24 July 2024
Blog Tour Spotlight: Her Own War (Château de Verzat Series) by Debra Borchert
23 July 2024
Anne Neville: Queen and Wife of Richard III, by Rebecca Batley
22 July 2024
Historical Fiction Spotlight: Becoming the Twilight Empress: A Theodosian Women Novella by Faith L. Justice
21 July 2024
Historical Fiction Spotlight: A Song of Courage: A gripping WW2 historical novel based on a true story, by Rachel Wesson
19 July 2024
The Lucy Lawrence Mystery Series, by Pam Lecky
When No Stone Unturned was published back in 2019, I couldn't have predicted the series' popularity. Now, so many years later, the series has found a new home with Storm Publishing and, hopefully, lots of new readers will discover Lucy and Phin’s adventures.
Depending on their class, women in the Victorian era faced strict rules and lived a highly restricted life. I wanted to explore how a young woman, with a strong personality and high intelligence (but poorly educated - parents bothered little if you weren’t the heir), would cope within the confines of a troubled marriage. Would she accept her lot or chafe at the bit?
There is a pivotal point in No Stone Unturned when Lucy realises she must take her destiny into her own hands and she sets out on a dangerous adventure in pursuit of the truth about her late husband and his less than legal activities.
Another theme, which emerged as I explored Lucy’s story, was the strong reliance on female friendship. I suspect this is what sustained many Victorian women, finding themselves in similar circumstances to Lucy. As the plot unfolds, Lucy comes to rely more and more on her maid, Mary, who also begins to shine with talents hitherto unknown, namely a penchant for spying and intrigue. And when trouble does strike, it is often her friends, Judith and Sarah, Lucy turns to.
Combining my two great loves - Victorian adventure with a feisty heroine and ancient Egypt - the second book in the series, Footprints in the Sand, will resonate with me the longest. My research included Amelia Edwards’ book, A Thousand Miles Up The Nile (1873). I cannot deny that the Egypt described presented countless possibilities for mischief to a mystery writer.
The fourth book in the series, A Pocketful of Diamonds, is a brand new murder mystery, set on beautiful Lake Como in Italy. It is slated for release by Storm Publishing in September 2024 and will be available for preorder very soon.
18 July 2024
Book Launch Blog Tour: The Lost Queen, by Carol McGrath
16 July 2024
Blog Tour Spotlight: The Agincourt King (The Plantagenet Legacy Book 5) by Mercedes Rochelle
Better yet, why not go for the crown? Poor, deranged Charles VI couldn't manage his own barons. The civil war between the Burgundians and Armagnacs was more of a threat to his country than the English, even after Henry laid siege to Harfleur. But once Harfleur had fallen, the French came to their senses and determined to block his path to Calais and destroy him.
By the time the English reached Agincourt, they were starving, exhausted, and easy pickings. Or so the French thought. Little did they reckon on Henry's leadership and the stout-hearted English archers who proved, once again, that numbers didn't matter when God was on their side.
15 July 2024
Three Bridgerton Historical Inaccuracies that "Work" for the Plot — and One That Doesn’t, by Savannah Cordova
Book Launch: What is Better than a Good Woman?: Alice Chaucer, Commoner and Yorkist Matriarch, by Michèle Schindler
14 July 2024
Book Review: Everyday Life in Tudor London: Life in the City of Thomas Cromwell, William Shakespeare & Anne Boleyn, by Stephen Porter
13 July 2024
Blog Tour: Courage of the Conquered (Quest for New England Book 3) by Anna Chant
But as the months pass, doubts creep in. Emperor Michael proves to be a weak ruler, continually threatened with rebellion. Determined to keep the English army close to him, his promises of reward grow increasingly vague.
With the tension in Constantinople rising, Siward and his friends are caught up in the power struggle. While Bridwin maintains his loyalty to the Emperor and Siward continues to trust in the friendship of the cunning Alexios Komnenos, Frebern grows close to John Bryennios, a man whose ambitions may include the imperial throne itself. With the friends drawn in different directions, Siward fears they could find themselves fighting on opposing sides.
Desperate to escape, he renews his efforts to find the home the English have so long craved. But the beauty of Constantinople conceals dangers that go far beyond Siward’s fears as sordid secrets and ruthless betrayal stalk the lives of those he holds dear.
As the English prepare for battle yet again, will Siward’s quest for New England end in heart-breaking tragedy?
12 July 2024
Special Guest Interview with Neal Rabin, Author of FLAT: A voyage of accidental discovery
Neal Rabin is the co-founder of Miramar Systems, a Santa Barbara-based global software company, of which he was CEO for 15 years. Before that, Rabin graduated from UCLA; worked for Club Med as a tennis and surf instructor; stocked refrigerators; and served as a “fetch” for Time Life Films. Now, Neal is an instrument pilot who divides his time between mentoring tech start-ups, writing, surfing, volleyball, and tennis. He lives in Santa Barbara with his wife, two daughters, and a flock of chickens. Find out more from Neal's website https://nealrabin.com/
Blog Tour Review: Daughters of Tuscany, by Siobhan Daiko
11 July 2024
Historical Fiction Spotlight: The Sea Witch Voyages, by Helen Hollick
Jesamiah eventually captains his own ship, but at Cape Town, South Africa, he is to meet the girl who becomes the love of his life – Tiola Oldstagh, a midwife, healer... and a White Witch with the gift of Craft.
