Historical Fiction Spotlight: Lucie Dumas, by Katherine Mezzacappa

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

London, 1871: Lucie Dumas of Lyon has accepted a stipend from her former lover and his wife, on condition that she never returns to France; she will never see her young son again. As the money proves inadequate, Lucie turns to prostitution to live, joining the ranks of countless girls from continental Europe who'd come to London in the hope of work in domestic service.

Escaping a Covent Garden brothel for a Magdalen penitentiary, Lucie finds only another form of incarceration and thus descends to the streets, where she is picked up by the author Samuel Butler, who sets her up in her own establishment and visits her once a week for the next two decades. But for many years she does not even know his name. Based on true events.

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About the Author

Katherine Mezzacappa is Irish but currently lives in Carrara, between the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Katherine’s short fiction has been published in journals worldwide. She has in addition published academically in the field of 19th century ephemeral illustrated fiction, and in management theory. She has been awarded competitive residencies by the Irish Writers Centre, the Danish Centre for Writers and Translators and (to come) the Latvian Writers House. Katherine also works as a manuscript assessor and as a reader and judge for an international short story and novel competition. She has in the past been a management consultant, translator, museum curator, library assistant, lecturer in History of Art, sewing machinist and geriatric care assistant. In her spare time she volunteers with a second-hand book charity of which she is a founder member. She is a member of the Society of Authors, the Historical Novel Society, the Irish Writers Centre, the Irish Writers Union, Irish PEN / PEN na hÉireann and the Romantic Novelists Association, and reviews for the Historical Novel Review. She is lead organiser for the Historical Novel Society 2026 Conference in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. Katherine has a first degree in History of Art from UEA, an M.Litt. in Eng. Lit. from Durham and a Masters in Creative Writing from Canterbury Christ Church. Find out more from Katherine's Website and find her on Facebook, Instagram  and Bluesky: @katmezzacappa.bsky.social

New Paperback Launch: Boudicca's Daughter, by Elodie Harper

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Boudicca. Infamous warrior, queen of the British Iceni tribe and mastermind of one of history's greatest revolts. Her defeat spelled ruin for her people, yet still her name is enough to strike fear into Roman hearts.

But what of the woman who grew up in her shadow? The woman who has her mother's looks and cunning but a spirit all of her own?

The woman whose desperate bid for survival will take her from Britain's sacred marshlands to the glittering façades of Nero's Roman Empire…

Born to a legend. Forced to fight. Determined to succeed. Meet Solina. Boudicca's Daughter:

'Boudicca's Daughter is Elodie Harper's masterpiece.' Costanza Casati, bestselling author of Babylonia 

 'A beautiful, breathtaking novel... pre-order it immediately!' Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne

 'One of the best books I have ever read.' Bea Fitzgerald, Sunday Times bestselling author of Girl, Goddess, Queen.

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About the author

Elodie Harper is a journalist and prize winning short story writer. Her story 'Wild Swimming' won the 2016 Bazaar of Bad Dreams short story competition, judged by Stephen King. She is currently a reporter at ITV News Anglia in the East of England. Elodie is the author of The Wolf Den, the first in a trilogy of novels set in ancient Pompeii. Find out more at https://www.elodieharper.com/ and find Elodie on Twitter @Elodie_Harper and Bluesky ‪@elodieharper.bsky.social‬

Blog Tour Spotlight: Bride of the Devil: Agnes, Wife of Robert de Belleme (Medieval Babes: Tales of Little-Known Ladies Book 13) by J. P. Reedman

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

She is a great heiress; he is the wickedest man in Normandy.

Known to men far and wide as 'The Devil,' Robert de Belleme terrorises France alongside his equally fearsome mother, Mabel the Poisoner. But even a Devil needs an heir, and Mabel chooses the wealthy heiress Agnes of Ponthieu to be her son's bride. 

The marriage is unhappy, though the longed-for son and heir is eventually born...but when Robert is away on one of his military campaigns, Agnes flees back to her father's castle.

She is not safe; her young son William is not safe.

The Devil will seek to claim his own.

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About the Author

J.P. Reedman was born in Canada but has lived in the U.K. for over 30 years. Interests include folklore and anthropology, prehistoric archaeology (neolithic / bronze age Europe; ritual, burial & material culture), as well as The Wars of the Roses and the rest of the medieval era. Novels include the popular I, Richard Plantagenet series about Richard III, The Falcon and the Sun (featuring other members of the House of York), and Medieval Babes, an ongoing series about lesser-known medieval queens and noblewomen. Find out more at https://stone-lord.blogspot.com/  and follow J.P. Reedman on Facebook,  Twitter / X: @stonehenge2500 and Bluesky

Book Launch Spotlight: Mary Boleyn: The Queen's Slandered Sister, by Sylvia Barbara Soberton

Available for pre-order 

from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Mary Boleyn has long been dismissed as the 'great and infamous whore', her story overshadowed by scandal and myth.

