""This readable text, from an author who has already published several books on this historical period, has over 300 pages, some 40 illustrations, an extensive bibliography and a good index. Its text is accessible and full of interesting facts about warfare during the seventeenth century.""

Fortress Study Group

"Masquerade Balls in Regency Britain offered a detailed snapshot of entertainment in the long Regency period. The book covered venues, performances, food and drink, costumes, and attitudes, making it an informative and interesting read. The inclusion of images added an extra layer and helped to illustrate the text, and there were certainly a lot of fascinating facts presented, making this a book that will appeal to both history buffs and writers of Regency fiction looking to ensure historical accuracy in their tales. I am giving it four stars."

NetGalley, Nicki Markus

"The story of the Black Death has been told in many ways, from the factual to the scientific. Here, Warner looks deeply at the personal effect of the pandemic on the ordinary people of England, the families wiped out and the changes to the social make-up of the country. It's a meticulously researched book, going into contemporary records and teasing out the true extent of the devastation that was wrought on the populace."

NetGalley, Jo-anne Atkinson

"Rating: 5 out of 5 stars This book is a window into the lives and experiences of ordinary people living in Germany and occupied territories during WWII. It exposes some terrible events and experiences but also highlights the simple truth - war impacts all and we are all humans, regardless of the “side” we are on. The author presents the material very plainly and without analysis, adding power to the individual voices. There is no judgement. The roles played in the war are irrelevant. It is simply an opportunity to gain insight into what people experienced and how they remember it. And this makes the book incredibly powerful."

NetGalley, Louise Gray

"Seeing The Godfather as an adult and visiting Sicily for myself brought back memories of some of the places I visited. The island of Sicily capitalizes on the fandom of The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, through various signs and advertisements to bring tourists to this beautiful island. The gorgeously photographed book highlights the history of the scenes and places where the movie was filmed. Some of these places are not open to the public, but the majority are. I highly recommend this book to the fans of The Godfather series and tourists visiting the majestic island of Sicily."

NetGalley, Shannan Lee

"Rating: 5 out of 5 stars This book describes personal stories of people who lived during and before WWII in Nazi Germany. It is interesting to read how these individuals were affected by the war. Although many claim to have not been Nazis or know of concentration camps, these same people did not help any one who was persecuted by the Nazis. They just fell inline with the government where they placed their trust. The book rings familiar to some of the political ideas that are happening today. It is frightening in that manner. Overall it was a good read providing insight to one of the most horrific times in the world."

NetGalley, Pam Furnary

"Rating: 5 out of 5 stars The political is personal, and Romero makes that very clear in this book, documenting the lives of couples, from the beginning to the end of the Tudor dynasty, and shows how their personal actions, both separately and together, had a profound impact on the age. Some are well know, such as Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, and how well they used power together and separately to bring about the end of the Wars of the Roses and start the new age. While others have gotten less of the spotlight, such as Katherine Willoughby and her second husband Richard Bertie, but she shows how much of an impact they had on the Protestant Reformation. Romero tries to take a fresh look at all evidence, such as when she argues that Philip of Spain had more of impact on England than once thought, showing how he worked to make the English Navy stronger, genuinely wanting to be active in his wife's reign, like a proto-Prince Albert. Many of the couples had their hand in high level political machinations, such as Edward Seymour and Anne Stanhope working together to secure power over the boy king, or Bess of Hardwick and George Talbot hosting / imprisoning Mary Queen of Scotland. And, of course, we have Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, the ultimate power couple, despite a lack of marriage. Romero points out that, besides the whole will-they-won't-they, they were incredibly busy together and apart creating the Elizabethan Golden Age. An intimate look at the Tudor period in detail that also covers a lot of ground of the age as a whole."

NetGalley, Kara Race-Moore

"What an absolute gem of a read — Masquerade Balls in Regency Britain is both academically rigorous and deeply engaging, offering a richly textured glimpse into one of the most fascinating and overlooked aspects of Regency-era culture. Anne Glover has done an extraordinary job uncovering the world behind the masks. This book goes far beyond the spectacle and flirtation often associated with masquerade balls. Using primary sources with impressive detail, Glover reconstructs not only the lavish settings — from balloon displays to elaborate fancy dress — but also the deeper cultural and political implications of these events. Her exploration of national identity, gender roles, and the complicated legacy of cultural appropriation during the long Regency is especially insightful. What I appreciated most was the balance: it’s scholarly without ever being dry, and the attention to nuance made this feel like both a history book and a journey. As someone who reads widely in Regency nonfiction, I found so much here that felt fresh and essential. It’s clear that Glover’s research is meticulous and her passion for the subject shines through on every page. This will be an instant recommendation for anyone interested in Regency history, fashion, or cultural studies — and an automatic buy for my permanent library. Huge thanks to Pen & Sword for the ARC. Your titles consistently bring the past to life in thoughtful, beautifully presented ways, and I’m always so excited to read what’s next."

NetGalley, Chelsea Dugan

"Claire Hobson’s Charles II: Prince and Pauper is a refreshing, focused look at the formative years of one of England’s most fascinating monarchs — long before he became the famously pleasure-seeking “Merry Monarch.” This isn’t the usual retelling of Restoration politics; instead, Hobson hones in on the boy who was born into privilege, thrust into chaos, and shaped by the pressures of exile, war, and survival. I appreciated the emotional nuance here. Charles isn’t flattened into a caricature of libertinism or royalty — Hobson explores his early vulnerabilities, relationships, and even the attempts to “unboy” him as he was molded into a future king. His early brushes with danger (facing cavalry at just twelve?!) and his navigation of complex religious and political allegiances made for gripping reading. The influence of women in his life, particularly his mother and the royal court, was also explored in a way that felt thoughtful and well-balanced. The writing is accessible but detailed, with a nice mix of narrative drive and scholarly insight. This book offers a more intimate, human portrait of Charles that makes his later reputation all the more interesting — and perhaps a bit more understandable. Thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the ARC. I’m always excited to read their titles — consistently well-researched, compelling, and beautifully presented."

NetGalley, Chelsea Dugan

"Phil Bradford delivers a sharp, well-researched, and highly engaging look at five of England’s most celebrated monarchs — but what makes The Best Kings of the Middle Ages stand out is how it interrogates those reputations without losing sight of the complexity and humanity behind the crowns. This book does what the best historical nonfiction should: it invites readers to think critically. Yes, Henry II, Richard I, Edward I, Edward III, and Henry V were formidable rulers — legal reformers, warriors, and empire-builders. But Bradford refuses to romanticize. He addresses the violence, intolerance, and ruthlessness that often accompanied their accomplishments. The treatment of minorities, the use of brutal tactics in war, and personal power struggles are all laid bare, giving readers a more honest — and ultimately more interesting — portrait of kingship. The writing strikes a perfect balance between scholarly and accessible. Whether you’re a casual reader of medieval history or a devoted enthusiast, this book has plenty to offer. The inclusion of how modern perceptions of these kings have evolved over time — in both serious historical texts and pop culture — adds another layer that I really appreciated. Massive thanks to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the ARC. I’m always excited to read their titles, and this one was no exception — compelling, thought-provoking, and beautifully put together."

NetGalley, Chelsea Dugan