Mary Anne Yarde's Blog: The Coffee Pot Book Club , page 131

Join Historical Fiction author, Paul Walker, as he takes a look at he Stars, Medicine and Mathematics in Elizabethan England. There is also a chance to check out Paul's fabulous #NewRelease — State of Treason @PWalkerauthor

The Stars, Medicine and Mathematics 
in Elizabethan England
By Paul Walker
After many false starts, astrology became a focus for my first work of historical fiction – State of Treason. William Constable is a scholar and competent in all three areas listed in the title of this post. I should declare now that, unlike our hero, I hold no faith in astrology.
Astrology had a significant influence as a way of explaining and controlling the life of Elizabethans. Natal astrology was used to examine and predict events based on a birth chart. Medical astrology was used to determine an individual's weakness, diagnose illness, and prescribe cures. It was a prerequisite to healing and taught in every major university. It was not always clearly distinguished from astronomy, which described the motion of the stars and their influence on tides, weather and navigation.
Expertise in astrology is the declared reason for William’s summons to Sir Francis Walsingham. He also has a reputation as a mathematician, surveyor of the movement of the stars and their use in the navigation of ships. He uses the latter skill as an excuse to meet with a group of men who plan an ambitious adventure to the New Lands and raids on Spanish treasure ships. He does this as an unwilling investigator into a conspiracy that threatens the state.
The art of navigation developed rapidly in the sixteenth century in response to explorers who needed to find their positions without landmarks. Instruments were used to determine latitude, but longitude required accurate timepieces and these were not yet available. A cross staff was in common use in the mid sixteenth century to calculate latitude. The major problem with this was that the observer had to look in two directions at once - along the bottom of the transom to the horizon and along the top of the transom to the sun or the star. A more advanced instrument was the Davis Quadrant or backstaff. One of the major advantages of the backstaff over the cross-staff was that the navigator had to look in only one direction to take the sight - through the slit in the horizon vane to the horizon while simultaneously aligning the shadow of the shadow vane with the slit in the horizon vane. The shadow staff in the book, invented by William, is an imagined forerunner of the backstaff.
Enough of the background – now to the writing. Weaving real characters and events into the plot was the first challenge. Walsingham was always going to play a part as Elizabeth’s spymaster. John Dee was a fascinating character whose expertise in astrology and mathematics made him a natural, if unseen, foil for William as his estranged mentor. I took particular delight in incorporating John Foxe as a character who forms an unlikely friendship with William. A renowned Puritan and author of Book of Martyrs (a bestseller at the time), Foxe was also thought to have a kindly and forgiving manner. I came to John Hawkins and Humphrey Gilbert, famous privateers and explorers, later in plot development to complement William’s invention of a navigation instrument for ships. Hawkins was rewarded for his aid in uncovering the ‘Ridolfi Plot’ against Elizabeth. Some questions remain about the true nature of his part in this affair and his continued friendship with the Spanish Ambassador.
A recent blog post by Annie Whitehead considered how to write convincing dialogue for her novels set in Anglo-Saxon England. You can read it HERE!She makes a convincing case for a compromise between true Old English and modern understanding. So it was with State of Treason. I wanted to create prose and dialogue, which captures the essence of authentic Elizabethan life without disturbing the reader’s flow and the need for a glossary. After a few experiments I found that this came most naturally by writing first person in the historic present. Time, readership and feedback will tell if I have succeeded in the attempt.


State of Treason
By Paul Walker


William Constable is a scholar of mathematics, astrology and practices as a physician. He receives an unexpected summons to the Queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham in the middle of the night. He fears for his life when he spies the tortured body of an old friend in the palace precincts. His meeting with Walsingham takes an unexpected turn when he is charged to assist a renowned Puritan, John Foxe, in uncovering the secrets of a mysterious cabinet containing an astrological chart and coded message. Together, these claim Elizabeth has a hidden, illegitimate child (an “unknowing maid”) who will be declared to the masses and serve as the focus for an invasion.Constable is swept up in the chase to uncover the identity of the plotters, unaware that he is also under suspicion. He schemes to gain the confidence of the adventurer John Hawkins and a rich merchant. Pressured into taking a role as court physician to pick up unguarded comments from nobles and others, he has become a reluctant intelligencer for Walsingham.Do the stars and cipher speak true, or is there some other malign intent in the complex web of scheming?Constable must race to unravel the threads of political manoeuvring for power before a new-found love and perhaps his own life are forfeit.
Excerpt
This short excerpt is the first occasion when our hero, William Constable, has a meeting with Helen Morton that goes beyond formal exchanges. He is investigating the claims from a cipher held by Sir Francis Walsingham that the Queen has a hidden illegitimate child. Helen is a herbalist and William uses the examination of a possible cure for his mother’s illness as an excuse for conversation.
When we have eaten our fill, I ask John if he would like to accompany us to my room of medicines. He demurs and says he will rest before further study. The chamber is small and compares badly with the drying room at the Morton’s.

