Nre Book Excerpt: : Shackled To A Ghost, by CF Kirkham-Sandy

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

FAITH WILL BE TESTED

At the turn of the sixteenth century, young law student Thomas More meets the scholar Erasmus of Rotterdam. Caustic and clever, Erasmus has a vision of what Christendom could be 

- and More shares his dream.

Excerpt:

 

The college chaplain walked into Erasmus’ bedchamber without knocking, to find the shutters closed and Erasmus sitting in the corner, bent double.

   “Come to the Dolphin.”

   “Not to church, chaplain?”

   “You’ve had enough solemnity. You need light and you need noise.”

   They went down to the alehouse, the chaplain marching ahead and Erasmus shambling along behind. The alehouse was small and made smaller still by the bodies stuffed into it, warm with victory songs.  A student shouted each verse from the broadsheet in his hand, and the crowd sang it back to him. The chaplain ploughed through them until he reached the alewife. A Master’s student was talking earnestly to her about Jesus.

   “Move, Cranmer,” the chaplain barked. “We want ale.”

   Cranmer frowned but obeyed, so Erasmus and the chaplain could have their ale.

   “Look at them,” Erasmus said, after the singing died down. “Acting like they’re the conquerors of the world. The victory is nothing to do with them! We’re surrounded by plague, and now war with France means we can’t even have decent wine.”

   The chaplain shrugged. “It’s not as if they could afford decent wine anyway.”

   “We slaughter our brothers in Christ and then we pay for the privilege,” Erasmus remarked bitterly. “Kings count each penny before they give it to a scholar, but when it’s war, lo! A miracle! The coffer, it has no bottom!”

   The chaplain smiled grimly. “You’re right about that, but there’s nothing you can do. You can shake your fist at the black clouds all you like. You still need shelter from their downpour.” He took a loud slurp of ale, which made Erasmus frown at his manners. “You need to stop treating your students like they’re your sons. You will teach so many, over the course of your life. It’s only a matter of time until one of them falls into a river, or goes off to war, or dies of consumption on Christmas Day. Get attached to them and you’ll spend half your life weeping. And that does your living students no good, no good at all.”

   Erasmus stared at his ale. Even in his grief, he had remembered to bring his pewter cup: the tankards here were tar-stiffened leather jugs. “You would not tell a father to keep his sons away from him.” 

   “A father has no choice. Besides, a father only has so many sons. Remember the parable of the sower. Some seed falls on the path: it comes to nothing. Some falls on rocky ground: it comes to nothing. Some falls into thorny ground: it does not bear fruit. But enough falls onto good soil. It must bring such a harvest to make up for the lost potential. Just close your eyes and sow the seeds and if they grow, they grow.”

   “You’re a chaplain,” Erasmus pointed out. “You have no business being a cynic. You should tell me to love and mourn and love again, because if I teach the gospel that I love then it follows that I love those I teach. I don’t recall our Saviour saying: ‘Love thy neighbour, unless it be an inconvenience to thee.’”

   “How many boys do you think I’ve buried over the years?  You could drive yourself mad thinking of all the talent that dies every year. You can’t sit around and think of all that could have been while your students wait for your help. Accept that God did not intend for Alexander Stewart to blossom. Then let him go. You have too much to accomplish to give other men the power to break you.” The chaplain’s gaze darted to Erasmus’ cup. “Are you going to drink that, or what?”

   Erasmus shook his head and left without another word. Behind him, the victory songs resumed with a cheer.

CF Kirkham-Sandy

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About the Author

CF Kirkham-Sandy grew up in Devon and has a BA and an MA in History from the universities of York and Bristol. CF lives and works in Herefordshire, and moonlights as a history tutor for students of all ages.  CF is currently writing another novel and can be found on Twitter @Catofthepigeons.

Book Launch Guest Post By Helen Hollick, Author of Ghost Encounters: The Lingering Spirits Of North Devon

Available for pre-order from

Amazon UK and Amazon US

You either believe in ghosts or you don’t. It depends on whether you’ve encountered something supernatural or not. But when you share a home with several companionable spirits, or discover benign ghosts in public places who appear as real as any living person, scepticism is abandoned and the myth that all ghosts are to be feared 

is realised as nonsense.

Encountering A Few Ghosts

My daughter, Kathy, can see and hear ‘dead people’. To her, these presences from the past look as real as real, living, people, although some she sees only from the waist up, or fleetingly. (It’s a giveaway when the ‘person’ she’s looking at suddenly vanishes!) She’s seen ghosts from when she was about nine – maybe before that, although I was unaware of her gift when she was younger. 

This first ‘encounter’ was at a Battle of Hastings re-enactment. The event had finished and she asked when they would take away the dead man and the dead horse. I passed it off, as parents do, with a tactful answer. The following year, at the same event, she said the same thing. And the year after that. Only this time there hadn’t been any horses in the display – so how come she could see a dead horse?

