THE QUEEN AND THE KNAVE (Proper Romance Victorian), by Sarah M. Eden, Shadow Mountain, Sept. 5, 2023, Paperback, $16.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)

Sarah M. Eden’s Dread Penny Society comes to a close with the final book in the series, The Queen and the Knave.

London, 1866

Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, but spending so much of her life in secret is taking a toll on her soul ― and her heart.

When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets.

Fitzgerald Parkington has a sixth sense when it comes to hunting down criminals, which is why he’s recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when red tape keeps him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as “The Tempest,” he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart ― the bold and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly.

As the Tempest’s deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse that leads down back alleys, through dark London buildings, and right to the gates of Kensington Palace. Móirín has one chance to save Fitz and the Dread Penny Society from the Tempest, and she might have to sacrifice her one chance at love to do so. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

The Queen and the Knave is the fifth book in Sarah M. Eden’s Victorian romance series. While all five books — including The Lady and the Highwayman, The Gentleman and the Thief, The Merchant and the Rogue, The Bachelor and the Bride — can technically stand alone, the fourth and fifth books prove they really should be read in order.

As is the case with all The Dread Penny Society novels, two seemingly disparate characters — in this case Móirín and Fitz — are drawn together against a dangerous foe. But unlike the previous books, this one answers all the questions and ties up the loose threads.

The romance element of The Queen and the Nave is fairly predictable, but the journey there is an adventure. And Móirín and Fitz are an enjoyable couple. Their banter is light and energetic and moves the action forward.

The Queen and the Knave is a smart Victorian Proper Romance that combines mystery, adventure, and romance into a cohesive tale that parents won’t mind handing off to their older teens.

*In conjunction with the publication of The Queen and the Knave, Shadow Mountain has released The Dread Penny Society, a cloth-covered hardcover collector’s anthology compiling all the penny dreadful short stories from Sarah M. Eden’s five-book Victorian romance series. Learn more here.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE DREAD PENNY SOCIETY: The Complete Penny Dreadful Collection (Proper Romance Victorian), by Sarah M. Eden, Shadow Mountain, Sept. 5, 2023, Hardcover, $24.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult nonfiction)

Fans of Sarah M. Eden rejoice, The Dread Penny Society anthology brings together all her penny dreadful short stories into one place.

This cloth-covered hardcover collector’s anthology compiles all the penny dreadful short stories from Sarah M. Eden’s five-book Victorian romance series (The Lady and the Highwayman, The Gentleman and the Thief, The Merchant and the Rogue, The Bachelor and the Bride, and The Queen and the Knave). This edition also includes three new, never-before-released stories.

Emulating the Victorian style original penny dreadfuls, Eden’s stories follow a similar format — somewhat sensational stories published in weekly parts ranging from 8 to 16 pages that cost 1 penny each.

Eden has interwoven these tales throughout her five books, tailoring them to her storyline and adding depth to the overall narrative.

In The Dread Penny Society, readers get to read these serials all at once, perhaps lessening the anticipation for each new section but offering instant gratification at the same time. What’s especially nice here is that the stories are “penned” by different authors (from her series) with unique voices and subject matter. It’s a different kind of read from Eden and it’s lots of fun.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WYOMING WILD (Proper Romance Western), by Sarah M. Eden, Shadow Mountain, March 7, 2023, Paperback (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)

A sheriff’s daughter seeks to bring her corrupt father to justice in Wyoming Wild, the third book in Sarah M. Eden’s Savage Wells series.

Wyoming Territory, 1876

US Marshal John “Hawk” Hawking is one of the most respected lawmen in the West, so when a telegram arrives from the small town of Sand Creek warning him of a death threat against him, he immediately begins an investigation.

Posing as a farmer, Hawk heads to Sand Creek, a town ruled by a violent and corrupt sheriff. Only one person is trying to stop him ― Liesl, the sheriff’s own daughter. When she meets the self-assured and attractive new farmer, John, she hopes he might help her in the fight for justice.

John is completely unfazed by Sheriff Hodges’s attempts at intimidation, and Liesl is quickly swept up by Hawk’s courage and integrity. Just as quickly, Hawk finds himself falling for Liesl’s strength and bravery, as well as her grace and beauty.

When Liesl discovers John’s true identity, she feels betrayed. Despite her lingering distrust of him, Liesl agrees to work with him to enact a dangerous plan that will put the criminals away forever. Liesl must put her life, and her heart, in the hands of his lawman if she has any hope of saving her family and her town. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

If you’ve read any of Sarah M. Eden’s other books, then you know what a strong writer she is. She excels at creating characters that are instantly compelling and complex. Her writing is smooth and comfortable, and her plotlines engaging.

Wyoming Wild is no different. It’s the third book in Eden’s Savage Wells series, and as such, should probably be read in order. That’s not to say it doesn’t stand on its own, but you’ll miss out on some of the nuances if you don’t get to know Wyoming Wild’s supporting characters first.

