Pam Lecky's Blog, page 22

Historical Fiction Cover Competition December 2019

What draws you to a historical fiction book cover? 

Welcome to my monthly historical fiction cover competition. I hope you find some new books and authors for your ‘must read’ list. If a cover interests you, just click on the link to learn more about the book.

My December winner is:
December Girl by Nicola Cassidy

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A great cover from Nicola and so evocative of the era. I love the subtle Celtic imagery in the background. As I have read this novel, I am also very happy to recommend it. Congrats Nicola!

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Molly Thomas is a feisty, independent soul, born on the Winter Solstice in the beautiful Boyne Valley, Ireland. At every stage of her life, she has faced troubles. As a young woman, her family are evicted from their home at Christmas. Molly swears vengeance on the jealous neighbour and land agent responsible, Flann Montgomery. Then in 1896, her baby son is taken from his pram. While Molly searches the streets for little Oliver, the police are called but her baby is gone. Why does trouble seem to follow Molly? And will she ever find out what happened to her child?

To find out more, please click here

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As always, it was difficult to choose. Here are some other wonderful covers to tempt you!

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Allies After All is a standalone novella in The Yankee Years series, featuring Robbie Hetherington, a Local Defence Volunteer who also plays an important role in Acts of Sabotage, Book 2 in The Yankee Years series.

After the Allied troops arrived in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland during the Second World War, life in the quiet, rural county would never be the same again.

Although their nations are allies, from their first meeting American civilian contractor Art Miller and Local Defence Volunteer Robbie Hetherington loathe each other. But Northern Ireland is too small a place for such animosity, especially during the Second World War when the province abounds with religious and political tensions and conflicts that pose a threat to the war effort. What will it take to make the two men put aside their enmity and work together?

To find out more, please click here

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Nearly twenty-five years ago John Winge let Emma slip through his fingers. Emma is now a widow, her two sons all grown up. Now a viscount, Lord John Albany needs to know if he used his handicapped sister as an excuse to never marry or because he couldn’t imagine a life with anyone other than Emma.

Lady Emma Upton’s loveless first marriage was merely a way to secure the children she desperately wanted. Now a widow, she can’t imagine a reason she would need a husband, let alone one in the form of Lord Albany, a notorious fortune-hunter.

The more times the kindly Albany and gruff Emma are thrown together by a match-making daughter-in-law, the more the two come to realize a love that is meant to be is timeless.

To find out more, please click here

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After a peaceful year running their Frisian estate, Harald and Selia are called to Engla-lond.

Their return is marked by violence and intrigue. The king has vowed to Queen Emma that their son, Harthacnute, will inherit the throne, but the atheling is cruel and reckless. Many view Harald as the better choice, which makes him a target for the unseen supporters of his half-brother. King Cnute urges Harald to be prepared to assume the throne should Harthacnute prove inadequate. Harald resists being swept up by forces beyond his control, but doubts he will survive the reign of King Hartha.

And what of his older brother, Sweyn?

To find out more, please click here

And the not so small print: the judge’s decision is final (that would be me!) and is highly subjective.

Please note this is a cover competition only and does not constitute a review of any of the books featured. It’s up to you to explore. Happy Reading!

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Don’t forget, if you read a book and love it, post a review and make an author happy.

Announcing the New Release from Lesley Field – Dangerous Desire

A Little About Lesley:

Lesley Field is an award nominated author of romantic novels who lives in North Yorkshire, often described as “God’s own county.” Before retiring she spent her working life pursuing personal injury claims. Now at a time when she should be thinking of early nights and cocoa, she finds herself writing somewhat “hot” novels. Her first published novel Dangerous Entrapment was her first historical novel. She also writes contemporary novels which are usually based in Canada, which she calls her “heart home.”

Dangerous Desire is the third book in her Duchess in Danger series. All books are stand alone and there in no connection between them apart from the series title. There is one more book in the series, Dangerous Encounter, which should be released in 2020.

[image error]Dangerous Desire is the story of Hannah and Nicholas, Duke of Trenton. They first meet one night when she is lost on the moors, although he is struck by her beauty she is too young for any wayward thoughts. But he never forgets her and when she flees from his home he has a feeling of loss. Some two years later he comes across his late night visitor and vows not to lose her a second time. One thing, or one person could stand in his way, his current mistress, Lady Catherine Stanton. Catherine is not one to lose anything to another and will do whatever it takes to keep what she considers to be hers, and hers alone.

And that begs one question? Will marriage bring the happiness he desires, or will the scheming of his mistress tear the couple apart. And can Hannah forgive Nicholas for bringing back into her life the governess who had mistreated her so badly in her youth?

Follow their story in Dangerous Desire to be released on 12th November 2019 – Pre-Order now Available!

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon.com

Book one: Dangerous Entrapment, shortlisted for Historical Novel of the Year 2016 by the Romantic Novelists Association.

Book two: Dangerous Deception

 

Historical Fiction Cover Competition November 2019

What draws you to a historical fiction book cover? 

Welcome to my monthly historical fiction cover competition. I hope you find some new books and authors for your ‘must read’ list. If a cover interests you, just click on the link to learn more about the book.

My November winner is:
The Family Secret by Terry Lynn Thomas

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Another great cover from Terry Lynn Thomas –  no doubting this is a murder mystery and the setting is WW2 England. Congrats Terry!

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After a sudden unexplained disappearance, Thomas Charles comes back into Cat Carlisle’s life with the suggestion she leave London – and the threat of bombs – to move back to her childhood village in Cumberland.

