The Queen's Favorite by Raymond Wemmlinger

The Queen's Favorite My Rating: 4.9

England, 1558

Sixteen-year-old Catherine Seymour has always idolized her elder sister, Jane. Groomed from childhood to be a queen and marry her cousin, King Edward VI, Jane has remained determined to restore her family’s claim to the throne following her father's death death.

After spending time at Queen Mary’s court, Jane returns home to Hanworth Park, much to the delight of Catherine and their brother, Ned. To their surprise, Jane brings with her Lady Catherine Grey, sister of Jane Grey, the ill-fated nine-day queen, and an heiress to the throne after Princess Elizabeth.

Jane confides in Catherine that she hopes to arrange a betrothal between Lady Grey and Ned, giving their brother—and his future children—a chance to lay claim to the throne.

But everything changes when Queen Mary suddenly dies and Elizabeth succeeds her as queen. Now the sisters must seek the favor of a new monarch.

I really enjoyed The Queen’s Favorite. I felt for so many of the characters, but especially Catherine Seymour. There is so much plotting and maneuvering as the family tries to control its fate in a world where one wrong move can change everything.

This was very well done and such a quick, engaging read. I’m jumping straight into the next book in this five-book series!

The Queen's Rival by Raymond Wemm;inger

The Queen's Rival My Rating: 4.7

Lady Margaret Clifford is seventh in line to the English throne, so she expects her marriage to be a matter of great political importance. At just sixteen, she is stunned when her father considers a proposal from Sir Andrew Dudley, a mere knight.

As the powerful Dudley family maneuvers to strengthen its influence, Margaret finds herself caught in the dangerous politics surrounding the young King Edward VI. With Edward failing to produce an heir, the Dudleys place Lady Jane Grey on the throne in a bold attempt to secure their power.

When Edward dies, however, everything changes. Lady Jane's brief reign comes to a tragic end, Queen Mary claims the throne, and Margaret is sent to court as one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting. Although the Dudleys quickly fall from favor, Margaret still hopes to make a marriage worthy of her royal blood. First, though, she must earn the trust of a queen who sees rivals everywhere.

I enjoyed The Queen's Rival, but I was especially glad I had already read Philippa Gregory's Tudor novels. While Wimminger tells the story from a different perspective, I felt he moved through many major historical events fairly quickly. Because I already knew the broader history surrounding Lady Jane Grey, Queen Mary, and the political struggles of the period, I found this novel much richer than I think I would have otherwise.

If this had been my introduction to these events, I would have wanted more depth and detail. Instead, the book offers a lighter, faster-paced take on Tudor history. It reads more like a historical novel set during the period than a deeply immersive historical fiction. For readers who enjoy Tudor history but prefer a quicker, more accessible read than Philippa Gregory's novels, this is an enjoyable choice. I will definitely continue on with this series.

The Reckoning by Sharon Kay Penman

The Reckoning  My Rating: 4.9

"Never forget, Llewelyn, that the world's greatest fool is a Welshman who trusts an English king."

His father's words haunt Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, Prince of Wales, who has been ruling uneasily over his fractious countrymen. Above all else, Llewelyn fears that his life and his own dream—of an independent, united Wales—might be lost to Edward I's desire to expand his English empire.

Alive from the pages of history, this is the hauntingly beautiful and compelling tale of a game poised to play itself out to its bloody finale as English and Welsh cross swords in a reckoning that must mean disaster for one side or the other.

For anyone who has ever wanted to experience the rich tapestry of British history and lore, this bold and romantic adventure must be read.

This is the third and final book in the *Prince of Wales* trilogy, and I'm genuinely sad it's over. It was an incredibly immersive journey through history, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Not only did I learn so much about this fascinating period of Welsh and English history, but I also fell completely in love with many of the characters—both Llewelyns, Simon, Nell, Ellen, and so many others. Sharon Kay Penman has an extraordinary gift for bringing historical figures to life, making them feel like people you truly know and care about.

