoint. The excellent narration and the unique writing style kept me intrigued and entertained throughout the book. Deanna used suspense to great effect, and the twists and turns in the flawlessly flowing plotline kept me on the edge of my seat and yearning for more. I loved how well the characters were developed and they were relatable. The vivid description of events and places also captured my imagination and added to the overall beauty of this marvelous work. Readers will also appreciate the easy-to-understand language used, which makes the book accessible to all kinds of readers. I cannot wait to read something else by this talented author.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Full Circle: A Refugee's Tale by Joe Vitovec is a gripping historical novel that recaptures the horrors of World War II and the suffering inflicted on many people by the Nazi occupation, and the Communist regime that would transform Czechoslovakia into a place of oppression for many people. After his best friend is sent to a concentration camp by the SS Commander, Jan Neuman knows that the days ahead would become even darker, so he flees the country after the successful communist coup. But fleeing will not be an easy thing as he has many challenges, moving from Germany to France and to Italy, and finally to his adapted country, the United States. The reader follows Jan’s odyssey as he struggles to reconcile with his fears, his sense of guilt, and the nagging desire for revenge. The reader will discover the transformation that takes place within him and what happens when he decides to come back to his country when he thinks it is safe.

This is a heartbreaking story about war, racism, and man’s inhumanity to man, a story that describes the reality of post WWII Czechoslovakia in lyrical and compelling prose. Readers will love the way the conflict is developed, especially the internal conflict taking place within the protagonist. The story is beautifully told and it has psychological depth. Joe Vitovec articulates brilliantly on the themes of love, patriotism, war, and friendship. I also enjoyed the powerful political setting of Full Circle: A Refugee's Tale. This is a story that will bring tears to the reader’s eyes while taking them through the perils of war, a story with memorable characters, a gripping plot, and a realistic setting. It’s one of those books that haunt readers after they are done reading.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Her Castilian Heart: The Castilian Saga Book 3 by Anna Belfrage is a continuation of the journey of Sir Robert FitzStephen, the lowborn bastard son of a baron, knight of the realm, and his beautiful Castilian wife Lady Eleanor (Noor) d’Outremer, in thirteenth century Great Britain and Europe. King Edward (Longshanks) rules England with an iron fist and Robert and Noor have not only returned to English shores minus the Castilian Pomegranate jewel they had been tasked to recover but also with the young son of a Welsh rebel they had been instructed to leave behind. None of this is likely to please Queen Eleanor and Robert and Noor must walk a dangerous tightrope between unwavering obedience to the crown and their desires to raise the young Welsh orphan as their own. On their return to Orton Manor, Robert and Noor are seeking a quiet life reveling in each other and their growing family but fate has other ideas for this couple. When it becomes obvious that Robert’s insanely jealous half-brother Eustace de Lamont is determined to kill Robert and anyone else who may lay claim to his father’s fortune and title, Robert and Noor must do all they can to protect their hard-won peace and freedom in a world where title and privilege are everything and even the foulest of crimes can be pardoned or forgiven if you have money and power.

I have been fortunate enough to have read the first two books in this series, so I was waiting for its continuation with excitement. Her Castilian Heart surpassed all my expectations for this series. Anna Belfrage has become a master at the historical romance genre and I can recommend all she has written. When reviewing a continuing series I always ask if this book can still be enjoyed as a stand-alone novel. The answer is an emphatic yes! The author does an exceptional job of dropping in the salient points from previous episodes so the reader is never left wondering about what went before. Her mix of fascinating real events and characters from history combines perfectly with the fictional experiences of her main protagonists in the story. The romance is real and you can feel the love and passion between Robert and Noor pouring from every page. The love scenes are sweet, romantic, and intensely passionate. What I particularly love about Noor is her strength of character and her unwavering courage to speak against those in power who make decisions, when she vehemently disagrees with them, despite the possible consequences. She was a woman not afraid to speak her mind at a time when women were very much decorative collectibles or tools for men to form alliances. For those who love medieval battles and fighting, they will slake their thirst well in this story but for me, it was the tender, beautiful, sweet moments between Robert, Noor, and their expanded circle that I will remember the most. I am so looking forward to the next iteration in this journey that is promised with the next book. This is a fantastic read and one I can highly recommend.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

