Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Quinn

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Rhonna

> I must say that the cover and title of this book almost prevented me from reading it. Even I was slightly abashed to be caught reading this. But I’m glad I overcame my embarrassment because it’s a great story.
Rob MacGregor is traveling to pay homage to the new king. As the future chief of his clan he takes his responsibilities seriously and doesn’t have the time for romance. But when a dying soldier uses his last breath to ask MacGregor to save Lady Davina Montgomery from a burning tower, he cannot refuse.
Davina has lived in a convent all of her life for the sake of her own protection, but as a new king is crowned, even the convent can’t keep the forces of evil from chasing her down. She tries valiantly to defend her home, even as she sees all of those she loves being killed. With all those she trusts laying bleeding on the ground, she has no choice but to believe in the powerful warrior who scoops her into his arms and carries her away.
With Ravished by a Highlander, Paula Quinn spins an adventurous tale of love and treachery, fleshing it out with historical detail, political intrigue, and two captivating characters.

The Measure of Katie Calloway

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Janet

>by Serena Miller
Katie Calloway flees her Georgia home with her 8 year old brother, Ned. Harlan, Katie’s husband, wants her dead so that he can marry a rich widow and rebuild his war torn plantation. He blames Katie for letting the Union soldiers burn down the home that his grandfather had built. While Harlan is gone, Katie takes his horse and his money to get as far away from him as possible.
In Bay City, Michigan, Robert Foster is looking for a cook for his lumber camp. When he tastes Katie’s apple pie, he offers her the job. Katie believes the lumber camp deep in the Michigan forest is the best place to hide from Harlan. Although the work is hard, the accomodations are sparse, and the injured camp cook, Jigger, doesn’t want her there, Katie gets to do something she loves. The lumbermen greatly appreciate her cooking, which is something Harlan never did.
While Katie’s boss is a perfect gentleman and extremely handsome, Katie is still married. She is determined to keep her place as cook for the seven months as she agreed. But then she must find another place to work, because it is just too hard to be near Robert.
This was a fast read, maybe because I just couldn’t put it down. The lumbercamp was a new experience and the extra’s that Serena Miller added, a starving sqaw & infant, Roberts sister & kids, made the journey with Katie fun. If you like Kim Sawyer, Lauraine Snelling, Mary Connealy, or Karen Witemeyer you’ll like The Measure of Katie Calloway.

The Colonel’s Lady by Laura Frantz

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Rhonna

With the death of her mother, spinster Roxanna Rowan finds herself alone in Revolutionary War Virginia without prospects, suitors, or a home. She escapes to her beloved father, a soldier on the Kentucky frontier, arriving just in time to hear of his death. When the dashing but cold Colonel Cassius McLinn offers her a position as his scrivener, she has little choice but to take it. Rumors circulate of McLinn’s questionable family and past, but Roxanna begins to learn of his true character as a man with many regrets, but a steadfast and caring nature. In the midst of the desolate and cruel landscape of war, Roxanna provides Cassius with light, hope, and a reason to reexamine his faith.

Based loosely on the life of George Rogers Clark, The Colonel’s Lady is a fascinating look at the Kentucky frontier, military life during the Revolutionary period, and the work lives of women. Frantz has created a story that touches both the heart and the mind.

All Our Worldly Goods

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Mary

Irene Nemirovsky died in Auschwitzconcentration camp along with perhaps over a million others. She was from an enormously wealthy Jewish-Russian family that had to flee to France during the 1917 Russian Revolution. A celebrated author and mother of two, Nemirovlsky converted toCatholicism yet her Jewish heritage was the cause of her death.

Beforethe war she had attended the Sorbonne and begun writing at the age of 18. She married a Jewish banker and had twochildren and she continued as a successful writer with several of her booksadapted as movies and a play.

Fiveyears after her death, All Our WorldlyGoods was published. It is a beautifulstory of love between a man and women from different classes who go against theirparent’s wishes and marry. The wealthy demandingpatriarch makes life difficult for this couple who won’t deny their love inspite of his demands. We follow thiscouple through the first World War and then suffer the horror of it happeningall over again for their children as Hitler comes to power. All OurWorldly Goods is a lovely story of the resilience of the human spirit when thepower of love exits between two people. Another recent addition to our collection is The Mirador: Dreamed Memories of Irene Nemirovsky By Her Daughter.

An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Mary

Newport Rhode Island, home of the summer cottages ofthe very wealthy built during the gilded age, inspired the concluding settingfor An Unlikely Suitor a historicalnovel by Nancy Moser. This immigrant story is of the Scapelli’s, a mother andher two daughters newly arrived in New York City in 1895. Their father, Dante Scapelli, lost his life in an accident on the docksshortly after their arrival. Now thesmall family is scraping by as dressmakers to the wealthy.

