4.3
Part of "Wilderness" series
"Fire Along the Sky" by Sara Donati is a captivating historical fiction novel that transports readers to the early 19th century American frontier. The story is a sequel to Donati's previous work, "Into the Wilderness," and follows the lives of the Bonner family as they navigate the challenges of life on the edge of civilization. The novel's protagonist, Elizabeth Bonner, is a strong and independent woman who runs a successful farm with her husband Nathan. However, their peaceful life is disrupted when a group of traveling actors arrives in their small town, bringing with them secrets and danger. As Elizabeth becomes embroiled in the actors' world, she must confront her own past and make difficult choices to protect her family. Donati's writing is rich and evocative, transporting readers to the forests and rivers of upstate New York. The novel's historical detail is impeccable, providing a vivid and authentic portrayal of life in the early 1800s. From the daily tasks of farming and hunting to the political tensions between the newly formed United States and the British Empire, Donati leaves no stone unturned in her quest to create a believable and immersive world. The novel's themes of family, loyalty, and identity are woven throughout the story, creating a complex and engaging narrative. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with flaws and strengths that make them feel real and human. Donati's portrayal of Elizabeth Bonner is particularly compelling, as she struggles to balance her love for her family with her desire for independence and self-discovery. Overall, "Fire Along the Sky" is a thrilling and engaging historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of authors like Diana Gabaldon and Ken Follett. Its rich detail, complex characters, and compelling themes make it a standout addition to the genre...
Sandra Gulland
The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.
If you enjoyed the historical setting and complex characters of 'Fire Along the Sky', you may also like 'The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.' This novel tells the story of Josephine Bonaparte, wife of Napoleon, and offers a fascinating look at the French Revolution and its aftermath.
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If you enjoyed the richly detailed and immersive world-building of 'Fire Along the Sky', you may also enjoy 'The Signature of All Things' by Elizabeth Gilbert. This novel tells the story of Alma Whittaker, a 19th-century botanical explorer and scientist, and her quest to understand the mysteries of the natural world.
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Fans of Sara Donati's 'Fire Along the Sky' will appreciate the vivid and complex characters, as well as the rich historical detail, of Barbara Kingsolver's 'The Poisonwood Bible'. This novel tells the story of the Prices, a missionary family who move to the Belgian Congo in the late 1950s, and their struggles to adapt to their new environment.
Learn MoreKathleen Kent
The Heretic's Daughter
If you enjoyed the historical setting and strong female characters of 'Fire Along the Sky', you may also enjoy 'The Heretic's Daughter' by Kathleen Kent. This novel tells the story of Martha Carrier, one of the first women to be accused and hanged as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts, and offers a unique perspective on the Salem witch trials.
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The Birth of Venus
Fans of Sara Donati's 'Fire Along the Sky' will appreciate the vivid and immersive historical detail of Sarah Dunant's 'The Birth of Venus'. This novel tells the story of Alessandra Cecchi, a young woman living in 15th-century Florence, and her struggles to navigate the complex and dangerous world of Renaissance Italy.
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