Review - Angel of Harlem by Kuwana Haulsey

In Angel of Harlem: A Novel, Kuwana Haulsey recounts the remarkable life of Harlem's first woman doctor, Dr. May Chinn. Told in a mixture of first and third person, this fictional biography is at its most absorbing once the author settles in to telling May's tale, beginning with her childhood. The first few chapters jumped from May's first person recollections of her father to the latter's escape from slavery during the American Civil War.

May herself is an engaging character, by turn vulnerable, intelligent and tough. Drawing strength from her remarkable mother, May perseveres through illness, heartbreak and resistance to her ambitions from both her father and society. Far from a cardboard character she comes across as a passionate and dedicated musician and doctor as well as a fun-loving, sometimes rebellious young woman and loyal friend.

The late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries came alive through the author's setting which was detailed, yet not overwhelming. Similarly, the racial prejudice that existed, while not glossed over, doesn't dominate either. Though May and her parents dominate, all the characters both appealed and were true to their time. The story moves along well, following May from her childhood through to her life's end. I finished the book in two nights, not wanting to put it down.

Aside from the slightly disjointed beginning, I found the final chapter a bit of an anti-climax. It appeared almost as an after-thought, included to wrap up the story when the same information would have been just as effectively included in the Author's Note.

That said, this minor quibble by no means should discourage readers from picking up this inspiring novel about a woman who dedicated her life to helping others, despite the many obstacles thrown in her path. One for my keeper shelf and highly recommended.

© Teresa Eckford, 2005

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This review first appeared in the May 2005 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - Annie Between the States by L.M. Elliott

Set in Virginia during the American Civil War, Annie Between the States, tells of a young girl's coming of age. While helping her mother treat the wounded from Manassas, Annie Sinclair meets a Yankee soldier who both intrigues and challenges her. Throughout the course of the war he periodically reappears, growing more important to her with each visit.

At the same time, Annie copes with the increasingly difficult conditions on her family's farm, her mother's illness, her younger brother's rebellion, and, most frightening of all, continued raids by Yankee. When faced with the loss of a close friend, Annie takes action which results in her arrest.

Though a good story lies at the heart of this historically accurate second novel from L.M. Elliott, it is lost amidst an over-stuffed narrative and a good number of stereotypical secondary characters.

The dialogue was especially problematic, with many of the characters uttering impossibly long and often unrealistic speeches. I fear that in this day and age, when teens expect instant gratification, many will set the book down quickly.

On the positive side, the setting is beautifully rendered and I genuinely cared about Annie, even if she did strike me as a little silly at times. And the story itself, when given its chance to shine in the final third of the book, is very appealing and timeless. I just wish the author had been able to curb her seeming desire to insert all her research, thus slowing the pace.

That said, I do intend to keep this book for my nieces because it illustrates how horribly devastating war can be and the human spirit's ability to rise above it. No small feat.

© Teresa Eckford, 2005

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This review first appeared in the May 2005 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare

Nicholas Kenleigh is a broken, guilt-ridden man. When he arrives at Bethie Stewart's cabin on the western frontier with a serious injury, she is eight months pregnant, a widow living alone. Together they set out on a desperate mission to warn settlers further east of an uprising by the native population.

While the pacing is good and the writing engaging, Bethie is less than convincing, an abuse survivor who protests Nicholas's help delivering her baby but then bares her breasts quite openly to nurse her child. Nor did I understand why instead of asking for Bethie's help Nicholas chose instead to threaten her. These character inconsistencies seriously detracted from the novel's strengths. Also, the last fifty pages appeared designed only to showcase historical characters and add one more rather forced element of conflict.

It's clear the author did a lot of research, which she incorporates into a vibrant setting. At times the realism is overly gritty, especially the extensive details of torture techniques of the Wyandot tribe. While I appreciated the author's dedication to historical realism, I wish she had written more believable characters and toned down the gory aspects of Nicholas's past.

