Looking Back Through Books: Bold Characters and Bigger Goals

A graphic featuring book covers of 'Fall of Giants' by Ken Follett, 'Sisters of Night and Fog' by Erika Robuck, 'Degrees of Intelligence' by Miranda Armstadt, and 'Undaunted Courage' by Stephen E. Ambrose, with a central caption 'Conviction-Driven Stories'.

The new year is a good time to reflect on the last, and I prefer to look at the positive. I read and listened to more books than ever, which means I’m achieving one of my goals! Since my current work in progress is a historical fiction novel, I consider reading part of my homework.

I curated ten of my recent favorites across a variety of genres but with similarities: strong characters fighting to support their countries and their beliefs.

Historical Fiction

Fall of Giants (The Century Trilogy #1) by Ken Follett

Reading this led to books #2 and #3 in this series…a fascinating education told in riveting tales

Sisters of Night and Fog by Erika Robuck

Strong women fighting evil and seeking survival against all odds

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

Three brilliant women from wildly different backgrounds solving the problems others couldn’t

Degrees of Intelligence: A Geopolitical Thriller of WWII and the Cold War—Inspired by a True Story by Miranda Armstadt

Politics, spies, and a behind-the-scenes look at the early days of the CIA

The Sand Pounder: Love and Drama on Horseback in WWII by M.J. Evans

What’s not to love about a young woman challenging the rules to serve her country?

(Young adult historical fiction)

History

Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West by Stephen E. Ambrose

An eye-opening story of adventure, history and courage every American should read (or listen to)

Operation Underworld: How the Mafia and U.S. Government Teamed Up to Win World War II by Matthew Black

A true story that seems unbelievable—Naval Intelligence and the Mafia joining forces to help win WWII

Mystery

Welcome Home to Murder by Rosalie Spielman

Female veteran returning home to find her family in danger in this cozy mystery

Fatal Image: An Avery Sloane Mystery by Rhonda Lane

An intriguing mystery including horses, veterans, and a slice of humor

Fiction

Playing Army by Nancy Stroer

Will she race to the finish line or crash along the way?

I hope you’ve enjoyed the list, and please feel free to add your own favorites in the comments.

Comments

2 responses to “Looking Back Through Books: Bold Characters and Bigger Goals”

  1. TERESE SCHLACHTER Avatar
    TERESE SCHLACHTER

    Thanks, Val! Good gift ideas for Jon. Didnt know you were working on historical fiction. Fabulous!

    1. valerieormond Avatar

      You are welcome, and it was hard to pick just 10! I’m working on a historical fiction during the Prohibition Era in New York loosely based on some family lore. A fun challenge!

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