The Lady Who Drew Me In By Thomasine Rappold


The Lady Who Drew Me In By Thomasine Rappold
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (182 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Daisy Lansing’s ability to transfer images from people’s thoughts onto paper was a novelty she used to trot out to amuse her friends. But when her “entranced drawing” begins to cause serious trouble for her guardians, she is banished to the country and forced to marry a man twice her age. After the joyless wedding, Daisy is determined to bury forever the strange skill that upended her life. However, she soon finds herself a widow and in dire financial straits. Suddenly, her curse may be her one chance at true independence.
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Jackson Gallway’s reputation as a rogue has far surpassed his success as a lawyer. In the wake of yet another scandal, he decides to head west. But before he can escape Misty Lake, Jax makes a promise to find an elusive killer. When he encounters a lovely young artist with an unusual talent that could help him in his search, what he finds is something neither of them can escape . . .

A widow and a rake…plus a murderer. Oh my!

This book is the first I’ve read by Thomasine Rappold, but it won’t be the last. I see this book is part of a series. I have to admit, I wasn’t lost, despite not having read the others in the series. Trust me, though, I will be checking them out.

I came across this story by chance and I’m glad I did. The writing flows well and drew me right in. The characters are fresh, too. I get it. The hero is initially a rakish kind of guy. He’s done things he’s not proud of. Who hasn’t done things of that matter? But I liked how he redeemed himself. I also liked how the heroine was irresistible to him. Jackson, the hero, is interesting. He’s a lawyer and has aspirations for more than his place in society. I give him props for his goals. I also liked Daisy, the heroine. She’s got pluck, determination and a particular ability. I haven’t read anything like this story, so the new twist on her art ability was fresh. The plot is well-thought out and enticing. I wanted to know how things would work out for these two characters. I liked the little hiccups they have to go through

If you’re looking for a story that’s long on story and big on heart, then this might be the one for you.

A Debutante in Disguise by Eleanor Webster


A Debutante in Disguise by Eleanor Webster
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (288 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

A society lady

…with a secret!

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A Debutante in Disguise was a very interesting and well written historical romance story between a brave heroine, Letty and a commendable hero, Lord Anthony. The story starts with a desirable prologue that swiftly left me wanting to read more. I enjoyed the descriptive scenes and well developed characters.

Letty was a unique lady with dreams and goals that were limited by society. I enjoyed how she took leadership overcoming those obstacles. It was a huge risk she took and I could feel the tension and fear of being discovered. I’m so thankful that we don’t live in that era any longer. If fact, I didn’t think about it but most of my doctors that I see are women. I’m glad they don’t have to go through the charade of dressing up as men to be allowed to practice medicine as a doctor. I appreciate those in the past who made this possible by challenging society’s limits and paving a path for change. Letty was the perfect example of courage as she persisted to follow her dreams.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I appreciate a book that teaches me something new and is still entertaining. My education started with the Author Note in the beginning of the book. I didn’t know about Dr. James Miranda Barry’s life long masquerade. That was a fascinating fact that Eleanor Webster shared. I’m not a big history buff but A Debutante in Disguise was rather fascinating from beginning to end. The pace was a nice steady flow which brought the story to life for me or in this case, took me back into the past.

I felt many emotions throughout this story. I enjoyed a few laughs here and there to lighten up my mood around the hero, Anthony. The synopsis sums it up accurately. Anthony is a “brooding, scarred war hero”. His internal struggles pulled at my heart strings. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for not only him but for all the other war heroes who return with internal or external and often both internal and external ramifications from serving our country. A Debutante in Disguise brought hope to the reader through the heroine, Letty.

Letty and Anthony needed each other in more ways than one. They are the epitome of persistence. Together they can overcome any and all obstacles. There was no doubt that their love was genuine and everlasting.

This was my first Eleanor Webster book and it won’t be my last. Bravo for developing a heartwarming love story filled with compassion and romance.

A Scarlet Woman by Lorna Peel


A Scarlet Woman by Lorna Peel
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical
Length: Full (401 pgs)
Heat: Hot
Rated: 3 stars
Review by Rose

Can an idealistic young doctor and a fallen woman find love when Victorian society believes they should not?

Dublin, Ireland, 1880. Tired of treating rich hypochondriacs, Dr Will Fitzgerald left his father’s medical practice and his home on Merrion Square to live and practice medicine in the Liberties. His parents were appalled and his fiancée broke off their engagement. But when Will spends a night in a brothel on the eve of his best friend’s wedding, little does he know that the scarred and disgraced young woman he meets there will alter the course of his life.

