I love when historical fiction opens up a new world to me. Diane C. McPhail’s new book, Follow the Stars Home, does just that.

I love books where women break out of the mold expected of them and defy societal norms to follow their heart. Lydia is a formidable woman - taught to be that way by her famous father, Benjamin Latrobe - and her intellect and skill shines brightly throughout the book. I enjoyed the interactions between her and her little family, especially her daughter. I cannot imagine taking a toddler on a boat down the Mississippi in modern times, much less in the early 19th century! And to start the trip eight months pregnant, knowing you would have to give birth along the way seems foolhardy but also brave.

McPhail’s writing shines in the small scenes with great historical details and the exciting scenes of near-death and danger. I felt like I was riding on the boat with them, smelling the thick smoke and seeing the wide-eyed settlers pass by on the shoreline. As the first steamboat down the Mississippi, I can only imagine how scary it must have been for those who saw it go by.

The book’s title is a little deceiving and the cover made me think it was a historical fantasy rather than fiction. But overall this book was exceptional!

I enjoyed getting to know Lydia Latrobe Roosevelt and believe her story should be one that every American should study! What an amazing woman!

Another stellar historical mystery from one of my favorite authors, Chanel Cleeton. The House on Biscayne Bay focuses on a mysterious mansion in Miami during the Roaring 20s as well as the more subdued pre-WWII year of 1941. Anna and Carmen are beautiful women in danger as the wild nature of the newly inhabited Miami overtakes law and order. As people die and lives are ruined, who is the culprit, the cursed house set in the midst of savage wildlife or the ones they love the most?

Unraveling the threads of betrayal and intrigue through the decades as the house watches, Cleeton does a masterful job at keeping the reader guessing until the end. I loved learning more about the history of Miami during these challenging years and always enjoy the historical details that Cleeton shares. I highly recommend it for any historical fiction fan who wants to feel as if they've stepped into an Agatha Christie novel.

Dray is one of my favorite historical fiction writers for her highly detailed yet readable looks at hidden women from history. Uncovering the life story of Frances Perkins was so interesting, especially since I had always heard her name in the musical "Annie" with no idea who she was! Dray follows Perkins from her early twenties as a child labor crusader in the horrific early 20th century New York City factories to her appointment as the first woman on a presidential cabinet. What an amazing woman!

I like how Dray set up Perkins' relationship with FDR; it didn't start out as positive but it became the most important one of her life. My favorite relationship was her friendship with Mary Harriman, the founder of the Junior League. Reading through the turmoil in Perkins' own personal life was so sad, and I was amazed that she could focus on her work and the plight of others with these struggles.

Perkins' legacy is one that affects us all in our day-to-day lives from labor laws to Social Security. I am glad that she is getting her time in the spotlight.