That’s not to say that Wyoming Wild is perfect. The first chapter was a bit rough for me. Perhaps it’s because I read the other Savage Wells books a while ago, but I struggled with Eden’s take on “Western speech,” which initially comes on strong. Like a bit hokey strong — almost a caricature. By the time I got to the second chapter, though, it didn’t bother me anymore. I’m not sure whether I got used to it or Eden toned down the colloquialisms. Either way, it’s worth reading more than one chapter to see if it bothers you as a reader.

It will be interesting to see if Eden explores any further characters from this series with books of their own. There’s one in particular that she hints there’s more to than meets the eye. If Eden does write more, I’ll happily read them. Wyoming Wild was a nice one-sitting escape, perfect for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon read.

As with other books in Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line, Wyoming Wild is what’s considered a “chaste romance.” There’s no foul language, and the romance part is more about the emotional than the physical — there is some hugging/kissing, but that’s all. There’s also some violence — it is a Western — but that is also tame.

Though written for adult audiences, there’s nothing objectionable in it for young adult.

Copyright © 2023 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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The Bachelor and the Bride (Proper Romance Victorian), By Sarah M. Eden, Shadow Mountain, Sept. 6, 2022, Paperback, $15.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)

Fans of the Dread Penny Society rejoice. The latest novel in the series, The Bachelor and the Bride, by Sarah M. Eden, is now out.

London, 1866

Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called to help people, whether that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the impoverished women of London from their desperate lives on the streets as part of his work with the Dread Penny Society.

Three years ago, he helped rescue Gemma Kincaid by secretly marrying her to protect her from her family of notorious grave robbers.

But six months after Gemma and Barnabus exchanged vows, she realized her love for her new husband was unrequited. To protect her heart, she left, telling Barnabus to contact her if his feelings for her ever grew beyond a sense of duty.

When Barnabus sends a letter to Gemma inviting her to return home, she hopes to find a true connection between them. But unfortunately, he only wants her help to foil the Kincaids, who have been terrorizing the boroughs of London, eager to gain both money and power.

Heartbroken, Gemma agrees to help, but she warns Barnabus that she will not stay for long, and once she goes, he’ll never see her again.

Yet as the couple follows the clues that seem to connect the Kincaids to the Mastiff, the leader of London’s criminal network, Gemma and Barnabus realize they might make a better match than either of them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved Gemma’s life might now save Barnabus ― and his lonely heart.

But before the once-confirmed bachelor can properly court his secret bride, they’ll need to evade the dangerous forces that are drawing ever closer to the hopeful lovers and the entire Dread Penny Society itself. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

The Bachelor and the Bride is the fourth book in Eden’s Victorian romance series. While all four books — including The Lady and the Highwayman, The Gentleman and the Thief and The Merchant and the Rogue — can technically stand alone, the latest offering proves they really should be read in order.

The Bachelor and the Bride deviates slightly from previous books in the series in that Gemma and Barnabus are already married. And yet, they are similarly two people with seemingly different interests and backgrounds. And as the book progresses, you realize the two are more alike than previously thought.

While the romance part of the ending is fairly predictable — as with all the books in Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line — this time around, there’s a huge twist at the ending that will have fans of the series clamoring for the next book.

Like the other Dread Penny Society books, The Bachelor and the Bride is all about the journey. Gemma and Barnabus are likeable characters. Though their relationship begins as an arranged marriage of sorts, they both see the advantages of it. Gemma’s wish for deep affection pairs well with Barnabus’ stumbling discovery that feelings of love are already there.

Their love story grows against the backdrop of mystery and adventure. As the stakes get higher, the couple realizes only that by joining forces will they succeed.

Author Sarah M. Eden’s Victorian world is well-developed and intriguing. Her prose both fits the time period and feels accessible to a modern audience. Her chaste romance is one parents won’t mind handing off to their older teens.

Copyright © 2022 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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BOARD BOOK

STRUT, BABY, STRUT, by Amika Kroll and Ebony Glenn, Little Simon, Jan. 4, 2022, Board Book, $8.99 (ages 1 and up)

From baby to toddler to big girl to teen to young lady, and finally, a confident woman, this lyrical, rhyming story teaches little girls to reach high, be bold, and love big at any and every stage of their life. Full of inspiring life lessons every parent strives to teach their child from day one, this story, written for little girls everywhere, is about growing up, loving yourself, and embracing your womanhood. —Synopsis provided by Little Simon

This bold board book encourages big goals and resiliency. Simple text is paired with bright, bold illustrations that will appeal to little ones. Parents will appreciate the positive messages throughout.

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AGES 4 AND UP

HARRIET’S RUFFLED FEATHERS: THE WOMAN WHO SAVED MILLIONS OF BIRDS, by Joy McCullough and Romina Galotta, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, March 15, 2022, Hardcover, $717.99 (ages 4-8)

Harriet Lawrence Hemenway loved hats. She loved them with ribbons and flowers, embroidery and pearls. And feathers! What was better than a hat with grand, glorious feathers? But then Harriet discovered that millions of birds died so that she and her friends could soar at the height of style. A passion for fashion was one thing, but this was feather-brained!