Helen says, ‘As to your mother, we are of one mind; her trouble is a blockage in the belly, which may harden her stools and hinder their passing.’

‘You are direct in your assessment. I had thought the same, but her discomfort began more than thirty days past and she has had some relief, although the stools were compacted. Do you discount a malign growth in her middle?’

‘The possibility should not be ignored, but we would suggest a curative for a more compliant blockage before further causes are considered. Your mother has not passed stools for seven days and that is too long a delay.’She has a confidence and frankness that is both appealing and bothersome. My talent as a physician is questioned by a young woman, but I must remember that I have other reasons not to dismiss her advice. Besides, am I too proud to admit she may be correct? The health of my mother is at stake and I should be grateful for another opinion, no matter the source.I say, ‘I have treated her with rhubarb root and ginger, would that not provide relief?’

‘In mild cases it may be sufficient. Rosamund is of the opinion that your mother requires a more robust remedy. There is a better solution, but we must retrieve this from our drying room. We have a consignment of dried plums from France, which Rosamund swears will offer the quickest relief. A dozen of these should be taken each day, with two pints of small beer.’I note that Rosamund has fallen asleep in her chair. Her head is slumped at an awkward angle. I suggest we move her to an easier position, but Helen says she often dozes in this fashion. I have not heard of dried plums as the essence of a curative for blockages, but I thank her and make an arrangement to call for them the next day. I have no great hope for Rosamund’s advice, but calculate that they could do little harm, and I will continue with the rhubarb and ginger as a companion treatment. I ask Helen if she would like to examine the books on herbs and medicines in my library. She glances at the sleeping figure and hesitates before murmuring her assent.

I leave the door to my library chamber open to avoid any claim of impropriety. She gazes around the tables and shelving, then picks idly at the books and papers as she wanders.

‘You are a strange man, William Constable. I would not have expected a friendship with Doctor Foxe, who is noted for his fierce views on religion.’‘Nor I, lady, but as you will have noted, he is not forceful in his opinions and has a quick mind on more mundane subjects.’

She agrees that he was pleasant company at the table and appears to have a kindly nature. She holds the corner of a chart and wrinkles her nose. ‘Do you find these star charts are helpful with your treatments?’

‘They are in many cases, but I do not hold fast to the belief that astrological charts show the entire truth about the nature and inclinations of a person. I have a fascination with the skies and study them so that we may also know our place on this earth.’

She says, ‘Have you cast a chart for Doctor Foxe?’

‘No, that would stray too far from his puritanical beliefs, although he does not dismiss their use out of hand.’ I pause then add, ‘Would you like me to draw a chart for you? It would be harmless and you could regard it as an entertainment.’

She widens her eyes, then purses her lips. She turns her back on me and walks to the far corners of the chamber, feigning interest in the books and charts. When her thinking is finished she faces me and clasps her hands in front of her skirts.

‘I will ask my father. It would be improper to do this work without his blessing.’

‘Of course, my lady. I will seek permission from your father when I call at your house for the dried plums.’ It seems that her high spirits and directness are joined with practical sense in knowing the bounds in behaviour that should be observed. ‘May I know your date and place of birth so that I may prepare an outline of the work?’

Her nose wrinkles again. It could be a sign that she disapproves or that she is considering my request. Whichever, I begin to find this mannerism… appealing.

She says. ‘I suppose it would not hurt. It was the seventh day of August in the sixtieth year. The place was Maldon in Essex. I am told that my mother retreated from the plague in the city for her confinement.’

There is a lurch in my middle and my skin prickles. I hope that this does not signify a reddening in my face. The date matches the one on the captured natal chart, but this cannot be… She talks of her mother’s confinement. My intention was to dismiss a small, nagging thought and now I am faced with magnified complexity. Is it coincidence, or could Helen be the ‘unknowing maid’?

‘Is something amiss, William?’

‘No… no, lady.’ I stammer and must guard against unnatural behaviour. She has called me by my given name and I wonder if this is a sign of growing trust. ‘May I call you Helen in return?’ She bobs her head and smiles her agreement. I continue, ‘I was contemplating the remedy of dried plums. I have not read of such a cure for blocked innards.’

