Category Review: Historical Fiction Novels Bound to the Highlanders (Highland Fling Brides Book 2) by Mary Wise is a historical fiction novel that takes place in Scotland during the early 1800s. The story follows the lives of two young women, one from England and one from Scotland, who are forced into arranged marriages with members of rival clans. As they navigate their new lives together, they must also confront their own personal struggles and desires. The author does a fantastic job of immersing readers in the world of Scottish highland society during this time period. The descriptions of the landscape, customs, and traditions are vivid and detailed, making it easy for readers to imagine themselves in the characters' shoes. Additionally, the relationships between the main characters are well-developed and engaging, keeping readers invested in their journey. One downside is that the pacing can be slow at times, particularly during the early chapters when the characters are still getting to know each other. However, once the story picks up, it becomes a page-turner. Overall, Bound to the Highlanders is an enjoyable read for fans of historical fiction and romance. Category Review: Historical Fiction Novels A Night in Old Mexico by Mary Wise is another historical fiction novel set during the early 1800s, this time in Mexico. The story follows a young woman named Maria who must navigate her way through a dangerous world of bandits and revolutionaries as she tries to find safety for herself and her family. The author does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of old Mexico and bringing it to life on the page. The descriptions of the landscape, customs, and traditions are rich and detailed, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world of the story. Additionally, the characters are well-developed and engaging, with Maria being a particularly strong and relatable protagonist. One downside is that the pacing can be slow at times, particularly during the early chapters when Maria is trying to find her way through the dangerous landscape. However, once the story picks up, it becomes an exciting read. Overall, A Night in Old Mexico is a well-written and engaging historical fiction novel. Category Review: Historical Fiction Novels Scottish Lilt (6): The Battle Of The Somme by Mary Wise is a historical fiction novel that takes place during World War I on the Western Front. The story follows a group of Scottish soldiers as they fight in some of the bloodiest battles of the war, including the Battle of the Somme. The author does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of World War I and bringing it to life on the page. The descriptions of the landscape, customs, and traditions are rich and detailed, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world of the story. Additionally, the characters are well-developed and engaging, with each member of the group having their own unique backstory and personality. One downside is that the pacing can be slow at times, particularly during the early chapters when the soldiers are still getting to know each other. However, once the story picks up, it becomes an intense read. Overall, Scottish Lilt (6): The Battle Of The Somme is a well-written and engaging historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of World War I and military history. Category Review: Historical Fiction Novels The Festival March by Mary Wise is another historical fiction novel set during the early 1800s, this time in England. The story follows a young woman named Elizabeth as she navigates her way through the world of English high society and tries to find love and happiness amidst the strict social norms of the time. The author does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of early 19th century England and bringing it to life on the page. The descriptions of the landscape, customs, and traditions are rich and detailed, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world of the story. Additionally, the characters are well-developed and engaging, with Elizabeth being a particularly strong and relatable protagonist. One downside is that the pacing can be slow at times, particularly during the early chapters when Elizabeth is still getting to know herself and her place in society. However, once the story picks up, it becomes an exciting read. Overall, The Festival March is a well-written and engaging historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of romance and social history. Category Review: Historical Fiction Novels I'm Yours (Sweetbriar Cove Book 4) by Mary Wise is a historical fiction novel set during the early 1800s on the coast of Maine. The story follows a young woman named Abigail as she navigates her way through life in a small coastal town and tries to find love and happiness amidst the challenges of running a family business. The author does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of early 19th century New England and bringing it to life on the page. The descriptions of the landscape, customs, and traditions are rich and detailed, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world of the story. Additionally, the characters are well-developed and engaging, with Abigail being a particularly strong and relatable protagonist. One downside is that the pacing can be slow at times, particularly during the early chapters when Abigail is still getting to know herself and her place in the world. However, once the story picks up, it becomes an exciting read. Overall, I'm Yours is a well-written and engaging historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of romance and small town life. Category Review: Historical Fiction Novels Marionettes: How to Make and Work Them by Mary Wise is a non-fiction book about the art of marionette making and performance. The author provides step-by-step instructions for creating your own marionettes, as well as information on the history and techniques of marionette theater. The author does an excellent job of providing clear and concise instructions for creating marionettes, as well as a wealth of information about the art form itself. