Historical Fictionistas discussion

Post your scores here.

Example:

5.2 Historical Fiction Debut Novel
Weyward
392 pgs - 4 pts
HF - 5 pts

Book total - 14 pts

Diane’s reporting

5.2 Read a HF debut novel - The Painter's Daughters by Emily Howes
HF 5 pts
352 pg 4 pts
Total = 14

5.3 Read a book with the number or word “one” in the title.
Twenty-One Days by Anne Perry
HF 5pts
303 pg 4 pts
Total = 14

Grand Total =28

Linda B's best January - New Beginnings
5.1 Read the first book in a series Coulson's Wife by Anna J. McIntyre
5.2 Read a HF debut novel
5.3 Read a book with the number or word “one” in the title.

February
10.1 To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th), read a HF about a woman in science
10.2 To celebrate the Lunar New Year (February 17), ushering in the Year of the Horse, read a book that has a horse on the cover or in the title
10.3 To celebrate the Winter Olympics, read a book about an athlete.

March
15.1 To celebrate St Patrick’s Day (March 17th), read a HF set in Ireland or by an Irish author
15.2 To celebrate Holi (March 4th), read a HF set in India or by an author of Indian descent
15.3 To celebrate Pi Day, read a book that has 314 pages or whose title contains words that start with P and I.

Hawaii Five-O (25)
25.1 Read a HF set in Hawaii
25.2 As a tip of the hat to the original catch-phrase “Book ‘em, Danno”, read a book with “Book” in the title.
25.3 Read a HF or non-fiction about Pearl Harbor

High Seas Hijinks (50)
50.1 Read a HF that features an ocean voyage
50.2 Read a HF or non-fiction about pirates
50.3 Read three books where the first work of the title spells SEA. Title must begin with the corresponding letter - articles such as “A”, “An” and “The” DO count as the beginning letter (Salt to the Sea would count, The Salt House would not).
S--Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson finished 1/6/2026


Spring has Sprung (100)
Read six HF or non fiction history books where the primary location (city or country) corresponds to a letter in the word “SPRING”
:
S -
P--Pakistan In a Kingdom by the Sea by Sara MacDonald finished 1/8/2026
R -
I -
N -New Orleans The Seamstress of New Orleans by Diane C. McPhail finished 1/15/2026
G -

Robin H-R's Spring Challenge

January - New Beginnings
5.1 Read the first book in a series - Safe in Death, S.K. Rizzolo
5.2 Read a HF debut novel - Waking the Tiger, Mark Wightman
5.3 Read a book with the number or word “one” in the title.

February
10.1 To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th), read a HF about a woman in science
10.2 To celebrate the Lunar New Year (February 17), ushering in the Year of the Horse, read a book that has a horse on the cover or in the title
10.3 To celebrate the Winter Olympics, read a book about an athlete. - The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Daniel James Brown

March
15.1 To celebrate St Patrick’s Day (March 17th), read a HF set in Ireland or by an Irish author
15.2 To celebrate Holi (March 4th), read a HF set in India or by an author of Indian descent
15.3 To celebrate Pi Day, read a book that has 314 pages or whose title contains words that start with P and I.

Hawaii Five-O (25)
25.1 Read a HF set in Hawaii
25.2 As a tip of the hat to the original catch-phrase “Book ‘em, Danno”, read a book with “Book” in the title.
25.3 Read a HF or non-fiction about Pearl Harbor

High Seas Hijinks (50)
50.1 Read a HF that features an ocean voyage - Luck of the Titanic, Stacey Lee
50.2 Read a HF or non-fiction about pirates - The Last Pirate of New York: A Ghost Ship, a Killer, and the Birth of a Gangster Nation, Rich Cohen
50.3 Read three books where the first work of the title spells SEA. Title must begin with the corresponding letter - articles such as “A”, “An” and “The” DO count as the beginning letter
S-Silence in Hanover Close, Anne Perry
E
A

Spring has Sprung (100)
Read six HF or non fiction history books where the primary location (city or country) corresponds to a letter in the word “SPRING”
S
P - Portland, OR The Paragon Hotel, Lyndsay Faye
R
I
N
G

Peggyz Mini Spring Challenge
01-01-26 to 05-15-26
TOTAL BOOKS READ - 6
CHALLENGE TOTAL - 150 points

January - New Beginnings
5.1 - FINISHED 02-10-26 A Fatal Obsession #1 Ryder & Loveday by Faith Martin Read the first book in a series
5.2 - FINISHED Murder by Misrule #1 Francis Bacon historical mystery by Anna Castle Read a HF debut novel - Published 2014.
5.3 - ??TBR Elizabeth I by Margaret George Read a book with the number 1 or word “one” in the title.