So Harriet led the charge to take feathers out of fashion, getting laws passed that made it illegal to buy or sell wild bird feathers. In 1896, she and her fellow bird protectors founded the Massachusetts Audubon Society, which grew into a national organization that still protects birds today —Synopsis provided by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Harriet’s Ruffled Feathers is a beautifully illustrated book about a woman who saw a problem and set out to fix it. Smooth and engaging text make Harriet’s story accessible and enjoyable. Strong back matter includes information about conservation, birdwatching tips, and how to make pretend binoculars. This book would be a fun addition to classroom lessons on birds.

HOW TO HEAR THE UNIVERSE: GABY GONZÁLEZ AND THE SEARCH FOR EINSTEIN’S RIPPLES IN SPACE-TIME, by Patricia Valdez and Sara Palacios, Knopf Books for Young Readers, March 8, 2022, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)

In 1916, Albert Einstein had a theory. He thought that somewhere out in the universe, there were collisions in space. These collisions could cause little sound waves in the fabric of space-time that might carry many secrets of the distant universe. But it was only a theory. He could not prove it in his lifetime.

Many years later, an immigrant scientist named Gabriela Gonzalez asked the same questions. Armed with modern technology, she joined a team of physicists who set out to prove Einstein’s theory. At first, there was nothing. But then… they heard a sound. Gabriela and her team examined, and measured, and re-measured until they were sure.

Completing the work that Albert Einstein had begun 100 years earlier, Gonzalez broke ground for new space-time research. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

Space-time is not the easiest topic to understand, but this book does a fine job of explaining it. Younger readers may not understand everything, but they will appreciate Gonzalez’s contributions. Tender illustrations go a long way in helping readers visually understand the concepts discussed. Backmatter includes a timeline and glossary, as well as information on Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity and Gonzalez’s Detection of Gravitational Waves.

LIKE A DIAMOND IN THE SKY: JANE TAYLOR’S BELOVED POEM OF WONDER AND THE STARS, by Elizabeth Brown and Becca Stadtlander, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Feb. 15, 2022, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

In the days when most girls were brought up to run a home, Jane Taylor had a different kind of education in the English countryside, where she was inspired by nature and the stars, and dreamed of becoming a writer. But in the late 1700s, it was not considered proper for women to be writers. Jane and other female poets were shunned, unable to use their own names when published. But Jane did write, and she never forgot her love for the beauty of nature and the glow of stars, or her desire to write for children. Her published poetry became universally known for generations to come: Twinkle, twinkle little star. —Synopsis provided by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Like a Diamond in the Sky is a lovely look at the life of Jane Taylor. Children will be stunned to learn the writer of one of their favorite poems/songs had to write under a different name. Lyrical writing paired with charming hand-painted illustrations make this one of my favorite recent biographies. Backmatter includes an author’s note, more on Jane Taylor, a timeline and more.

ABLAZE WITH COLOR: A STORY OF PAINTER ALMA THOMAS, by Jeanne Walker Harvey and Loveis Wise, HarperCollins, Feb. 22, 2022, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

As a child in Georgia, Alma Thomas loved to spend time outside, soaking up the colors around her. And her parents filled their home with color and creativity despite the racial injustices they faced. After the family moved to Washington DC, Alma shared her passion for art by teaching children. When she was almost 70 years old, she focused on her own artwork, inspired by nature and space travel. —Synopsis provided by HarperCollins

Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas is a rich picture book from beginning to end. Author Jeanne Walker Harvey’s text is clear and warm as she follows Alma’s life and passion. Illustrator Loveis Wise emulates Alma’s abstract style, creating emotion through splashes of color and texture. Backmatter includes photos of Alma and her artwork, read an author’s and illustrator’s note, and find sources for further exploration. A two-page timeline helps readers place Alma’s life within the context of current events.

ALICE WATERS COOKS UP A FOOD REVOLUTION, by Diane Stanley and Jessie Hartland, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Jan. 18, 2022, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)

Whenever young Alice Waters tasted something delicious, like the sun-warmed berries from her family’s garden or a crisp, ripe apple picked straight from the tree, she would remember it for the rest of her life. Later, as she tasted many more wonderful foods, she realized what made them so good—they were fresh and ripe, grown or made the old-fashioned way.

When Alice grew up, she opened a restaurant called Chez Panisse. As part of her quest to make delicious food, Alice sought out small, local farmers to provide the meat, dairy, and produce. The restaurant made her famous, but it did much more than that — it started a food revolution. Today, home cooks and chefs alike are all discovering the simple secret to the Best! Food! Ever! This book is a celebration of food, cooking, and the woman whose curiosity and devotion to flavor kickstarted America’s interest in buying local, organic food. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

This book will speak to any child who has ever had a tomato or raspberry or carrot or apple straight from the garden. They will immediately understand Alice’s passion for fresh ingredients. Those who have not had that experience, will likely be encouraged to seek out that same experience. This charming story features warm text and colorful folk-art illustrations. Backmatter includes more information on Alice and her food revolution, a timeline and bibliography.