Back in her hometown Cat discovers her childhood friend, Beth Hargreaves, is suspected of murder. As Cat tries to prove Beth’s innocence, she discovers a scheme of deception that affects the whole village. Can she uncover the family truths behind the murder and expose the enemy hiding in plain sight?

To find out more, please click here

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As always, it was difficult to choose. Here are some other wonderful covers to tempt you!

 

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“Springtime and early summer are always beautiful in Anatolia. Hardy winter crocuses, blooming in their thousands, are followed by blue muscari which adorn the meadows like glorious sapphires on a silk carpet.”

Aspasia and Saniye are friends from childhood. They share their secrets and joy, helping each other in times of trouble.

When WWII breaks, the news travels to the village, but the locals have no idea how it will affect their lives.

When the war ends the Greeks come to the village, causing havoc, burning houses and shooting Turks. The residents regard each other with suspicion. Their world has turned upside down, but some of the old friendships survive, despite the odds.

But the Greeks are finally defeated, and the situation changes once more, forcing the Greeks to leave the country. Yet, the friendship between the villagers still continues.

Many years later, in Athens, Christophorus tells his grandson, and his daughter, Elpida, the missing parts of the story, and what he had to leave behind in Asia Minor.

A story of love, friendship, and loss; a tragedy that affects the lives of many on both sides of the Aegean, and their struggle to survive under new circumstances, as casualties of a war beyond their control.

To find out more, please click here

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A marriage of convenience is not always convenient.

The woman needs saving, so he’ll save her. A marriage of convenience should suit them both. But don’t expect him to trust her or love her in spite of those knee-trembling smiles and bright intelligence. Women of the ton are not to be trusted. But Verity certainly is enticing…

To find out more, please click here

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His marriage might cease decades of hostilities between two clans, but that doesn’t mean he wants it-or his bold new wife who is keeping secrets of her own.

Roderick MacLeod arrives in his native Scottish Highlands to pay brief respects to his recently deceased father-the man Roderick blames for the death of his English mother. But before he can return to England, he is saddled with two responsibilities he never asked for: the title of Laird of Clan MacLeod and an unwanted marriage, by proxy, to the daughter of a rival laird.

Annabel MacDonald thought she had the perfect marriage; her husband’s continued absence allowed her independence and the freedom to secretly hide and abet the escape of her fugitive clansmen. When the husband she’d never met shows up, she must convince him to return to England before he uncovers her many secrets, and perhaps her heart.

To find out more, please click here

 

And the not so small print: the judge’s decision is final (that would be me!) and is highly subjective.

Please note this is a cover competition only and does not constitute a review of any of the books featured. It’s up to you to explore. Happy Reading!

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Don’t forget, if you read a book and love it, post a review and make an author happy.


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A Conversation with Author Kelly Evans

This evening in the Library we have Kelly Evans, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

[image error]You are very welcome, Kelly, please introduce yourself:

Born in Canada of Scottish extraction, Kelly studied history and literature at McMaster University and creative writing at Humber College, with continued medieval studies during her time living in England. Kelly has authored four historical novels to date and contributes articles to historical publications. She also writes satirical articles about managing your manor during the Black Death, told by fictional advice columnist Lady Matilda.

Before retiring last year to write full time, Kelly ran her own company as a successful analyst and project manager in capital markets. She is a voracious reader (she brought over 3,000 books with her when she moved back to Canada from England) and enjoys history, music (she plays medieval recorder), and watching really bad horror and old sci-fi movies.

Which genre do you write in and what draws you to it?

I write historical fiction, focussing on Anglo Saxon England. I love imagining lives of those who lived a thousand years ago, and if their reactions would be the same as ours, given a particular situation. I also write historical horror, both short stories and novels.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

Rod Serling of Twilight Zone fame. Not many know he wrote many of the episodes, and could REALLY tell a great story in a short amount of space. I learned about economy of words from him. I love horror so Stephen King was a huge influence on my horror novels. Lastly, Margaret Atwood taught me how to keep a story moving, while also subtly including important plot details.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

I lived in England for 16 years so yes, the country and culture absolutely influenced my writing. It’s also the place I got serious about writing. Just walking through a medieval building, soaking up the history and ghosts of famous historical figures, it was very inspirational.

  Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

I’m a night owl so rise about 10:00am, do emails and other business until 2pm, then write until 2am, taking breaks for food.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

An archaeologist or an archivist in a dusty old museum. I’ve actually taken archaeology courses!

If a movie was made of one of your books, who would you like to play the lead roles?

Funnily enough, I’ve thought about this! If they made a movie out of my historical horror novel, the Mortecarni, I’d love to see Taron Egerton as Brother Maurice, the physician monk, Idris Elba as his friend Fala, and Barry Allen as Brother Maurice’s squire, Hugh.

If you could live the life of an historical figure for one day, who would you choose and what would you get up to?

I think I’d chose Elizabeth Cochran aka Nellie Bly. A Victorian journalist, she got herself committed to one of the worst psychiatric hospitals in the country for the purposes of exposing the horrible treatment of patients. Her work helped to establish investigative journalism as well as prompting changes to hospitals and treatments.

If you could travel back in time, what era would you go to? What draws you to this particular time?

Anglo Saxon/Early medieval! Known as the ‘dark ages’ thanks to the Victorians, the period was actually rich in literature, medicine, engineering, and more.

You have been chosen as a member of the crew on the first one-way flight to Mars – you are allowed to bring 5 books with you. What would they be?

1984 – George Orwell, The Norton Anthology of English Lit Volume 1; The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas; The Chrysalids – John Wyndham; and Skeleton Crew – Stephen King.