‘It is in no book or paper that I have read. Rosamund had it from a goodwife in Finsbury Fields and it has been tried with some success.’ She pauses and eyes me with curiosity. ‘You have an open mind, William, and it does you credit. I was anticipating that you would deny an unusual remedy not known to you because of your superior standing as a physician.’

My surprise at the revelation of Helen’s birth date is soon forgotten as we exchange stories of our younger days, our education and the loss of a parent. Our discussions flow freely and it is plain that we both find enjoyment in each other’s company. She was close to her mother and loved her well, but she was sickly for as long as Helen could remember and often confined to her bed. I sympathise and probe a little until I learn that her mother was two years younger than her father. She would have been aged thirty-eight years at the time of Helen’s birth, and while this is not past child-bearing, it would be a rare age for a first child. My conversation with Helen is overlong and Mistress Hilliard comes with a message from her escort to say that she must leave before the light fades. I am resigned to conducting further examinations of Helen’s history and a sense of guilt at my subterfuge is mixed with pleasure at the thought of more time in her company.


Giveaway
Paul Walker is giving away 4 kindle copies ofState of Treason.

All you need to do is answer this question
Imagine that you are the young daughter of a titled, wealthy merchant in Elizabethan London. You are at dinner with a small group of people of similar status. A young man pays you particular attention and obviously fancies you. How would you reply to his compliment?
‘This is a fine syllabub, but I will wager its taste cannot compare to the sweetness of your lips.’
Leave your answer in the comments at the bottom of this post.

Giveaway Rules
• Leave your answer in the comments at the bottom of this post.• Giveaway ends at 11:59pm BST on July 23rd.• You must be 18 or older to enter.• Giveaway is only open to continental United Kingdom only.Only one entry per household.• All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.•Winners will be announced in the comments.• Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.


The Coffee Pot Book Club
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Highly Recommended
Read the full review
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Pick up your copy of
State of Treason
Amazon UK • Amazon US

Paul Walker
Paul Walker inherited his love of British history and historical fiction from his mother who was an active member of the Richard III Society.
State of Treason is the first in a planned series of Elizabethan spy thrillers. The plot is based around real characters and events in London of the 1570’s. The hero, William Constable, is an astrologer and also a sceptic. He is also a mathematician, astronomer and inventor of a navigational aid for ships. The distinction between astrology and astronomy was blurred in the sixteenth century.
The second book in the series will be published in October 2019.
Paul is married and lives in a village 30 miles north of London. Having worked in a number of universities and run his own business, he now divides his time between non-executive work for an educational trust and writing fiction. His writing is regularly disrupted by children and a growing number of grandchildren and dogs.
Connect with Paul: Twitter.

Have you heard? #HistoricalRomance author, Janna MacGregor, is giving away two paperback copies of her fabulous book — Rogue Most Wanted @JannaMacGregor @StMartinsPress @hfvbt

Historical Fiction Virtual Blog Tours Presents…
Rogue Most WantedBy Janna MacGregor

