Wednesday, 17 July 2024

Have a sneak-peek between the covers of Under A Cloud by Luv Lubker

 




Under A Cloud
By Luv Lubker
Audiobook will be narrated by Ella McNish, Jamie Collette and a full cast.


Publication Date: 30th April 2024
Publisher: Historium Press
Pages: 318 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

Vicky's father, Albert, the Prince Consort, has just died, leaving her and her family under a heavy cloud of grief, without their dearest friend and advisor, at a most critical time: The political horizon grows dark with storm clouds at the entry of Bismarck to Germany's political stage in 1862.

Will Fritz's courage stand the test as he confronts the spider in its web? Is Prussia really fighting for the rights of the Schleswig people, or is so much blood being shed for the sake of Prussia's aggrandizement?

Join Vicky and Fritz on their journeys under the blue cloudless skies of the Mediterranean to the peaceful heather-clad hills of the Highlands of Scotland; to the burning heat of the North African desert to the raging blizzards of a winter war in Denmark.

When Vicky's closest friend disappears, will she be able to keep the secret? Will old enemies prove to be friends, and old friends prove to be enemies?

Excerpt

Karl stared at Bismarck for a moment, and then nodded. “Settle it with him. Let him know what he must do to be kept in touch with the affairs of the Crown, as he wishes.” He turned to his brother. “Farewell, your Majesty.” He spat the words out. “I must get back to Berlin. One can’t stay away too long from the capital when one has charge of the country. One never knows what might happen.” He left the room, laughing to himself.

Karl stepped into his carriage, and the door was shut. He vaguely heard the coachman speak to the horses, but he was far away in thought.

If Fritzch was freed, and the marriage had been put an end to in Prussia, what would he do? Would he stay at his post like a true Hohenzollern soldier? Would he attempt to keep the image he obviously treasured so highly as the Liberal Crown Prince, the people’s darling?

If he would, he might actually be worth something. If he could stand his ground in this matter, he could be convinced to do so about other things, especially without her there to meddle. He would be heartbroken, of course, to be separated from his precious “Frauchen”. At least he would be at first. But what is heartbreak? Karl thought. The end of love and happiness, that was what heartbreak was. However, love, when it came to an end, turned to hatred very quickly. He knew that all too well.

But all of these musings were probably useless. None of this would happen, Karl suspected. Fritzch was far too weak a character to stand on his own two feet. He had already written that he would, if he was pressed to join the Kreutzzeitungpartei, resign his military and government positions, and retire to the country. He would crawl back to England and tie himself again to his wife’s apron-strings.

Of course, that meant Germany would be free of their meddling, but did it really? He shook his head. He couldn’t leave them together to plot behind his back from the safety of England, as her father had done for so many years.

Viktoria. It was such a good German name; it was a shame that it should have been turned into an English name by popular association.

Viktoria. He remembered the first sight he had caught of her, running up the stairs outside the Schloss, her manner and voice so free and childlike. He had been curious to see what she was like, this Lieblingstochter of Louise’s son. So this was the “stupid, useless girl”, as he had called her when he first heard of her birth. She was not stupid – she was clever, and she was attractive – far too clever and attractive for her own good – and Fritzch was clearly under her spell. She thought herself intelligent – well, so had her mother-in-law, and what good had that done her? Intelligent women never learned their lessons. Helmkin himself had admitted that.

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Luv Lubker


Luv Lubker has lived in the Victorian era half her life, making friends with the Brontë sisters and the extended family of Queen Victoria. Now she knows them quite as well as her own family.

Born in a cattle trough in the Appalachian mountains, Luv lives in Texas – when she comes to the modern world.

When she isn't living in the Victorian era, she enjoys being with her family; making and eating delicious raw food, riding her bike (which she only learned to ride at 25, though she has ridden a unicycle since she was 7), and watching animals – the passion of her childhood.

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Wednesday, 10 July 2024

Check out Helen Hollick's fabulous series - The Sea Witch Voyages



The Sea Witch Voyages (Series)
By Helen Hollick


Publisher: Penmore Press & Taw River Press
Genre: Nautical Adventure with a touch of Supernatural Fantasy
Note: Contains adult language and behaviour.