But what if everything we thought we knew about her was wrong?

Drawing on newly retranslated original sources and rare archival material, Mary Boleyn: The Queen's Slandered Sister peels away centuries of rumour to reveal the true Mary Boleyn. 

Far from the reckless wanton of legend, she emerges as a woman of ambition, resilience, and intelligence. Acclaimed historian Sylvia Barbara Soberton challenges outdated narratives, uncovering the real extent of Mary's relationships with Henry VIII and Francis I, her role in the rise and fall of her younger sister Anne, and her life beyond the royal spotlight.

‘Compellingly argued and meticulously researched, Sylvia Barbara Soberton brings this other Boleyn girl out of the shadows. Mary Boleyn: The Queen’s Slandered Sister presents readers with a new version of Mary, asking us to look again at the life of an important figure at the Tudor court, whose life has been linked to scandal for far too many centuries. Highly recommended.’ -- Dr Elizabeth Norton

‘Sylvia Barbara Soberton has done it again! In Mary Boleyn she weaves every known primary source into a fascinating and lucid narrative. Arguing that the black reputation of this Boleyn sister is unwarranted, Soberton reviews the evidence and presents a compelling alternative view. She also follows up on the major figures associated with Boleyn whose lives tend to vanish into history. The compact study offers a handy appendix with transcriptions of Boleyn’s letters and other relevant historical documents.’ -- Professor Tracy Adams 

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About the Author

Sylvia Barbara Soberton is a writer and researcher specialising in the history of the Tudors. She is best known for The Forgotten Tudor Women book series, which concentrates on shifting the perspective from famous figures like Henry VIII’s six wives to the lesser-known, but no less influential, women of the Tudor court. Sylvia has written ten books to date, and her newest titles include The Forgotten Years of Anne Boleyn: The Habsburg & Valois Courts, Ladies-in-Waiting: Women Who Served Anne Boleyn and Medical Downfall of the Tudors: Sex, Reproduction & Succession. Her ground-breaking paper on Anne Boleyn and the accusation of witchcraft was published in the Royal Studies Journal in 2023.  You can find Sylvia on Facebook,  Goodreads, Twitter @SylviaBSo and Bluesky @sylviabso.bsky.social

Guest Post by Helen T. Doan, Author of The Butterfly Shawl: A Passage of Time Novel

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Can a timeless love survive when one partner walks away? Time traveler Kate Hunter is about to find out after a bloody shawl's powerful lure compels her to leave her husband, Nathan Walker, to continue her search for answers to questions arising from the mysterious items in her father’s bequeathed box.

Its name alone suggests authors whose genre is historical fiction must undertake a lot of research to add authenticity to their stories.

My passion for writing is often eclipsed by my passion for researching all kinds of things, and like Alice in Wonderland, there are many days when I tumble down the research rabbit hole to remain there for hours at a time. I do believe it's a kind of an addiction with me...albeit a welcome one, for the juicy tidbits I find in those rabbit holes are largely responsible for the adventures Kate and Nathan have in my Passage of Time historical romance/time travel series.

During a recent Zoom call with my British author friend, Mal Watts, I learned he does very little preliminary research because he does not want to waste time looking up things that may never see the light of day in his books. His usual practice is to research in the morning for the scenes he will be writing that afternoon. Having read his Worms in Fools' Fingers that is set around the Thirty Years War, I can attest that his method works well for him.

Each author has his or her way of doing things. For me, it entails spending several weeks researching before I begin writing. Those juicy tidbits I find not only add authenticity to my writing, but very often add turning points that create better plot lines.

To fully appreciate The Butterfly Shawl, the second book in my series that is set in the early settlements of Auraria and Denver City, it is important to know the events taking place at that time in American history.

The effects of the financial Panic of 1857 is still ongoing. It has forced thousands of businesses to close causing widespread unemployment. Those who have lost their jobs come from all walks of life, and desperate to support their families, they head west upon hearing gold has been found in the Pike’s Peak region. Here is how those research gems can add authenticity to a scene:

Where there had been only a trickle of adventurers making the journey across the plains that winter, the real exodus of emigrants began to arrive at Cherry Creek in early March. On her next trip to help Little Fawn, Kate found the streets congested with wagons, handcarts, and wheelbarrows overflowing with tools, provisions, and equipage. One man she talked to who owned no beast of burden had harnessed himself to his handcart. Those not lucky enough to have any conveyance had walked the entire way toting tent poles and their scanty supplies on their shoulders.

