Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women

by Kimberly Sullivan (Editor), Debra Borchert, Teri M. Brown

Feisty women spanning six centuries…

Even when time periods and geographical locations vary greatly, women’s struggles as they confront adversity are often remarkably universal.

The twenty-three stories in this collection follow ordinary women from the 1470s to the 1960s as they rise to meet life’s challenges.

An unhappy housewife in 1950s California gathers the strength to escape an abusive marriage. When the local men are shipped off to fight in WWI, a young Yorkshire woman joins others to keep a munitions factory at peak operation. As her land and way of life are threatened, a nineteenth century Chickasaw wife and mother digs deep within to rekindle the strength of her ancestors.
A midwife strives to protect mothers from accusations of witchcraft. A nineteenth century English portrait artist possesses a rare, sought after talent that dispatches unwanted relatives.

Foreign invasions, the outbreak of war, rigid domestic authority, strictures of society and religion, the supernatural, love and family bonds all serve as catalysts for the feisty deeds of the women in these tales.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Womens Fiction

264 pages, ebook

Published June 8, 2024

About the author

I write the women’s fiction stories I love to read, both contemporary and historic tales of women and the rich lives they lead along their journeys of self-discovery. A lifetime admirer and longtime resident of Italy, I’m often guilty of sneaking the bel paese into my stories.

Award-winning author of six novels, one short story collection and coeditor of two historical fiction anthologies. Proud member of the Women's Fiction Writers Association (WFWA), and the Historical Novel Society.

Please follow me on BookBub at: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kimbe...

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a glorious affirmation of the strengths of ordinary women as well as a celebration of women writers! This collection "shows women who refused to accept the rules imposed upon them and accomplish all they set out to achieve." Some of the stories may surprise readers with the obstacles women faced not long ago. In one short story set in the United States, husbands could have their wives committed indefinitely to insane asylums with no medical diagnosis. Many women were locked away because their husbands found their opinions disagreeable or they had simply tired of them and could afford the expenses at the insane asylum. In another, a battered wife trying to get away from her abusive husband had to lie to the bank to withdraw a small amount of her own money from a joint account without her husband's permission. My heart broke for a poor woman with too many children who found herself pregnant again. One of my favorite stories was "Summer of Love" set in California in 1967, since I am old enough to remember it. It has shocking correlations to the political unrest we are seeing now. Reading this collection introduced me to new writers and I will look for books they have written, a bonus for any avid reader. I loved this book and plan to buy copies for my daughters and friends to remind them of their inherent strengths as women.

My thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all collections of short stories some I wanted to continue to read, others I was happy with a snippet but overall I absolutely loved this collection. Tales of women in all kinds of situations but all demonstrating our strength. Highly highly recommend.

[Teri M Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women is an anthology of historical fiction short stories written by 23 authors. According to the editors, "Even when time periods and geographical locations vary greatly, women’s struggles as they confront adversity are often remarkably universal. The stories in this collection follow ordinary women from the 1470s to the 1960s as they rise to meet life’s challenges."

To me, Feisty Deeds is like a box of chocolates - but without the calories. It gives readers a sampling of stories from a wide range of authors - those new to their career and those far more seasoned. If you love historical fiction - you'll love this anthology. The same is true if you love women's fiction.

For those who aren't sure that historical fiction is their genre, then this is the perfect way to read a wide variety of stories across six centuries and a variety of circumstances such as storms, murder, and war. Plus, you'll get the chance to discover these 23 authors: Debra Borchert, Teri M. Brown, Julie Mayerson Brown, Elisabeth Carson-Williams, Valerie Chalker, Joan Fernandez, Kim Gottlieb-Walker, Beth Anne Hill, Dawn W. Hogan, Carolyn Korsmeyer, Della Leavitt, Raquel Y. Levitt, Christy Matheson, Barbara Buckley Ristine, Suzanne Samuels, Julia María Schiavone Camacho, Elaine Aucoin Schroller, Kay Smith-Blum, Kimberly Sullivan, Ashley E. Sweeney, Nina Wachsman, Patty W. Warren, and Marie W. Watts
​
Finally, all proceeds of this book go to a WFWA scholarship to help women fulfill their dreams to become authors. Definitely put this on your TBR shelf!

