Posts Tagged ‘Historical Fiction’
Katherine Longshore keeps getting better and better. In my opinion, BRAZEN (The Royal Circle, Book 3) is her best book yet!
Mary Howard has always lived in the shadow of her powerful family. But when she’s married off to Henry Fitzroy, King Henry VIII’s illegitimate son, she rockets into the Tudor court’s inner circle. Mary and “Fitz” join a tight clique of rebels who test the boundaries of court’s strict rules with their games, dares, and flirtations. The more Mary gets to know Fitz, the harder she falls for him, but is forbidden from seeing him alone. The rules of court were made to be pushed…but pushing them too far means certain death. Is true love worth dying for?
Kimberly’s Review of BRAZEN:
I’ve never been one to lean in the direction of historical fiction until I started reading Katherine Longshore’s books and BRAZEN is my favorite to date. Her writing just keeps getting better and better. It’s so rare to find a book that is historically educational while also as tantalizing and swoon worthy as a very popular romance. An amazing read.
Mary Howard and Henry FitzRoy are chess pieces in the very real and dangerous games being played in King Henry VIII’s court. But love has a power all it’s own and Longshore gives us front row seats to the danger and intrigue. You do not want to miss your chance to be a part of this. Read BRAZEN–better yet–read GILT, TARNISH and then BRAZEN asap!
You can pre-order BRAZEN by Katherine Longshore here…
*Amazon
*Barnes & Noble
*IndieBound
Having spent time as a freelance travel writer, travel agent, coffee shop barista, bookseller, ship’s steward, construction company contracts manager and Montessori preschool teacher, I have finally found my calling. I write historical fiction for young adults. I am represented by Catherine Drayton of InkWell Management.
You can find out more about Katherine Longshore and BRAZEN here…
*Website
*Twitter
*Facebook
*Goodreads
*YA Muses
Want to know what other must-reads the Bookanistas have been consuming? You’re in for a treat…
Lenore Appelhans is nuts for NOGGIN by John Corey Whaley
Tracy Banghart swoons for STAR CURSED by Jessica Spotswood
Rebecca Behrens raves about PUSH GIRL by Bookanista Jessica Love
Christine Fonseca is riveted by SEKRET by Lindsay Smith
Jessica Love sings the praises of OPEN ROAD SUMMER by Emery Lord
Katy Upperman is crazy for THE SYMPTOMS OF MY INSANITY by Mindy Raf
If you could read a historical fiction about any time period in history, what time frame would you like to see between the pages of a good book? I want to hear more about the Berlin Wall and what that felt like for families separated and trying to get home to each other. Okay historical fiction writers–get on that for me.
Tags: Bookanistas, Brazen, Gilt, Historical Fiction, Katherine Longshore, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, review, Tarnish, YA Author, YA Book, YA Muses, Yanarella School of Dance
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Squee!!!!! It’s SCARLET #2 aka LADY THIEF by A. C. Gaughen. I’ve been waiting forever to sneak back into Scarlet’s world and hang out with my boyfriend Robin. <3
Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.
Kimberly’s Review of LADY THIEF:
Dear A. C. Gaughen,
The sheer awesomeness of this book is driving me crazy. Scarlet is a serious badass, but sweeter than ever at the exact same time. How did you manage to pull that off? And that thing you did with Gisbourne–too many feels for a character I dislike as much as him. He’s such the perfect creeper. And about my favorite band of merry men. I still love them all *crushing hard* but how could you??? It was amazing it was awful. It was shocking–yes that’s what it was–it was shocking!!!! So this leaves me with one BIG question–WHEN DO I GET TO READ SCARLET #3??????
Love,
Me
You can order LADY THIEF by A. C. Gaughen here…
*Amazon
*Barnes & Noble
*IndieBound
ok, no, AC does not stand for ACCUWEATHER. but last time i tried googling myself, the first thing that comes up when i type “ac” is “accuweather.” go figure.
i’ve been madly in love with writing since I was in kindergarten. not kidding–some of my earliest memories revolve around books and writing, like reading in front of the class, reading with my mother, and writing a story in first grade that was so funny (it dealt with a gorilla finding someone naked in the shower, and was, sadly, the culmination of my humor writing skills) it got me kicked out of class. which was also the first and last time for that.
no that’s a lie. in third grade i got detention for ripping bark off a tree.
i know, i’m a rebel.
from there, it was a long road. i wrote all through middle school and starting submitting novels (I hope I still have those very kind, gentle rejection letters somewhere) when I was thirteen. ACK you have no idea how bad those novels looked. All through high school I was writing in a notebook instead of taking class notes (explaining the less than perfect GPA). It was always novels for me–the first time I seriously wrote short stories was at the end of my college career, to get into my graduate program, and it felt awkward and weird.
but i got in to grad school, wrote like a fiend, and when i graduated i spent three miserable years as a freelance writer while working on several different novels. I wrote them, prepped them, submitted them, and kept on working, because as far as I can tell, the actual writing is the only thing that i can control, and it’s the part that really makes me happy. oh, and i have two dogs. because every writer should have dogs.