A DINOSAUR NAMED RUTH: HOW RUTH MASON DISCOVERED FOSSILS IN HER OWN BACKYARD, by Julia Lyon and Alexandra Bye, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Nov. 2, 2021, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)

There’s an extraordinary secret hidden just beneath Ruth Mason’s feet. The year is 1905, and Ruth is a prairie girl living in South Dakota. She has no way of knowing that millions of years ago, her family farm was once home to scores of dinosaurs. Until one day, when Ruth starts finding clues to the past: strange rocks and rubble scattered all across her land. They’re dinosaur fossils—but she doesn’t know that yet, either. It will take many years of collecting these clues, and many, many questions, but Ruth’s curiosity will one day help uncover thousands of fossils all across her land. —Synopsis provided by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Based on the true story of Ruth Mason, this book will astound young readers and might encourage them to go explore their own backyards. Beautiful, bold illustrations accompany clear and inviting text. Backmatter includes more information on Ruth’s life and the dinosaur known as “Ruth.”

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AGES 5 AND UP

YOU ARE A STAR, RUTH BADER GINSBURG, by Dean Robbins and Sarah Green, Scholastic Press, Feb. 1, 2022, Paperback, $7.99 (ages 5-7)

Make way for Ruth Bader Ginsburg! Using a unique mix of first-person narrative, comic panels, and essential facts, Dean Robbins introduces young readers to an American trailblazer. The first book in a new nonfiction series, You Are a Star, Ruth Bader Ginsburg focuses on Ruth’s lifelong mission to bring equality and justice to all. —Synopsis provided by Scholastic Press

This great picture book is told from RBG’s perspective, giving it a personal feeling it wouldn’t otherwise have. It follows her entire life with easy nuggets of information without feeling rushed or overly comprehensive. Illustrator Sarah Green’s comic illustrations are full of color and feeling.

BOLD WORDS FROM BLACK WOMEN: INSPIRATION AND TRUTHS FROM 50 EXTRAORDINARY LEADERS WHO HELPED SHAPE OUR WORLD, by Dr. Tamara Pizzoli and Monica Ahanonu, Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; Illustrated edition, Jan. 18, 2022, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4 and up)

This volume honors 50 modern women, presented with their own words, who have dared to raise their voices and persevere through hardship and injustice to become revolutionaries and dreamers, artists and creators.

Featuring women like musical powerhouse Beyoncé Knowles; tennis star Serena Williams; Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; and activist Angela Davis, this book is perfect for any reader who is seeking grace, courage, strength, and self-love. — Synopsis provided by Denene Millner Books/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Though the publisher’s suggested age range is birth and up, I’d wait until at least 5-years-old. Young readers will be drawn to the graphic, bold illustrations, but will need help with context and definitions when it comes to the text. That said, it’s the perfect sort of book to flip through and spark conversation. It’s an empowering read that makes you think and want to take action.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC READERS: KAMALA HARRIS (LEVEL 2), by Tonya Grant, National Geographic Kids, Jan. 4, 2022, Paperback, $4.99 (ages 5-8)

Explore one of the most powerful and highest-ranking female figures in American history with this biography of Vice President Kamala Harris in this Level 2 reader.

On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris made history. That day, she became the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to be elected as Vice President of the United States. Young readers will learn about Harris’s childhood, her early career, and her journey that led to winning the vice presidency. This early reader also explores how Harris devoted her life to helping others, from serving as the Attorney General of California, to being elected as a U.S. Senator, to working alongside President Joe Biden on the campaign trail and in the White House. —Synopsis provided by National Geographic Kids

The minute my now-8-year-old saw this book, she begged to borrow it. We watched Kamala Harris get sworn in. It was such a big moment to see a woman become vice president, and my daughter wants to know all about her. Level 2 books are fairly simple but offer chapters, a quiz and glossary, which are exciting for early readers. There are lots of pictures and pull-out facts for more visual learners.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC READERS: STACEY ABRAMS (LEVEL 2), by Melissa Mwai, National Geographic Kids, Jan. 4, 2022, Paperback, $4.99 (ages 5-8)

Learn about the voting rights advocate and politician Stacey Abrams and her groundbreaking achievements in this appealing Level 2 reader. Young readers will find out about Abram’s childhood and her early career as a city attorney and as minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives. The reader also explores her run in Georgia as the first Black woman to be nominated by a major party for governor, and how losing that race inspired her to devote her life to making elections and the voting process more equitable for everyone. —Synopsis provided by National Geographic Kids

This is another book that caught my daughter’s eye. Though she is well into novels, she’s read many Nat Geo books and knows what to expect. The Level 2 books offer great introductions that often inspire further research. She was excited to learn about another woman in a leadership position.

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AGES 6 AND UP

BREAKING THROUGH THE CLOUDS: THE SOMETIMES TURBULENT LIFE OF METEOROLOGIST JOANNE SIMPSON, by Sandra Nickel and Helena Perez Garcia, Abrams Books for Young Readers, March 8, 2022, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 6-9)

When Joanne Simpson (1923-2010) was a girl, she sailed her boat beneath the puffy white clouds of Cape Cod. As a pilot, she flew her plane so high, its wings almost touched them. And when World War II began and Joanne moved to the University of Chicago, a professor asked her to teach Air Force officers about those very clouds and the weather-changing winds.

