Introduction 2023

[Gretchen, Keep your head up or the crown slips]

Introduce yourself for the first time.

Introduce yourself for the hundredth time.

[Ashley Marie]

Hi, I'm Ashley! I joined GR in spring 2014 and found this group in fall 2014. I live in northeast Ohio and I read all manner of stuff - historical fiction, biographies, fantasy, history, contemporary, thrillers, poetry, what have you. I don't always read the monthly group picks, but I love the community here <33

[Abigail]

Abigail here. I both read and write historical fiction and enjoy the way the group pushes me beyond the boundaries of my own historical focus. I don’t always join the monthly read because I am in too many groups but participate whenever I can.

[Margaret]

I am Margaret I live in South Africa and love reading and Good Reads has been amazing guiding and managing my reading. I really enjoy the Historical fiction group and try to read the recommendations. I read exclusively on kindle.
In my work reading has always been important. I am now retired but was a marine biologist, then a librarian and built a bibliographic database on fish. This formed the basis for an academic publishing company NISC which I ran in South Africa. Now that I am retired I can read whatever I like in between gardening, pub quiz and being granny.

[Marie]

Hello all. I am Marie, from Vancouver, BC, Canada. Just joined my first ever group read for January 2023. Loving the book thus far. Looking forward to discussing with others.

[Leah]

Hey y’all. I’m Leah from the U.S. I just joined today, I’ve been a big fan of historical fiction especially from WWII, not sure why but it was one of the first genres I always felt pulled too. But I’m always down for any good book.

[Cass]

Hi! My name is Cass, I just joined this group and I joined GR less than a month ago (I'm trying to read more this year :)). I've always been a fan of historical fiction, and I picked up a few of Philippa Gregory's books while I was in the UK about 10 years ago. I'm currently reading/listening to The Lady of the Rivers and just finished The Pull of the Stars. I specifically am interested in Tudor or earlier books. I studied Medieval and Renaissance history while in college, so they just tickle my fancy lol. Anyway, thanks for reading all this! I love talking about history and gushing over characters so feel free to message me any time. :)

[Deb Carver]

Hello everyone! I’m Deb and I live in Scottsdale, AZ. I have been on GR since 2016 but increased my activity in 2022 as I intentionally decided to read more and watch less TV/scroll
social media. I didn’t even know groups existed until November ‘22 and was thrilled to find this group since historical fiction is my favorite genre.

I have 4 kiddos ages 8-13, which We have educated at home since the beginning. I also juggle working a part time company which I own, selling giftware, candles and home decor to major national retailers.

Excited to be here and share books with you all!

[Stephen]

Hi Everyone! great to be here.... I'm Steve, UK, self published author of the book series "Blue Ring Assassins" a WWII historical fiction series laced with true events.

I have been on GR for some time now but due to ill health I've only just started to introduce myself.

Have a great year one and all!

[Pearl]

Hello! I'm Pearl and I'm a mega reader, I love all historical fiction, especially the ones that make me bawl at 2 am. I recently read a story called "A Sister's Song" I didn't think I could be crying one second, laughing the next, and then sobbing all over again!

[Archie]

Hello everyone. I'm Archie a guy who has always loved to read and after I retired I started to write. My quest has been to understand the world and why people are and do what we do and are.

I live in the Pacific NW area of the USA with my wife, cat, and dog.

My first book doesn't fit well in any genre but it does have a historical setting within North Korea from 1950 to the present. It's really all about nature vs nurture and how humans are becoming better humans.

Second and third books are scifi so don't fit into this group.

[Deb Carver]

Cass wrote: "Hi! My name is Cass, I just joined this group and I joined GR less than a month ago (I'm trying to read more this year :)). I've always been a fan of historical fiction, and I picked up a few of Ph..."

Love Philippa Gregory - she is probably who really sparked my interest in historical fiction too. Glad to have you here.

[Debbie]

Hello everyone! My name's Debbie, Winter Garden, Florida.
I've been a reader my whole life and wish I had kept a journal of everything I've read.