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely read collections of short stories by multiple authors. This book is changing that. Feisty Deeds edited by Kimberly Sullivan is a collection of 23 short stories that follow ordinary women from the 1470s to the 1960s as they rise to meet life’s challenges. These stories are purposeful, powerful and inspiring, prompting reflection about what it means to be a woman across these different time periods and how we can dare to be ourselves. Each has a life lesson to share that could spark reflection about our own identities, too. It’s also the perfect opportunity to get to know many authors you might not have encountered yet so you can devour their backlists.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley. I have to say that I'm not a big fan of short stories because they usually cut off just as I'm getting interested. These are not the usual, "women heroes" stories that you have likely read before. They have violence, intrigue, murder. In short, they are riveting and I enjoyed them all greatly.

[Leah DeCesare · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of thoughtful, empowering stories that will inspire you to be feisty too. Incredible stories from the 1400s through the 1960s. I especially loved The Divine Sense!

[Kimberly Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology is a must for readers of short stories, historical fiction and women's fiction.

Full disclosure: I have a story in this collection, but I can certainly comment on the other twenty-two short stories contained in this wide-ranging collection. I love that each author has created a unique interpretation of "feistiness" to match each story's heroine that accurately reflects her era, circumstances and geographical location.

In ways large and small, women have always struggled to confront challenges. The inspirational and thoughtful stories within these pages take the reader on a fascinating journey across time and around the globe. A highly recommended read - even more so since all proceeds go to support a scholarship fund for aspiring women's fiction authors with financial constraints. This collection makes the perfect gift for the inspiring women and girls in your life.

Thank you to NetGalley - all thoughts my own.

[Gabi Coatsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing collection of historical short stories set in several countries in the 17th to 20th centuries. It’s the women who are feisty here. From The Monster (1632) by Marie Watts, where the enemy is prejudice and the men of the early colonies, to The Last Bus to Bakersfield (1958) by Julie Myerson Brown and The Parisian Daughter (1898) by Joan Fernandez, inspiring women find a way to stand tall and take charge of their life.
It would make a great gift - it’s a wonderful book for when you have ten minutes to spare and want to escape to another time and place.

[Elaine Schroller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I am the author of one of the stories in this collection, so I'm commenting on the other twenty-two stories in this collection.

To me, this anthology is like a treasure chest brimming with sparkling stories about extraordinary women confronting and overcoming bounds of society, conscience, politics, and locales. What would you do in any of the situations these feisty women find themselves in? Can you imagine yourself in 15th century Italy or Portugal? Scrabbling to survive in new lands? Flying in WWII or hopping a bus to make a new life?

In this collection you’ll find jewels to marvel over and set your imagination soaring. And, like a treasure chest, you will discover priceless stories to read again and again and authors who might very well become your new favorites.

[Tina Goldberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feisty Deeds is a collection of historical fiction short stories (23 by 23 authors) that span several centuries and locations. Each story features a brave woman that will push the boundaries that society has placed upon her to help pave the way for a change in a woman's role. You will meet an amazing group of women---an artist, a luthier, a student camerawoman, a pilot, a midwife, etc.

I am looking forward to upcoming books by each of these authors.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

[Linda Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each story is a gem. This is the perfect book to pick up when you have limited time to read but need to immerse yourself in a good story. The research done for each, as well as the writing, is impressive

[Beth Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating journey through time, following remarkable, everyday women who influence history and change lives, undeterred by the odds stacked against them.

*Note: My review regards the 22 other stories in the anthology. I am not reviewing the short story that I authored.

