I have enjoyed Ms. Perkins-Valdez's historical fiction books since she began writing. Each one has enlightened us on a time in black history with excellent research to provide historic details and exhilarating characters that are unforgettable. Her newest book Happy Land is no exception. Again she has discovered a little known piece of black history which provides a suspenseful tale of two women's lives more than a century apart. One story is based on a real group of black formerly enslaved people who migrate from South Carolina to an area of western North Carolina where they seek safety and a chance to form their own community which they call a kingdom. They set up their own governing body and set about finding sources of income from working at the inn whose land they are settled upon and some of the men work in mines and for the railroad being built. The corresponding story centers on Nikki who is summoned by her grandmother to find her roots. The characters are all strong women who changed their fates and sought a better future for their children. This is a work of historical fiction which should not be missed.

Ms. Murray has done excellent research in discovering and enhancing the story of Jessie Fauset's eight years as the literary editor of a magazine called The Crisis which was sponsored by the NAACP. Ms. Fauset was also a well known novelist and educator during the 1920s and 30s. Ms. Murray has developed the relationship between Jessie and W.E.B. DuBois who is more famous as a civil rights activist but was also the editor of the magazine and hired Jessie. There is no indication in historical accounts that Jessie and W.E.B were lovers but Ms. Murray uncovered some material that strongly suggests the relationship was intimate. The historical novel focuses primarily on Jessie's years as the literary editor and how she discovered and supported many black poets and writers during a time called the Harlem Renaissance. We must thank Ms. Murray for bringing the story of this ambitious and talented black woman who did so much to promote the rights of blacks and women of all races. It was certainly an eye-opening story with much to learn about this time in our history and the trials and tribulations of black intellectuals and their struggle for recognition. Many of the women she discusses as friends of Jessie's were very well educated but could not find employment. She also delves into the struggle for women's right to vote in this novel. Victoria Murray has done an excellent job with her first historical fiction presentation on her own. I will hope to see many more historical novels coming from her in the future.

This is the story of the first steamboat to travel down the Mississippi River in 1811. Lydia is the main character and you will quickly grow to love her as a strong and courageous woman. She wants to support her husband Nicholas who engineered the construction of this steamboat and now will make the risky trip down the Ohio and Mississippi River to advertise the new method of travel. Not only is the trip adventurous for any woman but Lydia is supervising her toddler daughter and her nanny and about to deliver a second baby on board this boat. This follows the true history of the New Orleans, the first steamboat to travel on the river.

If you love historical fiction you will definitely enjoy this book and the chance to experience what river travel was like in its early days. This is a subject that I knew little about and was pleased to have the opportunity to discover this story about the early steamboat travel and what life was like in the early 1800s in this part of the country.

Chanel Cleeton does an excellent job of using early Florida history as a background to a suspenseful mystery. You are immediately drawn into the lives of both Anna and Carmen and follow them through dual timelines, Anna during the 20s and Carmen during the 40s. We are also introduced to Marbrisa, an infamous estate built in the early days of Miami's development and a developing story containing all the intrigue that surrounds these people of wealth and their times. Carmen finds herself in Marbrisa with a quickly intensifying mystery that many think revolves around events that happened during the time of Anna's residence. If you enjoy a well written mystery that combines learning about a historical time period then this is the book for you. I especially enjoyed Cleeton's author notes that explain an even more factual historical connection to Marbrisa, the house on Biscayne Bay.

This debut novel is a champion work of historical fiction. Based on true events in Eve Chung's family background the story of the Mao takeover of mainland China comes to life through Ms. Chung's writing. This is a period of history that is important for all to know the details of but is not well covered in Western education. I am pleased that Ms. Chung has brought this period of Chinese history to us in a very readable novel format. The characters are engaging and quickly draw you in to the story. You are going to cheer for these neglected and abused girls as they adjust to the peasant refugee life with their mother. Their survival depends on their wits and perseverance which they demonstrate at every turn in the story. The plight of the peasant class in China during Mao's takeover is so illustrative of other parts of the world where a dictator reigns and the rights of women are challenged. These women are all heroes in this story and will long remain in my memory.

