Calling all bookish friends!
I'm writing this on Super Bowl Sunday night, sharing the sofa with my husband. He's quietly watching the action on TV while I pull this great big edition of The Bookbag together. Every once in awhile I'll glance over at the screen when there's lots of cheering going on or he mumbles a bit at the TV or a commercial appears.
But my real focus is you.
Because if it's mid-winter then we're reading more than ever. Historical fiction fits the bill. Settling into another time, another place suits this season where darkness comes early and we find ourselves more than ready to settle in with a hefty page-turner.
Coziness at its best, yes?
These four authors have become my go-to favorites. I'm quick to pick up anything they write. Many of their well-crafted storylines weave themselves together over great spans of time. Beautifully detailed and meticulously researched, these are generational sagas you just can't put down. They have proven to be fine burn-the-midnight-oil companions, their work worthy of your shelf space and fodder for interesting book club discussions.
I'm sharing 4 books, but I've read many more of their works. The title links invite you to visit their websites. Kindle links will give you the opportunity to get a free sample read. (I receive a small commission when you do your regular Amazon shopping after clicking the links ... at no extra cost to you. I so appreciate those of you who support my work.)
And I'm kinda jumping up and down a bit because 3 of these authors have brand new books hitting the shelves in the next few months.
I've tucked all kinds of goodies into the end of the post. You might find some hidden gems in there. And you always have easy access to all my book reviews any time - simply click on the bookbag tab at the top of the web page and you're good to go.
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Surviving Savannah
Patti Callahan Henry
From the author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis {remember our Book Club?} two women ask the question, 'how will we survive the surviving?'
Coming in June!
The Last Lifeboat
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Sally Cabot Gunning
The author muses, 'I can't tell you how excited I am about this novel. When I discovered a letter Martha Jefferson wrote to her father when she was fourteen, I knew I had to read more about her. I poured through her letters to her father and his to her and realized that she and I had embarked on a similar mission: to figure out her father. This now meant, of course, that my new mission was to figure out Martha. The relationships between father and daughter, between daughter and husband, between daughter and children, complicated by the reappearance of an old love who haunts her conscience kept me happily awake over many long nights.'
A Fall of Marigolds
Susan Meissner
Marigolds features a beautiful fragile scarf that unites the stories of two women in NYC - one in 1911, the other in 2011. From Ellis Island to the World Trade Center towers, these are powerful stories of tragedy and fire and bodies falling from buildings ... life permanently altered for women who've loved and lost, slowly making their way to the other side of grief.
Only the Beautiful
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel
Elizabeth Strout
The Power of Writing Things Down
Jean Wise
In Christian Publishing, 'Platform' Is Being Weighed & Found Wanting
Collin Huber
10 Ways to Start the Writing Process When You're Staring at a Blank Page
Ann Kroeker
Jane Mount
Philip Yancey
Sarah Young
Linda
I read and loved two of Patti Callahan's two books- Becoming Mrs Lewis and Once Upon a Wardrobe. In fact, I've read the latter twice. I'm going to check out her book "Savannah." Thanks for the recommendation Linda.
ReplyDeleteShe's such a fabulous word-weaver!
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Thanks for these historical fiction titles! I've read The Fall of Marigolds and the Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter, both of which were really good. I will be trying to get one of the other books today - maybe the one on Jefferson. I love long involved books, but they have to grab my attention by chapter 4 or I put them down!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Mah ... 50 pages and I'm done. No point wasting time trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Maybe we'll venture out to see Sally Cabot Gunning at some point?!
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Ohhhhhhh this grabbed my attention right away!! I could go on and on regarding this topic but I shall restrain. But.......my absolutely favorite historical fiction book in the world is "The Scarlet Pimpernel". It's got drama, it's got spies, it's got secrets, it's got a love story. Soooo good!!!! I encourage everyone to give it a try!! I too stick to the 50 page rule. Life's too short to waste on a bad book!!!
ReplyDeleteYour enthusiasm is contagious! Thanks for sharing your favorite historical fiction read ... and all the reasons why you love it. Whoever you are, I'm so glad you've brought your joy to the party!
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It's me! Just as I was pushing the "publish" button I saw I forgot to add my name and I was like "nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo"!!!
DeleteOh, I'm so glad you identified yourself! With that great joy of a good book in your voice, I should have known it was my favorite librarian! I'm always glad when you bring your expertise to a conversation around here.
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You had my attention from the get-go, Linda! Turns out, I've read two of the books you've listed here and loved them. I will be sure to look up Surviving Savannah; this author is one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, my friend, and stay warm!
Oh I do think you'd like the book, Martha. Please let me know!
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Oh, how I love historical fiction. Gonna check out all these titles.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear what you choose, Michele! Maybe in your newsletter?
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Great post, Linda! Hope you are doing well.
ReplyDeleteAnd I hope your week is going splendidly, Cindy.
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Looks like a lot of good reads. Happy Valentine's Day to your sweetie. Hugs and blessings sweet lady. Cindy
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a lovely celebration ... knowing you, I'm sure it was beautiful!
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I'm a historical fiction fan too. I'm putting these authors on my "to read" shopping list - - - to purchase right after I finish the "to read" books on my bookshelf!
ReplyDeleteYep, I hear you about the 'to read' books, Room ...
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I have never been much of a fiction reader but lately have been drawn into them more. This is a great selection. And thanks for the mention today!
