Pam Lecky's Blog, page 7
December 5, 2023
The Redemption of Mattie Silks by Kimberly Burns: The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour
Today, I am delighted to host Kimberly Burns for the Book Blog Tour for The Redemption of Mattie Silks. Kimberly has kindly provided an excerpt for you to read (see below).l
You can follow the full tour here: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/11/blog-tour-the-redemption-of-mattie-silks-by-kimberly-burns.html
The Redemption of Mattie Silks by Kimberly BurnsSEEKING REDEMPTION, SHE FINDS RETRIBUTION
In 1892, running one of the West’s fanciest brothels is a rough game. In a town filled with brazen criminals, corrupt police, zealous politicians, and morality committees, Madam Mattie Silks makes her fortune catering to Colorado’s gold and silver millionaires.
Notorious crime boss “Soapy” Smith is at the top of the Denver underworld. There are no rules for Smith’s gang. They solve problems with bribes and bullets. When Mattie’s husband stumbles into Soapy’s dealings, she struggles to protect him.
Gold is discovered in the Yukon and Mattie seizes the opportunity for adventure and profit. But Skagway, Alaska, is even more lawless than Denver. Mattie must use all her business sense and street smarts to safeguard those she cares about. Will it be enough? Or will Lady Justice again turn a blind eye?
Based on a true story, The Redemption of Mattie Silks is an action-packed tale of a woman succeeding in a man’s world even when the cards are stacked against her.
“The research on the era shines through, as do the grit and spirit of the characters. … A colorful and enthralling journey.”
~ K.T. Blakemore, award-winning author of The Good Time Girlsseries
Buy Links:
This title is available to read with #KindleUnlimited
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mlpKRv
Excerpt from The Redemption of Mattie Silks:June 1894
The new police and fire commissioners’ first order of business was to sort out the conflicting allegiances of the members of the police force and find a new chief of police to lead them. The job required someone with law enforcement experience who had not participated in the city hall barricade and was not overly friendly within Denver’s criminal element. From the chaos emerged the incorruptible Hamilton Armstrong. Although slight in stature, he attacked his new job with the tenacity of a bulldog.
“Policemen are hereby ordered to stay out of saloons and brothels except to detect crime and make arrests,” he announced on his first day. The citizens of Denver were skeptical.
***
A couple of weeks later, two black police vans stopped at the lower end of Market Street. Thirty policemen fanned out to the saloons and cribs within a five-block area. Mattie and her girls watched from behind the lace curtains as Negro, Chinese, Irish, and French women were rounded up. By the end of the day, one hundred and ten warrants had been served.
The entire third floor of the county courthouse was commandeered as a temporary jail. Curious citizens watched the paddy wagons rushing to and fro and gathered at the courthouse to get a peek at the ladies of joy. The girls accommodated the throng by throwing open the window and waving hankies. A rake in the crowd sang to them “Oh Girls, Why Won’t You Try to be Good.”
“Beer! Send up beer,” shouted a couple of Irish doxies. The mostly male crowd hooted.
A petit dark head poked out of another window, speaking in French.
“What did she say?” the men below asked each other.
“The French girls want cigarettes,” the Irish reported.
“Fair damsels in yon high castle, your wish is my command,” called a gent.
Chief Armstrong stood in the doorway of the county building with arms crossed and face blazing red. “Absolutely no beer or cigarettes will be allowed in the building,” he bellowed to those assembled. He stomped back into the building. “And take the playing cards away from the Negros.” He shook his head and muttered under his breath, “I don’t know if I’m head of the police department or the ringmaster of a circus.”
***
Judge Walburn’s enormous white eyebrows crawled up his forehead as over one hundred women were herded into his court. His brows then plunged as he frowned, slamming his gavel down in an effort to quiet the babble and gain control of the overcrowded room. “Mr. Stevens,” he called to the district attorney. “What is this all about?”
“These women are all part of the Market Street raid that you may have heard about. They are all being charged with encouraging drinking and fornication.” The prosecuting attorney had to speak up in order to be heard.
“Is there anyone that wishes to plead guilty?” the judge asked.
Several Irish girls, dressed in dingy white nightgowns, standing nearest the rail began to protest.
“No, we are not guilty.”
“Aye, we be good girls.”
“We be innocent boarders in a women’s rooming house.”
“We are wrongly accused.”
The French mademoiselles joined in the babble with their rapid-fire language, accompanied by hand gestures that did little to clear the confusion.
“Silence,” the judge commanded, beating the gavel again and again. When the defendants quieted, he tried a different tack. “Perhaps the complaining witnesses can identify which women…” The judge hooked spectacles around his ears and read from the charging document, “encouraged them to fornicate.”
Laughter rippled through the room. District Attorney Stevens cleared his throat. “Your Honor, this is a very delicate situation. It is not possible for the men who are the victims of these criminal enterprises to come forward and publicly press charges.”
The judge rubbed his forehead further ruffling his bushy brows. “I assume no one was caught red-handed, as it were.” At this, hardy guffaws were heard from the gallery.
“No, Your Honor.”
“So, there are no victims nor any evidence of a crime?”
The prosecutor shook his head no. At the back of the room, Chief Armstrong groaned.
Judge Walburn sighed and tapped the gavel once. “Case dismissed. Everyone is free to go.”
Author Bio:
Kimberly Burns grew up in Colorado hearing stories about the colourful characters of the Old West. She has degrees from the University of Colorado and the University of Hartford. Kimberly is a member of the Historical Novel Society, Western Writers of America, and Women Writing the West. She lives with her husband and black Lab in Leesburg, Virginia.
