Historical Reads That Surprised Me (In A Good Way)

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Surprised Me

I thought of ten books(plus a 100 more) that surprised me but in a good way! These are ones that surprised me with the many unique historical details. All of these are historical fiction and while I didn't necessary LOVE all of them, they are books I won't forget because of the history within the pages. 

Wow. This book blew me away with history I never had even heard of happening. A must read.

This is French Revolution history and it was fascinating to read. 

This is set in a French colony in Louisiana. I learned a ton and it is simply a great story.  

This book will rip your heart out but the history surrounding the Pacific Theater in WWII makes this book a must read. It should have been a best seller. 

The Native American history in this entire series is completely fascinating and I ended up doing further research because I was so into the history of it!

This book talked about spices and plants etc. coming into the USA. It is set in Washington D.C. and was a very interesting read. 

This book has become wildly popular. I didn't love it BUT the historical aspects were so interesting and I am glad the author shed a light on this time period.

This has unique WWII history. All of Melanie Dobson's books have surprised me with their historical details. 

This one has a bit of history of Yosemite National Park. I thought the historical tidbits were most interesting!

Another WWII setting and in the concentration camps. I will never forget this book. 

 

Minno's Laugh and Grow Easter Special Review + Giveaway!

 With the Minno Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Easter Special available to watch for FREE, every child can hear the story of Easter and the hope that Jesus offers in a way that was made just for them.

Find out all about Minno HERE!

Minno’s Laugh and Grow Bible Easter special presents the story of Jesus’s death and resurrection in a way that kids can understand, helping parents to lay those oh-so important building blocks of faith.

Even if you’re not a Minno member - you can stream the Easter special for FREE today by using my link.

WATCH Minno's Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids Easter Special FREE at this link:

WATCH HERE

Giveaway: $10 Amazon gift card!  

 US entries only.

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My Thoughts

I was pleasantly surprised while watching this Easter special. It is perfect for kids while holding to the truth of the Bible. There are a few things that were left out, such as Pilate offering Barabbas instead. I think it is important for these videos not to take the place of the Bible because they simply can't. But I do think they can show children a good visual of the different aspects and stories that are in the Bible. It will create conversations that would hopefully encourage parents and kids to open their Bibles and study deeper.

 Minno has so many shows that I was surprised! I am eager to watch more than just this Easter one. I think it could be well worth the cost to become a member if you are wanting clean content for children.

Overall I recommend checking out this Easter video with your young ones! I found it to be worth the watch!  

Many thanks to Minno for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions  are 100% my own.

#MinnoEasterMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @gominno

The French Kitchen Review

About the Book

 As Paris rebuilds in the aftermath of World War II, one ex-pat uses the skills she learned in French kitchens during the war to bring long-held secrets to light.

Paris, 1952 -- An ex-pat wife living in Paris signs up for a cookery class taught by an American chef with an indomitable wit and decidedly French airs--an instructor by name of Julia Child. Amongst classes of the L'Ecole des Trois Gourmandes, with pots and pans and prim Paris wives learning to sauté in the French way, Kat Fontaine learns much more than she bargained for.

Still haunted by the years she spent serving in the American Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII, Kat soon finds a simple cookery class unearths the tangle of gut-wrenching memories of war and questions about the high-ranking society husband whose past is as murky as her own. But when the puzzle pieces start to come together--and her carefully crafted Paris world begins to fall apart--Kat must confront her own secrets against the mounting suspicions of the husband she thought she knew . . .

Rue, 1943 -- Deep in the heart of Nazi-controlled northern France, Manon Altier shifts between working for the enemy by day--as a French chef at the famous Château du Broutel, where names like Himmler, Rommel, and Goebbels frequent the guest list--and running with underground networks against the Vichy regime at night. Working undercover to filter information to agents within the burgeoning OSS, Manon digs deep into the glitz and glamour of a Nazi stronghold that has her teetering on the edge of being discovered at any turn. But when an intriguing stranger appears at the chateau claiming to work with the French Resistance, Manon must lean on her instincts to judge whether to run and hide or stand firm--even as a terrifying discovery tests her resolve to continue the fight.

