Tag: Historic Fiction

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Bittersweet Brooklyn by Thelma Adams

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Bittersweet Brooklyn by Thelma Adams

As many of you know, I am a sucker when it comes to pretty covers. I love the elegance of this cover. Not only does the woman on the cover seem intriguing, but the text and the angle suggested that it was going to be a little more edgy, almost like a classic noir film or something.

After reading the description, I was eager to start reading it. It sounded a little like The Godfather and I was excited to read something a little more edgy and different in the historical fiction genre.

Often in historical fiction, the mobster world goes untapped and I love mob movies and I often wonder why I don’t see more mobster style historical fiction books? Maybe they are out there and I just haven’t found them, but either way I was excited that this one had come across my desk for review.  Continue reading “Review: Bittersweet Brooklyn by Thelma Adams” →

Books, Reading

Special Feature: The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen Vol. II by Collins Hemingway

by The Lit Bitch2 Comments on Special Feature: The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen Vol. II by Collins Hemingway

The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen Vol. II
by Collins Hemingway

Publication Date: August 8, 2016
eBook & Paperback; 332 Pages
ISBN-13: 978-1535444958

 

 

Jane Austen Lived a Quiet, Single Life-Or Did She?

Tradition holds that Jane Austen lived a proper, contemplative, unmarried life. But what if she wed a man as passionate and intelligent as she-and the marriage remained secret for 200 years?

The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen resolves the biggest mystery of Austen’s life-the “lost years” of her twenties-of which historians know virtually nothing.

• Why the enduring rumors of a lost love or tragic affair?

• Why, afterward, did the vivacious Austen prematurely put on “the cap of middle age” and close off any thoughts of finding love?

• Why, after her death, did her beloved sister destroy her letters and journals?

The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen trilogy answers these questions through a riveting love affair based on the history of the times and the details of Austen’s own life.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Continue reading “Special Feature: The Marriage of Miss Jane Austen Vol. II by Collins Hemingway” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen

by The Lit Bitch4 Comments on Review: The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen

I stopped reading the review pitch once I saw ‘WWI’ in the description, which was basically the first line in the summary. I have read a lot of stand alone novels by Bowen and have been impressed with her writing and historical research.

Her stand alone books have mostly been set in WWII, but WWI is truly my favorite period in historical fiction, so seeing that this book was set during that time earned this book and instant and enthusiastic, ‘yes’ from me.

I have consistently enjoyed reading Bowen’s books, whether they are one of her historical mysteries or her stand alone novels. She as an incredible gift for writing vastly different content and managing to keep all of her heroines fresh and interesting. Continue reading “Review: The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen” →

Books, Reading

Excerpt: The Peddler of Wisdom by Laura Matthias Bendoly

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Excerpt: The Peddler of Wisdom by Laura Matthias Bendoly

The Peddler of Wisdom
by Laura Matthias Bendoly

Publication Date: December 18, 2018
eBook & Paperback; 425 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

 

In the borderlands of the village Les Échelles, giants sleep and werewolves howl. Travelers must cross deep gorges to pay visit. The only strangers are treasure-hunters seeking the riches of Zahara, a drowned Crusader bride. She planted the nearby woods with rich botanicals, now the healing herbs of Irène Guéri, apothecary in these parts. When a cruel invader storms the village he brings along his shy, though brilliant alchemist, Joaquíno Durande. Will Irene join forces with this scholar, risking her profession and her neighbors’ trust, or flee to the valley? Enormous decisions await, and great danger as friends, neighbors, and even the tools of Irene’s workshop rise, enchanted, into the fray of war.

“Put together a hidden Medieval village, a widowed healer who tries to overthrow a murderous invader, and a possible– if dangerous– romance, and you have The Peddler of Wisdom, add to this Laura Matthias Bendoly’s spritely style and a complex world where no one can be trusted, and you will be sucked into this tale as swiftly and completely as I was. Read it.” – Sonia Gernes, ProfessorEmerita, University of Notre Dame, author of What You Hear in the Dark, New and Selected Poems

“An exciting plot, vivid characters and a clearly imagined 17th-century France. A rich tapestry of folklore, tarot, and alchemy.” – Maureen Boulton, Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies, Toronto and Professor Emeritus of French, Dept. of Romance Languages University of Notre Dame

Excerpt

Continue reading “Excerpt: The Peddler of Wisdom by Laura Matthias Bendoly” →

Books, Giveaway, Reading

Giveaway: A MATTER OF CLASS Digital 2 Book Set by Susie Murphy

by The Lit Bitch2 Comments on Giveaway: A MATTER OF CLASS Digital 2 Book Set by Susie Murphy

If you love historical fiction and forbidden romance then you don’t want to miss out on this wonderful new series, A MATTER OF CLASS. I just finished the second book in the series and I loved it! I am thrilled that I am able to offer not just one book, but both books for your reading pleasure!

Here is a little summary from the second book, A CLASS ENTWINED to give you an idea what the series is about.

Trapped in a loveless marriage far from home, Bridget does what she can to fill her lonely days. She throws herself into charitable work, but her cherished daughter, Emily, is her only true source of happiness.

Meanwhile, Cormac’s own life unravels and he finds himself doing unspeakable things just to survive.

Neither of them dream they will ever meet again, but fate brings them back together in the most unexpected of ways.

Can Bridget rediscover her love for the man Cormac has become? And how will Cormac react when he learns Bridget’s secret?

I am thrilled to be able to offer ONE SET (book 1 and book 2) as DIGITAL COPIES for a lucky reader!

Giveaway runs 2/1/19-2/8/19

A winner will be announced 2/9/19

(how to enter)

On this blog you must leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway.  Your comment MUST include your email so I can contact you….if you do not enter an email in the comments your entry will be void. Winners will be notified by email the day after the giveaway closes and have five days to respond, it not another winner will be chosen. 

(GIVEAWAY OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL AND IS FOR A DIGITAL COPY)

Make sure you note if you have done the following for more chances to win: Tweet about the giveaway (+1), share on Facebook (+1), like The Lit Bitch on Facebook (+1), follow The Lit Bitch on Twitter (+1), subscribe to The Lit Bitch’s blog (+1), follow The Lit Bitch on Instagram (+1). Tweet/RT about the giveaway (+1). Share about the giveaway (+1).