Her debut novel The Mrs. Tabor won numerous awards including the Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award for Best New Novel, a gold medal for Best Regional Fiction from the Independent Publisher Book Awards, a National Indie Excellence Award, and a silver medal from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY Awards.
Kimberly and her unruly heroines make for an entertaining book talk. She is available to discuss her novels with book groups in person or online. Email her at info@kimberlyburnsauthor.com.
Author Links:
Website: www.kimberlyburnsauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072454670660
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyburnsauthor/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kimberly-Burns/author/B09G4S8N2L
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21851914.Kimberly_Burns
November 20, 2023
Book Spotlight: A Class Inherited by Susie Murphy
Happy Publication Day, Susie!
Today I am really delighted to feature Susie Murphy’s latest book which I highly recommend. Susie was recently shortlisted for the prestigious CAP book award for best fiction. Susie is flying the flag for Irish historical fiction, so do check out her series; it won’t disappoint.
A Class Inherited by Susie Murphy
An extraordinary bequest alters their fate…
In the winter of 1846, Cormac and Bridget receive two letters that will change their lives forever. Lord Bewley has died and left Bewley Hall to Cormac, while potato blight has struck the Oakleigh Estate, driving the tenants to appeal to Bridget for help. With their world turned upside down, they decide to leave America and cross the Atlantic to meet the challenges of their pressing responsibilities.
As for their daughter Emily, she faces a choice of her own: will she go with her family or stay in America for her art…and for Rory?
Heading towards new horizons, they must all strive to re-establish themselves while hampered by distrust and prejudice on multiple fronts. When separation once again plunges a member of the family into grave danger, will they be able to distinguish friend from foe?
A Class Inherited is the sixth book in Susie Murphy’s historical fiction series A Matter of Class. The story will continue in the seventh book, A Class Divided.
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CKQ1FM2Y
A little bit about Susie …
Susie Murphy is an Irish historical fiction author. She loves historical fiction so much that she often wishes she had been born two hundred years ago. Still, she remains grateful for many aspects of the modern age, including women’s suffrage, electric showers and pizza. Susie has published six books in her A Matter of Class series, which is set in Ireland, England and America in the 19th century and spans almost two decades and two family generations.
Susie’s A Matter of Class series has achieved acclaim from the Historical Novel Society which selected her third book, A Class Forsaken, as an Editors’ Choice in spring 2021. Her first book, A Class Apart, was shortlisted in the final five in the fiction category of the Carousel Aware Prize for Independently Published Authors in November 2023.
November 14, 2023
Times of Turmoil by Anna Belfrage: The Coffee Pot Book Blog Tour
Today, I am delighted to host Anna Belfrage on the blog tour for Times of Turmoil, which was published in September. Anna has kindly provided an excerpt for you to enjoy.
You can follow the full tour here:
https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/09/blog-tour-times-of-turmoil-by-anna-belfrage.html
Times of Turmoil by Anna BelfrageIt is 1718 and Duncan Melville and his time traveller wife, Erin, are concentrating on building a peaceful existence for themselves and their twin daughters. Difficult to do, when they are beleaguered by enemies.
Erin Melville is not about to stand to the side and watch as a child is abused—which is how she makes deadly enemies of Hyland Nelson and his family.
Then there’s that ghost from their past, Armand Joseph Chardon, a person they were certain was dead. Apparently not. Monsieur Chardon wants revenge and his sons are tasked with making Duncan—and his wife—pay.
Things aren’t helped by the arrival of Duncan’s cousin, fleeing her abusive husband. Or the reappearance of Nicholas Farrell in their lives, as much of a warped bully now as he was when he almost beat Duncan to death years ago. Plus, their safety is constantly threatened as Erin is a woman of colour in a time and place where that could mean ostracism, enslavement or even death.
Will Duncan and Erin ever achieve their simple wish – to live and love free from fear of those who wish to destroy them?
Buy Links:
This title is available on #KindleUnlimited.
Universal link: https://myBook.to/ToTABG
An Excerpt from Times of TurmoilIt was common knowledge that the Quakers—or Friends, as they called themselves—had arrived in Pennsylvania with an ingrained mistrust for the British legal system. Too many years of persecution, too many accusations of being in breach of the Conventicle Act, had left them with a desire to build their own legislation. Accordingly—or so Lloyd said, being a pragmatic soul no matter his faith—the original penal code had been somewhat lax. Some years later, the colony had swung the other way, implementing punishments that were particularly brutal—at least for some crimes, like sodomy.
“Now I believe we have found an adequate balance,” Lloyd had confided with some smugness. After all, he’d been a major contributor to the recent reforms. But some things hadn’t changed: the Friends preferred to settle their disputes in venues that were more reminiscent of their meetinghouses than a courtroom, which was why today’s proceedings were held in a simply furnished room adjoining Lloyd’s office. Uncluttered and full of light, the bare room was evidently to Erin’s liking, as were the chairs, unadorned but well-made. Duncan was not in the mood to inspect furnishings or interiors. Truth be told, he didn’t believe Erin was either: she was merely distracting herself from the coming proceedings.
Lloyd entered, followed by a group of silent men, the jurors. Some were landowners; some ran businesses in Chester itself. All of them looked serious, inclining their heads politely at Erin—albeit some chose not to look directly at her—and greeting Duncan with more familiarity.
Last came Caleb Nelson, strutting into the room accompanied by his lawyer, John Edwards. Lloyd and Duncan shared a look: Edwards was a recent transplant from England and was prone to wordy comparisons between the glories of England and the woeful state of affairs in this sad corner of the world, Pennsylvania.