February
10.1 FINISHED 02-04-26 Seeing a Large Cat #9 Amelia Peabody by Elizabeth Peters To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th), read a HF about a woman in science - Archaeologist/Egyptologist - 1903 Egypt
10.2 To celebrate the Lunar New Year (February 17), ushering in the Year of the Horse, read a book that has a horse on the cover or in the title
10.3 - FINISHED 02-12-26 Tony Gwynn: The Baseball Life of Mr. Padre by Scott KingdonTo celebrate the Winter Olympics, read a book about an athlete.

March
15.1 TBR So Much Owed by Jean Grainger OWN - To celebrate St Patrick’s Day (March 17th), read a HF set in Ireland or by an Irish author
15.2 - TBR The Satapur Moonstone #2 by Sujata Massey Set in India - Libby Kindle
15.3 - TBR An Indiscreet Princess by Georgie Blalock Libby Kindle
OR TBR Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers: A Gripping WWII Historical Mystery About a Mother’s Search for Truth by Sara Ackerman OWNTo celebrate Pi Day, read a book that has 314 pages or whose title contains words that start with P and I.

Hawaii Five-O (25)
25.1 - FINISHED 01-23-26 Red Sky Over Hawaii by Sara Ackerman Read a HF set in Hawaii - 1940's
25.2 - TBR The Body in the Bookstore #1 Secret Bookstore contemporary mystery by Ellie Alexander OWN KINDLE As a tip of the hat to the original catch-phrase “Book ‘em, Danno”, read a book with “Book” in the title.
25.3 - TBR Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman Read a HF or non-fiction about Pearl Harbor - OWN

High Seas Hijinks (50)
50.1 Read a HF that features an ocean voyage
50.2 - FINISHED 02-19-26 The Rebel Pirate #2 Renegades of the American Revolution by Donna Thorland Read a HF or non-fiction about pirates
50.3 Read three books where the first word of the title spells SEA. Title must begin with the corresponding letter - articles such as “A”, “An” and “The” DO count as the beginning letter
S. - TBR Sharpe's Command # by Bernard Cornwell OWN - Libby Audio - Hoopla Audio
E. - CURRENTLY READING Evan Only Knows #7 Constable Evans by Rhys Bowen
A. - TBR American Duchess: A Novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt by Karen Harper Libby Kindle - Hoopla Audio

Spring has Sprung (100)
Read six HF or non fiction history books where the primary location (city or country) corresponds to a letter in the word “SPRING”
S. - Shrewsbury, England 12 century - CURRENTLY READING The Virgin in the Ice #6 Brother Cadfael by Ellis Peters
P. - ??Paris
R. - ??Rome
I. - Ireland; India
N. - New York City 1950's - FINISHED 01-11-26 The Socialite’s Guide to Death and Dating #2 Pinnacle Hotel Historical Mystery by S.K. Golden
G. - Germany

January - New Beginnings
5.1 Read the first book in a series Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden (1/14)
368 pages- 4
HF- 5
Book Total- 14 points
5.2 Read a HF debut novel
The Dollhouse by The Dollhouse (1/10)
289 pages- 2
HF- 5
Book Total- 12
5.3 Read a book with the number or word “one” in the title.
One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (1/8)
432 pages- 4 points
HF- 5 Points
Book Total- 14 points

February
10.1 To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th), read a HF about a woman in science Atomic Love by Jennie Fields (1/20)
368 pages- 4
HF-5
Book Total- 19 points
10.2 To celebrate the Lunar New Year (February 17), ushering in the Year of the Horse, read a book that has a horse on the cover or in the title
The Sweet Blue Distance by Sara Donati (2/7)
800 pages- 8 points
HF- 5 points
Book Total- 23 points
10.3 To celebrate the Winter Olympics, read a book about an athlete.