I will read practically anything as long as it seems interesting or entertaining. Favorite genres are historical fiction (which always sparks more reading), murder mysteries, and classics. I also read the occasional romance and lots of nonfiction. I like to read the books and then go watch the movie although most times it's the other way around.

[Gili]

Hello! My name is Gili, I'm a mega-reader, I mainly read historical novels so I think I'm in the right group :) for this year, I'm trying to step out of my "go-to" historical fiction reading - that of London in WW2 or american one. Looking to find here recommendations of historical novels from other parts of the world / other historical periods.

[Kathryn]

Deb Carver wrote: "Cass wrote: "Hi! My name is Cass, I just joined this group and I joined GR less than a month ago (I'm trying to read more this year :)). I've always been a fan of historical fiction, and I picked u..."
I love Philippa Gregory too. I think I've read almost every word she's ever written. But I've been disappointed in her last two books in the Fairmile series.

[Joan]

I'm Joan. I live on LI and am a teacher, professional knitwear designer and mother of 3. Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I joined looking for great HF books and the sharing of ideas, perspective and insights on history and fiction. My goal this year is to become more active in GoodReads.

Thanks for having me along.

[Kristin]

Hi, I’m Kristin. Joined GoodReads a little more than a year ago — and joined this group within the past week. I’ve always been into historical fiction, though I spent many years not reading much after being a voracious reader as a kid.

In my everyday life, I’m a milliner, specifically drawing inspiration from vintage fashions. So both my reading choices and my hats go back to my love of history.

My favorite books are “To Say Nothing of the Dog” by Connie Willis (all-time favorite) and “The Rose Code” by Kate Quinn (new second place).

[Sandra]

Hi all -
As a lover of historical fiction, and in answer to some of the questions posted about new things to read, may I direct you to this website? A new publishing imprint specializing in historical fiction and historical narrative nonfiction. The books are really great. Give them a try! https://greylondonpress.com/

[YarnCatsNBooks]

Hi I'm Jenny. I've always been a big reader. I've been a sporadic user of goodreads ever since I got a Kindle around 2012? I've mostly used it to record the books or authors I really like. Recently I've started to record more of my reading out of curiosity. How much do I read anyway?
I discovered the goodreads communities in November, so I'm a newbie to the group.
I love historical fiction, as well as mysteries, sci fi, fantasy, some romance, drama, etc.

[Abigail]

Welcome, Jenny! This is a nice active group; I hope you enjoy your time here!

If you enjoy classic mysteries, you might also take a look at the group Reading the Detectives, devoted to Golden Age writers like Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, and so on. Recently a lot of less-known authors of that era have been finding their way into reprint, and that group is a good place to find them.

[Mariga]

Hi, I'm Mariga, new to GoodReads and new to the group. I'm a reader/writer/bookseller/real estate agent/musician. Last great historical novel I read was Jane Smiley's "A Dangerous Business". I highly recommend it. And I'm working my way through Winston Graham's "Poldark" series. So good.

Happy reading!

[Janice]

Abigail wrote: "Abigail here. I both read and write historical fiction and enjoy the way the group pushes me beyond the boundaries of my own historical focus. I don’t always join the monthly read because I am in t..."

Oh, me too! Too many books to read in a month! :)

[Dee]

Hello from a small town in Pennsylvania called Warren! I'm Dee and I have loved Historical Fiction since I read Two from Galilee by Margery Holmes and a John Jakes series at age 14...I'm turning 60 this year!

I especially love the time period around the Elizabethan historical era (but not interested in current European Dynasties - isn't that strange? lo) Although I love to read about historic royalty in any location.

I have 5 adult children and between remarriages and new babies am the grandma of 18. I used to be a business owner but am now retired and published my first and only book a few years ago about...guess? Life and humor in a large family! lol

I'm looking forward to visiting with you all. Thanks for forming this group!
Dee

[Abigail]

Welcome, Dee!

[Stacey]

Hello, my name is Stacey and I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I am an avid reader and cannot get enough historical fiction. I routinely visit used bookstores to add to my collection of 100+ year old books with inscriptions. Yesterday I was lucky, I picked up a fairly worn out miniature poetry book published in 1754.

