Mistress Suffragette, by Diana Forbes, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Following the panic of 1893 Penelope Stanton's family has fallen into hard times financially.  Whoever said money can't buy love was not thinking of Penelope's fiance who, upon learning of her hardship, called off the wedding.  Now her mother expects her to find a wealthy suitor to make all things right again with the family.  But instead, she falls for a philandering philanthropist, a married man named Edgar Daggers. In the 1890s, a time when the women's suffragette movement is just beginning to gain traction, Penelope tries to find her own way as she sorts through her ideals and the harsh realities of life, which she comes to realize are often at odds with one another. 

Author Diana Forbes has penned an entirely compelling novel with historical relevance, exceptional prose, and enough conflict to keep this story moving along at a nice clip.  Mistress Suffragette is recommended for home and school libraries and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The Sword of Telemon, by Murray Lee Eiland Jr., earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Orfeo, a prince and the younger brother to the king's heir, is ransomed as a young boy to a neighboring kingdom.  Raised in the teachings of a wise philosopher, he eventually escapes and returns home in shame, having broken a treaty as well has having become too much like his captors in mannerisms and thinking. Having little contact with his royal family, Orfeo lives the life of a lowly shepherd.  But when his brother, the heir, is captured and believed to have been forced into slavery, Zurga, a respected advisor, persuades the king to include Orfeo in the search party.

Orfeo and Zurga join forces with Telemon, a mighty warrior, and Orton, Telemon's trusted fighting companion.  Together, the four journey to Pylos, in hopes of returning with the heir.

Murray Lee Ieland Jr.'s The Sword of Telemon, book one in the Orfeo Saga, is a gripping novel.  Set in ancient Greece, and interspersed with cameos of myths,  legends, and historical events, this is an enticing read which builds in intensity as the story progresses.  With a genuinely flawed cast of characters, the author regales readers with a tale of honor and courage, in which an unlikely band of brothers learn they all can benefit from the wisdom and experience of the others in their group.  Philosophers and poets join forces with fierce warriors in this compelling story that won't soon be forgotten.


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The Cruel Romance, by Marina Osipova, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Serafima is a young girl full of hope for her future.  Vitya, a Soviet officer, is her heart's desire and he is soon off to war. Not long after Vitya's departure, two German soldiers occupy Serafima's home where she and her mother are forced into servitude.  Now living in their barn, with scarcely enough food to survive, they must cook, clean and wash for their captors.  

Despite the atrocities endured by Serafima and her mother, there are moments when the women experience an occasional kindness proferred by the younger of the two soldiers.

In this heart-rending novel readers experience life through the eyes of a young girl whose fierce determination helps bring her through the darkest of hours.  A revealing glimpse into a way of life, and a culture predicated upon spirituality, moral convictions and above all, pride, The Cruel Romance is a work of historical fiction which will resonate with readers long after the last page is turned.  

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org