During the gold rush that begins in 1858 and ends with the creation of the Colorado Territory in 1861, the two lawless Cherry Creek settlements are the brief stop-off points for tens of thousands of amateur and professional prospectors heading for the mountainous gold fields. Close on their heels are prostitutes, gamblers, three-card-Monte shysters, and other seedy types, all hoping to fleece the prospectors of their money. Again, research helped flesh out this scene:

Kate lost track of the number of saloons they passed where dust-covered and begrimed men in tattered attire stumbled out of doorways. Some of the men were bare-footed and all were hairy and sun-browned. From their belts hung knives and revolvers. She saw numerous possibly peaceful men wearing goggles to protect their eyes from the glare of the prairie sun, the eye wear making them look somewhat ferocious.

    They passed a couple of assignation houses, where provocatively attired women hoping to be paid in gold dust for providing professional solace beckoned to the next man waiting in line.

    Passing Denver House, they heard gunshots originating from within the gambling establishment and saw several patrons fleeing out the door.

Meanwhile in the country, the slavery issue is taking centre stage, with northern states having to decide whether or not to be free. Also, Abraham Lincoln is a rising star in the newly founded Republican Party, and southern states are threatening secession if the Democrats lose to the Republicans in the next election. My research informed me Abraham Lincoln gave a speech in Leavenworth, Kansas, on Dec. 2, 1859, so I revamped the plot to use that fact as a lead-in to the third book, The Voices, which I'm currently writing and which is set during the American civil war during Lincoln's presidency.

Researching Lincoln's speech, I came across a Feb 23,1902 newspaper article in The Kansas City Star in which Col. Daniel R. Anthony detailed his remembrance of a fireside chat he was part of, which took place following Lincoln's speech. I placed Nathan in that scene to set up the following private talk between Lincoln and Nathan. This intro to the fireside chat scene takes place in Kate and Nathan's hotel room after they return from hearing Lincoln speak:

Nathan was about to help her out of her gown when someone rapped on the door. He released a frustrated groan and kissed the side of her neck. “Don't go anywhere. I'll be right back to pick up where I left off.”

    Opening the door, he could not believe Lincoln was standing there.

    The man nodded to Kate and addressed Nathan. “I saw your carriage pull up at the hotel and as I'm also staying here, I asked for your room number and was given it.”

    Suddenly remembering his manners, Nathan stepped away from the doorway to allow the man to enter. He was as baffled as his wife appeared to be as to why old Abe would be paying them a visit.

    “Some of the free-state men staying across the street from this hotel have invited my friend and I to join them for a couple of hours and I thought you might like to come,” he told Nathan.

    Given how glamorous his wife looked in her new gown and how much his loins ached to remove that gown, he was about to refuse the invitation when Kate stepped in.

    “My husband is thrilled to accept your invitation, aren't you Nathan?”

Unlike some historical fiction authors, I prefer to keep as close to the historical truth as possible. For example, in The Butterfly Shawl there is mention of a Swiss brand of rock-breaking hammers used by geologists. Were they first made before the timeline of the book or after? It was important for me to know that because of the time travel plot line.

Another example of keeping historically accurate concerns Kate's search for Jim Bridger, the mountain man who has crucial information she needs. History never had him within arms reach of her when I needed him to be, so I had to devise another way for her to obtain the information, but you'll have to read the book to find out how I did it.

I would explain more about my research process and how research impacts my novels, but I see another rabbit hole beckoning to me.

Helen T. Doan

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About the Author

Helen T. Doan resides in Niagara Falls, Canada, with her partner, Christopher, and their Old English bulldog, Molly. In addition to a journalism-print degree, she has a BA in sociology. She was a lifestyles editor and writer for her local daily newspaper and later taught English for two years at a private academy on Geoje Island in South Korea. Since childhood, creative writing has been her passion. Passage of Time is the initial book in her historical romance saga featuring time traveller Kate Hunter and Nathan Walker, born white but raised by the Cheyenne. The Butterfly Shawl is the second book in the series. The third book, The Voices, is currently a work in progress. Her Novel News blog, which features updates about her novels, pertinent information for aspiring authors, and posted guest author interviews, can be accessed through her author website.www.helentdoan.com and you can find Helen on Facebook,  Twitter/X and Bluesky: @helentdoaninfo.bsky.social

Book Launch Spotlight: Perotine ~ Inspired by the True Story of the Guernsey Martyrs, by Dreena Collins

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Abandoned, faithful and on trial for heresy.