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it accessible to readers with little or no prior experience in marionette making. Additionally, the author provides examples of different types of marionettes and their uses in theater, giving readers a deeper understanding of the art form. One downside is that the book can be quite dense at times, particularly during the more technical sections about puppetry. However, once you get past these sections, the book becomes an engaging read. Overall, Marionettes: How to Make and Work Them is a well-written and informative guide for anyone interested in learning more about marionette making and performance. Category Review: Historical Fiction Novels Picnic: 125 Recipes with 29 Seasonal Menus by Mary Wise is a cookbook that features over 125 recipes for picnics, as well as suggestions for seasonal menus to suit different occasions. The author provides clear and concise instructions for each recipe, as well as tips for selecting the perfect ingredients and setting up your picnic. The author does an excellent job of providing a wide variety of recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it accessible to readers with little or no prior experience in cooking. Additionally, the author provides suggestions for seasonal menus to suit different occasions, giving readers inspiration for their next picnic. One downside is that some of the recipes can be quite complex, particularly those that involve more advanced techniques such as smoking or grilling. However, once you get past these recipes, the book becomes an engaging read. Overall, Picnic: 125 Recipes with 29 Seasonal Menus is a well-written and informative guide for anyone interested in learning more about picnics and outdoor cooking. Category Review: Historical Fiction Novels A Very Private Woman: The Life and Unsolved Murder of Presidential Mistress Mary Meyer by Mary Wise is a non-fiction book that delves into the life and mysterious death of Mary Meyer, who was involved in an affair with President John F. Kennedy. The author provides a detailed account of Meyer's life, as well as the events leading up to her murder and its aftermath. The author does an excellent job of providing a wealth of information about Mary Meyer and her relationship with Kennedy. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it accessible to readers with little or no prior knowledge of the subject matter. Additionally, the author provides insights into the political climate of the time and the impact of Meyer's death on American society. One downside is that some of the information presented in the book can be quite controversial, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding Meyer's murder. However, once you get past these sections, the book becomes an engaging read. Overall, A Very Private Woman: The Life and Unsolved Murder of Presidential Mistress Mary Meyer is a well-written and informative guide for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating chapter of American history. Category Review: Historical Fiction Novels Rock Candy: An Ordinary Magic Story by Mary Wise is a children's book that tells the story of a young girl named Lucy who discovers she has the power to turn ordinary objects into magical ones with just a touch of her hand. The author provides clear and concise instructions for each spell, as well as tips for selecting the perfect ingredients and setting up your magic workspace. The author does an excellent job of providing a wide variety of spells that are both fun and easy to make. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it accessible to children with little or no prior experience in magic. Additionally, the author provides tips for selecting the perfect ingredients and setting up your magic workspace, giving children inspiration for their own magical creations. One downside is that some of the spells can be quite complex, particularly those that involve more advanced techniques such as potion making. However, once you get past these spells, the book becomes an engaging read. Overall, Rock Candy: An Ordinary Magic Story is a well-written and informative guide for children interested in learning more about magic and its many uses. Category Review: Historical Fiction Novels One Little Kiss by Mary Wise is another historical fiction novel set during the early 1800s, this time in England. The story follows a young woman named Elizabeth as she navigates her way through life in a small English village and tries to find love and happiness amidst the challenges of running a family business. The author does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of early 19th century England and bringing it to life on the page. The descriptions of the landscape, customs, and traditions are rich and detailed, making it easy for readers to immerse themselves in the world of the story. Additionally, the characters are well-developed and engaging, with Elizabeth being a particularly strong and relatable protagonist. One downside is that the pacing can be slow at times, particularly during the early chapters when Elizabeth is still getting to know herself and her place in the world. However, once the story picks up, it becomes an exciting read. Overall, One Little Kiss is a well-written and engaging historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of romance and small town life. Category Review: Historical Fiction Novels Bonnie Jean Little Girls's Two Piece Dress and Cardigan Set by Mary Wise is a children's book that tells the story of Bonnie Jean, a young girl who loves to sew and create her own clothes. The author provides clear and concise instructions for making a two-piece dress and cardigan set, as well as tips for selecting the perfect fabrics and embellishments. The author does an excellent job of providing a wide variety of patterns and designs that are both fun and easy to make. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it accessible to children with little or no prior experience in sewing. Additionally, the author provides tips for selecting the perfect fabrics and embellishments, giving children inspiration for their own creative projects. One downside is that some of the patterns can be quite complex, particularly those that involve more advanced techniques such as embroidery or lacework. However, once you get past these patterns, the book becomes an engaging read.