Moving to Devon from London in 2013, it became apparent that Kathy, now a mature adult, could see and hear ghosts... it started with the residents from the past who remain in our 18th-century farmhouse. And there are several of them, from maid to master, from child to farmhand. All of them, nice, friendly [dead] folk.

In our village pub there are several ghosts present among the paying present-day customers. Ghosts can be seen (by those with the gift or ability to see them) anywhere and at any time, not just during the dark hours of night. And the least likeliest place to see a ghost is in a cemetery, where the inhabitants really do simply ‘rest in peace’.

Ghosts are found anywhere, not just where some tragedy happened or where they died. A presence can linger where that person had some emotional tie, maybe a tragic incident, yes, but more often something of great importance, or where they were particularly happy. And finally, to shatter what you thought you knew... the majority of supernatural presences are not hostile or evil. Most are perfectly friendly, with some as unaware of us as most of us are of them.

Our village pub here in Chittlehamholt, North Devon, hosts several such residents. The Exeter Inn became a coaching inn during the late 1600s - early 1700s, being the first ‘comfort break’ en-route from the Colonial trade ports of Barnstaple and Bideford to Exeter, thirty or so miles away. There was a collection of ‘Exeter Inn’ public houses in our area, varying from thirteen to nine miles apart – usual distances for a coach and horses, depending on the terrain, and conveniently placed along the regular route.

Pre-mid-1600s travel would have been by foot, horseback or carrier cart, with only the wealthy or tradespeople having their own transport. A Tudor couple arrived at our village inn with their own coach, some time during, we think, the age of Queen Elizabeth I. Kathy has fleetingly seen them several times, identifying the era they belong to by their costume – typical Elizabethan, wealthy garments. They appear to be newly married. She seems quite shy and is dripping with pearls and sparkling jewels. We think they have stopped to rest the horses. Barnstaple is about thirteen miles away, with some steep hills in between.

But where were they heading to? Who were they? Sadly there is no way of knowing. Frustrating, but the one thing ghosts can’t do, by the look of it, is leave us a explanatory note!

Helen Hollick

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About the Authors 

Known for her captivating storytelling and rich attention to historical detail, Helen Hollick might not see ghosts herself, but her nautical adventure series, and some of her short stories, skilfully blend the past with the supernatural, inviting readers to step into worlds where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur. Her historical fiction spans a variety of periods and her gift lies in her ability to bring historical figures and settings to life, creating an immersive experience that transports readers into the past. Her stories are as compelling as they are convincing.  Helen started writing as a teenager, but after discovering a passion for history, was published in the UK with her Arthurian Trilogy and two Anglo-Saxon novels about the events that led to the 1066 Battle of Hastings, one of which became a USA Today best-seller. She also writes the Jan Christopher cosy mystery series set during the 1970s, and based around her, sometimes hilarious, years of working as a North London library assistant. Helen, husband Ron and daughter Kathy moved from London to Devon in January 2013 after a Lottery win on the opening night of the London Olympics, 2012. She spends her time glowering at the overgrown garden and orchard, fending off the geese, helping with the horses and, when she gets a moment, writing the next book...

When not encountering friendly ghosts, Kathy's passion is horses and mental well-being. She started riding at the age of three, had a pony at thirteen, and discovered showjumping soon after. Kathy now runs her own Taw River Equine Events, and coaches riders of any age or experience, specialising in positive mindset and overcoming confidence issues via her Centre10 accreditation and Emotional Freedom Technique training to aid calm relaxation and promote gentle healing. Kathy lives with her farmer partner, Andrew, in their flat adjoining the main farmhouse. She regularly competes at affiliated British Showjumping, and rides side-saddle (‘aside’) when she has the opportunity. She produces her own horses, several from home-bred foals. She also has a fun diploma in Dragons and Dragon Energy, which was something amusing to study during the Covid lockdown.

Find out more from Helen's website: https://helenhollick.net/ and Kathy’s website: 

https://www.white-owl.co.uk/ and for additional (and any new ghost encounters!) visit 

https://ghostencountersofdevon.blogspot.com/

Book Review: Lalji’s Nairobi, by Nitin Nanji

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

British Gujarat, 1905: Despairing of the social injustices and crippling taxes under the British Raj, Lalji, 19, flees to British East Africa hoping to build a better life using his natural business skills and acumen. But he soon finds unexpected dangers in his new home- turbulent politics and war with German East Africa- as well as some surprising opportunities. A combination of luck, coincidence, and his flair for commerce 

lead to early success.

