--- title: Welcome to Read With Sharon description: Join Sharon Virts' ReadWithSharon book club for hand-picked new historical fiction, live monthly Zoom discussions, author Q&As, and a welcoming community of readers. --- [![info.sharonvirts.comhs-fshubfsSharon Virts Monogram\_white\_Small-2](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/info.sharonvirts.comhs-fshubfsSharon%20Virts%20Monogram_white_Small-2.png?width=90&height=69&name=info.sharonvirts.comhs-fshubfsSharon%20Virts%20Monogram_white_Small-2.png "info.sharonvirts.comhs-fshubfsSharon Virts Monogram_white_Small-2")](http://www.sharonvirts.com) # Sharon Virts # Sharon Virts - [ABOUT SHARON](https://theartoflivinghistory.com/about) - NOVELS - [BARGAINS OF FATE](https://theartoflivinghistory.com/books/6a2f1ace5a83ac928168485a) - [MASQUE OF HONOR](https://theartoflivinghistory.com/books/6a2f1ace5a83ac9281684859) - [THE GRAYS OF TRUTH](https://theartoflivinghistory.com/books/6a2f1ace5a83ac9281684860) - [VEIL OF DOUBT](https://theartoflivinghistory.com/books/6a2f1ace5a83ac928168485f) - [FIELD OF HONOR SERIES](https://theartoflivinghistory.com/series-world) - [BOOK CLUB](https://theartoflivinghistory.com/book-club) [![ReadWithSharon Header](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/ReadWithSharon%20Header.png "ReadWithSharon Header")](https://share.hsforms.com/1SsFRdk5KSPuh0LLgQlmFJQ3sm67) ## #ReadWithSharon ### Join Me for a Year of Great Stories   Six years ago, I started **#ReadWithSharon** because I believed reading could be more than a solitary experience. I wanted to create a place where people who love historical fiction could come together to discover extraordinary new books, learn the history behind the stories, and enjoy thoughtful conversations. Today, that small idea has grown into a vibrant community of more than 3,600 members, and I couldn't be more grateful. Every book you'll find here has been personally read and hand-picked by me. I focus on today's newest historical fiction releases because I love introducing readers to remarkable authors and unforgettable stories before they become everyone's next favorite read. Many months, we're fortunate to welcome the author to our live Zoom discussion, giving members the opportunity to ask questions, hear about the inspiration behind the novel, and gain insights that simply aren't possible when reading alone. We meet on the fourth Thursday of every month. Our discussions are relaxed, welcoming, and filled with readers who share a passion for history, great storytelling, and lively conversation. There's never any pressure to have all the answers—or even to have finished the book. Whether you've read every page or are just getting started, you'll always find a seat at the table. ![Sharon-4135](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/Sharon-4135.jpg "Sharon-4135") [Join My Book Club!](https://share.hsforms.com/1SsFRdk5KSPuh0LLgQlmFJQ3sm67) --- [2026 Picks](https://www.hubspot.com/) [2025 Picks](https://www.hubspot.com/) [2024 Picks](https://www.hubspot.com/) [2023 Picks](https://www.hubspot.com/) [2022 Picks](https://www.hubspot.com/) [2021 Picks](https://www.hubspot.com/) [2020 Picks](https://www.hubspot.com/) [Sharon's Bookshelf](https://www.hubspot.com/) --- #### This Year's ReadWithSharon Book Selections ![September 2024-1](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/September%202024-1.png "September 2024-1") Amazon 4.5 Goodreads 3.62 #### The Hope Keeper by Heather Webb ###### Summary: Set in Washington, D.C. in 1919, *The Hope Keeper* follows Elisabeth Beaumont, the daughter of a renowned jeweler struggling to save her family's business after the unexpected death of her twin brother. Her search for clients draws her into the glamorous world of wealthy socialite Evalyn Walsh McLean and her most infamous possession—the legendary Hope Diamond. As Elisabeth becomes entangled in Evalyn's world of wealth, secrets, and superstition, she begins questioning the future she thought was already decided for her. ###### Why I picked this book: I've always been fascinated by stories where real history and imagined lives intersect, and Heather Webb does that beautifully here. Evalyn Walsh McLean and the Hope Diamond provide an irresistible historical backdrop, but it was Elisabeth's story—her struggle between family obligation and forging a life of her own—that really drew me in. I also love the glimpse this novel gives us into Washington society just after World War I, a world filled with extraordinary wealth and glamour but also changing expectations for women. Add family secrets, tragedy, and a supposedly cursed diamond, and there is plenty for us to discuss. Heather will be joining us, and I can't wait to delve into the history behind the story with her. [BUY THE BOOK HERE!](https://amzn.to/4h3iU7t) [BOOK CLUB KIT DOWNLOAD](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/The%20Hope%20Keeper%20Kit.pdf?hsLang=en) [WATCH THE DISCUSSION](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvAwN_Xx4be0np7Xy7u1y5kBIPTVE1-7M) --- ![July 