© Teresa Eckford, 2005

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This review first appeared in the May 2005 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - Secret History of the Pink Carnation by Lauren Willig

American graduate student Eloise Kelly is in England to research her dissertation on "Aristocratic Espionage". When a descendant of the famed spy, the Purple Gentian gives Eloise access to family papers, she is thrilled to find a collection of letters recounting his adventures. Maybe through him she'll learn the identity of the elusive Pink Carnation.

From there the story moves into the past where 20 year old Amy de Balcourt returns to France from exile, determined to join the League of the Purple Gentian, led by its eponymous figure of romance and daring. Though half-French, she blames the Revolution for her parents' death and wants to bring Napoleon down.

A doctoral candidate in history, Ms. Willig has crafted an amusing and intriguing tale that brings the early nineteenth century to vibrant life. There can be little doubt she has done her research. However I did find the point of view control less than stellar and some rather awkward prose, while the device of the letters didn't really work as the story came across more as a journal than correspondence.

Amy meets and falls in love with the Purple Gentian, aka Richard Selwick. The latter is dashing and intelligent, so his attraction to the oft childish Amy had me questioning the romantic element of the story. The secondary characters fared far better, notably Richard's mother, Amy's cousin Jane and their chaperone, Miss Gwen. Occasionally we glimpse Eloise's own growing romance with her benefactress's grandson.

Ms. Willig's aim was to write a historically accurate romance novel and she succeeded, though a couple of minor continuity errors jumped out at me. Despite the noted minor niggles I still enjoyed this debut novel, a charming romp into the fictional past, and so, I believe, will fans of both Chick Lit and Historical Romance.

© Teresa Eckford, 2005

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This review first appeared in the May 2005 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - The Hunter's Tale by Margaret Frazer

Thirteenth in Margaret Frazer's Dame Frevisse series, The Hunter's Tale is the best yet. As expected, the mystery is well-plotted with the requisite red herring or two, the setting brims with historical details and the story moves along at a gentle yet insistent pace. But it's also a brilliant study of human nature.

            The victim is Sir Ralph Woderove, who chases after his dog into the woods and turns up dead within the hour. The terms of his will set the stage for further foul deeds. As Dame Frevisse learns, he was a vicious man who loved his dogs more than his family, which includes his second wife Anneys, his sons Tom and Hugh, daughters Elyn, Lucy and Ursula and grandson Miles. His only friend was Elyn's husband, their neighbour Sir William Trensal. Little wonder Frevisse finds herself with so many suspects and a plethora of motives.

            Sir Ralph's physical and verbal abuse echo throughout the story, revealed through each of the main characters as it becomes clear they are protecting one of their own. In this manner, Ms Frazer reveals her genius, as she explores each member of the family and what drives them to act as they do. Highly recommended.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford

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This review first appeared in the August 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - Skylark by Jo Beverley

Fans of Jo Beverley's Company of Rogues will thoroughly enjoy this latest addition to the series featuring Sir Stephen Ball and his widowed childhood friend Laura Gardeyne. Six years before the story opens, Stephen had asked Laura to marry him, but a misunderstanding resulted in her rejecting him. Now her husband is dead, her son is in danger and Stephen is as much in love with her as ever. He offers to help her and together they search for a blackmailer threatening to expose a family secret. Laura soon learns Stephen is a man of principle, one who is more worthy of her love than the man she married.

As always, Ms. Beverley spins an exciting tale, effortlessly transporting her reader to Regency England. The mystery adds to the romance rather than dominating it, while Stephen and Laura are appealing protagonists whose rekindled relationship develops naturally. Peopled with a delightfully quirky cast of secondary characters, Skylark zips along at a good pace that kept me turning the pages.

If you are searching for a book in which history and romance blend seamlessly, look no further than this enjoyable and engrossing novel of love and redemption.

© Teresa Eckford, 2004

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This review first appeared in the February 2005 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - Mable Riley by Marthe Jocelyn

Mable Riley and her sister Viola have travelled from home so Viola can help support the family with her first teaching job in early 20th century Ontario. Eager for excitement and inspiration for her writing, Mable keenly anticipates the adventure and starts a journal to record all that happens. And plenty does. Not everyone is thrilled with the young female teacher, questioning her methods of instruction, while Mable herself makes friends with a scandalous young widow, who cycles and wears split skirts.

