2024 Introductions

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

New Year. New Intros.

Tells us about yourself for the 1st time. Tell us about yourself for the 100th time.

[Christopher]

Great reminder! Have been busy writing, entering contests, querying publishers on two new projects simultaneously. Look forward to engaging with the group!

[Abigail]

I’m an author (mostly retired but it’s hard to say never again) living in Oregon, USA. Looking forward to seeing what the new year will bring in historical fiction.

[Ashley Marie]

I'm a rabid reader from northeast Ohio! When September rolls around I'll have been a group member for a decade 😳 truly surreal.

[Deazaskia]

Hi, I’m Dea, so excited to be part of this group! I have started reading again for the last couple of years after falling out since I got busy with work. Historical fiction is my favorite genre of books (and movies), and I would love to broaden my historical settings because mostly I read stories with WWII or medieval backgrounds. Looking forward to book recommendations!

[Jules]

Hi everyone! This is a re-introduction since I've been a member for over a year, but I haven't been as active as I'd like. My new resolution for 2024 is to get on and not miss out on great recommendations! I am foremost a reader and researcher of all things historical, with a special interest in ancestral history, which is quite diverse so it navigates me to many places. My novels are based on my ancestors stories which, for now, are focused in southern France, in the area known as Occitanie, (formerly Languedoc), London, and Colonial Virginia. Most of my reading is tied to whatever I am writing at the time so I can immerse myself in the related era and setting. I am currently reading books set 12th, 17th, and 18th centuries. Next stop, 7th c. Merovingian France. As part of an author's collective called France's Splendid Centuries, I will be presenting at the Historical Novel Society UK Conference in Devon, England in Sept 2024. The conference might be of interest to you all with its other great presenters such as Diana Gabaldon, Bernard Cornwell, Kate Quinn, and more. I cannot think of a better way to spend vacation! In Devon and all things historical fiction!

[Peggy]

I’m 2 years retired & retiring has let me get back to reading with fervor & not just summer weekends. Besides history and historical fiction I love a good mystery. Blame Nancy Drew lol. I also love to exercise (yoga, walking, playing hockey & the gym) & craft (scrapbooking & card making). I’m looking forward to starting sketching & water coloring again too. My husband & I have just one dog & cat right now.

[Sarah]

Hi everyone, I joined this group a few years ago but have been off and on since having two little boys that I chase after. Always been a lover of historical fiction and history in general as I teach Social Studies to high school students and have a Masters in World History. My passion for both history and reading was instilled in me when I was very young as I watched both my dad and grandma read all the time. I love sharing this love of both with anyone who likes to talk about it. Looking forward to getting involved in discussions here.

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

Hi everyone! I can't remember if I introduced myself the first time around. :)
I am a reader-reviewer from Mumbai, India. I have been a member here since last year. I read many genres, but historical fiction is among my top favourites. I have almost stopped reading WWII fiction though; that subcategory is getting saturated.
I find quality book recs for this genre in this group, and am so grateful for the same.

[A.]

Hi! Happy to be here. I'm Alexandra from Toronto. I would say Historical Fiction is one of my favourite genres. Right now I'm interested in Tudor era England in the 15th & 16th centuries, medieval stories from the 6th century, the 18th century French revolution era and 19th century Romanov era in Russia. I've always been fascinated by history and how things like beauty, fashion, art and culture were expressed in those eras. Looking forward to getting some good reviews from this group! Happy to be here.

[Liz]

Hi all, I'm brand new here! After graduate school and a baby ended my reading-for-pleasure 8-9 years ago, I started reading for fun again about a year ago and have developed a hyperfocus interest in turn-of-the-century/WW1 history and fiction. Looking forward to learning about some new stuff to read here!

[Abigail]

Welcome back to being a human in your own right, Liz! :-)

[Liz]

Abigail wrote: "Welcome back to being a human in your own right, Liz! :-)"

Ahaha thanks, I'm slowly reverting back!

[Christine]

Liz wrote: "Hi all, I'm brand new here! After graduate school and a baby ended my reading-for-pleasure 8-9 years ago, I started reading for fun again about a year ago and have developed a hyperfocus interest i..."

Yes, this speaks to be so much. Enjoy motherhood, and welcome back too.

[Mariana]

Hello, I’m Mariana from Portugal
I’m not an avid reader, but I’ve been trying to read more.
And because of that my “resolution” is : whenever I feel the need to needlessly scroll on my phone, just pick up a book instead.

[Jeannine]

I’m a newly retired teacher librarian with suddenly much more time for reading! I love all genres but have a special place in my heart for HF. Looking forward to joining the discussion!

