Frank McLynn

A fine and detailed history of the "Big Three" leaders of the 1066 time period - Harold Godwinson (the rightful king of England), Harald Hardrada (king of Norway), and William of Normandy ("the Conqueror"). In 1066 they all wanted England for himself. That year each one was a victor in one of the three battles in the title, William of course won the battle that mattered the most, the last one. The author gives fine bios of many of the people involved (King Edward the Confessor, Tostig, Harold Godwinson's traitorous brother, and others). My favorite bio was the history of Harald Hardrada of Norway, but then I've always been a fan of The Vikings (no, not the ones from Minnesota), and feel like they have gotten a bad rap. McLynn dispels many myths, such as William being the rightful heir to the English throne, Harald Godwinson being killed with an arrow to the eye. etc. I wish the chapters on the three battles had been more detailed, but they give fine information. Maybe it's just the board war-gamer in me. I also think that the book could have used a glossary of all the many historical characters mentioned, just a line or two of each to reference when reading the book. All-in-all though, it is the best history of a memorable year that changed history.… (plus d'informations)

Wagons West by Caryl McAdoo explores one family’s journey along with the other members of the wagon train as they head west. This book is part of the New Beginnings series. Any time I start reading a book by Caryl McAdoo, I know I am going to enjoy it. With rich characters, historical aspects, and more, I found myself unable to put this book down.

Blaire Beechy, a widow with two almost grown daughters, Adeline and Beatrice, and a twelve-year-old son Tucker sells everything and attempts to join a wagon train going west. But Ambrose Lee, the wagon train master, has rules that forbid them from joining unless one of them gets married.

With several different storylines, including one about a young woman, who joins the wagon train to escape her abusive father and suffers from a mental illness, two Englishmen who carry their own secrets, and more, this book will keep you reading.

Filled with faith, family, marriage, losses, and more, I loved how the author developed the characters as well as the plot. Furthermore, the author writes in a way that makes the reader feel like you are actually part of the wagon train. You feel every emotion, movement, and experience the members of the wagon train are feeling.

As the first book in this new series, I definitely plan on reading the rest of this series to see where Caryl McAdoo takes us. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (plus d'informations)