As soon as the war ended, Joanne decided to seriously study the clouds she had grown to love so much. Her professors laughed. They told her to go home. But Joanne was stubborn. She sold her boat. She flew her last flight. She saved her money so that she could study clouds. She worked so hard and discovered so much that — despite what the professors said — she received a doctorate in meteorology. She was the first woman in the world to do so. —Synopsis provided by Abrams Books for Young Readers

Author Sandra Nickel expertly captures Joanne’s frustrations, expectations and triumphs. The text is friendly and clear even when providing scientific information. Illustrator Helena Perez Garcia not only shows what happens to Joanne, but conveys emotion with some perfectly placed clouds, as well. Readers will be delighted to see photographs of Joanne and further information in the book’s backmatter.

AWAY WITH WORDS: THE DARING STORY OF ISABELLA BIRD, by Lori Mortensen and Kristy Caldwell, Peachtree Publishing Company; Reprint edition, Feb. 1, 2022, Softcover, $8.99 (ages 8-10)

Exploring was easier said than done in Victorian England. But Isabella Bird persisted, and with each journey, she breathed in new ways to see and describe everything around her. Question by question, word by word, Isabella bloomed. First, out in the English countryside. Then, off to America and Canada. And eventually, around the world, to Africa, Asia, Australia, and more.

This dashing picture book biography about the first female member of the Royal Geographic Society takes readers around the world with a daring nineteenth-century female explorer and author. —Synopsis provided by Peachtree Publishing Company

It’s not hard to get swept away by Away With Words. Lori Mortensen’s accessible prose is full of action and emotion. That text is perfectly paired with Kristy Caldwell’s detailed, graphic novel-inspired illustrations that fairly bring Bird’s adventures to life. Back matter, an author’s note, and a bibliography offer readers a chance for further discovery. I handed this one to my daughter, and she started making a list of her own future adventures.

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AGES 7 AND UP

STITCH BY STITCH: ELIZABETH HOBBS KECKLY SEWS HER WAY TO FREEDOM, by Connie Schofield-Morrison and Elizabeth Zunon,  Holiday House, Nov. 9, 2021, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 7-10)

Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley was born in 1818, enslaved to a Virginian plantation owner. As a teenager, Lizzy was sent to work as the only slave on a small plantation, where the work was endless, and the masters treated her with unspeakable cruelty. A new master, learning Lizzy could sew, sent her to work for a tailor, who paid the master, not Lizzy, for Lizzy’s work.

The beautiful gowns that Lizzy created were displayed in the tailor’s window and soon attracted the attention of the wealthiest women in Virginia. Among them was Mrs. Jefferson Davis who also introduced Lizzy to Mary Todd Lincoln. Though Lizzy first had to borrow money from her wealthy patrons to buy her freedom, once she was free, she was able to earn money of her own and pay them all back. —Synopsis provided by Holiday House

Stitch by Stitch is an inspiring story of a woman who was able to use her talent to achieve freedom. Her perseverance shines through Connie Morrison’s honest text. And Elizabeth Zunon’s mixed media illustrations —including oil paint, paper, fabric, ribbon, embroidery, lace, and appliqué — embrace not only the book’s feel, but Lizzy’s gifts, too.

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AGES 10 AND UP

HIDDEN POWERS: LISE MEITNER’S CALL TO SCIENCE, by Jeannine Atkins, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Jan. 18, 2022, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 10 and up)

At the turn of the 20th century, Lise Meitner dreamed of becoming a scientist. In her time, girls were not supposed to want careers, much less ones in science. But Lise was smart — and determined. She earned a PhD in physics, then became the first woman physics professor at the University of Berlin. The work was thrilling, but Nazi Germany was a dangerous place for a Jewish woman. When the risks grew too great, Lise escaped to Sweden, where she continued the experiments that she and her laboratory partner had worked on for years. Her efforts led to the discovery of nuclear fission and altered the course of history. —Synopsis provided by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Jeannine Atkins is a master storyteller, and she tells her stories through verse. Lines like “Elements seem like the alphabet of the world!” and “Science becomes a need, like hunger.” are just a peek at the wonderful pictures she creates with words. Hidden Powers is a fantastic read that will appeal to a large group of readers.

SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT!: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF FIGHTING SHIRLEY CHISHOLM, by Tonya Bolden, National Geographic Kids; Library ed. Edition, Jan. 4, 2022, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 10-14)

Before there was Barack Obama, before there was Kamala Harris, there was Fighting Shirley Chisholm. A daughter of Barbadian immigrants, Chisholm developed her political chops in Brooklyn in the 1950s and went on to become the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

 This “pepper pot,” as she was known, was not afraid to speak up for what she thought was right. While fighting for a better life for her constituents in New York’s 12th Congressional District, Chisholm routinely fought against sexism and racism in her own life and defied the norms of the time. As the first Black woman in the House and the first Black woman to seek the presidential nomination from a major political party, Shirley Chisholm laid the groundwork for those who would come after her.

Extensively researched and reviewed by experts, this biography traces Chisholm’s journey from her childhood in a small flat in Brooklyn where she read books with her sisters to Brooklyn College where she got her first taste of politics. Readers will cheer Chisholm on to victory from the campaign trail to the hallowed halls of the U.S. Capitol, where she fought for fair wages, equal rights, and an end to the Vietnam War. And while the presidential campaign trail in 1972 did not end in victory, Shirley Chisholm shows us how you can change a country when you speak up and speak out. —Synopsis provided by National Geographic Kids

You really can’t go wrong with National Geographic books, and Speak Up, Speak Out is no exception. What does make it different from most of the Nat Geo Kids books reviewed on Cracking the Cover is the format. Speak Up, Speak Out is a true chapter book — geared toward older middle grade and young adults — with full-color illustrations pulled together in one section rather than used heavily throughout. This absorbing biography captures interest from beginning to end. Author Tonya Bolden’s writing is thoughtful and clear, making this an excellent choice for readers of all backgrounds.

BLACK BALLERINAS: MY JOURNEY TO OUR LEGACY, by Misty Copeland and Salena Barnes, Aladdin, Nov. 2, 2021, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 10 and up)

As a young girl living in a motel with her mother and her five siblings, Misty Copeland didn’t have a lot of exposure to ballet or prominent dancers. She was sixteen when she saw a black ballerina on a magazine cover for the first time. The experience emboldened Misty and told her that she wasn’t alone — and her dream wasn’t impossible. In the years since, Misty has only learned more about the trailblazing women who made her own success possible by pushing back against repression and racism with their talent and tenacity. Misty brings these women’s stories to a new generation of readers and gives them the recognition they deserve. This book delves into the lives and careers of women of color who fundamentally changed the landscape of American ballet from the early 20th century to today. —Synopsis provided by Aladdin

While Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy may look like a picture book, it’s much more. A two-page spread is dedicated to each ballerina. One page features a beautiful dance portrait and the other is full text. The print size is what you would find in a typical middle-grade novel, and the text difficulty mirrors that as well. Not only are the mini-biographies heartfelt and inspiring. But the illustrations show a true understanding of movement and technique. Budding ballerinas and ballet fans alike will be drawn to this excellent book.

GRASPING MYSTERIES: GIRLS WHO LOVED MATH, by Jeannine Atkins, Atheneum Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition, July 13, 2021, Paperback, $7.99 (ages 10 and up)

After a childhood spent looking up at the stars, Caroline Herschel was the first woman to discover a comet and to earn a salary for scientific research. Florence Nightingale was a trailblazing nurse whose work reformed hospitals and one of the founders of the field of medical statistics. The first female electrical engineer, Hertha Marks Ayrton registered twenty-six patents for her inventions.

Marie Tharp helped create the first map of the entire ocean floor, which helped scientists understand our subaquatic world and suggested how the continents shifted. A mathematical prodigy, Katherine Johnson calculated trajectories and launch windows for many NASA projects including the Apollo 11 mission. Edna Lee Paisano, a citizen of the Nez Perce Nation, was the first Native American to work full time for the Census Bureau, overseeing a large increase in American Indian and Alaskan Native representation. And Vera Rubin studied more than two hundred galaxies and found the first strong evidence for dark matter.

This novel celebrates seven women who used math as their key to explore the mysteries of the universe and grew up to do innovative work that changed the world. —Synopsis provided by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Now available in paperback, this fantastic biography features the stories of seven mathematicians through verse. Author Jeannine Atkins’ prose is sparkling. Her ability to say so much with so little is impressive. Her words are thoughtful and precise, making all seven of her subjects come to life. This blending of math and art is as accessible as it is beautiful. This should appeal to a large swath of readers — those who love art, science, math, history and beyond.

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Copyright © 2022 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE MERCHANT AND THE ROGUE , by Sarah M. Eden, Shadow Mountain, Aug. 17, 2021, Paperback, $15.99 (Young Adult/ New Adult/ Adult Fiction)

Return to the world of Penny Dreadfuls in Sarah M. Eden’s latest Dread Penny Society book, The Merchant and the Rogue.

London, 1865

Vera Sorokina loves reading the Penny Dreadfuls and immersing herself in tales of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her own days are filled with the often-mundane work of running the book and print shop she owns with her father. The shop offers her the freedom and income to employ and protect the poverty-stricken Londoners she’s come to care about, and it gives her father something to do other than long for their hometown of St. Petersburg. She is grateful for the stability in their lives, but she often feels lonely.

Brogan Donnelly was born and raised in Ireland, but has lived in London for several years, where he’s built a career as a Penny Dreadful writer. He has dedicated himself to the plight of the poor with the help of his sister. His membership in the secretive Dread Penny Society allows him to feel he isn’t entirely wasting his life, yet he feels dissatisfied. With no one to share his life with but his sister, he fears London will never truly feel like home.

Brogan and Vera’s paths cross, and the attraction is both immediate and ill-advised. Vera knows from past experience that writers are never to be trusted, and Brogan has reason to suspect not everything at her print shop is aboveboard. When the growing criminal enterprise run by the elusive and violent Mastiff begins targeting their area of London, Brogan and Vera must work together to protect the community they’ve both grown to love. But that means they’ll need to learn to trust each other with dangerous secrets that have followed both of them from their home countries. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain

The Merchant and the Rogue is the third book in Eden’s Victorian romance series. While all three books — including The Lady and the Highwayman and The Gentleman and the Thief — stand alone, I prefer reading them as a grouping (though it is more of a personal preference than a necessity). Eden has created a setting that is delightful whether you are new or returning.

Like the previous novels in this series, The Merchant and the Rogue features a romantic pairing between two people with seemingly different interests and backgrounds. As the book progresses, you realize the two are more alike than previously thought.

As with all the books in Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line, the ending is fairly predictable. But that’s not why readers clamor for these books: They’re there for the ride. And like the other books in the Dread Penny Society series, the journey is lots of fun.

Eden’s writing both fits the time period and feels modernly comfortable. Her characters are well-developed and multifaceted. She combines mystery, adventure, and romance into a cohesive tale that parents won’t mind handing off to their older teens.

*Shadow Mountain is offering a special launch bundle for readers who purchases The Merchant and the Rogue from Aug. 15-20. Submit your receipt here: https://www.shadowmountain.com/merchant . Bundles are expected to ship out the end of September.

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THE GENTLEMAN AND THE THIEF, by Sarah M. Eden, Shadow Mountain, Nov. 3, 2020, Paperback, $15.99 (YA/ New Adult/ Adult Fiction)

Sarah M. Eden returns to Victorian England and the world of penny dreadfuls in the follow-up to The Lady and the Highwayman in The Gentleman and the Thief.

From the moment Hollis Darby meets Ana Newport, he’s smitten. Even though he’s from a wealthy, established family and she isn’t, he wishes he could have a life with her by his side. But Hollis has a secret: the deep coffers that have kept his family afloat for generations are bare, so he supports himself by writing penny dreadfuls under a pseudonym. If not for the income from his novels, he would be broke.

Ana Newport also has a secret. Though she once had a place in society thanks to her father’s successful business, bankruptcy and scandal reduced his fortune to nothing more than a crumbling town house. So Ana teaches music during the day, and at night she assumes the identity of the “Phantom Fox.” She breaks into the homes of the wealthy to reclaim trinkets and treasures she feels were unjustly stolen from her family when they were struggling.

When Hollis’s brother needs to hire a music tutor for his daughter, Hollis recommends Ana, giving him a chance to spend time with her. Ana needs the income and is eager for the opportunity to get to know the enigmatic gentleman. What neither of them expects is how difficult it will be to keep their respective secrets from each other.

When a spree of robberies rocks the city, Ana and Hollis join forces to solve the crimes, discovering that working together deepens the affection between them. After all, who better to save the day than a gentleman and a thief? — Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain.

Penny dreadfuls are 19^th century serial stories that often featured pirates, highwaymen, crime and mystical elements. The serials usually came out weekly and were written and priced to appeal to the lower echelons of society.

Even though it works fairly well as a standalone, The Gentleman and the Thief really should be read after The Lady and the Highwayman. There’s just too much context that’s missing without it. Reading both shouldn’t be a problem, though, because both books are enjoyable.

As one of Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line, it’s a given that there are some predictable elements, particularly when it comes to the romance bit, but Eden provides readers with enough twists along the way to keep thing fresh and interesting.

Hollis and Ana are both likeable characters living within the constraints of society. When they let each other in, that’s when they really shine.

The Gentleman and the Thief is a fast-paced adult fiction read that has great crossover appeal for new adults and young adults alike.

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THE LADY AND THE HIGHWAYMAN, by Sarah M. Eden, Shadow Mountain Publishing, Sept. 3, 2019, Softcover, $15.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult)

Improving technology and higher literacy rates in the 19^th century turned into a demand for cheap literature. From that, penny dreadfuls were born. The serial stories featured pirates, highwaymen, crime and mystical elements. Dreadfuls were usually eight pages, featured a black-and-white illustration and issued weekly.

Sarah M. Eden’s The Lady and the Highwayman celebrates Penny Dreadfuls by exploring the lives behind her fictional characters.

Elizabeth Black is a lady of birth and relative standing. As such, she’s a respected headmistress of a girls school in 1860s Victorian London. She’s also a respected author of silver-fork novels (novels written for and about the upper class)

That’s not all Elizabeth writes, though. Under the pseudonym Charles King, Elizabeth has quickly risen among the ranks to become the most popular Penny Dreadful author. King’s story features dashing heroes and supernatural elements that play to the adventurous spirit of her readers.

Up until King’s arrival, Fletcher Walker was the most popular author in the Penny Dreadful market. King’s arrival on scene isn’t just a matter of pride — he’s cutting into the profits Fletcher uses to support the working class. As a member of the Dread Penny Society, a fraternity of authors who focus on social and political causes, Fletcher needs those funds.

