Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Falling Pomegranate Seeds: All Manner of Things is a work of historical fiction penned by author Wendy J Dunn. Being a noblewoman in the early sixteenth century was difficult at best. Women in this era had no say in anything, not even in whom they could marry. Our protagonist Maria de Salinas was both friend and cousin to Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of King Henry VIII. Katherine married out of duty to both family and state. But before leaving Castile, Katherine had promised Maria she was free to marry the man of her own choice. That results in Maria walking a different road. Maria’s only child, her daughter Katherine, named after her life-long friend, was given in marriage to the Duke of Suffolk. Katherine was a child, the duke an old man, and Katherine never forgave her mother. In 1539, Maria knew she was dying. In a valiant attempt to set things straight with her daughter, she pens a telling missive that explains her position, how she, as a woman, could do nothing. Maria, and her friend, the once Queen of England, had to show courage at all times through troubling times full of betrayal and hatred. In the end, friendship was the only thread that bound, the only love that mattered.

Wendy J Dunn’s historical fiction novel, Falling Pomegranate Seeds: All Manner of Things, is a different look at the life of King Henry VIII’s first wife, a story told through the eyes of her friend, companion, and cousin, Maria. The author takes a unique approach in unveiling this passionate look at women in early sixteenth-century England. Beginning later in Maria's life, whilst she is struggling to write her last missive to her daughter, the story unravels partly through letters and through scenes looking back over past events. Letter-writing is an age-old art of storytelling and this certainly fits in well with the era. Each part of Maria's letter to her daughter leads into another narrative section, taking the reader back to a journey that began with Maria accompanying her cousin, Catalina (Katherine) of Aragon to meet her husband, Arthur, Prince of Wales. Arthur, as history buffs will recall, never lived to become king, and his younger brother, Henry, took both the crown and the bride from Aragon. The story follows the personal journeys of both women as they struggle to keep their courage intact when their lives are navigated beyond their control. The author chose these two strong women from history to accentuate the difficulties women faced in this era (and many other eras, for that matter). Falling Pomegranate Seeds: All Manner of Things is well told, engaging, and will both entertain and educate the reader from beginning to end.

Reviewed by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite

Before Theodora became Empress of Byzantium, she began her journey as the daughter of a bear keeper for the Green faction in Constantinople. When he died in a citywide revolt, her mother had few options when it came to caring for her three daughters. Years later, the trauma of what happened to her shaped the way Theodora lives. With small parts in the theater, she makes most of her money by entertaining men, until an older friend offers her the job of a lifetime. To help spy for the Blue faction. When she is introduced to the man she’d answer to as an informant, she realizes that it’s the very same man that had saved her and her family all those years ago. Wanting to keep her distance and not get too close to the man she spies for, Theodora cannot help but be drawn to Justinian, and he cannot help it either. Will Theodora be up to the task of getting the information that is needed before the current emperor dies, or will the presence of her childhood hero blur her vision?

As someone who is an avid lover of history and has read numerous books on Theodora and Justinian, I thought Douglas A. Burton has done a wonderful job of bringing Theodora’s story to life in Far Away Bird. I’ve always come across books that are focused on her as the Empress of Byzantium, so it was nice to read a story about Theodora before her marriage and rule alongside Justinian. We are introduced to a young woman who is struggling with the trauma she suffered as a young girl and how it shaped her as an older teen and young adult. The characters are very well-drawn and overall their story and backgrounds are believable for the time period. I like how Justinian was kind of Theodora’s savior before the two even knew who the other one was. It gave the story the touch of romance that fuels the reader to continue on. Far Away Bird is a very enjoyable read if you are a lover of historical fiction and I would definitely recommend it to my history buff friends.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Sudden Freedom: Home is Where the Heart Is forms the final book in Joseph Woodward’s trilogy, Lost between the Continents. Ernest Woodward’s family has grown on the shores of the Ohio River in America. Putting aside the trials of his childhood, Ernest focuses on the triumphs of his life. Ernest’s sister, Flossie, remains in England, working alongside their father, Malcolm. However, regardless of how much distance or time passes by, some things never change. Ernest and Flossie’s stepmother, Catherine, once again raises her ugly head, threatening to seize Malcolm’s company and estate. In the midst of the darkness of Catherine’s evil intent, Malcolm finally sees the light and confides in Flossie. Flossie writes to Ernest asking her brother to return to England to protect their father and his business against their scheming stepmother. The estranged family reconnects, building a bridge from America to England, restoring all that was once lost. Together they right the wrongs, and become a family once again.

