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Blaze: Unstoppable Women Igniting Change
This fierce collection from New York Times bestselling historical fiction authors sweeps readers back in time with exhilarating short stories of unforgettable female characters. Spanning decades, these indelible women broke through barriers in disparate worlds of art, war, science, love, and injustice and paved the way for other women to follow. Strike a match and blaze a trail.
Amelia’s Shadow by Marie BenedictFor pilot Ruth Nichols, a soaring rivalry with Amelia Earhart becomes a deep friendship in a short story of the danger and secrets of undaunted women, inspired by true events, by New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict.
The June Paintings by Maggie ShipsteadOn a remote island, an unfulfilled young female painter finds a singular kind of inspiration in this cunning short story about identity and empowerment by New York Times bestselling author Maggie Shipstead.
The Forgotten Chapter by Pam JenoffOut of the chaos and uncertainty of war, a shy young bookseller comes into her own in a short story of unexpected love, daring, and courage by New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff.
Fires to Come by Asha LemmieIn early twentieth-century New York City, a young woman torn between two cultures must choose where her loyalties lie in a gripping short story by New York Times bestselling author Asha Lemmie.
Tune In Tomorrow by Melanie BenjaminAn enterprising woman in a man’s world. A vision that changed daytime television. A galvanizing short story about ambition and sacrifice in the 1950s by New York Times bestselling author Melanie Benjamin.
Fallen Grace by Sadeqa JohnsonA single mother in segregated Virginia pushes back on societal prejudice and her own family’s judgment in an emotionally powerful short story by New York Times bestselling author Sadeqa Johnson.
Barriers to Entry by Ariel LawhonAn inquisitive woman defies expectations to become the mother of forensic science in this absorbing short story by New York Times bestselling author Ariel Lawhon.
Amelia’s Shadow by Marie BenedictFor pilot Ruth Nichols, a soaring rivalry with Amelia Earhart becomes a deep friendship in a short story of the danger and secrets of undaunted women, inspired by true events, by New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict.
The June Paintings by Maggie ShipsteadOn a remote island, an unfulfilled young female painter finds a singular kind of inspiration in this cunning short story about identity and empowerment by New York Times bestselling author Maggie Shipstead.
The Forgotten Chapter by Pam JenoffOut of the chaos and uncertainty of war, a shy young bookseller comes into her own in a short story of unexpected love, daring, and courage by New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff.
Fires to Come by Asha LemmieIn early twentieth-century New York City, a young woman torn between two cultures must choose where her loyalties lie in a gripping short story by New York Times bestselling author Asha Lemmie.
Tune In Tomorrow by Melanie BenjaminAn enterprising woman in a man’s world. A vision that changed daytime television. A galvanizing short story about ambition and sacrifice in the 1950s by New York Times bestselling author Melanie Benjamin.
Fallen Grace by Sadeqa JohnsonA single mother in segregated Virginia pushes back on societal prejudice and her own family’s judgment in an emotionally powerful short story by New York Times bestselling author Sadeqa Johnson.
Barriers to Entry by Ariel LawhonAn inquisitive woman defies expectations to become the mother of forensic science in this absorbing short story by New York Times bestselling author Ariel Lawhon.
- GenresShort StoriesFiction
9 pages, Audible Audio
Published February 20, 2024
3 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Marie Benedict
24 books13k followersMarie Benedict is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Queens of Crime, The Mitford Affair, Her Hidden Genius, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, The Only Woman in the Room, Lady Clementine, Carnegie's Maid, The Other Einstein, and the novella, Agent 355. With Victoria Christopher Murray, she co-wrote the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian and the Target Book of the Year The First Ladies. With Courtney Sheinmel, she co-wrote the first in a middle grade historical adventure series, called The Secrets of the Lovelace Academy.
Her books have been translated into thirty languages, and selected for the Barnes & Noble Book Club, Target Book Club, Costco Book Club, Indie Next List, and LibraryReads List.
Up next is the March 24, 2026 release, DAUGHTER OF EGYPT, the sweeping tale of a young aristocratic archaeologist — Lady Evelyn of Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey — who unearths the truth about a forgotten female Pharaoh, rewriting both of their legacies forever.
Her books have been translated into thirty languages, and selected for the Barnes & Noble Book Club, Target Book Club, Costco Book Club, Indie Next List, and LibraryReads List.
Up next is the March 24, 2026 release, DAUGHTER OF EGYPT, the sweeping tale of a young aristocratic archaeologist — Lady Evelyn of Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey — who unearths the truth about a forgotten female Pharaoh, rewriting both of their legacies forever.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 27, 2025
Blaze is a powerhouse anthology of seven short stories from acclaimed historical fiction authors, each centering on bold, complex women who defied the odds and transformed their worlds. From early 20th-century aviation to wartime resilience, segregated America to the birth of forensic science, these tales span decades and continents. Whether inspired by true events or imagined with vivid historical detail, each story captures a singular woman blazing her trail and refusing to be forgotten.
Blaze is exactly what the title promises—a spark, a fire, and a movement. Each story, while brief, feels complete and purposeful, zeroing in on moments of quiet revolution in the lives of exceptional women. Highlights include Marie Benedict’s “Amelia’s Shadow”, a moving portrait of female friendship and ambition, and Pam Jenoff’s “The Forgotten Chapter”, which captures courage and romance during wartime. Maggie Shipstead’s atmospheric “The June Paintings” and Ariel Lawhon’s riveting tale of the birth of forensic science are equally memorable.
Blaze is exactly what the title promises—a spark, a fire, and a movement. Each story, while brief, feels complete and purposeful, zeroing in on moments of quiet revolution in the lives of exceptional women. Highlights include Marie Benedict’s “Amelia’s Shadow”, a moving portrait of female friendship and ambition, and Pam Jenoff’s “The Forgotten Chapter”, which captures courage and romance during wartime. Maggie Shipstead’s atmospheric “The June Paintings” and Ariel Lawhon’s riveting tale of the birth of forensic science are equally memorable.
May 11, 2025
I enjoyed Amelia’s Shadow, The Forgotten Chapter, and Fires to Come the most
October 15, 2025
women stories are important to hear. These are a handful of courageous ladies found here.
November 26, 2025
Each of these stories was so vivid and full of strong women determined to forge their way in the world. A great collection.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews