Dear reader,
With so many books now on the market, many new authors get overlooked. I’ve compiled a short list of books/authors that are worth taking a look at—from non-fiction history to YA historical fiction. Of course, since I have an interest in the Civil War, many of these books are geared toward that, but I’ve also included some mystery and suspense novels, as well as two old classics that I highly recommend.
Here they are in no particular order:
Genre: Nonfiction/History
Confederate brigadier general J.E.B. Stuart entrusted a secret album to Laura Ratcliffe, a young girl in Fairfax County who provided a safe haven for Rebel forces. Mauro uncovers the mystery behind this album, identifying who the 26 soldiers and 14 loyal Confederate civilians who signed it were.
Genre: Historical Fiction
When Stonewall Jackson was killed by friendly fire at the height of his great victory in 1863, the course of the Civil War and American history was changed. This novel paints a passionate and realistic portrait of the Civil War’s most enigmatic and daring general.
Genre: Historical/Adventure
In 1836, when she was nine years old, Cynthia Ann Parker was kidnapped by Comanche Indians. This is the story of how she grew up with them, mastered their ways, married one of their leaders, and became, in every way, a Comanche woman.
Genre: Mystery
After Marcella Hollister’s quarrelsome mother, Thelma, is kidnapped, Marcella must find her—somewhere in the tall pines of the six-million-acre Adirondack Park. Bizarre “tips” from the parakeet Ruby help Marcella, much to the chagrin of the FBI, who wants her to stay out of the investigation.
Finalist in 2011 ForeWord Book of the Year Award in the Mystery category
MAGNOLIA BLOSSOMS by Leanna Sain
Genre: Christian-themed Suspense/Time Travel
Maggie Poinsett has the opportunity to change history. When she steps through the rusty gate, she’s thrust into the middle of the Civil War. Disguising herself as a boy, she joins forces with photographer, Thomas MacKinlay, the man she traveled through time to save. Falling in love with him certainly complicates things.
Nominated for Global Ebooks Award
DEATH ON DELIVERY by Anne K. Edwards
Genre: Mystery
Jania Yewbanks never should have opened a package meant for her husband and decided to keep the contents for herself. She paid the ultimate price. It is her obit in a local paper that sets Hannah Clare on the trail of a murder for hire ring.
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Caves, Cannons, and Crinolines is the story of Elizabeth (Lizzie) Stamford and her family’s daily struggle to survive a changing way of life during the American Civil War. This is a story of fear, courage, and understanding that people, no matter where they live, have the same needs: love, peace and security.
Finalist in the 2011 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Novella Category
Honor Winner in the 2012 Eric Hoffer Awards, YA Category
Finalist in the Global eBook Award, YA
Classics you may wish to try.
Genre: Historical Fiction
This is the story of Major Robert Rogers and the early Rangers of the French and Indian War. Even if you’re not interested in the time period, the writing is so good, you’ll love the journey!
SHANNA by Kathleen Woodiwiss
Genre: Historical Romance
Woodiwiss is the “founding mother of the historical romance” genre and I can recommend anything she wrote. The Flame and the Flower and Ashes in the Wind are two other favorites.