Category: Historical Fiction - GRANT LEISHMAN

transatlantic ticket 1852: passage to the new world by jan frazier

11/7/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

In the middle of the Nineteenth Century, life in Germany, for the average person was incredibly hard. A failed revolution, crop failures, the potato blight, plus political and religious repression made many look to the “new world” of the United States, for salvation and freedom. Along with many other Europeans of the mid-1800’s thousands upon thousands of Germans decided to make the long, arduous, risky and frightening voyage into the unknown, often in appalling conditions, in the hope of a new life. In Transatlantic Ticket (Passage to the New World), by Jan Frazier, we meet two simple farming families, in exactly that dilemma; whether to leave the familiar, all that they know and love in the German countryside, for the unfamiliar and scary world of the frontier, Midwestern USA. The Pollmann and the Haas families made this hazardous journey together, along with their retinue of young children, little understanding the trials and tribulations that awaited them before they could even arrive at Christian Pollmann’s brother’s house, in the town of Pekin Illinois.

Based on the true journey of author Jan Frazier’s great-grandparent’s own journey, Transatlantic Ticket (Passage to the New World) is a compelling story of the despair and travails, as these families seek somewhere to call home, where they can be free from political and religious interference and where their children can experience a better life than that which was left behind. Overriding all the angst and horror of the journey is an unshakeable faith that their God was protecting them and a determination to do whatever was necessary to protect each other and their young children. I found the story gripping and the descriptions of the horrors on board the steerage sections of these immigrant ships simply riveting and yet the faith and belief of the parents that they were doing the best thing for their families shone through and overcame even their own doubts. This is an incredibly easy read, well written, with beautifully descriptive prose. I have not come across this author before, but will definitely keep an eye out for her works in the future. If you like historical novels (and I love them) you will adore this book and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

You can find Transatlantic Ticket 1852, here on Amazon:

liberation (the indigo rebels #3) by ellie midwood

11/7/2018

Liberation (The Indigo Rebels #3) by Ellie Midwood is the third, and I guess, sadly the last of her wonderful series based on the French Resistance during World War II and the unforgettable characters of Etienne Delatre, Giselle Legrand, Marcel, Phillipe and all the other brave resistance members, as they seek to harry and harass the German occupiers of their beloved La Belle France.

I have read the previous two installments and was waiting, with bated breath, for book number three. It was not a disappointment. In this story, Etienne along with the rebel priest are hiding weapons and escaped British agents in the basement of their orphanage in Lyon. When the infamous Klaus Barbie (The Butcher of Lyon) is appointed to oversee the Gestapo operations in that part of occupied France, the stakes are raised even higher for the fledgling resistance movement. With her typical bravado and charm Giselle will throw herself into the midst of Barbie's evil world in an effort to disrupt and cause as much havoc to the Germans as possible. Her brother Marcel and her lover, the communist, Philippe will engage in sabotage to make the German's lives hell, but always hanging over the resistance, is the arrogant, yet charming, spectre, of the Butcher of Lyon.

Liberation (The Indigo Rebels #3) is a fantastically thrilling conclusion to an absolutely superb series. I keep banging on about how good Ellie Midwood's books are, but it seems that each new story reaches a new height in emotion, authenticity and readability. When it comes to this period of history there is no fiction peer, that I have found yet, for this author's stories. Her books are clearly meticulously researched and always revolve around real, identifiable characters, during one of the saddest and most brutal periods of human history, yet they resonate with hope, with love, with determination, with courage and with a belief in the ultimate goodness of humanity. Even in the depths of depravity, Midwood brings us stories that can still make us smile and make us laugh, even through our tears. This is a rare quality in an author and one of the reasons why I place her at the top of my favourite author list.

If you've never read a Midwood, give it a try, but if you are a fan, like me, grab it, because you know you'll love it. No question at all, of course, five stars all the way for Liberation (The Indigo Rebels #3)

Please, don't take my word for it, do pop on over to Amazon and check out Liberation (Indigo Rebels #3) plus all of Ellie Midwood's other superb books, on her Amazon page:

the Chronicles of aveline: awakening by ken fry

20/6/2018

It really doesn't matter what genre Ken Fry writes in; whether it is action/adventure, biblical conspiracies or historical fiction, the result is always a fantastic story well worth reading. Such is the case with Fry's latest novel, The Chronicles of Aveline.

Set in the 12th Century, between the Crusades, Sir Phillip Fitzwilliam, a veteran of earlier Crusades to the Holy Land, suspects another Crusade is imminent and he worries about his legacy and his estates. One son has already decided the Church is his future and the other son is determined to follow his Father's footsteps to Palestine and battle with Saladin, for God. Sir Phillip's daughter Aveline is, however, unique for a young titled lady of the time. A skilled horsewoman, archer and sword fighter, she wants something more from life than the boring, pointless, exercise of marriage and embroidery. She is equally determined that she wants nothing to do with the all-powerful Church of the time, its priests and nuns whom she mistrusts with a passion.