This story covers so many themes; family, friendship, motherhood, religious differences, all within the scope of World War II England. Viv is an enduring character that you will grow to care for immediately. She has to make so many difficult decisions as a young mother as the war begins with bombing in Liverpool. As a story centering on the history of child evacuation from the cities it gives you the historical perspective as well as the searing emotions involved with these decisions. You can't but help cheer on Viv and Joshua as they face the turmoil of the war and making decisions about their own survival and that of their families and their future. If you enjoy historical fiction set during World War II this is not to be missed.

The characters of Amanda Horn and her sister Grace honor the memories of all the lost Native women over history. This is a coming-of-age story of a teen Native woman living on a fictional reservation in Louisiana. As with many reservations, there is a contrast between the life in town versus the reservation and the financial dependence on the casino to provide jobs and income for the native people. Also brought up within the story is the conflict in jurisdiction legally for law enforcement. Anna is conflicted in becoming the spokesperson for the Native culture and the passing on of the "stories" and feeling that she is unworthy as a downtrodden and demeaned Native woman as reinforced by her treatment from the townspeople and especially her off the reservation White classmates. She embodies being one of the Two Spirits, described as being neither male or female and honored for their ability to take on and carry out the traditional roles of their tribes. This is all explained in the Author's Note at the end of the book and explains a lot of the theme of the story. This book is an excellent addition to the literature collection of those who choose to gain more understanding of the history of mistreatment of Native Americans in this country. I caution that the story moves back and forth in time throughout the first half of the book so it is important to keep track of the day reminders at the head of each chapter. Though confusing at first you will find that sticking with the story will be rewarding,

The Last Russian Doll will take you through the history of the Russian Revolution and into late 20th century Russia with well defined, believable and enthralling characters. You will meet also a modern day woman of Russian descent who is looking for information on her mother's past and ends up searching in Russian archives, meeting people from her mother's past and discovering much about herself. All of this presents a mystery which you will continually be trying to solve throughout the story, Bravo, Ms. Loesch for bringing it all together in one story, history, enthralling characters, and a great mystery to solve. This book is definitely for historical mystery lovers!

This enthralling story of two sisters Jun and Hong reads like a novel but is a true story of the Chen family over 40 years of Chinese history. The author Zhuqing Li relates the events in the lives of primarily her two aunts and the disastrous turn their lives take during the Chinese Civil War which left one sister choosing a future in the medical field and supporting the Communist Chinese while the other sister becomes an educator and supporter of the Nationalists on Taiwan. The family remaining in mainland China soon found that their survival would depend on disowning the sister on Taiwan. If you enjoy a story of women who survive against dire oppression and rise up to provide strength to others then this book will appeal. I also found that I was learning a great deal about a time and place in history that I have not seen covered in memoirs such as this. This is an important personal recounting of the Chinese history that brought about the splitting of China and Taiwan and will certainly provide understanding as we face the uncertainties of that situation in our present time.

Only Child is a truly heartbreaking and difficult to read story. With news in recent years of school shootings this book brings a tragedy like this very much to life again. Told through the eyes of a 6 year old survivor, we are drawn into the total sadness and disbelief of everyone affected. The emotions and thoughts brought out by the 6 year old Zach take us to the depths of despair and agony for this family. The story seems like nothing but depression for most of the reading but ends on a hopeful note thankfully.

This was an emotionally exhausting read and reminded me much of Room with a young narrator trying to make sense of his situation based on limited experience. However, this young narrator finally discovers the key to reuniting his family and finding a way to move forward. Anyone experiencing deep grief will relate to this story but may find it difficult to handle emotionally.

