Are you fascinated by writing in the past? Does your story demand a historical setting? Do you wonder how to bring antiquity to life? To meet the weighty challenge of writing historical fiction and enliven your plot, characters, setting, and story, pick up Crafting Stories from the Past from the Paper Lantern Writers. No matter how, when, or where in the historical world your imagination takes you, this guide can help.

Paper Lantern Writers, an award-winning international collective of historical fiction novelists, developed and curated this compendium of insightful how-to articles from genre experts, twenty-four chapters of hard-earned wisdom from working authors. From deciding when and what to research to building a historical world, we bring you practical advice, authorial insights, and helpful guidance to make your writing process easier, start to finish. Big picture to small detail, working your process or retooling your manuscript, we give you a multitude of ways to make your story shine.

 

Also in May, our own Edie Cay releases the fourth and final book in her Ladies Alpine Society series, Into the Sky With You. A partial summary: Ophelia Bridewell led an expedition that resulted in disaster. While the rest of the world continues on, she remains in mourning. But when Sir Julian Dunstan, an acolyte of her father’s, arrives on their doorstep, Ophelia feels a flicker of both jealousy and hope. Dunstan’s exploratory escapades captivate her like her father’s tales once did. When Sir Julian suggests she re-attempt the Matterhorn with him, Ophelia throws herself into planning—not realizing that summitting the Matterhorn is only a fraction of what they could accomplish together.

 

 

BEST COVER

The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin by Allison Goodman (May 6)

“In Regency England, the eccentric Colebrook sisters are amateur detectives who use their wits and invisibility as “old maids” to fight injustice in this delightful and fiercely feminist novel of mystery and adventure from New York Times bestselling author Alison Goodman.” ~book description

I chose these covers for their colors, of course. I like the hard edges of Call of the Owl Woman, and the sweeping architecture of The Cardinal. The blues and greens of Rules For Ruin are lovely, but soft pastels of The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin take my breath away.

The Queen’s Cousin by Raymond Wemmlingr (Scotland, 1594, May 16)

Call of the Owl Woman by K. M. Huber (6th century Peru, May 13)

Manic Pixie Dream Earl  by Jenny Holiday 19th century England, May 27)

Rules For Ruin by Mimi Matthews (Victorian London, May 20)

The Cardinal by Alison Weir (Tudor England, May 27)

BEST TITLE

Across the Crying Sands by Jane Kirkpatrick (May 20)

“Exploring the rugged coast of Oregon was a delight I’ll never forget.” ~Karen Barnett, award-winning author

This book could easily have been on my list for best cover or most intriguing since it works in those categories, too. I’ve been to Cannon Beach in Oregon, though, and it’s a rugged and beautiful place. I can hardly wait to read something set there.

Go On Pretending by Alina Adams (America, Russia, Syria, 1950s, 1980s, 2012, May 1)

The Book of Records by Madeleine Thien (May 20)

Austen at Sea by Natalie Jenner (Boston, 1865, May 6)

Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong (Victorian Scotland, May 20)

The Miniaturist’s Assistant by Katherine Scott Crawford (Charleston, 1804, May 13)

MOST INTRIGUING

The Storyteller’s War by J. C. Corry (May 8)

“The Storyteller’s War is a rousing good tale that will delight the most ardent Chaucer enthusiasts and novices alike.” -Donna D. Conrad, bestselling author of The Magdalene Chronicles

A new one by Isabel Allende is here, and one featuring a book club—two of my favorites! The Storyteller’s War, though, tells of Geoffrey Chaucer’s attempt to spy for the king and convince a mercenary to change sides in the war.

My Name is Emilia de Valle by Isabel Allende (San Francisco, 1866, May 6)

The Martha’s Vineyard Beach Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly (1942, May 27)

The Queen’s Musician by Martha Jean Johnson (1536 England, May 27)

A Daughter’s Place by Martha Batiz (Madrid 1599, May 20)

Star of Camp Greene by Joy Calloway (North Carolina, 1918, May 6)

 

Need more historical fiction on your TBR? See more new release titles at Historical Novel Society.

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