I think this is going to be one of the most popular historical fiction releases this year. The writing, characters, and plotting are phenomenal.
Best of 2023: Literary, Contemporary, Historical, & Romance Books (My 5-Star Reads)
This list will give you a great start if you, like me, don’t normally read these types of books but are looking to branch out of your comfort zone. These are all easy and fun books I would recommend to beginners in these genres. I am primarily a fantasy and thriller reader. Many of these books have those elements in them as well, which helped me to really enjoy them.
Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash
This was such a surprisingly enjoyable read for me! It was very emotional. I’m not a frequent historical fiction reader, but occasionally I come across one that is really impactful for me. This is definitely one of those.
Sarah Penner is back and better than ever with The London Séance Society!
If you love the possibility that the supernatural is real, an unlikely Victorian-era female heroine, and a complex murder-mystery plot, then this is the book for you.
A Genre-Bending, Brilliantly-Crafted Novel: Lone Women by Victor Lavalle
Reading this book is an experience, one I enjoyed immensely. This story is a brilliantly-crafted narrative. Genre-bending novels can be a feat, and this one pulls it off perfectly. I highly recommend this book! The synopsis doesn’t even do it justice. It deserves all five stars and way more hype.
It will sweep you away and keep you enraptured: Weyward by Emilia Hart
I highly recommend this book! It will truly sweep you away and keep you enraptured within the entire experience. I mean, wow. Unbelievably, because this book is just that good, it is a debut. And I can’t wait to see what this author blesses us with in the future. I’m just blown away by this one and so excited for everyone else to read it too.
Gothic, Historical Mystery at It’s Finest: The Secrets of Hartwood Hall by Katie Lumsden
This is a wonderful debut! This is a gothic, historical mystery at its finest. I’m so excited for this author, and to be a part of the early review crew. I hope she will bless us with another masterpiece like this one. Everyone is going to love this book!
Historical Horror at It’s Best: All the Blood We Share by Camilla Bruce
I really enjoyed this book, more than I ever thought I would. It was everything creepy, gritty, and gory that you could want and expect from a novel about a family of serial killers.
Fun, Absorbing, and Tenacious: ARC Review of The Queen of Thieves by Beezy Marsh
Reading this is a fun, courageous, absorbing, tenacious, and fierce experience and I highly recommend it to readers of all genres. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
Book Review: The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
It’s a short, fun read with a fairly well-developed cast of characters and an engaging series of events. It has some shining, relatable moments:
