I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book was very interesting and informative, like the foreword says “women have been reduced to the footnotes of history for too long”. It was amazing to learn about so many incredible women and what they achieved. It could have been nice to have the names at the beginning of each chapter as well as the place and year the events took place, however, I actually found the approach helped me keep a more open mind than going in with any presumptions on the names I already knew.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading a feisty story each night. These authors are a talented group. The variety of topics for historical fiction of daring women was well-assorted. I found several new authors to follow and read.

This is a very poignant, powerful short story collection filled with different women from different cultures backgrounds and even time periods. I loved it but there was a moment where I had to put it down because there was one story where Native Americans were in the story and referred as savages. Did not like that one but. Otherwise I enjoyed it.

Publishing date: 08.06.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

The book as a meal: A cup of tea, spilling tea with my girlfriends
The book left me: Feeling empowered as a woman

Negatives:
Some stories would benefit being their own longer book

Positives:
Lots of different perspectives from very different women
Strong leads in each story
Heartbreaking to joyous

Features:
23 stories, 4 segments with strong themes, stories taking place in different eras

Why did I choose this one?
I am a woman. I wanted to read more stories with women in the lead. I got exactly what I wanted.

Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
Pick-up-able. This was a book that drew me in immediately. The stories were enticing, and those that weren't were heartbreaking instead. Even if the scenarios were often horrific for the women, I enjoyed reading about them standing up for themselves.

What was the vibe and mood?
The vibes and moods shift for each story. Simply imagine different horrifying and heartbreaking scenarios women go through and the moods related to those. That's what you get here.

Final ranking and star rating?
A tier, 4.5 stars. I adored this collection of stories. It was emotional, heartbreaking, and joyous all at once. I really enjoyed reading about all these different scenarios and how the women navigated them. I enjoyed seeing the women develop as people in the few pages I got to know them. However, I wish certain stories were longer or dedicated to their own book.
This is just nitpicking ... I will be recommending this around doe. Great book!

Favorite stories:
The Monster
The Youngest Lighthouse Keeper
One August Day
Love makes one Brave

Thanks to the NetGalley app, I am learning more about the types of books I like to read. I had never really considered a book of short stories, but thankfully the title of this book led me to giving this a chance-- and I was not disappointed.

The compilation of short stories made this a quick read. Each story was compelling in its own right, and before I knew it, I was starting the next. I was surprised how quickly I made it through this compilation.

I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories, but there were some stories that truly stood out due to their originality or their ability to draw the reader in and draw emotions out. These include The Deadly Portrait, Canary Girl, The Youngest Lighthouse Keeper, Junebug, and Music in the Making.

From the moment I picked it up, I knew I would love this book for its compelling short stories and its celebration of incredible women. The variety of eras and distinctiveness of each story kept me thoroughly engaged and I just really loved reading this book. Among all the inspiring tales, story number 8 stood out as my favourite.

I truly loved every story in this compilation.

Every story had a Feisty female MC, every story took you to a different place and time. I was always enthralled and intrigued.
What a fun escape from the everyday mundane into endless stories of badass females throughout history.
I also truly enjoyed reading the mini-bios of each of the amazing writers.

Always be a daring woman in history <3

23 short stories of feisty women spanning multiple centuries. This collection of stories follows ordinary women from the 1470s to the 1960s as they rise to meet life’s challenges. The stories range from women saving themselves from bad marriages to taking on jobs while their family members are at war. It contains heartfelt stories, stories of courage, and some fighting for love.

This was an interesting mix of stories. When there are multiple authors writing, I never know how the story will flow or read, but this book did a good job with that. I rated this book 3.5 as some of the stories I loved and fell into the plot and felt like I knew the characters (5 star stories), whereas others felt flat, the characters or plot didn't flow as well, or I just couldn't get into that story. Overall, I enjoyed reading about feisty women and some trials that our ancestors went through to fight for the rights we have today.

I rate this 3.5 🌟!

I'd like to say a huge thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fine collection of historical fiction short stories about women being daring. Some of them definitely fit the bill. A young woman pursuing her dream to become a pilot in the 40s, or a woman abandoning an abusive husband. Others didn't, really. All around, it was fine. Okay. But none of it is really standout incredible.

