A Leaf On the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon (Outlander Book 8.5)

 

Publication Date:

December 3, 2012

Genre: Historical Fiction

Length:  67 pages 

Series: Outlander

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Orphaned during World War II, Roger believed that his mother died during the London Blitz, and that his father, an RAF pilot, was killed in combat. But in An Echo in the Bone, Roger discovers that this may not be the whole story. Now, in “A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows,” readers finally learn the truth.

My Thoughts: (Mild spoiler alerts! I try not to do this but it's hard to review this one without that a bit).

I originally planned to re-read all of the Outlander series in order (again, lol) a few years ago and posted that on my blog. Sadly, I am way behind. I discovered other authors with amazing long epics like Sharon Kay Penman and got sucked into another era! But that's okay because I'd already read all the Outlander books twice and am keeping up with the amazing STARZ series of course. The new prequel spin off about Jamie and Claire's parents, Outlander: Blood of My Blood,  is coming out this summer and even though it isn't based off of a particular book, Gabaldon is heavily involved in writing and production and it should be amazing.

Since I'm working my way through other books right now I decided to post a  review of this novella and skimmed it (I've already read it twice before). It's been awhile so I truly ended up reading a lot of it again. So fun to remember these details. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Call of the Cross: A Historical Novel of Scotland by J.R. Tomlin (William the Bold Book 2)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Call of the Cross, by J.R. Tomlin. I have only read the first book in her series about The Stewarts, A King Ensnared. It was written accurately from a historical perspective, although re-reading my review I remember it did drag a bit at times. I intended to continue with the series. Now I think I'd like to go back and start at the very beginning of her books chronologically to help me better understand Scottish history. Her books run from the late 1200's to the 1500's and cover Black Douglas, Robert the Bruce, and the Stewarts prior to Mary Queen of Scots. 

Set in 1267 Scotland this series tells the story of Sir William Douglas, who goes on Crusade. I love this time period and Crusader history. I'm sure starting with book one is best though and this is book two. If going in chronological order this series might be first in the timeline. I need to find out.

This is an overlooked time period, especially in Scotland, compared to say the Mary Queen of Scots era so I'm glad she loves Scottish history enough to research and write these. I hope you have found something you can't wait to read this week. Happy reading ya'll!

Medieval Historical Fiction

Scottish Historical Fiction

 July 23, 2025

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Scotland, 1267: Sir William Douglas, hero of the Battle of Largs, rides to war again. When the Pope calls a crusade, as an honorable knight, he must answer the call. He leaves behind the conflicts of his homeland to fight for the Holy Cross. But once in the Levant, he must question if that is what he is truly fighting for.

Stacking the Shelves #60

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Reading Reality. It's a place to showcase any books I have purchased, borrowed, or been lucky enough to have been given an advance copy of. Hope you find something that looks interesting to you or that makes you remember a favorite book you need to finish. Enjoy your reading this week!

Death in SoHo by Emily Organ (Augusta Peel Book 1)

Amazon Kindle purchase

This author has two other series but this book was the first in this one and inexpensive and I thought it was unique in setting. I don't know anything about SoHo so it looks like a fun read! The heroine repairs old, neglected books which is fun for us book lovers and gets mixed up in a murder investigation. It is a good, light cozy for summer I'm sure.

 

Ladies of Magna Carta: Women of Influence in Thirteenth Century England by Sharon Bennett Connolly 

Sample downloaded (planning to purchase on Amazon Kindle with points)

Sharon Bennett Connelly is one of the hosts of my new favorite podcast, A Slice of Medieval, and the author of several great books. She is an expert on medieval history and has written several wonderful books. This one is unique, focusing on the women in an era that almost exclusively focuses on the men. Some of the people covered in this book include Ela of Salisbury, Eleanor of Brittany, and Nicholaa de la Haye. I know nothing about these women so I'm looking forward to this one. 

She has several other books focusing on women of the Norman Conquest and those in the twelfth century like Eleanor of Aquitaine.  I found seven books total on medieval women in different eras. Sometimes it is hard to get these types of books here in the U.S. especially for a deal.

The Secret Detective Agency by Helena Dixon (The Secret Detective Agency Book One)

Amazon Kindle purchase with points

I featured this book on one of my Can't Wait Wednesday posts awhile back and now I have it to read. Helena Dixon has written the Kitty Underhay mystery series and I enjoyed the first book. This is her new series about Miss Jane Treen in 1941 working as a government spy agent. The fact that her cat goes everywhere with her is a plus for me! It looks like a fun cozy read for summer. And there are more to follow if I like it.