On the other hand, I was appalled by the weakness of King Henry II and the ruthless, autocratic rule of King Edward I. Penman portrays both the triumphs and tragedies of history with remarkable depth, making the emotional impact even more powerful.

One warning: don't Google any of the historical characters until you've finished the trilogy. Even a quick search can reveal major spoilers about the real historical events and the fates of the characters, which is much more rewarding to discover through Penman's storytelling.

This trilogy has become one of my favorite historical fiction series, and I can't wait to read more of Sharon Kay Penman's books.

Falls The Shadow by Sharon Kay Penman

Falls The Shadow My Rating: 4.9

Simon de Montfort was a man ahead of his time in the thirteenth century, a disinherited Frenchman who talked his way into an English earldom and married Eleanor ("Nell"), the sister of King Henry III. A charismatic, obstinate leader, Simon soon grew frustrated with the king's incompetence and inability to keep his word, and found himself the champion of the common people.

This is his story, and the story of Henry III, two men whose opposing personalities and convictions set them on a collision course that would end in violence, betrayal, and one of the most dramatic conflicts in English history.

This time period is completely new to me. I didn't know about Simon and didn't realize how weak Henry III was (ick!). Sharon Kay Penman brings these historical figures to life so vividly that I was completely immersed, especially in Simon's relationship with his remarkable wife, Nell.

I highly recommend this book and am jumping right into the third and final novel in the series.

The Homesman by Glendon Swarthout

 The Homesman My Rating: 4.2

Set in the American West during the 1850s, The Homesman shines a light on a side of pioneer life that is often overlooked—the women. Life on the frontier was brutally hard, and many women were broken by the isolation, loss, and relentless hardships of homesteading.

When several women can no longer cope with life on the plains and must be escorted back East to a sanitarium, a "homesman" is needed to make the dangerous journey. When none of the local men volunteers, the task falls to Mary Bee Cuddy, a former teacher and unmarried woman who is both resourceful and remarkably determined.

The story follows their trek eastward, moving against the tide of westward expansion while facing harsh weather, loneliness, Indian attacks, and countless other dangers. It is a powerful and compelling tale filled with adventure, courage, and resilience.

I found this to be a wonderfully paced novel with strong character development. The vivid descriptions create an authentic sense of time and place, transporting the reader to an era when hardship, bravery, and loneliness were simply part of building a home and raising a family on the plains. Reading about the realities of frontier life made me realize there is no way I could have survived back then!

I was surprised to learn that this book was adapted into a movie, and after enjoying the novel so much, I may have to check it out.

Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman

Here Be Dragons My Rating: 4.9

Thirteenth-century Wales is a divided country, ever at the mercy of England's ruthless, power-hungry King John. Llewelyn, Prince of North Wales, secures an uneasy truce by marrying the English king's beloved illegitimate daughter, Joanna, who slowly grows to love her charismatic and courageous husband. But as John's attentions turn again and again to subduing Wales---and Llewelyn---Joanna must decide where her love and loyalties truly lie.

The turbulent clashes of two disparate worlds and the destinies of the individuals caught between them spring to life in this magnificent novel of power and passion, loyalty and lies. The book that began the trilogy that includes Falls the Shadow and The Reckoning, Here Be Dragons brings thirteenth-century England, France, and Wales to tangled, tempestuous life.

Despite the title, this is not fantasy - it is exceptional historical fiction. While the story is filled with battles and political conflicts, the real strength of the novel lies in its characters. They are so richly developed and compelling that I found myself staying up far too late reading because I simply had to know what happened next.

Sharon Kay Penman brings history to life in a way that feels both epic and deeply personal. By the time I turned the final page, I was completely invested in these characters and their world. I am thrilled that this is a trilogy because I cannot wait to continue the journey in the next book.

A definite recommendation and an easy addition to my "Best Of" list.