This is the first book I have read that both wrenches your gut with heartbreak and makes you laugh out loud at the humor at the same time. Dawn Davies reveals her life in graphic detail, all her most intimate thoughts on childbirth, divorce, raising a blended family and a life full of pets. She writes her memoir in loosely connected chapters from various points in her life. Some are hilarious accounts of everyday life events interspersed with tragic and painful events which are unique to Ms. Davies. Just when you think this has been an extraordinarily well-written and entertaining memoir of life's ups and downs, she charges forward with an all revealing ending which brings your heart to a standstill. Davies says she listened to the song "Some Things Are Better Left Unsaid" during her writing. She claims these words to be a warning for the memoirist. However, she left very little unsaid in her story. She is brazenly honest about the most brutal aspects of her life. I highly recommend this book but be forewarned that it will not "let you go" after reading it.

This is my favorite kind of read! If you love great characters, a bit of a mystery, family saga, historical settings and all based on factual events then this is a book for you. Jamie Ford has done exceptional research in presenting the story of a mixed race Chinese immigrant who finds himself orphaned on a boat to America, a ward of a prominent woman suffragist and then adopted by a well-known madam of the red light district. Interwoven with the life and culture of Seattle in 1909 and the backdrop of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition along with the more modern day World's Fair in 1962 called the Century 21 Expo, Ford explores the racial and economic discrimination of the times as well. I fell in love with the Young family and their search for true love both romantically and as part of a family. Ford takes us back in time throughout the story as Ernest Young becomes a 12 year old in 1909 and then struggles with rediscovering his past life as his journalist daughter confronts him with retelling his story in 1962 while his wife tries to remember her past in a recovery from syphilis treatment. The effects of syphilis on prostitutes of this time period play a key role in the story's turn of events as well as political graft and the women's suffrage movement. This is a story not to be missed!

This book is an absolutely fascinating story of a family that struggles to discover what is happening to them when they realize that each generation has faced a dreadful neurological disease that defies diagnosis. The symptoms are a combination of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's and every specialist diagnoses with Alzheimer's or has no idea. There is nothing they can offer for treatment. Finally the youngest generation, in Amanda Baxley, seeks to discover the truth about her own status and must make life-changing decisions based on the results. Ms. Kolkata also presents the research being done on this and other rare genetic mutations that cause neurological diseases. The book reads like a fast-paced mystery where you are entirely immersed in the family and their search for help. The reader can't help but develop a special empathy for Amanda as she tries to lead her life in a proud and fulfilling way in the hopes that she is providing a future for those who face these diseases.

The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies is an excellent example of the best in historical fiction. Ms. Jefferies has carefully researched the tea plantation life in Ceylon from 1925 to 1934 and brings to life the dreams and struggles of the tea plantation owner and workers. The story of how race becomes a central focus for all involved is both touching, romantic and heartbreaking. This book brought to life a little known period in the history of Sri Lanka and the tea industry. I was enthralled with the beauty of the land as described by Ms. Jefferies and enjoyed the depth of the characters whom you come to love and hate. This book includes a bit of mystery with some surprises which are found to be based on historical fact. This is a story for those who love a good historical read where there is much to be learned and loved about the land, its history and the people who may have lived in that time period.

Miss Jane by Brad Watson is a surprising treasure of a read. This was a totally unexpected story with beautiful writing. So much more than a tale of a girl born with a rare deformity, it is the story of the struggle of one family in the 20s and 30s in rural Mississippi. This family had many secrets, with each character fully developed and their relationships to one another explored as only a talented author can impart. Jane's discovery of her oddity and how she deals with her life is the central theme but how her life changes the plans and dreams of everyone around her is told with grace. This is historical fiction at its best. The time and place envelop you as you read. Mr. Watson explores the true meaning of love and is it best realized through emotional satisfaction or physical pleasure?

Truth is stranger than fiction in the story of Ruth Wariner. You can't help but be caught up in this very emotional account of the life of a young girl growing up as part of a polygamist doomsday cult. The ups and downs of the life of Ruth, her mother and siblings will bring you to both tears and anger.