Joseph Woodward outdoes himself here. Sudden Freedom is the best of the three books in the Lost between the Continents series! Sudden Freedom is a novel rich with familial love, portraying relatable characters that overcome and unite, using their unique gifts to make a difference in the world. The novel is personable, you really get to know the characters and understand the ties that bind the Woodward family together. In this final installment, the main character, Ernest, comes full circle. The lost son returns home, not as a prodigal son, but as a successful and sensitive hero. Yet, he is not the only one who escaped or was trapped by the wiles of the antagonist. Each member of the family comes to terms with their abusive childhood and is set free from the emotional bondage Catherine imposed on them. Joseph Woodward recreates his family history, revealing the integrity of spirit, and the will to not only survive but rise above tragedy and heartbreak. Sudden Freedom reveals the power of legacy; one man’s visionary hard work is bequeathed to future generations. It was a pleasure to get know the Woodward family.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Water Lily Dance is a novel mixing contemporary and historical stories and was penned by author Michelle Muriel. Set in both 2014 and 1865, we meet women in search of a better life for themselves, all of whom are connected by the romantic art and beautiful gardens of the artist Claude Monet. In the modern age, Sophie Noel is grief-stricken and in search of a way to cope, and her artistic tendencies lead her back to her love of Monet as a means of escape. And, in 1865, Camille Doncieux seeks more from life in the company of the rebellious and powerful artists of the time, one of whom is Claude Monet.

It is clear from the start that author Michelle Muriel relishes in fine art and has plenty of knowledge about it because her beautiful descriptions of Monet’s work make you feel as though you’re looking right at it. As a fan myself, I was totally transported by the historical setting of Paris reborn and the Salon culture, reveling in every stylish detail and the well-depicted dialogue of the post-uprising rebels. There is a fantastic air of reinvention to this deeply emotional and sensitive tale, making for a smooth mix of women’s emancipatory fiction, emotional drama and historical artistic fiction that fans of any/all are sure to enjoy. For me, it was the characters at the very heart which draw you in and keep you reading, superbly developed and likable as they are. Water Lily Dance is a highly recommended read.

Reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite

In The Emperor’s Assassin by Autumn Bardot, Locusta of Gaul had greater plans for herself than those placed in the path by the Faiths. The daughter of a vintner, she will marry a man chosen by her father and aunt. However, after a brutal attack by her fiancé, Locusta’s maidservant, Priscilla, decides to help Locusta take her fate into her own hands and begins her education in the helpful and deadly world of herbal remedies. She then finds herself in Rome, sent by her family to seemingly plead for a tax extension, but really to find a suitable husband. However, word of her skill travels fast, and Locusta finds herself embroiled in plots beyond her wildest imagination. Will she survive the politics of Rome, or will she find herself doomed by her own knowledge?

As a hardcore historical fiction fan, I found The Emperor’s Assassin by Autumn Bardot an absolutely enrapturing read. Locusta of Gaul did exist in Roman times, and Bardot has taken great care and research to weave together a believable story about a woman who is a victim of circumstance and gender. The characters were engaging and I found myself immediately drawn into Roman life. The atmosphere was immersive, and I could really see what Locusta saw and feel what she experienced. Bardot doesn’t shy from describing the realities of life in Rome as a woman, and I didn’t once feel taken out of the story by any implausible event. I will actively be seeking out other novels by Autumn Bardot, and I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in little-explored historical figures of the Roman Empire.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

Brook Allen's Antonius: Son of Rome is about the life of young Marcus Antonius after his father dies in disgrace in Rome. The Roman Republic is waning and the young man yearns to restore his family’s honor. Handsome and possessed of military talent, he's now entering manhood and falls prey to the excesses of a licentious Roman society. After an episode of whoring, gambling, and drinking, he finds himself mired in debt and grieving the death of his wife and unborn child. The political situation is dangerous while personal and political tragedy haunts his family. With help from a relative, the rising politician Julius Caesar, he finally earns a military commission, where he struggles to earn the respect and admiration of the soldiers, proconsuls, and kings that he deals with on his way to his destiny.

Antonius: Son of Rome by Brook Allen is the first installment in a trilogy about the life of Marcus Antonius. More popularly known as Marc Anthony, a lot of books have been written about him but none is probably more introspective than Brook Allen's compelling trilogy. One of history's most controversial figures, Marc Anthony's life seems like an open book, but it is largely based on accounts written by his enemies. Allen's book, however, is an objective and microscopic look at the early life of Rome's iconic symbol of love and power. Antonius: Son of Rome is a revealing story of the young Marc Anthony. Growing up in the shadow of a disgraced father, this noble son of Rome has a very uncertain teenage life but he will go on to become a very promising soldier and this is just the beginning of his remarkable life story. Kudos to Brook Allen for introducing us to the real person behind the enigma that is Marcus Antonius.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

A Runaway Star is a work of fiction in the historical, interpersonal drama and Regency fiction sub-genres, and was penned by author Gretta Curran Browne. In this fourth installment of The Lord Byron Series we see our central figure’s fame on the rise owing to the response to his latest works. But rumors follow Byron everywhere, not least those spread by people who were once close to him. His new adventures see him take to travel and meeting other figures, trying to put thoughts of Mary Chaworth out of his mind. So begins another torrid account of this real-life historical figure and his truly fascinating life.