You can find out more about A. C. Gaughen and LADY THIEF here…
*Website
*Blog
*Tumblr
*Twitter
*Facebook
*Goodreads
Want to know what other badass books the Bookanistas are reading? Here’s a list…
Jessica Love is captivated by LIV, FOREVER by Amy Talkington
Katy Upperman praises PANIC by Lauren Oliver
Christine Fonseca applauds DANGEROUS by Shannon Hale
Lenore Appelhans is riveted by THE GLASS CASKET by McCormick Templeman
Scarlet is a wiz at getting in and out of tight places undetected. If you could be really good at one Navy Seal style skill (no super powers please) what would you choose? I think I’d have to go with absolutely NO fear of heights with some really good balance for extra measure. LOL!
Tags: A. C. Gaughen, Bookanistas, Historical Fiction, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Lady Thief, review, Scarlet, YA, YA Author, YA Book
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ROSE UNDER FIRE
by Elizabeth Wein
While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious women’s concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that’s in store for her?
Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning WWII thriller. The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival.
Praise for Rose Under Fire
* “Wein masterfully sets up a stark contrast between the innocent American teen’s view of an untarnished world and the realities of the Holocaust. [A]lthough the story’s action follows [Code Name Verity]’s, it has its own, equally incandescent integrity. Rich in detail, from the small kindnesses of fellow prisoners to harrowing scenes of escape and the Nazi Doctors’ Trial in Nuremburg, at the core of this novel is the resilience of human nature and the power of friendship and hope.” –Kirkus, starred review
* “Wein excels at weaving research seamlessly into narrative and has crafted another indelible story about friendship borne out of unimaginable adversity.” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
Kimberly’s REview of ROSE UNDER FIRE:
Tags: Book Review, Bookanistas, Elizabeth Wein, Historical Fiction, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, Rose Under Fire
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The cool thing about the Class of 2k12 ARC Tour is that I’m picking up books that might not necessarily find their way into my stack of reading material. This is not because I don’t want to give them a try, but rather because there are so many books on my TBR list (that I know I NEED to read) that I’m less inclined to wander down a less traveled reading road without a strong recommendation. I am so glad that I was given the chance to challenge myself with GILT by Katherine Longshore. I was utterly fascinated with this book. Let me give you a little bit of information before I tell you why you MUST read it.
When her best friend marries Henry VIII, Kitty must learn to walk the fine line between secrets and treason, discovering that in the Tudor court, the price of gossip could literally be her head.
In the Tudor age, ambition, power and charismatic allure are essential and Catherine Howard has plenty of all three. Not to mention her loyal best friend, Kitty Tylney, to help cover her tracks. Kitty, the abandoned youngest daughter of minor aristocracy, owes everything to Cat – where she is, what she is, even who she is. Friend, flirt, and self-proclaimed Queen of Misrule, Cat reigns supreme in a loyal court of girls under the none-too-watchful eye of the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk.
When Cat worms her way into the heart of Henry VIII and becomes Queen of England, Kitty is thrown into the intoxicating Tudor Court. It’s a world of glittering jewels and elegant costumes, of gossip and deception. As the Queen’s right-hand-woman, Kitty goes from the girl nobody noticed to being caught between two men – the object of her affection and the object of her desire.
But the atmosphere of the court turns from dazzling to deadly, and Kitty is forced to learn the difference between trust and loyalty, love and lust, secrets and treason. And to accept the consequences when some lessons are learned too late.
You can pre-order GILT here:
If you would like to request a copy of GILT to review on your blog, email Penguin Young Readers Group at yrmarketing@us.penguingroup.com. Be sure to include your name, the name and URL of your blog, an address to which a possible review copy can be sent, plus any statistics and/or sample reviews. Please understand that galley quantities are limited and that not all requests can be filled.
Kimberly Sabatini’s Review of GILY by Katherine Longshore
I’m going to be perfectly honest when I tell you that often historical fiction is not my thing. Sometimes I find the factual details to be mind numbing–but when it’s done right–it gives me shivers. The truth can be scarier than the imagination.
