Best Historical Fiction

    The Moon in the Mango Tree is based on the author’s grandmother’s story. In 1919, newly wed Perkins arrive in Siam. Barbara puts her dream of singing in opera aside for her husband’s work as a missionary doctor. In Nan Valley, north of Siam, she quickly finds out that her singing is not appreciated on the mission as some see it as something inappropriate. Her journey has no clear path as she is meant to follow her husband. That is the custom during her time. She quickly recognizes monks of Buddhist temples as something spiritual and nurturing. What her husband is part of is meant to have a good purpose, but she notices that the way of the natives may not be necessarily the bad way as they’re being portrayed by missionaries. The main protagonist journey has no clear path once she decides to follow her husband and when she realizes that her singing voice in a remote place is not needed. She struggles with her faith, and finding her voice. For quite some time, she finds livin...

  This saga continues on the shores of Vinland, where Anja and Bjorn settle. Their love is disturbed by a local warrior who seeks revenge. Bjorn must find the best solution to protect the woman he loves. When Karl Karlsefni arrives on one of the Viking ships that survive the journey via Greenland, Bjorn sees an opportunity. Anja, on the other hand, sees danger. She made the escape from Greenland, and it brings the past she tried to escape so badly. The first two books involve strong female characters, first Anja’s mother, then Anja. Book 3 is told through the eyes of a man who loves Anja, and is her protector. This love story is about two people who care deeply about each other and will do anything to protect each other in surroundings that are tough to endure. Their story is set against the historical background of two tribes, the Norse and the Beothuk, with their interaction, mistreatment and survival in a harsh climate. This gripping adventure has a fast pace. The lyrical prose ...