Reading Club

I assume you're here at this website because you like my books. Good. And that also means you might like the books I enjoy reading, and that all of us might enjoy the books that you read, so this is simply a place where we can exchange news of books - any books - not just historical novels. Tell us if you've read something wonderful and entertaining, and we'll post your recommendations and reviews here. And, please, let us know what you think of these recommendations!

Visit the Historical Novel Society online!

Empires of Bronze: Thunder at Kadesh

Written by: Gordon Doherty

Published by: Independently Published

Submitted By: Gordon Doherty

(This review submitted by the book’s author) It will be the cruellest war ever waged, and the Gods will gather to watch…   1275 BC: Tensions between the Hittite and Egyptian Empires erupt and the two great superpowers mobilise for…

Read More...

Crucible of War

Written by: Fred Anderson

Published by: Vintage Books

Submitted By: Geraint

In this vivid and compelling narrative, the Seven Years’ War-long seen as a mere backdrop to the American Revolution-takes on a whole new significance. Relating the history of the war as it developed, Anderson shows how the complex array of…

Read More...

The Iron Marshal

Written by: J. G. Gallagher

Published by: Frontline Books

Submitted By: Geraint

This book is the long awaited reprint of John Gallaher’s 1976 classic account of one of Napoleon’s greatest Marshals, Louis Davout, ‘The Iron Marshal’. According to David Chandler, Davout was “one of the least liked as a man, the ablest…

Read More...

Empires of Bronze: Dawn of War

Written by: Gordon Doherty

Published by: Independently published

Submitted By: Gordon Doherty

(This review submitted by the book’s author) “A tale of far-flung desert adventure set in the distant Bronze Age Two great empires on the brink of war, one last hope for peace… 1294 BC: The fragile accord between the Hittite…

Read More...

The Captain from Connecticut

Written by: C S Forester

Published by: eNet Press Inc.

Submitted By: Geraint

In his only novel about the American sailing navy, C.S. Forester describes the exploits of a typical U.S. frigate cruising at sea during the War of 1812. Its captain, Josiah Peabody, demonstrates the revolutionary virtues of a new democracy fighting…

Read More...

A Devil of a Whipping

Written by: Lawrence E. Babits

Published by: University of North Carolina Press

The real-life battle and heroes that inspired The Patriot On January 17, 1781, in a pasture near present-day Spartanburg, South Carolina, Daniel Morgan’s army of Continental troops and militia routed an elite British force under the command of the notorious…

Read More...

An Independent Heart

Written by: Elizabeth Grant

Published by: Books on Demand

I started reading this novel because the Nivelle is mentioned in the blurb and the male lead is a captain in the Riflemen – I wouldn’t usually pick up a historical romance. The story does in fact open in St…

Read More...

On Harbor’s Edge

Written by: Kate Hotchkis

Published by: Maine Authors Publishing

Submitted By: Kate Hotchkis

(This review submitted by the book’s author) “Captivating! On Harbor’s Edge hooked me line and sinker with fascinating characters and dramatic plots brilliantly layered in Maine island life a hundred years ago. Can’t wait for the sequel!” – LINDA GREENLAW…

Read More...

Pagan Death

Written by: Sam Taw

Published by: Carantoc Publishing

Submitted By: Sam Taw

This review submitted by the book’s author: Review by Gordon Doherty, author of the Legionary Series, on Amazon UK Store:   5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and immersive   Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 May 2020 Verified…

Read More...

The Third Factor

Written by: S. P. Brown

Published by: Black Opal Books

Submitted By: S. P. Brown

This review submitted by the book’s author Amazon 5 Star Review: “A thrilling follow-up to Veiled Memory. The Third Factor will take readers on a journey that culminates in an exciting twist.”

Read More...