Book Review: The Diamond Eye
The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn My rating: 4 of 5 stars Both the writing and the story sparkle like diamonds in this historical novel by Kate Quinn, based on the life of WWII Soviet female sniper, Mila Pavlichenko. If…
Tema Frank
Historical Fiction & Business Author, World Traveler & Speaker
Tema Frank
Historical Fiction & Business Author, World Traveler & Speaker
Category Books & Writing
Book Review: The Latecomer
Just because you shared a uterus doesn't mean you'll have a lot in common. Book review of The Latecomer, by Jean Hanff Korelitz (best known as author of The Plot).
Book Review: The Four Winds, by Kristin Hannah
Book review of best-selling author, Kristin Hannah's The Four Winds, set during the dustbowl era in the U.S.
Book Review: Fingersmith, by Sarah Waters
An absorbing book that explores moral complexities in Victorian England. Loved it!
Is Democracy in Danger? (& 2 book reviews)
If you've grown up in a country like Canada it can be hard to imagine that democracies like ours can fall. Historical fiction helps bring the risks to light. Includes book reviews of "A Long Petal of the Sea" and "It Can't Happen Here".
Is the World as Dangerous as the News Makes it Seem?
Am I being naïve in ignoring the disturbances going on in parts of the island?
Book Review: The Confessions of Frannie Langton
A moving historical murder mystery set initially on a slave plantation in Jamaica. Highly recommended.
Book Review: The Ambassador’s Wife
The Ambassador’s Wife by Jennifer Steil My rating: 4 of 5 stars I was gripped by this book, and the moral and ethical dilemmas it raises in an engrossing, fictional way. The protagonist is such a real, flawed but loveable…
Book Review: Yellow Wife
Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson My rating: 5 of 5 stars Sadeqa Johnson wrote the book after touring a former slave jail and trading post. On one of the walls she saw a photo of the jailer, his black wife…
A Historical Novelist’s Work is Never Done
When writing a historical novel you can get buried in research and never write the book. Sometimes, though, the research discoveries make you so happy!
Book Review: All My Puny Sorrows
All My Puny Sorrows by Miriam Toews My rating: 5 of 5 stars I have a lousy memory, so not many books stick with me for years, other than a general “I liked it” feeling. But this one has. It…
Book Review: The Boat People
The Boat People by Sharon Bala My rating: 5 of 5 stars A powerful look at the difficult decisions faced by people in war zones and by refugee boards. Nothing is simple. Is it better to risk admitting someone who…