Historical Fiction Spotlight: The Swan's Road: The Atheling Chronicles: #1 by Garth Pettersen

Available on Amazon UK, Amazon US

and Amazon CA

In the eleventh century, Cnute, the Viking king of Engla-lond and Scandinavia, sails with his son, Harald, and his shield brothers to Rome. Thrown off course by a storm, they follow the route up the Rhine.

When Harald hangs back to assist Selia, a beautiful Frisian woman, his path turns perilous. Newfound enemies, retainers of Robert the Devil, Duke of Normandy, pursue them. Harald, Selia, and their companions fail to rendezvous with King Cnute, and are forced to travel cross-country on horseback. If Duke Robert's plan to assassinate Cnute succeeds, an invasion of Engla-lond will follow.

Can Harald and Selia reach Rome in time to warn the King?

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About the Author

Garth Pettersen is a Canadian writer living in the Fraser Valley near Vancouver, BC. When he's not writing, he is riding horses or working with young disabled riders. Garth's short stories have appeared in a number of anthologies and in journals such as Blank Spaces, The Spadina Literary Review, and The Opening Line Literary 'Zine. His story River's Rising was awarded an Honourable Mention for the Short Story America 2017 Prize, and his fantasy novella River Born, was one of two runners-up for the Windsor Editions (UK) Short Fiction Prize. Garth Pettersen's historical fiction series, The Atheling Chronicles is published by Tirgearr Publishing. Find out more at Gareth's website http://www.garthpettersen.com/ and find him on Facebook and Twitter @garpet011

Book Launch - Missing, Past and Present, by Diana Jackson

New on Amazon UK and Amazon US

Following the mysterious disappearance of her husband, Dorothy Gibbons, affectionately known as Lady Pink Hat, trudged the lanes around Drumford, homeless and directionless. Alone, she rolled a dice, reflecting on her life, times both painful and pleasant. She stumbled upon The Grange, which changed the course of her life. In her isolation and surrounded by old books Dorothy began to write

An 18th Century aspirant nun, Millie, ran away from The Grange ...

Jamal Hussain, a Syrian refugee and asylum seeker, was fostered under the careful wing of Dorothy until leaving school and finding work. He and his brother settled in a nearby flat until the misguided Ahmed Hussain also disappeared.

With three missing people, who will discover the truth? Is it Millie who is still haunting The Grange until her story is told?

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About the Author

Diana Jackson is a retired teacher and her first, historical romantic fiction, Riduna, set in the Victorian era, was re-launched by Eventispress in 2012 - a writer’s indie collaborative publisher, through which all her other works have been published. After moving to Fife from Bedfordshire in 2014 Diana has had a break from her life as an author to settle into her new life within the Kinghorn Community. To find out about Diana Jackson’s other writing projects, you can visit her blog http://dianamj.wordpress.com/ and find her on Twitter @Riduna

Before Coronavirus: Katherine Willoughby and the dreaded sweating sickness

Soon after Henry Tudor claimed the throne as King of England, a virulent disease, known as English sweat, (in Latin sudor anglicus) broke out. No one knew of a cure. The number of cases rose each day and several thousand people died.

The sweating sickness seemed to go away until the 2^nd April, 1502, when the heir to the throne, Prince Arthur, died of an unexplained fever at Ludlow Castle. During the reign of Henry VIII, severe epidemics swept through London, killing hundreds, (including Thomas Cromwell’s wife), before spreading rapidly through the country.

The symptoms were a feeling of apprehension, cold shivers, headache, exhaustion and severe pains in the neck, shoulders and limbs. After as little as half an hour, profuse sweating broke out, followed by delirium, rapid pulse and intense thirst.

Katherine Willoughby was the daughter of Maria De Salinas, who’d arrived in England with Queen Katherine of Aragon as one of her ladies. She married Charles Brandon when she was fourteen, becoming Duchess of Suffolk, and they had two sons, Henry and Charles.

Henry and Charles Brandon, by Hans Holbein the Younger.

Five years after Charles Brandon’s death, Katherine’s sons, aged fourteen and sixteen, both found a place at university in Cambridge, and were doing exceptionally well, having been tutored by Prince Edward’s tutors. Then the sweating sickness came to Cambridge.

Katherine decided to ‘self-isolate’ them at the home of the Bishop of Lincoln in Buckden, Huntingdonshire, until the danger had passed. On the 14th July 1551, both of Katherine's sons showed symptoms of the fever. Katherine, who had been ill at her home in Kingston, arrived at Buckden just in time to see her youngest son, Charles, before he died within an hour of young Henry.

Read the full story in my new book Katherine - Tudor Duchess

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Book Launch ~ Fate at the Wisteria Estate (The Pink Shell Shores Series Book 1) by Kaya Quinsey Holt

New on Amazon UK, Amazon US

and Amazon CA

Aribella "Bell" Lacroix moves to Pink Shell Shores as the new wedding and venue coordinator for the Wisteria Estate. With a high profile Valentine's Day wedding around the corner, Bell has a lot on her plate. When it comes to love, at work Bell plays a connoisseur. But, her personal life proves that it couldn't be further from the truth.