March
15.1 To celebrate St Patrick’s Day (March 17th), read a HF set in Ireland or by an Irish author
The Violin Maker's Secret by Evie Woods (2/19) Author is Irish.
416 pages- 4 points
HF- 5 Points
Book Total- 24 points

15.2 To celebrate Holi (March 4th), read a HF set in India or by an author of Indian descent
15.3 To celebrate Pi Day, read a book that has 314 pages or whose title contains words that start with P and I.

Hawaii Five-O (25)
25.1 Read a HF set in Hawaii Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman (1/23)
368 pages- 4 points
HF- 5 points
Book Total-34 points
25.2 As a tip of the hat to the original catch-phrase “Book ‘em, Danno”, read a book with “Book” in the title. The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin (1/19)
336 pages- 4 points
HF- 5 points
Book Total- 34 points
25.3 Read a HF or non-fiction about Pearl Harbor
The Lieutenant's Nurse by Sara Ackerman (2/19)
352 pages- 4 points
HF- 5 Points
Book Total-34 points


High Seas Hijinks (50)
50.1 Read a HF that features an ocean voyage Seven Days in May by Kim Izzo (2/20)
356 pages- 4 points
HF- 5 Points
Book Total- 59 points

50.2 Read a HF or non-fiction about pirates
50.3 Read three books where the first work of the title spells SEA.
S.-
E.-
A.- A Founding Mother: A Novel of Abigail Adams by Stephanie Dray (1/31)

Spring has Sprung (100)
Read six HF or non fiction history books where the primary location (city or country) corresponds to a letter in the word “SPRING”
S. -
P. - Paris- The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel (2/14)
R. -
I. -
N. -
G. -

Challenge Total- 267 points

5.1 Read the first book in a series
Safe in Death, S.K. Rizzolo

HF = +5
Pages: 282 = +2

Book total: 12
Challenge total: 12

Placeholder

50.3 Read three books where the first work of the title spells SEA.

S - Silence in Hanover Close, HF+5, 352 pages +4

5.1 Read the first book in a series Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden (1/14)
368 pages- 4
HF- 5
Book Total- 14 points

5.2 Read a HF debut novel
The Dollhouse by The Dollhouse (1/10)
289 pages- 2
HF- 5
Book Total- 12

5.3 Read a book with the number or word “one” in the title.
One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (1/8)
432 pages- 4 points
HF- 5 Points
Book Total- 14 points

25.2 As a tip of the hat to the original catch-phrase “Book ‘em, Danno”, read a book with “Book” in the title. The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin (1/19)
336 pages- 4 points
HF- 5 points
Book Total- 34 points

Challenge Total- 74

5.2 - Read a HF debut - Published 2014
Murder by Misrule #1 Francis Bacon Histrorical Mystery by Anna Castle
350 pages - 4 points
HF - 5 points

Book total - 14 points
Total books read - 1

Edited message #5 Reporting Thread

25.1 - Read HF set in Hawaii - 1940's
Red Sky Over Hawaii by Sara Ackerman
352 pages - 4 points
HF - 5 points

Book total - 34 points
Previous challenge total - 14 points
Total challenge total - 48 points
Total books read - 2

Edited message #5 Reporting Thread

5.2 Read a HF debut novel
Waking the Tiger by Mark Wightman

HF +5
342 pages +4
Book total = 14

Challenge total = 26

Limping right along...

5.1 Read a 1st book in a series
Agony Hill by Sarah Stewart Taylor
308 pgs - 4 pts
HF - 5 pts
Book total - 14 pts

10.2 Lunar New Year/Year of the Horse
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
401 pgs - 4 pts
HF - 5 pts
Book total - 19 pts

10.3 Winter Olympics
Fast Girls: A Novel of the 1936 Women's Olympic Team by Elise Hooper
512 pgs - 6 pts
HF - 5 pts
Book total - 21 pts

Post/Challenge Total - 54 pts

10.2 To celebrate the Lunar New Year (February 17), ushering in the Year of the Horse, read a book that has a horse on the cover or in the title
Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris

HF 5+ 463 pgs 4 + 10 = 19

Previous total = 28
Challenge Total =47

50.1 Read a HF that features an ocean voyage
Luck of the Titanic by Stacey Lee

HF +5
368 pgs +4
Book total = 59

Challenge total = 85

High Sea Hijinks
50.3 Read three books where the first work of the title spells SEA.
S: Silence in Hanover Close by Anne Perry. HF 5 + 352 pages 4