[image error]Please tell us about your latest published work.   

My latest novel is The Confessor’s Wife. It’s the story of Edith of Wessex: daughter to the most important earl in Anglo Saxon England, wife to King Edward the Confessor, and sister to King Harold Godwinsson. Her story was always told in the footnotes of THEIR history. Until now.

In the 11th Century, when barren wives are customarily cast aside, how does Edith of Wessex not only manage to stay married to King Edward the Confessor, but also become his closest advisor, promote her family to the highest offices in the land, AND help raise her brother to the throne? And why is her story only told in the footnotes of Edward’s history? Not everyone approves of Edward’s choice of bride. Even the king’s mother, Emma of Normandy, detests her daughter-in-law and Edith is soon on the receiving end of her displeasure. Balancing her sense of family obligation with her duty to her husband, Edith must also prove herself to her detractors. Edward’s and Edith’s relationship is respectful and caring, but when Edith’s enemies engineer her family’s fall from grace, the king is forced to send her away. She vows to do anything to protect her family’s interests if she returns, at any cost. Can Edith navigate the dangerous path fate has set her, while still remaining loyal to both her husband and her family?  Buy Link

Twitter: @Chaucerbabe

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kellyevansauthor/

Amazon: Kelly Evans – Author

Website: http://www.kellyaevans.com

 

Historical Fiction Cover Competition October 2019

What draws you to a historical fiction book cover? 

Welcome to my monthly historical fiction cover competition. I hope you find some new books and authors for your ‘must read’ list. If a cover interests you, just click on the link to learn more about the book.

My October winner is:
Honour the Dead by John Anthony Miller

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A cover that screams 1920s and a setting of Lake Como – what’s not to love! Having read this book I can tell you it’s a great whodunit story. Congratulations to John for such a genre-perfect cover.

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Six English survivors of the Great War – four men and two women – converge on Lake Como, Italy in 1921. The result: one corpse and one killer…

Psychiatrist Joseph Barnett is treating wealthy socialite Penelope Jones for schizophrenia at a sanitarium in Como. She is convinced someone is trying to kill her.

Penelope is married to war veteran Alexander Cavendish, hero of the Battle of the Somme. Barnett knows – and hates – Cavendish from the trenches where both were officers during the battle: one was trying to save lives, the other take them.

Both men had been wounded and treated at a hospital in Amiens where Bartlett met and later married Rose who worked there as a nurse. But why does Rose also harbour an intense animosity towards Cavendish?

John Anthony Miller’s fifth crime novel Honour the Dead is a Rubik’s Cube of a murder case. Everyone is a suspect, there are motives to spare – readers will go dizzy trying to solve it…

To find out more, please click here

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As always, it was difficult to choose. Here are some other wonderful covers to tempt you!

 

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She has a unique talent, but everything conspires against her dreams.

France, 1897. Born to a modest farming family, Marie-Thérèse has a remarkable singing voice and wants to become a professional singer. But too many obstacles, including her parents’ opposition, stand in her way. And, through no fault of her own, she makes a dangerous enemy of the local landlord.

When the family circumstances change suddenly, Marie-Thérèse and her mother must move to Paris to work in her aunt’s restaurant. Her ambitions rekindle, but the road to success is paved with setbacks until a chance meeting gives her a precious opportunity.

She is close to achieving all her dreams, but the ghosts of the past come back to haunt her and threaten Marie-Thérèse’s life as well as her career.

Overture is the first in a trilogy set in France, starting in 1897 and finishing at the end of World War II.

To find out more, please click here

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This is the seventh volume of the Dawlish Chronicles naval fiction series – action and adventure set in the age of transition from sail to steam in the last decades of the 19th Century.

1883: The slave trade flourishes in the Indian Ocean, a profitable trail of death and misery that leads from ravaged African villages to the insatiable markets of Arabia. Britain has been long committed to the trade’s suppression but now a firebrand British preacher is pressing for yet more decisive action. Seen by many as a living saint, and deliberately courting martyrdom, he is forcing the British government’s hand by establishing a mission in the path of the slavers’ raiding columns. His supporters in Britain cannot be ignored and are demanding armed intervention to protect him.

This ostensibly simple task is assigned to Royal Navy Captain Nicholas Dawlish and the crew of the cruiser HMS Leonidas. Previous assignments have proved him adept in coping with political complexities and his crew has been recently blooded by successful action off Korea. But this new mission quickly proves that it’s not going to be as straightforward as it seemed back in Britain . . .Two Arab sultanates on the East African coast control access to the interior. Overstretched by commitments elsewhere, Britain is reluctant to occupy these territories but cannot afford to let any other European power do so either. And now the recently-proclaimed German Empire is showing interest in colonial expansion, and its young navy is making its appearance on the world stage . . .

For Dawlish, getting his fighting force up a shallow, fever-ridden river to the mission is only the beginning. There are obstacles to confronting the slavers, and the missionary himself, and his associates, are not the least of them. And the German presence cannot be ignored, even though Germany’s objectives are unclear and its activities contradictory and baffling. And there’s a mysterious European serving one of the sultans and intent on bringing the slave trade to a new level of industrial efficiency. . .

To find out more, please click here

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A handyman accidentally shoots an apple thief.
He’d normally get three years, but he COULD get the death penalty.
The charge is Murder from “evil intent” which is a moral charge, not a legal one.
Who has it in for the accused peasant in this trial? The judge, the state, the prosecutor?

To find out more, please click here

 

And the not so small print: the judge’s decision is final (that would be me!) and is highly subjective.