[Karen Whalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the stories are excellent, but I'll review two in particular.
Junebug by Patty Warren is about June Thompson—or Junebug—and her desire to join the WASPs during WWII. I could feel her desperate desire to become a part of the war effort and appreciate the danger involved. Thank goodness for the women who served, all those like Junebug. This short story is will take you along as Junebug pulls the lever in the cockpit and takes flight!
The Youngest Lighthouse Keeper by Teri M. Brown is about a twelve-year old girl, Clara, who is called upon to keep a lighthouse in operation during a hurricane in 1899—due to her father becoming incapacitated. Climbing over 200 stairs was only part of the work! This story is based on a real hurricane that hit the Outer Banks of NC. If you love heroic tales of battles against nature, you’ll love this story.

[Emi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publishing date: 08.06.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC. My opinions are my own. 


The book as a meal: A cup of tea, spilling tea with my girlfriends
The book left me: Feeling empowered as a woman


Negatives:
Some stories would benefit being their own longer book


Positives:
Lots of different perspectives from very different women
Strong leads in each story
Heartbreaking to joyous


Features: 
23 stories, 4 segments with strong themes, stories taking place in different eras


Why did I choose this one?
I am a woman. I wanted to read more stories with women in the lead. I got exactly what I wanted. 


Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
Pick-up-able. This was a book that drew me in immediately. The stories were enticing, and those that weren't were heartbreaking instead. Even if the scenarios were often horrific for the women, I enjoyed reading about them standing up for themselves. 


What was the vibe and mood?
The vibes and moods shift for each story. Simply imagine different horrifying and heartbreaking scenarios women go through and the moods related to those. That's what you get here. 


Final ranking and star rating?
A tier, 4.5 stars. I adored this collection of stories. It was emotional, heartbreaking, and joyous all at once. I really enjoyed reading about all these different scenarios and how the women navigated them. I enjoyed seeing the women develop as people in the few pages I got to know them. However, I wish certain stories were longer or dedicated to their own book. 

This is just nitpicking ... I will be recommending this around doe. Great book!


Favorite stories: 
The Monster
The Youngest Lighthouse Keeper
One August Day
Love makes one Brave

[Lynn Haraldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a story a day until I finished, like eating a small piece of chocolate after a lunch break. A good short story isn't easy to write, and I'm awed by the punch the writers packed into each story. I hope they (with their delightful and intriguing imaginations) and editors develop a sequel!

[Julie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Collection!

So many great stories in this anthology, well written and intriguing. Editors cleverly grouped them into categories based on challenges faced by the main character. A few of these stories had me holding my breath!

[Amy Hepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feisty Deeds is an historical fiction anthology. The 23 short stories cover a wide variety of time periods and locations but share a common thread. The ordinary women in each of these stories persevere and rise above the rules placed upon them. This is such an important read, and all the proceeds go to a scholarship fund for women writers.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves history, women’s fiction, or short stories.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the NetGalley app, I am learning more about the types of books I like to read. I had never really considered a book of short stories, but thankfully the title of this book led me to giving this a chance-- and I was not disappointed.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories, but there were some stories that truly stood out due to their originality or their ability to draw the reader in and draw emotions out. These include The Deadly Portrait, Canary Girl, The Youngest Lighthouse Keeper, Junebug, and Music in the Making.

[Kimberly Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful conglomeration of spirited women in history! With a central theme of feistiness and many talented writers, the individual stories in this anthology entertained me. This is a great book to gift to the feisty women in your life.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feisty Deed is a collection of short stories highlighting six centuries of women who fight against society's expectations of them. Historical short stories are challenging; the writer needs not only to develop the situation and character, but make the period come alive with details. This takes time that a short story doesn't always allow. All of these stories have interesting premises. Some are only lightly set in the history and others emphasize the history to the detriment of the characters. When a balance is achieved, the stories fly.

Christy Matheson manages this balance. In "The Inner Good" we first meet Felicity "trying to float…or perhaps glide. Whatever it was that ladies did so their petticoats rustled appealingly, instead of striding or even galumphing." She loves and wants to marry a man her family disapproves of: a former slave who has achieved financial success and is kind. Told with humor and an eye to detail, Felicity's struggles delight.