2026](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/July%202026.png "July 2026") Amazon 4.6 Goodreads 4.31 #### A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie ###### Summary: Set against the birth of a new nation, A Founding Mother follows Abigail Adams as she navigates the American Revolution, raises a family through years of war and separation, and helps shape the ideals of a fledgling republic. While John Adams serves his country, Abigail manages their home, challenges the expectations of her time, and leaves an extraordinary legacy as one of America's most influential—and often overlooked—founding figures. ###### Why I picked this book: I've long admired Abigail Adams, not only as the wife of a president, but as a woman of remarkable intelligence, resilience, and conviction. Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie bring her vividly to life, revealing the strength, wit, and determination behind the familiar historical figure. What captivated me most was Abigail's unwavering belief that women deserved a voice in shaping the future. Her courage, wisdom, and quiet influence remind us that history is often transformed not only by those who hold office, but by those whose strength and vision inspire them. Stephanie will be joining us again and I can't wait to delve deeper with her. [BUY THE BOOK HERE!](https://amzn.to/4h3iU7t) [BOOK CLUB KIT DOWNLOAD](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/Book%20Club%20Kits/A%20Founding%20Mother%20Kit.pdf?hsLang=en) [WATCH THE DISCUSSION](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvAwN_Xx4be0np7Xy7u1y5kBIPTVE1-7M) --- ![July 2025-1](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/July%202025-1.png "July 2025-1") Amazon 4.2 Goodreads 3.83 #### Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict ###### Summary: In the 1920s, Lady Evelyn Herbert's daring spirit and relentless curiosity helped make possible the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. Nearly 3,000 years earlier, Hatshepsut — Egypt's lost pharaoh — had her own bold reign nearly erased from history. *Daughter of Egypt* weaves their stories together in a sweeping tale of ambition, sacrifice, and the women history tried to forget. ###### Why I picked this book: I had the pleasure of reading this remarkable novel while sailing toward Egypt — and I truly cannot imagine a more perfect setting for this story. As each chapter unfolded, I knew I was getting closer to the very places that shaped the lives of its unforgettable characters. What captivated me most was Lady Evelyn herself. She refused to accept the limitations placed on women of her time, pursuing knowledge and discovery with remarkable courage. Her story reminded me how often history overlooks the women whose contributions changed the world. [BUY THE BOOK HERE!](https://www.hubspot.com/) [BOOK CLUB KIT DOWNLOAD](https://www.hubspot.com/) [WATCH THE DISCUSSION](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvAwN_Xx4be0np7Xy7u1y5kBIPTVE1-7M) --- ![June 2026-1](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/June%202026-1.png "June 2026-1") Amazon 4.3 Goodreads 4.12 #### Buckeye by Patrick Ryan ###### Summary: Set in the fictional town of Bonhomie, Ohio, Buckeye follows the lives of two couples from the years surrounding World War II through the close of the twentieth century. As friendships deepen, families grow, and lives intertwine, long-held secrets quietly shape their futures, revealing how love, loyalty, and the choices we make can leave an imprint for decades. ###### Why I picked this book: What drew me to *Buckeye* was its beautiful reminder that history isn't made up only of famous names and headline-making events—it also lives in small towns, within families, and in the deeply personal choices that define our lives. Patrick Ryan has an extraordinary gift for creating characters who feel so real that you can't help but become invested in their joys, heartaches, and relationships. What captivated me most was the novel's quiet power. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, it thoughtfully explores how secrets, love, and forgiveness unfold over a lifetime. It's the kind of story that stays with you long after you've finished reading, and I'm especially excited that Patrick Ryan will be joining us for our discussion to share the inspiration behind this remarkable novel. [BUY THE BOOK HERE!](https://www.hubspot.com/) [BOOK CLUB KIT DOWNLOAD](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/Book%20Club%20Kits/Buckeye%20Kit.pdf?hsLang=en) [WATCH THE DISCUSSION](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvAwN_Xx4be0np7Xy7u1y5kBIPTVE1-7M) --- ![May 2026-1](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/May%202026-1.png "May 2026-1") Amazon 4.2 Goodreads 3.89 #### Women of a Promiscuous Nature by Donna Everhart ###### Summary: Inspired by true events, *Women of a Promiscuous Nature* tells the story of women who were labeled "wayward" simply for refusing to conform to society's expectations. Set in the American South during the