About the Book:
WHAT GIRLS ARE GOOD FOR
BY DAVID BLIXT
Publication Date: November 6, 2018
Creativia
Paperback & eBook; 535 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction



Nellie Bly has the story of a lifetime. But will she survive to tell it?
Enraged by an article entitled ‘What Girls Are Good For’, Elizabeth Cochrane pens an angry letter to the Pittsburgh Dispatch, never imagining a Victorian newspaper would hire a woman reporter. Taking the name Nellie Bly, she struggles against the male-dominated industry, reporting stories no one else will – the stories of downtrodden women.
Chased out of Mexico for revealing government corruption, her romantic advances rejected by a married colleague, Bly earns the chance to break into the New York’s Newspaper Row if she can nab a major scoop – life inside a madhouse. Feigning madness, she dupes the court into committing her to the Insane Asylum on Blackwell’s Island.
But matters are far worse than she ever dreamed. Stripped, drugged, beaten, she must endure a week of terror, reliving the darkest days of her childhood, in order to escape and tell the world her story. Only, at the end of the week, no rescue comes, and she fears she may be trapped forever…
Based on the real-life events of Nellie Bly’s life and reporting, What Girls Are Good For is a tale of rage, determination, and triumph – all in the frame of a tiny Pennsylvania spitfire who refused to let the world tell her how to live her life, and changed the world instead.

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Praise for What Girls Are Good For“David Blixt pens a heroine for the ages in “What Girls Are Good For,” which follows the extraordinary career of pioneer newspaperwoman Nellie Bly. A pint-sized dynamo who refuses to stay in the kitchen, Nellie fights tooth and nail to make a name for herself as a journalist, battling complacent men, corrupt institutions, and her own demons along the way. This real-life Lois Lane had me cheering aloud as I turned the pages – simply a delight!” – Kate Quinn, author of The Alice Network

“Dramatic, engrossing, and spirited, What Girls Are Good For takes the reader straight to the heart of an unsung American hero–a feminist icon whose voice rings loud and true. This is a must-read for anyone who loves an underdog and celebrates justice; the perfect accompaniment for our present times.” – Olivia Hawker, international bestselling author of The Ragged Edge of Night
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“With rich imagination and meticulous research, David Blixt has brought the hectic, exciting world of nineteenth-century journalism vividly to life. His Nellie Bly is determined, independent, crafty, irresistible — a heroine any reader would be delighted to get to know.” – Matthew Goodman, New York Times bestselling author

Review:

Elizabeth Cochrane has always been seen as a troublemaker, questioning why things are the way they are and standing up for what she believed was right.  As an adult, Lizzie takes a stand after a newspaper column by the Quiet Observer defames women.  After writing a reply to the column, Elizabeth is hired by the Pittsburgh Dispatch for her unique point of view.  Given the pseudonym Nellie Bly, she quickly used her new found skills to tell the stories of women's issues that were not often discussed including poverty, divorce and the stories of factory girls.  Nellie eventually finds herself in Mexico then New York to write the story of a lifetime after committing herself to an asylum.

I have of course heard the name Nellie Bly and her legacy, but never knew her whole story.  Written with historical accuracy and the ability to dive into Nellie's head, Nellie's story is heartfelt, intriguing and raw.  Learning about how Nellie grew up, I was able to see what drove her  to be impassioned to fight for women's rights and those who are underserved.  Throughout the story Nellie's passion and spirited personality shown through.  Going undercover  with Nellie  was a treat as I saw snippets of factory life, Mexico City and the asylum through her eyes.  I enjoyed being able to read her articles as well as how they came to be.  I also was impressed by how many times Nellie was met by failure and still persisted, a lesson that still endures for many women today.  Nellie Bly not only persisted, she learned, grew and honed her talent in order to become a better reporter.  Overall, an intense story of one of the groundbreaking women in journalism. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

About the Author:
David Blixt‘s work is consistently described as “intricate,” “taut,” and “breathtaking.” A writer of Historical Fiction, his novels span the early Roman Empire (the COLOSSUS series, his play EVE OF IDES) to early Renaissance Italy (the STAR-CROSS’D series) up through the Elizabethan era (his delightful espionage comedy HER MAJESTY’S WILL, starring Will Shakespeare and Kit Marlowe as inept spies). His novels combine a love of the theatre with a deep respect for the quirks and passions of history.
Living in Chicago with his wife and two children, he describes himself as “actor, author, father, husband. In reverse order.”

