Tag: Historic Fiction

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

Review: The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: The Age of Desire by Jennie Fields

As the Victorian era transition into the ‘modern’ era, women were finally discovering that sex and sexuality could be for their enjoyment, not just a wifely duty performed for the pleasure of their husbands.

We see evidence of this shift with the rise of female authorship. Many women started writing real books for women about women and things women cared about or longed for. One of the best known authors of this time was Edith Wharton.

Wharton wrote popular and influential novels such a The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocents that addressed issues of class (notably the upper class), manners, and of course love and sexual desire.

Like many female authors before her, Wharton had a story all of her own…..a story which author Jennie Fields explores in her historical fiction novel, based on a the true life story of Edith Wharton, The Age of Desire.

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Reading

Review: The Age of Ice by J.M. Sidorova

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Review: The Age of Ice by J.M. Sidorova

In an ice palace in eighteenth century Russia, two twin princes are born—Prince Alexander and Prince Andrei.

Prince Andrei is the more ambitious, bold, and daring of the two brothers, while Alexander is more reserved and shy.

The boys grow up in an idealistic life, residing in the families country home with many animals and servants.

Andrei is seemingly always unhappy while Alexander seems more well adjusted and happy.

As the two boys reach adulthood the both enlist in the military and through an unexpected situation Alexander makes a startling discovery–he is immune to the cold.

This revelation brings about many different questions for Alexander. Why is Andrei not cursed with this affliction? Why is it only effecting Alexander? Not only is he immune to the cold, he is able to create ice and create feelings of ice in others.

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Books, Reading

Special Feature: STARZ Debuts The White Queen

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: STARZ Debuts The White Queen

Red and White roses unite! Tonight is the big night! STARZ debuts their original series, The White Queen based on Philippa Gregory’s  bestselling series, The Cousins’ War. Be sure to tune in, Saturday, August 10th at 9pm ET/PT to catch the first episode!

The show stars Max Irons, Janet McTeer, James Frain to name a few.

If you are a fan of the Cousins’ War series, the next book, The White Princess, released on July 23 and is a thrilling novel to read as a stand alone or as part of the series.

Here is what the press is saying about The White Queen original drama and novel:

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

Review: The Queen’s Vow by C.W. Gortner

by The Lit Bitch5 Comments on Review: The Queen’s Vow by C.W. Gortner

One country. One faith. One crown. That was the vision of Isabella I of Castile and her husband King Ferdinand of Aragon.

Together they reigned for over thirty years, working tirelessly to unite a country that was constantly at civil war.

We first meet Isabella at her humble beginnings. Her father the King of Castile has just died and his son from his first marriage, Enrique, is to inherit the thrown.

Enrique and his advisers quickly remove Isabella, her brother Alfonso, and her mother from court.

They are given a small country house with little to no resources and are basically forgotten about. Until one day when Enrique finally has an heir. To celebrate the birth of his daughter, Joanna, Enrique invites both Isabella and Alfonso to court to stand as supporters.

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

Review: The White Princess (The Cousins’ War #5) by Philippa Gregory

by The Lit Bitch6 Comments on Review: The White Princess (The Cousins’ War #5) by Philippa Gregory

Red rose. White rose. Lancaster. York. The War of the Roses is a widely known period in history.

The war ended with the marriage of Henry Tudor to his York bride, Elizabeth of York….the Union Rose bloomed in England as a new symbol of unity, but there were still a number of subjects who wished to see a White Rose on the throne.

Elizabeth of York was not in love with Henry Tudor…not in the least. In fact she was in love with Richard III and has been his lover for a number of years.

After his death, she learned she was to marry Henry instead to ensure a symbolic union between an old house and a new monarchy.

She vows to do her duty to her family, but when she meets Henry for the first time, he has other designs. He intends to get her with child first before they marry and he refuses to crown her his queen until she had produced a male heir.

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