This lifestyle has been written about in numerous memoirs but told through the innocent eyes of young Ruthie as she begins to become aware of how limiting the lifestyle is and how trapped she finds herself, is a fresh look at the despair of this type of mind control and its effects on a family of innocents. Not only does Ruth face the strong effects of this strange faith but has to endure domestic and sexual abuse as well as dealing with the handicaps of several siblings. She is forced to grow up way too soon and yet finds a way out to become a successful woman and writer.

I highly recommend this poignant and well written account that provides one with an eye opening look at how a good mother can fall prey to this type of mind control disguised as a religious faith and endanger her entire family's health and well-being.

After reading Nadia Hashimi's first book, The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, I knew I was hooked on this author. Now she has brought us another story from Afghanistan that may be even more emotionally wrenching than her first. This story of an Afghani family suffering through the Taliban takeover provides historical detail through a very personal involvement with two main characters. Fereiba, who tells of her difficult childhood and being forced to make tough decisions as a mother; and her son, Saleem who struggles to become a strong male support for his family even while still an adolescent. Though the specific refugee story is Afghan I feel that the larger theme is the story of all refugee experience. In reading this book I came to realize a better sense of the plight of all refugees coming into a new country and struggling for acceptance. Often their stories are not heard and even as Saleem found when meeting other refugees in his travels, the stories he thought were the same as his proved not to be. He found that the loving support from his family was key to making him one of the luckier ones and helped him to survive against all odds. Hashimi's ability to entrench the reader into her characters' lives is the quality of the story. Those who like Khaled Hosseini's books will find Hashimi's story an excellent addition to the stories of Afghanistan.

Jan-Philipp Sendker has done it again. He has written another sure bestseller with Whispering Shadows. His ability to take you deep into the heart of his characters shines through in this novel. This story explores the meaning of love and trust as well as the weight of years of guilt and what it can do to a person. As Paul Leibovitz struggles to overcome his grief and guilt he is forced out of his isolation by his interactions with a lover and a best friend which sets the stage for a story of thrilling suspense on top of the deep character study. The setting of the story in present day Hong Kong and China provides the reader with an enlightened understanding of the political and business atmosphere driving the economy of this area. For those who like a book to provide them with characters that endear and make a lasting impression this book would have definite appeal. With so many themes to explore in this many layered novel this book will provide a lot of discussion for book groups.

Paul Fischer has exposed life in North Korea as never before seen. This amazing story of the kidnapping of a South Korean movie director and his movie star wife was heart wrenching and exhilarating at the same time. Through their difficult experiences as captives of Kim Jong Il we come to see how North Korea has been living with the iron hand control of its socialist leaders. It is very disturbing to learn the truth of how the citizens have been brainwashed to extreme ignorance and misunderstanding of what exists beyond the country's boundaries. This book will be especially appealing to the public in light of recent news headlines on North Korea's supposed involvement with Sony Pictures. This story could well be the Unbroken of the movie world. There is certainly much to discuss in this book and it should definitely be a recommendation for book clubs.

Reading this engrossing story put me on a roller coaster of emotions. A young couple, Tobias and Anna, are preparing for the birth of their first child when suddenly their lives turn into a whirlwind of drama, emotion and adventure relayed month by month over the first year of their new daughter's life. Both Tobias and Anna search for a way to 'escape' the emotional burden of caring for their severely disabled but "perfect" daughter. They struggle with a fear of loving her and losing her. The move to France to take on the renovation of a dilapidated estate begins the adventure and the many delightful characters that come into their lives during that year in France add great depth to the story. I found I could not put down the book as I was caught up in their quest for providing care for this child and still finding some way to develop some normalcy in their lives and survive. The touching scenes between parent and child in so many situations will stay with me for a long time. Their final decision is a testament to the power of love which in this case was able to surmount many difficulties. Beware that their kitchen needed a lot more than mouse-proofing.