Trouble follows Captain Jesamiah Acorne like a ship’s wake...

The early 1700s: from the sun of the Caribbean to the eerie mists of England’s Exmoor in Devon, the Sea Witch Voyages follow the adventures (misadventures?) of Captain Jesamiah Acorne. Orphaned at almost fifteen Jesamiah escaped his home in Virginia and the bullying of his half-brother to join with his father’s old friend, Captain Malachias Taylor – a kindly man, but also a rogue of a pirate.

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.

Voyage with Jesamiah aboard Sea Witch and sail into the ocean realm of fast-paced, exciting nautical adventures...


Universal Buy Links:

Sea Witch - Voyage: https://viewbook.at/SeaWitch
Pirate Code – Voyage 2: https://viewbook.at/PirateCode
Bring It Close – Voyage 3: https://viewbook.at/BringItClose
Ripples In The Sand – Voyage 4: http://viewbook.at/RipplesInTheSand
On The Account – Voyage 5: https://viewbook.at/OnTheAccount
Gallows Wake – Voyage 6: https://mybook.to/GallowsWake
When The Mermaid Sings – a prequel novella: https://viewbook.at/WhenMermaidSings

Helen Hollick


First accepted for traditional publication in 1993, 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. Her Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy is a fifth-century version of the Arthurian legend, and she writes a nautical adventure/supernatural series, The Sea Witch Voyages. She has also branched out into the quick read novella, 'Cosy Mystery' genre with her Jan Christopher 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. The fifth in the series, A Memory Of Murder, was published in May 2024.

Her non-fiction books are Pirates: Truth and Tales and Life of A Smuggler. She is currently writing about the ghosts of North Devon for Amberley Publications, and Jamaica Gold for her Sea Witch Voyages.

Recognised by her stylish hats, Helen attends conferences and book-related events when she can as a chance to meet her readers and social-media followers, although her ‘wonky eyesight’ as she describes her condition of Glaucoma, and severe arthritis is becoming a little prohibitive for travel.

She lives with her family in an eighteenth-century farmhouse in North Devon with their dogs and cats, while on the farm there are showjumper horses, fat Exmoor ponies, an elderly Welsh pony, geese, ducks and hens. And several resident ghosts.

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Monday, 1 July 2024

Have a sneak-peek between the covers of The Agincourt King by Mercedes Rochelle



 The Agincourt King
By Mercedes Rochelle


Publication Date: 8th April 2024
Publisher: Sergeant Press
Pages: 260 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

From the day he was crowned, Henry V was determined to prove the legitimacy of his house. His father's usurpation weighed heavily on his mind. Only a grand gesture would capture the respect of his own countrymen and the rest of Europe. He would follow in his great-grandfather Edward III's footsteps, and recover lost territory in France.

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.

   Excerpt

THE FRENCH ARCHBISHOP ATTEMPTS TO NEGOTIATE WITH KING HENRY as told by Humphrey Duke of Gloucester

"Peace be to thee and thy house," the archbishop repeated, bowing. What a tiresome man! "All men ought to yearn for peace." 

Henry nodded, pretending to go along with his sentiments. Then he glanced sideways at Beaufort, who cleared his throat.

"My lord king is glad that his cousin desires peace. However, his incessant delays have caused much harm. My king urges your master to act with greater promptness in the future."

Boisratier couldn't hide his discomfiture. He blinked rapidly then quickly wiped his forehead. "I appeal to the judgment of all Christendom that King Charles has done everything in his power to preserve peace," he objected, trying to moderate his voice. "He has offered to give up cities and domains of priceless worth in Aquitaine, as well as 800,000 gold franks as a dower for his daughter Katherine, which is more than ever offered before." He held his hands apart as though to indicate bounty. "He hopes in return that you, Sire, should disband the army you are gathering at Southampton with hostile intention—"

"Your king already knows that his pitiful concessions are unacceptable," Henry interrupted in a harsh voice. "Why waste our time?"

"Waste your time?" The archbishop controlled his temper with great effort. "Do you not understand, My Lord, what wonderful advantages would accrue to England with this marriage?"