Author Gretta Curran Browne takes much of her inspiration and detail directly from the letters, works, and diaries of Lord Byron, and it shows in every detailed facet of this excellent historical fictionalized work. What really stands out to make this so much more readable than a simple biography is the artistic license used to bring Byron and his contemporaries to life, lighting them up with fantastic dialogue, beautiful views of Regency England and Europe, and the society-obsessed way of life that he often raged against in his own way. I really appreciated the gossipy nature of the work and its focus on reputation and social standing, which will surely please fans of classics like the works of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters. Overall, I would definitely recommend A Runaway Star to fans of the existing series, but also to anyone looking to enter the world of historical writing with an accomplished author.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

The Inheritance is Book 7 in The Guernsey Novels by Anne Allen, a compelling narrative steeped in mystery and featuring a historical personage that immediately catches the interest of the reader. The novel is set in 1862 and 2012. When her husband dies suddenly in 1862, Eugénie knows she has no future in Guernsey. When her path crosses with Victor Hugo, living in exile on the island near her home, everything changes for her. She becomes his copyist. A strong friendship quickly develops between the young widow, Victor Hugo and his mistress, Juliette Drouet. It is 2012 and Doctor Tess Le Prevost, born in Guernsey, is living in Exeter, but she is shocked when she learns she is to inherit her great-aunt’s house on the island. There have been stories in her family about Eugénie and that she knew Victor Hugo. Was Victor Hugo the biological father of Eugénie's child?

This is a suspenseful story that is intelligently plotted and beautifully told. The author uses the first person narrative and shifts the story from the past to the present, a literary technique that reinforces the suspense as the reader moves from one timeline and from one point of view to another. The prose is beautiful and it is filled with wonderful descriptions. The story is infused with humanity and realism and readers can feel as though they were sitting in the same room with the legendary author and the other characters. The Inheritance is deftly plotted and it features characters that are real and compelling. I enjoyed every bit of this story.

Reviewed by Kayti Nika Raet for Readers' Favorite

The Whip by Karen Kondazian is a Western inspired by the true story of Charlotte “Charley” Parkhurst, an extraordinary woman who lived most of her life in the west as a man. In The Whip, Charley sets out West seeking revenge after falling in love with a runaway slave, then losing him and their family in a horrible way. Dressed as a man she's determined to track down the killer. Once out West, she becomes a stagecoach driver, “Whips”, and along the way to her revenge she kills a famous outlaw, becomes the first woman to vote, and has her housekeeper, unaware that she's a woman, fall in love with her. An extraordinary tale worthy of a movie, The Whip by Karen Kondazian is steeped in historical drama, action, and wonder.

Charley Parkhurst makes for a compelling main character, and especially since The Whip is inspired by a true story, it makes for a very compelling read. It was also very well researched (I loved all the historical tid-bits about piano legs, cat-hauling, and the stagecoach business itself), and Kondazian's novel unfolds cinematically; you can almost feel the sun's rays and smell the horse sweat. While the West has always provided a deep well of creative content, it is always the lesser known, but no less interesting stories that provide the most satisfaction. The Whip by Karen Kondazian is a truly fascinating novel of one woman's determination and grit in the heart of the Old West.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

The Far Horizon is the second book in The Macquarie Series by Gretta Curran Browne, a historical novel with strong and elaborately developed characters; a story that captures the beginnings of a nation that eventually became known as Australia. In this narrative, a British officer, Lachlan Macquarie, who has served his country in America, India, Egypt, and the West Indies is sent on a new mission, a place where life is very difficult. A strong hand is needed to help a population suffering from famine, tribal conflicts, and other ills, and Lachlan demonstrates a unique leadership. His young companion, George Jarvis, meets and falls in love with Mary Neely, a bitter young British woman who learns the joys of life from George. Can anything good be made of this convict colony?

The story is set in the early nineteenth century and follows strong historical characters in what once was a convict colony. The narrative is done in a clear and arresting voice. The plot is well imagined and it has wonderful historical elements, a setting filled with imagery that evokes the physical challenges. Against this backdrop, Gretta Curran Browne crafts a narrative that is gripping, weaving in themes of politics, love, colonization, and a lot more. The story is character-driven and I enjoyed the author’s ability to show how the characters evolve. The romance between George and Mary adds an interesting spice to the story and readers will enjoy how love can transform a woman. I enjoyed the strong narrative voice, the vivid historical details, the compelling characters, and the skillful development of the historical setting.