Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Recommended by Irene
FIC SEE

In 19th century China, in the time of bound feet and seclusion for women, Lily, the narrator, tells of her life in vivid detail. Because she is judged to be a valuable match, she endures painful foot binding and is paired with a girl in another village with the same birthday. They write to each other in women’s secret writing – sending messages written on a fan. A deeply moving period piece.

Reviews: http://tinyurl.com/z5ftu

The Witch of Cologne by Tobsha Learner

Recommended by Donna
FIC LEARNER

If you like historical fiction, you will love this book! Set in the 1600s, Ruth is a Jewish midwife who is ahead of her time. Her progressive ways seem unnatural to the locals and she is branded as a witch. She falls in love with and marries a Catholic priest. What follows is a tale of faith, love, and sacrifice. This is a true love story and a real page turner.

Reviews: http://tinyurl.com/esw6h

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

Recommended by Annemarie
FIC GREGORY

A fascinating historical fiction of the life of Katharine of Aragon, daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. Betrothed to Arthur, the Prince of Wales, Katharine’s marriage seals an alliance between Spain and England. Katharine and Arthur fall in love, but Arthur’s premature death leaves Katharine a widow after only a few months of marriage. The desire to fulfill her destiny as Queen of England brings Katharine to the throne as the wife of Henry VIII, Arthur’s younger brother. The story unfolds with plenty of political intrigue. Katharine’s early years as the daughter of a warrior queen and her life at the exotic Moorish palace at Granada are brought vividly to life as are the customs and people of Tudor England.

Reviews: http://tinyurl.com/e6shx

Push Not the River by James Conroyd Martin

Recommended by Danielle

A novel inspired by the unpublished diary of Countess Anna Maria Berezowska. Orphaned as a teenager in Poland during 1763-1796, Anna is forced to live with her aunt and uncle where her life is constantly challenged. Follow Anna on her journey of courage and survival as Catherine the Great and the Russian soldiers invade Poland to expand their borders.

Reviews:http://tinyurl.com/gk2j8