This summer has brought a LOT of rain for most of the U.S. Hopefully, where you are it is still sunshiny summer. Of course, August is now Back to School month, too. I’m old enough to remember when Back to School meant after Labor Day. It still jars me when I see school stuff in the stores in July! Whatever August brings to you, I hope you can enjoy it with some new historical novels.
BEST COVER
The Eagle and the Wolf by Gordon Doherty (5th century, central Europe, August 13)
“Doherty combines real history with vivid imagination in a way few can rival. This story of the legendary Atilla challenges us all to reconsider what we thought we knew about one of history’s misrepresented heroic leaders“ – Anthony Riches
This month the covers have lovely soft multitude of colors. I love a good sunset, too. Of all these covers, however, the one that grips me every time I look is The Eagle and the Wolf. The silhouette of the running horse against that glorious orange background is compelling. The row of people in the orange, and the rider’s ready bow, foretell the urgency of this story.
The Castle in the Glen by Rhys Bowen (Scotland, 1965, August 4)
Meet me in the Garden by Nina LaCour (New Orleans, 1944, August 4)
The Heiress and the Woodsman by Christine Hill Suntz (Canada, 1837, August 4)
Under the Ghost Moon by Lyn Liao Butler (Taiwan, 1949/Kauai, present, August 4)
Murder at Rosecliff by Alyssa Maxwell (Newport, 1903, August 25)
BEST TITLE
The Reluctant Healer of Halifax by Terrie Todd (Halifax, 1917, August 1)
“Todd vividly depicts the devastation of the Halifax explosion, while the hunt for Pearline’s brother lends the narrative enough emotional immediacy to keep readers hooked all the way through. The result is an engrossing story of summoning courage and trusting God in the face of adversity.” —Publishers Weekly
Three of these follow the pattern of “something at the/of something” which I apparently like. I love the notion of secrets and dressmakers, too. My favorite, though, is The Reluctant Healer of Halifax because it makes me want to know what happened in Halifax and why she was reluctant to heal. Any title that brings up questions will make me pick up a book.
The Postmistress of Puddlington by Laura Jensen Walker (Dorset, 1934, August 4)
The Secret Dressmaker by Jenny O’Brien (Northern Ireland, 1952, August 4)
The Song of the Lotus Flower by Lelita Baldock (Vietnam, 1968, August 3)
Radiant as the Stars by Elaine Elinson (Ukraine, 1911, August 28)
The French Resistance Hotel by Ava Miller (France, 1940, August 13)
MOST INTRIGUING
The Train to Santa Fe by Ginger Pinholster (Santa Fe, 1880, August 25)
“A tale rooted in the past, but reaching up like a sturdy sunflower to the light of a hopeful future, The Train to Santa Fe speaks to the healing power of a generous, forgiving heart—a transformative force even when it is not fully understood. A deeply satisfying read.” —Jeffrey Dale Lofton, Georgia Book of the Year Award winner, author of Red Clay Suzie
It’s interesting that all of these that I find so interesting have covers that don’t really draw me in—they’re too dark. They all seem to be great stories, though! The Train to Santa Fe explores the impact of the railroad arriving in the city and several generations of one family, beginning with an elderly woman begging someone to trace her heritage. I’m rabidly interested in genealogy, so this one is for me!
Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands by Ellen Rachlin (ancient Mesopotamia, August 25)
The Night Pool by Lauren Lee Smith (California Gold Rush, August 25)
The Children on the Train by Anna Stuart (Germany, 1938, August 4)
The Flower of Canaan by Tim Flood (ancient Canaan, August 18)
The Irish Orphan’s Prayers by Rachel Wesson (America, 1963, August 25)
Need more historical fiction on your TBR? See even more new release titles at Historical Novel Society.
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Linda Ulleseit is a California native who writes historical fiction inspired by her ancestors. She is a retired elementary school teacher who believes in the unspoken power of women living ordinary lives. She has an MFA in Creative Writing and is a founding member of Paper Lantern Writers. Linda enjoys writing full time as well as cooking, leatherworking, reading, gardening, and spending time with her family.
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