I recently had the pleasure of meeting Amy Schisler at a meet-and-greet hosted by the North East Library, and I picked up her book, The Devil’s Fortune. I was immediately drawn to it because of its fascinating blend of local Maryland history, compelling storytelling, and intriguing historical fiction. Set primarily in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, the novel beautifully intertwines a fictional narrative with genuine historical elements, particularly focusing on the legendary Irish pirate Anne Bonny from Cork.

The story follows Courtney, whose childhood dream of owning the historic Riverview Terrace eventually becomes an unexpected reality after a near-fatal accident leaves her with enough resources to purchase her ancestors’ colonial-era home—albeit one in desperate need of repair. As Courtney dives into the renovations, she’s drawn into an enthralling mix of pirate legends, hidden treasures, secret passageways, and family mysteries. Throw in some love triangles, and you’ve got a captivating narrative that would be perfect as a beach read.

One of the aspects I enjoyed most was how Schisler delves into the rich history of Catholicism in Maryland. The book provides substantial insight into the local history of St. Mary’s County, something I deeply appreciated as I learned a lot along the way. It’s clear Schisler did meticulous research, enriching the narrative with detailed historical notes and thoughtful discussion questions in the back—making this an excellent choice for book clubs.

It’s also worth mentioning that The Devil’s Fortune earned recognition as a finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and was a recipient of the Illumination Book Award, underscoring the quality and depth of Schisler’s storytelling.

As a bonus, I also picked up Amy Schisler’s children’s book, Crabbing With Granddad, for my nieces and nephews to enjoy at my in-laws’ house. It’s a wonderful, educational read filled with nostalgic photographs from the author’s own childhood adventures crabbing with her grandfather, who was a professional crabber. It resonated deeply with me, reminding me fondly of days spent crabbing with my grandpa at Assateague Point—though our methods were decidedly more casual (think: string, hot dog pieces, and a trusty net).

When I introduced the book to my niece, we had fun alternating reading pages aloud, discovering new vocabulary on each page, and sharing in the joy of learning about traditional Maryland crabbing. It was a genuinely heartwarming experience, bringing back treasured memories while creating new ones.

Both books by Amy Schisler offer meaningful journeys into Maryland’s heritage, appealing strongly to readers who appreciate a blend of history, adventure, and heart.