Please note this is a cover competition only and does not constitute a review of any of the books featured. It’s up to you to explore. Happy Reading!

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Don’t forget, if you read a book and love it, post a review and make an author happy.


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New Release News! Katherine – Tudor Duchess

Katherine – Tudor Duchess

New from Tony Riches, Author of the best-selling Tudor Trilogy

Available in eBook and paperback from Amazon UK and Amazon US

(Audiobook edition coming in 2020)

Attractive, wealthy and influential, Katherine Willoughby is one of the most unusual ladies of the Tudor court. A favourite of King Henry VIII, Katherine knows all his six wives, his daughters Mary and Elizabeth, and his son Edward.

When her father dies, Katherine becomes the ward of Tudor knight, Sir Charles Brandon. Her Spanish mother, Maria de Salinas, is Queen Catherine of Aragon’s lady in waiting, so it is a challenging time for them all when King Henry marries the enigmatic Anne Boleyn.

[image error]Following Anne’s dramatic downfall, Katherine marries Charles Brandon, and becomes Duchess of Suffolk at the age of fourteen. After the short reign of young Catherine Howard, and the death of Jane Seymour, Katherine and Brandon are chosen to welcome Anna of Cleves as she arrives in England.

When the royal marriage is annulled, Katherine’s good friend, Catherine Parr becomes the king’s sixth wife, and they work to promote religious reform. Katherine’s young sons are tutored with the future king, Prince Edward, and become his friends, but when Edward dies his Catholic sister Mary is crowned queen. Katherine’s Protestant faith puts her family in great danger – from which there seems no escape.

Katherine’s remarkable true story continues the epic tale of the rise of the Tudors, which began with the best-selling Tudor trilogy and concludes with the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

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Author Bio

Tony Riches is a full-time UK author of best-selling historical fiction. He lives in Pembrokeshire, West Wales and is a specialist in the history of the Wars of the Roses and the lives of the early Tudors. Tony’s other published historical fiction novels include: Owen – Book One Of The Tudor Trilogy, Jasper – Book Two Of The Tudor Trilogy, Henry – Book Three Of The Tudor Trilogy, Mary – Tudor Princess and Brandon – Tudor Knight.

For more information about Tony’s books please visit his website tonyriches.com and his blog, The Writing Desk and find him on  Facebook and Twitter @tonyriches

A Conversation with Author Penny Hampson

Today in the Library we have Penny Hampson, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

[image error]You are very welcome, Penny, please introduce yourself:

Hi, I’m Penny, and I came rather late to writing my own stories. After working in the Civil Service for several years I became a full time mum. With time on my hands when my oldest child started school, I decided to follow my love of history by studying with the Open University, where I graduated with honours, and then went on to complete a post-graduate degree.

[image error]A family move to a different part of the country led to landing my dream role, working with rare books and historical manuscripts in a world-renowned academic library. Nearly two decades later, I took early retirement to care for a family member, but this also meant I had some free time to do something I’d always dreamed of doing – writing my own stories.

Encouraged by family and friends, and with positive feedback from professional writers, I finally published my first historical romance novel, A Gentleman’s Promise, in July 2018. My second book, An Officer’s Vow, was released in February 2019.

I live in Oxfordshire with my family and when I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, travelling, and researching for my next book. I also enjoy a gin and tonic.

[Pam says: I recently read A Gentleman’s Promise, and really enjoyed it.]

Which genre do you write in and what draws you to it?

I write romance. I love books that have a happy ending, or certainly a happy for now. Life today is challenging for many people, myself included, so I like to think my stories offer a bit of an escape to someone who is experiencing difficult times.

My intention was to write the sort of books that I enjoy reading when I’m feeling down – light and escapist, but based in a real historical landscape. I also wanted to create strong female characters, who, despite the restrictions imposed by society, were able to achieve their aims. Believe me, such women did exist in the past, their misfortune is that we are only just beginning to discover their stories

My first two books are set in England in 1810, shortly before Prince George became Regent, and when Napoleon was rampaging over Europe – turbulent times. I enjoy giving my characters a challenge and difficulties to overcome, and that period in history offered many challenges, particularly for females.

Are you an avid reader? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?

Definitely! I used to read several books a week on my commute to work. These days I don’t get as much time, but I always manage to fit in some reading before going to sleep. I enjoy romance novels, of course, but I also love crime and mysteries, and trying to guess the culprit before their identity is finally revealed.

My favourite author is Jane Austen. I love her beautifully crafted novels, with their elegant prose, memorable characters, and intricate plots. Other authors that I enjoy reading are Georgette Heyer, for her wonderful Regency novels, Ian Rankin for his deft plotting and glorious sense of place (I so want to visit Edinburgh and see all the haunts of his fictional detective Rebus), and Kate Atkinson, who understands dialogue so well, and unfailingly comes up with unusual and gripping storylines.

Are you a self-published/traditional or hybrid author?

I’m a self-published author. Although I received very positive feedback from several publishers, I was told there wasn’t much of a market for the type of stories I was writing. I therefore decided to take matters into my own hands and see for myself. I can only say that the publishers were wrong- there are lots of readers out there looking for well-written, feel-good stories.  I also enjoy being in full control of the whole process, from the professional cover design, to the look of the typesetting, and the marketing. I also ensure that my books are professionally edited and proofed – there is nothing worse than being pulled out of a story by a historical anachronism or a spelling mistake.

Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

Georgette Heyer, without a doubt. I first read her books when I was a teenager, and discovered them again when I was looking for some escapism during a difficult period in my life. Historically accurate, intelligent, and well-written, her stories nonetheless are feel-good reads.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

I would say so. Having always been interested in English history, I find travelling around the towns and cities of the UK an enormous source of inspiration for the settings of my stories. I live in Oxfordshire, so my first book was partly set there. I’ve used lots of real historical places in London, and my forthcoming book (also part of the Gentlemen Series) is set in Falmouth, Cornwall, a part of the world I love. Having said that, I wouldn’t rule out using foreign locations in future books. I’ve spent time in France and Italy, and recently visited Portugal for the first time. The Peninsular Wars are likely to feature in a future story.

What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it? Sometimes the plotting can prove problematic. I recently spent days working out how my female protagonist could plausibly escape from a certain situation without requiring superhuman powers. I got there in the end.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

I’m just grateful for any time I get for myself and my writing. Sometimes I wake up early and try to write before the day catches up with me, other days I stay up late and squeeze the writing in before I get too tired.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

I can’t think of anything else that I’d rather be doing. I enjoy creating characters, setting them challenges, and trying to work out ways they can resolve them. I think I’m in control, but somethimes a character surprises me and takes the story in a completely different direction to the one I’d originally intended. I’m passionate about history, so I enjoy all the research required too, I love learning new things.

If you could travel back in time, what era would you go to? What draws you to this particular time?

I would travel back to the Regency period, though I’d make sure I’d had all my vaccinations and a supply of antibiotics to take with me! I think life as a woman back then would be difficult – women didn’t have much say in how they lived their lives, so perhaps I’d go back disguised as a man.

The early 1800s were exciting and dangerous times – England was at war with Napoleon’s France, a war that continued until 1815, when he was finally defeated at the Battle of Waterloo. Society was changing too, with innovations in industry and agriculture making many people unable to earn a living. But if you were wealthy, life was very different. The top echelons of society were cosseted from most problems, with servants to see to their every need. It is no surprise that this was a period when the arts flourished – the rich spent their wealth on the finer things in life, such as beautiful homes, artwork, extravagant clothes, and jewelry.

Please tell us about your latest published work. 

[image error]An Officer’s Vow

The future looks bleak to Major Nate Crawford. Depressed after being sent home from the Peninsular Campaign as unfit for service, he contemplates ending it all. Then an unexpected opportunity for adventure beckons in the shape of a delightfully intriguing runaway heiress. He will prove his worth as an officer and a gentleman by offering his help. He has a plan…

Lottie Benham is desperate. Her life is in danger and she needs a place of safety until her next birthday. The unexpected proposal from this attractive, but intimidating officer could be the answer to her prayers. Not normally a risk-taker, she decides to gamble all by placing her trust in this charismatic gentleman, who she suspects might be more in need of help than she.

But the best laid plans…

Caught up in conflict, danger, and deception, will Lottie and Nate survive to find the perfect solution to their problems?

Visit Penny’s website and blog at: http://pennyhampson.co.uk/

Follow Penny on Twitter at: @penny_hampson

Find Penny’s books here: viewauthor.at/Pennysbooks

 

Top Short Erotic Stories Especially For You

Today in the Library we have Penny Best, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her writing life.

Please introduce yourself, Penny.

Hello Pam and a big hello to your readers. Thank you. This is virgin territory. It is my first ever author Q&A as Penny Best.

I’m a published crime writer but I’ve decided to throw caution to the wind and publish steamy romance novellas. Waiting on the industry takes time and Penny Best (my alter-ego) is impatient, impetuous and impossible to ignore. Ambitious, sassy Penny wants to write what she enjoys reading and unleash it onto the world. Do we all have a side of us that is brave and bold? A side that wants to be naughty and wanton? Well Penny Best is a fictional persona who is sexually confident and daring.

Normally I’m a modest, quiet writer, but now I find myself writing Penny Best’s Naughty Newsletters, following #fannyfriday on twitter as @pennybestwriter, writing content for Penny Best’s Website and talking about what gets us hot and bothered on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pennybestwriter/!

It will all become second nature… eventually. Penny and I are enjoying the process and hopefully readers will too.

Which genre do you write in and what draws you to it? 

Penny Best writes explicit, historical romance and what she hopes will be top, short, erotic stories especially for her new readers. I have always felt that my dark crime characters have a suppressed sexuality. Therefore, I thought I would explore writing in the erotic historical romance genre. I love to read short erotic stories and as I’ve published short stories in literary magazines, I like the format.

Then Penny Best turned up, hoisted up her already pert breasts, took over my writing life and said, ‘Doll, let’s do this together. It will be damn fine and good fun!’ I agreed. (No-one rejects Penny Best and if they do, she doesn’t mind and marches on). Penny and I feel that short novellas suit today’s lifestyle.

We are drawn to writers whose characters and plots get to the point. Penny Best definitely wants the nitty-gritty side to her strong characters to emerge and the fast pace of this Wild Irish Lust trilogy will suit readers looking for knicker dropping  hot steamy novels – that are quickies to read.

What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?

Writers Worry. This is where my pen-name and alter-ego is fabulous. Penny Best does not care about others’ opinions BUT I worry constantly. I stumble over actually pressing send. I find the whole self-belief thing difficult. We writers can lack the confidence we need to believe in our writing, in our stories and in ourselves. For me, pressing send or even publishing a social media post can be daunting.

This is where Penny steps is, pours me a stiff G&T and slaps me about the face and says, ‘Cop on, doll! You’ve got gumption. You write well and you must believe in your abilities!’

What was the best piece of writing advice you received when starting out?