From the heights of culinary cuisine in 1950s Paris society to the underbelly of a WWII spy network embedded deep within Nazi-controlled Vichy France--and the spy backstory of the world's most famous would-be French chef, Julia Child--The French Kitchen turns up the heat on the pasts of women whose worlds collide, and forces each to question what she thought she'd planned for a perfect future. (Goodreads)

Pre-Order Here

My Thoughts

To start with, I think the cover of this book is stunning! This story is mainly set during WWII and the lives of undercover spies. There are multiple time lines to follow in typical Cambron style. At first I wasn't sure I would ever be able to keep the many characters and timelines separate but a few chapters in and I realized how the author was tying things together so it made a lot more sense. I enjoyed all of the perspectives shown during heavy war time and also after the war which I thought was a unique perspective. What did these people who were so pivotal to the war effort do once it was over? Did they have regrets? Were they still trying to right wrongs? Could they trust anyone? 

So many things are touched upon between these pages that it makes for quite a captivating story. It was really interesting to read about the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) and what they did to help the war effort. It truly is astounding. There is a romance that you really don't expect and it added a sweetness to the plot. Julia Child makes an appearance which made for a fun plot twist. While a little slow to start, this book had my full attention and was difficult to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend if you enjoy historical fiction. This is one of Cambron's best! 

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are  completely my own."

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House Review

About the Book

 It is 1901 when clockmaker and brilliant tinker Sydney Forrester inherits Blakely House, the eclectic estate of an estranged uncle she's never met. The well-known but mysterious industrialist has left behind a stunning array of peculiar inventions--and a couple of nephews intent on removing this interloper from the estate. Convinced that Sydney has something to do with their uncle's death, the late master's nephews contest the will and work against their cousin at every turn.

Sydney finds a sometimes-ally in the estate's butler, an ex-adventurer who ran aground on the island years ago. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise that upsets everything, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master's brilliance as well as his property--or someone else will. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

This book and these characters swept me away with vivid imagination from page one. I wasn't sure what to expect and it ended up being so much more than I could imagine! Sydney's character is so unique and I absolutely love her! There is such a great mystery and many layers that will surprise you while reading. This story is completely unexpected and unputdownable. The romance is incredibly sweet and sincere while not being over the top. The setting is atmospheric and really makes this book stand out with not only Blakely House but the inventions it holds. There is a lot of character growth and a bit of a grumpy sunshine vibe. I enjoyed every minute even though I wish it was a tad longer. The ending plays out nicely but with so many details to wrap up it seemed like another chapter or two would have helped. All that to say, the pages of this novel will take you on adventure that you aren't expecting!  

Five Stars! 

"I received this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

The Light On Horn Island Review

About the Book

 When Edie Gardner's life in New York comes crumbling down, her grandmother Adele "Punk" Cheramie urges her to return to Bayou du Chêne, a tiny hamlet in coastal Mississippi where Edie spent many happy summers growing up. Punk and her three closest friends introduce Edie to the Trove, a fascinating gallery and antique shop that seems to have appeared out of nowhere.

The Trove's proprietor, Jason Toussaint, has a gift for reading his customers' needs. He gives Edie a Victorian parlor game called Confessions, which asks players a series of ever-more-personal questions. It seems like harmless fun at first. But the game has a way of uncovering secrets--including a heartbreaking disappearance that has haunted one of the players for decades.

Banding together, these women are determined to mend each other's hurts, encourage each other's dreams, and find the answers that will bring healing. (Goodreads)

Pre-Order Here!

My Thoughts

This is such an enjoyable Southern read! As the chapters went on, I was completely immersed as if I was eating gumbo and hanging out with Edie in southern Mississippi. The food in this book will make you hungry and the wit of grandmother "Punk" and her friends is an absolute delight. There are SO many things going on in this story and quite a few that I didn't see coming. The secondary characters are great and I laughed out loud many times. There is so much heart and humor and love and candor that fill the pages. Edie's character growth is enjoyable to read all while dealing with some tough topics. 

At times I thought perhaps the author was cramming in too many things and stories into one book so the ending seemed a bit rushed. But I still really enjoyed this novel and I highly recommend if you are in need of a southern escape!

Four stars. 

"I received this book from NetGalley for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Books On My Spring Reading List

There are so many books coming out this year that I am excited about! This Top Ten Tuesday is about Books on my spring to read list! 

Here are some that I am hoping to read this spring. 

Everything she writes is gold!