[Suzanne]

Hi everyone! I’m an avid reader from Canada when time permits between my office life and farm life. Looking forward to new reads and discussions

[Jayne]

I am brand new to Good Reads and this group! I am in my 29th year of teaching and will retire in 17 months... but who's counting?! Me!!! I am super excited about retirement and think far too much about it! I enjoyed historical fiction(right now in a Gilded Age Phase) and mysteries. I am enjoying stories set it England these days- not sure why! I also enjoy a Royal connection (not personally-- in my books!). I am the mom of a college sophomore and the wife of a retired teacher. I am a novice bird watcher and gardener... I feel that I will always be a novice gardener! I am fortunate to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC, constantly surrounded by nature and beauty!

[Abigail]

Sounds like you’re going to have a happy retirement with all those interests, Jayne. Welcome! If you come across any histfic that incorporates love of nature or birds, I’d love to hear about it.

[Kylie]

Hello, everyone! I'm an English teacher from Idaho, USA hoping to be more active in the group this year. I've been a lurker for a while, but between young kids and full-time teaching, I haven't had as much free time to read in the last 6-ish years. My favorite genre is historical fiction! I enjoy many time periods and love to learn new history from novels. I look forward to discussing the books we select with all of you!

[Abigail]

Welcome, Ellie! I find the Goodreads group reads a great way to step out of one’s reading comfort zone. I have pushed myself to read books I “ought” to read as a result and often been glad I did! (Sometimes they get filed under “Well, I never have to do that again,” of course.)

[Abigail]

Kylie wrote: "Hello, everyone! I'm an English teacher from Idaho, USA hoping to be more active in the group this year. I've been a lurker for a while, but between young kids and full-time teaching, I haven't had..."

Great to have another teacher in the mix! I find they often have great insights to bring to discussions.

[Brigid]

Hello! I'm a writer and technical theater director from Ohio. I've always used the app, but recently discovered the world of groups here on the main site. I love historical fiction, so I'm hoping to find some friends and recommendations here!

[Abigail]

Welcome, Brigid!

[Thomas]

Hi everyone. I joined this group because I like history , historical fiction and mysteries. I am currently reading What Cannot Be Said It is book 19 in an excellent historical mystery fiction series. I am retired. I like to travel. I have 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 4 gran cats and 2 great gran cats. I live in Western NY

[Abigail]

Welcome, Thomas! Did you know there’s also a historical mystery lovers group on Goodreads? You might want to check that out as well.

[Maureen]

Welcome Thomas, look forward to your thoughts.

[Wayne]

Hey everyone! I’m a Career Press published author and have published four books independently. Further, I have local, national, and international publications in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry online and in print. I've spoken on and taught writing at locations across Connecticut, such as.

* Social Media Strategies panel at The Connecticut Business Expo
* The Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA)
* CAPA University
* The Mark Twain Writer’s Workshop
* The Manchester, Glastonbury, and South Windsor Chambers of Commerce
* Networking groups
* Companies
* The Hartford Adobe Web Designers Meet up.

My historical novel, Attila’s Revenge, is available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7JW8DMY. Stop by and Read A Sample of the book.

A self described web-geek I ran an LLC that developed websites, wrote content, and consulted on marketing. You can see my publications and books at WayneAEnglish.com.

This group is great. I look forward to being a member here.

[Thomas]

Abigail wrote: "Welcome, Thomas! Did you know there’s also a historical mystery lovers group on Goodreads? You might want to check that out as well."

Thanks Abigail

[Thomas]

Maureen wrote: "Welcome Thomas, look forward to your thoughts."

Thanks Maureen

[Peyton]

I'm new here. I love historical fiction, I find it has so many great themes in one whole book.
Love, war, drama, mystery, all wrapped in one book!


Thank y'all!

[Kay-Mika]

Hello, I'm Kay-Mika and want to start reading historical fiction.

[Diane]

New here, too. Voracious reader, seem to always return to HF for the best reads! Love sharing my finds with my 88 yr old mom who is still cognitively well and taught me to love reading ever since we started with Dr Seuss!

[Bahram]

Kay-Mika wrote: "Hello, I'm Kay-Mika and want to start reading historical fiction."

May I suggest the following book: From Fall to Spring

[Nicola]

Hello, all, I'm Nicola B. I've been a Goodreads member for years, but I'm new to this group. I'm an online English teacher, and I live in Devon, England. I'm hoping to also call myself an author soon, because I'm on the brink of publishing my own first novel.

I'm currently reading Cold Peace: A Novel of the Berlin Airlift by Helena P Schrader. I recently finished All The Light We Cannot See, which is excellent, and I am always... always reading Jodi Taylor's series The Chronicles of St Mary's; it is my comfort-read; a literary duvet day. Thank you for writing it, Jodi!

I'm looking forward to getting to know all you Fictionistas.