Lucy Scapelli meets Rowena Langdon when Rowena visits MadameMoreau’s Fashion Emporium to be outfitted with a wardrobe suitable for hersummer in Newport.During a fitting, Lucy sees that she could help crippled Rowena’s clothes tofit better and hide her obvious physical disabilities. The two become friends under the disapprovingeye of Rowena’s mother. While trying toadjust to life with her wealthy friends in Newport Rowena schemes to find a way her dressmaker friend can join her.

This novel treats us to life during the Gilded Age, thesocial mores of that time, beautiful descriptive language of fashion from thatlavish era and the difficult life of immigrants at the turn of the century.

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Rhonna

>Comfort Kennedy is shocked into silence when her oldest friend, Bram, announces their engagement. She agrees to a short engagement to save face and excuses his typical irresponsible behavior. Bram’s brother, Bode, realizes that he’s running out of time to capture the woman he’s loved for years. Bram’s injury forces Comfort and Bode to spend more time together, building a romance that will have to sustain them through dangerous intrigue and the trauma of her childhood. Gold rush San Francisco provides a exciting and shady background for this romantic and sensual story. With Kissing Comfort, Goodman has created another romance you won’t soon forget.

The Man From Beijing

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Janet

by Henning Mankell

Swedish author Henning Mankell starts off this adventure with a furious ride! When a journalist arrives to photograph one of Sweden’s dwindling villages, he finds a mass murder has occurred and the bodies are still warm. Traumatized by fear that the murderer may still be in the village, he escapes the scene to find help. Alas, so strong was his fear that he succumbs to a heart attack causing him to swerve in front of a semi. With his last breath, he is able to utter the name of the village. When authorities investigate, they find the village that had consisted of 21 people, now filled with 19 corpses as well as their slaughtered pets. Who would do such a heinous crime and why?

When this horrific news is broadcast, Birgitta Roslin, one of Sweden’s Supreme Court judges, realizes she has seen the village somewhere before. Searching through he mother’s papers, she finds a photo of her mother’s childhood home that matches one of the homes on the news. Curious and wanting connection with her mother’s family she sets off to find out if it is indeed the home of her mother’s foster parents. She finds clues that she thinks are important, but the local authorities are not interested.

This journey will have you traveling across the world and back in time to solve the mystery. While the title gives a clue to the involvement of China, you’ll also make a track to mid 1860’s America, and also a side adventure to Africa. The perpetrator is known midway through the story, but the “what will he do next” will keep you reading. Have a fun ride while reading The Man from Beijing.

Dandy Gilver and the Proper Treatment of Bloodstains

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Mary

Dandy solves a murder once again!

Dandelion Dahlia Leston Gilver, or Dandy, is being schooledin how to serve undercover as a lady’s maid when normally she has her ownservants waiting on her. Thisaristocratic sleuth has already helped solve several murders and once againshe is being called upon to aid someone who fears for her life. Lollie Balfour’s husband is having his wifefollowed, steaming open her mail and has told her he is going to murder her. “He’sa monster, Mrs. Gilver. A nasty,brutish, bullying , philandering, dishonest, beasty…pig.”

This frightened Edinburgh woman becomes awidow within one day of Dandy’s appearance as her maid. Who has murdered this horrible man? Everyone in the premises has a reason to hatehim. With intricately plotted twists andturns and many red herrings we experience what is regarded as proper for the1920’s post World War Two Scottish gentry. This witty novel that exposes the differences in class reminds me of thewonderful Masterpiece Theatre classics Upstairs,Downstairs and Downton Abbey. Try Dandy Gilver and the Proper Treatment of Blood Stains and then enjoy a classic movie for a complete experience.

Love on the Line by Deeanne Gist

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Rhonna

Georgie Gail is less than thrilled when the telephonecompany sends out Luke Palmer to help her run the switchboard and phone linesin her rural Texastown. He’s not too happy about it,either; having to put away his fancy Texas Ranger duds and go undercoverwearing overalls to investigate a local train robber. He carries out his investigation whilerepairing phone lines and getting constantly distracted by his coworker’s abilityto stir up controversy and everything else about her as well. With Love on the Line Deeanne Gist comesthrough with another delightful Christian historical romance.

Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Mary

Do you know a teen that is a reluctant reader? Nightjohn is a powerful novel for anyone toabsorb, but it is a dramatic motivator for our older teens that undervaluereading. Set in the south duringslavery, Sammy, a pre-adolescent slave, chooses to risk herself and the livesof others to experience learning. Theplantation where she was born is owned by a harsh, brutal man that buys and sellsslaves with no regard for human value. He punishes anyone that exhibits anyeducation or desire for such.

