We had a steady amount of books linked into the database for historical fiction throughout June with 39 reviews returned on 25 books written by 21 authors. Quite a lot of repeat performers, which is nice to see, books that have been released in recent months still popping up with multiple reviews. This month’s round up is going to be a little bit short and sweet though as it’s snuck up on me and family matters are seeing me quite pressed for time at the moment.

The two new releases garnering attention this last month are The Blue Rose by Kate Forsyth and The Yield by Tara June Winch. I have read The Blue Rose and The Yield is on my wish list.

The Blue Rose by Kate Forsyth had four reviews and one interview. Opinions are unanimous on this latest release with nothing but the highest of praise from our reviewers.

My thoughts:

The Blue Rose is reminiscent of Bitter Greens in its emotional scope, cast of characters, and level of historical detail. This is one to savour and linger over, to get lost wandering within its pages. With such a rich historical background and such lyrical prose, The Blue Rose is an unforgettable novel that will leave you pining for more once you’ve read the last page.

You can also read an interview with Kate here.

Nadia L King:

Forsyth’s spellbinding story is deeply evocative with sensuous detail. The compelling story line and memorable characters is storytelling at its best.

Shelleyrae @ Book’d Out:

An enchanting, captivating novel, with a plausible, seamless narrative which melds compelling historical fact, with vividly imagined fiction, The Blue Rose is another spectacular story from Kate Forsyth.

Tracey Carpe Librum:

Covering themes of: love, class, duty, civil war, exploration and the clashing of cultures this is an historical fiction novel you can really sink your teeth into. This is a bloody time in France’s history and the author doesn’t shy away from the brutality, bloodlust and cruelty of the time.
It’s clear from Viviane’s experiences that an incredible amount of research has been undertaken by Kate Forsyth. Despite so many bestselling novels, she hasn’t written about this period in history before, but you wouldn’t know it from the ease from which this tale seemingly emerges.

The Yield by Tara June Winch is quietly making its mark on the Australian literary scene. I love what Kali Napier had to say about it:

This is such a deceptively huge book.

Brona’s Books has me convinced that this is a novel not to be missed:

So, let me just simply say how much I enjoyed this story. From the beautiful cover to the endearing protagonist, August and her amazing Poppy Albert, the dictionary maker. It’s not often that I tell you to read a book, but this is the one. The Yield is not just a highly recommended, but a must read.
The main themes centre around grief, loss, missing and belonging. We have a missing child, a missing book and all of our characters miss the recently deceased Poppy.
We have lost language, lost country and that sense of loss for those no longer with us as well as times gone by.

Thank you to everyone who contributed reviews and interviews. Enjoy your last month of winter reading!


The Historical Novel Society of Australasia is once again holding a conference. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, visit their conference webpage here.


Theresa Smith Historical Fiction Roundup EditorAbout Theresa: Writer, avid reader, keen reviewer, book collector, drinker of all tea blends originating from Earl Grey, and modern history enthusiast. I enjoy reading many genres but have a particular interest in historical fiction. You can find me and all of my book related news and reviews at Theresa Smith Writes, Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter @TessSmithWrites.