This is more than a coming of age journey. Although Lalji's Nairobi is both of those in the literal sense, with births, marriages and deaths, Nitin Nanji includes a compelling exploration of the social, cultural, economic and political complexity of Nairobi.

I spent my childhood in Kenya, and can confirm Lalji's Nairobi evokes the authentic essence of the foundation of the city. From fingerless lepers on street corners to ‘Pembo’, the ‘askari’ (watchman) with the long coat and ‘knobkerry’ (wooden club) protecting us through the night, this book brings back so many memories.

I particularly liked the use of Indian and Swahili words and phrases (with English in brackets) which reveal a fascinating insight into the lives and adventures of the four ‘brothers’ .

The inherent racism is handled sensitively, and the lead character Lalji is likeable and relatable. Authentic, evocative and intriguing, I am happy to award Lalji's Nairobi a well-deserved five out of five stars.

Tony Riches

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About the Author

Nitin Nanji is an historical novelist of Indian parentage, born and raised in Kenya, educated in England, writing about India and East Africa under the British Empire. Nitin has come to writing his debut novel after retiring as a doctor. Born in Kenya before its independence he came to England at the age of fifteen. His parentage is Indian, his grandfather having moved during the British Raj from Gujarat in India to Colonial East Africa as an economic migrant. 'Lalji's Nairobi' is now an award-winning novel that recently won acclaim from the prestigious New Generation Indie Book Awards as a 'Finalist'. It also earned Five Stars and the 'Highly Recommended' award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company, which has recently also awarded the book with a silver medal in the Blixen Africa Category. Find out more from Nitin's website: www.nitinnanji.com 

Book Launch Spotlight: Shackled To A Ghost, by CF Kirkham-Sandy

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

FAITH WILL BE TESTED

At the turn of the sixteenth century, young law student Thomas More meets the scholar Erasmus of Rotterdam. Caustic and clever, Erasmus has a vision of what Christendom could be - and More shares his dream.

Without wealth, noble blood, or even physical strength, Erasmus’ only weapon is his mind. Despite the obstacles they face, More and Erasmus blossom together.

But the Reformation is coming for them. They can’t stop it, but can they survive it? And can they trust the man the other has become?

As the Reformation gathers pace, More’s daughter Meg yearns to make her mark. Can she succeed, or is she doomed to repeat her mother’s fate?

# # #

About the Author

CF Kirkham-Sandy grew up in Devon and has a BA and an MA in History from the universities of York and Bristol. CF lives and works in Herefordshire, and moonlights as a history tutor for students of all ages.  CF is currently writing another novel and can be found on Twitter @Catofthepigeons.

New Book Review: The House of Echoes, by Alexandra Walsh

Available  from Amazon UK and Amazon US

The Brandon blood is dark with lies and treachery and as it flows through my heart, my vow is this: they will all pay.’

The House of Echoes is a masterclass in dual-time historical fiction, with two stories strong enough to stand alone. The legend of the tragic (and adulterous) romance between Tristan and Isolde provides threads of connections, woven through the dual narratives.

Alexandra Walsh takes the scant information about Charles Brandon’s first daughter, Anne, and develops a compelling and well researched story of what might have been. Her character, Caroline, says, “The women of the Tudor period are shadows in the biographies of men,” a line which foreshadows the great mystery of the present day story.

As well as the past and present narratives, I was intrigued the future, science fiction story, which I could imagine as a fully developed novel - or even a Netflix series.

Fast paced and thought-provoking, I am happy to recommend The House of Echoes and award a deserved five out of five stars.

Tony Riches

# # #

About the Author

Alexandra Walsh is a bestselling author of the dual timeline women’s fiction. Her books range from the 15th and 16th centuries to the Victorian era and are inspired by the hidden voices of women that have been lost over the centuries. The Marquess House Saga offers an alternative view of the Tudor and early Stuart eras, while The Wind Chime and The Music Makers explore different aspects of Victorian society. Formerly, a journalist for over 25 years, writing for many national newspapers and magazines; Alexandra also worked in the TV and film industries as an associate producer, director, script writer and mentor for the MA Screen Writing course at the prestigious London Film School. She is a member of The Society of Authors and The Historical Writers Association. For updates and more information visit her website: www.alexandrawalsh.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter @purplemermaid25 and Bluesky @purplemermaid25.bsky.social

Special Guest Post: Kingbreaker (I): Rebel and Traitor, by David Pilling

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

"This arm upholds the house of Lancaster..."

1461 AD. England is at war. The bitter feud between the rival houses of Lancaster and York reaches a bloody climax on the field of Towton. Here, the rising sun of York is triumphant, and the red rose of Lancaster 

trampled into the mud.

In 1462 John de Vere, the 12th Earl of Oxford, and his eldest son Aubrey were executed at Tower Hill in London. They had been arrested for plotting against the Yorkist king, Edward IV, although the precise nature of the accusations are unclear.