Marthe Jocelyn has written a charming story, replete with details of everyday life woven into a well-paced narrative. Her appealing heroine pulls the reader in with her mix of romantic notions and rebellious spirit as she learns about life, love and loyalty. Further strengthening the tale are a cast of well-rounded secondary characters involved in historically relevant subplots. What appealed most was the use of the diary format. When done well, as it is here, it gives the reader a real sense of immediacy and verisimilitude.

Those who have preteen girls to buy books for should add this lovely volume to their list. I know I'm keeping mine for my nieces. Very higly recommmended.

© Teresa Eckford, 2004

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This review first appeared in the February 2005 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - The Secret Shelter by Sandi LeFaucheur

This time travel adventure story sees three children and their teacher journey from present day to World War II Britain, September 1940 to be precise. There they must cope with the terror of nightly bombing raids and the danger that lurks in the form of suspicion of anyone different.

Sophie Pinkerton tells the tale. Young and impressionable, she finds life in 1940 both terrifying and exhilarating as she and her friends live history rather than just read about it. Taken in by a young mother whose husband flies with the RAF, the four time travellers must adapt to their new circumstances while trying to find a way home. The hardest part is knowing what the future holds for their hostess. Dare they try to change the past?

The author does a good job of recreating war-time England taking her readers back to an era of terror and privation. Unfortunately the prose is awkward at times, especially the dialogue which features long speeches that don't ring true. However, the fast pace and well-plotted story do much to make up for this deficiency. Youngsters with an interest in history will likely enjoy this intriguing read.

© Teresa Eckford, 2004

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This review first appeared in the February 2005 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - The Snow Pit by Reuben Bercovitch

Set during World War II, The Snow Pit follows the lives of a graduating class of 1941 in rural Nebraska, while concentrating on the troubled romance between Ethan and Evelyn. The war touches each of the characters in different ways as they struggle to come to terms with the unexpected changes the world conflict brings. Themes such as racism, poverty and guilt are explored through the course of the story.

This is a hard book for me to review because, though I recognize a skillfully plotted narrative and well-drawn characters, the manner in which the story was told did not appeal to me. Not only was there at least one scene of, in my opinion, completely unnecessary violence, but the author included very detailed accounts of various battles that had me skipping pages at a time.

Nor did I find the main characters particularly sympathetic. Evelyn especially made some questionable choices in her relationship with Ethan that seemed selfish and went against the character development illustrated throughout the story. What really hurt the book for me, however, was the ending, but that is a matter of personal taste.

This being said, there is no doubt that Mr. Berkovitch is a skilled writer, one who creates interesting secondary characters who move in a completely believable and tangible world. Never did I doubt any of the period details or settings. Indeed there are times his prose is breathtakingly beautiful such as when he describes a new location or shows the impact of the war on those left behind.

My feeling is that men will find this book far more to their taste than most women, focussing as it does on the nitty-gritty details of military life and strategy. Recommended only for those who enjoy novels about the grim realities of war.

© Teresa Eckford, 2004

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This review first appeared in the February 2005 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - A Century of November by W. D. Wetherell

Evocative. Haunting. Engrossing. These are the words that echoed through my mind as I read this wonderful novel. Set in the closing weeks of WWI, it traces the journey of a recently widowed apple-grower who, after learning his only son was killed in Flanders, sets out to find him. It's a journey that takes him across Canada by train as the Spanish flu epidemic is starting, then across the Atlantic by ship to England. There he discovers his son had a girlfriend, Elaine Reed, who is likely carrying their baby, a young woman determined to discover the last resting place of her lover. Following on her heels, Charles Marden finds himself in a place worse than hell, the very recently abandoned battlefields of Europe, a place of pilgrimage and death.

Told in a combination of first and third person, this tale of love, loss and hope plunges the reader into a chaotic and heart-wrenching period. From its opening on Vancouver Island to its closing on the battlefield of Ypres, it takes the reader along with Marden through richly detailed prose, powerful imagery and a rivetting narrative.

