Blog Archives
On the Wings of the Red-Tailed Hawk
Gail Combs Oglesby’s On the Wings of the Red-Tailed Hawk is a historical fiction novel that delves into the journey of Sarah Bailey and her husband, Jonathan, as they embark on a life-changing voyage to the New World. Filled with aspirations, their journey takes an unforeseen and hazardous turn. The narrative dramatically shifts when Jonathan’s demise is caused by a severe winter illness, leaving Sarah widowed and in charge of her brother-in-law.
In this trying period, Sarah stands out as a formidable and resilient character. Oglesby’s narrative highlights the strength and perseverance of women during this era, underscoring their significant, yet often overlooked, contributions to history. The author adeptly intertwines historical themes within the story, offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary women who faced extraordinary challenges. The book is marked by its compelling blend of engaging storytelling and meticulous historical detail. Oglesby’s vivid and descriptive writing style immerses readers in the struggles and triumphs of colonial life, fostering an emotional connection with characters, particularly the tenacious Sarah Bailey. The author excels in depicting Sarah’s emotional depth and steadfast determination, showcasing her evolution from an optimistic newcomer to a courageous survivor. The novel’s pacing is dynamic, and its swift plot developments add to the vibrancy of a richly woven narrative full of historical insight. It concludes with a poignant and hopeful note that resonates deeply with its audience, leaving a lasting impression.
On the Wings of the Red-Tailed Hawk is an enriching read for those interested in historical narratives, especially those that highlight women’s experiences. It offers a detailed and empathetic portrayal of immigrant life and the struggles faced by women in the past. The novel’s vivid storytelling, memorable characters, and insightful exploration of colonial history come together to create a touching and compelling journey, exemplified by Sarah’s poignant and resilient story.
Pages: 361 | ASIN : B0C79JX7FY
Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip
Gail Ward Olmsted’s historical fiction, Katherine’s Remarkable Road Trip, takes readers on a captivating journey through early 20th-century America. Inspired by the life of Katherine Prescott Wormeley, a historical figure of English origin, the novel ingeniously blends fact and fiction.
Set against the backdrop of Katherine’s bold relocation to New Hampshire, the narrative unfolds through a series of encounters during her road trip. These interactions not only paint a vivid portrait of Katherine’s professional and romantic life but also immerse the reader in the era’s societal norms. Olmsted’s skillful storytelling shines as she brings to life the pioneering spirit of her protagonist. Despite her sister’s reservations, Katherine undertakes her journey alone, a daring move for a woman of her time. The novel excels in its detailed depiction of the period, offering a lens into the societal expectations and conventions of early 20th-century America. The story remains grounded in reality, focusing more on the character’s personal evolution than on dramatic events. This choice mirrors the real-life inspiration behind Katherine, emphasizing her journey and her role as an inspirational, independent figure.
Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip is a captivating read that is infused with the essence of biographical historical fiction. It offers a deep and nuanced exploration of the life and times of a truly remarkable woman and is sure to resonate deeply with readers who appreciate such stories. The book is filled with compelling moments that will keep you engaged from start to finish and is a testament to the power of human resilience and the human spirit.
Pages: 237 | ASIN : B0CV2VD98H
JFK FYI
JFK FYI, by Gary B. Haley, offers a meticulously researched exploration into one of America’s most enduring mysteries: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Haley delves deep into the intricate details of this historic event, examining a variety of suspects and their potential motives, supported by a wealth of evidence.
This book stands out for its commitment to uncovering lesser-known aspects of the assassination. Haley’s approach includes sifting through early evidence, witness accounts, and documents, adding a fresh dimension to the well-trodden narrative of this pivotal moment in history.
While firmly rooted in historical analysis, JFK FYI transcends the typical boundaries of the genre. Haley skillfully weaves a narrative that is both informative and engaging, appealing to readers beyond just history enthusiasts. His ability to inject a sense of adventure into the recounting of these events speaks to his notable storytelling prowess. One of the book’s strengths lies in Haley’s extensive research, which is evident in the depth and detail of the information presented. He doesn’t just rely on well-known facts and evidence; instead, he delves into the pre-assassination events, uncovering new suspects and angles that have previously been overlooked. This thorough approach offers readers a comprehensive view of the assassination, encompassing both well-known and obscure details.
In JFK FYI, Haley not only shines a new light on a significant historical event but also engages readers with his compelling narrative style. The book stands as a testament to Haley’s dedication and expertise, making it a valuable contribution to the field of historical literature.
Pages: 203 | ASIN : B0CJ6HJ54H
Bridge Between the Founders and Lincoln
The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine acquaints readers with the life and lesser-known accomplishments of John Quincy Adams. Why was his story an important one to tell?
I started paying attention to Adams when I read that he was the bridge between the Founders and Lincoln. He also correctly prophesied how the Emancipation Proclamation would end slavery in America: that the election of an anti-slavery President would cause the South the secede and that President would abolish slavery with an executive order (this is discussed in the novel in a section titled “The Prophet”).