I’ve read, made and followed many lists of advice over the years. When asked this now I say – enjoy your writing. Keep your passion and sod the rest. Do what is right for you and follow that gut. Penny and I agree on this.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

Not really. We are lucky as Penny has a fictional, renovated castle along the Wild Atlantic Way to pen our erotic romances in. Our trusty sheep dog likes to walk in the early mornings and then Penny and I get down to business over porridge and coffee. (true) It is glamorous and cosy. In summer we take pen and paper and sit in the sunshine. We write all day and all night. A bit like having a love affair with writing, we take to the bed of passion whenever the lust arises.

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

Fictional Penny Best is a naturalistic yoga instructor and avid sailor. She’d be somewhere exotic with her rugged scuba-diver-lover having rampant sex and conjuring up more story-lines. Adventurous Penny posts about her life (but not distastefully or explicitly) as pbestwriter on Insta and pennybestwriter on pinterest. If she’s not sailing, shagging or scuba-diving, she’s possibly online somewhere.

Who is your favourite character in your new release and why?

Ernest Tandy is orgasmic to Penny and I. We lust after him. He is possibly the ideal partner, the best lover and the male fantasy that makes us hot. We hope he does the same to readers. His identical twin Edward isn’t bad either, but Ernest Tandy is our favourite .

How important is location setting in your books?

Ireland is a must location for us right now. Penny thinks Ireland is one of the most romantic locations in the world. We were advised to set our writing somewhere warm and exotic. But to us the cold, wet, rugged landscape and rough way of life in 1930s Ireland is what makes the steam. One reviewer commented, ‘Penny Best is steamy Maeve Binchy.” I am thrilled!!!

I think I am also hopeful that Irish readers will take to the novellas and admit to enjoying them. There’s a sexual awakening happening in Ireland and we would love be part of that.
Ireland has come a long way already. In the 1900s it was dangerous for women. We could have been locked up for being too attractive or too sexually active. Unwed mothers were imprisoned in mother and baby homes and sometimes were never released and almost always lost their children. This element of danger and the moral dilemmas of a society locked down by religion, makes for high tension in this Wild Irish Lust series. We hope that the wildness of Ireland’s landscape, so similar to the setting for the stupendous Outlander series, strikes a chord with readers.

Penny, you are hosting a dinner party and can invite up to three famous people (living or dead) – who would be gracing your table and why?

Penny is a great hostess and with a castle on the Wild Atlantic Way and celebrity connections this is an easy question for her BUT she has yet to meet Nora Roberts, Pierce Brosnan and Oprah. All of whom she admires. Pierce Brosnan because well he’s flipping gorgeous, Nora for her writing prowess and Oprah, because she is Oprah!

If a movie was made of one of your books, who would you like to play the lead roles?

Aoife McMahon might play Minnie Hatton. Aoife is a strong, beautiful and clever actress. Yes, Aoife would be perfect for the role. Penny has a massive crush on many men, but Michael Fassbender or Colin Farrell might suit Ernest and Edward? But they’d possibly need a clone or serious screen-writing to make two of themselves to act as identical twins.


So, Penny, tell us about your new releases.

Three Top Short Erotic Stories Especially For You!

Book 1
[image error] ONE sassy seductress
TWO rugged twin brothers
THREE the magic combination that keeps Minnie’s veracious sexual appetite satisfied and the Tandy twins begging for more!
Wild, lustful Minnie wants them ALL FOR HER

ALL FOR HER – the sizzling first novella of the racy Wild Irish Lust Series
Enchantress Minnie Hatton, 22 has her eyes on the forbidden rugged Tandy twins. Set in 1930s Ireland, Minnie longs to marry secure, stable Edward while keeping Ernest, his reckless identical twin as her lover.

Standing in her way is her controlling mother and a DARK past that left her traumatised and mute. Finding other ways to communicate her needs and desires, the Tandy twins are left in no doubt that Minnie means business. Wanting to share her bed, tensions run high on the Tandy farm between the handsome brothers who vie for Minnie’s attention. All the while an old family SECRET is revealed which could cause their special three way relationship to come crashing down. Will Minnie have to choose between her rugged farming men? Or can naughty Minnie have the best of both worlds – all the lust she can handle and all of the true love that she deserves?

Book 2
[image error] BOTH FOR HER – the sizzling second novella of the Wild Irish Lust series.

Temptress Minnie Hatton falls passionately for the forbidden Tandy twins in 1930s Ireland. Longing to marry secure Edward while keeping Ernest, his hot identical twin as her lover, Minnie must battle a controlling mother and a dark past that left her mute.

Finding other ways to express herself freely, can the irresistible and daring Minnie use all of her charms and powers of seduction to persuade Edward to marry and share the Tandy farm with his coarse brother? Or will the uninhibited and explosive passion between Minnie and Ernest fracture this special arrangement? Will Minnie ever speak again and can she marry, while keeping her husband’s brother as her secret lover?  Tension builds and old family secrets rise and Minnie finds herself torn between following her heart and overcoming all obstacles. Will love and lust conquer all? Can she really have them BOTH FOR HER?

Book 3
[image error] Following on from ALL FOR HER and BOTH FOR HER, comes MORE FOR HER – the tantalising third novella of the Wild Irish Lust series. The lusts and loves of an Irish lass for identical twin brothers.