When their paths cross, Fletcher finds himself instantly attracted to Elizabeth. As a fellow author, she could also be key in discovering King’s true identity. Elizabeth agrees to help Fletcher if only to keep her identity secret. But the more time they spend together, the harder they fall for each other.

The Lady and the Highwayman is a standalone Proper Romance novel from Shadow Mountain. As such, it’s pretty much a given that Elizabeth and Fletcher will end up together. But you’re not going to read The Lady and the Highwayman for the mystery. You’re going to read it to escape.

Sarah M. Eden is a polished writer who knows how to draw in readers with compelling characters and storylines that aren’t entirely predictable. What makes The Lady and the Highwayman stand out from her other novels is the juxtaposition of Victorian-era classes. The navigation between them is tight and well-thought out.

The Lady and the Highwayman is an enjoyable read that transports readers to a different place and time.

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Healing Hearts, by Sara M. Eden, is the latest Proper Romance novel from Shadow Mountain.

The book follows Miriam, a trained nurse who wants to put her past behind her. And you can’t get much more off the beaten path than moving to Savage Wells in the Wyoming Territory.

Miriam can’t help but think she’s got a bright future ahead of her as a nurse to the only doctor in the frontier town, but when she steps off the stagecoach, she realizes something is very wrong. Everyone thinks she’s there first as a mail-order bride and second as a nurse.

Miriam is horrified, and Gideon MacNamara, the town doctor is equally mortified. Somehow Gideon’s request for a bride with nursing experience got mixed up. Now, the whole town is upset with the situation, and Miriam and Gideon are just plain miserable.

For Gideon there’s only one solution — hire Miriam for the job she was expecting and move forward. As the two start working together, they realize that perhaps there’s a future together after all. If only Miriam’s deepest secret would stop getting in the way.

Healing Hearts is the second novel Eden has set in the town of Savage Wells, and although they share the same characters and should probably be read in order of publication, are completely stand-alone.

Eden has a familiar writing style that is easy to slip into, and her plot is better developed than some of the weaker Proper Romance novels. If you’re looking for a somewhat predictable, but otherwise lovely clean romance, Healing Hearts is a good option.

My one quibble with the book has nothing to do with the story and everything to do with the cover. Miriam supposedly has an abundance of curly red hair that she can only manage to tame into a braid. She also only owns two “drab, shapeless dresses.” So why does the woman on the cover of the book not match this description? I hate it when these sorts of inconsistencies show up on covers, and I find it odd in the case of Shadow Mountain, which usually doesn’t make these sorts of mistakes.

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ASHES ON THE MOOR, by Sarah M Eden, Shadow Mountain, March 6, 2018, Softcover, $15.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult)

The latest addition to Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance line is Sarah M. Eden’s Victorian novel, Ashes on the Moor.

Evangeline has lived a life of privilege. Although her family is not on the highest tier, they’re upwardly mobile, and she’s expected to make a good match. But when her parents and all but one sibling pass away from a sudden illness, Evangeline and her sister, Lucy, find themselves at the mercy of their grandfather who holds the purse strings of Evangeline’s large inheritance.

Evangeline is sent to live in a small mill town in Northern England as a schoolteacher while Lucy is to go to a boarding school. The girls who have lost almost everything, now have lost each other.

Evangeline vows to reunite with her sister, but in order for that to happen, she has to prove herself a competent teacher. The problem is, Evangeline has no training as a teacher. Beside that, she was raised in a high-class Victorian home, and the values she learned are far from those needed to connect with her poverty-stricken students.

The gritty factory town of Smeatley, is so far from anything Evangeline has ever known. She can barely understand the locals’ Yorkshire accents, and yet she’s supposed to teach them to read and write in the “proper” English.

As Evangeline finds herself alone in a broken down schoolhouse, she turns to the one person in town who has shown her kindness–an Irish brick mason, Dermot, and his son, Ronan. With their help, Evangeline gains the skills to care for herself and finds the companionship she so desperately needs.

Evangeline works hard and begins to make breakthroughs with her students, especially when she enlists the help of a local family to write down familiar stories in the Yorkshire vernacular. But when the town learns of her ties to the factory owner — her grandfather — Evangeline loses ground, and finds herself working harder than ever to regain their trust.

Ashes on the Moor is a Proper Romance novel, so you can pretty much bank on it being clean and having a happy ending. But that’s OK. And in the case of Ashes on the Moor, the book has enough twists and questions to help ease its otherwise predictable plot.

The truth is Ashes on the Moor is probably the strongest Proper Romance novel Shadow Mountain has published since Josi S. Kilpack’s All That Makes Life Bright. It’s not quite as powerful as Kilpack’s novel, but it’s certainly one of the more enjoyable reads I’ve had in a while.

Sarah M. Eden’s writing is warm and inviting. Her characters are likeable, and she has a knack for setting a scene. Her cinematic writing made me feel like I was walking through the moors with Evangeline.

Ashes on the Moor is a fast and addictive read you won’t want to put down.

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