Tag Archives: Historical Fiction

July 24, 2026 · 11:46 am

‘The Italian Chapel’ by Philip Paris ~ Diana’s July book review

This book caught my eye in Waterstones because I’ve visited The Orkneys and the beautiful Italian Chapel, lovingly created by Italian prisoners of war in WW2. It was an act of true devotion.

click cover for Amazon

This book was well researched, filling in many details of the life of the men on the tiny island of Lamb Holm, and a fitting tribute to them. The author describes how he has woven facts into fiction and is honest where he has embellished the truth for the sake of creativity.

I really enjoyed this novel, the characters were so well described, as was the sense of place, in contrast to their Mediterranean home.

It was quite a different style to Caroline Lea’s ‘The Metal Heart’ which I reviewed four years ago, but I believe both have a place amongst good Scottish Historical Fiction.

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February 27, 2026 · 10:20 am

Diana’s February Book Review ~ The Orchid Hunter’s Daughter by Jane Anderson

I went to listen to the author Jane Anderson in Kirkcaldy, Waterstones, where I bought a signed copy of The Orchid Hunter’s Daughter. I enjoyed the talk, and was looking forward to reading it, mainly because I have visited both Innerpeffray Library and Drummond Castle, both inspiring places.

I much enjoyed the story of the Orchid Hunter’s Daughter, bringing in my love of plants and history too.

The novel had many a twist and turns, was well written, with descriptions transporting the reader to the fashions, echelons and occupations of society in the late 19th century. The relationships were colourful and poignant, encompassing love, betrayal, dangerous adventures, scandal and sensitivity.

A little more about the father’s adventures in South Africa, although more difficult to research, would have made the book perfect.

Nevertheless, it was well worth venturing out on a very wet and windy February night!

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January 29, 2026 · 10:52 am

Diana Jackson’s January Book Review ~ The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

I was browsing in Kirkcaldy Waterstones, as I do whenever I’m in town, and the first thing that caught my eye about this book was the title. Evocative, don’t you think?

The second was the era of 1937, which I seem to be drawn to at the moment, and yet this was set mainly in a back and beyond place called ‘Balleyville’ in Kentucky. An English girl, who married a local mine owner’s son, moved there. Then she became involved as a horseback librarian, taking books to out of the way and often isolated homesteads, Intriguing, don’t you think?

I was soon absorbed into Alice Wright’s life, which soon became intolerable. What had she done to make such a huge step in her life?

I loved the unlikely friendships Jojo Moyes formed between these ladies and the men who supported them. There was conflict aplenty, and possible tragedy, but there was also love and laughter too.

A sign, for me, of a great book, is one that lives with me long after I have finished reading it. ‘The Giver of Stars’ will go on my bookshelf to be read again, maybe in a few years time. Another rare but great sign!

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