Today, Edwards oozed confidence. Where Caleb had opted for a brightly embroidered waistcoat under an ill-fitting coat and boots rather than shoes, John Edwards sported expensive black. Black coat adorned with silver buttons, a black waistcoat, neat black breeches, black stockings and polished silver-buckled shoes. Cuffs frothed with pristine lace, a blindingly white collar contrasting starkly with the darkness of his coat. He bowed to the assembled jurors, totally ignoring Duncan and Erin. Duncan bristled. Erin’s hand clasped his forearm, urging him to sit back.
“Well, this won’t take long, will it?” Edwards said, and Caleb grinned.
“No? How so?” Lloyd asked.
“Nonsense!” Edwards said. “Unsubstantiated accusations! Everyone knows it was that man who shot our dear Hyland Nelson.” He pointed at Hans, for the day in his best coat.
“Ah. And thou wert there, wert thou?” Lloyd asked.
“Me?” Edwards snorted. “Of course not, but Caleb—Mr Nelson—says that—”
“Ah. So Caleb Nelson admits to being there.”
Edwards gave Lloyd an irritated look. “What of it?”
“Trespassing, John Edwards. A most serious offense. Who knows what dastardly deeds he and his father were planning?” Lloyd nodded repeatedly.
“Dastardly deeds?” Edwards squeaked. “It was Hyland Nelson who was murdered!”
“Hmm,” Lloyd said. “Murder requires premeditation. Surely, thou knowest that, educated man that thou art.”
Edwards puffed up. “Of course.”
“So if Hyland Nelson died in stables he had no reason to be in, one could argue it was as a consequence of his actions: breaking and entering.”
“How dare you! My father and I—”
“Were trespassing,” Lloyd cut him off. “Or art thou saying Duncan Melville invited you?”
“Melville wasn’t home,” Caleb Nelson said.
“No. Which likely means thou were not invited. So in fact, thou wert trespassing, likely to do Duncan Melville damage. As I hear it, thou wert planning theft, Nelson.”
Caleb Nelson spluttered, but Edwards frowned, gesturing that he hold his tongue.
“We can but speculate for their presence at the Melville home,” he began, at which Duncan shot to his feet.
“Speculate? They were there to steal back my latest indenture.”
“Our indenture! You tricked us out of him!” Caleb roared.
“Duncan Melville bought him off thee,” Lloyd said, waving for Duncan to sit down. “At a fair price. And we all know why he did, do we not?” He fixed Edwards with a narrow, wintry gaze. “I assume thou dost know why we interceded on behalf of the lad, John Edwards?”
“I do,” the lawyer muttered.
“So,” Lloyd continued, “I think we can ascertain that Nelson, father and son, were at Papegoja Plantation to steal.” He turned to glare at Celeb. “Am I not correct?”
“He belongs with us,” Caleb said, and beside him Edwards shook his head.
“Not anymore.” Lloyd turned to Edwards. “Tell me, John Edwards, if this were England, how would a thief be punished?”
Edwards paled. “Err . . .”
“He would hang, would he not?” Lloyd said.
“Well, it depends,” Edwards began. “For stealing a horse, likely, but—”
“Hang?” Caleb interrupted. “Me? It was him, the German, who shot my father, he should hang!”
“Tut-tut: For defending his master’s property against thieves? I think not. Besides, both Hans Muller and Erin Melville give a different account of events,” Lloyd said. He turned to the jurors. “Erin Melville will not testify, of course, but we have here her written statement.”
Duncan suppressed a yelp when Erin pinched him. Bright green eyes met his.
“I want to testify,” she said in an undertone.
“But you will not.” He’d have preferred it if she hadn’t been here at all, but Erin had been adamant: she had a right to be present. And he couldn’t quite tell her that he didn’t want her exposed, that he didn’t like men looking at her with a speculating gleam in their eyes, wondering if there was some truth in the lies spread by Nelson about Erin once having been a slave.
“All lies, lies, I say!” Caleb Nelson said once Lloyd had finished reading Erin’s account out loud. He swivelled to glare at Erin. “She knows it was the German who shot my father; she’s just lying to protect her man.” He sniffed. “What else can one expect of a coloured h—”
“Careful,” Lloyd said. “Tread with care, Nelson.”
“Her word should not count,” Caleb blustered. “Not against me, a white man.”
“How fortunate, then, that our first witness is white,” Lloyd said.
Author Bio:Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests: history and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England.
Anna has also published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients.
More recently, Anna has been hard at work with her Castilian series. The first book, His Castilian Hawk, published in 2020, is set against the complications of Edward I’s invasion of Wales, His Castilian Hawk is a story of loyalty, integrity—and love. In the second instalment, The Castilian Pomegranate, we travel with the protagonists to the complex political world of medieval Spain, while the third, Her Castilian Heart, finds our protagonists back in England—not necessarily any safer than the wilds of Spain! The fourth book, Their Castilian Orphan, is scheduled for early 2024.
Anna has recently released Times of Turmoil, the sequel to her 2021 release, The Whirlpools of Time. Here she returns to the world of time travel. Where The Whirlpools of Time had Duncan and the somewhat reluctant time-traveller Erin navigating the complexities of the first Jacobean rebellion in Scotland, in Times of Turmoil our protagonists are in Colonial Pennsylvania, hoping for a peaceful existence. Not about to happen—not in one of Anna’s books!
All of Anna’s books have been awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion, she has several Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choices, and one of her books won the HNS Indie Award in 2015. She is also the proud recipient of various Reader’s Favorite medals as well as having won various Gold, Silver and Bronze Coffee Pot Book Club awards.