When Colt Gamay and Maggie Blazer come to the Wisteria Estate to start planning their Valentine's Day wedding, Bell is overwhelmed by Maggie's plans for the perfect wedding.

As Bell gets to know the soon-to-be-newlyweds, she learns that there's more to the 'perfect couple' than meets the eye. It becomes clear that Maggie has her eye on one man... and it isn't Colt. Bell surprises herself when she brakes the number one rule in wedding planning: do not fall for the groom.

With wedding plans in full swing and Pink Shell Shores draped in a romantic, snowy backdrop, will Bell be able to help Colt and Maggie pull off the perfect wedding? Or, will Bell find herself an unexpected romance just in time for Valentine's Day?

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About the Author

Kaya Quinsey Holt is the author of four romantic comedies. She holds her undergraduate and master’s degree in psychology. Her first novel, Paris Mends Broken Hearts, was released in April 2018. Since then, her books have sold in seven countries. They have been translated into multiple languages and been formatted into audiobooks. Kaya’s passion for culture, travel, and psychology intertwine for books that are romantic and full of surprises. When she's not typing away, Kaya loves chatting with friends over a glass of wine, playing with her fluffy Pomeranian Shih Tzu puppy, spending time with her family, attempting to learn new languages, and indulging in one too many cups of coffee. Always planning her next trip and adventure, Kaya's favorite places are near the beach. She lives in Toronto with her husband. Find out more at Kaya’s website: www.kayaquinsey.com. You can contact Kaya on her Instagram page @kayaquinseyholt and on Twitter @kayaquinseyholt.

Book Launch Spotlight ~ The King's Justice: A Maggie Hope Mystery, by Susan Elia MacNeal

New on Amazon UK and Amazon US

Can a stolen violin lead secret agent and spy Maggie Hope to a new serial killer terrorizing London? Find out as the acclaimed World War II mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Susan Elia MacNeal continues.

Maggie Hope started out as Winston Churchill’s secretary, but now she’s a secret agent—and the only one who can figure out how the missing violin ties into a series of horrifying murders.

London, December 1943. As the Russian army repels German forces from Stalingrad, Maggie Hope takes a much-needed break from spying to defuse bombs in London. But Maggie herself is an explosion waiting to happen. Traumatized by her past, she finds herself living dangerously—taking huge risks, smoking, drinking, and speeding through the city streets on a motorbike. The last thing she wants is to get entangled in another crime.

But when she’s called upon to look into the theft of a Stradivarius, one of the finest violins ever made, Maggie can’t resist. Meanwhile, there’s a serial killer on the loose in London, targeting conscientious objectors. Little does Maggie know that investigating this dangerous predator will pit her against a new evil—and old enemies. Only Maggie can uncover the connection between the robbery, the murders, and a link to her own past.

"Vivid descriptions of devastated London and distinctive, emotionally flawed characters enhance a plot that builds to a wicked twist. This enjoyable effort will inspire those new to MacNeal to seek out earlier entries.""--Publishers Weekly

 "I have read and loved every single one of the Maggie Hope mysteries. In her ninth, The King's Justice, Susan Elia MacNeal raises the bar. Maggie faces old enemies, new killers, and her personal demons--not to mention unexploded ordinance--with an extra helping of her own special brand of derring-do. Longtime readers will be richly rewarded and first-timers will be made instant fans by this taut, breathtaking, and authentic read."--Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris

"In The King's Justice, Maggie Hope, a veteran of missions for the Special Operations Executive, is suffering from what we now call PTSD and doing it none too quietly. The mystery is riveting, but Maggie's emotional journey is at the heart of this superb novel as she struggles to come to grips with the impact of the violence she has endured, as did so many. I devoured this story."--James R. Benn, author of When Hell Struck Twelve and other Billy Boyle WWII mysteries 

"Susan Elia MacNeal spins another rousing tale featuring gutsy Maggie Hope. Once again, MacNeal deftly weaves a fast-paced mystery with enticing historical detail, but this time gives us a fully realized exploration of a psychologically wounded but still determined survivor of the darkness of war. . . . A multilayered thriller that will keep you up all night reading!"--Melanie Benjamin, New York Times bestselling author of The Aviator's Wife and The Swans of Fifth Avenue 

"The King's Justice is gripping. It is reality, gritty and frightening. I feel the cold, the fear, and the courage. The very air of it exists on the edges of my own memory."--Anne Perry, bestselling author of Death in Focus

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About the Author

Susan Elia MacNeal is the New York Times bestselling author of the Maggie Hope mysteries. MacNeal won the Barry Award and has been nominated for the Edgar, Macavity, Agatha, Left Coast Crime, Dilys, and ITW Thriller awards. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband and son. find out more at Susan's website susaneliamacneal.com  and find her on Facebook and Twitter @SusanMacNeal

Special Guest Post by Camilla Downs, Author of Words of Alchemy

Available on Amazon UK and Amazon US

When life became heavy with struggling, I became more committed to a loosely held walking practice. Walking, being in nature, became a mediation of sorts, guiding me in processing life events.

