DREAD NATION by Justina Ireland

Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It’s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.

But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose. But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies. And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.

 Opening line:
"The day I came squealing and squalling into the world was the first time someone tried to kill me."

I loved this story!
I loved the alternate reality of the Civil War.  How the blacks weren't neccassairly slaves but were used to fight the zombies, or "shamblers" as they were called. The blacks were also used as bait to bring out the shamblers so they could be killed. 
Jane is tough and sassy and funny and smart. She doesn't take crap from anyone, but knows when to keep her head down until she can escape.
And I LOVED listening to it! Bahni Turpin has the best voice for this story!

There is swearing and fighting and zombies.

DISCLAIMER: I would not recommend this book to everyone. 

THE SHIPBUILDER'S WIFE by Jennifer Moore

The day of her parents' garden party dawns bright as Lydia Prescott eagerly anticipates a marriage proposal from a handsome and wealthy plantation owner. The lovely debutante plans to steal a moment away with her beau, but her plans go terribly awry. Instead of her intended, she is joined by a stranger the largest man she's ever laid eyes on. And it is clear Jacob Steele is there for reasons far more sober than the party. With British raids erupting all around them, it is his job to reassure plantation owners of their safety. In reality, however, Jacob is an espionage agent, and the truth is dire: America is on the verge of invasion by the British.
Blissfully unaware of the danger surrounding her, Lydia basks in the glow of her recent engagement. But her joy is short-lived—a surprise British attack results in a devastating wound, and her plans for the future are shattered. Lost in her devastation, Lydia could never dream that Jacob, that giant of a man she met so briefly, would prove to be her saving grace. And with a war raging around them, she may be called upon to save him too.

Opening line:
"Lydia Prescott peeked around the corner of the house then drew back, keeping olut of sight of the carriageway."

I fell in Love with Lydia and Jacob! What a beautiful love story. And that beautiful love story is set in the midst of a British invasion. I learn a lot of history through Ms. Moore's stories. They are well-researched and set as the backdrop of her stories so that the reader can enjoy the characters and their lives without the reader being banged over the head with history. 
Lydia is a beautiful debutante with her eye set on who she believes is an equal. But after a freak accident, he no longer wants her. In comes Jacob Steele, rescuer and suddenly, Lydia's husband. Did he marry her out of pity? Pride?
There is a steady flow of plot, character and romance. I loved reading how the two main characters had to learn not only to trust each other, but trust each other as well. And of course, the romance! 
Ms. Moore does an excellent job of pulling the reader in and holding them to the very end. 

Thanks to netgalley for the early read!

 
Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world, which includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. Jennifer has a BA in linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family.

Awesome Historical Fiction reads

Do you like to read historical fiction? 

I feel like sometimes I learn more history through the fictional weaving of the tale. 

What about you? 

Do you have a favorite era you like to read?

THE QUEEN'S BALL (Timeless Victorian Collection) Anthea Lawson, Rebecca Connolly, Jennifer Moore

Cute, Sweet, Fun, Romantic collection from excellent writers!

Waltzed by Anthea Lawson
Opening line:
"The soft gray drizzle of an English spring coated the half-open buds of the rhododendron flowres in the garden and glazed the windows of the late Viscount Tremont's townhouse."

A Love to Claim by Rebecca Connolly
Opening line:
"Was there ever anything more tedious than a ball?"

Coming Home by Jennifer Moore
Opening line:
"Grant Mason frowned, pulling away as his mother's elbow poked into his arm."

A YULETIDE REGENCY ~ A Timeless Romance Anthology

Ready for Christmas??? This book will get you started! I love the romance and the season in all of these stories!!

ALWAYS A KISS by Regina Scott
Opening line:
"If she couldn't win an offer at Christmas, there was no justice in the world."

A YULETIDE MATCH by Sarah M. Eden
Opening line:
"If Adelaide Northrop ever found herself short of funds, she fully intended to ply her trade composing a very detailed and, at times, scathing accounting of the traveling inns of England."

THE FORBIDDEN DUKE by Jen Geigle Johnson
Opening line:
"The new Duke of Salsbury hardly noticed the guests as he took each hand, welcoming them into his London townhome."

MISLETOE AT WILLOWSMEADE by Annette Lyon
Opening line:
""Do you think we'll have snow for Christmas?" Suzanne asked, loking up from her book in the nursery."

FOLLOW THE RIVER by Krista Lynne Jensen
Opening line:
"Mr. Forbes sat across from Arabelle in the drawing room of Hybrigge House, studying the painting above the fireplace, running his hand along the carved arm of the settee, and patting the upholstery as if assessing the value of a racehorse he wasn't quite impressed with."

THE NEW EARL by Heather Moore
Opening line:
"Celia Thompson read the horrible words of the letter in her hands."