Additionally, Adams is ranked by historians as America’s best Secretary of State. Foreign policy and national security have been a large interest of mine since I was 15 (I earned a concentration in national security law). I suspected this part of his life would be featured prominently in my novel about him, and when I discovered that the Monroe Doctrine was the winning chess move in a showdown between Adams and Metternich, Europe’s greatest diplomat, I knew I had my tale. I threw out my outline for a ten episode arc that covered his entire life and got to work on what became The Middle Generation.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how long did it take to assemble it?
I accumulated over 400 pages of research notes that I referred to when writing every paragraph. I started by reading two biographies of Adams, a book about the 1815-1848 era, biographies of important side characters, and other books and articles. The most important source was Adams’ 51-volume diary, which the Massachusetts Historical Society digitized. The diary influenced every scene of the book.
I started researching in March 2022, and the book was released in November 2023 (the Doctrine’s 200th anniversary), so the whole experience lasted 20 months.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
What surprised me the most was that Adams was allied with Calhoun and Jackson and opposed to Clay in this period. Calhoun was his generation’s leading advocate for slavery, and he set the ideological foundation for the Confederacy; Jackson ethnically cleansed Native Americans in what’s called the Trail of Tears; and Clay was a centrist who supported slavery’s gradual abolition and who shared Adams’ belief in infrastructure. This makes Adams’ partnerships with Calhoun and Jackson a weird alliance of opposites. The realignment of Adams and Clay joining together against Calhoun and Jackson is one of the major plotlines in the novel.
Will this novel be the start of a series about famous people in history, or are you working on a different story?
The Middle Generation started out as a sister novel to The Eisenhower Chronicles, my novel about Eisenhower that highlighted his role in defending the world from fascism, communism, and nuclear weapons. I view The Middle Generation as a culmination of my first four novels, all of which dealt with American foreign policy and presidential history to varying degrees. I’m not sure there’s much more room for me to grow as a writer on these topics, so I’m going to deploy my JD and start writing about historic legal cases that involve civil rights issues. I’m starting with the trial of an enslaved man during the American Revolution.
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Between these bookends lies the absorbing yet overshadowed epic of a new nation spearheading liberty’s cause in a world skeptical of freedom arriving at all, much less in slaver’s garb. M. B. Zucker takes readers back to that adolescent country in the care of an enigmatic guide, John Quincy Adams, heir to one president by blood and another, Washington, by ideology. Adams is the missing link between the founders and Abraham Lincoln, and is nigh unanimously regarded as America’s foremost Secretary of State. Through Adams’ eyes, readers will experience one of history’s greatest and most forgotten crises: his showdown with Europe over South American independence, the conflict which prefigured the Monroe Doctrine.
With his signature dialogue and his close study of Adams’ 51-volume diary, M. B. Zucker’s The Middle Generation is a political thriller and character piece that surpasses his achievement in The Eisenhower Chronicles and ascends to the cinematic heights of the historical epics of David Lean and Steven Spielberg. It is an unforgettable portrait and a leap forward for one of our rising historical fiction novelists.
The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine
In The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine, M. B. Zucker elegantly crafts a historical fiction narrative spotlighting the life and times of John Quincy Adams, one of the notable Presidents of the United States. Set against the backdrop of 1817, the tale plunges us into the heart of the White House, where Adams, serving as Secretary of State, aids President James Monroe in navigating the pressing diplomatic challenges of their era. Readers are introduced to eminent figures like Andrew Jackson, John Calhoun, and Henry Clay. Zucker also paints a compelling depiction of Adams’ wife, Louisa, highlighting the intricacies of balancing domestic responsibilities with public duty.
This meticulously researched novel not only provides a deep dive into history but also offers an engrossing portrayal of dialogues and deliberations involving European dignitaries like Lord Castlereagh, George Canning of Britain, and Metternich, the Austrian Foreign Minister. Taking information from Adams’ personal diaries, Zucker is able to immerse readers into the past and experience the conversations with these famous people from history. Themes such as the contentious issue of slavery are tackled with nuance, illuminating the diverse perspectives of that period.
While the novel is dialogue-rich and action-light, it offers a reflective experience that may resonate more with readers who appreciate a deep exploration of characters and their conversations. I yearned for a deeper insight into John Quincy Adams by the story’s conclusion.
The Middle Generation will undoubtedly resonate with enthusiasts of American political history, offering a fresh perspective on a crucial chapter of the nation’s past. This engaging work of biographical fiction provides readers a look at the life of this often-overlooked political figure.
Pages: 507 | ASIN : B0CKY9DKW3
Eyes of the Beholder: Book 1 of the Dark Photography Folio
Eyes of the Beholder by Swinn Daniels marks the captivating start of the Dark Photography Folio series. Juliette Burns secures an exceptional opportunity as the first assistant to the renowned Saxon Payne, a true master in photography. As their professional relationship blossoms, so does their romantic involvement.