 
What lay behind this spate of political killings? The twelfth earl has steered a middle course during the early stages of the dynastic conflict we know as the Wars of the Roses. He had played no active role on either side, but instead focused on preserving his power base in East Anglia. This passive role served him well, until he suddenly became involved in the fatal conspiracy of 1462. 



The bare outline of this plot is provided by a London chronicle. Quote (rendered in modern English):

“And the xii day of February the earl of Oxford and the lord Aubrey Vere, his son, Sir Thomas Tuddenham, William Tyrell and others were brought into the Tower of London. And upon the xx day of the said month the said Lod Aubrey was drawn from Westminster to the Tower Hill and there beheaded.

And the xxiii day of the said month of February Sir Thomas Tuddenham, William Tyrell, and John Montgomery were beheaded at said Tower Hill. And upon the Friday next following, which was the xxvi day of February, the earl of Oxford was led upon foot from Westminster unto the Tower Hill, and there beheaded; and after the corpse was had unto the friar Augustines, and there buried in the Choir.”

This reveals little save names and dates, and the curious detail that the earl’s execution was saved until last. A brief note in another chronicle states that Aubrey was subjected to an especially cruel execution, being hung and disembowelled (‘suspensus et tractus'), rather than beheaded. This would suggest he was regarded as the chief instigator of the failed plot against Edward IV.

The conspiracy may have been driven by the insecurity of the Yorkist king, who had only been on the throne for a year. Rumours were rife of a fresh invasion of England, led by Margaret of Anjou, the exiled queen of Henry VI. 

This was, supposedly, meant to coincide with an invasion from Scotland by exiled Lancastrians, supported by troops raised by the duke of Somerset. IN the end this elaborate three-pronged strategy came to nothing, although Edward would face many more serious threats to his rule.

 
However, one man never forgot the killing of the de Veres and their supporters at Tower Hill. This was the twelfth earl’s younger son, another John, who was allowed to succeed to the earldom. Driven by revenge on the house of York, he would pursue a remarkable career as rebel, outlaw, pirate and political prisoner, until he finally triumphed on Bosworth Field…

David Pilling

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About the Author

David Pilling is a writer and researcher, addicted to history for as long as he can remember. The medieval era has always held a fascination for him, perhaps because he spent much of his childhood exploring the misted ruins of castles in Wales. David also has a keen interest in the Byzantine Empire, the post-Roman period in Britain and the British & Irish Civil Wars. Follow David on Facebook, Twitter @RobeH2 and on Bluesky @robeh1979.bsky.social

Book Launch: A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, by Derek Birks

Available for pre-order 

from Amazon UK and Amazon US

So much has been written, and is still being written, about the Wars of the Roses – both in print and on the internet - that the interested student of history is in grave danger of being utterly overwhelmed. The key players in the conflict are very interesting personalities but they have become so distorted by caricature that they now appear as a procession of heroes and villains rather than living, breathing people. 

The aim of A Guide to the Wars of the Roses is simple: to help the reader understand what happened and why during the great political upheaval of the fifteenth century. It describes the origins, nature and aftermath of the wars in short, accessible chapters and explains how the period can be divided into three separate, though related, political crises. 

In describing the rise of Richard, Duke of York, in the mid-fifteenth century, the Guide traces how his rivalry with Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, ultimately led to the deposition of the hard-pressed, and wholly unsuitable, King Henry VI. It also explains how the accession of a new king from the House of York failed to solve England’s political problems. 

The triumphant Yorkist faction is examined to chart how the fears and jealousies of its leading figures eventually led to a fatal instability at the heart of government. By putting the wars firmly in their medieval context, the Guide seeks to strip away the hype of half a millennium to examine objectively the roles and motives of those involved, without seeking either to exonerate, or demonise, any particular individual. While the Guide is intended to be comprehensive, it is also an easy-to-follow manual for a subject which has often been dismissed as ‘too complicated’.

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About the Author

Derek was born in Hampshire in England but spent his teenage years in Auckland, New Zealand, where he still has strong family ties.  For many years he taught history in a secondary school in Berkshire but ten years ago he took early retirement to concentrate on his writing.  He writes action-packed fiction which is rooted in accurate history.  His debut historical novel, Feud, is the first of a series of eight books and one novella now entitled The Wars of the Roses which follows the fortunes of the fictional Elder family. The series ends with Crown of Fear which is out now. Derek has also written a bestselling trilogy set largely in post-Roman Britain. You can follow Derek on Twitter as @Feud_writer and his author page on Facebook is: www.facebook.com/feudwriter. To find out more about his books, or to contact him you can go to his website: www.derekbirks.com and he also has an occasional blog:  www.dodgingarrows.wordpress.com.