For more information, please visit David Blixt’s website. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

FROM ACROSS THE ROOM 
BY GINA L. MULLIGAN
Publication Date: September 15, 2016
Five Star Publications
Hardcover & eBook; 271 Pages
Genre: Historical/Epistolary
Self-indulgent young writer Thomas Gadwell has traveled from Boston to the new Hotel Del Coronado in California to at last finish his novel when he meets the clever and headstrong Miss Mary Harting. At once Thomas tosses aside his literary pursuits for a charmed summer of romance that ends with the happy couple making future plans. However, Mary Harting is the only unmarried daughter of notorious railroad tycoon Charles Harting, and he has no intention of letting a useless wordsmith derail his own critical plans for Mary. The couple must continue a clandestine courtship, but Thomas’ ingenuity has unexpected repercussions and he unwittingly uncovers a sinister plot of deception, greed, and blackmail. Guided by mentor Henry James, to win Mary, Thomas must step from the pages of the world he creates to explore his own insecurities, battle against worldly corruption, and expose family demons.
Told through a series of clever, heartfelt, and engaging letters, From Across the Room is a voyeuristic escapade that delights at every twist. Reflecting back to a time when letters were saved in the imagination of the reader, the lost art of letter writing brings to life the opulent Gilded Age and unfolds the universal passions of love, ambition, and the resilient bonds of family.

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | CHAPTERS | INDIEBOUND

Praise for From Across the Room
“A passionate love story set in a brilliantly recreated Gilded Age, this intimate epistolary novel takes the reader from a wide-open California to the salons of literary and industrial New York. Colorful and indelible characters stride across the pages of this exceptionally vivid historical novel that brings the past stirringly to life.” -Diana Birchall, Bestselling Author of Mr. Darcy’s Dilemma

“Gina Mulligan’s impeccable prose, engaging characters, and original style reminds us all why we love to read.” -Reza Kahlili, 2010 National Best Books winner for A Time to Betray

“The characters have richly defined voices and fascinating lives that sparkle against a transcontinental history of America at the beginning of the twentieth century.” -Jessica Klein, Award-winning Writer/Producer of Northern Exposure, Beverly Hills 90210, Gabriel’s Fire and other popular TV series.

Review:
​Author Thomas Galdwell takes a working vacation to the all new Hotel New Coronado in San Diego to find inspiration for his newest novel.  While there, he bumps into a young woman, Mary Harting.  Mary intrigues Thomas with her spirit and kind nature.   However, Mary's father is the railroad tycoon Charles Harting and has other plans for Mary that do not involve Thomas.  Thomas and Mary try their best to continue their relationship behind her father's back while Thomas attempts to finish two more novels on a tight deadline and unravel the mystery of the man Mr. Harting has chosen for Mary.  

Told in epistolary form, Thomas Galdwell's letters tell the story of a writer, a romance and a mystery in the late 19th Century.  All of the letters are written from by Thomas and are sent to his agent, his family, his friends and Mary.  At first, this fact threw me since I am used to seeing both sides of a correspondence.  Since there was only one side of the story being presented, I filled in a lot in my head, especially about Mary.  We are given glimpses into her personality when Thomas uses quotes or relays a story, but I would have liked to know a little more about her.  Through his letters, Thomas' character shines and I was taken on an emotional roller coaster as he dealt with deadlines, love, villains and interesting neighbors.  The ending through me for a loop but also made everything make sense. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

About the Author
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Gina L. Mulligan is a veteran freelance journalist for numerous national magazines and the author of the award-winning novel, REMEMBER THE LADIES and FROM ACROSS THE ROOM. After her own diagnosis, Gina founded Girls Love Mail, a charity that collects handwritten letters of encouragement for women with breast cancer. She was honored for her charitable work on the nationally syndicated television talk show The Steve Harvey Show, People.com, and TODAY.com.

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THE WAR BETWEEN US 
BY SARAH CREVISTON LEEPublication Date: December 14, 2015
Paperback & eBook; 330 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

Editor’s Choice Award from the Historical Novel Society.
Alex Moon is not the enemy.
Six months after Pearl Harbor’s tragedy, Korean American Alex Moon is sent away from his home in California for refusing his father’s request to join the fight against the Japanese. On his journey, Alex is attacked and stranded in the small town of River Bluff, Indiana just for looking like America’s most hated enemy.
Unexpectedly, Alex is befriended by a local girl, Lonnie Hamilton, who comes to his defense, saving him from doubt and despair while placing herself in the cross hairs of prejudice. Alex falls in love with his ally—a love that is clearly forbidden. Torn between his dual identities, Korean and American, and grappling with how everyone sees him, Alex must wage the war within himself—of defending who he is, resolving his tortured feelings about the war, and fighting for the woman he loves.



AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUNDPraise for The War Between Us“Sarah Creviston Lee crafts a smart, fast-paced, uncensored, and quite moving story of embattled love and obstacles overcome. Even her unsavory characters are warmly, believably drawn, and the character of Lonnie Hamilton herself is wonderfully authentic. I read hungrily as the story picked up pace. Highly recommended.” -Laura Fahey, The Historical Novel Society
“Lonnie and Alex are perfect renderings of their time, cultures, and upbringings. Anyone familiar with multicultural literature will find a new author to love, and readers new to a beautifully developed look at a culture unlike ours will find a new genre to love. Lonnie isn’t immune to her town’s prejudice against Alex, but she is able to think things through before reacting. Alex is a moving and heartbreaking picture of a young man caught between two cultures and hated for events not of his making. Together, they are remarkable.” -Julie York, InD’Tale Magazine
“Debuting author Sarah Creviston Lee bursts into the historical fiction market with The War Between Us, a distinctive glimpse at post-Pearl Harbor America and the Asian American citizens caught in the resulting backlash of heightened nationalism and fear. Her honest and empathetic handling of the issues, as well as her complex characters, make this a read that remains with you after the cover is closed.” -Laurie L. C. Lewis, award-winning author of the Free Men and Dreamers series