[Nicola]

Mariana wrote: "Hello, I’m Mariana from Portugal
I’m not an avid reader, but I’ve been trying to read more.
And because of that my “resolution” is : whenever I feel the need to needlessly scroll on my phone, just ..."
Good for you, Mariana; become an avid reader! You will learn more about things of lasting value, and you will develop a more grounded view on life if you read books... of all sorts. If you must scroll, scroll through online booksellers... a much more rewarding rabbit-hole to go down!

[Nicola]

Jules wrote: "Hi everyone! This is a re-introduction since I've been a member for over a year, but I haven't been as active as I'd like. My new resolution for 2024 is to get on and not miss out on great recommen..."
Oh! Jules! THANK YOU for the heads up on that Historical Novel Society Conference ! I don't travel much (I live in Devon, so who needs to travel!) I look forward to your presentation at the conference; I would like to learn more about the Merovingian dynasty... I only know of it through The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail.

[a.g.e. montagner]

Hi everybody,
I'm member 14040! I'm Alessandro, from Italy.

I'm a graduate student of Anglo-American and Spanish American literature, but I also love to read about (and from) the British Isles, Scandinavia, the African diaspora...

Recent historical fiction favourites include Hamnet, Matrix, The Essex Serpent... I like historical fiction with a literary bent: José Saramago and Alejo Carpentier come to mind. In fact my next programmed book falls within this field: Tu sueño imperios han sido.

I'll keep an eye on this group's activities!

[Bahram]

Hi Alessandro,
Welcome to the group. I see you like historical fictions, but the one book I'd like to recommend you is not in the geographical locations you have mentioned. It's about Iran, if you decide to give it a try, I hope you enjoy it.
Kind rgeards,
BahramFrom Fall to Spring

[Annie]

a.g.e. montagner wrote: "Hi everybody,
I'm member 14040! I'm Alessandro, from Italy.

I'm a graduate student of Anglo-American and Spanish American literature, but I also love to read about (and from) the British Isles, ..."

I LOOOOVE "Ensayo sobre la ceguera" by José Saramago. One of my favorites!

[Annie]

Peyton wrote: "I'm new here. I love historical fiction, I find it has so many great themes in one whole book.
Love, war, drama, mystery, all wrapped in one book!


Thank y'all!"

Totally agree!

[Fawn]

Hello, I'm a newbie to goodreads. Historical Fiction has always been my favorite genre because it's the closest thing to time travel I'll prob ever experience.

Currently, I'm researching and writing a novel set in 17th-century Dutch Manhattan, based on records of my ancestors.

With the Vulgar History podcast's book club, I'm currently reading The Tower by Flora Carr about Mary Queen of Scots' imprisonment in Lochleven Castle.

[Fawn]

Jules wrote: "Hi everyone! This is a re-introduction since I've been a member for over a year, but I haven't been as active as I'd like. My new resolution for 2024 is to get on and not miss out on great recommen..."

Ancestral fiction is a favorite of mine! Especially French Huguenots, since I have many connections in my own lineage. Added your books to my TBR list! That conference sounds amazing too!

[Cassandra]

Hi guys! New to Goodreads and just finding my love for reading again! I look forward to seeing the discussions and became in interested in Historical Fiction ever since I read Forever Amber and now it’s my favorite genre!

[Abigail]

Good morning, my name is Abigail and I love historical fiction. I’m an avid reader and read about 2 books a week. I’m excited to hear about book recommendations!

[Sofia]

Hi everyone! This is super exciting. I'm a Mexican historical fiction author, new to Goodreads, and astounded that it's taken me all this time to find out about these amazing reader groups! My tribe, finally! Recently I read JOAN by Katherine J. Chen about Joan of Arc, and all the Hilary Mantel books about Thomas Cromwell - fantastic stuff.

[Cheryl]

Hello!! I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and am excited to join this group! As a teacher, I read a wide variety of genres, but historical fiction is my ultimate escape! World War II, Scottish history, and early American history are all favorites, but I won't turn down a well-written story, especially if it piques my interest to dive deeper!

[Juanita]

Greetings! I am an over-educated treatment court coordinator. (My degrees are in history, long story.) I escape through historical fiction or really any fiction. I do not read any WWII or Nazi related, that still leaves a lot. I have been looking at groups and so happy I found this one!

[Jan]

Wilkommen!

[Margaret]

I’m
Margaret from
Grahamstown, South Africa. In another life I was a marine biologist, then librarian and started an academic publishing company here latterly NISC I am now retired with time to read whatever I like! Love my kindle and have been a Keen member of Goodreads and historical fictionistas for ages! I enjoy non fiction and love historical fiction. I’m currently enjoying finding Endurance by Darrel Bristow-Bovey