Accepting amnesty from Governor Woodes Rogers of Nassau, Jesamiah turns to a legal, married, life, except various governors, ex-lovers, bad-tempered pirates, lingering ghosts and other non-human entities seem to have different ideas.
Jesamiah Acorne: a swashbuckling amalgamation of Hornblower, Jack Aubrey and Jack Sparrow mixed with Indiana Jones, James Bond and Bernard Cornwell’s Richard Sharpe.
About the Author
Helen Hollick Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy, a fifth-century version of the Arthurian legend, was accepted for traditional publication in April 1993 by William Heinemann (Random House UK) a week after her 40th birthday. The Trilogy has been widely acclaimed since then – and gone through several different editions. Helen moved from Random House UK in 2006 and went ‘Indie’, now in 2023 to celebrate she has brought out her own fabulous new editions! (The Trilogy is published mainstream by Sourcebooks Inc in USA/Canada. The publisher was offered the new cover designs for free, but declined.) Helen became a USA Today Bestseller with her historical novel, The Forever Queen (titled A Hollow Crown in the UK) with the sequel, Harold the King (US: I Am The Chosen King) being novels that explore the events that led to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. She writes a nautical adventure/fantasy Pirates of the Caribbean series, The Sea Witch Voyages and has also branched out into the quick read novella, 'Cosy Mystery' genre with her Jan Christopher Murder Mysteries, set in the 1970s, with the first in the series, A Mirror Murder incorporating her, often hilarious, memories of working as a library assistant. Her non-fiction books are Pirates: Truth and Tales and Life of A Smuggler. She lives with her family in an eighteenth-century farmhouse in North Devon with a variety of pets and horses. Find out more from Helen's website https://helenhollick.net and find her on Facebook and Twitter @HelenHollick7 July 2024
Historical Fiction Spotlight Humility and Tolerance, by Noni Valentine
Her sister Kitty, with Elizabeth and Jane’s help and a heroic effort on Kitty’s part, has outgrown her silly youth and matured into a sensible young woman—who, being sensible, spends as much time away from her parents and visiting her sisters as possible.
Elizabeth sees a way to restore order to Pemberley and give herself a chance to to breathe: she offers Kitty a job as housekeeper of the estate, and Charlotte a job as governess of her adored children.
With these four women under one roof, chaos and the unexpected are inevitable. Both Kitty and Georgiana meet and begin falling in love with honorable, interesting men, neither of whom are gentlemen and therefore not considered eligible matches for them.
When Elizabeth and Darcy learn of their sisters’ budding romances, each has the same reaction: delight at their sister-in-law’s choice and outrage at that of their sister. Now throw a ball into the mix, with Elizabeth’s mother bringing up forbidden topics from the past and her father hiding from the noise, Jane and Bingley attempting to calm the waters, Elizabeth trying to set up all three of the younger women, and Charlotte’s Lord pursuing her all over the dance floor—and an explosion is sure to happen.
6 July 2024
Historical Fiction Spotlight: The Colour of Sin: A Sebastian Foxley Medieval Murder Mystery, by Toni Mount
Amidst the chaos, Seb finds himself grappling with the mysteries surrounding him, as well as his own demons, while Rose's reunion with her family sets off a chain of events with unforeseen consequences.
But the greatest threat lies in the shadows, where sinister forces unleash evil upon the unsuspecting pilgrims. In a world where trust is a scarce commodity and even allies may harbour dark intentions, Seb must uncover the truth and protect his fellow travellers.
Prepare to be enthralled by a tale of betrayal, intrigue and redemption as Seb Foxley races against time to unravel the malevolent secrets hidden within the heart of the pilgrimage. Who can you trust when even friends prove false?
Praise for Toni Mount's Sebastian Foxley Medieval Murder Mystery Series:
"An evocative masterclass in storytelling." - Tony Riches, author of The Tudor Trilogy
"It’s superb. What a plot. What characters" - Carol McGrath, author of the She-wolves trilogy
"Toni mount gives you a real sense of actually being there"
About the Author
Toni Mount is the author of several successful non-fiction books including How to Survive in Medieval England and the number one best-seller, Everyday Life in Medieval England. Her speciality is the lives of ordinary people in the Middle Ages and her enthusiastic understanding of the period allows her to create accurate, atmospheric settings and realistic characters for her medieval mysteries. Her main character, Sebastian Foxley is a humble but talented medieval artist and was created as a project as part of her university diploma in creative writing. Toni earned her history BA from The Open University and her Master’s Degree from the University of Kent by completing original research into a unique 15th century medical manuscript. Toni writes regularly for both The Richard III Society and The Tudor Society and is a major contributor to MedievalCourses.com. As well as writing, Toni teaches history to adults, and is a popular speaker to groups and societies. Find out more at Toni's website and find her on Facebook and Twitter @tonihistorian
Bestselling Author Alexandra Walsh Reviews New Book in the Elizabethan Series: Frances – Tudor Countess
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