"I understand all too well the beauty and value of Princess Katherine," Henry retorted, "else I would not be discussing this matter with you now."

This back-and-forth negotiating went on for a couple of days; it's all too tedious to recount. When the final day came and everyone was ready to get down to serious business, Bishop Beaufort asked for a specific date when Princess Katherine would be brought over to England. We wanted her to come by 30 November, and the archbishop demurred, stating that they didn't have enough time. More deliberation ensued, with Boisratier claiming he wasn't authorized to make firm commitments. 

Finally, Henry lost his patience. "Say what you will. None of this alters the fact that the time has come for me to recover my inheritance and the rights that belong to the crown."  

The archbishop's face grew red and his hands tightened around his crosier. He had been nursing his indignation for much too long. "You don't even have the right to the crown of England!" he burst out. "We should really be treating with the true heirs of Richard… not some pretender."

We all held our breath. Henry stepped forward, pointing with a trembling hand. "How dare you speak to me like that? This interview is over. Begone, I tell you, before I throw you out!" My brother's anger was unfeigned, and he turned and stormed out of the room, his imprecations carrying through the door as it slammed behind him.

Boisratier pursed his lips. I would assume he regretted his hasty words. He was about to apologize when Bishop Beaufort stepped before the draped throne, opening a scroll he had held in readiness. "It is clear to us," he declared, reading, "that your king does not really desire peace. As a result, King Henry must resort to other means. If the French king does not give up all Aquitaine, Normandy, Anjou, Touraine, Poitou, Maine, and Ponthieu, King Henry will go on with his fixed resolve and recover all—and the crown of France—at the point of his sword." 

Needless to say, this speech was already prepared. Boisratier opened his mouth to respond, but Beaufort rode over his objection.

"As God is our witness," the bishop said, his voice even louder, "this course of action was forced upon us by the constant delays and denial of justice imposed upon our just demands."

Boisratier stomped his foot. "Do you suppose that our concessions were made because our lord King Charles is afraid? Absolutely not! Come on, if you desire. We will be ready for you! And your King Henry will either be killed or captured. Of this, I do swear!" Gathering what tattered dignity he had left, the archbishop strode through the midst of his own attendants, who hurriedly turned and followed him out of the room. 

And so the last formal negotiations came to an abrupt end, and King Henry no longer needed to deny that he was preparing for a formal invasion. In a way, it was a great relief.   

As soon as we could, Beaufort and I went in search of my brother. We found him at a window, watching the French negotiators mount their horses, while the archbishop was trundled into a litter. Beaufort made enough noise to be heard, but Henry did not turn around. It was a delicate moment, and I suddenly felt like an intruder. The concept of usurper rarely came to the forefront, and it would be difficult to soften the blow. 

I wasn't used to seeing my brother show any sign of weakness or uncertainty and I hung back, letting my uncle take charge of the situation. He obviously knew Henry better than I did. He edged up and stood beside the king, waiting for him to speak. 

Sighing heavily, Henry shook his head. "He's right, you know," he said finally. "I will never rise above the shame of my father's deeds. I regretted it then, and I regret it still."

I knew how he felt, though we had never discussed it. When Henry gave King Richard the burial he deserved—after the coronation—with all the panoply and ceremony, I assumed it was his way of making amends. If that was at all possible. He had loved Richard, and the usurpation was none of his doing. None of any of our doing, but we all benefitted. 

Beaufort shifted uncomfortably. "There's another way to think about it. I say that your father, God rest his soul, took the stigma with him to the grave. Look at how effortlessly you succeeded him. In the end, he left you a stable throne. If there was any question about it, we would have had another civil war." 

I walked up to Henry's other side while he was still talking. "You need not take on his guilt," our uncle continued, not paying any attention to me. "You have all the qualities of a great king. Rule well and you will make a name for yourself."

"Hmm. In other words, give my country a great victory, like Edward III."

"It can't hurt," I said under my breath. Just discovering my presence, Henry put an arm around my shoulder and gave a little squeeze. Despite myself, I grinned.

Beaufort looked hard at me; he didn't appreciate being interrupted. But I didn't care. I could see Henry's gloom lifting. 

