Tag: Historic Fiction

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

Review: In Another Life by Julie Christine Johnson

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Review: In Another Life by Julie Christine Johnson

Historian Lia Carrer has finally returned to southern France, determined to rebuild her life after the death of her husband.

But instead of finding solace in the region’s quiet hills and medieval ruins, she falls in love with Raoul, a man whose very existence challenges everything she knows about life–and about her husband’s death.

As Raoul reveals the story of his past to Lia, she becomes entangled in the echoes of an ancient murder, resulting in a haunting and suspenseful journey that reminds Lia that the dead may not be as far from us as we think.

Steeped in the rich history and romantic landscape of rural France, In Another Life is a story of love that conquers time and the lost loves that haunt us all.

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Book Blast: The Vatican Princess: A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia by C.W. Gortner

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02_The Vatican PrincessThe Vatican Princess: A Novel of Lucrezia Borgia
by C.W. Gortner

Publication Date: February 9, 2016
Ballantine Books
Hardcover, Ebook, Audiobook
400 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

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Infamy is no accident. It is a poison in our blood. It is the price of being a Borgia.

Glamorous and predatory, the Borgias fascinated and terrorized 15th-century Renaissance Italy. Lucrezia Borgia, beloved daughter of the pope, was at the center of the dynasty’s ambitions. Slandered as a heartless seductress who lured men to their doom, was she in fact the villainess of legend, or was she trapped in a familial web, forced to choose between loyalty and survival?

With the ascension of the Spaniard Rodrigo Borgia as Pope Alexander VI, the new pope’s illegitimate children—his rival sons, Cesare and Juan, and beautiful young daughter Lucrezia—assume an exalted position in the papal court. Privileged and adored, Lucrezia yearns to escape her childhood and play a part in her family’s fortunes. But Rome is seductive and dangerous: Alliances shift at a moment’s notice as Italy’s ruling dynasties strive to keep rivals at bay. As Lucrezia’s father faces challenges from all sides, he’s obliged to marry her off to a powerful adversary. But when she discovers the brutal truth behind her alliance, Lucrezia is plunged into a perilous gambit that will require all her wits, cunning, and guile. Escaping her marriage offers the chance of happiness with a passionate prince of Naples, yet as scandalous accusations of murder and incest build against her, menacing those she loves, Lucrezia must risk everything to overcome the lethal fate imposed upon her by her Borgia blood.

Beautifully wrought, rich with fascinating historical detail, The Vatican Princess is the first novel to describe Lucrezia’s coming-of-age in her own voice—a dramatic, vivid tale set in an era of savagery and unparalleled splendor, where enemies and allies can be one and the same, and where loyalty to family can ultimately be a curse.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | INDIEBOUND

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

Review: The Case of the Fickle Mermaid (A Brothers Grimm Mystery #3) by P.J. Brackston

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: The Case of the Fickle Mermaid (A Brothers Grimm Mystery #3) by P.J. Brackston

This is a very quirky mystery series. I read the second book in the series last year and while it was quirky it was also pretty enjoyable. PJ Brackston is short for Paula Brackston who most famously writes what I call ‘the witch books‘.

I’m a huge fan of her witch books and her writing style, so when this series came across my nightstand for review  I agreed even though I started with the second book. I enjoyed the whole ‘Gretel as a sleuth’ idea and when I read the book I found lots of things to love about the series.

I love the whole fairy tale and murder mystery idea that the series is based on. Even though I started with the second book in the series I was able to connect to the characters for the most part and follow along with the back story without any real struggle. So when this third book came out I gladly decided to read it!

Gretel is now all grown up and working as a private investigator in 18th century Bavaria. Her professional interest is piqued when she begins to hear whispers of of mysterious goings-on off the coast of Schleswig-Holstein: sailors are disappearing, and there are rumors of mermaids and sea creatures and all manner of slippery, sea-based happenings.

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Book Blast: BANISHED (Forbidden #2) by Kimberley Griffiths Little

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02_BanishedBanished (Forbidden #2)
by Kimberley Griffiths Little

Publication Date: February 2, 2016
HarperCollins
Hardcover & Ebook; 416 Pages

Series: Forbidden, Book #2
Genre: YA/Historical/Romance

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She thought she�d lost everything . . .

After spending months traveling the harsh, unforgiving Mesopotamian desert, Jayden reunites with a broken, injured Kadesh. Although everyone was convinced the violent and unpredictable Horeb, Jayden�s betrothed, killed the handsome prince, Jayden knew in her heart that her love was alive and safe. But their reunion is short-lived, as they learn Horeb is on their trail and determined to take back the girl he has claimed. Soon, the two star-crossed lovers are on the run toward Sariba, Kadesh�s homeland, where, as heir to the Kingdom, he plans to make Jayden his princess.

But the trek to Sariba is fraught with heartache and danger. After narrowly escaping being stoned to death for a crime she didn�t commit, and learning that her sister has disappeared, Jayden�s only solace is her love for Kadesh. But even he is keeping secrets from her . . . secrets that will change everything.

This gorgeous and enchanting sequel to Forbidden, is full of love, danger, and heated passion that will leave readers breathless.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

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Review: The Violinist of Venice: A Story of Vivaldi by Alyssa Palombo

by The Lit Bitch2 Comments on Review: The Violinist of Venice: A Story of Vivaldi by Alyssa Palombo

Oh how I love a great historical romance novel……add in some classical music and you have a wonderfully delightful read!

Adriana d’Amato adores music, except there is one big problem….her father has forbidden her to cultivate her gift for the violin. But do you think that’s going to stop her? Of course not!

She begins sneaking out of her family’s palazzo under the cover of night to take violin lessons from violinist and composer Antonio Vivaldi. However, what begins as secret lessons swiftly evolves into a passionate, consuming love affair.

Adriana’s father is set on her marrying a wealthy man….and though this suitor has things to love, Adriana’s heart belongs to Vivaldi. Besides the whole marrying another man thing there is a larger problem keeping the two apart…..Vivaldi is a priest which basically makes the relationship forbidden in the church and in society.

Vivaldi and Adriana know that their affair must end when she marries but there will be events that change the path of their lives forever.

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