Review:
​Six months ago the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and life changed for many people.  Alex Moon, a California native with Korean Ancestry is encouraged by his father to join up immediately to fight the Japanese. But Alex has seen what the American people have done to the Japanese-American citizens and refuses his father's request.  Because of this, Alex's father sends him on a train to his uncle in Washington, DC.  Alex gets off on a train stop in the small town of River Bluff, Indiana only to be accosted and beaten up by locals who see the enemy in Alex's skin color.  After being shipped to the police station, Reverend Hicks and his niece, Lonnie Hamilton come to check on Alex and offer him some kindness.  Alex finds himself stuck in River Bluff and seeks out a friendship Lonnie.  However, the rest of the town is determined to see Alex as one of the men that is fighting their sons overseas.  Tensions mount in the small town as Alex and Lonnie's friendship grows into something more.  Alex must face his identity as a Korean and American as well as his family's wishes for him.  

The War Between Us is a wartime romance that will sweep you off your feet.  This is a sweet and clean romance that develops into something much more as the prejudices of an entire town are brought to light.  Alex and Lonnie's characters are what brought me into the story and kept me interested.  On the surface, this is a simple love story.  However, both Lonnie and Alex are complex characters with intriguing stories.  From Alex I learned about the feelings and prejudices that Korean and Chinese Americans went through after the Pearl Harbor as well as the complexity of emotions he faced when dealing with people who despised him for what they believed him to be.  I did enjoy learning about some Korean customs and food as Alex introduced his culture to Lonnie.  Lonnie was also an amazing character who faced a different adversity of not living up to what others had planned for her.  Lonnie's grows a lot during the story as her mind shifts and realizes that you can not choose who you love.  

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

About the Author

Sarah Creviston Lee was born and raised as a proud Hoosier. She can usually be found tinkering in the kitchen with WWII ration recipes, haunting local antique shops, homeschooling her kids, clacking away on her laptop writing one story or another, or watching old school movies with her family.
She currently lives in Maryland with her husband, three children, and flock of feisty chickens.

In 2016, her book, The War Between Us, received the Editor’s Choice Award from the Historical Novel Society.
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A LIGHT OF HER OWN BY CARRIE CALLAGHAN
​Publication Date: November 13, 2018
Amberjack Publishing
Hardcover; 320 Pages
Genre: Fiction/Historical/Biographical


In Holland 1633, a woman’s ambition has no place.
Judith is a painter, dodging the law and whispers of murder to become the first woman admitted to the prestigious Haarlem artist’s guild. Maria is a Catholic in a country where the faith is banned, hoping to absolve her sins by recovering a lost saint’s relic.
Both women’s destinies will be shaped by their ambitions, running counter to the city’s most powerful men, whose own plans spell disaster. A vivid portrait of a remarkable artist, A Light of Her Own is a richly-woven story of grit against the backdrop of Rembrandt and an uncompromising religion.

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND


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Review:
Haarlem, Holland 1633, Judith Leyster is an apprentice painter to Frans de Grebber.  Judith is one of the only female painters along with Frans' daughter, Maria.  Judith will do anything to be admitted to the Guild so she can sell her work.  However, no female has ever been admitted.   Maria is working on a secret painting, although art is not her passion, religion and atoning for her own perceived sins comes first.  Judith is set on clawing her way to the top, and having independence.  Maria finds herself when she sets off on her own and discovers the art of healing and helping others.  The two women will need to find one another again as the men of the city decide to plot against the young, up and coming painters.


A Light of Her Own explores the lives of two little known female painters of the Dutch Golden Age.  I love learning about new and important female historical figures, Judith Leyster and Maria de Grebber were real painters.  History would obscure Judith's work and sell it under a man's name.  In the book, I enjoyed that the plot focused on the strained friendship of the two women and their faults.  The writing through Judith's eyes engaged me, the way Judith saw color, light and other features in the world around her transformed scenes that would typically be dull or boring into something magical.  Judith's ambition was also refreshing.  Though what she did was sometimes illegal or immoral, it was nothing that other male painters at the time weren't doing as well.  Maria's point of view shed light on the religious tones of the time in Holland as well as the social system.  The mystery of the disappearing linseed oil did help move the plot along, but was a little weak for me.  However, I did enjoy how Judith brought the truth out in the end. Overall, an engaging story that helps bring to light the lives of female Dutch Golden Age painters. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

About the Author
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Carrie Callaghan is a writer living in Maryland with her spouse, two young children, and two ridiculous cats. Her short fiction has appeared in Weave Magazine, The MacGuffin, Silk Road, Floodwall, and elsewhere. Carrie is also an editor and contributor with the Washington Independent Review of Books. She has a Master’s of Arts in International Affairs from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.



For more information, please visit Carrie Callaghan’s website and blog. You can also connect with her on Twitter and Goodreads.