mid-twentieth century, the novel follows women whose lives become entangled with institutions that claimed to reform them while stripping away their freedom, dignity, and voices. It is a powerful story of resilience, friendship, and the determination to reclaim one's future. ###### Why I picked this book: Donna Everhart has an incredible ability to shine a light on overlooked chapters of history, and this novel is no exception. I was immediately drawn to the untold stories of women whose lives were forever altered by judgment, circumstance, and the limitations placed upon them simply because they dared to live differently. What captivated me most was the courage of these women. Even in the face of injustice, they found strength in one another and refused to let others define their worth. It's a moving reminder that some of history's most important stories belong to ordinary people whose voices deserve to be heard, and I can't wait for us to experience and discuss this remarkable novel together. Donna Everhart will be joining us this month - don't miss it! [BUY THE BOOK HERE!](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Women+of+a+Promiscuous+Nature&i=audible&crid=12VOXMH0PGRC3&sprefix=women+of+a+promiscuous+nature%2Caudible%2C294&ref=nb_sb_noss_1) [BOOK CLUB KIT DOWNLOAD](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/Book%20Club%20Kits/Women%20of%20a%20Promiscuous%20Nature%20Kit.pdf?hsLang=en) [WATCH THE DISCUSSION](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvAwN_Xx4be0np7Xy7u1y5kBIPTVE1-7M) --- ![April 2026](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/April%202026.png "April 2026") Amazon 4.5 Goodreads 4.27 #### Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall ###### Summary: Set against the backdrop of the English countryside, *Broken Country* is a sweeping story of love, loss, family, and the impossible choices that can shape a lifetime. When the past unexpectedly collides with the present, old wounds are reopened and long-buried secrets begin to surface, forcing its characters to confront the enduring power of first love, loyalty, and forgiveness. ###### Why I picked this book: From the very first pages, I was captivated by Claire Leslie Hall's beautiful writing and her ability to create characters who feel deeply human. This is the kind of novel that quietly draws you in, revealing its emotional depth one layer at a time until you find yourself completely invested in every decision and every relationship. What stayed with me most was the way the story explores how a single moment can echo through the years, shaping lives in ways we never expect. It's an unforgettable novel that reminds us how complicated love, family, and redemption can be, and I know it will spark a thoughtful and heartfelt discussion. [BUY THE BOOK HERE!](https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Broken-Country/dp/B0D9HL2YB8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3FPXSKVAE59L7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0hOSLd67IwU3p8y_r-0Oah3X2WjTT1y6EfkVxktE04n8-6nwzqw20ws634cdjkJE4ODIaF80VPmBsGuNp0r2S72J_-UoDD5nbm8Az0JRmpG7nKHv6Q3NXFicnZ2znUYRdcGIRnJFbMpYs43z78QTsjq76xk-y_FJpZ7R_VbWcY9JSWIwEmp1n7KNuT6k0hblFX_qwXQvhXB-8QpIHyP4XqY2W8ycEyiVXjKYEgV_nrE.fhLmwXpOg-M0Gnogomewmv6Bne9n-UrlAa-Fg6NQI6w&dib_tag=se&keywords=broken+country&qid=1785953580&s=audible&sprefix=broken+country%2Caudible%2C188&sr=1-1) [BOOK CLUB KIT DOWNLOAD](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/Book%20Club%20Kits/Broken%20Country%20Book%20Club%20Kit.pdf?hsLang=en) [WATCH THE DISCUSSION](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvAwN_Xx4be0np7Xy7u1y5kBIPTVE1-7M) --- ![March 2024-1](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/March%202024-1.png "March 2024-1") Amazon 4.1 Goodreads 3.86 #### The Mad Wife by Meagan Church ###### Summary: Set in 1950s North Carolina and inspired by real historical practices, *The Mad Wife* follows a young woman whose life is upended when she is unjustly committed to an asylum by the very people she should have been able to trust. As she fights to reclaim her freedom and her identity, the novel explores the devastating consequences of power, prejudice, and the limited rights afforded to women of the era. ###### Why I picked this book: What drew me to *The Mad Wife* was Meagan Church's ability to bring an overlooked chapter of women's history to life with compassion and authenticity. It's a story that reminds us how fragile freedom could be for women whose voices were dismissed or whose independence threatened the expectations of their time. What captivated me most was the heroine, LuLu's resilience. Even in the darkest circumstances, she refuses to surrender hope or her sense of self. It's a powerful, thought-provoking novel that shines a light on a little-known piece of history, and I know it will inspire a meaningful discussion. I'm very excited to ask Meagan how she came to write about this subject. [BUY THE BOOK