Author Links:
Website: www.annabelfrage.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abelfrageauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabelfrageauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/annabelfrageauthor
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anna-belfrage
Amazon Author Page: http://Author.to/ABG or http://amazon.com/author/anna_belfrage
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6449528.Anna_Belfrage
November 7, 2023
The Warmth of Snow by Heidi Eljarbo: The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour
Today, I am delighted to host Heidi Eljarbo on the blog tour for The Warmth of Snow. Heidi has kindly provided a snippet from the book – see below.
You can follow the full tour here: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/10/blog-tour-the-warmth-of-snow-by-heidi-eljarbo.html
The Warmth of Snow by Heidi EljarboThere must be a way to thaw a heart long frozen. Can she help him, or does he have other plans?
Sweden 1810.
August Brandell, the count of Linborg, has returned home after four years of war against the French Empire under the direction of Napoléon Bonaparte. Wounded and downtrodden, he is a meager shadow of the man he used to be. One day, a lovely young woman comes calling. She’s strong and bright and, unlike the rest, seems unaffected by his wealth and unfortunate disability. He soon discovers he wants more than a sweet friendship, but a life of caring for him would not be fair to such a beautiful soul. Oh, how dearly, deeply he loves her and secretly wants her to stay, but he cannot and will not ask such a sacrifice from her … especially not when it’s out of pity for him.
Erica Gustava Ebbesdotter has primarily been left to herself since she was orphaned at an early age. Although grateful to her aunt and uncle for taking her in, they pay her no attention and even keep her in the dark about her parents. Hearing about Count Brandell’s unfortunate fate on the battlefield, she knocks on the door at Castle Linborg to leave him a card of encouragement. Meeting Count Brandell changes Erica’s entire world. Falling for him is utterly unexpected. Soon, he fills her heart, but he is far above her station. How can a man like him see beyond her less refined clothes and past? Worst of all, he is already betrothed.
This is a sweet and wholesome historical romance—a hauntingly beautiful tale of two hearts meant to be together.
This title is available to read with #KindleUnlimited.
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/bPerOr
A Snippet from The Warmth of SnowShe flung the long-strapped bag on her back and helped the stableboy saddle the gray horse. Soon, she was on her way to town. The first seven cards were meant for elderly widows, gentle women Erica visited from time to time. Most of them had known her mother, and Erica gladly sat and listened to these women repeat their memories of how her sweet mother had spent time with them.
The last cottage she visited belonged to her elderly friend Ingela.
“I have one card left,” Erica said.
“Say, why don’t you ride to Castle Linborg? I heard the count returned from soldiering a while back. He used to be out and about all the time, talking to people and helping them settle disputes. He even showed up unannounced if someone was in need. But since he returned from war down in Europe, hardly anyone has seen him. His reputation as a fair and good nobleman has dwindled since he’s been away from the public eye. Now, rumors say he keeps to himself and has become both grumpy and of little use to people in our area.”
Castle Linborg? Twice Erica had received advice to go there. Although she had considered going there to spite Aunt Brita, here was the same suggestion from dear, old Ingela. The woman had been more family to her than the foursome at Holst Manor had ever been. Erica pulled the inkbottle and quill out of her bag and placed them next to the last card on the table.
“I’ll go see him then.”
“Do you dare? Will you knock on the door of an aristocrat who has the power to make your life miserable if things don’t go his way.”
Erica smiled back. “You just said the count used to be fair and good. My guess is that he still is … And although perhaps these traits are now hidden, there must be a reason for it.” She wrote his name on the back of the last card.
Count August Brandell of Linborg.
Why not try?
Author Bio:HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of award-winning historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance in the midst of challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.
Heidi EljarboAfter 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 their Wheaten Terrier 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.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.heidieljarbo.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiEljarbo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorheidieljarbo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorheidieljarbo/
Pinterest: https://no.pinterest.com/heidieljarbo/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-eljarbo
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Heidi-Eljarbo/e/B073D852VG/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16984270.Heidi_Eljarbo
October 19, 2023
War Sonnets by Susannah Willey: The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour
Today, I am delighted to host Susannah Willey for the blog tour for her latest release, War Sonnets. Susannah has kindly provided an excerpt – please see below.
You can follow the full blog tour here: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/09/blog-tour-war-sonnets-by-susannah-willey.html
War Sonnets by Susannah Willey1942: In the war-torn jungles of Luzon, two soldiers scout the landscape. Under ordinary circumstances they might be friends, but in the hostile environment of World War II, they are mortal enemies.
Leal Baldwin, a US Army sergeant, writes sonnets. His sights are set on serving his country honorably and returning home in one piece. But the enemy is not always Japanese … Dooley wants Leo’s job, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get it … Leo finds himself fighting for his reputation and freedom.
Lieutenant Tadashi Abukara prefers haiku. He has vowed to serve his emperor honorably, but finds himself fighting a losing battle. Through combat, starvation, and the threat of cannibalism, Tadashi’s only thought is of survival and return to his beloved wife and son. As Leo and Tadashi discover the humanity of the other side and the questionable moral acts committed by their own, they begin to ask themselves why they are here at all. When they at last meet in the jungles of Luzon, only one will survive, but their poetry will live forever.
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/47dpEa
An Excerpt from War Sonnets:CLOSE COMBAT
We met upon a narrow jungle trace.
He aimed his gun at me, I aimed at him.
There in the silence of the jungle dim
One shot rang out;
CHAPTER 54ANTIPOLO, LUZON—AUGUST 1945“Filipowski, Grayson, Russo, you’re with me.” Leo nodded to all three of them as he outlined the duties for the day. There had been a report of a Japanese encampment in a gully several miles from the garrison. The entire platoon was going out. They’d establish a base camp and spread out in small groups to recon the area.
