Review policy
I only review historical fiction on this blog, focusing on self- and subsidy-published books; but, as you can see, I also review mainstream-published books that I can’t resist.
Favorite topics: sagas, stories set in England and Europe (all time periods), less familiar historical settings or subjects, WW1 and WW2, and international titles.
Please do not offer military fiction, alternate history, mysteries, Westerns, or nonfiction.
I prefer finished, bound books but will accept ARCs and galley formats as well. I no longer accept e-books. I can host guest posts and giveaways if requested.
My reviews are honest and may at times include constructive criticism. I take editing quality, layout, and design into consideration for self- and subsidy-published works; however, if the content is excellent, those elements will not preclude a review. I try to limit my acceptance of books for review to SP historical fiction that would appeal to the general public.
Submitting a work for review does not guarantee a review. I read at least fifty pages of each novel before deciding on review suitability. I only review books I’ve read in entirety. I will not sell review copies, and I will clarify if the book is a review copy at the end of each post.
Time frame: I would eventually like to review two books per month, but for the time being, I will review one per month. I will do my best to stick to this schedule, barring unforeseen events.
Copyright © 2009-12 by Andrea L. Connell. Please do not copy reviews, posts, or other material from this site without my express permission.
I am hoping that I might entice you to review my just self-published novel entitled The Duke Don’t Dance. I’ll label the novel literary fiction, as described in my author page that just went up on amazon.com yesterday. However, I’ll make a couple of additional comments here that might appeal to you on the half-baked theory that one who likes to read historical novels might possibly like one concering the transitional passage of men and women born in the ’30s and ’40s through the post World War II world.
The novel deals with a small group of American men and women of this so-called “silent generation” who come together for a time in the ’70s and ’80s before going their separate ways. It is set partly in Washington DC, but with episodes around the world — Thailand, several African countries, London, Rome, Leningrad. For those who think “literary fiction” sounds pretentious or that past too recent to be history, the story could be categorized in several ways: a beach read without guilt in your pleasure, a mystery with no crimes, chic lit for women with low expectations for the male gender and humor for men who can be cynical about themselves.This is about the generation that invented rock and roll, passed through the sexual revolution and the rise of feminism and survived the conflicts of the cold war. It is necessarily irreverant and outrageous — a good read that will make you rethink the wisdom of your elders.
Hello Mr. Sharp,
My apologies for taking so long to respond. I would be happy to take a look at your novel. Please be aware that I do write honest reviews, and if I can’t get through 50 pages, I will have to comment on that and give reasons for my decision. Please email me at connell1453@verizon.net and I will give you the mailing address. Sincerely,
Andrea Connell
Andrea, I would like you to review my self-published novel “Zemsta.” I can snail mail a paperback to you, or email you a kindle version. Here’s a description:
What Drives Good People to Do Something Bad?
As terrible revelations come to light, four people join together to commit an unspeakable act…
When a member of the privileged upper class frames a Polish immigrant for a socialite’s murder in 1920s Akron, the heart-pounding events that follow lead to a stunning and unexpected conclusion. This gripping tale of bigotry and class distinctions includes political corruption, greed, injustice, murder, and betrayal. While Albo Jablonski endures the atrocious conditions of the state penitentiary, his son Nickels, daughter Antonia, and their friends Kurt and Charlie are tormented by the knowledge that he is innocent. Zemsta is a powerful, character-driven story of three boyhood friends during the tumultuous days of Prohibition that explores the meaning of friendship, family, love, and loyalty.
Andrea,
I recently published a new novel called, Not Without Mercy The Black Death. It was published by Outskirts Press. This is book one in the Not Without Mercy, series. It is available in Hardcover, Paperback and e-Book and encompasses over 535 pages.
The story takes place in Bristol England at the onset of the black plague in 1348. It is a story of one family’s fight to stay alive and to stay together. Although it takes place during the plague it is NOT a story about the plague.
My book has extensive chapter notes (as needed), that document the life and times of those who actually lived during the era.
The story is heart wrenching, the characters are believable, and the plot includes romance, suspense, mystery, faith, family, love, courage, hope and redemption.
The plague created two groups of people, the faithless, who become fearful, and the faithful, who become fearless, in knowing that God had left them, Not Without Mercy.
I can provide a copy of my book in any format that works best for you.
Thanks for your consideration.
My website is http://www.notwithoutmercy.com
Good Day Andrea,
I have recently published a Bahamian poetry book, but I am uncertain if it is something you are interested in viewing. Please let me know. Thank you.
Hello Andrea.
DDKBooks is looking for an honest review of Shadow of Light, a passion-filled controversial debut novel by David David Kernan. Press Release Headline: In Arms of Another Man Religion’s Greatest Secret Revealed.
Takes place in 1993 Los Angeles with memory dreams of Edwardian England.
Andrea, I have a rather odd question and request for a review. I’m currently finishing book two of a four book series, “The Lambourne Legacy”. Each book touches on a different sibling in the Lambourne family, set in 1800s Regency England.
My first book of the series, “Earl of my Heart” was released in 2011 and was never reviewed. Do you suggest that I have it reviewed prior to the release of book two or should I forgo the review since the book isn’t new and just have the new one reviewed when it’s released?
Thanks in advance for your advise.