HERE!](https://www.amazon.com/The-Mad-Wife-A-Novel/dp/B0FK7BZSBX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28RR2IL648WKR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FzPzo9stzwo5KYkHzN9tBf3BRGsJHpIwGshgYakbsTYFrCmgYyP8nU2IyogQVsv-AOj_tsN9F6fC06GQIzhlfyMYz5RDIPJcks1jW_xrCLiSDweMzsPmwkG9xvJd4A1bm6YWDDDx5EcUbD5mUrmEitaJoFF3OXctG5q2aSV1NNO11_kMC5STYGbcG08yyQ9qyQwe9jonb7ot4L-jaaP_Ly1qxD-xsx_U-Ib9qVxZVyk.Tny8JjTj16OalQpSJ6nuSuA5Ehne8iDra_0-Uee_jgs&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+mad+wife&qid=1785954016&s=audible&sprefix=the+mad+%2Caudible%2C202&sr=1-1) [BOOK CLUB KIT DOWNLOAD](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/Book%20Club%20Kits/The%20Mad%20Wife%20Kit.pdf?hsLang=en) [WATCH THE DISCUSSION](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvAwN_Xx4be0np7Xy7u1y5kBIPTVE1-7M) --- ![February 2024-1](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/February%202024-1.png "February 2024-1") Amazon 4.5 Goodreads 4.23 #### All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker ###### Summary: Set in the changing America of the 1970s, *All the Colors of the Dark* begins in the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, where a series of girls have vanished without a trace. When a local boy named Patch courageously intervenes to save one of the victims, his heroic act sets in motion a chain of events that will shape the lives of everyone around him for decades. Blending mystery, suspense, romance, and unforgettable characters, this sweeping novel explores the power of love, obsession, sacrifice, and hope in the face of unimaginable darkness. ###### Why I picked this book: As both a writer and an artist, I was immediately drawn to the way Chris Whitaker weaves art throughout this remarkable novel. Here, art becomes far more than a creative pursuit—it is a language of hope, memory, healing, and connection. I found myself deeply moved by the idea that a painting, a sketch, or an act of creating can express what words sometimes cannot. What captivated me most was the novel's emotional depth. Even as it explores heartbreak and loss, it remains a story filled with hope, reminding us that love, friendship, and creativity have the power to illuminate even our darkest moments. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after you've finished reading, and I can't wait to hear everyone's perspectives during our discussion. [BUY THE BOOK HERE!](https://www.amazon.com/All-Colors-Dark-Read-Jenna/dp/0593798899/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0) [BOOK CLUB KIT DOWNLOAD](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/All%20the%20Colors%20of%20the%20Dark%20Kit.pdf?hsLang=en) [WATCH THE DISCUSSION](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvAwN_Xx4be0np7Xy7u1y5kBIPTVE1-7M) --- ![January 2026-1](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/January%202026-1.png "January 2026-1") Amazon 4.1 Goodreads 4.08 #### The Jackal's Mistress by Chris Bohjalian ###### Summary: Set in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley during the final year of the Civil War, *The Jackal's Mistress* follows Libby Steadman, a mill owner struggling to survive while her husband is held in a Union prison camp. When she discovers a gravely wounded Union officer abandoned to die, Libby faces an impossible choice: uphold her loyalty to the Confederacy or risk everything to save the life of an enemy. Inspired by a little-known true story, Chris Bohjalian weaves a powerful novel of courage, compassion, and the extraordinary choices ordinary people make in times of war. ###### Why I picked this book: This novel felt especially personal to me because it unfolds in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, a place that has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up nearby in Loudoun County, and today I live just a short drive from many of the towns, roads, and landscapes woven throughout this story. As I read, I found myself recognizing places I know and imagining how profoundly the Civil War transformed the countryside I call home. What captivated me most was the humanity at the heart of the novel. Chris Bohjalian reminds us that even in the midst of war, compassion can transcend loyalty, politics, and fear. It's a beautifully written story that will spark a thoughtful discussion about courage, sacrifice, and the moral choices people face when history tests them most. [BUY THE BOOK HERE!](https://www.amazon.com/Jackals-Mistress-Novel-Chris-Bohjalian/dp/0385547641/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5xaBlXxS0GEDrFldmEaQlxt6qaHawdgeWjL53iMsIE_3dhzTtRh05DkvdqFQdKMD4zm5YUx9e5iE1_mFVBi1yp2p_zwl19V8ABlO006C5b3HZ-d9wo1iFtakBPfMH1EgG7qBtXqZXJNr-mQLJKfJ7i6ulJ-kjKFCUGV-jiIrA4XF7-T6BlwswuV5KPV3ww1zwJx8LhHpz-99M36ddtxW-w.TXgF4SY-3rF6zbBRPuklV1u2hkTp3Cy7-8cJeZuZQKE&qid=1785955537&sr=1-1) [BOOK CLUB KIT DOWNLOAD](https://info.sharonvirts.com/hubfs/The%20Jackals%20Mistress%20Kit.pdf?hsLang=en) [WATCH THE DISCUSSION](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvAwN_Xx4be0np7Xy7u1y5kBIPTVE1-7M) --- © 2026 Sharon Virts Author |  Learn More About [Sharon Virts](http://sharonvirts.com)