This is going to be a fun new series!

I love time travel. 

I pre-order every single book she writes. They are the BEST. 

Her books are hilarious and I laugh every single time. 

Her books are wonderful and this one is sitting in my kindle just waiting to be read!!

This series is non stop action and I love it!

Book one was terrific! I can't wait to read this one!

I have been hearing good things on this one. 

This has been a fun series. 

Rogue Secreto Review

About the Book

From the author of Mortal Queens and Oathbound comes a fast-paced standalone in a roman empire world, filled with danger, catacombs, secret identities, and a forbidden romance.

Marsella has the unique ability to steal secrets with one glance. She keeps her identity hidden, while going under the name Rogue Secreto. The emperor hires her to read secrets of his enemies, all without realizing this masked figure who can bring empires to heel is his beloved daughter.

He lures enemies to his doorstep by promising Marsella’s hand in marriage, while the Rogue Secreto uncovers their secrets.

But Marsella has another secret. A boy she’s found, trapped behind a wall of water deep within forgotten ruins. As she seeks respite from the demands of her father, she’s drawn to the ruins and to the boy. He becomes her escape, her most treasured secret, and she shares everything she hears with him. When Marsella gleans a secret about someone trapped behind water, she thinks she’s found how to set him free. But he’s been waiting a hundred years to be released, and thanks to the secrets Marsella has been feeding him, he has the chance.

Too late, Marsella learns why he was trapped in the first place.

“I can hold them,” he said softly. “Tell me your darkest secrets, and I’ll carry them for you.”

ROGUE SECRETO is perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter or One Dark Window. It sits at the upper end of the YA genre. (Goodreads)

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My Thoughts

I really enjoy McCombs writing so I am always eager to read her next story! This one is very different from her others. They actually are all very unique and I love that! This one is so interesting because Marsella is living two different lives. One that is behind a mask and one as the emperor's daughter. It has a few One Dark Window vibes for certain but it has it's own unique twists. It held my attention the entire time and I was so curious about the boy trapped in the wall of water. This book really gets your imagination going! I do wish there was a little bit more on character development with the main characters and the ending seemed a little bit rushed. But I still really enjoyed this story! There is a little romance but not much and there are some darker themes but I still consider this to be a pretty clean read. 

I recommend! 

Four Stars. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Written in Secret Review With JustRead Tours

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: Written in Secret 

Series: The Art of Love and Danger #1 

Author: Crystal Caudill 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: March 11, 2025 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance 

What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her. 

With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself. 

As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

Also Available

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About the Author

Crystal Caudill is the Christy Award–winning author of “dangerously good romance,” including the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

Connect with Crystal by visiting crystalcaudill.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Written in Secrets and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 12, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 19, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

My Thoughts

 This book has such an interesting premise that I was beyond excited to start reading it! The setting is fun and Lydia is such a well written character. There is a mystery that flows through the entire book and I thought it was well thought out. There is some humor that I wasn't expecting and it added a lot. So all that to say this book grabbed me at the start and then I really struggled staying captivated the rest of the story. I I really wanted to love this book but it just got a bit slow for me. I did enjoy the fact that Lydia writes crime fiction and also romance. This was such a fun aspect and fun to read those bits and pieces. Also, the history is interesting on how the public viewed these novels at the time. It could be quite scandalous and because of that it made for some great moments in this story. I think many will love this book, it was just a bit slow for me. If you enjoy historical fiction with a splash of mystery and romance you might enjoy! 

Three Stars. 

"I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views express are only my honest opinion."

Top Ten Tuesday: Books Set in Another Time

 Today's Top Ten Tuesday is all about books set in another time, which is mostly all I read. These are some of my recent reads set in another time. I have been re-reading a lot of my books and these are some of my favorites! 

An Overdue Match Review

An Overdue Match

Release Date: February 18, 2025

Series: Checking Out Love #1

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Can a librarian’s matchmaking mischief lead to a love that rewrites their stories?

If the covers of every romance book ever published didn’t convince librarian Evangeline Kelly that she isn’t heroine material, her fiancé calling off their wedding when she lost her hair to alopecia did. But what’s a girl head over heels for love to do when her feelings are unrequited? Matchmake, that’s what. Armed with library patrons’ check-out histories, she’s determined to make at least one love connection–even if it’s not her own.

