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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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