I have been on Good Reads for quite some time, and started to follow this group, but have not fully participated.

Im looking forward to getting started and have finally nominated a book for April!

[Abigail]

Glad you could join us, Stacey!

[Jackie]

Hello, I'm Jackie, CA, USA. I'm not new to Goodreads, but new to this group. I've found the ratings of books on Goodreads to be quite accurate. I've been led to a number of books that I wouldn't have otherwise found. Although HF is my favorite, I also read fantasy, actual history, thrillers, biographies, and classics. I'm currently reading Edward RutherfurdLondon, but only on page 347 of 1126! Love this book!

[Abigail]

Welcome, Jackie! The audacity of writing a novel that spans two thousand years of history leaves me breathless—and I see Rutherfurd makes a habit of writing such novels! Glad you’re enjoying it.

[Gary]

Hello, my name is Gary and I live in Milwaukie, Oregon. I spent my formative years living on a tiny speck of an island in the Pacific. Two things about living there inspired my passion for history and historical fiction; we had no television, and the island was the site of a World War Two battlefield. When you're nine years old and told there is no television, you think the world is going to end. It turned out to be a blessing. Get out there and read.

[Michele]

Hello! I’m a pianist, cellist and educator from Pennsylvania. Although I don’t comment much on this group site I do follow the readings and nominations to find new books to read. I read mostly historical fiction. Thank you to all of you!

[Abigail]

Welcome, Gary and Michele! Gary, our current nomination theme is island settings, so you might have an expert’s view of the options, ;-)

[Robin H-R]

Gary wrote: "Hello, my name is Gary and I live in Milwaukie, Oregon. I spent my formative years living on a tiny speck of an island in the Pacific. Two things about living there inspired my passion for history ..."

Welcome fellow Oregonian!

[Pippa]

Hello there.
I vividly remember my first historical fiction read - The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George. This book was a revelation that brought to history life (I hated the subject at school, all dates and treaties, and I begged to give the subject up.) Reading historical fiction has opened new worlds to me, fascinating places where realities are stranger than fiction and I love to spend time. This has become an obsession, and I'm always on the lookout for that next page-turning, engrossing HF read.
I'm looking forward to the group recommendations and unearthing new favourite reads.
Pippa

[Moa]

Hi! I’m Moa from Uppsala, Sweden! A reader with a deep love for historical fiction and classics. Especially by female authors.
I started my reading as a child in the world of fantasy with help from three older brothers.
In my teens I found Austen, the Brontes and Elizabeth Gaskell and have now read pride and prejudice 15 times.. The last couple of years I’ve emerged in historical fiction, mostly based in Italy and Greece in the Roman era. I still sneak in fantasy in my reading diet and have a fondness for retelling of classic fables and fairy tales.

I hope to find some new favourites here with you,
And if you have any questions about vikings or Nordic folk lore I’m your girl!

All the best / Moa

[Susanna]

Hi everyone, I'm Susanna from Sydney Australia. Thank you for allowing me to join your group. By profession I'm a historian of religion, so ancient history is my primary interest, although I am also a big fan of Hilary Mantel, Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir.

[Kathryn]

Welcome! I'm also a fan of Gregory and Mantel.

[Susanna]

Nice to meet you Kathryn. I can't get into Gregory's Fairmile Series. For some reason it doesn't draw me in. I only read the first book.

[Kathryn]

Susanna wrote: "Nice to meet you Kathryn. I can't get into Gregory's Fairmile Series. For some reason it doesn't draw me in. I only read the first book."

Susanna wrote: "Nice to meet you Kathryn. I can't get into Gregory's Fairmile Series. For some reason it doesn't draw me in. I only read the first book." I loved the first one, but I thought the second and third ones were just bad. Very disappointing.

[Emily]

Hi, I am Emily from the USA. I joined Goodreads a couple years ago. I am just starting to venture into posting into the groups. Looking to find my fit! I love historical fiction and very much the subject of history in general. I consider myself an avid reader, however, I realize there are much much more prolific readers on Goodreads! Goodreads has really inspired me to up my reading game!