As the men readied themselves for patrol, Leo prepared himself for another unsuccessful day. Of course, they had to investigate, but he was certain that once again they’d be chasing the wind.
The encampment was where intel had reported. It was no surprise that it was now abandoned. Leo hoped that meant the Japs had moved on and out of his territory.
“Back to camp.” Leo waved his hand in a forward motion. “Let’s find out what other dead ends they’ve got for us to follow.”
As they headed back to the outpost, Leo took the point. He knew this trail by heart, knew they’d just come down it and find it empty. He relaxed his arms, dropped his rifle to his side, and let his thoughts wander.
It had been nearly three years since he’d boarded the bus to Fort Niagara. Until then, his life on the farm had been the only world he knew. He understood the rules, the routines, the way life was supposed to be. He saw clearly now that hard work and success didn’t always get you what you want. As much as he had once believed that a college degree and maybe even a career in writing was his future, he was now convinced that there was no point in chasing that dream.
Leo sighed and pushed away the pressure of regret. When this war was over—if he survived it—he would go home where he belonged, take up the plow, and accept his fate.
CHAPTER 55ANTIPOLO, LUZON—AUGUST 1945Tadashi stumbled along the northern trail, dragging his wounded leg. He was drenched in sweat and weak from his long day of traveling. He hadn’t waited for nightfall, instead starting out as soon as he made his decision. He had many miles to cross before he would find his comrades in the north—there was no time to stop for sleep.
When he came to a small stream, he paused, knelt beside it, and filled his canteen. He lifted it to his lips and guzzled. The cool, sweet water soothed his parched throat and satisfied his empty stomach. He filled the canteen again and sipped its contents this time, feeling the liquid run down his throat and into his belly.
The third time he filled the canteen, he capped it tightly and slung it across his shoulder. With effort, he stood and scanned the trail in both directions. He wanted so badly to stop, to rest his aching leg.
But he couldn’t. He had to get north. Had to get home. Had to hold his wife and son in his arms.
He pictured his family. His faded memory produced only shadows, but he filled in the rest with his imagination. Sachiko in the fine silk kimono he would buy for her, her long dark hair arranged on top of her head and held with ornate combs. Next to her stood Ichiro, nearly four years old now. In his imagination, Ichiro resembled his mother—the porcelain skin, the deep, dark eyes. He wore the jademagatama that had belonged to Tadashi’s venerated uncle.
Tadashi clutched the magatama and nodded. Yes. His son would have the keepsake when Tadashi came home. He vowed to keep these images in his mind as he traveled north. They would be his beacon.
He started out again. This time, his steps were firm and determined.
It was late in the day when he finally gave in to exhaustion. His wound was bleeding, his leg so weak it collapsed every few steps. Ahead of him, the trail became steep and rocky as it wound up and into the mountains. He could not go on until he regained the strength to climb.
Tadashi unwrapped his senninbari,the thousand-stitch good luck belt, from his waist. Before now, he’d stubbornly refused to remove it, unwilling to risk negating its luck. But blood flowed freely from his leg now, and he needed something to bind it with.
The minute he stopped walking, he heard them: American soldiers, too far away to see, but their voices carried on the breeze. He stepped off the trail and crouched in the tall kunai grass.
His mind raced. I want to live to see my family, he reminded himself. I will not surrender, will not confront them unless I have to. He knew his chances of survival were slim, but surrender was worse than death.
The Americans came closer, their voices louder now, as if they were unconcerned about attack. Tadashi kept his body still, held his breath, and hoped they would pass by without noticing him. The soldiers tramped through the kunai grass, its rough leaves swishing against their uniforms.
They were close. Too close and there was nowhere to hide.
Tadashi had to decide—life or death. Honor or disgrace.
Author Bio:
Susannah Willey is a baby boomer, mother of four, grandmother of three, and a recovering nerd. To facilitate her healing, she writes novels. In past lives, she has been an office assistant, stay-at-home-mom, Special Education Teaching Assistant, School Technology Coordinator, and Emergency Medical Technician. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Instructional Computing from S.U.N.Y. Empire State College, and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design from Boise State University.
Susannah grew up in the New York boondocks and currently lives in Central New York with her companion, Charlie, their dogs, Magenta and Georgie, and Jelly Bean the cat.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.utterloonacy.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writerSusannah
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susannahwilley
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bbittel71/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@susannahwilley
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Susannah-Willey/author/B0C349ZF1V
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/32210037.Susannah_Willey
Alliance of Independent Authors: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/members/susannah-willey/author-profile
Historical Fiction Company: https://www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/authors/susannah-willey
October 17, 2023
New Release from Jenny O’Brien: The Puppet Maker
Congratulations to Jenny O’Brien – It’s Publication Day for The Puppet Maker, the first book in a brand new Irish crime series. It has popped up on my Kindle this morning and I’m really looking forward to diving in.
A little bit about the book …The scrap of paper looked as if it had been torn from a diary. The words written in faint pencil. The letters rounded, almost childlike. Please look after her. Her life and mine depend on you not trying to find me.
The Puppet Maker by Jenny O’BrienPublication date: 17th October 2023
When Detective Alana Mack arrives at Clonabee police station, in a small Irish seaside town on the outskirts of Dublin, she doesn’t expect to find a distressed two-year-old girl sobbing on the floor. Abandoned in a local supermarket, the child tells them her name is Casey. All Alana and her team have to go on is a crumpled note begging for someone to look after the little girl. This mother doesn’t want to be found.
Still recovering from a terrible accident that has left Alana navigating a new life as a wheelchair user, Alana finds herself suddenly responsible for Casey while trying to track down the missing mother and solve another missing person’s case… a retired newsagent who has seemingly vanished from his home.
