In the Garden of Monsters (2024) Crystal King "In the Garden of Monsters is a glorious work of Gothic fiction, set in Italy's real and strange Sacro Bosco. Underpinned by Crystal King's signature passion for food writing and impeccable research, this novel will pull you in and not let go, just as the titular garden does to the characters. I devoured it as swifty as a handful of pomegranate seeds."
A Rose by Any Other Name (2024) Mary McMyne "A Rose by Any Other Name is a sensual and witchy look at Shakespeare's England, as well as a compelling and singular take on the Bard himself. Rose blazes to life, stepping from the shadows cast by Shakespeare's (in)famous Dark Lady as an exceptional heroine in her own right, one who is determined to forge a life as an independent woman by any means necessary. Mary McMyne has crafted a masterful tale full of magic, poetry, and intrigue that will keep readers turning the pages into the dark of the night."
Where Ivy Dares to Grow (2023) Marielle Thompson "A story that is at once a haunting gothic novel, a swoon-worthy romantic tale, and an unflinching look at what it can be to live with mental illness."
Mademoiselle Revolution (2022) Zoe Sivak "A masterful and powerful debut novel that unflinchingly explores complicity in society's evils, the hope and horror of revolution, and both the liberation and disillusionment that can come from fighting for a better world. Zoe Sivak is a bold and bright new voice in historical fiction, and we are lucky to have her."
Antoinette's Sister (2022) Diana Giovinazzo "Antoinette's Sister is a feast of royal fiction, full of court politics, international intrigue, family loyalties, and power struggles. And at the center of it all is a determined and fascinating real-life historical woman. Diana Giovinazzo brings Queen Maria Carolina Charlotte to life, as well as the vibrant portion of Italy that she ruled. This book will absolutely sweep you away."
Meeting in Positano (2021) Goliarda Sapienza "Goliarda Sapienza’s Meeting in Positano is a gorgeously written meditation on female friendship and human connection, as well as a lyrical ode to Positano, one of the most enchanting places in the world. This lovely book, full of joy, nostalgia, and tragedy, is not to be missed."
A Tip for the Hangman (2021) Allison Epstein "Debut author Allison Epstein delivers an absolute tour de force. This masterfully researched, beautifully written novel takes the reader inside the spy networks, taverns, theatres, and halls of power of Tudor England, with the irreverent Christopher Marlowe as our guide. Epstein is a talent to watch!"
The Night Portrait (2020) Laura Morelli "The Night Portrait is a compelling page turner at the same time as it is a mesmerizing meditation on legacy, guilt and complicity, the horrors of war, and most of all, the singular power of art. This well-researched and vivid novel is sure to thrill history buffs and art lovers alike."
Raphael: Painter in Rome (2020) Stephanie Storey "Stephanie Storey takes one of the most towering figures of the Renaissance and seats him across a tavern table from the reader. Raphael’s voice is as vibrant and colorful as one of his paintings, and he positively leaps off the page and to life. Impeccably researched, this is an engaging and timely novel about the ways in which politics and art are and always have been intertwined."
The Widow of Rose House (2019) Diana Biller "Get ready to devour Diana Biller's magnificent debut novel in one sitting. The Widow of Rose House boasts memorable and vibrant characters, a delicious romance, great period detail, and a hint of the supernatural. Alva and Sam spring off the page and to life, so that I now feel as though they are friends of mine. This novel is a treat not to be missed!"
Next Year in Havana (2018) (Cuba Saga, book 1) Chanel Cleeton "Next Year in Havana is a riveting, moving novel that explores the ever-relevant themes of love and sacrifice, family and duty, patriotism and resistance. Cleeton describes Havana so vividly that I felt I was there. I could not put this book down!"
Secret Sisters (2017) Joy Callaway "Full of vivid period detail and vibrant characters that readers will be rooting for, SECRET SISTERS is a loving testament to the power of sisterhood and to what is possible when women support and champion one another."
