Digging Historical Fiction

I took two books along on vacation and was able to read both of them.  I found them in the library while searching the shelves for "something interesting to read."  I can't remember the last time I read the genre of historical fiction, but having read these two, I'll pick up more in that category.

First I read, Mount Vernon Love Story by Mary Higgins Clark.

It is a novel about George and Martha Washington.  It was a very easy read, engaging, and I thought added to my knowledge of the character of our first president and his wife.  It made me want to read more about these two people.


The second book I read was Early Candlelight by Maud Hart Lovelace.

This was good as well, but took longer to grab my attention.  It is about Fort Snelling in the 1830's and Lovelace does a good job of weaving a story out of the lives of fur traders, Indians, voyageurs, and the military.  The author of the introduction, Rhoda R. Gilman notes, "It (Early Candlelight) is the kind of work that throws open a window on the past and inspires more than a few readers to go on to a lifelong study of history." That is true for me.  As I read, I would tell David that now I want to return to Ft. Snelling and tour it again and also to see the Sibley House, of whom Lovelace bases the main character.  I also pulled out a map and looked again at the rivers and noted the names of roads, towns, and areas that were mentioned in the book, and it all was more fascinating after reading.  I love that about reading - it takes me to new places and makes me want to dig further.