Marden himself is a highly sympathetic protagonist. We want him to find Elaine. Even more, we want him to find some kind of peace. Losing his wife and son in such quick succession has cast him adrift and in his search for Elaine we sense a quiet desperation for some return to normalcy, once he has seen where his son died and met the woman who carries his grandchild. The secondary characters are many and while few of them occupy more than a few paragraphs or a few pages each, they all come alive and serve a purpose, especially the battle-scarred veterans who refuse to leave the trenches in which they'd fought for so long. Very highly recommended.

© Teresa Eckford, 2004

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This review first appeared in the November 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Death in the Age of Steam: A Mystery, Mel Bradshaw

This literary mystery, set in 1856 Ontario and Quebec, focusses on a banker's quest to find his missing former love, the daughter of a prominent politician who died suddenly. Isaac Harris always regretted not declaring himself to Theresa Sheridan before she married business man Henry Crane three years earlier. Now he sees a way to make things right when it appears her husband is willing to give her up for dead when she disappears before her father's funeral. Certain she is in trouble, Isaac devotes himself to tracking her down.

This convincing portrait of life in pre-Confederation Canada holds many charms, from its snapshots of Victorian-era Toronto and various towns along the St. Lawrence River to its well-crafted mystery. Isaac is an appealing hero and detective, often falling into his discoveries, yet realistically portrayed. Theresa is a little more troubling and not entirely convincing, while the secondary characters range from stereotypical to bizarre.

Though the story moves along quite well, the pace lags at times as the author sometimes immerses the reader in too many details. Still, as mysteries go, this one held my interest and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about mid-18th century Kingston. It's clear the author did his research and those interested in this period of history should enjoy this fascinating combination of detective story and historical novel.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2004
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This review first appeared in the November 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Review - The Vanishing Point by Louise Hawes

This fictionalized biography recounts a year in the life of Renaissance painter Lavinia Fontana. Teenager Vini is an only child, her mother having suffered multiple miscarriages. Desperate to fulfil her desire to paint, Vini conspires with her friend, Paolo, to bring her work to her father's notice. Prospero Fontana is thrilled to find his daughter has both the soul and the talent of an artist and welcomes her to his studio. But all is not well in the Fontana household. Lavinia falls victim to a childhood disease and must live with the possibility she will never see again while her mother's latest pregnancy leads to tragedy.

With careful research and a deft hand, Ms. Hawes convincingly recreates the Renaissance period, full of colour, noise and politics. Similarly her characters, especially Vini and her father, leap from the page and grab our attention. The story starts slowly, but picks up speed about half-way through as the various plot threads, including a romance between Vini and Paolo, come together. My one real quibble was the author's use of present tense, which I found rather distracting. Still, as an introduction to art and history, few parents could go wrong buying this for their teens.

© Teresa Eckford, 2004

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This review first appeared in the November 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Lady Allerton's Wager, Nicola Cornick

Ms. Cornick's seventh book, Lady Allerton's Wager is an enjoyable romp through Regency-era England. A romp with a touch of mystery and a pair of star-crossed lovers, whose families have been feuding for half a century.

By disguising herself at the Cyprian's Ball, the widowed Elizabeth, Lady Allerton tricks her family's enemy, Marcus, Lord Trevithick into wagering with her for the island his family stole from hers many years ago. She wins and he agrees to honour their wager, until he finds out who she is. They race to reach the island first, but during their encounters along the way, they find themselves drawn to each other.

While Beth is a heroine with spirit and intelligence, she also is a little too impulsive. Marcus, on the other hand, is a hero through and through, honourable and caring.

The plot skips along at an enjoyable rate and it's clear Ms. Cornick is comfortable recreating Regency England. Only a Big Misunderstanding towards the end of the book detracted a tad from my enjoyment.

Fans of the Regency period will want to pick this book up. I intend to seek out Ms. Cornick's backlist and the books that followed this one.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2004
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This review first appeared in the May 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Right as Rain, Bev Marshall

Mississippi born Bev Marshall has crafted a memorable and evocative tale, revolving around three families. Set in the mid/late 20th century American South, Right as Rain tells the story of Tee Wee, a woman determined to hold her family together and make a better life. She works as cook for the Parsons, renting a house on their land with her husband Luther and is less than enthusiastic when they hire a new housekeeper, with whom she feels an instant rivalry. Still, she and Icey form a thorny friendship that endures through the years that follow, punctuated by both tragedy and success.