The Good People by Hannah Kent

The Good People My Rating: 4.6

Three women, drawn together to rescue a child from a superstitious community.

Nóra has lost her daughter and her husband in the same year, find herself alone and is now burdened with the care of her four-year-old grandson, Micheál. The boy cannot walk, or speak, and Nora, mistrustful of the tongues of gossips, has kept the child hidden from those who might see in his deformity evidence of otherworldly interference. 

A handmaid, Mary, arrives to help Nora just as rumors begin to spread that Micheal is a changeling child who is bringing bad luck to the valley. 

Determined to banish evil, Nora and Mary enlist the help of Nance, an elderly wanderer who understands the magic of the old ways.

This was based on true events in nineteenth century Ireland. This is a slow build and worth every minute. It is hard to believe that this is only Kent's second novel. The writing is rich and leads you into the world of superstition. I want to read her first novel which was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction and the Guardian First Book Award. It won the ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year, the Indie Awards Debut Fiction Book of the Year and the Victorian Premier's People's Choice Award, and was shortlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Definitely recommend the audio version.

The Last Train To London by Meg Waite Clayton

My Rating: 4.7

In 1936, the Nazis are little more than loud, brutish bores to fifteen-year-old Stephan Neuman, the son of a wealthy and influential Jewish family and an aspiring playwright whose playground stretches from the streets of Vienna to its intricate underground tunnels. Stephan’s closest companion is the brilliant Žofie-Helene, a Christian girl whose mother edits a progressive, anti-Nazi newspaper. But the carefree innocence of their adolescence is shattered when the Nazis seize control.

Based on the remarkable true story of Truus Wijsmuller, a member of the Dutch resistance, this novel follows one woman who risks her life smuggling Jewish children out of Nazi Germany to the few nations willing to take them in. Her mission becomes even more dangerous after the Anschluss—Hitler’s annexation of Austria—as countries across Europe begin closing their borders to the growing number of desperate refugees seeking escape.

Known as Tante Truus, she is determined to save as many children as possible. After Britain passes a measure allowing at-risk child refugees from the German Reich to enter the country, she boldly approaches Adolf Eichmann—the man who would later help devise the “Final Solution to the Jewish Question”—in a suspenseful race against time. Her efforts may be the only hope for children like Stephan, his younger brother Walter, and Žofie-Helene as they embark on a perilous journey toward an uncertain future.

It took me a little while to fully settle into this story, but once I did, it completely drew me in. The novel centers on the heartbreaking decisions parents faced as they sent their children away on The Kinder Transport, in hopes of saving their lives. The vast majority of these parents never saw their children again. Told primarily through the perspectives of the children, along with Tante Truus herself, the story captures both the horror of the time and the extraordinary courage of those determined to survive and help others.

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

 Horse by Geraldine Brooks My Rating: 4.6

I bet most of us have heard of Man o’ War, but have you heard of Lexington? What a story.

Set across three timelines, this book follows the incredible racehorse Lexington and the people connected to him through history. In 1850 Kentucky, an enslaved groom named Jarret forms a deep bond with a bay foal who will go on to become one of the greatest racehorses in American history. During the Civil War, their lives are turned upside down in ways that are both heartbreaking and unforgettable.

In 1954 New York, a gallery owner becomes fascinated with a mysterious equestrian painting, while in 2019 Washington, D.C., a Smithsonian scientist and an art historian begin uncovering the hidden history surrounding Lexington and the Black horsemen who helped shape racing history.

I REALLY enjoyed parts of this book… and other parts, not so much.

Let’s get the negatives out of the way first. The 2019 timeline felt very forced to me and preachy. Theo was probably the most pompous and unlikeable character in the book, and his relationship with Jess felt flat and unconvincing. Honestly, I also think the 1954 timeline could have been skipped entirely. At times this felt like three separate books mashed together, and I found myself wondering what the editor was thinking allowing such a hodgepodge to make it to print. (Brooks even managed to throw Jackson Pollock into the mix.)