Wanted: an engagement of convenience. Found: A noble suitor.
Raised on a remote Scottish estate by her adoring grandfather, Lady Theodora Worth has inherited an earldom as well as the land itself. But when an upstart duke challenges her claim to the title and the Ladykyrk estate, Thea is suddenly in need of a husband—in name, at least. An elderly neighbor with a thoroughly modern sensibility and a dashing great-nephew just might be the answer to Thea’s prayers. Except she has no intention of marrying the first man she meets. That would be utterly ridiculous.
It just can’t be him. . .
Lord William Cavensham is entirely too devoted to his family’s estate—ever since he was jilted as a lad–to wed, but he agrees to meet the woman his aunt has taken under her wing—and introduce her to possible suitors. But after just one meeting with beautiful, spirited Thea, Will is determined to help her reclaim her title. And even moreso, he can’t stop thinking that perhaps marriage to this bold, passionate woman may be the one thing he’s been missing all along?
Praise for Rogue Most Wanted
“Effervesces with lighthearted romance…sweet and sultry in equal measures.” Publishers Weekly“[An] emotionally rich, exquisitely wrought tale that superbly celebrates the redemptive power of love.”Booklist
Excerpt
“Nervous, are we?” Lord William Cavensham drawled. “There’s no need to be, Lady Eanruig. My aunt asked that I call on you, but I’m afraid my visit will be short.”
“Oh, I hope not. I have several matters to discuss.” She reached for a plate to serve the apricot tartlets and small cucumber sandwiches. With a quick glance at Lord William’s tall physique, she could tell he’d probably eat at least six dainty pastries and three sandwiches. “Let me first say I’m sure you’re a very nice man with a charming disposition.” She carefully arranged the delicacies on the plate then handed it to him. 
“What a lovely compliment.” Completely at ease, he chuckled as he set the plate on the table before him. “Yet I think there might be a ‘but’ coming.”
She nodded in answer, then took a bite of her own tartlet and chewed. They were still warm, and the sweet apricot filling melted in her mouth. At the taste of heavenly perfection, she moaned. Before she could take another bite, she noticed a dab of rich apricot filling had landed on her thumb. It would be a waste, not to mention a sin, to wipe it off with her napkin.  With the tip of her tongue, she licked it clean.
His wide-eyed stare enhanced the blue of his eyes.
“I didn’t want to waste a drop of goodness.” She smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
He blinked twice as if coming out of a trance. “You seem to be a person who loves their sweets.”
Thea nodded as she pointed to his plate. “You should eat yours while they’re still warm. As I was saying, you seem to be a lovely man”—she smiled slightly— “but I’m not going to marry you.”
“Pardon me?” He leaned back in his chair.
“Your aunt graciously offered you as my groom, but I’m not going to marry you.” She said it a tad louder this time so there was no misunderstanding. “I hope that doesn’t hurt your feelings. I don’t want to hurt hers either, but truthfully, I haven’t met many men. If I must find a husband, it’s best that I wait until I arrive in London and see all the available choices. Not that you wouldn’t fit the bill nicely.” She smiled in reassurance. “But this is too important a decision for me to rush into.” She exhaled her frustration at her predicament, then tried to soften the blow of her rejection. “If my hand is forced and I can’t find anyone that I want to marry, then I’ll accept you as my fiancé. Of course, only if you’re so inclined.”
He leaned forward close enough she caught a whiff of his scent. He smelled of expensive soap, sunshine, and the outdoors. Without hesitation, she leaned forward to match his movement.
“You don’t want to marry me?” His voice held a hint of humor interlaced with a tad of disbelief that she was rejecting him.
She nodded slowly. The poor man. She’d shocked him with a refusal before he even popped the proposal.
“I’ve thought quite a bit about my situation over the last several days.” She fisted one hand in her lap to keep her anger at bay. “The Duke of Ferr-Colby is challenging my right to the Earldom of Eanruig. The privilege committee isn’t expecting him to find a bride. But I’m expected to find a groom. He’s still unattached, and they’re allowing him to go on his merry way and throw me off my own land.” She forced herself to breathe deeply and slow down. “It’s simply unfair that I have to marry quickly for the committee and propriety’s sake. Wouldn’t you agree?” The look of utter astonishment on his face sent a pang of regret through her chest that she’d caused him any discomfort. “I’m sorry.”
She shifted her gaze to her hands. When her grandfather was well, he’d instilled in her a sense of pride for their heritage. It was why she was so passionate about her circumstances. Her fight to protect this title and property from the new duke would succeed. She would carry on the line of rugged, proud, descendants from the Eanruig line. It would be her memorial to her grandfather.
“Lady Eanruig?”
Thea returned her attention to her guest.
“We’re in complete agreement. I don’t want to marry you either, and it’s completely unfair that you’re being forced to marry. The privilege committee should follow the goose-gander rule.”
“Goose-gander rule?” she asked.
“What sauce is good for the goose is good for the gander. Whatever you have to do, Ferr-Colby should have to do.” He rested his elbows on his knees and studied her with a smile that made her insides tingle. His intense regard sent frissons of awareness through her, and she couldn’t look away.  
“You remind me of my sister, Emma.” His deep voice dipped even lower. “She would say the same thing about the position you’re in.”“I would like her.” Thea leaned a little closer until she could see the flicks of gold in his kingfisher blue eyes.
“And she would like you,” he answered.
“Thank you,” she said softly. Though he didn’t know anything about her, her heart had skipped a beat at his kind words. More than anything in the world, she wanted friends and family. He was truly a nice man to say that his sister would welcome her friendship. Plus, he was taking his rejection extremely well. 
“If I can help you in anyway, please ask.” He picked up his plate and popped two tartlets in his mouth at the same time. 
“Excellent. I was hoping you would say that,” Thea said with the warmest smile she could muster. “Do you by chance read Latin?”

Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away two paperback copies of Rogue Most Wanted by Janna MacGregor! Enter HERE!Giveaway Rules
♥ Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on July 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
♥ Giveaway is open to US only.
♥ Only one entry per household.
♥ All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
♥ The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Pick up your copy ofRogue Most WantedAMAZON  BARNES AND NOBLE GOOGLE PLAY  ITUNES  INDIEBOUND  KOBO

Janna MacGregor Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs.Connect with Anna:WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Have you heard? #HistoricalFiction author, Julie McElwain, is giving away 4 signed hardcover copies of her fabulous book — A Twist in Time. Julie is also sharing an excerpt of Betrayal in Time #Giveaway #TimeTravel @JulieMcElwain

Betrayal in TimeBy Julie McElwain

Criminal Minds Meets Jane Austen Kendra Donovan’s adventures in nineteenth-century England continue when she is called upon to investigate the murder of a spymaster…February 1816: A race through the icy, twisting cobblestone streets of London ends inside an abandoned church―and a horrific discovery. Bow Street Runner Sam Kelly is called to investigate the grisly murder of Sir Giles Holbrooke, who was left naked and garroted, with his tongue cut out. Yet as perplexing as that crime is, it becomes even stranger when symbols that resemble crosses mysteriously begin to appear across the dead man’s flesh during autopsy. Is it a message from the killer? And why?

Sam turns to the one person in the kingdom who he believes can answer that question and solve the bizarre murder―the Duke of Aldridge’s odd but brilliant ward, Kendra Donovan.

While Kendra has been trying to adapt to her new life in the early nineteenth century, she is eager to use her skills as a twenty-first century FBI agent again. And she will need all her investigative prowess, because Sir Giles was not an average citizen. He was one of England’s most clever spymasters, whose life had been filled with intrigue and subterfuge.

Kendra’s return to the gritty streets and glittering ballrooms of London takes her down increasingly dangerous paths. When another body is discovered, murdered in the same apparently ritualistic manner as Sir Giles, the American begins to realize that they are dealing with a killer with an agenda, whose mind has been twisted by rage and bitterness so that the price of a perceived betrayal is death.