When Aveline finds the possibility of marrying for love, with the Earl's son, her natural womanly passions take over and when her and her lover are charged, by the Church, with the sin of fornication, their lives will be changed forever. Persecuted by the Church and separated from her beloved, Aveline determines to escape their clutches and follow her lover to the Holy Land, as a woman Knight.

As always, Fry's descriptive narrative takes the reader right inside the 12th Century and we feel the pain and the passion experienced by Aveline as she is mistreated and abused by the Church. As a hero, Aveline has so much to offer; courage, determination, compassion and not the least, femininity. I found myself riding alongside her, advising her and shuddering occasionally at the trials she faced. Fry is that sort of an author - his stories get under your skin.

Did I think the book was too short? Absolutely - I always hate it when I come toward the end of a Fry novel. I don't want it to end. Did I think the story ended too abruptly? For sure. There is much more to tell of Aveline and her adventures, but I can relax in the hope that Fry is currently working on the continuation of Aveline's journey.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - when it comes to Indie Author's in today's marketplace Ken Fry is one of the most adaptable, versatile and readable authors out there. He stands at the very top of my favoured author list. When I hear there's a new Fry due out - I jump. The Chronicles of Aveline is an absolute winner and I can not recommend it enough.

Absolutely do pop on over to Amazon and take a look at The Chronicles of Aveline, plus all of Ken Fry's exceptional work, here on his Amazon Author page:

under a warped cross by steve lindahl

18/6/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Under A Warped Cross takes us back to Dark Ages Britannia, forever under the threat of Viking invasion and raiding parties. Author Steve Lindahl brings us a tale of family, love and struggle as we meet siblings Abigail, Goda and Waso. When Abigail is wrongly accused of incest with her brother, the Church moves viciously to mark her as a sinner forever, slicing off her nose. With her face so hideously marked, Abigail and Goda run away together to find somewhere they can live in peace away from the prying eyes of judgment and priests. Consumed by guilt at his brother and sister’s cruel treatment Waso vows to find and rescue his two siblings. His search for them will take him from Britannia, across the Irish Sea and thence to the Scandinavian home of the Vikings. Despite his travails, Goda never loses hope of finding and rescuing his siblings and together with the exotic Persian woman, Stateira, they escape Viking captivity and head for home and the search for Goda’s brother and sister.

I have always been a fan of historical novels and especially ones centred around this little known time of British history. In Under A Warped Cross, author Steve Lindahl has taken us inside the lives of poor, everyday folk in this era, folk for whom the struggle to survive against oppressive masters, an overbearing and all powerful Church, the vicious and bloodthirsty Vikings, as well as the everyday villains and robbers of the day. His characters were well drawn and showed us the power of family and a resolute hope for the future. The writing is powerful and descriptive and allows you to live the horrors these people faced on a daily basis, whilst still learning something of the various beliefs and cultures of the people of that day. I particularly enjoyed the inner dialogue of Waso and his determination to not only find his missing siblings, but to also question much of the accepted religious dogma of the day. Having Stateira, as a Muslim woman and the questions and conflicts that raised in Waso, just lifted this story over and above the average historical novel. This is an excellent read and one I can highly recommend.

You can find Under A Warped Cross here on Steve Lindahl's Amazon page.

state of conflict by mark hess

6/6/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

It is early 1861 and Zeke Hampton is returning from the Mexican Civil War, where he has been fighting on the side of the rebels, back to his home in San Francisco, where he finds his own country on the verge of its own Civil War. In State of Conflict by Mark Hess, Zeke is unusual in that although he is white, he was adopted and raised by a family of Chinese immigrants in San Francisco’s Chinatown. He sees the forthcoming war in very clear terms – to him, it is about giving freedom and dignity to another group of people who have been discriminated against and enslaved merely because of their skin colour. There is never any doubt that Zeke Hampton will enlist in the Union Army and with California, teetering between supporting the Union or the Confederacy he was always going to be caught up in the intrigue, spying and double-dealing that would go on all around him, even at the higher levels of the Union Army. Zeke, schooled by his older Chinese brother in the art of hand to hand fighting (kung-fu, presumably) and in the Art of War as expounded by Sun Tzu, was always going to be a different type of soldier, albeit an effective one, to his comrades.

State of Conflict by Mark Hess lifts itself above the average run-of-the-mill novels about the Civil War period, simply by the nature of its lead character, Ezekial Hampton. Zeke is an enigma, mainly because he was raised in a Chinese family and differs so greatly, in his outlook and actions, from his fellow soldiers in the Union Army. What becomes apparent early on in the story is that the Union Army was anything but homogeneous, with the Army, as was the country, populated by immigrants from all over the world. I particularly liked the view the author gave of the Chinese immigrant family and their struggle for acceptance in an increasingly hostile California. It was clear Zeke’s character and his view of right and wrong came from his adoptive parents and brother. The author’s style allowed the narrative to flow well and I particularly enjoyed the interaction between Zeke’s fiancée, Katy’s family and his adoptive Chinese family. The message of tolerance and understanding of that which we don’t understand came through the writing, loud and clear. The addition of philosophy, especially the art of war and life from Sun Tzu just gave the narrative something special and I appreciated the author’s intent with this.

