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The Treachery of Sisters
The Treachery of Sisters transports readers to the ancient sands of Egypt, weaving a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and survival. This historical fiction novel by Gail Combs Oglesby reimagines the lives of Arsinoe IV and Cleopatra, daughters of Ptolemy XIII and princesses of Egypt, during a period of monumental upheaval. When Rome invades, Julius Caesar captures the royal family, elevating Cleopatra as a puppet ruler. Meanwhile, Arsinoe, her younger half-sister, escapes with the aid of her mentor, the eunuch Ganymedes. Declaring herself Pharaoh and Queen of Egypt, Arsinoe leads a courageous resistance during the Alexandrian War. At its core, this is a story of family bonds turned treacherous, power struggles, and unyielding destiny.
Oglesby recounts the rise and fall of the Ptolemaic dynasty through Arsinoe’s eyes, providing a fresh perspective on an infamous chapter in Egyptian history. Estranged from her chaotic family as a child, Arsinoe’s journey becomes one of reclaiming her birthright and defying her sister’s betrayal. Cleopatra’s alliance with Caesar, which sacrifices Egypt’s sovereignty, contrasts sharply with Arsinoe’s fierce determination to fight for her people. Central to the narrative is Arsinoe’s unshakable loyalty to Egypt’s royal traditions. Even after Caesar spares her life and exiles her to a temple, she refuses to yield. Speaking out against Cleopatra’s treachery, she risks everything to rally those who share her vision of an uncorrupted Egypt.
One of the book’s most striking elements is the immense burden of leadership Arsinoe bears. It’s astonishing to realize that this young heroine, barely in her mid-teens, orchestrates such a formidable resistance against the Romans. Her obsession with preserving the purity of her family’s bloodline fuels her defiance and sheds light on the Ptolemies’ notorious practice of incestuous marriage, an unsettling yet historically accurate detail that underscores the dynasty’s unique complexities.
What makes The Treachery of Sisters particularly compelling is Oglesby’s straightforward and accessible prose. Despite the weighty themes of war and betrayal, the writing remains clear and engaging, making the story both informative and entertaining. The balance between historical detail and narrative momentum ensures that even readers unfamiliar with the era can immerse themselves in the drama without feeling overwhelmed.
For anyone captivated by historical fiction or the enigmatic world of ancient Egypt, The Treachery of Sisters is a must-read. Oglesby’s vivid portrayal of the Ptolemaic dynasty and its tumultuous reign offers both enlightenment and entertainment. Through Arsinoe’s eyes, we witness not just a struggle for power, but an enduring fight for identity and justice in the shadow of betrayal.
Pages: 301 | ASIN: B0DKFX2DZ7
Her Last Full Measure
Gail Combs Oglesby’s Her Last Full Measure, part of The Centenary Chronicles – Tales of American Women series, offers a poignant glimpse into the Civil War era. Drawing inspiration from the sacrifices made by her own ancestors, Oglesby crafts a narrative rich in emotion, centering on themes of love, strength, and resilience.
Set in 1860s Michigan, the story introduces us to Millicent and her family, who enjoy a peaceful existence on their farm until the war disrupts their tranquility. As her husband Matthew enlists to fight for the abolition of slavery, Millicent is left to navigate the hardships of life on the home front. The novel movingly portrays her struggles, emphasizing the often-overlooked challenges faced by women during this tumultuous period. Oglesby’s narrative straddles the line between historical accuracy and fictional dramatization to shed light on the experiences of women who endured the era’s trials largely unrecognized. Particularly compelling is Millicent’s journey to the White House, advocating for the humane treatment of prisoners—a testament to her unyielding spirit and determination.
Her Last Full Measure is more than just a tale of survival; it’s a tribute to the resilience and fortitude of those who lived through one of America’s most challenging times. This novel not only honors the memory of the women and children of the Civil War but also connects readers to the human aspects of perseverance and hope amidst adversity. It is a thought-provoking read that resonates with the emotional and historical complexities of its time.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0CT6SS1G7
Remarkable and Inspiring
On the Wings of the Red-Tailed Hawk follows a woman on a journey to the New World in 1620 who encounters challenges that she could not have foreseen and must fight for her own survival. What inspired the setup of your story?
For over forty years, I have done genealogy as a hobby to learn more about my family, where we came from, and what we went through. As a part of that process, I realized how seldom women were at the forefront of histories stories even though they were often the ones holding the whole thing together. I felt like I needed to give these women, my ancestors, and yours, a voice.
Sarah is portrayed as an ordinary woman who has to rise above the standard stereotype to survive the harsh conditions she finds herself in. What do you find interesting about the human condition that you think makes for great fiction?
I think we often forget that it is the ordinary person among us who often does extraordinary things. Sarah doesn’t see herself as a victim of the many challenges she faces, instead, she seizes each of those challenges to grow and learn and in the process, she discovers who she really is, and what she is really capable of. That is inspiring to me and I hope to others who read my books.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
I did not. This was my first novel, and while I knew the story would start on the Mayflower, I knew little else. I didn’t even know how the story would end until it did! As I “became” Sarah and began to weave into her story things that had happened to my ancestors, and to those of her time, the story just grew organically. Sarah is an amalgamation of what so many women of that time endured, the pain, the struggles, the joy, and the hope for the future.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
On the Wings is the first of the trilogy The Centenary Chronicles-Tales of American Women. The second book which follows Sarah’s great-great-granddaughter Eliza during the American Revolution was published in November of 2023. Till I Come Home is another story of an ordinary woman faced with circumstances most of us could not even imagine and how she manages to face those challenges while finding a way to hold her marriage and her family together.
The last book in the Chronicles is out next week, Her Last Full Measure is a very personal book for me, heavily based on my own family’s experience during the Civil War and follows Eliza’s great-granddaughter Millicent and her family. Men get and deserve great accolades for the sacrifices they make in war and that theme runs through all the books. But, it’s the women, what they must do to survive while the men are gone that is truly remarkable and inspiring. It doesn’t always have a happy ending, it isn’t always easy, and sometimes it is raw and painful. But each of these books takes the reader into the heart of a woman they can admire, empathize with, and be inspired by, leaving the reader feeling hopeful with a newfound appreciation for what their ancestors did so they could be here today.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Winner of the highly coveted 5-star Highly Recommended award from The Historical Fiction Company.
Nominated for the Eric Hoffer Award for Excellence.
Plymouth 1620-Sarah has left the security of all she knows to travel with her husband to the New World, but things don’t go as planned. The Mayflower is lost unable to find the colony already there they must manage on their own. Not enough food, no shelter, then people start dying. Can Sarah find her inner strength and prevail or is she destined to join the others, another grave on Coles Hill.
On the Wings of the Red-Tailed Hawk is deeply satisfying. Whether it veers towards happiness or sadness, it stays true to the story’s spirit and provides a fitting conclusion to Sarah’s journey.
This book stands out for its focus on ordinary women of the past, whose accomplishments were anything but ordinary. This perspective is refreshing and adds a unique dimension to the genre of historical fiction. The authors skill at incorporating historical elements into an engrossing story without becoming boring is impressive. Because of the evocative and detailed writing, Sarah’s experiences come to life on the page. A cleverly written plot arc with a distinct beginning, middle, and end. Every stage of Sarah’s trip receives sufficient attention, guaranteeing a smooth and seamless progression of the story. A must read for everyone who loves strong woman characters who overcome the odds.
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
LITERARY TITAN 