Forced to ask her ex-husband and child psychiatrist Colm for help, through Forensic Art Therapy, Alana discovers that whatever darkness lies behind the black windows in Casey’s crayon drawing, the little girl was terrified of the house she lived in.
Then a bag of human remains is found in a bin, and a chilling link is made – the DNA matches Casey’s.
Alana and her team must find the body and make the connection with the missing newsagent fast if she is to prevent another life from being taken. But with someone in her department leaking confidential details of the investigation to the media, can Alana set aside her emotional involvement in this case and find Casey’s mother and the killer before it’s too late?
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C9JJ5XYB
A little bit about Jenny …Born in Dublin, Jenny O’Brien moved to Wales and then Guernsey, where she tries to find time to write in between working as a nurse and ferrying around 3 teenagers.
In her spare time she can be found frowning at her wonky cakes and even wonkier breads. You’ll be pleased to note she won’t be entering Bake-Off. She’s also an all-year-round sea swimmer.
Jenny is represented by Nicola Barr of The Bent Agency and published by Storm Publishing and HQ Digital (Harper Collins).
You can find out more about Jenny and her books on her blog:
October 10, 2023
Drumbeats by Julia Ibbotson: The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour
Today, I am delighted to host Julia Ibbotson for the book spotlight tour for Drumbeats, Book 1 of The Drumbeats Trilogy Series.
You can follow the full tour here: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/08/blog-tour-drumbeats-by-julia-ibbotson.html
Drumbeats by Julia IbbotsonIt’s 1965, and 18 year old Jess escapes her stifling English home for a gap year in Ghana, West Africa. But it’s a time of political turbulence across the region. Fighting to keep her young love who waits back in England, she’s thrown into the physical and emotional dangers of civil war, tragedy and the conflict of a disturbing new relationship. And why do the drumbeats haunt her dreams?
This is a rite of passage story which takes the reader hand in hand with Jess on her journey towards the complexities and mysteries of a disconcerting adult world.
This is the first novel in the acclaimed Drumbeats trilogy: Drumbeats, Walking in the Rain, Finding Jess.
For fans of Dinah Jefferies, Kate Morton, Rachel Hore, Jenny Ashcroft
Buy Links:
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/Drumbeats1
Author Bio:
Award-winning author Julia Ibbotson herself spent an exciting time in Ghana, West Africa, teaching and nursing (like Jess in her books), and always vowed to write about the country and its past. And so, the Drumbeats Trilogy was born. She’s also fascinated by history, especially by the medieval world, and concepts of time travel, and has written haunting time-slips of romance and mystery partly set in the Anglo-Saxon period.
She studied English at Keele University, England, specialising in medieval language, literature and history, and has a PhD in linguistics. She wrote her first novel at age 10, but became a school teacher, then university lecturer and researcher. Her love of writing never left her and to date she’s written 9 books, with a 10th on the way.
Julia is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, Society of Authors and the Historical Novel Society.
Author Links:
Website: https://juliaibbotsonauthor.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuliaIbbotson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JuliaIbbotsonauthor
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dr-julia-ibbotson-62a5401a
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia.ibbotson/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.co.uk/juliai1
Amazon Author Page: https://Author.to/JuliaIbbotsonauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/juliaibbotson
October 4, 2023
The Ghost of Greyson Hall by MK McClintock: The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour
I am delighted today to host MK McClintock for the blog tour for The Ghost of Greyson Hall, book 4 in the British Agents Series. MK has kindly provided an excerpt to tempt you! Please see below.
You can follow the full tour here: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/08/blog-tour-the-ghost-of-greyson-hall.html
The Ghost of Greyson Hall, British Agents Series, Book #4, by MK McClintockOnce a year, an ancient secret walks the corridors of Greyson Hall, a place shrouded in mystery and whispered legend.
When Devon Clayton inherited the stately mansion in England’s wild north from his uncle, he never imagined what secrets lurked within its walls, hidden for centuries. When his friends and brothers join him for the holiday, the British Agents and their families discover that their most unusual case will bring new meaning to Christmas spirit.
They must now unravel a century-old mystery if they are to break the curse and save a love that transcends time.
A long novella set in Northumberland in December 1782 and 1892.
Also Available:
Note: The British Agent series books are written to be read as stand-alone novels. However, they each have cross-over characters, meaning characters from each book will appear in the others. The only reading order is chronological, but each title can still be read as stand-alone.
Praise for the British Agent Series:“Ms. McClintock succeeds in masterfully weaving both genres meticulously together until mystery lovers are sold on romance and romance lovers love the mystery!”
—InD’Tale Magazine on Alaina Claiborne
Buy Links:
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/brBdME
The Ghost of Greyson Hall: ExcerptA duke, an earl, and a mere mister, each willing to sacrifice the dream of a family to serve their king and country. The three men had become allies by necessity, friends through trust, and brothers of the heart through loyalty and devotion. Of course, not one of them had anticipated meeting the brave and remarkable women whose love promised a life apart from cold beds, scar-ridden bodies, and more secrets than any one person should have to keep.
Love, unwavering and eternal, was the legacy they could now pass onto their sons and daughters. Devon planned to revive the talk of little ones with Anne at the first opportunity. For now, he continued down the landing to the east wing, where his younger brothers, Derek and Zachary, occupied rooms when they were in residence. They still served as trusted agents to the crown and rarely spent more than a week a month at Greyson Hall.
Devon stopped at the first bedroom, the original nursery, and opened the door. The draft Anne mentioned coursed over his face and bare hands before he even entered. “Of course, there’s a draft without heat.” He found the vent, knelt, and held a hand over it. The servants kept the coal furnace fueled most of the day, and though not an ideal system, it warmed the impressive house to a reasonable degree of comfort. Natural convection was indeed pushing some of the heat into the room.