Sensuous Minnie Hatton has it all. A passionate and electrifying relationship with hot blooded rugged twin brothers in 1930s Ireland.  Living on the Tandy farm at Fern Hollow, Minnie is kept sexually and emotionally satisfied with both identical brothers in her bed.
Masking heart-ache with sex, can the threesome keep their promises of security and devotion to each other or does sharing lead to jealousy, power struggles and conflict? Can Minnie be happy and truly fulfilled with these two insatiable farmers? Amongst tension and carnal lust, Minnie must uncover what dark past they are dragging into their future. Can their unique love endure what is revealed now that there is MORE FOR HER?

Buy Links:

All for Her

Both for Her

More for Her

Boxset

 

 

A Conversation with Author Eric Schumacher

This evening in the Library we have ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Eric Schumacher, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into his life as an author.

You are very welcome, Eric, please introduce yourself:

 [image error]Sæl! (that’s hello in Old Norse). My name is Eric Schumacher and I write historical fiction stories set in the Viking Age (ca. 900s AD). I was born and raised in Los Angeles and currently reside in Santa Barbara, California, with my wife and two kids.

You might be wondering how a Southern Californian boy found an interest in early medieval history. The truth is, I have no idea where it came from. At a very early age, I remember being fascinated by stories of knights and battles and dragons, which, I suppose, is what led me to authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Those discoveries fueled my imagination and continue to influence the stories I like to tell. My first novel, God’s Hammer, was published in 2005. I have since written two more novels (Raven’s Feast and War King), all of which tell of the rise and reign of Hakon Haraldsson (known in history as Hakon the Good), the youngest (bastard) son of the famous Viking king, Harald Fairhair.

Which genre do you write in and what draws you to it?

Historical fiction is my passion. I love history, especially early European medieval history, and writing about interesting historical characters. Hakon the Good is my first subject and there are a number of reasons I chose to write about him. You can read about that here. I am now busy writing about the next Viking king. More details on that project are coming soon. The long and short of it is, there are so many fascinating historical people and not enough time to write about them all!

Are you an avid reader? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?

I would love to be an avid reader, but in truth, between family, my day job, and my writing, there is not enough time left to be an avid reader. When I do read, I tend to stick to historical fiction set in the time-frames that interest me.

A re you a self-published, traditional or hybrid author?

I have been a traditionally published author and a self-published author. Next Chapter is currently publishing my Hakon novels.

Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?

Not at all. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, hardly the mecca of early medieval European history. Yet, from the earliest age, I can remember being fascinated by Vikings and Saxons, Franks and Celts. I honestly don’t know why.

What was the best piece of writing advice you received when starting out?

There are actually two bits of advice that really stuck with me. The first was from a writing teacher, who said, “Just keep writing. No matter what.” It is that quote that keeps me going when I think I’m producing nothing but senseless dribble that no one will read.

The second is a quote I heard somewhere, but cannot remember who said it. The quote is: “Write the story that’s in you.” There was a period in time when I wondered if anyone would read a novel about a Viking. I dabbled with other genres and other subjects, but I kept coming back to Hakon and his story. It spoke to me. Now, twenty five years after starting those books, I know I never would have had the stamina to stick with a subject that long had it not been a story I had to tell.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

Late morning is generally my sweet spot. I find my brain freshest and my thoughts clearest between 9am and noon. Of course, a good cup of coffee or two helps!

If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?

If money was not a concern and I did not have a family, I think I would love to be a travel writer. Maybe when I retire and the kids are grown I’ll come back to that…

If you could travel back in time, what era would you go to? What draws you to this particular time?

Without question, I’d travel back to the late 800s or early 900s in Europe. I wouldn’t want to stay long. Frankly, I don’t think I’d survive longer than a day. But if I could stay just long enough to experience first hand what it was like to live back then, that would be amazing!

Please tell us about your latest published work.   

[image error]War King is my latest novel. It is the third and final book in the Hakon’s Saga series of books.

It is 954 A.D. and a tempest is brewing in the North.

Twenty summers before, Hakon Haraldsson wrested Norway’s throne from his murderous brother, Erik Bloodaxe, but he failed to rid himself of Erik’s family. Now the sons of Erik have come to reclaim Erik’s realm and avenge the wrong done to their father and their kin.

They do not come alone. With them marches an army of sword-Danes sent by the Danish King, Harald Bluetooth, whose desire to expand his realm is as powerful as the lust for vengeance that pulses in the veins of Erik’s brood.

Like storm-driven waves, the opposing forces collide in War King, the action-packed sequel to God’s Hammer and Raven’s Feast.

Praise:

…a masterpiece of well-executed historical fiction. – Mary Anne Yarde, bestselling author, The Du Lac Chronicles

Highly recommended for those seeking Viking adventure. – Historical Novel Society

This is a tale full of irony, as well as the full force of life in a brutal, and oft confusing time. – Historical Fiction Reviews

Where to buy it: Amazon US and Amazon UK

  If you would like to know more about Eric and his work, check out his social media links below:

Readers can find me at the following locations:
Website: www.ericschumacher.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricSchumacherAuthor
Twitter: @DarkAgeScribe
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Eric-Schumacher/e/B001K8G4YW?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/399517.Eric_Schumacher

A Conversation with Author Anna Campbell

Today in the Library we have ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Anna Campbell, who has dropped in to say hello and to share some insights into her life as an author.

You are very welcome, Anna, p lease introduce yourself: 

Hi everyone! Hi Pam! Thanks for having me as your guest today. I’m an Aussie historical romance writer who lives on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland – and yes, it’s as nice as it sounds. I’ve had 10 multi award-winning books published with HarperCollins and Hachette, and I’ve done 23 more under my own steam as an indie. I’m currently in the bonny hills of the Scottish Highlands, at least in my head. I’m writing a series called The Lairds Most Likely. The Laird’s Willful Lass, The Laird’s Christmas Kiss, and The Highlander’s Lost Lady are out now, with The Highlander’s Defiant Captive releasing on 27th September (Available for pre-order now). All these are stand-alone love stories, although characters pop up across the books.