"Well, I'm not one to advocate violence," the bishop said carefully, "but that's what people want. A warrior king. Triumph over your enemies and they will love you for it."

Henry turned away from the window. "Of course. Once we prove that God is on our side, no one will dare question my authority again. You're right, dear uncle. I shall prove that I am worthy with deeds rather than words." 

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This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.


Mercedes Rochelle


Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channeled this interest into fiction writing. Her first four books cover eleventh-century Britain and events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. The next series is called “The Plantagenet Legacy” and begins with the reign of Richard II. 

She also writes a blog: www.HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story. Born in St. Louis, MO, she received by BA in Literature at the Univ. of Missouri St.Louis in 1979 then moved to New York in 1982 while in her mid-20s to "see the world". The search hasn't ended!

Today she lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.

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Sunday, 30 June 2024

Have a sneak-peek between the covers of The Curse of Maiden Scars by Nicolette Croft

 



The Curse of Maiden Scars
By Nicolette Croft
Coming in August 2024: Audiobook narrated by Liz May Brice




Publication Date: June 4, 2024
Publisher: Historium Press
Pages: 286
Genre: Historical Fiction / Women’s Fiction

Sixteen-year-old Renna Covert toils away in the shadows of a Yorkshire workhouse, her days filled with the mundane task of shelling cotton and the dangerous duty of scouting for punters. One fateful night, she crosses paths with two sailors and finds herself thrust into the heart of a chilling encounter at the local asylum.

These harrowing experiences catalyze Renna’s journey, promising newfound opportunities and revealing long-buried family secrets. Yet, at every turn, powerful forces conspire to thwart her quest for truth, forcing her to abandon her scullery work and embark on a daring escape to Venice alongside her steadfast companions.
 
In the labyrinthine alleys of Venice, Renna’s fate takes yet another twist. She is ensnared by a cunning Madam who trains her as a Venetian courtesan. But beneath the veneer of luxury lies a world fraught with danger, where Renna must rely on her withs and resilience to navigate the treacherous waters of deceit and betrayal.

Set against the backdrop of Venice’s tumultuous Napoleonic invasion of 1797, this is a tale of a girl's struggle for survival. It is a story of resilience, defiance in the face of adversity, and, ultimately, one young woman’s determination to reclaim her identity.

Excerpt

Finding a niche in the lakeshore, I sat down on a dry boulder and signaled for Max to join me. A shallow stream babbled into the lake, singing a tune for our respite. I playfully removed my socks and shoes and plunged my toes into the water, letting out a squeal of shock at the chill.

A smile scratched the corner of Max’s lips.

“Something funny?” I flicked water at him with my foot, splashing him more than I intended.

At first, frozen in a wide-mouthed expression, he quickly transformed into rueful friskiness. “You’ll get yours.” He kicked his shoes onto the riverbank and strode into the lake, socks and all. Tugging off his shirt and plunging it deep into the water, he flung it at me, smacking me in the face. It stuck to my hair like al dente pasta glued against the kitchen tile wall.

Wrenching his shirt from my head, I was warmed by his laughter. Waist deep in the water, head turned high with hilarity, his coloring faintly improved. He morphed back into my little brother.  Clutching my chest with mirth, I fought to maintain my balance on the rock and landed bum-first in the lake, right next to him, water cascading over him. When I sputtered to the surface, the newly baptized Max was hooting and pointing at me in amusement.

“You are a mess,” he playfully scolded.

My cap hung low over my brow. Branches and damp leaves clung to my tangles. Although thankful for the momentary joy, the frigid water chilled me, and I sought the sunshine warming the dry riverbank. Trudging my way out and marking the sand with deep footprints, I collected my shoes and huddled on the shore.

“Where are you going?” he shouted.

I removed the outer layer of my dressing and was clad in my shift. I stretched the dress over a warm boulder, hoping it would dry faster from the heat beneath and the sun above.  Nestling into the earth, I began the daunting task of combing my hair through with my fingers. Max scooted alongside me and stripped off his outer jacket and trousers, leaving him in thin shirt and knee-length pantaloons.

