Tag Archives: Historical Fiction

Hidden in a Whisper – Tracie Peterson

In my attempt to ever increase the breadth of my reading and to provide a greater variety of books in this blog, I read a historical romance novel called “Hidden in a Whisper” by Tracie Peterson, an award-winning Christian author. I have to admit, I don’t generally read novels that are driven by romance. I usually pick suspense or historical fiction that has elements of romance in it, but not as the main story. So this was definitely a departure for me. We begin the story with Rachel, a girl of twenty-one who does not think she’s pretty. When Braeden … Continue reading →

Author Interview — James Rada Jr (part three) A Few of His Favorite Things

Thanks for joining us for our third and final installment in our interview with award-winning journalist and author, James Rada. If you missed parts one or two, click here to catch up. Jim, when we left off yesterday, you were telling us about how you became interested in writing historical fiction. What’s your favorite thing about it? I like learning something new. At this point in time, I’m writing about American history so with each book or article I write, I learn something new about my country. I like seeing how things that happened in the past have impacted the … Continue reading →

Author Interview — James Rada Jr: On Historical Fiction

Yesterday we began a fascinating conversation with award-winning columnist and author, James Rada. Thanks for joining us for part two. Jim, what are the names of your novels, and can you give us a brief synopsis of each? “Logan’s Fire” (1996) – Logan Hanson is an out-of-control teenager. His belief that he was responsible for his mother’s death in a fire has caused him to lose his faith in God. When he begins to lead others away from their faith, the Three Nephites are sent to help Logan. They find that Logan’s work has done his work well, perhaps too … Continue reading →

Author Interview — James Rada Jr: Newspapers and Novels

James Rada is an award-winning newspaper columnist and fiction novelist. I’m excited to share with all of you a recent interview I conducted with Jim, and I appreciate the time he took out of his busy schedule to talk with me. Jim, you’re a newspaper man as well as a novelist. Which came first? Neither. I was an advertising copywriter first. That’s the guy or gal who writes all the words in an ad. I graduated BYU with an advertising degree and worked for my first couple years in that field and enjoyed it. Then my wife and I decided … Continue reading →

The Shakeress – Kimberley Heuston

It is the beginning of the 1800’s. Naomi, her older brother Ben, and her younger siblings Eli and Glory have been left orphaned by a house fire that claimed not only their parents’ lives, but that of the baby as well. They have been sent to live with Aunt Thankful, a woman who does not live up to her name but instead takes everything on herself as a burden and a curse. Rather than being grateful that the four children survived the fire, she complains about the extra work and expense of raising them, and she informs Naomi that she … Continue reading →

Soldier’s Heart – Gary Paulsen

I’ve always been fascinated by the Civil War, and so was very excited to read “Soldier’s Heart” by Gary Paulsen. This is the true story of Charley Goddard who joined up with the First Minnesota Volunteers when he was just fifteen years old, after walking a distance from his hometown so no one would know him and then lying about his age. Charley was the oldest in his family. His father died some years before, leaving Charley, his mother, and his little brother to fend for themselves. There had been rumors of war for some time, but they didn’t think … Continue reading →

The Rifle – Gary Paulsen

Okay, men, this book’s for you! I often look at the books I choose to review and lament that I don’t seem to have enough variety for the menfolk. I repent, and I present to you “The Rifle” by Gary Paulsen. Our main character in this book is not a person at all, but rather a rifle, handcrafted by master gunsmith Cornish McManus in the year 1768. He was accustomed to making everyday, run-of-the-mill rifles, but when he picked up the piece of wood that would become the stock for this particular firearm, he knew it had to be something … Continue reading →

Girl in a Cage – Jane Yolen and Robert J. Harris

I’ve mentioned just how much I enjoy the young adult historical fiction of Ann Rinaldi. I’m delighted to say that I’ve found another superlative author to add to my favorites list – Jane Yolen. I have read some of her adult fiction novels and found them to be very well done, and today I’d like to share with you “Girl in a Cage,” which was nominated for the Utah Young Adults’ Book Award and co-written with Robert J. Harris. History tells us that Robert the Bruce had one child, a daughter named Marjorie, who was captured by the English and … Continue reading →

Johnny Tremain – Esther Forbes

If “Johnny Tremain” is not already included on every recommended reading list to be found in every public, private and homeschool in the nation, it ought to be. That’s how good this book is. Johnny Tremain is an apprentice in a silversmith’s shop. In his early teens, he’s already mastered much of the craft and is told by his teacher that he has a great skill for the trade. But an order comes in that is too large to fill by the appointed time, and the master will not work on Sunday. Determined to help his master meet his obligation, … Continue reading →

Author Update – H.B. Moore

Heather Brown Moore granted an interview to Families.com blogger Candace Salima in the spring of last year. Some exciting things have happened to her since then and she’s joining us again today to fill us in. Heather, we’re excited to hear that the third novel in your series has been released. Can you tell us about it? “Towards the Promised Land” is the third volume in my Out of Jerusalem series. The story of Nephi’s family continues, and the reader is taken into a world of shipbuilding, interactions with local tribes in the Dhofar region (Bountiful), and the perils of … Continue reading →