You can take a look at State of Conflict here on Mark Hess' Amazon page:

long shadows on the crimson range by s. b. nace

4/6/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Long Shadows on the Crimson Range by S B Nace takes us back to a West just emerging from the rough and tumble of the early years and the aftermath of the Civil War. We meet Tom Ross, a good man who has seen and participated in his share of fights and arguments. For Tom it is time to settle down, to marry his beloved Trixie and to start a family. But, Tom, it seems has a natural attraction for trouble and never being one to back down from a fight, especially when he believes it is morally right, or the fight unfair, Tom quickly finds himself in a passel of trouble. Along with his good friend and compadre, Milt Good, Tom has to leave his family behind and reinvent himself not once, but twice. Set in the early 1900’s Tom and Milt spend much time crisscrossing the Western States, always looking over their shoulders in case someone should recognise them and they are forced to run yet again. It seems nowhere in the wide Western expanses is safe from recognition, for this hard man and his sidekick.

Long Shadows on the Crimson Range is one of those particular hybrid historical novels that combines legend, recorded history and the author’s fertile imagination to flesh out the details of a real person (Tom Ross) and the characters who surround him. Author S B Nace is clearly familiar with the tales and legends but has also gone to considerable lengths to research as much as possible about this time period and the characters that inhabit his pages. I was impressed with the detail of the journeys of Tom and Milt and it is a fillip to the author, that, as a reader, I was often left wondering what is truth and what is fiction in this tale. The book is told primarily from the perspective of Tom Ross’ friend, Milt Good and as such we get a fascinating glimpse of Tom Ross’ character and motivations from someone who knew him better than even his wife and daughter. In many ways this story reads like a long obituary from a newspaper, as it details the important events and happenings in the life of this legendary character. If you are a fan of the Western genre and particularly of “fallible” heroes from this time, as the West transitioned from a lawless world to a “civilised” society, you will surely enjoy this tale.

You can take a look at Long Shadows on the Crimson Range, by S.B. Nace, here on Amazon

brother daniel's good news revival by bruce joel brittain

26/4/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

It is 1933, in the dustbowl that was to become the American Midwest, a young man leaves his family farm in search of a future. Finding a job as a truck driver come stagehand for a touring religious revival crusade, Michael Boone becomes drawn into a world of hypocrisy and privation that will cause him to grow up much quicker than he could have imagined. In Bruce Joel Brittain’s, Brother Daniel’s Good News Revival we meet an unlikely cast of characters, all with their own tales to tell and all who will have a profound impact on the young boy from Kentucky, as he grows into a man. From the lecherous, borderline paedophile, Brother Daniel, to his partner, the voluptuous Mother Daniel, and the children, Michael will become very worldly, very quickly. With his fellow driver, the enigma that is the highly educated Bert, this motley crew will travel the small towns of the Midwest, bringing their brand of salvation to a population mired in the Great Depression.

As a fan of historical novels, I found Bruce Joel Brittain’s, Brother Daniel’s Good News Revival, a satisfying and revealing read. The characters were so perfectly drawn; one could almost picture the lecherous Brother Daniel and his long-suffering woman, Mother Daniel. Michael, was exactly as you would expect, the wide-eyed boy from rural Kentucky who was suddenly exposed to the hypocrisy of a world he had trouble understanding at first. The star, for me, was Bert, whose worldly knowledge, questioning nature and well-read character was exactly what Michael needed to open his eyes to reality. The writer’s style, straightforward and flowing, was easy to read and drew, perfectly, the picture, for the reader, of a people suffering the great privations of the Depression, who would turn to God and the travelling revival show as a hope for a way out of their poverty and hopelessness. I think the author captured the mood of the country, at that time, so well. This was a great read and one I can highly recommend.

Do pop on over to Amazon and take a look at Brother Daniel's Good News Revival on Bruce Joel Brittain's Amazon page:

a motherland's daughter, a fatherland's son by ellie midwood

20/3/2018

If you read my reviews, you will know what an enormous fan I am of Ellie Midwood's novels set during the second world war. Her latest release; A Motherland's Daughter, A Fatherland's Son has done absolutely nothing to dampen my love and enthusiasm for this immensely talented author. In my humble opinion this is Midwood's finest work to date and she just gets better and better with every story she pens.