Another story that stood out is "The Calf" by Kay Smith-Blum. Set in West Texas in the forties, it manages to wrap the story of a solid marriage around a lost calf and the government's machinations as it seeks to take away land for an airfield.

The opening and closing stories, "The Deadly Portrait" by Nina Wachsman and "The Last Bus to Bakersfield" by Julie Mayerson Brown, stand out for their tension of threatened women.

In this wide-ranging group, there will be a story for everyone. Maybe even three or four. A perfect book for a bedside table.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy.

[Novels Alive · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-three short stories grouped in four intriguing sections were compiled to create Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women. This project was partly put together to use profits to support authors with financial constraints. Multiple authors contributed to this project, spearheaded by the Historical Fiction affinity group of the larger Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA).

Being a modern woman or man sometimes brings one to a movie on a streaming service to flesh out the life of someone who has changed the trajectory of a woman’s experience. These films always add a name to my memory and an event on which to reflect how different life is for me now. Many times, I can’t help but feel anger at the injustice and a little fear at how precarious the safety of women has been and continues to be.

Feisty Deeds grabbed my senses. The stories reflected practices from the 1400s through the 1970s. In a few pages of text for each telling, the characters jumped off the pages, events turned my stomach or had me gripping my e-reader. But at the conclusion of each, I recognized the bravery of women who threw their own safety and comfort aside, seeing the immediate need and the consequential changes that were needed for the most basic human experience.

I dare you to put away the TV remote and instead binge Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women. This collection of twenty-three period-piece short stories has intrigue, horror, heroism, and gutsy women. One sitting may be all that is needed to devour these stories. ~ Sandy for Novels Alive

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-three authors unite to take readers on a captivating journey filled with unexpected twists and turns in this collection of short stories. Spanning six centuries and multiple continents, the anthology follows ordinary women as they confront extraordinary challenges, all bound by a common thread of resilience in the face of life’s adversities.

A 1950s housewife finds the strength to break free from an abusive marriage. A group of Yorkshire women band together during WWI to keep a munitions factory running. These tales explore themes of foreign invasions, war, societal expectations, discovery, and transformation all through the eyes of fierce and determined women.

But beyond the struggles and triumphs, the anthology also delves into the unknown. From paintings with hidden powers, messengers from unseen realms, unexpected challenges, monsters representing deep fears, divine senses, to misunderstandings leading to unknown outcomes, each narrative offers a glimpse into mysteries lurking beneath seemingly familiar scenarios.

Through personal journeys of self-discovery, unexpected challenges, and tests of character, the protagonists in these pages grapple with their own inner demons while navigating a world full of uncertainty and possibility. An outstanding collection that showcases ordinary women’s extraordinary experiences, struggles, and victories.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up with strong women--a grandmother who settled in Alaska in the 70s and worked her way up to grade-school principal, a divorced mother whose college graduation I attended, and who climbed the education ladder to become the superintendent of the fourth-largest school district in Washington. Two sisters who earned their doctorates. In my thirty years as an Air Force pilot, above-average women--as Garrison Keillor might say--were the norm.

This is a roundabout way of saying I sometimes forget it wasn't always like this. What a delight it was to read Feisty Deeds, a book of historical fiction stories written about feisty women by amazing authors. My favorites were found in the "moral combat" section: "The Calf" by Kay Smith-Blum is a story about a West Texan rancher and her choices on the eve of WWII, and Ripples in Pond by Elaine Aucoin Schroller and her memories of her WWI experiences in the medical tents.

But there are so many more! My adrenaline surged with Teri M. Brown's "The Youngest Lighthouse Keeper." I met Jerry Garcia and Janis Joplin before bravely filming police brutality in Kim Gottlieb-Walker's "Summer of Love."

These stories are gems. Read this book. Share with your friends. Do what I did and buy copies for your daughters. Bravo "Feisty Writers!"

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

23 short stories of feisty women spanning multiple centuries. This collection of stories follows ordinary women from the 1470s to the 1960s as they rise to meet life’s challenges. The stories range from women saving themselves from bad marriages to taking on jobs while their family members are at war. It contains heartfelt stories, stories of courage, and some fighting for love.

