I love steampunk and was excited at the idea of exploring China’s Qing Dynasty. In Gunpowder Alchemy, the first in the Gunpowder Chronicles, Jeannie Lin introduces a strong heroine and captivating storyline filled with steampunk goodness, adventure and a slow-building romance.
I have enjoyed Sherry D. Ficklin’s previous novels; Extracted and Losing Logan, so I was very excited to read Queen of Someday. The cover is beautiful and when I discovered the setting was Imperial Russia I knew I had to read it. Queen of Someday was wonderful, and I quickly slipped into this world froth with danger and romance. Sophie is an amazing, kick-ass heroine who transforms in this novel, and I cannot wait to return in the next novel.
Maplecroft the first in the Borden Dispatches by Cherie Priest offers a dark twist on the Lizzie Borden murders in Falls River Massachusetts. Priest offers answers to the age-old question, “Did Lizzie murder her parents with an axe and if so why?” Dark, creepy and superbly twisted the tale that on unfolds in Maplecroft will raise the hair on the back of your neck.
The Story of Land and Sea by Kathy Simpson Smith takes place along the coastal shore of North Carolina towards the end of the American Revolutionary war and spans from 1771-1794/. It takes us into the lives of three generations of families from landowner to slave. It is a glimpse into their hardship and love.
Deep Summer is the first novel in the Plantation Trilogy originally published in 1946 and thanks to Open Road Media it is now available digitally. It takes us into the lives of Judith Sheramy who along with her family traveled down the Mississippi River from New England to begin life anew in Louisiana. Along the way they encounter Philip Larne, a charismatic slave smuggler who enchants young Judith and encourages her to come build an empire with him.