Set, initially, at the start of World War II, when Germany and the USSR were allies, we meet Kira, a Russian military interpreter and Werner, a young, German soldier who meet in Poland, whilst their superiors are discussing the things allies discuss at the time of war. Kira and Werner fall completely and hopelessly in love, with the ultimate plan being for Kira to defect to Germany and the pair to marry. Herr Hitler, however, has other ideas and when Germany reneges on it's mutual non-aggression treaty with the Soviet Union and invades their territory, the two lovers find themselves facing each other on the battlefield. How can their love possibly survive the horrors both will experience, as atrocities are committed by both sides, on their enemies? Is there a way out for these two lovers, or was their future doomed when the first Panzer division rolled into Soviet territory?

In many ways, this story reads like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet; the two lovers destined to never be together. As each chapter alternates between Kira and Werner, the reader is drawn into deep sympathy for these characters, as they try to make sense of the horror that their daily lives have devolved into. As a reader, I can honestly say, by the end of the book I alternated between hope and despair for this angst-ridden pair, as they both tried desperately to keep the warmth of their love alive despite the horror.

This is a tough book to read, partly because Midwood is so accurate in her depictions of the true horrors of this war. She does not hide from the raw senselessness and violence that saw one quarter of the population of the Soviet Union wiped from the face of the earth, in the bloodiest conflict in human history. She doesn't gloss over it - and neither should she. This was a horrific war that, at times, portrayed the very worst of the human condition, but... and it's a big BUT, this war was also capable of showing great human kindness, understanding and love and Midwood displays this beautifully and with great tenderness. I think the author summed it up perfectly when she talked about how individual soldiers from both sides, quickly found common ground when they were forced into a position of cohabitation, as they were in the Russian medical centre. German and Russian wounded rapidly realised they had much more in common, that drew them together, than that which pulled them apart. It is this insightful writing by Midwood, that lifts this book FAR above your average war story.

As I said earlier, I believe this book is Ellie Midwood's most powerful and most enjoyable book to date. I can only wait, with bated breath, for the next missive from this ultra-talented author's pen. A Motherland's Daughter, A Fatherland's Son is an absolute triumph and a must read for all fans of the genre and all readers everywhere. Bravo, Ellie Midwood!

Absolutely do pop on over to Ellie Midwood's Amazon page, where you can take a look at; A Motherland's Daughter, A Fatherland's Son, or indeed any of Midwood's incredible portfolio of books. I guarantee if you chose any book from her selection, you would not be disappointed.

chinawoman's chance: volume 1 (portia of the pacific historical mysteries) by james musgrave

20/2/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Chinawoman’s Chance (Portia of the Pacific Historical Mysteries) by Jim Musgrave takes us back to the bustling and somewhat lawless society of 1884 San Francisco. The Californian Gold Rush and the Railways have made San Francisco a place of wealth and power, but for certain sections of society, nothing has really changed. For women and for the Chinese immigrants brought to America by the Railway bosses to help build the railways, life is hard. Neither have any real rights in this America of the 1880’s. Championing the cause for women and the oppressed is the larger than life self-trained barrister, Clara Shortridge Foltz Esq. When a young ex-prostitute is murdered, flayed and eviscerated in the Chinatown district of the City, suspicion immediately falls on the Chinese Tongs that make up the ghetto that is Chinatown. Captain Isaiah Lees and his Sergeant must determine who is responsible and cut off any possibility of retaliatory action against the Chinese immigrants. Competing against the rival and corrupt Sheriff’s Department plus the City’s Mayor, Lees has his job cut out for him.

As a big fan of historical novels in general and historical mystery stories in particular, I found Jim Musgrave’s Chinawoman’s Chance (Portia of the Pacific Historical Mysteries) to be absolutely superb. As the first of a series of books based around the wonderful character of Clara Shortridge Foltz Esq. the author has set up a marketable and believable set of characters on which to build his series. Clara was clearly the star of the story, with her forthrightness and her willingness to take the patriarchal society on, at their own game. In the age of the suffragettes, Musgrave’s character was the perfect portrayal of the women who led the campaign for women’s rights all around the world. Her freedom and her owning of her own sexuality was rare among woman of the time. It was fascinating to look at the reaction of the politicians to the perceived growing threat of the “yellow menace”, as they termed it, with their heathen religions and beliefs, comparing that to today’s response with respect to Hispanic and Muslim immigration. The “Exclusion Act” and the “Muslim Ban” – not all that different, perhaps? This book appealed to me on many levels, but most importantly of all, it was a damn good read and an excellent mystery.

You can find Chinawoman's Chance by James Musgrave here on Amazon:

the other side of freedom by cynthia t. toney

10/1/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The Other Side if Freedom by Cynthia T Toney takes us back to 1925, pre-depression Louisiana and the small town of Freedom. Salvatore is just thirteen, but this son of Italian immigrants is a hard-working farm boy, whose parents and Uncle have struggled to make a good life for themselves in this rural area. Prohibition is in full swing in America and when Italian mobsters come to town and demand Sal’s father’s help in their plans to rob the Freedom bank, or they will hurt his family, Sal’s family finds themselves in a moral quandary. When the bank robbery goes awry, Sal is left with a secret that could destroy their entire lives and set their family on the run. This young man must weigh up the rights and wrongs of the situation and make a decision that he and the rest of his family can live with. Sal is just discovering his feelings and attraction to his best friend, Antonina and whatever decisions he and the family make are almost certain to affect the relationship. This is indeed a dilemma of morals.

I found The Other Side of Freedom to be a truly compelling coming-of-age story. The setting was beautifully described by Cynthia T Toney and one felt oneself being drawn back to the era of gangsters, the G-Men, and bootlegging across the south. The feel of the story was authentic and action fast and furious. I particularly found it interesting to compare the experience faced by the Italian and Sicilian immigrants of the 19th and early 20th Centuries to those of the immigrants of today. They faced discrimination and generalisation – they are Sicilians, therefore they must be gangsters and criminals where today we see, they are Arabs, therefore they must be terrorists. I also found interesting that Sal found some sympathy and empathy with his black friend Hiram in that the prejudices they both faced were somewhat similar. I particularly liked the fact that Toney offered some questions at the end of the book for younger readers to consider and reflect on the story. This is an excellent children’s story that poses some interesting moral dilemmas for the young readers to ponder.

Be sure to pop on over to Amazon to check out The Other Side of Freedom, plus all of Cynthia T. Toney's offerings.

saving shadow (the beckett files #1) by laura beers

29/12/2017

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Spying in the time of the Regency period was all important to the British Crown. It was often the aristocracy who became involved in spying - especially the second son of a Lord or Duke, who by British Law would inherit nothing from his father and must therefore find some other way to serve King, Country and Empire. Spying, though, was a man's game - definitely not for the likes of delicate women, who apart from anything else, lacked the constitution and thought processes required for espionage. Enter Lady Elizabeth Beckett (AKA The Shadow), a remarkable young woman with a photographic memory and fighting skills to match any man. In Saving Shadow by Laura Beers we follow the adventures of Eliza as she spies for the Crown, along with her brother Johnathon and the enigmatic, but very attractive Lord Sinclair. They must not only break up a slavery ring that is kidnapping young girls for sale, they must rescue them and fight treachery and treason at the highest levels.

Laura Beers, with Shaving Shadow, has brought us a spine-tingling tale with all the adventure of a modern spy thriller, but set in the Regency period. Her character Eliza is a strong, capable, woman who defied all the expectations of the period, for females. I particularly enjoyed the interplay between Eliza, her brother and Lord Sinclair. Despite, as a reader, always knowing deep down that Eliza and Lord Benedict Sinclair would consummate their clear lust for each other, the sexual tension was beautifully maintained by Beers. I loved the way Lord Sinclair was forced to change his opinions of women, as he came to realise just how strong, capable and willful Lady Eliza truly was. This was an exciting, page-turning story that I just couldn't put down and effectively read in one sitting. The action scenes were realistically written, and interspersed with some truly wonderful love scenes. I have not read Laura Beers before, but I have no doubt I will be doing so again in the future. I can highly recommend this book to lovers of history, the Regency period and just readers who like to get their teeth into a good, old-fashioned, spy tale, come romance. Great stuff!

Do pop on over to Amazon and check out Saving Shadow plus Laura Beers' full portfolio.

roanoke by kathryn sommerlot

18/12/2017

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

When sixteen-year-old Audry's father dies, he leaves her in a difficult situation, as she comes under the protection of her elder sister Alis and her husband, John. In Roanoke, by Kathryn Sommerlot, John and Alis have determined to make a new beginning and in 1587 they and around a hundred other colonists set sail for Chesapeake, in the Americas, taking young Audry with them. Audry's dreams of appearing in Queen Elizabeth !'s court along with her Father are forever dashed and she must adapt herself to a brave, new harsh environment that she'd never wanted in the first place. Instead of being taken to Chesapeake, where the colonists were promised their own land, they are instead left alone on the island of Roanoke, just off the South Carolina coast. Audry and her fellow colonists must cope with the wild environs, the ever present dangers and the not so friendly native Americans. So began the first real English colony in the Americas - a colony later to become known as the "Lost Colony".

I love reading Historical Fiction and Roanoke is very special in that regard, as it chronicles a pivotal point in the colonisation of the New World. It was in Roanoke that the first English child to be born in the Americas, was delivered. The story of Audry Tappan may be fictionalised, but Kathryn Sommerlot has stuck very much to the historical basis that was the "Lost Colony" of Roanoke. One of the greatest tributes I can give an historical fiction author is that his or work prompted me to research the topic and Roanoke certainly did that. I wanted to know what happened to this first real colony. The author's descriptions of the hardships prompted on these early colonists allowed the reader to truly feel they were there with Audry, suffering along with her. The romantic interactions between Audry and Marke, as well as the evil machinations of the Pastor, gave some warmth and humanity to what could have been a dry, historical tale. A very good read and full of interesting insights.