It is also the story of the Parsons' daughter Ruthie, who longs to be loved for herself, but chooses unwisely. Her story is both heartbreaking and uplifting as she learns about loyalty and friendship. Her brother Browder and Tee Wee's daughter Crow also figure prominently.

In many ways the setting is the most impressive aspect of this thoroughly engrossing tale, coming to life on every page, the heat and humidity palpable. I could hear the thunder, taste the dust and smell the animals on the farm. Especially impressive was how well Ms Marshall wove the political and social history of the period into the narrative. I learned a lot without realizing it, which speaks volumes for her skill as a writer.

Her dialogue also stands out. Each of the characters has a distinctive voice and she reflects time and place without resorting to cliché.

The many threads of the plot came together in a gripping court trial, the outcome of which sees the climax of the story and kept me reading with the proverbial bated breath. A fine ending to this compelling and very readable family saga, whose characters will stay with your long after you close the book.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2004
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This review first appeared in the August 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Slightly Wicked, Mary Balogh

Another entry in the Bedwyn series, Slightly Wicked is the story of Rannulf and his lady love, Judith, who has been sent to live with her wealthy relatives to help ease the burden on her impoverished father. When Judith's coach overturns an attractive young man offers to help. Convinced she will never marry (her parents have told her she is ugly and on the shelf), she seizes the opportunity to have a little adventure.

Rannulf is faced with the prospect of his grandmother marrying him off, a fact about which he is less than enthusiastic. Encountering a sultry actress in peril provides a pleasant diversion. Imagine his surprise when she turns out to be his intended's poor relation. Not only must their love overcome a wide social chasm, it must also defeat a vengeful spurned suitor.

Though the story is fairly standard, the quality of Ms. Balogh's writing sets it apart. She breathes fresh life into typical lead characters and surrounds them with an outstanding supporting cast (especially Judith's grandmother). Her setting is realistic, full of period detail without seeming like a catalogue of facts, while the plot contains some unique twists. A fast-paced, well-written enjoyable read.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2003
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This review first appeared in the May 2003 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Murder on Grammercy Park, Victoria Thompson

Victoria Thompson's third Gaslight Mystery, Murder on Grammercy Park, once again plunges the reader into life in turn-of-the-century New York City. Midwife Sarah Brandt and Police Detective Frank Malloy team up once more to solve a murder. The victim is a healer, Edmund Blackwell, whose clients number many of the city's elite. But who wanted him dead and why?

Ms. Thompson weaves a credible plot, replete with interesting characters, assorted motives and the requisite red herring. The historical background is both rich and accurate, yet never takes away from the mystery. Sarah and Malloy share the detective duties equally, combining their particular talents to piece together the puzzle of Blackwell's death. Their romance continues to blossom amid all the skullduggery.

This reviewer will admit, however, that she did strongly suspect the murderer's identity by the midpoint of the story. Overall, though, this novel is a highly entertaining and well-executed piece of historical detective fiction.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2001
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This review first appeared in the August 2001 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Catherine's Heart, Lawana Blackwell

Set in the late Victorian period (1880-1884), this novel recounts the academic and romantic adventures of Catherine Rayborn, a sheltered young woman revelling in her first taste of independence at Girton College, Cambridge.

Catherine's first year passes relatively quietly, broken only by a brief flirtation with a young man from Lincoln College. After returning from visiting her family in India, where she encounters another young man, she meets Lord Holt, a rake and sworn enemy of her cousin Sarah's husband. Soon she is deeply involved with him, despite warnings from her family and friends. Heartbreak follows and she must look within herself before moving on to find true love and academic success.

Ms. Blackwell's research blends seamless into the narrative, effectively recreating the period. I enjoyed the details of life at a women's college and the bustle of Victorian London. While her secondary characters shone, I found Catherine to be somewhat problematic. She gave her heart too easily and appeared fickle and more than a little too naive, even for a young lady of her time. The author's explanation at the end was not convincing. The leading male characters were a little more successful, especially in the area of motivation, notably Lord Holt. However, I would have liked to have seen more interaction between the hero and heroine.

