“You tell me it is impossible. There is no such word in French.” – Napoleon Bonaparte biopurposeland.blogspot.com/2025/03/who-wa…

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain biopurposeland.blogspot.com/2025/04/who-wa…

Thank you St. Martin's Press for ARC of #AustenAtSea by Natalie Jenner. On a voyage across the ocean a lot happens. The premise of the story is interesting as it recreates stories of Jane Austen with dilemmas, matchmaking, and happy marriages. Release May 6, 2025

4/22/25 release #ThePretender by Jo Harkin Alfred A. Knopf - imagines story of Lambert Simnel, pretender to throne of England & threat to newly established reign of Henry VII; masterfully captures mysterious figure of peasant boy who claimed to be heir to throne. bestinhistoricalfiction.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-pr…

TRENDING INSPIRATION: Wake up your childhood creativity. Deepen the forgotten hobbies. #BrothersGrimm did exactly that, despite studying law as it was custom to follow in the footsteps of their father. At the end, they followed their heart. biopurposeland.blogspot.com/2025/04/who-we…

March 2025 release #TheFishermansGift by Julia Kelly Simon & Schuster Set in 1900, small Scottish fishing village, this touching story involves themes of human relationships, how we assume things, instead of asking questions. Absorbing with splendid prose. bestinhistoricalfiction.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-fi…

“Fortunes always favors the brave, and never helps a man who does not help himself.” – P.T. Barnum biopurposeland.blogspot.com/2025/04/who-wa…

Thank you Grand Central Pub for ARC of #CircleOfDays by Ken Follett - master storyteller - with fascinating characters explores mysteries of Stonehenge - authentic, engaging, utterly captivating. Release 9/23/25 mysteryandsuspense.com/circle-of-days/

May 2025 release #TheBlackbirdsOfStGiles by Lila Cain Simon & Schuster This poignant story vividly paints the terrifying streets of 18th century London, the treacherous realities and persistence of two siblings, their resilience against prejudice. blogger.com/blog/post/edit…

“I know now that most people are so closely concerned with themselves that they are not aware of their own individuality. I can see myself, and it has helped me to say what I want to say - in paint.” – Georgia O’Keeffe biopurposeland.blogspot.com/2025/05/who-wa…

Thank you Sourcebooks for ARC of #TheLastAssignment by Erika Robuck engrossing & powerful account of pioneering woman in journalism who risked her life & career to uncover the truth—Georgette Meyer Chapelle, known professionally as Dickey Chapelle; 8/2025 mysteryandsuspense.com/the-last-assig…

Thank you Penguin Random House 🐧🏠📚 for ARC of #TheMademoiselleAlliance by Natasha Laster -fascinating account of real-life heroine who risked everything to reclaim free France, spotlighting courageous work of Resistance-deeply moving and profound read. Re April 2025 mysteryandsuspense.com/the-mademoisel…

May 2025 release #TheGirlsOfGoodFortune by Kristina McMorris Sourcebooks - explores the complexity of family and identity set in the era troubled with anti-Chinese sentiment & exposes scary underground world of the Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels: bestinhistoricalfiction.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-gi…

Thank you Penguin Random House 🐧🏠📚 for ARC of #TheCardinal by Alison Weir which brings to life the true story of Thomas Wolsey – his meteoric rise and dramatic fall during Tudor England. Poignantly written with a richly drawn and morally complex protagonist. mysteryandsuspense.com/the-cardinal/

Thank you HarperCollins for ARC of #Sonora by Jenni L. Walsh which sheds light on a fascinating true character—an American woman who was one of the first female horse divers. Captivating writing w/suspenseful scenes & character larger than life. Re 10/28/25 mysteryandsuspense.com/sonora/

Thank you W. W. Norton & Company for ARC of #TigerSlayer by Ruby Lal which reveals true story of 16th c. Empress of India, Nur Jahan. She distinguished herself spending lavishly on poor & needy, designing public buildings, making key political decisions, leading troops into battle.. Re 8/5/25

Thank you Random House Group for ARC of #TheLastOfEarth by Deepa Anappara - set in Tibet when it's closed to Europeans during expending British Empire; some Europeans try to penetrate it; exploring the theme of ambition-what it means for an individual person; striking prose; Re 1/13/26

Thank you Kensington Books for ARC of #TheMoonshineWomen - fascinating story of three sisters from the Ozark Mountains and the region’s rich folk tradition of moonshine whiskey. It delivers a memorable story full of heart, grit, and cultural richness. mysteryandsuspense.com/the-moonshine-…

Released in May 2025 #AustenAtSea by Natalie Jenner St. Martin's Press brings a voyage across the ocean during which stories of Jane Austen are recreated with dilemmas, matchmaking, and happy marriages. bestinhistoricalfiction.blogspot.com/2025/07/austen…

Released in June 2025 #Florenzer by Phil Melanson W. W. Norton & Company Set in Renaissance Florence, novel explores lives of three men who made mark on Florence’s history: Leonardo da Vinci, Francesco Salviati, and Lorenzo de’ Medici - presented with eloquent prose. bestinhistoricalfiction.blogspot.com/2025/07/floren…