The Tubman Command by Elizabeth Cobbs tells the true story of Harriet Tubman's instrumental involvement in the Combahee River raid which resulted in freeing about 750 enslaved people from plantations situated on that river. Cobbs brings Tubman from mythic figure of "Moses" down to earth as a woman conflicted with her emotions in relation… Continue reading Review: The Tubman Command by Elizabeth Cobbs
Blackberry and Wild Rose by Sonia Velton is set in 18th Century London, specifically within the silk industry in Spitalfields. Set against this vibrant backdrop, Velton weaves together the stories of two women--Sara, a former harlot and now maid, and Esther, wife of a wealthy silk weaver. Arriving in London naive and sheltered, Sara is… Continue reading Review: Blackberry and Wild Rose by Sonia Velton
My Lady Judge by Cora Harrison follows 15th century Mara, Brehon (Judge) of an area of western Ireland called the Burren. Brehon Law in Ireland was a civil code far more merciful and socially liberal than the criminal laws of England. What's striking about Brehon law, even long before the 15th century, is that women… Continue reading Review: My Lady Judge by Cora Harrison
I need to preface this review by saying that about 80% into The Turning of Anne Merrick I found out this book was a sequel! First, this speaks to the fact that technically this novel can stand on its own. Second, Yes--there were moments where major events in the characters' pasts came up that… Continue reading Review: The Turning of Anne Merrick by Christine Blevins
The Familiars by Stacey Halls is a fictional account leading up to the 1612 Pendle Witch Trials, featuring actual historical figures. Seventeen-year-old Fleetwood Shuttleworth becomes mistress of Gawthorpe Hall, near Pendle, and gets drawn into the controversy over her midwife's, Alice Grey, alleged involvement with the "Pendle Witches" at Malkin Tower. I did know a bit… Continue reading Review: The Familiars by Stacey Halls
Set in 16th century Italy, The Chef's Secret by Crystal King follows papal chef Bartolomeo Scappi and his apprentice, Giovanni, through two intersecting tales that peel back like layers of an onion. While Scappi was indeed the chef of a Pope, King notes that not much is known about him save his recipe book, and… Continue reading Review: The Chef’s Secret by Crystal King
Highland Raven (Book 1 of the Celtic Blood series) by Melanie Karsak is a historical fantasy origin story of the real Lady MacBeth, Gruoch of Scotland. I was instantly intrigued with this premise, as I really didn't know anything about Gruoch. However, Karsak's novel is much more magical and fantasy-based rather than straight historical fiction.… Continue reading Review: Highland Raven by Melanie Karsak
The Witches of St. Petersburg by Imogen Edwards-Jones tells the true story of Princesses Militza and Stana of Montenegro and their marriages into the Russian Imperial Family at the turn of the century. Coming from a small, "backwater" country, the sisters are immediately shunned by the Russian nobility in St. Petersburg. They call them "Goat… Continue reading Review: The Witches of St. Petersburg by Imogen Edwards-Jones
The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd tells the true story of Eliza Lucas, who at the age of 16 was given control of her family plantations after her father returned to Antigua to secure his political position. It is remarkable that in 1738, a father would give his 16 year old daughter control of such… Continue reading Review: The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd
The General's Cook by Ramin Ganeshram tells the true story the George Washington's head cook, Hercules, in Philadelphia during the first presidency. Hercules is a complex and formidable figure, enjoying the benefits of his "station" as the President's head cook, while at the same time still, in reality, an enslaved man. Although he is… Continue reading Review: The General’s Cook by Ramin Ganeshram
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