Now for what I loved: the 1850 storyline absolutely carried this book for me. Jarret and Lexington completely stole my heart. Brooks beautifully captured the bond between horse and groom, along with the turmoil and heartbreak surrounding their journey. I also have to admit I was relieved that something truly horrific did not happen to Lexington - and I’ll leave it there to avoid spoilers.

Despite the parts I didn’t care for, I still definitely recommend this one for the historical storyline alone.

Thanks to shoegaljeana for the recommendation.

The Women Of Oakridge by Michelle Shocklee

The Women of Oak Ridge My Rating: 4.5

1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her struggling family. She knows very little about the work she’s been assigned—only that it will help America win the war. But all is not what it seems. Though employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing unsettling information… and then suddenly disappears. As Mae searches for answers, she uncovers a life-altering truth—one that comes at a great personal cost.

1979. Laurel Willett, a graduate student in Boston, discovers the history of Oak Ridge, where thousands unknowingly worked on the development of the atomic bomb. Intrigued—especially because her Aunt Mae once worked there—Laurel spends the summer with her, hoping to include a personal connection in her thesis. But Mae refuses to speak about her past. Instead, her friends begin to share their stories, leading Laurel deeper into a mystery involving a missing woman. As the truth unfolds, the buried pain and guilt Mae has carried for decades begin to surface—with potentially devastating consequences.

I really enjoy Michelle Shocklee’s writing, especially her historical fiction. I also appreciate that her books are wholesome and clean and free of obscenity. Like her other novels, this one taught me so much history. I had never really thought about where or how the atomic bomb was developed—or the profound impact it had on the people involved in its creation.

The First Witch of Boston by Andrea Catalano

The First Witch of Boston My Rating: 4.4

Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1646. Thomas and Margaret Jones arrive from England to build a life in the New World. Though of differing temperaments, cautious Thomas and fiery Margaret, a healer, are bound by a love that has lasted decades. With a child on the way, their new beginning promises only blessings.

But in this rigid Puritan community, appearances can be deceiving and suspicions run deep. A misplaced word or action can invite judgment, and Margaret’s bold, unguarded nature quickly sets her apart. Once seen as a gifted healer, she is soon viewed with distrust - more cunning than compassionate in the eyes of her neighbors. As personal tragedy, religious fear, and suspicion take hold, the community turns against her, threatening not only her life but the bond she shares with her husband.

This is a deeply intimate portrait of a marriage, as well as a fiercely independent woman living in a time when anything other than obedience could be dangerous. Based on the true story of Margaret Jones - the first woman convicted of witchcraft in seventeenth-century Massachusetts - this novel draws from real diary entries and court records. I was completely pulled in by the love story between Tom and Maggie, as well as the vivid portrayal of life during that era. If I had lived back then, there is no doubt in my mind that I would have been convicted of witchcraft as anyone who was outspoken and believed in natural remedies was considered a witch. The fear and piosness was scary.

The Last Tudor by Philippa Gregory

The Last Tudor  My Rating: 4.8

Jane Grey was queen of England for nine days. Her father and his allies crowned her instead of the dead king’s half-sister Mary Tudor, who quickly mustered an army, claimed her throne, and locked Jane in the Tower of London. When Jane refused to betray her Protestant faith, Mary sent her to the executioner’s block, where Jane transformed her father’s greedy power-grab into tragic martyrdom.

“Learn you to die,” was the advice Jane wrote to her younger sister Katherine, who has no intention of dying. She intends to enjoy her beauty and her youth and fall in love. But she is heir to the insecure and infertile Queen Mary and then to her sister Queen Elizabeth, who will never allow Katherine to marry and produce a Tudor son. When Katherine’s pregnancy betrays her secret marriage, she faces imprisonment in the Tower, only yards from her sister’s scaffold.

