Maria follows the story of Maria von Trapp, the protagonist famously played by Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. I was aware that I knew little of Maria or the von Trapps when I began the book, but I was shocked by the depth of the woman’s character, brought to life by Michelle Moran in her latest novel. Read my full book review here!
The Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas, in its simplest terms, is about a half-Fae-half-human heroine who seeks revenge for her best friend’s death. Really, though, the series is so much more than that. Set in a contemporary fantasy world, this series has all the markers of the Sarah J. Maas book universe with the inclusion of modern technology. With two books currently available and a third to be released in January 2024, the Crescent City books promise to be one of the most monumental series in the Sarah J. Maas universe.
Cleeton has crafted a robust and thought provoking book series, The Cuba Saga, which largely follows the fictional wealthy Cuban Perez family. Looking both backwards and forward in the Perez family timeline, this book series touches on a number of major Cuban historical events, and discusses the nuances of the social consequences of revolution, regime change, and relocation to the United States.
If you’re anything like me, you probably love to read but get distracted by, well, life. This post is all about how I use audiobooks to nourish my desire to read during times that I can’t quite sit still. Read more about this and get my favorite Audible audiobooks recommendations here!
When it comes to historical fiction, there is no shortage of fascinating books about WWII. These captivating narratives transport the reader to a time of global turmoil, where ordinary individuals were thrust into extraordinary circumstances. From the battlefields to the home front, these books about WWII serve as poignant reminders of the triumphs and tragedies that shaped the modern era. Through harrowing tales of heroism, sacrifice, and resilience, the novels I am sharing here are riveting historical fiction set against the backdrop of World War II.
In the Egyptian Royals Collection, Michelle Moran channels her archaeological experience and passion for history into moving historical fiction novels about Egyptian royal women. Moran is a prolific historical fiction writer, and her works span the continents and visit many fascinating periods in history. This particular series, though, focuses on Nefertiti, Nefertari, and Cleopatra Selene. If you’re anything like me, these may be names you have heard but figures you know little about. Through this fast-paced series, Michelle Moran brings these women, and the central figures around them, into clear focus, bringing the reader along for a fascinating tour of Egyptian history.
While my best laid plans of keeping a proper reading log fell by the wayside this year, I did manage to get a ton of reading done. That is, I read more books for pleasure than I have since probably high school — definitely since undergrad. While I plan to get into more book content in the new year, I wanted to close out 2022 with a round up of the best books I read this year. I hope the novels and histories I’m sharing here will inspire your next great read!
After finishing his Last Kingdom Saxon Stories series, I was eager to read The King Arthur Trilogy by Bernard Cornwell. The King Arthur Trilogy features three books covering the story of Nennius, one of the earliest historians to mention Arthur, and the rise of the mythical King Arthur. Written in the dramatic detail Bernard Cornwell does best, this Arthurian series is a must-read for any British historical fiction lover!
The Emma of Normandy Trilogy by Patricia Bracewell is a fascinating and fast-paced historical fiction series. Learn more about this three-part historical series here!
I picked up the first of the four Empress of Rome books by Kate Quinn and, before I knew it, I had finished the whole series. In this vivid historical fiction series, Kate Quinn makes the politics and intrigue of the Roman Empire come alive through a cast of strong female protagonists. If you’re interested in some quick reads that are as thoughtful as they are entertaining, The Empress of Rome Series by Kate Quinn is perfect for you!
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