Happy Book Birthday to BRAZEN by Katherine Longshore!

Katherine writes British historical fiction like nobody's business. I adored GILT and TARNISH and can't wait to read this third Tudor-era novel. In fact, I've already ordered from IndieBound and YOU CAN TOO! If you want to learn more about Katy and her amazing books, pop on over and say hello at www.katherinelongshore.com!

Waiting on Wednesday: TARNISH by Katherine Longshore

Still having fun with BREAKING THE SPINE’s fabulous midweek meme.Here’s this week’s pick…

The gilded cover is SO pretty--sorry this pick doesn't do it justice.

Why?... Katherine has this amazing talent for making teens in historical settings feel achingly real and relatable. FYI, you don't need to read her debut novel, GILT, to enjoy TARNISH. They are both fantastic as standalones. But, if you're an anglophile like me (drat you Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, W. Somerset Maugham, Noel Streatfield), you'l want to read them both. Then you'll want to go to England and visit some castles. In honesty, I'm not waiting for this book because I've already read the arc (read my review HERE) but I am excited that others will be able to read it soon!

 

Preorder at AMAZON.

What are you waiting on this week?

 

Bookanistas: IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS by Cat Winters

I am buried under revisions right now so I'm going to do something I swore I'd never do...use a plot summary from Goodreads. I LOVE writing plot summaries because it helps me clarify my thoughts about other aspects of a novel--themes, imagery, structure. But I'm tight on time and wanted to sign a little Bookanista light on this terrific book and SOON because it pubs next month. So, with apologies...

Plot (from Goodreads--ack!)...In 1918, the world seems on the verge of apocalypse. Americans roam the streets in gauze masks to ward off the deadly Spanish influenza, and the government ships young men to the front lines of a brutal war, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort, but she herself has never believed in ghosts. During her bleakest moment, however, she’s forced to rethink her entire way of looking at life and death, for her first love—a boy who died in battle—returns in spirit form. But what does he want from her?

Featuring haunting archival early-twentieth-century photographs, this is a tense, romantic story set in a past that is eerily like our own time.

Of literary interest...This beautifully designed book (cover, page numbers, chapter headings, font choices) incorporates vintage photographs and other historical images. The story is also peppered with letters Mary Shelley exchanges with her soldier-love, Stephen, and her imprison father. These elements create a richly textured novel that explores on many levels the way we see, what we believe, and how this relates to the way we understand our hearts, ourselves.

Finally, just gotta say...This is one of those reads to get lost in.  With a hint of magic, a mystery, and a unique love story play out in a fascinating historical setting. Rich, romantic and impeccably researched, this is a must for your spring TBR list!

WANT MORE BOOKANISTA MAGIC? Click away...

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Tracy Banghart counts on THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
Shelli Johannes-Wells  is wild for POISON
Katy Upperman  shares her passion for ELEANOR AND PARK