E: Elephants Can Remember by Agatha Christie. 212 pgs = 2

A: Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. 352 pgs = 4

Total Points for this multi book task = 65
Challenge total -=112

10.1 - Read HF woman in science - 1903 Egypt - Archaeologist/Egyptologist
Seeing a Large Cat #9 Amelia Peabody by Elizabeth Peters
389 pages - 4 points
HF - 5 points

Book total - 19 points
Previous challenge total - 48 points
Total challenge total - 67 points

Edited message #5

Hawaii Five-O (25)
25.1 Read a HF set in Hawaii
Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes
HF 5; 400 pages 4

Book total = 34
Challenge total = 146

10.1 To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th), read a HF about a woman in science Atomic Love by Jennie Fields (1/20)
368 pages- 4
HF-5
Book Total- 19 points

10.2 To celebrate the Lunar New Year (February 17), ushering in the Year of the Horse, read a book that has a horse on the cover or in the title
The Sweet Blue Distance by Sara Donati (2/7)
800 pages- 8 points
HF- 5 points
Book Total- 23 points


Hawaii Five-O (25)
25.1 Read a HF set in Hawaii Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman (1/23)
368 pages- 4 points
HF- 5 points
Book Total-34 points

Previous Total- 74 points

Challenge Total- 150 points

10.1 To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th), read a HF about a woman in science
The Woman With the Cure by Lynn Cullen. HF 5 + 400 pages 4
Book total = 19

50.2 Read a HF or non-fiction about pirates
Cinnamon and Gunpowder by Eli Brown. HF 5 + 318 pages 4
Book total = 59

Previous total = 146
Challenge total = 224

5.1 - First in series - A Fatal Obsession #1 Ryder & Loveday by Faith Martin
274 pages - 2 points
HF - 5 points - 1960'S Oxford, England

Book total - 12 points
Previous challenge total - 67 points
Total challenge points - 79

Edited message #5

Placeholder

S
P - Portland, OR The Paragon Hotel HF +5, 432 pgs +4
R
I
N
G

10.3 - Book about athlete - Tony Gwynn: The Baseball Life of Mr. Padre by Scott Kingdon
285 pages - 2 points
HF - No - 0 points

Book total - 12 points
Previous challenge total - 79 points
Total challenge points - 91

Edited message #5

50.2 Read a HF or non-fiction about pirates
The Last Pirate of New York: A Ghost Ship, a Killer, and the Birth of a Gangster Nation, Rich Cohen

240 pgs +2
HF - None (non-fiction)

Book total = 52
Challenge total = 137

25.3 Read a HF or non-fiction about Pearl Harbor
The Lieutenant's Nurse by Sara Ackerman (2/19)
352 pages- 4 points
HF- 5 Points
Book Total-34 points

15.1 To celebrate St Patrick’s Day (March 17th), read a HF set in Ireland or by an Irish author
The Violin Maker's Secret by Evie Woods (2/19) Author is Irish.
416 pages- 4 points
HF- 5 Points
Book Total- 24 points

50.1 Read a HF that features an ocean voyage Seven Days in May by Kim Izzo (2/20)
356 pages- 4 points
HF- 5 Points
Book Total- 59 points

Previous Total- 150 points
Challenge Total- 267 points

50.2 - Read HF about pirates
The Rebel Pirate #2 Renegades of the American Revolution by Donna Thorland
416 pages - 4 points
HF - 5 points

Book total - 59 points
Previous challenge total - 91 points
Total challenge points - 150

Edited message #5

10.3 To celebrate the Winter Olympics, read a book about an athlete.
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
437 points = 4 points
Book Total 14 points
Challenge Total 14 points

25.2 As a tip of the hat to the original catch-phrase “Book ‘em, Danno”, read a book with “Book” in the title.
The Sisters of Book Row by Shelley Noble
384 pages = 4 points
HF 5 points
Book Total 34 points
Previous Total 14
Challenge Total 48

10.3 To celebrate the Winter Olympics, read a book about an athlete.
The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Daniel James Brown

HF: 0 (non-fiction)
404 pages +4

Book total = 14
Challenge total = 151