Tattoo artist Tai Davis is used to people judging him with a single glance, so it doesn’t surprise him when the town’s quirky new librarian believes his bad-boy reputation without giving him a chance. He can’t help being intrigued by her, though, so when he discovers Evangeline’s secret matchmaking scheme, he’s not above striking a bargain with her. She just has to agree to one date with him for every time she uses his hometown knowledge to set up library patrons on a romantic rendezvous. The deal is made, but in the process, they both might learn you can’t judge a book–or each other–by the cover.

optional hashtags: #ContemporaryRomance #giveaway #bookbee #ireadbooks #readgoodbooks #totalbooknerd #booknerdigans #greatreads #bookrecommendations #goodreads #booksarelove #bookphoto #booksofinstagram #bookclub #idratherbereading #booknerd #iread #reading #booksaremagic #readabook #readingtime #fortheloveofreading #booksofinsta #bookstagram #currentreads 

BUY HERE

My Thoughts

I was really excited to read this book because the author tends to write fun lighthearted novels. This story is simply delightful! I love the characters and all of their many quirks. I so appreciate the focus on alopecia and creating characters that aren't "cookie cutter" perfect-whatever that seems to mean. Tai is my favorite in this story because he doesn't give up on Evangeline or himself for that matter. He has a lot of people look down on him and he carries on despite what others think. The library setting is superb and I enjoy every small detail that makes this book full of heart. It is a sweet romance but the bigger overall picture of Evangeline and dealing with her image is what makes this book worth reading. It is a pretty quick read and I am eager to read what Monzon comes up with next! 

Four stars. 

"I received a complementary copy. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Never Reviewed

 Top Ten Tuesday! 

These are books I read that I didn't review on my blog. I get books from ALL of the sources: Kindle Unlimited, the library, online booksellers, real life book stores etc. ALL the places. So often I won't review them unless I really feel the need to share my thoughts. 

So here are some that I will give a quick review on. These were all read within the last few months. 

I have read a few books by this author now and they typically keep me up late into the night because they are suspense murder mystery reads. This one I was pretty well captivated and there were so many puzzling factors in the mystery. It is mostly clean if I remember correctly. I think some language and of course murder and all that goes along with that. I am not sure that I would recommend but I will continue to read this author. 

Klassen always writes books that just make me want to cuddle with a blanket a read. This book is in a series and it is a slower but sweet light historical romance. It isn't my favorite of hers but I do enjoy the family with all of the sisters. There are some very annoying characters that really irritated me in this one but the author did that for good reason. Four stars. 

I love most everything Matthews writes. This book I really enjoyed because both main characters have very strong personalities. It is heavy on the romance side of things but closed door and clean. This one I really couldn't put down and is one my favorites from this series. 

I really enjoyed this one! This is a book out of my typical genre of reading and it was really good! The characters were captivating and the whole premise had my full attention. It seemed a tad slow in the middle but by the end I was ready for book two-can you say cliffhanger?! Four stars. 

This is one of the best by Jaime Jo Wright! All of her books are EXCELLENT and some of my all time favorite novels. This one had a mental health element to it that was really well written. Light romance and of course suspense. I really loved this one. Five Stars. 

I recently discovered Victoria McCombs so I started reading ALL of her books. This is the first in a trilogy set on the high seas. I love books set on ships. It is YA Fantasy fiction that is clean! There is a lot of adventure and mermaids and pirates and curses etc. It is a really fun read and I have enjoyed many of this author's books now. Four stars. 

This is a really fun and sweet regency romance. Sweet and clean and hilarious. I loved the characters and the way everything plays out at this house party setting is great. Five stars. 

I love time travel. So this book takes you back to the Middle Ages and there is non stop action and excitement. A tad bit of a romantic thread but mostly it is an adventure that you can't put down. The first in a series. Five Stars. 

Everything Frantz writes is my favorite. From Virginia to Scotland and with some of the best written characters this story held my attention. Frantz once again has written a novel that has left such a profound impression. The history, the romance, the mystery, and the incredible weaving of God's grace through it all. Excellent story and a must read for historical fiction fans. Five Stars. 

I have really enjoyed this suspense series but this is one of the best books in it in my opinion. It can be a tad gruesome on the murder scene side of things. There is some language. I couldn't put it down. Five stars.