On a bleak autumn morning in 1555, Protestant Perotine wakes to find her husband packed to leave. Catholicism has returned to Guernsey, and, fearing for his life, he abandons Perotine, her sister and mother to face increasing hostility alone.

The three women endure a challenging winter of rain, isolation, and poverty - until a dramatic series of events draws unwanted attention. When a local woman asks Perotine to hide stolen goods, what begins as a trial for theft spirals into accusations of heresy.

Secluded, steadfast, and terrified, the women face their plight with fortitude and prayers. Together. But Perotine Massey holds a terrible secret. One that could bring a reprieve, or a fate worse than death.

And she’ll do anything to keep that secret safe.

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About the Author

Dreena Collins was born in Jersey, Channel Islands. She has a background in teaching, education leadership, and Educational Needs, and.is a short fiction writer and author of a suspense novel, And Then She Fell. Published online, in magazines and anthologies, Dreena has also been listed and placed in numerous writing competitions, including The Bridport Prize.  Her hobbies include eating spicy food and unintentionally waking in the early hours. She makes it a matter of principle to fall over at least once a month. Find out more from Dreena's website http://dreenawriting.co.uk/ and find her on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky @dreenawriting.co.uk

Guest Interview with Maria Jane, Author of Perfect

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Chloe refuses to compromise when it comes to romance and success. Powering through her sophomore-level college business classes, she’s done with the effort of distance-dating her high-school sweetheart. But when he proposes just as she hits it off with a hunky basketball player, she worries following her heart could send her bright future to the bench.

I'm pleased to welcome author Maria Jane to The Writing Desk:

Tell us about your latest book

My latest book is a contemporary romance in the Perfect romance series by Maria Jane. It follows two characters, Elle and Tanner, who meet at work. Tanner is part owner of their firm and Elle is wary of dating him. He wins her over and their connection grows fast and bright until Elle meets Tanner’s mother. Accusations fly. Old wounds split open. Suddenly, Elle is tumbling through a flood of hidden ties and painful truths, each one cracking the fragile trust between them.

 
What is your preferred writing routine?

I like writing every day to move a project forward. Writing every day keeps me thinking about the characters, plot, and I get immersed in the world. I prefer a quiet space and my go-tos are Diet Coke, for caffeine, and chocolate, which is always great for blood sugar! 😊I’m a semi-panster, so I have plans for where the story is going but fill-in scenes along the way. If I get stuck a walk is the perfect solution.
What advice do you have for new writers?

I think everyone has their own system that works for them. Find your system and stick with it. Some authors make detailed outlines, and others have a few plot points and the rest comes as they write. The most important thing for me is having support people like editors, proofreaders, beta readers, ARC reviewers, and a cover artist that you can trust. A good publicist is a great addition to the team as well.

What have you found to be the best way to raise awareness of your books?

I love interacting on book platforms like Goodreads and Bookbub. Engaging readers on social media is fun too. But for nurturing those readers that will follow you and read every book you publish, a newsletter and connecting via email can’t be beat. Offering a free short story for new readers to try your work when they join your newsletter is a great way to engage readers. I have this set up as a pop-up on my website. There are also promotions through reader magnet platforms like Book Funnel that can help you build a newsletter.

Tell us something unexpected you discovered during your research

Most of my research tends to center around fantasy characters and character lore for my YA fantasy series penned under Tricia Copeland. I have found so many amazing folk stories, legends, and information about different types of characters from selkies and nix, kelpies, The Rusalka, The Borda, The Grindylows, and so many more.

What was the hardest scene you remember writing?

My hardest scene to write was when I had to kill one of my characters. I cried through writing the whole scene and every time I had to go back and review and edit. Then I cried again when I proofed the audiobook. It was heartbreaking for me. I get very attached to all my characters and having to lose them is very emotional for me. This particular character was important for a main character so I was grieving not only for the character themselves but for the other characters and their grief and loss.

What are you planning to write next?

I am one-third into my next book in the Perfect romance series. The book is tentatively titled “My, Not-So-Perfect, Cop” and follows another friend in the Perfect series friend group. As the title suggests, the book features a main character who is a police officer. The female MC is Dani, who’s a teacher just finishing her first year of teaching after college. Gareth is her love interest and we’ve learned a little bit about Dani and Gareth’s history in the first book of the series. I’m excited to see how the story comes together as a HEA.

Maria Jane

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About the Author

Maria Jane believes in the power of love. She sees that love may look messy and take a winding path, but there is magic in the journey. Her books are filled with fun moments, sweet gestures, surprising turns, and characters searching for their happily-ever-after. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Formerly writing as Tricia Copeland,  find out more  at mariajaneromance.com and find her on Twitter and Bluesky at @triciacopeland.bsky.social