Which genre do you write in and what draws you to it?

[image error]I write historical romance, mostly although not exclusively, set in the Regency period. I’ve been in love with historical romance since my parents read me fairy tales as a kid and the addiction was confirmed by a good dose of Errol Flynn movies not long after. I love the wit and elegance of the Regency. I love that you can write a larger-than-life story in a historical romance and play with language in a way that a contemporary romance really doesn’t allow. If a Regency gentleman calls you a twittipated henwit, he can get away with it!

Are you an avid reader? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?

I’ll read the cereal packet if there’s nothing else available! I read across a wide range of genres. Recently because I’ve been writing so much, I’ve been mainly reading crime, fantasy and nonfiction. Reading romance is a little too much like a busman’s holiday.

Are you a self-published/traditional or hybrid author?

These days, my new stuff is coming out independently. I have ten books (and a novella) published with Harper Collins and Hachette.

What was the best piece of writing advice you received when starting out?

Many years ago, before I was published, New Zealand romance writing legend Robyn Donald told me, “The people who fail are the people who give up.” At the time it didn’t strike me as so profound as it does now. It took me many years to get a publishing contract and it would have been so easy along the way to give up. In fact, I did at one stage – except it drove me crazy not using what I saw around me in my writing so I went back to it.

Do you have a favourite time of day to write?

I’ve become a real devotee of writing in bed for a couple of hours, starting the minute I wake up. Because I had an injury a few years ago that meant I couldn’t use my left arm, I went back to writing first drafts longhand and I’ve realised that really suits me so I’ve kept up the practice. It’s just me, some classical music, the birds waking up, and no internet. That really lets me dive back into my story and sets up my writing for the day.

If a movie was made of one of your books, who would you like to play the lead roles?

[image error]I often play this game when I’m choosing physical models for my characters. Right now I’m working on a rumbustious, old-school Scottish romance set in 1699 – a bit of a departure from my usual Regency era. The hero of The Highlander’s Defiant Captive is big and brawny but with a laugh sparkling in his eyes. Definitely Jason Momoa. The idea of him in a kilt has kept me going quite well so far! The heroine is beautiful and smart and, well, defiant as you’ve probably gathered from the title. I know she’s no longer with us, but it would have been a perfect part for the gorgeous Maureen O’Hara.

If you could travel back in time, what era would you go to? What draws you to this particular time?

Am I allowed to come back to the present day? As a woman heading for the age where health care and dentistry really matter, I’m happy to stay just where I am! If it was just for a visit, I’d go to the Regency obviously, especially if we could arrange for me to be a rich man’s daughter and I could go to a couple of balls and to the fashionable hour in Hyde Park and perhaps a house party at some gorgeous pile out in Surrey or Kent. Hmm, I might rethink that – empire lines look awful on me…

You have been chosen as a member of the crew on the first one-way flight to Mars – you are allowed to bring 5 books with you. What would they be?

This is both a cruel and a fascinating question and I suspect I’d give a different answer if you asked me tomorrow. OK, let’s cheat and say I’d take Dorothy Dunnett’s Lymond Chronicles (six books but I’m counting them as one!); the collected poems of T.S. Eliot; the collected poems of John Donne; Persuasion by Jane Austen; The Oxford Book of Humour.

Please tell us about your latest published work 

[image error]My most recent release is a dramatic and emotional story called The Highlander’s Lost Lady. It’s book 3 in the Lairds Most Likely series, but as I said above, all these stories can be read as stand-alones. Here’s the blurb:

A Highlander as brave and strong as a knight of old…

When Diarmid Mactavish, Laird of Invertavey, discovers a mysterious woman washed up on his land after a wild storm, he takes her in and tries to find her family. But even as forbidden dreams of sensual fulfillment torment him, he’s convinced that this beautiful lassie isn’t what she seems. And if there’s one thing Diarmid despises, it’s a liar.

A mother willing to do anything to save her daughter…

Widow Fiona Grant has risked everything to break free of her clan and rescue her adolescent daughter from a forced marriage. But before her quest has barely begun, disaster strikes. She escapes her brutish kinsmen, only to be shipwrecked on Mactavish territory where she falls into her enemies’ hands. For centuries, a murderous feud has raged between the Mactavishes and the Grants, so how can she trust her darkly handsome host?

Now a twisted Highland road leads to danger and passion…and irresistible love. But is love strong enough to banish the past’s long shadows and offer these wary allies all that their hearts desire?

Buy links:

Amazon U.S.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PM94FN3/

Amazon U.K.: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07PM94FN3/

Amazon Australia:  https://www.amazon.com.au/Highlanders-Lost-Lady-Lairds-Likely-ebook/dp/B07PM94FN3/

iTunes U.S.: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-highlanders-lost-lady-the-lairds-most-likely-book-3/id1456159204

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-highlander-s-lost-lady-the-lairds-most-likely-book-3

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-highlanders-lost-lady-anna-campbell/1130916684?ean=2940156012848

[image error]Book 4: The Highlander’s Defiant Captive: Pre-order Link: Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

Social Media:

Website: http://www.annacampbell.com

Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/annacampbell.writer

Twitter @AnnaCampbellOz

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anna-Campbell/e/B002NKV1HQ/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/296477.Anna_Campbell