The Girl Who Counted Numbers: A Novel by Roslyn Bernstein is a well-written and well-researched historical work that chronicles a young woman’s quest to solve a family mystery. Seventeen-year-old Susan Reich graduated from high school early and wants to take a break by going out on her own, like taking a road trip west, but her father has other plans for her. Instead, she is sent to Israel to try to find a missing uncle. Yakov Reich stayed behind when her father and his family left Poland for the US in 1920. When the Nazis arrived in 1939, no one knew what had happened to him. Against the backdrop of the Eichmann trial in Jerusalem, Susan is forced to confront her own identity, go to unexpected places, and witness the struggles of a country in the aftermath of the Holocaust.

Roslyn Bernstein’s The Girl Who Counted Numbers is a thought-provoking novel that offers a unique insight into this appalling part of history. There are already many accounts informing the reader of what the Holocaust was like, but this book increases our understanding and empathy. Revolving around a fictional young woman’s search for her uncle in Israel and not the work of a survivor, every word in the novel surprisingly rings true. As the main protagonist explores her growing emotions and gets entangled in the political issues of Israel, her character becomes highly relatable. It will not be easy for readers to anticipate the plot twist toward the end of the novel, but it also feels inevitable in the context of the action. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Margaret of Austria: Governor of the Netherlands and Early 16th-Century Europe's Greatest Diplomat by Rozsa Gaston is a historical fiction novel about Margaret of Austria, daughter of Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, and her marriages and political role. Born in 1480, Margaret was raised to be a queen and betrothed to the Dauphin of France at three years old. However, Charles, now the king, married another woman, and Maximilian sought alliances with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. Margaret married Prince Juan, but their marriage was cut short by Juan's untimely death. Four years later, Margaret married Philibert, Duke of Savoy, creating a rare love match. Margaret took an active role in managing the Duchy as her husband had little interest, preparing her for further diplomatic work after Philibert's death in 1504. Margaret's political skills were essential, and she was appointed governor of the Habsburg Netherlands in 1507.

In Margaret of Austria, Rozsa Gaston offers an engaging account of the life and achievements of one of the foremost prominent figures of her time. The book is a well-researched and meticulously crafted narrative, blending historical facts and fiction in a way that renders the story both informative and entertaining. Gaston's ability to balance intricate details of diplomatic events and relationships with the broader historical context makes the book a valuable resource for scholars of early modern Europe. The author sets the stage by providing an overview of Burgundy and a cast of characters that enable readers to follow the complex relationships and political intrigues that shape Margaret's life. Although the book may be somewhat dense for those unfamiliar with the period, Gaston's writing style, infused with lively dialogue and a spirited narrative, keeps the reader engaged. Overall, the book offers a nuanced portrayal of a powerful woman in a period when female leadership was often overlooked, and I think it will be embraced by readers interested in the history of women in power.

Reviewed by Lexie Fox for Readers' Favorite

Cold Blows the Wind by Catherine Meyrick is a poignant and thought-provoking tale set in bustling Hobart Town, Australia, in 1878. The story follows protagonist Ellen Thompson, a spirited young woman with a baby, torn between her attachment to her family and her desire to be accepted into respectable society. In this compelling and moving tale, Catherine Meyrick weaves a story of hope, love, and resilience against the backdrop of a society shaped by convict origins.

Catherine Meyrick's storytelling prowess shines as she intricately weaves themes of resilience, hope, and love in all its forms. All the characters are well-developed and relatable, making the reader invest deeply in their journeys and creating a story that will stay with you long after you put the book down. What sets Cold Blows the Wind apart from other novels in the genre is the author's ability to make us become part of Ellen's struggles and her love for the people in her life. The story is not a typical romance; instead, it delves into the various forms of love, including a mother's love for her children and a woman's love for her family, all of which Catherine Meyrick does beautifully through her use of dialogue, vivid descriptions, and passion for the story that is being told. An involved and moving family drama. I highly recommend this book.