Best Historical Fiction

  The Sea Child is inspired by the Cornish folklore of the Sea Bucca, child of a creature – inspiring a female character surrounded by mystical connection. The romantic landscape of the Cornish coast inspired a male character of a captain. England, early 1800. Isabel, a young widow, is forced to leave her home in London due to her late husband’s debts and return to the Cornish coast where she was found as a small child. A child who was referred to as the Sea Bucca’s child. Upon her arrival in the village a wounded captain is brought to her cottage in secret and as it turns out even he recognizes the Sea Bucca’s child. Captain Jack calls himself a free trader. She calls him a smuggler. Despite this, she chooses to care for the captain since she can’t forget her late husband’s injury. When he leaves, she is left with a longing feeling for him. Her enigmatic origins inspire her to search for the answers. This also gives her a reason to find a bridge to the captivating captain. ...

  This historical novel explores the character of Frida Kahlo and her fascination with Tehuanas – indigenous women from Oaxaca, renowned for their strong matriarchal society and vibrant traditional attire – famously adapted by Frida. Nayeli Cruz is a fictional character who represents Tehuanas. In 1939, young Nayeli Cruz arrives in Mexico City, after fleeing from her Oaxaca home per her older sister’s insistence, who took on the burden of getting married, but wanted a different life for her younger sister. Nayeli’s fate leads her to La Caza Azul, the home of Frida Kahlo. Frida finds a constant connection with the lost girl standing in her garden and takes her under her patronage. Nayeli becomes Frida’s cook, through Nayeli’s cooking and Frida’s artistry; both women form a deep bond. In present time, Buenos Aires, Paloma - Nayeli’s granddaughter – explores a mystery. After the death of her grandmother, Paloma is given a key which leads her to a painting depicting her grandmoth...