During these walks, I increasingly became moved to photograph nature. Listening to the intuitive nudges of when to stop walking, which direction to look, whether to kneel on the ground, and at which angle to take a photo became a colorful ingredient to the practice of walking.

What happened next surprised and delighted me in ways I find difficult to describe. Following a walk, I would scroll through the nature photographs, choosing one to post on social media. As I began to type a comment to accompany the photo, poetic words spilled from my heart and mind, through my fingers, landing on the screen.

This began to happen more and more with the poems becoming more and more meaningful. Eventually the poems began to flow simply from events I was in the midst of experiencing. During morning journal writing, I would write about what was happening in my life. Magically, a poem would flow forth.

It was 2018 when I began to feel that it was time for my next book. I thought I would be writing another memoir. Yet, the pull to gather and publish the poems written between 2012 and 2019 was powerfully insistent. I listened, went with it, and Words of Alchemy was published in December 2019. The cover photo is a photo I took on one of my 2018 walks.

The poetry of nature, the poetry of healing, the poetry of appreciation, the poetry of love … in one beautiful book.

Camilla Downs


Praise for Words of Alchemy:

“Words of Alchemy, a heartfelt new collection by Camilla Downs, lives up to its namesake in numerous ways. Downs spans the broad range of nature, healing, love, and parenting, while making sure we have a little fun along the way. And the bridge she creates from the mindfulness of how we see the world at large to the poetry of everyday life is certainly worth a stroll or two across its borders.” – Thomas Lloyd Qualls, Award-winning author of Painted Oxen 

“This poetry collection offers contemplative words, soothing thoughts and peace to the reader.” – Sue Bentley, Bestselling author of Second Skin 

“Camilla Downs shares truth, vulnerability and wisdom in her Words of Alchemy collection, inviting readers to be inspired, contemplate and dive into her world of self-awareness and growth.” – G. Brian Benson – Award-winning author, actor and spoken word artist 

“These poems take you on a calm and loving walk through the verses of the author’s thoughts. Alchemy is a perfect word for the title as Camilla Downs understands nature; connecting with its magical, medicinal qualities and beauty which she conveys throughout her poetry.” – Ailsa Craig, Author of The Sand Between My Toes 

“Words of Alchemy is a chronicle of hope. These poems are an encouragement, especially when we are feeling at our lowest, to keep seeking the light that is our way forward, and focus on the real. This collection is a walk through the positive nature of life. Camilla Downs is to be commended.” – Frank Prem, Author of free-verse memoir Small Town Kid

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About the Author

Camilla Downs is a bestselling author, indie publisher, mentor, and mom. Nature and life experiences are a constant source of inspiration for her writing. She enjoys living a minimalist lifestyle, practicing meditation and mindfulness, reading, going for walks, and capturing nature’s essence with photographs. Camilla is the founder of  MeetingtheAuthors.com and lives in Northern Nevada, USA with her two kids. Find our more at Camilla's website camilladowns.com and find her on Facebook and Twitter @CamillaDowns

The Novel Editing Workbook: 105 Tricks & Tips for Revising Your Fiction Manuscript, by Kris Spisak #AuthorToolboxBlogHop

New on Amazon UK and Amazon US

You are more connected to your manuscript than anyone else could be. It is a part of you. You are part of it. This is the brilliance of creativity, but at can also be a major hindrance in the editing process.

I'm not advocating this new workbook as an alternative to professional editing, or suggesting that these are ideas you won't have come across before.

Instead, I'd like to recommend Kris Spisak's tips as a series of useful reminders to help you make sure your manuscript is as good as it can be, so your editor has the best possible start.

There are plenty of suggestions of words to search for - and what to do when you find them, as well as prompts to help you improve your first page and tidy up dialogue.

Although I'm close to completing my tenth novel, I'm planning to use this workbook as my 'checklist', and hopefully feel I've done everything I can before sending my manuscript to my editor. 

Tony Riches 

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About the Author

Kris Spisak is a former college writing instructor, having taught at institutions including the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University, Kris is now an active ghostwriter, speaker, and freelance editor. She is a member of James River Writers, the Alliance of Independent Authors, and the Women's Fiction Writers Association, Visit Kris-Spisak.com to learn more and find her on Facebook and Twitter @KrisSpisak

Do you have suggestions for useful books for writers you would like to share? Please feel free to comment below

The #AuthorToolboxBlogHop is a monthly event on the topic of resources and learning for authors. Feel free to hop around to the various blogs and see what you learn! The rules and sign-up form are below the list of hop participants. All authors at all stages of their careers are welcome to join in.