Wow. I don’t know what’s more disturbing - the ruthless scheming to place children on the throne, or the sheer brutality required to stay there. Just when I thought no one could surpass Mary, who executed so many for being of the “wrong” faith, Elizabeth emerges with a cold determination of her own - unwilling to let anyone else find happiness if it threatens her power.

The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory

The Virgin's Lover My Rating: 4.4

In the autumn of 1558, church bells ring across England announcing that Elizabeth I is the new queen. While the nation celebrates, one woman hears the news with dread. She is Amy Dudley, wife of Sir Robert Dudley, and she knows Elizabeth’s rise to the throne will draw her husband back into the dazzling Tudor court where he has always belonged.

Elizabeth’s triumph is short-lived. She inherits a bankrupt country plagued by treason and the threat of foreign war. Her advisors insist she must marry a powerful prince to secure the realm, yet the man she desires is her childhood friend, the ambitious Robert Dudley. As their bond deepens, one question lingers: could he truly set aside his wife to marry the queen? When Amy is found dead, Elizabeth and Dudley are thrust into a desperate struggle for survival.

Philippa Gregory tells much of this story from the wife’s perspective, highlighting how easily a good woman can be cast aside when ambition and power take center stage, even for a Queen. I especially appreciated this angle.

The only drawback for me was the narration. I’ve become so accustomed to the exceptional performances of Vanessa Kirby and Gemma Whelan that this narrator felt less engaging and, at times, distracted from the story.

The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

The Last Runaway My Rating: 4.5

Honor Bright, a modest Quaker from England, arrives in Ohio in 1850 only to find herself isolated and unsettled in a harsh, unfamiliar land. Ill from the voyage and burdened by personal disappointment, she soon faces family tragedy that leaves her dependent on strangers in a practical and often unforgiving new world. Nineteenth-century America feels precarious and unsentimental—and deeply scarred by the ongoing injustice of slavery. Even within a faith community devoted to equality, Honor discovers that principles are not always lived out in practice.

Gradually, Honor becomes drawn into the clandestine work of the Underground Railroad, a network helping enslaved people escape to freedom. Along the way, she forms unexpected friendships with two women whose quiet courage and defiance leave a lasting impression. Ultimately, Honor must decide whether she will act on her convictions—no matter the personal cost.

This is a gentle, slow-moving novel that beautifully captures the quiet rhythms of Quaker life: gardening, quilting, canning, milking, gathering eggs, and enduring the daily challenges of frontier living (including the endless mud). I found her adjustment to a new country especially relatable, and the story thoughtfully reveals Honor’s quiet strength as it unfolds.

The only aspect I found slightly distracting was the heavy use of “thee” and “thy” among the Quakers while others spoke more conventionally. While there are stronger novels about the Underground Railroad, I still enjoyed this one—largely for its portrayal of Honor’s challenges and the gentle, detailed glimpse into Quaker life.

The Queen's Fool By Philippa Gregory

The Queen's Fool My Rating: 4.9

Winter, 1553. Pursued by the Inquisition, fourteen-year-old Hannah Green flees Spain with her father, leaving behind everything familiar. But Hannah is no ordinary refugee—she possesses the gift of “Sight,” an ability to foresee the future that becomes invaluable in the dangerous world of the Tudor court.

Adopted by the glamorous Robert Dudley, the charismatic son of King Edward’s protector, Hannah is brought to court as a “holy fool,” serving first Queen Mary and later Queen Elizabeth. Though hired as a fool, she is drawn into the role of spy; though promised in marriage, she finds herself in love with her master. Surrounded by the constant threat of heresy, treason, and witchcraft, Hannah must choose between the quiet safety of an ordinary life and the perilous intrigue of the royal court—where her fate becomes inseparable from her own longings and ambitions.

Although part of the Plantagenet/Tudor series, this novel feels different because it doesn’t center on a royal figure. Instead, it follows Hannah, an outsider navigating a dangerous and fascinating world. I quickly became captivated by her courage, her desire for independence, and her struggle as she’s pulled in different directions by those with their own agendas.