Most of people are under great pressure. cialis side effects http://amerikabulteni.com/2011/09/13/u-s-afghanistan-embassy-attacked-taliban-claims-responsibility/ No surgery helps pfizer viagra cheap in making the disorder vanish from the person. Until now purchase levitra online it was thought that tea was highest in antioxidants but researchers have now discovered that of all the foods high in antioxidants, chocolate is the highest. A healthy lifestyle, including weight loss, quitting smoking, limit of alcohol intake, a healthy diet and exercise can go a long way in treating this problem. viagra canada mastercard discover content Isobel Stevens was schooled to be a lady, but a seduction put an end to all her father’s hopes for her. Disowned, she left Co Galway for Dublin and fell into prostitution. On the advice of a handsome young doctor, she leaves the brothel and enters domestic service. But can Isobel escape her past and adapt to life and the chance of love on Merrion Square? Or will she always be seen as a scarlet woman?

I loved the premise of this book and with the setting being Ireland, I was hooked from the first time I read the blurb. I was looking forward to seeing how the author had her heroine overcome all the difficulties she was facing in her life.

I liked the character of Isobel and, mostly, Will as well. I enjoyed their banter as they got to know each other. And, I loved the way he cared for her regardless of what was going on and how determined he was to make their relationship work.

The first half of the story was really good, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

The second half of the story took a different twist. Instead of the character development I was seeing on both Will and Isobel’s part, it seemed to read more like a magazine serial. Poor Isabel faced problems on every side (shades of Perils of Pauline). However, she was saved in the nick of time by forces she didn’t bring about – a rich opportunity was missed here, I think. I didn’t mind the roadblocks that were thrown up, but I wish Isabel had done more to save herself. I was disappointed in some of the decisions she made (just another sign of being invested  in a character).

There was also a lot of hot sex thrown in the last part of the book that, imho, was gratuitous and didn’t do anything to move the character development along. I found myself skipping these passages because they weren’t really adding anything to the story and I wanted to get back to it.

However, I was invested enough in the characters from the first half of the book to overlook these issues and move on to find out what happened next in Will and Isobel’s relationship. The writing is clean with no major issues as far as editing goes and it was an easy read.  It was definitely worth reading.

The Dom Who Said Please by Raven McAllan


The Dom Who Said Please by Raven McAllan
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Short Story (49 pgs)
Other: M/F, Spanking
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Widow Eleanor Charter knows one thing—she does not want to marry again. Especially not to someone forceful and dominant. So why is Theo Moncur, the Earl of Glensmoor interested in her? As far as she is concerned any man who considers himself dominant, whether he is or not, will play no part in her life. She will be in charge of her own life.
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Dominant Theo doesn’t have marriage on his mind. Having given his mistress her congé, his growing attraction toward Eleanor makes him wonder if she would fill that place. He sees something in her that appeals. The lady would be a perfect submissive—not that she agrees. However, the more he gets to know her, the more he understands she is the only lady for him. Now all he has to do is persuade Eleanor to agree.

Theodore, Earl of Glensmoor, was a confirmed rake and Dominant. Knowing that soon he would have to settle down and likely wed, he promised his Godmother that he would attend a number of the deadly boring – but necessary – social engagements men of his status were obliged to attend. While ducking his ex-paramour, Theo couldn’t suppress his intrigue by Lady Eleanor – an attractive and curious young woman widowed after only four months of marriage. Theo might be seeking very specific things in a woman, but Lady Eleanor captures his attention in a manner he simply can’t deny.

I admit I can’t recall having ever read a Regency story with a Dom as the hero – so this story grabbed my attention from the beginning. I was really pleased, therefore, to discover this short story blended the two genres really well. With the romantic history and lavish setting of the Regency era and the slightly edgy modern aspect of a BDSM style of story I thought this book blended to two elements really well. Lady Eleanor was not a simpering young miss – and while classified as a rake, Theo was not just some bored man trapped by his own dalliances. Theo was intrigued by Eleanor and wanted her and was determined to pursue and attract her. Eleanor, for her own part, was determined to retain her independence and was very well-matched to him in my opinion.

Given the shortness of the story I can’t really blame the author for the quick build up between the two characters – there just wasn’t room for a slower move to the bedroom or more of a chance for me as a reader to get to know the characters. While this really did feel a bit like a hasty roll in bed – a “happy for now” style of whirlwind romance and not something that could necessarily last the distance of time – with so few pages I can’t see how their relationship could have been given more depth in the quick setting. I found the sex to be hot and only a very little bit kinky but feel it should be satisfying to many readers.

An interesting blend of Regency historical and BDSM I found this to be a fun and different style of short story.

