Zorro: A Novel, by Isabel Allende
Diego de la Vega is a child of two worlds; his father is an aristocratic Spanish military man and his mother, a Shoshone warrior. Diego is sent to school in Barcelona where he joins a secret underground resistance movement devoted to helping the powerless and the poor. From his actions in Spain and California in fighting for the downtrodden and poor, the legend is born.
March, by Geraldine Brooks
From Louisa May Alcott’s, Little Women, this story is told from the perspective of the father, Mr. March, as he leaves his family to fend for themselves while he aids the Union Army during Civil War times.
The Last Kingdom (The Saxon Chronicles Series #1), by Bernard Cornwell
In this first book in the Saxon Chronicles Series, noted historical fiction author Cornwell tells the story of the consolidation of England in the late ninth century as seen through the eyes of a fictional protagonist. Other principal characters are real historical figures.
Fire Along the Sky, by Sara Donati
From this gifted writer, master storyteller, and first-rate historian is another in the series of works about an Early American family's struggle for survival in the Northeast wilderness.
In the Company of the Courtesan: A Novel, by Sarah Dunant
In 1527, the courtesan, Fiammetta, and her dwarf companion, Bucino, escape the sacking of Rome to take up residence in Venice where they try to infiltrate Venetian society and find a protector. Venice is depicted in vivid detail in this novel.
Stealing Athena, by Karen Essex
Essex writes the story of the "rescue" of the Elgin Marbles which now are in the British Museum. It is told from the points of view of two women and in two eras: Mary Nisbet, wife of the Earl of Elgin and Aspasia, the mistress of Perikles of Athens.
The Other Boleyn Girl, by Philippa Gregory
Another story about two sisters in competition for the same man, this time Henry VIII of England. Henry first takes Mary Boleyn as his mistress and she bears him an illegitimate son, and then takes Anne Boleyn as his wife. Book groups will enjoy reading this title!
The Widow of the South, by Robert Hicks
This story is based on the true experiences of a Civil War heroine, Carrie McGavock, whose home is in the middle of the Battle of Franklin in 1864. She turns her home into a Confederate army hospital and cares for the soldiers. She does fall in love with a wounded man, and dedicates her home as a burial site for the dead soldiers.
Peony in Love: A Novel, by Lisa See
In 17th century China, after the Manchus seize power and the Ming dynasty is crushed, Peony, the cloistered daughter of a wealthy family, is betrothed to a suitor chosen by her father. In the garden of the Chen Family Villa, a small theatrical troupe is performing. Peony attends the production, watching from behind a screen, but catches sight of a handsome man and begins a journey of love and sorrow. A popular read with book groups this year.
Luncheon of the Boating Party, by Susan Vreeland
A popular book club read this season is based on Renior's painting and deals with the lives of the thirteen people featured in it during the late 1800s in Paris.
, by Isabel Allende
, by Geraldine Brooks
, by Bernard Cornwell
, by Sara Donati
, by Sarah Dunant
, by Karen Essex
, by Philippa Gregory
, by Robert Hicks
, by Lisa See
, by Susan Vreeland