He stood and examined each window. Each one was secure, and the cold glass panes did not explain the draft still flowing around him. Devon examined the padded bench at a corner dressing table, determined it would hold his weight, and moved it next to the wardrobe. He reached a hand along the edges of the ceiling, to no avail.
“You must find country life far more tedious than I do if you’ve resorted to dusting corners for cobwebs. It has only been three months since your retirement.”
Without looking at his friend, Devon stepped off the stool and asked Charles, “Do you feel a draft?”
“All these country houses have drafts. It’s a requirement. The attics at Blackwood Crossing have several, and no matter who looks at it or how often we have crevices filled or the roof repaired, the drafts remain.”
“You don’t feel it?”
Excerpt from The Ghost of Greyson Hall copyright © MK McClintock
Author Bio:MK McClintock is an award-winning author who writes historical romantic fiction about chivalrous men and strong women who appreciate chivalry. Her stories of romance, mystery, and adventure sweep across the American West to the Victorian British Isles with places and times between and beyond.
Her works include the following series: Montana Gallaghers, Crooked Creek, British Agents, Whitcomb Springs, and the stand-alone collection, A Home for Christmas. She is also the co-author of the McKenzie Sisters Mysteries.
MK enjoys a quiet life in the northern Rocky Mountains. Visit her online home at www.mkmcclintock.com, where you can learn more about her books, explore extras, and subscribe to receive news.
Author Links:
Website: www.mkmcclintock.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MKMcClintockBooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkmcclintock/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mkmcclintock/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mk-mcclintock
Mailing List: https://www.mkmcclintock.com/subscribe
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/MK-McClintock/author/B006UV5PPI
August 29, 2023
The Husband Criteria by Catherine Kullmann: The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour
Today, I am delighted to bring you an interview with Catherine Kullmann, a fellow Irish historical fiction author, whose novel, The Husband Criteria, is available now. (See link below)
You can follow the full tour here: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/07/blog-tour-husband-criteria-by-catherine-kullmann.html
The Husband Criteria by Catherine KullmannLondon 1817
The primary aim of every young lady embarking on the Spring frenzy that is the Season must be to make a good match. Or must it? And what is a good match? For cousins Cynthia, Chloe and Ann, well aware that the society preux chevalier may prove to be a domestic tyrant, these are vital questions. How can they discover their suitors’ true character when all their encounters must be confined to the highly ritualised round of balls, parties and drives in the park?
As they define and refine their Husband Criteria, Cynthia finds herself unwillingly attracted to aloof Rafe Marfield, heir to an earldom, while Chloe is pleased to find that Thomas Musgrave, the vicar’s son from home, is also in London. And Ann must decide what is more important to her, music or marriage.
And what of the gentlemen who consider the marriage mart to be their hunting grounds? How will they react if they realise how rigorously they are being assessed?
A light-hearted, entertaining look behind the scenes of a Season that takes a different course with unexpected consequences for all concerned.
Buy Links:
Universal Link: https://mybook.to/criteria
Interview with Catherine KullmannYou are very welcome, Catherine, please introduce yourself:
I was born and educated in Dublin. Following a three-year courtship conducted mostly by letter, I moved to Germany where I lived for twenty-five years before returning to Ireland. I have worked in the Irish and New Zealand public services and in the private sector. Widowed, I have three adult sons and two grandchildren.
I love writing and am particularly interested in what happens after the first happy end—how life goes on for the protagonists and sometimes catches up with them. My books are set against a background of the offstage, Napoleonic wars and consider in particular the situation of women trapped in a patriarchal society.
I also blog about historical facts and trivia related to this era. You can find out more about my books and read the blog (My Scrap Album) at my website. You can contact me via my Facebook page or on Twitter.
Which genre do you write in and what draws you to it?
I have always been interested in the extended Regency period, from, say, 1795—the year of the later Prince Regent’s marriage—to 1830, the year of his death as George IV, a time when the foundations of our modern world were laid. The events of this period include the Act of Union between Great Britain and Ireland of 1800, the Anglo-American war of 1812 and the twelve years of war that ended in the final defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815, all of which continue to shape our modern world.
At the same time, the ruling aristocracies were being challenged by those who saw the need for social and political reform, while the industrial revolution which led to the transfer of wealth to the manufacturing and merchant classes was underway. Powerful voices demanded the abolition of the slave trade. Women, who had few or no rights in a patriarchal society, had begun to raise their voices, demanding equality and emancipation. Still very much the age of sail, and of the horse, it was also the dawn of the age of steam. Within twenty years, railways would have begun to transform both the landscape and society.
I also love the music, literature, art and architecture of that time, the fashion—between hoops and crinolines—is still very wearable today, and indeed the Empire line is revived regularly.
Are you an avid reader? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?
Yes, a day without reading is a day lost. I read the Irish Times over breakfast and have various books on the go at all times. I love historical fiction, set from ancient Rome to the 1930s but no longer read novels set in the Regency unless they were written then. I read a lot of Regency related non-fiction as part of my research. I also enjoy urban paranormal novels. I do not read romance exclusively but like my novels to have a romantic subplot at least.
Are you a self-published/traditional or hybrid author?
I am self-published. The Husband Criteria is my eighth novel.
Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?
Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer
Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?
Yes. Ireland and Great Britain have 800 years of shared history. My native city, Dublin, is very much a Georgian city, and I am very familiar with Georgian architecture, inside and out. This 1826 view from Carlisle (now O’Connell) Bridge, Dublin, encapsulates the vibrancy of the Regency.