You can check out Roanoke here on Kathryn Sommerlot's Amazon page:

fort sarpy (riverboat trilogy #1) by dave lloyd

24/11/2017

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

When Caleb Shaw’s parents died and left him the farm, the last thing the young man wanted was to be a farmer. He was a boy with an itch in his feet and he wanted to explore this great country he lived in – The United States of America in the mid 1800’s. In Fort Sarpy, by Dave Lloyd, we follow the adventures of Caleb and his comrades as they head up into the great wilderness that was the upper reaches of the Missouri River. Selling the farm to his neighbour, Caleb stops off in St Louis, where he meets some wonderful friends and learns some valuable lessons that will serve him well when he reaches Fort Sarpy and deals with the rough and ready men who made up the frontier with the Indians, that was serviced by the American Fur Company. At Fort Sarpy Caleb will become a man, a true mountain man and one who will face danger and excitement from the Crow, the Blackfeet, the Sioux, and even his fellow adventurers.

Fort Sarpy is an excellently researched novel and Dave Lloyd has clearly done his homework on this period of American history. At its heart, Fort Sarpy is a coming of age novel and I found the character of Caleb Shaw both compelling and believable. Some of the best characters in this book were the supporting cast, especially the stuffy Englishman Palmer and the flamboyant French chef and violin player. This was a taut, well written adventure with action coming thick and fast. The sign of a good historical novel is that it actually transports the reader to that time and place and allows the reader to feel the pain and privations suffered by the characters. Dave Lloyd has done this exceptionally well. I look forward to reading more of this period and in this saga from the author.

Pop on over to Amazon and take a look at Fort Sarpy and the full Dave Lloyd portfolio:

The day i saw the hummingbird by paulette mahurin

22/11/2017

Anyone who has read my reviews over the years will know I am a big fan of Historical Fiction. I have a few indie authors whose works I treasure and who I absolutely love reading. One of these authors is Paulette Mahurin. She has the ability to move you to tears, whilst still managing to make you chuckle at some odd coincidence of her character's . When I realised she had a new book out, well, I absolutely knew I had to read it. The Day I Saw the Hummingbird is something totally different from what I had read of Mahurin's before and yet it still had that indefinable quality of her writing that captures the imagination and draws the reader into her world.

The Day I Saw the Hummingbird follows the adventures and life of Oscar, a young, black, slave in the heartlands of Louisiana around the time of the Civil War. Oscar and his mother dream of freedom and a life of dignity and learning, but when Oscar's mother is brutally beaten at the hands of a drunken and violent overseer, it is time for the then nine-year-old Oscar to leave and seek the famous "underground railway" to the North and to freedom. Mahurin captures beautifully the times and the attitudes of the South in those days. Her descriptions of the trials and tribulations faced by the young man and the angst and pain he suffers, internally, at the treatment of his people, just because their skin is a different colour, is both moving and heartfelt. One couldn't help but be drawn into Oscar's world and feel the horrors faced by just a little boy and the courage required to survive on that long and arduous journey.

The book is written from the perspective of an elderly Oscar, in 1910, looking back at those times and reflecting, sadly, that in many ways, certainly in the South, little had changed since he'd made the long journey. One could even extrapolate and say in 2017, some things still haven't changed in the South of the United States. I know there has been some controversy in recent times about only "African Americans" can tell the "African American Story". Whilst I can respect some of the sentiment behind those thoughts, I am glad that Mahurin and others do not subscribe to this theory. As writers we must push the boundaries of our cultural and socio-economic experiences and embrace the pain and suffering of all humanity and point out injustice where we see it. It is what we do! And Mahurin does it superbly. Pain, suffering, injustice, love, friendship and all of the other myriad of human emotions do not belong to and are not confined or identifiable to a particular culture, but are shared across all of humanity and are what binds us together and makes us one race - the Human Race.

I applaud Mahurin for having the courage to write this wonderful story and as always I finish one of her books satisfied and full of thought and follow-up questions. A writer who can do this for a reader is to be celebrated and I place Paulette Mahurin right up there among the very best indie authors (or indeed any authors) out there. There was never any question of my rating for this book - 5+ superb stars all the way.

Please do pop on over to Amazon and take a look at Paulette Mahurin's complete portfolio of superb work:

surrender of trust (surrender #1) by mariel grey

16/11/2017

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The year is 1803 and London is just coming into “season”, that time of year when marriageable young ladies, of a certain class, gather to try to meet the eligible young bachelors of the town, perhaps even to move up in class by marriage to an Earl or a Viscount. Lucy and Lucien Goodwin were not born into this society, but their expertise in breeding and racing thoroughbred horses in the “Sport of Kings” has given them an entrée to this rarefied high-society world. When Lucien is badly injured in a carriage accident and there are doubts he will even survive, Lucy is forced to make some tough decisions about the future of their business – decisions, which in Seventeenth Century London would be thought of as nothing short of scandalous. In this Regency Novel, Surrender of Trust, by Mariel Grey, Lucy must take on the “Hoi Polloi” to safeguard the interests of her family. With just her friend Monique and the uncertain attentions of Lord Chalifour, Lucy strives to hold her emotions and her rashness in check.

