Married for twenty years to Edward Berry, Lyddie is used to the trials of being a whaler’s wife in the Cape Cod village of Satucket, Massachusetts—running their house herself during her husband’s long absences at sea, living with the daily uncertainty that Edward will simply not return. And when her worst fear is realized, she finds herself doubly cursed. She is overwhelmed by grief, and her property and rights are now legally in the hands of her nearest male relative: her daughter’s overbearing husband, whom Lyddie cannot abide. Lyddie decides to challenge both law and custom for control of her destiny, but she soon discovers the price of her bold “war” for personal freedom to be heartbreakingly dear.
Includes the fascinating “story behind the story” of The Widow’s War, a map of colonial Brewster, and a driving tour of the village of Satucket.
My thoughts on the title, cover and premise:
I’ve said this before and I will say it again. I am not a cover designer but I can agree that cover layouts play an important role in the overall presentation of books and I must admit I first judge a book by its cover.
I am really into American History and love discovering Historical Fiction writers tell stores in this genre. All scopes of our history fascinates me. Especially 17th,18th and 19th Century America. There is a really great conversation going on in the Historical Novel Society Facebook Group about American Historical Fiction at the moment. There IS a readership for and many wish to see more US Publishers pick up the genre. There is no doubt our history is exciting and has impacted the world. In my wish-list post coming up next week, I will talk more about that.
The title, The Widow’s War first captured my attention and I began to closely observe the cover art. Of course it shows this story is a period piece of a woman who name could be Lyddie-like the protagonist in the story. You can sense her struggles but see her strengths.
I really like the use of colors in the cover art and the subtle dramatic feel to it. This book is on my wish-list and I look forward to reading it soon!
Cover Crush is a weekly series that originated with Erin at Flashlight Commentary.
Other great book bloggers who cover crush:
Heather @ The Maiden’s Court
Magdalena @ A Bookaholic Swede
Holly @ 2 Kids and Tired Books
Colleen @ A Literary Vacation -Coming soon
More cover crushes over at indieBRAG!
To four girls who have nothing, their friendship is everything: they are each other’s confidants, teachers, and family. The girls are all named Guinevere―Vere, Gwen, Ginny, and Win―and it is the surprise of finding another Guinevere in their midst that first brings them together. They come to The Sisters of the Supreme Adoration convent by different paths, delivered by their families, each with her own complicated, heartbreaking story that she safeguards. Gwen is all Hollywood glamour and swagger; Ginny is a budding artiste with a sentiment to match; Win’s tough bravado isn’t even skin deep; and Vere is the only one who seems to be a believer, trying to hold onto her faith that her mother will one-day return for her. However, the girls are more than the sum of their parts and together they form the all-powerful and confident The Guineveres, bound by the extraordinary coincidence of their names and girded against the indignities of their plain, sequestered lives.
An evocative love story set along the Italian Riviera about a group of charismatic stars who all have secrets and pasts they try desperately–and dangerously–to hide.
He’s the infamous killer no man has ever been able to find.
New York Times bestselling author Wally Lamb weaves an evocative, deeply affecting tapestry of one Baby Boomer’s life—Felix Funicello, introduced in Wishin’ and Hopin’—and the trio of unforgettable women who have changed it, in this radiant homage to the resiliency, strength, and power of women.
Memoirs of a Geisha meets Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in a gorgeously vivid, fresh historical that instantly captures the imagination
From New York Times bestselling author of the “twisty-mystery” (Vulture) novel In a Dark, Dark Wood, comes The Woman in Cabin 10, an equally suspenseful novel from Ruth Ware—this time, set at sea.
I absolutely adore American History and how this great nation was founded. I am really looking forward to reading this book and I LOVE the book cover! I think it’s perfect for the story and I am delighted to see a picture of a woman without her entire head missing from the layout! Okay, okay… I have to admit something. This book falls under the Genre-Romance as well as 18th Century Literature. I am not a fan of romance stories. Having said that, because of the cover and the historical influence of the story, I’m willing to give it a go.
When Althea Leary abandons her nine-year-old son, Jasper, he’s left on his uncle’s farm with nothing but a change of clothes and a Bible.
Mr Lazarus by Patrice Chaplin
Layered Pages 