Meet Me in Monaco by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb


Meet Me in Monaco by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Publisher: William Morrow
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (355 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Set in the 1950s against the backdrop of Grace Kelly’s whirlwind romance and unforgettable wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco, New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb take the reader on an evocative sun-drenched journey along the Côte d’Azur in this page-turning novel of passion, fate and second chances…

Movie stars and paparazzi flock to Cannes for the glamorous film festival, but Grace Kelly, the biggest star of all, wants only to escape from the flash-bulbs. When struggling perfumer Sophie Duval shelters Miss Kelly in her boutique to fend off a persistent British press photographer, James Henderson, a bond is forged between the two women and sets in motion a chain of events that stretches across thirty years of friendship, love, and tragedy.

James Henderson cannot forget his brief encounter with Sophie Duval. Despite his guilt at being away from his daughter, he takes an assignment to cover the wedding of the century, sailing with Grace Kelly’s wedding party on the SS Constitution from New York. In Monaco, as wedding fever soars and passions and tempers escalate, James and Sophie—like Princess Grace—must ultimately decide what they are prepared to give up for love.

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This is a sweet romance set in Monaco, during the whirlwind courtship of Princess Grace and Prince Ranier. The author had me at the prince and princess. But once I got into the story, I couldn’t put it down. I liked the characters and the story. Talk about getting swept away.

Sophie is an independent girl. She isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and also not afraid to fall in love. I liked how she didn’t just fall for James. She made him work for it. That’s wonderful. She’s very contemporary in a time where women weren’t as forthright. So it was refreshing to read her story.

James… I liked how he was drawn to Sophie. I like when the hero can stand up to and beside the heroine. I also liked how he was so smitten with her. He and Sophie are a good couple and I rooted for them.

I also liked how the story of Grace and Rainier were woven in. I felt like I was right there in Cannes and along on the junket with them. It’s a fanciful story.

If you want something that’s got a lot to make you think about, then this might not be the book you want. It’s not heavy. For me, that was perfect. I wanted a breezy read. I got it.

If you want a book that’s sweet, has a satisfying ending and will leave you wanting a bit more, then this is the beach read you need.

Brides of Banff Springs by Victoria Chatham


Brides of Banff Springs by Victoria Chatham
Publisher: Books We Love Publishing
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Length: Full length (161 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Dryas

In the Dirty Thirties jobs were hard to come by. Having lost her father and her home in southern Alberta, Tilly McCormack is thrilled when her application for a position as a chambermaid at the prestigious Banff Springs Hotel, one of Canada’s great railway hotels, is accepted.

Tilly loves her new life in the Rocky Mountain town and the people she meets there. Local trail guide Ryan Blake, is taken with Tilly’s sparkling blue eyes and mischievous sense of humor, and thinks she is just the girl for him. Ryan’s work with a guiding and outfitting company keeps him busy but he makes time for Tilly at every opportunity and he’s already decided to make her his bride.

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Will they find the missing bride and will Tilly accept Ryan’s proposal?

In 1935 a young woman Matilda ‘Tilly’ McCormack leaves everything behind in Medicine Hat, Canada to come to the well-known The Banff Springs Hotel for a job as a housekeeper. While she stands on the railroad station, she misses the last car to the hotel and was worried about how to get to her job in time. She meets Ryan Blake, who works for the hotel transporting guest’s luggage and guiding the tourists via horseback around the beautiful area. He offers to take her with him in his cart. Tilly was instantly attracted to him. A great quote about how their relationship is going to develop is, “I think I’m going to have to marry you”.

Tilly is a perfect match for him. She is tender, hardworking, with a spine of steel. She lets Ryan know in no uncertain terms that she has her own opinions and she should have a say in matters. She makes friends easily, especially her roommate Felicity ‘Flics’ takes her under her wing and introduces her to some of the other workers. What surprises everyone is how she became friends with one of the guests, Burma Evans. Although they do not have much in common Tilly feels sorry and somewhat responsible her welfare. What really made Tilly mad and sorrowful is seeing the situation between Burma and her fiancée. This is a great example of how every woman is treated the same no matter their cast in life.

There are three different relationships going on at the same time, each one showing an example of how each circumstances and personalities can affect a relationship. The first couple is Tilly and Ryan. Their relationship is incredibly strong, both of them finding love in each other’s arms. They are not embarrassed to show the world how they feel.

The second relationship is Fliss and Saul, who is a bellhop at the hotel. They are not allowed to show their wedding rings or their feelings. Then there is the third relationship between Burma Evans, a rich socialite who has plans to marry Frederic Vanderoosten, a handsome young man who is full of charm until he gets what he wants.