I also studied Georgian writers and essayists such as Hazlitt and Charles Lamb and I love the Romantic poets.
What part of the writing process do you find most difficult? How do you overcome it?
I am a hybrid plotter/pantser and every so often I find myself saying, ‘but what happens next?’ I frequently find inspiration in the public timeline of the year in which the book is set, for example, take my characters to a particular theatrical performance.
What was the best piece of writing advice you received when starting out?
Don’t confuse plot and narrative. Something must happen in each chapter.
Do you have a favourite time of day to write?
Mid-morning until lunch and then in the late afternoon.
If you weren’t an author, what would you be up to?
I started writing fiction after I took early retirement. I’ll go on writing until I drop.
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?
Persuasion by Jane Austen,—my favourite novel; The Lord of the Rings by J R R Tolkien—the best quest/adventure ever; The Complete Works of William Shakespeare—all human life is there; The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss—a childhood favourite, The Translations of Seamus Heany, both for the variety and the beautiful language. All should be beautifully illustrated and printed leather-bound hardbacks.
Catherine, thanks so much for coming on the blog today. Wishing you every success with your new release. If you’d like to know more about Catherine and her work, check out her links below.
Author Links:
Website: http://www.catherinekullmann.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CKullmannAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherinekullmannauthor
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/catherine-kullmann
Amazon Author Page: http://viewauthor.at/ckullmannamazonpage
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15549457.Catherine_Kullmann
August 22, 2023
The Shadow Earl by Stella Riley: The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour
Today, I am delighted to host Stella Riley on her tour for The Shadow Earl. Stella has kindly provided an excerpt – see below.
You can find the details of the full tour here: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/07/blog-tour-shadow-earl-by-stella-riley.html
The Shadow Earl by Stella RileyAudiobook narrated by Alex Wyndham
At the end of his Grand Tour, somewhere between Athens and Constantinople, Christian Selwyn, the young Earl of Hazelmere, vanished – seemingly without a trace.
Time passes. In London, his uncle and cousin move into his home … while his unofficial fiancée, Sophia, is left desolate and in limbo. Finally, his friends – loyal and close as brothers – set out to search in person.
Christian’s startling re-appearance at a grand ball takes society by storm and fuels endless speculation. Where has he been during these three missing years? What happened to him?
And more importantly, how did it happen?
Only one thing is clear. The earl who left England five years ago, has returned a changed man. A man with secrets.
Buy Links:
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/meqpeZ
The Shadow Earl – ExcerptLondon 1780: the ball to celebrate Sophia’s unwilling betrothal to Basil.
The quadrille was half over when Sophia became aware of a change in the ballroom. Conversations stopped, dancers paused mid-figure and the orchestra dwindled to an untidy halt, leaving an airless silence.
Then people fell back opening a path to whatever or whoever was commanding their attention … and Sophia saw that three latecomers had entered the room.
Benedict Hawkridge, Anthony Wendover and Daniel Shelbourne.
They stood apart, silent and still, staring unsmilingly first at Eustace and then at Basil. And finally, still without speaking, Mr Shelbourne moved aside, allowing a fourth gentleman to step forward.
A tall gentleman in black … a gentleman with tawny-gold hair and eyes like frost.
Time stopped. The air in Sophia’s lungs evaporated and she froze, paralysed by shock. Then a spectral gasp broke the hush … someone said incredulously, ‘Good God! Hazelmere?’ … and joy exploded inside her. Kit.
‘Indeed.’ Christian awarded Eustace an ironic bow. ‘Good evening, Uncle. I could almost suppose you were expecting me … but of course you weren’t, were you?’
More silence. Avid eyes swivelled in Eustace’s direction. He opened his mouth but no sound came out. The same eyes looked for and found Basil. Like his father’s, his face was completely bloodless.
Sophia stood frozen, scarcely aware of Basil’s numbing grip on her fingers. Then she whispered, ‘Kit?’
He didn’t hear her. As yet, he hadn’t seen her either. She tried to drag her hand free, pushing at Basil without taking her eyes off Christian.
He saw her then. She watched it happen … watched something she couldn’t identify pass rapidly through those silver eyes … watched his face empty of all expression. Then, halting her with a bow before she could take more than two steps in his direction, he said politely, ‘My apologies, Sophie. I am somewhat tardy, am I not? Suffice it to say that the circumstances that delayed me were … beyond my control.’
She stared at him. Was that all he was going to say?
Meanwhile, approaching his nephew hand outstretched and with an attempt at heartiness, Eustace said, ‘You must forgive our shock. This – having you home again– is the miracle we’d no longer dared hope for. Where have you …? But no. The questions can wait.’
Christian made no move to take the offered hand. He stood perfectly still and let his gaze drift past his uncle to encompass his cousin; then he watched with gentle interest as Basil turned blotchily red.
Author Bio:Winner of four gold medals for historical romance (Readers’ Favourite in 2019, Book Excellence Awards in 2020, Global Book Awards in 2022 and Book Excellence Award in 2023) and fifteen B.R.A.G. Medallions, Stella Riley lives in the beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.
She is fascinated by the English Civil Wars and has written six books set in that period. These, like the 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times newspaper!) and the Brandon Brothers trilogy, are all available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.
Stella enjoys travel, reading, theatre, Baroque music and playing the harpsichord. She also has a fondness for men with long hair – hence her 17th and 18th century heroes.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://stellarileybooks.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RileyStella
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellariley.books
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellarileybooks/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/riley9631/stella-riley-books/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search=Stella%20Riley
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stella-Riley/e/B0034PB7UU
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/171405852-the-shadow-earl