Surrender of Trust is a wonderful read. I love looking back into history and Mariel Grey seems to be an author well versed and well researched in the period. Perhaps no period of history is more fascinating than Regency Britain, where woman who are often treated as mere chattels by their male counterparts are slowly yet certainly beginning their struggle toward recognition that will culminate well over a century later with the suffragette movement. In this highly structured society, Grey has created a feisty, willful character in Lucy who would no doubt have made a fantastic suffragette. I found Lucy’s determination to do whatever was necessary to safeguard hers and her brother’s interests totally refreshing. This is a wonderful read, with the usual dollop of romance and intrigue one would expect from a Regency Romance. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I am sure I am far from Mariel Gray’s typical reader demographic. I want to read more of this author.

Do pop on over to Amazon where you can view Surrender of Trust plus another work from Mariel Grey

there is always a tomorrow (the graham saga book 9) by anna belfrage

9/11/2017

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Alex Graham may have ended up in 17th Century Maryland by a quirk of time, but she has made her home there with her husband Matthew, their ten children and innumerable grandchildren. There is Always a Tomorrow by Anna Belfrage is the ninth book in the Graham Saga, which follows Alex after her journey back through time and her life in the 1600’s. The Graham’s farm an area in Maryland, which was once a Catholic stronghold, but has now been taken over by the puritanical Presbyterians who are rabidly anti Papist. Against this backdrop we also travel to England, where two of the Graham children are living and being looked after by Matthew’s brother. Also we follow Samuel, another Graham child who has been adopted by the local Indian tribe. The Graham’s close friend, a Catholic Priest, Carlos Munoz has been betrayed to the authorities by one of their own sons and the hunt is on to catch and deal with the one-legged priest.

Although There is Always a Tomorrow is the ninth book in this series, there is no need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one. It stands alone as a self-contained story. I found Anna Belfrage’s characters to be well created and to each have a respective place within the story. My only problem was the sheer number of characters, with the children, grandchildren and sundry relatives often making me pause and say, “now who is that?”. Without being an expert on the period under writing, I felt the setting was authentic and the research done by the author comprehensive in understanding the locale, the feeling of the population and the general ambience of 17th Century Colonial America. I haven’t read any of Belfrage’s work before, but this was easy to read and exciting enough to keep me fully engaged throughout. I have little doubt I will read more of this author in the future.

Do pop on over to Amazon and check out the full portfolio of this prolific author - Anna Belfrage:

history lessons (newland road series book 1) by linda leigh hargrove

1/11/2017

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

History Lessons by Linda Leigh Hargrove is a relatively short novella, that leaves the reader wanting more (and it seems there is more to come with these characters in future books). Paula Raye Lawrence is a poor girl from a dirt-poor African-American family in rural North Carolina, in 1973. Her greatest wish has always been to escape the poverty and drudgery of working the fields as has always been the legacy of her slave forebears. Although she had escaped to the safety of a University in the big city, the death of her parents had brought her back to the tiny town of Cherry, in the heartlands of North Carolina. When a stranger arrives in town, a smartly-dressed and handsome University history professor from the City, to study the area’s history, Maxine is naturally drawn to him, despite her determination that no man (neither her drunken, womanising father, nor her violent ex-boyfriend) will ever have the opportunity to interfere with her life and her plans for the future.

Linda Leigh Hargrove has given the reader an insightful glimpse into the life of simple, plain, rural townsfolk in the heartland of America. In History Lessons we are given a look into just how little had changed for the descendants of slavery, by the mid-seventies. Most African-Americans in rural America still found it impossible to escape from the grinding poverty and minimal wages they were paid to tend the fields of the invariably, white, wealthy landowners. Hargrove’s characterisations were wonderful and I was very drawn to many of the cast. History Lessons very much does what the title says and provides us with a history lesson of that time. I really enjoyed this read, although I did want more and found myself wishing it was a full-length novel. That having been said, I would highly recommend this read to anyone who likes a look at the past, especially if it is a cultural paradigm you are not familiar with. I look forward to reading more of this author in the future.

