Historical fiction is not my favourite genre, but sometimes I find myself flipping the pages on a few. I decided that since it was a rarity, I would share some of the historical fiction books I read to show the wins and losses.

A Lady’s Guide To Fortune Hunting (Sophie Irwin)

3 stars

I must admit, this book surprised me. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did, but the characters were fun, the story quite good and even though it was a trifle similar to many other books written in the time period, I think it stood its ground.
I didn’t enjoy some POV head hopping, and I would have liked an extended ending, but otherwise it was most enjoyable.

A.D. 30 (Ted Dekker)

5 Stars

I’m at a loss for words.
Even now, sitting and trying to process how to formulate my review, I find it challenging to explain my thoughts.

I loved Ted’s writing before sitting down with this story, but now I have a new appreciation.
He writes with a depth that is seldom found; with a passion for identity, God, and forgiveness that so many should hear and experience. I was deeply affected by this book (in a good way), and so grateful that I came across it.
I find this book to have two parts, so I’m going to review it as such.

PART ONE – MAVIAH’S QUEST
I don’t read historical fiction, but this story blew my mind. I’m a Christian, so the time period with Jesus was of interest.
The story of Maviah (and what brings her to part two with Yeshua), was action-packed! The language was written in a way that I would suspect from early AD, which I found added to the experience.
A journey unlike any I could imagine through the desert, with a fear of being hunted. It was thrilling, exciting, and exasperating! I was emotionally hooked and intellectually intrigued by where the characters would go next. Ted has a way of writing such authentic female characters, and Maviah was no exception. I found her difficulties with her identity and station in life (at the time of early AD, with being a woman and outcast) written with such insight. We could never fully understand what this would have been like, but Ted did an incredible job.
I LOVED Judah! He is a beautiful character. Finding the hope that was needed in their situation with such kindness and strength. The interactions/relationships with Judah, Saba, and Maviah were great!

PART TWO – MAVIAH & YESHUA
The way Yeshua was written felt utterly real. If I can’t meet him face to face, this book gave me a glimpse into what it could have been like – and I was flawed! I came to tears in several moments, saw Jesus and his ministry/life in ways I didn’t consider and felt a deep connection to my Father in heaven through this introduction to a different side of Yeshua. Having heard the stories many times before, I saw them in a new light and with a new appreciation of everything that was to come for his story. I went on this journey with Maviah, and that was a great gift. To see Jesus in a way that I hadn’t before.

This book left me with a deep sense of acceptance and love that feels beyond words (although I’ve given it my best effort above).
I hope you find/found a similar experience as you are exposed to the journey of Maviah and the teachings of Yeshua.

To Steal A Heart (Jen Turano)

4 Stars

Loved it.
Not normally one for historical fiction but this was written with amazing humour, great characters and interesting mysteries to solves.

A Dangerous Legacy (Elizabeth Camden)

3 Stars

Pretty good story. I liked the romance in this book, the banter they had was quite fun.
Satisfying resolution and I really liked the combination of historical fiction, mystery and romance.

A Fatal Finale (Kathleen Marple Kalb)

3.5 Stars

I liked it. It was interesting, funny and had a touch of sweetness. It showed a strong woman without smashing you too hard over the head with feminism. I loved being able to see her just living her life without campaigning too heavily – so props for walking that line very well.
The romance was cute. The mystery was pretty interesting. The theatre element was nice.

Counted With The Stars (Connilyn Cossette)

5 Stars

This book utterly destroyed me in the best way.
It was beautifully written, held a lot of lovely insight into the potential life in Egypt while the plagues were happening, and relationships in those contexts.
I was enthralled and challenged in all the best ways.

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There have been surprises for me in the historical fiction space, and I’m glad that I have discovered at least a few wins for this genre!

See You in the Adventures!
Christy Grace