More Historical Fiction with Faith

Takoma Park LibraryStaff Picks

More Historical Fiction with Faith

Enjoy these stories of love and faith from colonial times to early 20th century America. Following up on my previous list of Christian fiction titles, here are other novels I've enjoyed. Copies are available to check out and download from the library system. 

The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden
Washington, 1902. Luke Delacroix is an ambitious and charming man about town. Marianne Magruder is a photographer for the Department of the Interior and the daughter of a prominent Maryland congressman. Their families are long-time rivals. When Luke rescues Marianne from a fall through the ice, he finds himself attracted to her. The pair begin seeing each other whenever possible. Luke joins a special research project, leading him to discover damaging information about Congressman Magruder. If that information became public, it would have a major impact across the country. The couple's relationship and faith are tested as they work towards a future together. A historical note follows the text. The novel is the final entry in the "Hope and Glory" trilogy; I recommend reading the novels in order.

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz
James Towne, Virginia, 1634. Selah Hopewell works in her father's shop and is responsible for helping newly arrived young women from England find husbands among the men in the colony. She's not interested in marrying. Xander Renick is a wealthy man of standing and a trusted representative to the Powhatan nation. Xander's late wife, Mattachanna, was the chief's daughter. When the couple's young son Oceanus comes to live with his widower father, his status makes him a target for the uneasy political situation on the raw frontier. When a young girl from the Powhatan nation disappears, Selah and Xander must work quickly to find her before it's too late. A fascinating read about life in the early colonial Mid-Atlantic region! An author's note is included.

A Heart's Revolution by Roseanna M. White
Lark Benton is angry and shocked when she sees her finacee, Emerson Fielding, with her cousin. To escape unwanted attention at home, she goes to Annapolis, Maryland. In early 1784, Annapolis is the scene of major activity with the new Congress meeting there. Lark is thrilled to meet new friends and to hear about new ideas and challenges about the future of the new nation. Emerson arrives in Annapolis and attempts to reconcile with Lark. She's not eager to see him. When a member of a prominent local family has his current loyalties questioned, Emerson must decide how he will respond. Can Emerson and Lark repair their relationship? I enjoyed this novel set locally and during a formative period in our nation's history. Of note, the author attended college in Annapolis.

To Write A Wrong by Jen Turano
In this sequel To Steal a Heart, Daphne Beeker is an aspiring mystery novelist who writes under a man's pen name. One evening Herman Henderson, a best selling author, comes to the Bleeker Street Inquiry Agency. He has received threats but the police haven't provided help. Herman turns to the all women's inquiry agency, which is the only agency of its kind in New York City, to solve the case. Daphne reluctantly agrees to help him and poses as his secretary. When threats also arrive for Daphne, the two must step out from their comfort zones to solve the mystery. Also, someone from Daphne's past arrives and won't take no for answer. An interesting mix of mystery and humor!

Serving Up Love by Tracie Peterson et al.
Head west with four independent minded Harvey Girls for love and adventure in this novella collection! Rosalind is determined to put her past behind her until a local district attorney catches her attention. Gretchen must act quickly when a flash flood strikes without warning in New Mexico. Willow works with Graham, a new busboy, to find a thief operating along rail lines in Kansas. Myrtle, a New York City society belle, escapes for the Grand Canyon. Each short story is written by a best selling novelist.
Of historic note, from 1876 to the late 1920s, Harvey Houses were well known for their excellence standards in food and hospitality throughout the western U.S. The founder, Fred Harvey, developed his prototype of chain restaurants and hotels along major railroad routes. Today the company is no longer in operation but its legacy of service excellence remains.

Plus a bonus: Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green, sequel to Veiled in Smoke set in late 19th century Chicago