GILT gave me shivers.
Longshore was a master of the skill, show–don’t tell, particularly when it came to sharing her historical information. She painted a rich, vivid picture of the times and I never felt like I was pulled from the story in order to get the details. And then then there were the characters… I was utterly fascinated and appalled by Catherine Howard and Katherine Tylney. I couldn’t look away from their friendship, escapades and dysfunction. The rest of the cast of characters were equally as engrossing–each one falling into place like the interlocking gears of a watch. When Cat Howard was in motion, it made the whole Tudor Court spin and I couldn’t look away. And lastly, I loved the play on words with the title. Gilt means to be thinly covered with gold leaf or gold paint. But if you scratch at the lightly veiled corruption of the times, you easily discover a lot of guilt.
This is one of those books that perfectly straddles the line between literary and commercial. I absolutely loved it!
Having spent time as a freelance travel writer, travel agent, coffee shop barista, bookseller, ship’s steward, construction company contracts manager and Montessori preschool teacher, I have finally found my calling. I write historical fiction for young adults. I am represented by Catherine Drayton of InkWell Management.
You can find out more about Katherine Longshore and her debut novel GITL here…
Tags: Gilt, Historical Fiction, Katherine Longshore, Kim Sabatini, Kimberly Sabatini, YA Author, YA Muses, YA Novel, YA Writer
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Today I wanted to share something special with you. It’s the first book that I’ve read from
the Class of 2k12. I loved Caroline Starr Rose’s MG novel in verse and want to give you a sneak peek into the life of May B. Here is a little bit about the book taken right off of
Caroline’s web site.Coming January 2012!
MAY B.
Schwartz and Wade (Random House Children’s Books), January 2012
I watch the wagon
until I see nothing on the open plain.
For the first time ever,
I am alone.
May is helping out on a neighbor’s homestead—just until Christmas, her pa promises. But when a terrible turn of events leaves her all alone, she must try to find food and fuel—and courage—to make it through the approaching winter.
This gorgeous novel in verse by Caroline Starr Rose will transport you to the Kansas prairie—to the endless grassland, and to the suffocating closeness of the sod house where May is stranded.
May’s eloquent yet straightforward voice, and her bravery, determination, and willingness to risk it all will capture your heart.
May B. has also received wonderful reviews. There is more on Caroline’s website, but here is my favorite and of course mine…
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2011
As unforgiving as the western Kansas prairies, this extraordinary verse novel—Rose’s debut—paints a gritty picture of late-19th-century frontier life from the perspective of a 12-year-old dyslexic girl named Mavis Elizabeth Betterly… May B. for short.
If May is a brave, stubborn fighter, the short, free-verse lines are one-two punches in this Laura Ingalls Wilder–inspired ode to the human spirit. (Historical fiction. 9-14)
Reviewed by Kimberly Sabatini, October 21, 2011
May B is the perfect mix of Laurie Halse Anderson’s historical fiction, Ellen Hopkins’ seamless and moving poetry and the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I instantly connected with the character of May, but I fell in love with the book when I realized that May was dyslexic. As a mom of a child with dyslexia, I have to say that Caroline Starr Rose got it right. This book, in conjunction with Rose’s additional information available for teachers, should easily make this book a fixture on teacher’s lesson plans and on classroom book shelves. May B is a quiet book that is an exciting read–an amazing combination. Don’t miss this one.
Above I mention that Caroline has created additional materials for teachers to use in the classroom. You can find these on the For Teachers section of her web site. Additionally, you still have time to sign up for this amazing May B. contest…
* May B. Book Club Kit Giveaway *
Enter to win a May B. Book Club Kit. One classroom, library, or reading circle will win the following:
•10 copies of May B.
•discussion questions
•background on the storyline and setting
•10 copies of Where in the World Are We Reading (see For Teachers section)
•ideas for social studies and poetry tie-ins (if applicable)
•bookmarks
•May B. book trailer on CD
•interactive Skype visit
All groups to enter will receive bookmarks for their readers.
Please contact me at
caroline@carolinestarrrose.com.
Tell me about your readers and why you’d like to win. That’s it! This contest is open to readers internationally and will close November 1, 2011.
You can find additional information about Caroline Starr Rose and May B. on…
Caroline Starr Rose is a children’s author represented by the fabulous Michelle Humphrey (International Creative Management). Her debut middle-grade novel, MAY B., will be released January 2012 by Schwartz and Wade, an imprint of Random House.
Tags: Caroline Starr Rose, Historical Fiction, In the Spotlight, Kimberly Sabatini, May B., Novel in Verse
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