While the author's writing style did not engage me, her pacing and plotting more than compensated, allowing me to finish the book in only a couple of sittings. The incorporation of the spiritual aspects seemed a little heavy-handed in spots, but as I have no other experience reading inspirational fiction, I do not know if it was excessive.

Overall a pleasant read for fans of Victoriana and light romance.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2002
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This review first appeared in the February 2002 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - Slightly Tempted, Mary Balogh

Lady Morgan Bedwyn is visiting Brussels in June 1815, just prior to Waterloo. There she is seen by Gervase Ashford, a man who hates her oldest brother, Wulf. Though revenge is his initial motive, Gervase discovers Morgan is a charming, caring woman. Friendship and romance blossom, only to be threatened by past injustices and betrayal.

Set in Belgium and England, Slightly Tempted is the fifth entry in Mary Balogh's Bedwyn series and a well-paced, exciting and heart-warming story of love and redemption. Ms. Balogh chronicles the after-effects of the great battle in all their grit, blood and horror. Morgan shines through as a worthy heroine, believable in her role of debutante turned nurse - not something easily achieved. Though we are told Gervase is a rake, I found this hard to believe as his nobility and strength shine through almost from the beginning. Their developing romance is totally believable.

The rest of the setting is equally well portrayed, from London to the countryside, while the supporting cast of the Bedwyn and Ashford clans bring added warmth to the story. Though I enjoyed Slightly Wicked 'slightly' more, I do not hesitate to recommend this book.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2004
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This review first appeared in the February 2004 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - There is a River, Charlotte Miller

There is a River brings to a close Charlotte Miller's trilogy of Southern life spanning the 20th century. This book, however, stands on its own, relating the story of Janson Sandors and his rivalry with the town's powerful bigot, Buddy Eason. A supporting cast of interesting characters adds depth as we follow Janson from the local mill, to the battlefields of Europe and later the recession-bleak 1980s.

Following a weak opening, from which I could not glean in what period the story was set, the story proved a rivetting one. The author soon made up for the lack of historical detail in the early chapters, lavishly depicting life in a small Southern town during the late 30s and early 40s. The bonds of family and friendship stood out in stark contrast to the prejudice and hatred of Buddy Eason. The harsh division between the factory workers and their employers, the Eason family, rang true.

Janson and Elise struggled to support their family, but their devotion carried them through. The agony they endured while he is at war recreates the experience of so many from that era, as did Elise's resourcefulness in coping with the loss of Janson's income. Their son Henry and granddaughter Joanna, who falls in love with Buddy's grandson, followed in the same tradition.

The story follows a leisurely pace to its satisfying conclusion, marred at times by over-written narrative and awkward prose. Had the characters not been so genuine, it might have suffered more as a result. For it was Ms. Miller's rich portrayal of Janson, Elise, Henry, Joanna and Buddy that made this book unique.

Anyone yearning for a quiet yet powerful tale of love, revenge and redemption would do well to seek this one out.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2003
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This review first appeared in the February 2003 issue of The Historical Novels Review

Book Review - The Midwife's Secret, Kate Bridges

Independent midwife Amanda Ryan arrives in Banff, Canada, determined to help the women there deliver their babies safely. She actually has two secrets, and considering the time period, 1888, it is hardly a surprise she is keeping them. Life does not get any easier when she discovers the piece of land she bought actually belongs to local mill owner Tom Murdock. It seems his partner has fleeced him and sold his land to Amanda. Together Tom and Amanda must track down the miscreant to sort things out while overcoming ghosts from their past. Along the way they fall in love.

This engaging historical romance is well-written, with an unusual and beautifully depicted setting, well-rounded characters and a heart-touching, satisfying romance. The reader readily believes that Tom and Amanda are meant for each other and will go the distance.

Those looking for a Western romance with a twist will enjoy this book.

© Teresa Basinski Eckford 2003
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This review first appeared in the November 2003 issue of The Historical Novels Review