August's book is Kissing the Captain by Kianna Alexander.
Set in 1879, near Ridgeway, the small northern California town. Lilly Warren, a young woman, has recently lost her father. She is the only one left to run the 26 acre farm land that her father left behind. Lilly is surprised to learn her father has deeded the house and the land to her in his will with an interesting condition: that she share the land with a person she's never met, or forfeit ownership. The man she must marry is Ricardo Benigno, a Spanish captain of the Anna Juanita, a shipping vessel bringing spices and oils to the shores of California. Ricardo and Lilly knew nothing of this will or eachother, and now they must agree to marry so they can share the land. But can two people from such different worlds learn to love each other? Will their different backgrounds make them collide or will they grow together?
Initial thoughts before reading?
Jacilyn: We definitely decided to step right outside of our comfort zones for the pick this month! Neither of us read much historical fiction or romance, so this is going to be a new experience for the both of us.
This particular book is written by a Black woman and features a biracial heroine. As unsure as I am about reading a book of this genre, I'm actually looking forward to reading a book that features POC characters, representation that this genre severely lacks.
I think I might struggle with remembering that life in the late 1800s is much different than it is now, and that what I might find illogical or corny might simply be historical accuracy.
Michaela: Not going to lie, I am not usually a fan of historical fiction or romance. That being said I am excited to broaden my horizons with this genre and Kissing the Captain does peak my interest. I do have some worries about the romance genre in general though; that it can be cheesy and oftentimes have impersonal romances which just aren’t always my forte.
I think the historical aspect of this book will add an interesting perspective of the time period it’s set in. Set in 1879 a young, biracial woman being left a farm, but with a catch, that she must marry a Spanish pirate. Sounds exciting to me in so many ways. Though I feel I will have to brace myself against the sexism, racism, and injustices that are sure to arise in this time period.
Reading Schedule:
July 27............Introduction
August 3.........Chapters 1-7
August 10.......Chapters 8-14
August 17.......Chapters 15-Epilogue
Let us know your thoughts on historical fiction? What about romance books? Tell us in the comments below!
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