I glanced at him, and he at me. His familiar smile made me feel we might look every bit our age and, for a flash, had roused the children we once were.

Max knelt behind me and began working on the tangles, starting at the top where I could not reach. I echoed the efforts at the end. Eventually, we would meet in the middle. I rubbed stretches of slick green slime from my hair. I stifled a gag as I thought of its sickening texture.

Max lingered at the collar of my shift, drawing it low to the middle of my back. I stiffened, knowing what he studied. He tenderly traced the length of the scars. “It’s very purple at the top,” he said, fingering a bump near the meat between my neck and shoulder. “This must have been the hottest part.” He touched lower, tickling me slightly as he progressed toward my spine. “It gets lighter as it goes down. If I didn’t know it was a burn, I would imagine the claw of a lion tore you diagonally from shoulder to waist.”

I enjoyed his image. Surviving a lion attack made me a warrior.

His warm cheek brushed over my shoulder. Tenderly, he breathed down the length of my back to the end of the scar. He pressed his chin against me and bruised me as he neared my neck again. He collapsed onto me in an awkward embrace, his mouth closed in on my skin, much like I imagined a tired child would resign itself to a mother. I scooted away, although I felt the instinct to hold him.

He protectively tucked his left arm in his lap. He appeared to be a fully intact, non-maimed boy from most angles, including my current vantage. We locked eyes, his functioning hand still resting on my shoulder. He slowly revealed the stump of the other arm. I had forgotten how shocking his raw appearance was—a petite boy with a blunted left arm stunted below the elbow joint.


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Nicolette Croft


Nicolette Croft can’t remember a time when she was not creating imaginary worlds inspired by her Hungarian and American ancestors. As a neuro-divergent learner, however, putting those stories to paper proved more challenging than imagining them. Because her determination would not allow her to settle, she pursued an English B.A. to improve her writing.

Young motherhood also brought unexpected challenges, which motivated her to pursue graduate work in twice-exceptional learners and education. She would later add an M.A. degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, specializing in neurodivergent people, trauma, and grief. Nicolette uses her natural gift of storytelling as an exploratory method for her clients.

The Curse of Maiden Scars is also an outgrowth of her personal journey and marks her first publication as a novelist, having previously published short fiction. When not at her counseling practice or researching historical facts for her latest story, Nicolette shares treasured time with family, friends, and her husband. Whether writing, cooking, traveling, or learning, the act of creation is always at the center of her colorful life.

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Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Check out Trouble in Assisi by Heidi Eljarbo

 



Trouble in Assisi 
By Heidi Eljarbo


Publication Date: 28th May 2024
Publisher: Independently Published
Pages: 225 Pages
Genre: Historical Mystery / Dual Timeline Mystery

Assisi, 1973.

On art historian Fabiola Bennett’s first day in Assisi, a local gentleman takes her aside to ask for advice about a painting that has wondrously appeared in the basilica’s bell tower. So much for enjoying relaxing days filled with dining on pasta and gelato.

Soon, Fabiola and her besties, Pippa and Cary, are thrown into a shrouded mystery and caught up in a whirlwind of intrigue, theft, lies, and attempted murder, all of which overshadows the postcard-like charm of the small, historic town.

Rome, 1511.

Life is going well for Teodoro Nicoletti. Since he was a young man in Florence, he has worked and learned alongside the most-favored artist Raphael.

When Pope Julius II commissions Raphael to paint several frescos in the reception rooms of the Vatican Palace, Teodoro follows his master to Rome and discovers firsthand the admiration and rivalry between Raphael and two other reigning artists: Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

But the prickliest thorn in Teodoro’s side is his beloved Elisabetta’s father. The old man is determined to keep his youngest daughter from becoming Teodoro’s wife.

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This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Heidi Eljarbo


Heidi Eljarbo grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history.

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

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Learing to Breathe Again: A Novel (The Work of Becoming Trilogy – Book #1) by Tonya Cam

  Learing to Breathe Again: A Novel  (The Work of Becoming Trilogy – Book #1) By Tonya Cam Publication Date: May 5th, 2026 Publisher: Hammoc...