The Mask Revealed by Julia Brannan, book 2 in the Jacobite Chronicles, picks up right where book 1 left off. Beth Cunningham, after uncovering a startling secret, must put the pieces of her life back together within its new context. Soon after, Beth and her new husband journey to Italy and France where they… Continue reading Review: The Mask Revealed by Julia Brannan
Mary Toft; or, The Rabbit Queen by Dexter Palmer fictionalizes the true story of an 18th century Englishwoman who convinced doctors of all rankings--even the King's own--that she could birth rabbits. This unique historical nugget seems stranger than fiction, and Palmer vividly fills in the blanks and the world in which Mary Toft conducts… Continue reading Review: Mary Toft; or, The Rabbit Queen by Dexter Palmer
Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier is based on the life of Mary Anning, an early 19th century fossil hunter, collector, and paleontologist (although without a formal education.) I first discovered Mary Anning during a visit to the National History Museum in London. I was fascinated by this young woman, whom I somehow had never… Continue reading Review: Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
Becoming Belle by Nuala O' Connor is a Victorian-set novel about a women ahead of her time. Isabel Maude Penrice Bilton did indeed becoming "Belle," a modern woman who forged her own path and made her own money in a time when a woman's role was restricted and social mores were strict. I'll… Continue reading Review: Becoming Belle by Nuala O’ Connor
Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne by David Starkey focuses on Elizabeth Tudor's childhood and rise to power, rather than the majority of Elizabeth biographies that focus on her entire life or just her reign. I knew a bit about Elizabeth's upbringing before reading this book, but Starkey filled in the gaps and offered interesting information… Continue reading Review: Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne by David Starkey
Princess: The Six Daughters of George III by Flora Fraser tells the little-known lives and trials of Princesses Royal (Charlotte,) Augusta, Elizabeth, Sophia, Amelia, and Mary. The daughters of George III came of age during great changes in the British Empire, and experienced great changes themselves--outside of the norm for 18th/19th century princesses. What is… Continue reading Review: Princesses: The Six Daughters of George III by Flora Fraser
I'm an American citizen. I have an American father and an English mother. That being said, I've always had a fascination with the history of the British Isles. Although I have English blood, I will not shy away from the fact that the Scottish have endured a great deal of hardships and injustices under English… Continue reading My 2 cents on the Scottish Indy Ref, for what it’s worth…
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