So let me just go ahead and get it out there that I have been slacking on sharing book faves the past month or so! A lot has been going on, but I still have made time for a little reading here and there which has gotten me through! I have read some amazing, moving books throughout February & March so I wanted to share them with you.
For some reason I have been on a major historical fiction kick lately, so I wanted to share some of my favorites. This genre seems like such a great escape sometimes from reality and helps transport you to a whole different time. I would highly recommend these to anyone!
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
Historical Fiction
I have been loving historical fiction lately, and I feel like it's given me opportunities to educate myself about specific time periods in history. This book was a complete GEM. You know when a book is over 450 pages and you still want it to continue for hundreds more, it's a good one. Taking place in the summer of 1932, this book follows the journey of a group of young, orphaned boys who escaped from an Indian Training School and attempt to find their way to freedom and finding a new home. The boys encounter all sorts of unexpected adventures and obstacles as they try and outrun the dangers from the Indian School that continue to follow them. I LOVED THIS BOOK. I would read it again and lend it to anyone who loves a historical, moving story.
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
Historical Fiction
Does it seem like I'm throwing out 5 stars left and right?! Literally every single book I've read recently I've LOVED every page of. This new March release was such an interesting story. Taking place in London of 1792, an apothecary dispenses secret poisons to women who want to seek justice among men who have wronged them. Seems a little dark right? But yet, SO FASCINATING. I actually loved how this story bounced between the apothecary's perspective in 1792, to present day to the narrator of Caroline, whose own story ends up tying into the lost apothecary hundreds of years before. This book was phenomenal and it is hands down a new favorite historical fiction read of mine!
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Historical Fiction
This new release by Kristin Hannah was greatly anticipated by me, especially after I had just finished the newly popular Firely Lane book (and Netflix series!) While this book is most definitely a different direction than Firefly Lane, Hannah's writing is still just as amazing.
Taking place during the Great Depression era and the Dust Bowl in the early 1930's, this book was told by the story of Elsa Martinelli who fought her way to survival for the sake of her children to live a better life. I learned SO MUCH about this time period that I truly had no idea about in terms of living conditions. I'll be honest, this book is sad. It gets right down to the nitty-gritty on how difficult life was for the people in this era, but the story is so well-worth it and will truly move you. It's heartbreaking, emotional, and will most likely leave you in tears on the final page. One of my favorites so far from Kristin Hannah!
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Historical Fiction
I told y'all I'm trying to catch up on everything Kristin Hannah! I began this book after I finished The Four Winds, and I will say the writing style is extremely similar, which I loved. Again, this book emotionally wrecked me. I've noticed that's a common theme with Hannah's books because they are seriously THAT GOOD, and you feel like you end up knowing the characters so well and you feel what they feel.
The Nightingale takes place in France during the time period of WWII. I will say, I had a little trouble jumping right into this one because I felt like it was more of a slower build than The Four Winds was. Once I really got into the overall story and got to know each character introduced, I could not put the book down. The story bounces between the narration between two sisters, who are living in the same devastating time period, but taking two different paths to survive. Both sister's journeys were remarkable and shows how much strength it took to live during this war. Another warning, you'll end this novel crying. BUT I PROMISE IT IS SO WORTH IT. It is such a moving novel!
These books are truly AMAZING and each story was so remarkable to read. If you end up reading these let me know, I'd love to hear your thoughts!