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Rules of the Heart by Janice Hadlow

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  This historical novel, Rules of the Heart, weaves one woman’s quest for true love - based on her own letters - while bringing to light the lesser-known story of Henrietta “Harriet” Bessborough, sister of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. Set in England, the story begins in 1794 when Lady Harriet Bessborough recounts her love affair with Lord Granville, twelve years her junior. Harriet knew the rules of engagement - she had seen what happened to women who played their hand badly. She understood the steps she was supposed to take to stay within those rules, but she let her emotions lead her. She told herself she simply wanted to know Lord Granville better, to see if his character was as appealing as his looks. Her marriage had left her feeling lonely, needy and always craving affection. Once she truly came to know Lord Granville better, she saw in him an answer to her own wishes and desires – an answer that propelled her into their affair. Born into privilege, Harriet was...
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The Last of Earth by Deepa Anappara

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  In 1869 Tibet is closed to Europeans which is not an ideal situation for the expending British Empire. As a result, Britain hires native people to cross borders and spy for them. One such spy is Balram, an Indian schoolteacher who previously worked for Britain alongside his friend Gyan who is missing now. There is a rumor that he might be imprisoned within Tibet. Desperate to rescue his friend, he agrees to guide an English captain. The captain, disguised as a monk, wants to chart a river crossing Tibet. It’s not something that sits well with Balram, to be deceiving Tibetans, but life is about choices and he needs to make the one that feels right for him. Their path crosses with Katherine who was denied a fellowship in the all-male Royal Geographical Society in London, and intends to be the first European to reach Lhasa. She is a very captivating character which grabs readers’ attention. Throughout the story brief characterizations are woven which are interesting and poignant...
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Song of Ancient Lovers by Laura Restrepo

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  Song of Ancient Lovers brings the story of Bos Mutoes, who as a young boy became fascinated with Queen Sheba, and for his dissertation picks the subject of Queen Sheba. His obsession takes him from his homeland of South America to Africa where he meets Zahra Bayda, a trained midwife, who volunteers to show him around. As he persists with his research, unveiling the strength of Queen Sheba who retained her independence over King Solomon, he recognizes the same strength with women in the refugee camps. Women who undertake perilous journey with their children, risking their lives, in search of that one door that opens for them – to study, learn, work, and experience things. They’re hungry for knowledge, just like their ancestor the Queen of Sheba who crossed the deserts to test King Solomon’s wisdom. Bos Mutoes tries to unravel the women’s strength and certainty and why they feel such strong connection to their origins. It leads him to see that those dispossessed and exiled wome...
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The Girl in the Green Dress by Mariah Fredericks

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  The Girl in the Green Dress explores the true mystery set in 1920s New York, involving the unsolved murder of the gambler Joseph Elwell. Morris Markey arrives in New York to become a writer, and is searching for a story that would give him his big break. He happens to live across from Joseph Elwell and witnesses Joseph entering his building with a gorgeous woman dressed in a green dress. Shortly after, Joseph’s murder is announced by a screaming housekeeper. Morris skillfully makes his way inside Joseph’s house before anyone else to gain as much information as possible. Morris approaches the Fitzgeralds as they were the last ones to see Joseph alive, right before his murder. Zelda Fitzgerald is more than happy to join the forces with Morris as it gives her a purpose in her life which she feels is missing. This story offers scenarios and methodical search through clues. It might be an engaging read for those who like delving into scenarios and analyzing them without much action or...
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Sonora by Jenni L Walsh

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  Sonora sheds light on a fascinating true character - an American woman who was one of the first female horse divers. Sonora Webster, after seeing the High-Diving Horse Act, is mesmerized and instantly knows what she wants to do in life: be part of the history created by Dr. W. F. Carver. But it comes with sacrifices. She must leave behind home and family to be on the road, performing. At almost twenty, she begins practicing the dives intensely, both on her own and with the horse. The act gives her a thrilling sense of freedom. As someone who adores horses and craves adventure, her spirit quickly shines through her performances. As a result, she captures the attention of crowds and newspapermen alike. The dimensions of the protagonist are beautifully explored - her grueling training, the tense relationship with her trainer Al (the owner’s son), and her belief that Al dislikes her and is begrudging training her. After learning about Al’s strained relationship with his father,...
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The Last Assignment by Erika Robuck

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  The Last Assignment brings to light a trailblazing woman photojournalist known for her work as a war correspondent from WWII through the Vietnam War – Georgette Meyer Chapelle, known professionally as Dickey Chapelle. She worked for major periodicals and captured the raw, human side of war with remarkable clarity. The story begins with her failing marriage and the backstories of how she lost her previous job and struggled to return to work she loved the most. The pace quickens when she convinces her boss, Leo Cherne of Life and the IRC, to send her to Hungary to cover the 1956 uprising. In Vienna, she meets with Dr. Faust to expedite the delivering of antibiotics for refugees, even as the window for safe passage closes rapidly. Leo warns her not to cross the Hungarian border illegally - something she is notorious for doing – and reminds her to report to RIA in New York on December 10 for debriefing. As other war correspondents begin to leave, having gathered enough material...
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The Mademoiselle Alliance by Natasha Lester

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  The Mademoiselle Alliance is a fascinating account of a real-life heroine who risked everything to reclaim a free France – for her children and her country. Morocco, 1928. At eighteen, Marie-Madeleine Fourcade marries Edouard Meric, an army officer working for the French Intelligence Service. He is eight years her senior. It doesn’t take long for her to realize their energies don’t align. Her memories of growing-up in Shanghai reawaken her adventurous spirit - something her husband struggles to accept.   Her time in Morocco reveals her natural gift for assembling the pieces needed to gather intelligence. She defies her husband by taking secret camel rides to visit the tribal groups he needs to befriend, proving herself adept at winning trust and navigating unfamiliar terrain.   Paris, 1936. Now, separated from her husband and raising two children, Marie-Madeleine refuses to let conventions limit her. She becomes a journalist in Paris defying societal expectations ...
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