Hannah is a sweet, likable character whose life is filled with trials, and I found myself rooting for her and worrying about her safety throughout the story. This was such an enjoyable read, and I’m excited to continue with the next book in the series.

The Taming Of The Queen by Philippa Gregory

The Taming of the Queen My Rating: 4.9

Kateryn Parr, a thirty-year-old widow secretly in love with another man, has no choice when King Henry VIII—a man old enough to be her father who has already buried four wives—commands her to marry him.

Kateryn understands the danger she faces. The previous queen lasted sixteen months; the one before her barely half a year. Yet Henry adores his new bride, and Kateryn’s trust in him grows as she works to unite the royal family, establishes a radical study circle within the court, and even rules the kingdom as Regent.

But will any of it be enough to keep her safe?

A leader of religious reform and the first woman to publish in English, Kateryn is intelligent, outspoken, and independent—qualities that make her both remarkable and vulnerable. As she fails to protect the Protestants from persecution, Henry’s favor begins to shift. Traditional churchmen and political rivals accuse her of heresy, a crime punishable by death by fire… and the king’s name is already on the warrant.

I am absolutely loving this series, and this book in particular was phenomenal. I felt Kateryn’s emotional journey—from her love for Thomas, to her humiliation at Henry’s hands, to her shock at his willingness to turn against her. I can’t wait to jump right into the next book in the series.

The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory

The Boleyn Inheritance My Rating: 4.6

After the death of his third wife, Jane Seymour, King Henry VIII of England decides to take another bride—but this time, not for love. The Boleyn Inheritance follows three women whose lives are irrevocably changed by the king’s decision, as each must navigate the dangerous and uncertain world of the Tudor court.

Anne of Cleves is brought to England to marry Henry in order to secure a political alliance. Yet from the beginning, her uneasy relationship with the king sets the stage for trouble—not only for Anne, but for the stability of England itself.

Katherine Howard, young and dazzling, quickly captures Henry’s attention even as he prepares to wed Anne. Her spirit is wild and her passions run high, but in a court filled with intrigue, her affection—and fate—may not unfold as she expects.

Jane Rochford, widow of George Boleyn, carries a dark reputation. Her testimony helped send both her husband and her infamous sister-in-law Anne Boleyn to their deaths. Across the realm, she is remembered for jealousy, bitterness, and scandal, yet Gregory offers a fresh and complex portrait of her inner life.

Philippa Gregory once again showcases her remarkable storytelling as she weaves together the voices of these three women. This novel presents a very different portrayal of Jane compared to the previous book, which I found especially intriguing. I also couldn’t help but be entertained by Katherine Howard’s vanity and self-obsession.

What makes Gregory’s novels so compelling is how she fills in the gaps of history. While we know the documented facts—births, marriages, deaths—so much else remains open to interpretation. Gregory connects the dots in a way that feels vivid, dramatic, and utterly riveting.

I can’t wait to dive into the next book in this series.

The Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory

The Boleyn Traitor My Rating: 4.8

Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor court, where secrets are currency, every choice is dangerous, and even the faintest whisper can seal the fate of queens.

For Jane, survival demands playing every role required of her: a loving wife who conceals her doubts, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and an obedient spy who carefully wields her words. But in a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, Jane must rely on her sharp wit and skillful maneuvering to outthink those around her, knowing that one wrong move could cost her everything.

Philippa Gregory masterfully shines a spotlight on the untold story of Jane Boleyn, peeling back the myths to reveal a complex portrait of a woman who dared to survive at any cost. Perfect for fans of thrilling historical drama and readers captivated by the intrigue of the Tudor period, Boleyn Traitor is a must-read.

I love the way Gregory overlaps her novels, allowing the same historical events to be seen through entirely different eyes. Experiencing the Tudor court from Jane Boleyn’s perspective-Anne Boleyn’s sister-in-law-felt especially fresh and compelling. Jane’s ability to remain in favor while those closest to her were repeatedly banished or executed was fascinating, and her constant calculation for survival kept me fully engaged.