Do take a look at History Lessons by Linda Leigh Hargrove here on Amazon:

the lyon affair: a french resistance novel (the indigo rebels book 2) by ellie midwood

19/10/2017

As anyone who follows my reviews will be well aware, I am an enormous fan of Ellie Midwood and her books. Her historical fiction based on the events of the Second World War is always interesting, well-researched and frequently looks at the conflict with a fresh set of eyes. I've loved all her books to date and when the latest one became available, The Lyon Affair, I was quick to grab it and read it even before it came to the market.
This is the second book in a series that focuses on the French Resistance, and their efforts to disrupt German activities and the Vichy Government's collaboration with the Nazis. The first in the series, The Indigo Rebels introduced us to a wonderful set of characters, including author Giselle Legrand, her brother, and Communist sympathisers. All of them, from different walks of life and with contrasting philosophies are united in one cause - to rid La Belle France of the tyrannical Nazi jackboot.
France has signed an Armistice, with the Germans and is split into two zones - The Occupied Zone and the Free Zone. The resistance is just getting itself organised and is determined to do whatever they can to slow the German war effort and to ultimately rid their beloved homeland of the invaders. There is a traitor lurking within the resistance cell, though, and decisions, courage, and sacrifice are required to keep alive the belief of a liberated France.
As always, Midwood has delivered, big-time with this story. Her characters are real and very easy for the reader to identify with. The action is frenetic and exciting. As with all great stories, Midwood manages to inject moral and social dilemmas into her prose, that makes the reader stop and think.
This period of history is clearly very relevant and personal to the author. She identifies so well with the characters and their time that we truly are transported to 1941 Paris, Dijon and Lyon as the characters attempt to thwart the German domination. Another absolute winner from a truly talented and prolific, young author. I look forward to many more stories from what is also one of my favorite periods of history to read about. No question about the number of stars for The Lyon Affair - it is five stars all the way.

Please do pop on over to Amazon and check out Ellie Midwood's fantastic portfolio of novels. They are awesome.

the syrian peddler by linda hanna lloyd

16/9/2017

Reviewed for Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The Syrian Peddler by Linda Hanna Lloyd is a fictionalised retelling of the author’s forebear’s immigration and settling in America in the early years of the twentieth century. Like so many Europeans, many people from the Middle East, sought a better life in the new world that was the rapidly developing United States, at the turn of the century. Many Syrians left their homeland, which was wracked with uncertainty and Turkish invasion, to seek a new life and to discover the American dream. We follow the adventures of Sadoo, later to become Samuel and finally Sam, from Aleppo, as he travels on this exciting new adventure from Syria to the coal towns of Western Pennsylvania. Despite the many trials and tribulations that these new adventurers were to encounter, Sam, like so many of his compatriots worked hard and thrived in the tough but rewarding environment.

What I particularly liked about this book was the knowledge that despite the day to day happenings to Sam and his friends and family being fiction, to a large extent, the realities were true. Linda Hanna Lloyd’s forebears did settle in Masontown and did create and run Hanna’s Department store. The author has clearly researched her family well and woven an interesting tale of life in the early 1900’s in rural America. I found the character of Sam to be compelling and the read was straightforward and simple. I certainly believe the author has done her family justice with this retelling. I did like the opportunity to she took, at the end of the book, to detail the lineage of the characters down from Sam and his family. This gave the book that spark of authenticity. For an interesting glimpse of a different type of American immigrant to the usual Italian or Irish variety, I can definitely recommend The Syrian Peddler as a very good read.

You can check out The Syrian Peddler, here on Linda Hanna Lloyd's Amazon page:

the year of the oath: a crime thriller (the bastille mysteries book 2) by ian honeysett and pete stevens

14/9/2017

The best thing about reading Indie authors is the opportunity to discover new and exciting talent. That is certainly the case with this latest read; The Year of the Oath by Peter Stevens and Ian Honeysett.
I love historical fiction and this story, set in the turmoil and angst of the French Revolution in the late 1700's is up there with some of the best historical fiction I have read lately. Amongst French society, there are many countering influences - those who want the revolution to stop and return to the power of the Monarchy and those who don't think it has gone far enough and want liberty and franchisement for all citizens. Caught in the middle of this maelstrom is the Church, whose Clergy are soon to be required to sign an Oath of Allegiance to the terms of the Revolution. Opinions on signing are deeply divided and the Church is slowly tearing itself apart over the issue. Throw in the seemingly related murders of members of the Clergy, kidnapping, and corruption and you have the makings of a fast-paced and thrilling crime thriller. Commissaire Rouget Maison is the man tasked with solving these crimes and Maison is not one to be trifled with, even for the rich and powerful in revolutionary France.
This is a fast-paced, fascinating insight into one of the bloodiest and most violent times of our history. The authors pull no punches and the suffering, angst, and deviousness of players of the time are well highlighted and illustrated.
I am thrilled to discover that this is just one of a series of books based around the Revolution and Commissaire Maison. I will definitely be revisiting these authors and this series again in the near future. I highly recommend this read and have no hesitation in awarding the five stars it thoroughly deserves.

You can check out the Bastille Mysteries series by Ian Honeysett and Pete Stevens, here on Amazon:

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