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The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson

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  Set in 18 th -century London, Hannah Cole, after the murder of her husband, faces struggle of keeping her confectionary shop open with bare profits and men conspiring against her. As Chief Magistrate, Henry Fielding, investigates the case of her husband’s murder and holds her savings, she tries to hold her own. When William Devereux presents at her shop and claims to be her late husband’s friend, putting claim to some investments, it gives her hope. To present himself even more believable, he gives her recipe of an Italian delicacy called iced cream. Their new friendship draws some attention to speculation and gossip. The story begins with Hannah’s narrative, and then alternates with William’s narrative, making the story very absorbing as they reveal nuances of their stories. Both backstories are fascinating, with Hannah’s passion for new creations in the world of confectionary. And William’s sad story of his mother who made iced cream for him and was badly mistreated by his ...
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Florenzer by Phil Melanson

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  Set in Renaissance Florence, Florenzer explores the lives of three men who made a mark on Florence’s history: an artist, a priest, and a banker. Leonardo da Vinci, a child of twelve who dreams of becoming an artist while his father wants him to become notary like him. Francesco Salviati, also a bastard as Leonardo, dedicates himself to the Catholic Church. And Lorenzo de’ Medici, a young son of one of the most influential families of its time, soon to be ruling over Florence. This richly depicted historical drama explores the pursuits of three men who become distinguished in their endeavors. Also, bringing to surface the time when gay men such as Leonardo were often persecuted. This character-driven story takes time in vivid depiction, giving the reader the front seat to the events. The characters are complex and fascinating revealing their vulnerable side. Thus, as result, touching upon human emotions. This novel is a feast for those who enjoy the eloquent prose taking t...
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Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner

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 S et in the 1865 Boston and Hampshire, Henrietta and Charlotte Stevenson, daughters of Massachusetts supreme court judge, are all avid readers of Jane Austen. The daughters, who crave freedom, begin a correspondence with the last surviving sibling of Jane Austen, Francis, and persist with meeting him. At the same time, brothers Nicholas and Haslett Nelson, who are Philadelphia rare book dealers, write to Francis as well. This whole situation gives Francis an idea for matchmaking. However, a lot happens on the S.S. China which takes all characters across the ocean. What happens on the ship creates some dilemma and some legal complications. The premise of the story is interesting as it recreates stories of Jane Austen with dilemmas, matchmaking, and happy marriages. The story takes time to reveal events. Released in May 2025 Source: St. Martin's Press Synopsis: Two pairs of siblings, devotees of Jane Austen, find their lives transformed by a visit to England and Sir Francis Aus...
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Mob Queen by Erin Bledsoe

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  Who was Virginia Hill? What made her become part of Chicago Mob? This story explores briefly Virginia’s childhood and her abusive marriage at very young age, giving an understanding what might have led her to become one of the mobsters. Set in 1930s Chicago, Virginia’s path to the Mob starts with her search for her missing friend who disappeared in New York. But when you deal with a mafia, once you’re in, there is no way out. In order to be sent to New York, Virginia has to prove that she can be trusted. She is put at racetracks and told on which horse to bet money. At the racetrack, she meets charismatic Ben (Bugsy Siegel), and that’s when things take a turn, and she feels her trust is being tested. Her path also crosses with Velma Capone who taches Virginia how to rise in popularity and reputation as Virginia is told to create a new persona. Virginia goes from racetracks to money laundering and along the way discovering mafia’s involvement in things she didn’t expect....
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Not They Who Soar by Amanda Flower

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  Not They Who Soar is book 2 of historical mystery series that gives center stage to Katharine Wright, the sister of the legendary Wright Brothers. Set in the early 20 th century, at a time when Wilbur and Orville Wright already had their first flight and were working on improvements. Thus, were not ready to attend the St. Louis Exposition in Missouri. Instead, Katharine attends it where she reunites with her best friend from Oberlin College. As Katharine arrives in St. Louis, right at the train station, she encounters a mystery woman who has been attacked. Katharine is unable to help the woman, but as she encounters her the second time, her last words are - aeronautics competition. Unable, to forget the mystery woman, Katharine convinces her best friend to join her investigation. Katharine is a curious, tenacious and likeable character. The premise is fascinating, giving Katharine space to shine as she lived in the shadow of her brothers. She was an educated woman, forwa...
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The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris

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  The Girls of Good Fortune explores the complexity of family and identity set in the era troubled with anti-Chinese sentiment. Portland, end of 19th century. Celia’s family escaped China for America, a place advertised as the Golden Mountain, only to face a new set of hardship. As Celia’s father works at a coal mine, she works as a maid for mayor’s family, where she falls in love with the mayor’s son. It’s a challenging situation for both of them, and they’d have to move to Washington Territory for their marriage to be legal. The story begins with a romance which has dire consequences for Celia. It is further intertwined with her abduction and stark reality for Chinese immigrants, and scary underground world of the Portland’s Shanghai Tunnels. The story tangles between two timelines. It takes time to make sense and get connected with the present timeline, which is abduction. Once, present timeline makes more sense, then the story becomes more engrossing in its entirety. Celia, hal...
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The Blackbirds of St. Giles by Lila Cain

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  The Blackbirds of St Giles brings a perilous journey of two siblings, Daniel and Pearl, who escape a slave rebellion in Jamaica in 1768. Their journey takes them to New York where in 1776, Daniel answers king’s call to join His Majesty’s Troops during the struggles to retain America in exchange for freedom. While picking up the arms, Daniel saves a Major’s life in a battle. He is rewarded with the man’s inheritance. Thus, the journey takes him and his sister to London. But promises are not always kept. What was supposed to be a rewarding life turns into a misery and another fight for survival. The siblings are thrown into the streets of dark parts of London brimming with poverty and cruelty. This poignant story vividly paints the terrifying streets of 18 th century London, the treacherous realities and persistence of two siblings exposing their hopes and despairs. It’s charged emotionally, and the bond between two siblings is deep and at times overprotective. It’s the stor...
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