This collection of short stories, Feisty Deeds, was a delightful read! Some stories left me wanting more, while others were perfect snapshots, but overall, I was captivated by the strength of the women portrayed. From the 1470s to the 1960s, these tales celebrate resilience and empowerment across different eras, urging readers to reflect on their own identities and the challenges women have overcome. It’s a great way to discover new authors and explore their other works, making it a must-read for anyone interested in powerful storytelling about women’s experiences.

I love the short stories. They're a testament to each respective author's skill. Bravo! It's eerie, oftentimes, justice is served but with every end I struggle for closure. I want more!

I received this book for free from Netgalley. That did not influence this review.

Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women is a multi-authored collection of 23 short stories featuring fictional women throughout history, from medieval times to the 1970s. It’s not a book that I can sit and read cover-to-cover, but it’s great fun to dip into. Pick a theme (Gambling with the Unknown; Dangerous Deeds; Moral Combat; or Defying Domestic Authority) and enjoy! There is something here for everyone!

An intriguing collection of historical short stories set in several countries in the 17th to 20th centuries. It’s the women who are feisty here. From The Monster (1632) by Marie Watts, where the enemy is prejudice and the men of the early colonies, to The Last Bus to Bakersfield (1958) by Julie Myerson Brown and The Parisian Daughter (1898) by Joan Fernandez, inspiring women find a way to stand tall and take charge of their life.
It would make a great gift - it’s a wonderful book for when you have ten minutes to spare and want to escape to another time and place.

What a ride! Tales from resilient and brave women across six centuries of women’s deeds overcoming obstacles from the world stage to home life, and all answering the call to stand up for themselves and freedom. With 23 authors contributing to the collection, the editorial group of five did a masterful job editing and shaping this compelling volume of work. As one of the contributing authors, I can’t have a completely objective point of view, but I am honestly impressed by the talent and excellent storytelling of my colleagues. This was a selfless labor of love and the book joyfully reflects it.

Any time you have the chance to read a collection of short stories chronicling the exploits of women who found themselves in positions that were not livable and did what had to be done to make them better......take it. As in any collection, some of these stories are better than others but all of them make a statement of the preserverance of women from all walks of life. This book is meant to be read and shared over and over again. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Very interesting collection of stories that show the power of women. It uncovers stories of women throughout time and how women’s contributions and impact are overlooked.

While I typically don’t read short stories because I prefer more depth and breadth, Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women left me WOWed! Written by rising female authors, this anthology of 23 stories spans centuries, continents, and challenging circumstances. From the birthing room to the battlefield, and settings in between, these stories celebrate the resiliency of women of all walks of life when faced with formidable situations and ethical or moral decisions to rise above and live outside societal expectations.

If I was still teaching in the classroom, I’d be relying on Feisty Deeds as a touchstone book to teach the craft of writing. There’s nothing short on the beauty of the language and skill of storytelling in this book!

I can’t wait to dive further into these female authors’ other published works as the book includes lists them after each short story. For example, I’m looking forward to reading the upcoming family saga written by Marie Watts. She had me at “midwife” in her story “Monster”.

Since each story is approximately 10 pages long, it’s the perfect book to dip in and out of for the busy person – perfect to keep in the purse or messenger bag, on the coffee table or night stand, or in the car for easy quick breaks throughout the day. Feisty Deeds will also most certainly become my “go to” gift for the women in my life!

And as if that isn’t enough, all proceeds from the sale of this wonderful book go to the Women’s Fiction Writers Association scholarship fund! Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women is the total package!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me the ARC and the opportunity to review this book. All opinions expressed above are mine alone.

Feisty Deeds is a collection of historical fiction short stories (23 by 23 authors) that span several centuries and locations. Each story features a brave woman that will push the boundaries that society has placed upon her to help pave the way for a change in a woman's role. You will meet an amazing group of women---an artist, a luthier, a student camerawoman, a pilot, a midwife, etc.

I am looking forward to upcoming books by each of these authors.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

This anthology provides vignettes of women who were courageous and defiant of the role of women in their times. How inspiring to read these short stories. This book would be great for bookclubs or as a gift to a young woman specifically. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and will definitely be buying copies for friends.

23 stories of women from 1470 to 1970. A great collection full of a wealth of information and history. I would vote it best book of the year.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.