Happy Publication Day to this beauty! Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen is historical fiction at its finest and is firmly on my Favorites Shelf!
My Thoughts:
I wavered back and forth between four and five stars for this gem, and the more I thought about it, I felt five stars fits. The deciding factor that pushed it over the edge: based on the true story of Cathy Williams, the only woman to have served with the Buffalo Soldiers in the Civil War, she was a force to be reckoned with, and I crave reads where women are depicted with fierce and inspiring tenacity. Cathy Williams is a legend, and the perfect main character to depict in a book.
Born a slave in Missouri, Cathy did not consider herself as such. Her grandmother was previously a queen in Africa, and a warrior queen at that. Her mother told her she was simply held captive until she could escape.
Her escape comes in the form of Union General Phillip Henry Sheridan who, along with his men, pillages the plantation on which she lives. Sheridan deems her worthy of his service, and she is separated from her mother and sister and thrown in a wagon until she arrives at the army camp where she serves as assistant to Sheridan’s cook.
Cathy is surrounded by men, and at times is confused for one and/or passes as a male. She uses this to her advantage for safety and transforms into Private Williams, a true American hero. I get chills when I think about her story, and I’m not sure I’ll ever forget the inspiration.
Sarah Bird weaves a beautifully-told adventure. Characterization, setting, and plot are all on point. I found the story immersive and all-consuming. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is a book you will not want to miss. Books like this are why we read historical fiction. And if you are a fan of strong female characters, you can’t miss Cathy’s story, even if this genre is not in your wheelhouse. It is epic, exciting, and inciting. I loved every minute I spent with Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
From author Sarah Bird comes the compelling, hidden story of Cathy Williams, a former slave and the only woman to ever serve with the legendary Buffalo Soldiers.
Here’s the first thing you need to know about Miss Cathy Williams: I am the daughter of a daughter of a queen and my mama never let me forget it.
Though born into bondage on a “miserable tobacco farm” in Little Dixie, Missouri, Cathy Williams was never allowed to consider herself a slave. According to her mother, she was a captive, bound by her noble warrior blood to escape the enemy. Her means of deliverance is Union general Phillip Henry “Smash ‘em Up” Sheridan, the outcast of West Point who takes the rawboned, prideful young woman into service. At war’s end, having tasted freedom, Cathy refuses to return to servitude and makes the monumental decision to disguise herself as a man and join the Army’s legendary Buffalo Soldiers.
Alone now in the ultimate man’s world, Cathy must fight not only for her survival and freedom, but she vows to never give up on finding her mother, her little sister, and the love of the only man strong and noble enough to win her heart. Inspired by the stunning, true story of Private Williams, this American heroine.
Have you read Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
What an amazing story! Your review is outstanding, Jennifer.
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Thank you, Jonetta! This is a powerful book!
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Lovely review Jen! Happy tuesday!💕💕
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Thanks so much, Sus! Happy Tuesday to you too! 💗
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Sounds like a powerful book. Wonderful review, Jennifer!!!
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Thanks, Mack! It was a wonderful read! I absolutely loved it!
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Wonderful review. Another historical fiction to my tbr list.
Thanks, Jennifer. ♥️📚
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Thank you, Virginia! I think you’ll be really happy with this one! 💕
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Every time I read a review of this one, I feel like I would enjoy it. I’ll have to add it to my wishlist. Great review!
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Thanks, Holls! YES, you would enjoy this! It’s on the long side, but it is soooo, so good! You should enter Melisa’s giveaway! ♥️
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I am about 10% into this one and I do so like it. Great review, Jennifer and I do so love well done historical fiction books!
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Thank you, Marialyce! I’m so happy you are reading this and enjoying it because I thought it would be a great fit for you. It’s longer, but so well-done. I hope it stays a great read for you!
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Great review, as always. 😀 Fascinating that it’s based on a true story!
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Thanks, FF! Yes, I am trying to remember if I ever learned about her in history classes….Her story should definitely be shared.
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Great review! Sounds like a good read.
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Thank you, Darinda! It was fantastic!
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A 5 star! Woohoo. I’m glad that you enjoyed this book so much!
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Thanks, Chrissi! It was a lovely read!
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Awesome review, Jennifer! I saw this just last week on Edelweiss and got curious. And not just because the MC and I share a name 😛 I love true historical stories about women passing as and Cathy Williams sounds amazing. But I can’t believe her wiki page is so short!
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Thanks, Kathy! Two warriors sharing a name, I love it! I’ll have to check out the wiki page. The author noted that there is no record of her death, or of anything about her after the war, so she took some liberties with how the story may have ended. It is a wonderful book!
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Strong female character, historical fiction and five stars from you? I need to read this! Thank you so much Jen 🤗😘
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Thanks, Beth! I think you’ll love this one! Such a special book! ♥️
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I have this on my pile, and I’m really looking forward to it! Glad to see you thought so highly of it!
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I can’t wait to see what you think, Lisa! I hope it’s a great read for you, too!
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Now that I think about it, I haven’t read any historical fiction yet. 😱 I’ve heard good things about this book. Great review. 😀
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Thank you, Marie! I think sometimes people are scared of the history, but most of the time, the storytelling is so good, it doesn’t matter that the story is based on fact. There are some great ones out there, and I hope you enjoy if you decide to try one. ♥️
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So true! I can’t help it when I hear something related to history, I immediately think it’s boring because I didn’t like History classes in school. 😂 I really wanna try it. What historical fiction book would you recommend to someone who hasn’t read one like me? 😄
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Oh, that is such a great question, Marie! I’m going to name two because I can’t pick just one. 😂 The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor, or any of her books really, and In the Shadow of 10,000 Hills by Jennifer Haupt. ♥️
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Thanks! I will check that 😁
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Love your review Jennifer!! I have this one waiting for me and your review has me very excited to get to it! xo
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Thank you, Lindsay! Oh, I’m super excited for you to read this. I loved reading Cathy’s story! 💗 I’ll be watching for your thoughts!
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