The best way to learn about history ...

I am a longtime lover of historical fiction. But, at least for me, it's difficult to find well-written, clean, creative historical fiction that isn't just out there to make money. That's why it is such a pleasure to introduce these three novels. 

A Parcel of Patterns by Jill Paton Walsh is set in England in 1665. It tells the story of a small village called Eyam and its struggle with the Plague. The story is recounted through the eyes of Mall Percival, a young woman who lives in Eyam. The book is poignant in its description of Mall's reaction to the Plague as it isolates her village from the outside world, and especially as it isolates Mall from her love, who lives in another village. This book is sweet but sad, and is exceptionally well-written.

Set in New Hampshire in the 1800's, The Journeyman by Elizabeth Yates follows the life of Jared Austin from the time of his early apprenticeship to a traveling wall stenciler. As Jared is taught under the direction of expert stenciler Mr. Toppan, he embraces the life of a traveling artist, but hopes to one day return home to marry his sweetheart, Jennet. This book is very tender and uplifting.

The Sherwood Ring by Elizabeth Marie Pope is one that I've read over and over again. Set in modern-day New England, it opens with orphaned teenager Peggy Grahame's journey to her uncle's antique house, which is to be her new home. Peggy has heard that the house is full of ghosts, a rumor which turns out to be true. However, these ghosts are merely her perfectly genial Revolutionary War-time ancestors, who are more than willing to recount lengthy - and humorous - stories from the 1700's. This book is written in a uniquely playful style, and is a lot of fun to read.