One of the strongest elements of the book was the recurring theme of the courtier’s “masque.” Jane’s realization that she had spent her entire life performing roles to stay alive-and the powerful moment when she finally removes that masque—was beautifully written and deeply moving.

My only real complaint is how differently Jane is portrayed compared to her characterization in earlier books. While I appreciate the idea of shifting perspectives, the disparity was so great at times that it was difficult to reconcile this Jane with the one I thought I knew. That said, it didn’t detract enough to lessen my enjoyment. Overall, The Boleyn Traitor is an excellent, thought-provoking read that I thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend to fans of Tudor historical fiction.

Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory

My Rating: 4.8

As sisters they share an everlasting bond; as queens they can break each other’s hearts…

In Three Sisters, Three Queens, Philippa Gregory brings to life the powerful and often painful bond between three royal women destined to wear three crowns. Katherine of Aragon, Margaret Tudor, and Mary Tudor are bound not only by blood, but by ambition, rivalry, loyalty, and the brutal realities of royal marriage.

When Katherine of Aragon arrives at the Tudor court as a young bride, Margaret—the eldest sister—immediately takes her measure. With a single glance, the two women recognize one another as rivals, allies, and pawns in a political game far bigger than themselves. Alongside their younger sister Mary, the three form a unique sisterhood that will see them crowned queens of England, Scotland, and France.

Though united by family ties and affection, their lives soon place them at odds. Katherine commands an army against Scotland, leading to the death of Margaret’s husband, King James IV. Yet fate turns again when Margaret’s son becomes heir to the Tudor throne after Katherine loses her own child. Gregory masterfully shows how love, grief, and ambition can both bind and divide—even sisters.

At the beginning of this novel, I’ll admit I hated Margaret. I felt deep sympathy for Katherine, perhaps because the previous book focused on her story and had already won my heart. But as the story unfolded, my feelings completely reversed. Margaret’s struggles, resilience, and heartbreak began to shine through, while Katherine’s choices took on a harsher edge. Only a writer as skilled as Philippa Gregory can make you feel so deepl, and so differently, as history progresses.

As always, Gregory kept me spellbound. Her ability to humanize these iconic women while staying rooted in historical drama is unmatched. I turned the final page eager and excited to dive straight into the next book in the series.

If you love historical fiction filled with complex women, emotional depth, and royal intrigue, Three Sisters, Three Queens is a compelling and unforgettable read. 

The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly

My Rating: 4.9

Set in 1942, the story follows the Smith sisters—nineteen-year-old aspiring writer Cadence and sixteen-year-old war-obsessed Briar—as they struggle to hold their family farm together while the U.S. Army arrives on Martha’s Vineyard. In the midst of wartime uncertainty, Cadence and her best friend, Bess, start a book club to bring some normalcy to their lives. What begins as a small gathering quickly grows in members and influence, especially after they connect with a fabulous New York publisher who could make Cadence’s literary dreams come true. 

The plot thickens with the arrival of a mysterious man who washes ashore and whispers of a spy in their midst. Suddenly, trust becomes a precious commodity in this tight-knit island community. Could a small book club really change the course of the war before it’s too late?

I am sorry to say that I judged this book by it's cover (and the fluffy title) and wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it , but knowing that I’ve enjoyed most of Martha Hall Kelly’s previous books, I decided to give this one a try—and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.

I found this book to be an easy page-turner with surprising depth. I learned a lot about the WWII activity in Martha’s Vineyard—a piece of history I hadn’t known before—and was completely captivated by the characters. Each one felt fully realized and memorable, from Cadence and Briar to the supporting cast of islanders.

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong, relatable characters, a touch of mystery, and a love of books woven into the story, Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a must-read. It’s charming, wholesome, engaging, and thought-provoking—all at once.