I really enjoyed this book because of the wonderful characters and the wonders of the environment and the culture. It’s enjoyable being able to see the different relationships and knowing that each one has its own problems but the way each one supports the other will determine how things will turn out. If you enjoy a sweet romance book this is a great book for you.

Say No to the Duke by Eloisa James


Say No to the Duke by Eloisa James
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, Inc
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full length (288 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Could she possibly refuse a duke’s hand—in favor of a sardonic, sinful rake?

Lady Betsy Wilde’s first season was triumphant by any measure, and a duke has proposed—but before marriage, she longs for one last adventure.

No gentleman would agree to her scandalous plan—but Lord Jeremy Roden is no gentleman. He offers a wager. If she wins a billiards game, he’ll provide the breeches.

If he wins…she is his, for one wild night.

But what happens when Jeremy realizes that one night will never be enough? In the most important battle of his life, he’ll have to convince Betsy to say no to the duke.

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This can be a standalone read. Indeed, I’d forgotten a certain part so I was still enjoying it. However, when I got to the part where Jeremy figures things out, I was stunned. I believe my jaw dropped and my eyes popped because suddenly I DID remember what had happened previously and I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Seriously? All this time? And for the price that was paid – oh did I get steamed. It was totally a fist-bump moment when Betsy (a/k/a Boadicea) let her actions speak for her feelings. I would have done it twice for good measure. I wasn’t alone in feeling that way, Lady Knowe did too. I really liked Betsy’s aunt. Because of all that, I changed my mind a bit – reading the previous book in the series, which is another great read btw, can enhance a reader’s enjoyment with this one.

In the previous book, Jeremy was instrumental in helping the main characters through their plot twists and conundrums, but now the stakes are higher. His feelings of annoyance in the past blossoms into something wonderful – feelings that make him uncomfortable, like lust, and fascination and possessiveness (in a good way) and the poor guy doesn’t know what to do. Until he stops and pays attention to himself, to finally understand, to realize he is worthy of love and he wants it, with Betsy. To see a tortured hero finally see a light at the end of the tunnel is a glorious thing, but he’s not a pushover by any means. His strength is tested but he perseveres. He has an estranged father and their meeting was momentous and really important to what comes later in the novel. I rather liked Jeremy’s dad.

Lady Tallow is a secondary character that left a sour taste in my mouth, figuratively speaking. She was so nasty. I respected Thaddeus immensely because he had some very good qualities, but I wanted to hug him when he reacted to something Lady Tallow said. I hope someday he’ll get his own HEA – he’s a bit stuck-up but a good egg.

As far as internal conflicts, Betsy’s happiness is still being poisoned by something that was said when she was 14 years old. It’s amazing the lengths some will go to ensure they don’t get hurt ever again. The heroine had an epiphany and it was quite wonderful to read as it came about. Jeremy, like I said, is estranged from his dad, but there is the matter of his PTSD from the war. That is a huge hurtle to overcome, or at least deal with it in a healthy manner, and it does play a significant role in the plot thread.

There is a villain which was well written because I completely agreed that the person was a twisted, sorry soul. I had no sympathy whatsoever and was glad when Jeremy and Betsy figured things out. Not only that, but I was so happy when the family stood in support of Jeremy. Awesome scenes!

The scene with Thaddeus’s mom, the Duchess of Eversley, Lady Knowe, Betsy and Jeremy and a couple of others at the auction, was a hoot. There was a lot of grinning leading up to that part and certainly during it. I enjoyed Ms. James’ humor and I am of the impression that the author had just as much fun writing those scenes as much as I liked reading them.

The final chapter acts like a pre-epilogue to the epilogue. I did sniffle a bit but so did Betsy. The two combined made for a perfect, wonderful, special happy ever after and I sighed with satisfaction.

Say No to the Duke is a delight, full of charm, wit and passion. The romance is cheerfully rocky with a payoff that made me happy. This is an excellent addition to the series and Jeremy is going to fit right in with the Wilde family. I give this novel a solid recommendation to both historical romance readers and fans of the author because it’s splendid entertainment.

Da Vinci in Love by Maysam Yabandeh


Da Vinci in Love by Maysam Yabandeh
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Historical, Contemporary
Length: Short Story (25 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

The identity of the lady portrayed in Mona Lisa, the masterpiece of Leonardo Da Vinci, and the secret behind her mysterious smile, is one of the biggest unanswered questions in art history. This is the story of her, and her romance with her creator, the young Leonardo. The story takes us from the land of true lovers, India, to the far east, the heights of mysterious wisdom in China, and sheds some light on the puzzling love story of Mona Lisa and her painter, Leonardo Da Vinci.