Juliette’s childhood memories are shrouded in mystery before age eight until hypnotic recollections unveil her mother’s association with the Enlightened Path, a cult. Her belief in her mother’s demise shatters when an unexpected encounter brings her face to face with her.
Swinn Daniels exhibits a writing style that effortlessly draws readers in. He skillfully immerses us in the world of photography without inundating us with technical jargon. While photography serves as a backdrop, the narrative encompasses a broader scope. The characters are well-defined, making it easy to distinguish between them as the story progresses. Amidst the dialogues, there are moments of valuable information exchange that prove beneficial to both the characters and the readers.
I would have liked these instances to have been integrated in smaller increments or seamlessly woven into the narrative fabric to be even more effective. Although the story provides a delightful slice of life, a stronger element of tension to invest in the characters’ journeys would have elevated the engagement. The story concludes with a gripping cliffhanger, which is a treat for readers who relish the anticipation of forthcoming series developments.
Swinn Daniels adeptly upholds a consistently engaging narrative pace. While there is the limited presence of significant conflict, paired with the characters’ relatively unhindered progression, this aspect only slightly inhibits complete immersion. The writing flows effortlessly in The Eyes of the Beholder and welcomes readers, holding promise for substantial growth and evolution in the upcoming installments.
Pages: 181 | ASIN : B08L441ZYQ
Wash Ashore: A Tale of Cape Cod
Olive remembered, fondly, childhood summers spent on Cape Cod with her aunt. The sense of community, the palpable history, and the slower way of life seemed like another world from what she was used to in Boston. With her aunt’s passing, Olive now found herself in possession of that same house she used to visit, and quickly realized a permanent life there was more than possible- it seemed almost inevitable. In the midst of making new friends, introducing old friends to the Cape, and delving into a centuries old family mystery, Olive realizes that there are many pieces that connect to make a place feel like home.
Wash Ashore: A Tale of Cape Cod is a novel by Mary Petiet that follows Olive as she inherits her aunt’s family home and becomes immersed in all the history and traditions of the sleepy little village. Bringing along a couple of friends from Boston, Johnny, and Ann, the three of them quickly find the charm of Cape Cod irresistible.
Petiet has created an excellent blend of characters and immerses them with a vibrancy that creates a sense of realism regarding their tight-knit group. Never once does it seem odd that a magazine director, a hot shot designer, and a chef would be spending their days with an octogenarian gardener, a land preservationist, and various other people who had always lived right there and never do any of their roles feel forced or unnecessary.
Wash Ashore has a lot going on within its pages and truly offers a little bit of everything- history, mystery, romance, a suitably sleazy villain, ghosts (yes, really!), and even a somewhat strange secondary storyline about trying to create the most perfect clam chowder recipe. All of it combines to make a wonderfully entertaining and charming story that sees all of its parts well balanced. (Much like the decided-upon chowder recipe, which is included at the end!)
The premise of this book is fairly straightforward, and I half expected a very dry narrative that droned on with history and preservation laws, but I was so pleasantly surprised to find so much more! Each new angle that was introduced was better than the last, and while the ending was no shock by any means, it was nonetheless satisfying when you arrived.
Pages: 186 | ASIN : B0B11R14H5
Pythia in the Basement
Maybe you’ve thought that existence is a weird thing. The fact that you’re born, you grow, and you observe until one day, time runs out – and if you enjoy contemplating the meaning of life but want to bypass the delicateness of offending the layman, then this thought-provoking book is for you.
One of the chapters in this book summarizes Marron’s work perfectly: peculiar. A refreshing piece that will smack you in the face and make you laugh, Marron has embodied the absurdist fiction genre perfectly as we follow the experiences of character leads, Colin and Roger.
The author has created authentic characters that were enjoyable to follow while avoiding the sugar-coated hero cliche. Colin is abrasive. His flaws were openly stated and visually displayed throughout the book; through workplace affairs or openly stating that he possesses hedonistic tendencies, yet his character supports BLM and hates being late. The confluence of these ideas made his character very intriguing. I really enjoyed how this character comes together. Roger on the other hand is a polymath dubbed both a bullshit artist and poet. I loved the passion embedded into him and felt he was the perfect storm of knowledge, chaos and questioning the system. Together the two juxtaposed conspiracy theories of all sorts.
A special commendation must be made to the short chapters, its hook was executed brilliantly. The writing style was punchy, shocking and prevented the reader from being able to form an opinion about the characters too quickly. It enhanced the matter-of-fact tone that intelligently explores philosophical themes in a no-nonsense fashion, all whilst set in a world with little care about the purpose of existence. Each chapter was loaded with dialogue and insights into topics like Sharia law, drugs and human sacrifice. While providing plenty of entertaining and food for thought the story ends just as quickly as it takes off.
Pythia in the Basement is a fascinating story with compelling characters and sharp satire that explores some provocative and intriguing ideas.
Pages: 237 | ASIN : B0BKDF7B4S
LITERARY TITAN 