ReplyDeleteI meant to let you know that I featured your work, but it's been one of those weeks and I never got to it. I'm always happy to share your wise perspective, Jean.
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I loved A Fall of Marigolds!. I have not read the others. A couple of my favorite historical fiction authors are Roseanna M. White and Melanie Dobson.
ReplyDeleteThe article about platform was interesting. I really chafe at the thought of having to "market" oneself and one's books.
Barbara, thanks for sharing your favorite authors ... I sure will check into them. And yes, the whole marketing thing. A few people along the way encouraged me to write a book. It all seemed like too much work and I quickly knew that my life is too short to go in that direction.
DeleteBut my hat's off to all those who do. God bless you.
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I always appreciate your author recommendations, Linda. These all sound wonderful. Happy Valentine's Day, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a lovely celebration, Lois!
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Thanks much, Linda! Enjoyed, as always. Just took the Meissner book out of the library! Can't make this stuff up. I look forward to checking out the others, too.
ReplyDeleteHappy Valentine's Day to all! Love and blessings
*subscriber email response
Oh don't you love when that happens ... as one of my mom's friends used to say, 'such a serendipity!'
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What an interesting article on Christian publishing! I know I've experienced a "don't bother" attitude" on writing because deemed I need thousands of followers or email subscribers to be considered by a publisher. And I have read better edited and written books from small press or independent publishers because, (I believe) platform's become more esteemed than good writing for the "big" publishers. They also shy away from non-popular writers because they may not have the resources (like some non-Christian publishers) to help authors market their books. I like how the writer summed his article with: "With an elevated vision and sacrificial commitment, Christian publishers have an enviable opportunity to serve readers with books that truly nourish their hearts and minds." Thanks for sharing this article, Linda!
ReplyDeleteAnd I appreciate the insight you've brought to this subject, Lynn. I know many of our readers dream of publishing but are daunted by the task. Or have left those dreams behind. Your perspective is a helpful one.
DeleteIt's like how much energy do I want to invest in this? Do I have a unique perspective that no one else has? Are there other venues for my work? What's God inviting me to?
Hard questions, no easy answers.
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Well, I would consider myself a big reader of Christian fiction, but I've never read any of these. Historical fiction is wonderful, isn't it? I'll have to check these out.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if any of these authors would peg themselves as Christian writers. But their work is splendid all the same.
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Reading's vital, now, to me,
ReplyDeletebut it takes a long slow age
because my faded memory,
requires me to turn the page
back to what I'd lately read,
and had slipped quickly out of mind;
high fevers have played with my head,
and in catastrophe I find
that I cannot now be the man
that God had perhaps intended,
and so must find another plan
in which some damage might be mended
through patient effort, without shame
to recapture mine own name.
I often have the same challenge, Andrew, but it's not because of any high fevers. Aging does this, for sure. But I'm pretty sure that how we do so much of our reading (screens) has impacted our ability to concentrate, focus, and absorb anything more than a few pages.
DeleteThat's sad.
And I can't imagine how this new way of life and learning will impact the coming generations who've been online far before they could put two words together.
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Historical fiction is my favorite genre, so wrote down these titles and authors for my TBR list. Thank you, Linda! Also appreciated that article about Christian publishing. It echoed some of the same concerns I've had for a number of years now about the direction some in the industry have taken.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that all things social media have hugely impacted marketing in ways no one would have dreamed of a couple decades ago ...
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I’m not sure how I found this latest video - but it was so refreshing! I love love love your bookshelves and enjoyed watching you make your tea!! How special to watch someone who is happy and content w her life and Finding ways to express yourself! I too have enjoyed most of your books! Thanks for sharing your home and yourself
ReplyDeleteCynthia, hi ... thank you for dropping by. I was happy to share this You Tube video but I am not Paola Merrill. Just another appreciative viewer of her quiet, gentle lifestyle and her love of creativity and books.
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So many books to read. Can I hire someone to read them for me then I can claim to have read them? I don't even have time to read the books I have written.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
'I don't even have time to read the books I have written.'
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Susan Meissner is always a must read! Be sure to check out her novel written with other popular historical fiction writers, When We Had Wings!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking for it even as we speak, Stacie. Thanks for the heads up!
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I struggle with finding time to read just for fun but I know to come here for suggestions when I do have time. Thanks for all the great ideas.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find just one book that will call your name, Jerralea. Meanwhile, it's so good to see you again ... I hope you're doing well.
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I love historical fiction and I've only read one of these. Yay!
ReplyDeleteOh have fun!
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Hi Linda! I've been reveling in historical fiction myself lately! A job at the library surely helps keep me in titles! Just finished Jackie and Me by Louis Bayard. A fascinating look at Jacqueline as told from the perspective of one of Jack's best friends. So many Google side trips with this one!
ReplyDeleteA job at a library! I didn't know! Would love to hear more about your new career, Barbara. And Jackie Kennedy. I've read so many books about her fascinating, yet tragic life.
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Hey Linda, these sound great. I used to like to read Christian historical mail order bride stories. I'm still in my reading slump so my to be read pile is growing because you all do reviews and suggestions that pique my interest. Lol.
ReplyDeleteThank you bunches for sharing these with Sweet Tea & Friends February Link up.
Yeah, that can be overwhelming, for sure! One book at a time. That's my motto.
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I have only heard of one of these authors (and only read 1 of her books!) but they all sound fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteJoanne, I'm so glad we connected yesterday. Another historical fiction fan ... YAY!
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