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I was pleasantly surprised by the dialogue. It felt much more modern than I would have originally assumed it would. While it was unusual to see characters using twenty-first century slang in the past at first, somehow this stylistic choice suited them perfectly. The past and the present were so jumbled up together anyway in the various scenes that it did make sense for everyone to use the same sort of modern phrases.

The time jumps were confusing to me. It took a while to understand what was going on in them and why the audience was suddenly being introduced to a new cast of characters. I would have preferred to have smoother transitions between them as well as for the narrator to explain more clearly what was going on. It wasn’t until the story was nearly finished that I began to piece together how everything was connected. Even now, I’m not entirely sure I got it right despite the fact that the writing itself was quite pretty.

One of the things I liked the most about this tale was how open to interpretation it is. Just like when a group of people admire the same painting, not everyone is going to understand this storyline in an identical way. Once I figured out that this seemed to be what he was saying, I enjoyed the process of figuring out what the characters meant to me and how I’d interpret the things they said and did.

Da Vinci in Love should be read by anyone who enjoys discussing the meaning of art.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris


The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Historical, Non-Fiction
Length: Full Length (249 pgs)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tätowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.

Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism—but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

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A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful re-creation of Lale Sokolov’s experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.

Harrowing, heartbreaking and moving.

There are lots of books that stay with the reader far after the last page. I’ve read books lately that are heartbreaking. It’s good that they’ve touched a nerve. This book… I’m not sure where to start.

The writing flows well and drew me right in to the story. I wanted to know what would happen to Lale. My heart went out to Lale. I’ve done research and learned about the Holocaust, but this book put things into perspective. Lale did, yet didn’t, have faith and I could understand why. I liked Gita, too. Despite what she’d been through, she never lost her faith. They were a beautiful thing in the midst of such a disgusting event. Even when Gita was at her worst, Lale saw her best. That’s love. That’s the stuff romance should be made of.

I read this book in the course of a day and it was quick, yet hard to read. I have to admit, the note in the back of the book where the author talks about the real Lale, the real man, was the most heartbreaking. This real man went through hell more than once, yet he never quit. I loved the line about how he had to get the words out to the author so he could see Gita (she’d passed away by then). I don’t know how you can’t read this book and not feel for this man.

If you want a book that will make you think, feel and probably cry, then this is the book for you. Recommended.

Jamestowne by Tim Black


Jamestowne by Tim Black
Tesla’s Time Travelers, #3
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Middle Grade, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Historical
Length: Short Story (137 pages)
Age Recommendation: 12+
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

With Nikola Tesla at the controls, teacher Nathan Greene and the time-traveling teens journey back to 17th century Virginia to witness the founding of Jamestowne. As the famed Serbian-American scientist brings the classroom portable in for a landing, two young Native Americans witness the portable’s descent from the sky. The boy and girl quickly return to their village and the girl tells her father, Chief Powhatan, that People of the Sky have landed. Called “playful one,” Powhatan’s daughter, Pocahontas, is known to tell imaginative stories of her own creation. Still, as a precaution, Powhatan sends his brother and a group of warriors to investigate his daughter’s claims.

As Greene and his students trek across a grassland in the direction of the English settlers’ landing site, Chief Opechancanough and his warriors surround the time travelers and take them hostage, leading them to Powhatan’s village where Mr. Greene faces execution.
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So begins the third adventure of the students of Cassadaga Area High School, whose latest trip includes meeting the famed adventurer John Smith and witnessing the beginning of the first English colony in North America, all while being chased through time by the most dangerous Native of the 17 century.

There are some parts of history that can only be rediscovered by visiting the past for yourself.

The descriptions of Powhatan culture were fascinating. I appreciated the fact that Mr. Black went into so much detail about what life in this tribe was like for people of all ages. It made it easy for me to picture what an average day for them involved and why they were so confused and irritated by some of the decisions the European characters made.

This tale never really had a clear narrator. There were a few difference characters that kept popping up regularly, but the plot moved among them without ever making it clear to the audience which perspective or perspectives we should be giving the most attention to. My preference would have been for Pocahontas to take on this role, but any main character would have done nicely as long as it was clear who was in charge of keeping the storyline moving forward.

One of the things I appreciated the most about the plot was how careful the characters were to avoid changing the past. This is always a temptation with time travel, but it’s terribly risky. I liked the fact that the characters were aware of that risk and did everything they could to let history unfold the way it had in our timeline regardless of how much they wished they could change certain things.

This is part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone work.

Jamestowne should be read by adult and young adult history buffs alike.