This very graphicportrayal of just how horrible some slaves were treated tells the importantstory of the value of education to combat such ignorance. Nightjohn, a former escaped slave hasreturned to the south to teach others to read. His willingness to risk his life for the betterment of others will speakvolumes to those of us who take for granted our freedom to learn. Warning: this is a very brutal and graphic presentation of slavery.

Horatio Hornblower

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Rhonna

Take to the high seas with the British Navy and our brave hero Horatio Hornblower. Based on the books by C.S. Forester, this film series created by A&E will keep you on the edge of your seat. Join Horatio as he navigates the alliances and feuds among his fellow officers, faces the enemy, and rises through the ranks, all while being incredibly dashing and clever. Full of adventure, this series is a rousing good time.

Highland Master by Amanda Scott

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Rhonna

Amanda Scott demonstrates her mastery over Scottish romance once again with Highland Master, the first volume in her new Scottish Knight series. Independent and headstrong, Catriona is wandering in the woods near her family stronghold when she stumbles upon an injured man. Fin Cameron is on his way to discuss a tense political situation with her grandfather, but he can’t keep his mind from the vengeance he has sworn against her family. In the midst of his quandary, her confidence and family loyalty draws him in, while his respectful and caring nature appeals to her. In a time of political upheaval and clashing family alliances, Fin and Catriona find strength in each other. Strong and well-developed characters along with details of Scottish history make Highland Master a captivating read.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Posted on October 2, 2011 by Emilyn

“The circus arrives without warning.”

So begins Erin Morgenstern’s lushly descriptive, beautifully written novel, The Night Circus. The circus is an experience like no other. It opens at nightfall and closes at dawn. The food tastes better than food eaten elsewhere. The smell of caramel and apples permeates the air. The circus and its performers are dressed entirely in black, white, and silver. This background that fills the senses and maintains an air of mystery only adds to the amazing performances and tents contained within the circus. No one ever forgets their time at Le Cirque des Rêves.

The circus is not simply a masterful and magical place of entertainment for its patrons. It is also the venue for a competition between Celia and Marco, two young illusionists trained by their masters to participate in a “game,” using the circus to demonstrate their skills and imaginations. Celia and Marco have been bound to this “game” by their masters, and the winner is the last person left standing. The two competitors were chosen to compliment and contrast each other, but they are too well matched, and their tale becomes that of star-crossed lovers.

The real treat of this book is the descriptions of the circus. While the characters are compelling, the circus itself is so richly and lovingly described that it is an intense pleasure to read about some of the circus acts and attractions created by Ms. Morgenstern’s characters as part of their competition.

If you’re waiting for a copy of The Night Circus:

For another imaginative, dark story of historical fiction and magic, try Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.

An even darker, though atmospheric and ornately told story of love and violence set in the 19th century that might appeal to people who enjoy The Night Circus is Under the Poppy.

Cocaine Blues

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Mary

>It’s fun sharing good reads with patrons and especially fun to have them recommend what they love to us. Such was the case with the series, A Phryne Fisher Mystery, by Kerry Greenwood, a fun historical mystery series written by an Australian. Phryne Fisher lives in the flapper era of the 1920′s. In this first book, Cocaine Blues, she travels to Melbourne at the request of a family friend to investigate a daughter’s mysterious illness. Phryne seems capable of solving almost any problem with her determined and unflappable take-charge attitude. Did she develop this from her very poor, scrappy upbringing or just since she inherited a fortune and the where-with-all to do as she pleases.

The characters that she embraces in her search for the answer to this mystery are poor, working class men and women who are happy to be part of this exciting woman’s entourage. Phryne’s life style is extravagant and her wardrobe only couture.
Try Cocaine Blues and experience the 1920′s in Australia. Don’t forget to share your favorite books with others, especially us at MPL!

Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Janet

>Making Waves is the first book in the Lake Manawa Summers series, set in 1895. When the Westing family decides to spend the summer at the lake, Marguerite is thrilled. She is a very independent lady, so when she falls into the lake requiring a very handsome gentleman to rescue her, she is chagrined. Her mother is determined that she marry Roger Gordon, a man of means and social stature. Marguerite is bored with Roger; she wants to have fun with lots of adventure. Roger is anything but fun. She talks her father into letting her little brother take sailing lessons, with her as a chaperone of course. What she really wants is to learn to sail herself. Her brother’s sailing instructor, Trip Andrews, allows Marguerite to tag along in the sailboat with them. She falls in love with sailing and Trip, but because of her father’s business troubles, she feels compelled to accept Roger’s proposal to save embarrassment to her family.

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Category Archives: historical fiction