Anyone in the group familiar with Bernard Cornwell's work?

[Christa]

Gretchen wrote: "Introduce yourself for the first time.

Introduce yourself for the hundredth time."

Hi, I'm Christa from California. I've been an avid reader since I was young. I'm a high school history teacher by profession and I'm currently writing my first historical fiction novel. My favorite eras are the Enlightenment (Europe), antebellum era/reform movements of early 19th century in the U.S, Meiji Restoration in Japan, Progressive Era in the U.S. and World War II. I also love doing curriculum development.

[Anita]

Gretchen wrote: "Introduce yourself for the first time.

Introduce yourself for the hundredth time."

Hello
My name is Anita and I live in Australia. Author of historical fiction myself, I have been part of this group for some time now and absolutely love it.

[Aly]

Hi, my name is Aly and I’ve been reading historical fiction since as far back as I can remember. History was my favourite subject at school, and continues to shape my literary choices.

I started with all things Tudor and then ventured into other recommendations- mainly from my sister and librarian best friend.

My favourite historical novel is Burial Rites by Hannah Kent and I loved Batavia’s Graveyard by Mike Dash. Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir made me cry despite knowing the ending.

My last read was the Huntingfield Paintress by Pamela Holmes which I thoroughly enjoyed - it felt so close to home, and I particularly enjoy strong historical female characters.

Always looking for new (old!) recommendations

[Anita]

Hello everyone

This is Anita from Australia.

I write Historical fiction based on Indian legends.

My favourite authors are Eric Segal, Jeffery Archer, Phillipa Gregory, Chitra Bannerjee-Devakaruni.

A science student turned an author after crossing a half century in life, great to be on this group and make new friends

[June]

June Triana-Schiada Pepper the Magic Tortie Cat - Book 1: The Golden Key Pepper the Magic Tortie - Book 2: The Friendship Tree Powerless in Poland: Growing up under the Nazi Regime
Hello everyone, My name is June and I am an Indie Writer following a dream. Things just sort of fell into place after I semi-retired and I'm thrilled to enter into my "Omega Journey." I write middle grade novels and started a series inspired by my late, dearly loved, tortoiseshell cat. I stumbled into historical fiction when I asked my 95 year-old-uncle about his life during World War 2. I am working on my next historical fiction book about the Latvian Refugees post World War 2 (my Aunt's story!) I am enjoy my new career and would love to connect here,
Thank you!

[Susanna]

Hi June lovely to meet you. Like you I am also an Indie Author. Here's hoping both of us follow our dream to the rainbow's end.

Susanna

[June]

Susanna wrote: "Hi June lovely to meet you. Like you I am also an Indie Author. Here's hoping both of us follow our dream to the rainbow's end.

Susanna"

Thank you Susanna!

[Nicole]

Hello,
My name is Nicole. I live in Cambridge, Ontario Canada. I live with my partner and two cats.
I love Historical Fiction, spy fiction and crime fiction.
I belong to a book club as well as two wine clubs. Although I love books set in WW2, I am open to all time periods.

[Linda]

Nicole wrote: "Hello,
My name is Nicole. I live in Cambridge, Ontario Canada. I live with my partner and two cats.
I love Historical Fiction, spy fiction and crime fiction.
I belong to a book club as well as t..."

Welcome from Texas!! i like all the same genres, also belong to a book club (plus two online), and participate in wine clubs.

[Ila]

Hi, I'm Ila. I live in India and love reading a variety of genres. That said historical fiction and nonfiction are my favorite.

I particularly enjoy reading about the Italian Renaissance, ancient Rome, and the First World War. That said, I'm open to most time periods.

Hope to make new friends and learn loads!

[Christina]

Hi, my name is Christina and I’m from Maine, USA. I’m new to Goodreads and book clubs. Im kicking myself for hiding under a rock for so long! I am enjoying diving into so many amazing books along with wonderful people. I can’t stop pressing “ Want to Read”