This was an interesting mix of stories. When there are multiple authors writing, I never know how the story will flow or read, but this book did a good job with that. I rated this book 3.5 as some of the stories I loved and fell into the plot and felt like I knew the characters (5 star stories), whereas others felt flat, the characters or plot didn't flow as well, or I just couldn't get into that story. Overall, I enjoyed reading about feisty women and some trials that our ancestors went through to fight for the rights we have today.

I rate this 3.5 🌟!

I'd like to say a huge thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

FEISTY DEEDS is a fun collection of short stories all focused on women defying the norms of society. You’ll read about a Victorian artist who “paints” people, a handmaiden risking death to save the knight she loves, a daring camerawoman who risks life and limb to capture a peace protest turned violent, and more. I enjoyed jumping from historical period to historical period.

What I loved about this book was the fact that none of the stories ran longer than 3000 words (approximately 10-12 pages). For people who are continually interrupted by calls for food and popsicles, it means they can pick up and put down the book without losing track of the storyline. 

Best of all, the proceeds for this book go to the Women’s Fiction Association Scholarship Fund which helps writers facing economic hardships continue working at their craft.

Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.

[Patty W Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full Disclosure: I am one of the 23 authors. My story is 'Junebug'. Hope you like it.

"Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women" gave me 23 different stories that lifted me up, tore my heart out, and made me cheer. From six centuries and various countries, the women fought for their right to survive, to love, and to choose their futures. Each story wove a delicate path forward to the resolution of their tale, bringing nursemaids, immigrants seeking freedom, munitions factory workers in dangerous situations, college filmmakers, wives, socialites, poor women and wealthy women all into focus of a universal truth. These stories bring to the light the long history of regulating women to the background or erasing them from history. They show with eloquent words that feisty women have existed and changed the path of history, all in well-told fictional stories. One collection you don’t want to miss. 5 Feisty Stars!

[Cindy]

DNF. This book is a compilation of 23 stories that “depict ordinary women — from the 1470s to the 1970s — who meet life’s challenges with fierce determination.”

It is a work of historical fiction, but it is not the type of historical fiction I was expecting. I have enjoyed several novels that were fictional stories built around a real person, and I was able to learn a little history about the time periods they covered.

There are several things I did not like about this book, based on the five stories that I read. The stories are completely fictional and are not centered around real people. The stories take place at different times over many centuries and in a variety of countries. The stories felt incomplete — I was left wanting more context and background at the beginning or a better resolution at the end.

Some of my negativity might be due to something I am starting to realize about myself — short stories are probably not for me.

[Sandy Saucier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feisty Deeds grabbed my senses. The stories reflected practices from the 1400’s through the 1970’s. In a few pages of text for each telling, the characters jumped off the page, the events turned my stomach or had me gripping my e-reader, but at the conclusion of each I recognized the bravery of women who threw their own safety and comfort aside, seeing the immediate need and the consequential changes that were needed for the most basic human experience.

I dare you to put away the tv remote and instead binge Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women. This collection of twenty three period piece short stories has intrigue, horror, heroism, and gutsy women. One sitting may be all that is needed to devour these stories.

[Olivia Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not one for short stories as a rule. I prefer to "get into" a book. That has changed! I really enjoyed this series of stories and wish that some of them were made into full length books. There are so many great stories and authors in this compilation that I have a whole new series of authors to look at and enjoy!

Plus this is a great little addition when you just need something to read in a doctors office, as it let's you get to the end of the story before your appointment time.
I loved this book and would recommend it over and over again.

[Ruth Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read about—and write about—strong women, so this collection of stories about daring women immediately appealed to me. It’s an engaging anthology, with lots of variety packed into these 23 short stories, which span several centuries and many different locales. I especially enjoyed the final entry from Julie Mayerson Brown, “The Last Bus to Bakersfield”—the turbulent tale of a ‘50s California housewife who encounters one obstacle after another as she plots to leave her abusive husband. Recommended reading!