Excerpt
Edward Price almost caught the bugger, could actually feel the coarse wool of the boy’s raggedy coat skim across his fingertips as he reached out to snag a bone-thin arm. But the urchin evaded him with a twist of his narrow shoulders, and in a spurt of youthful energy, he sprinted across the cobblestone street, slick with sleet and snow, leaving Edward clutching only cold air.
“Oy!” he shouted. “Halt, thief!”
Even though his watchman duties wouldn’t begin for another eight hours, Edward pelted after the young criminal, annoyed that the boy had gained a sizeable lead already. A more seasoned watchman would most likely have let the brat go, he knew. But he was only two nights into his job—tonight would be his third—and Edward was still filled with the bright earnestness of a new recruit called upon to keep the peace in London Town. He could hardly look the other way when the bold little napper snatched an apple—never mind that it was shriveled and wormy—off the costermonger’s cart right in front of his very own peepers. And certainly not when the costermonger himself and at least a dozen witnesses had turned to fix their eyes on him, expecting him to do something.
“Stop! Stop, I say!” Edward bellowed, his gaze locked on the small figure running ahead. The thief dodged pedestrians and peddler’s carts with the agility of someone who belonged in the city’s criminal class.
Even though he hadn’t yet reached his nineteenth year, Edward was less nimble. As he raced after the boy, he crashed into three wooden crates stacked on the pavement, having just been hauled off a wagon. He winced when they toppled and the slats cracked, and he had to dodge the potatoes, onions, and turnips spilling underfoot. The two burly men who’d been unloading the wagon stopped long enough to hurl curses after him. Edward gritted his teeth and ignored them—as well as the stitch that had begun to pulse in his side—and plowed on.
He was pretty sure that he was gaining on his quarry. Elation gave him a burst of speed. Edward smiled grimly when the thief tossed him a quick look over his shoulder, his eyes going wide. You’d better be afraid, brat.
As quick as a fox, the boy darted to the right, vanishing from the wider street into a narrow, twisting lane. Edward didn’t waste his breath—he didn’t have any to spare—on ordering the two men loitering outside a candlestick shop to try to capture the urchin, or on again demanding that the boy halt. Instead, he barreled after him, gasping when his boots hit a patch of ice crusted over the dirt road. Arms flapping, he managed to right himself before he fell on his arse.
Bleeding hell. He heard the two men laughing behind him, but he tightened his jaw and renewed his pursuit. The stitch in his side was beginning to feel like someone was jabbing him with a red-hot fire poker. Despite the temperature hovering near freezing, the exertion made him sweat. He could feel perspiration pool in the pits of his arms and slink uncomfortably down the base of his spine.
Still, he ran on. His gaze was fixed on the thief, a small shadow against the area’s crumbling buildings and broken cobblestone. Edward wasn’t sure exactly when it began to dawn on him that no one else seemed to be about. He’d chased the boy into one of London’s more derelict sections. A narrow, unkempt park of dead trees was in the center of the street, creating a poor man’s version of a square. Four- and five-story buildings rose up on either side of the street, the windows either boarded up or the windowpanes broken, the glass like jagged teeth. Snow drifted across steps and stoops, piled in shadowy corners, stained revolting yellows and browns. Even though it was still morning hours, the abandoned buildings cast deep bluish-gray shadows across the square. The back of Edward’s neck prickled with unease.
Bugger it. Edward slowed to an unsteady stop as he sucked in great gulps of cold air, ready to abandon the chase. He swallowed hard, his eyes flitting this way and that. You couldn’t swing a cat without hitting someone in London, so it was peculiar to be in a section of the city that was as desolate and silent as this. The only sounds came from pigeons cooing from rooftop ledges, and curtains that fluttered and snapped in the breeze against empty window frames. And his own pounding footsteps and ragged breathing.
The thief glanced back at him, flashing a cocky grin before scampering up the steps of a building across the square and ducking through an open doorway.
Anger surged through Edward. The thief’s blatant insolence renewed his flagging spirits. His lungs were still burning something fierce and the stitch in his side had yet to subside, but he pushed himself forward into a half-running, half-loping gait. A moment later, he was up the short flight of stairs and clearing the doorway. Only when he was through the door did he register that the building was a Catholic church, long since abandoned. The vestibule was barren, with two water fonts carved into the granite walls left dry and filled with spider webs. Puddles, now iced over, spread across the entrance’s flagstone floor.
Chest heaving, Edward slammed through swinging doors, hinges shrieking, into the nave of the church. Like the vestibule, the nave was empty of its popery trappings. The pews and wall plaques had been removed, the sanctuary stripped bare. A chorus of pigeons cooed from up high, where the birds had made nests in the vaulted ceiling niches. Weak light came through the stained-glass lancet windows, and rainbows fell across the stone tiles of the floor, which was crusted white in places with dried pigeon droppings.
Edward only glanced at the surroundings, as his attention was on the thief. Surprise and triumph flitted through him when he approached his quarry, and saw that the boy had come to a standstill in the middle of the room. The boy looked around, and Edward noticed that the bold smile was gone. Now his small face was pinched, his eyes round with something approaching horror. Still, it never occurred to Edward that the boy’s horror wasn’t about his imminent capture until his gaze dropped to where the scamp stood.
“Good God . . . ” Edward came to a stumbling halt, his breath catching painfully in his throat.
For just a moment, he thought that maybe the wretch lying on the floor was a wax sculpture, like the ones Marie Tussaud used in her traveling exhibits, maybe placed here by schoolboy pranksters. Except who was around to fool?
The man was naked, his flesh nearly blue, his body hair shimmering silver with frost. Edward was no stranger to death. Two nights ago, his first night as a watchman, he’d been the one to discover a poor sod who’d frozen to death huddled outside a coffee shop, across the street from St. Paul’s.
But this . . . this . . .
Edward’s shocked gaze traveled across the dead man’s face, which was swollen and appeared to be twisted into a silent scream. The watchman tried and failed to suppress a shudder.
Someone had cut out the old man’s tongue.

Giveaway
Julie McElwain is giving away 4 signed hardcover copies ofA Twist in Time.


All you need to do is answer this question:
If you could travel back in time, what era and what country would you choose?
Leave your answer in the comments at the bottom of this post.

Giveaway Rules
• Leave your answer in the comments at the bottom of this post.• Giveaway ends at 11:59pm BST on July 16th.• You must be 18 or older to enter.• Giveaway is only open to continental United States only.Only one entry per household.• All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.•Winners will be announced in the comments.• Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.


Praise for the Kendra Donovan Mystery Series.

“This first novel is absolutely captivating and will appeal to readers of action, mystery, and romance. Expect to stay engaged until the final page. – Library Journal (Starred)
“Readers of Regency romances or FBI thrillers are sure to love this inventive mix of the two genres. Rapid pacing, a slew of interesting characters, and time travel: riveting. Anyone who enjoys the unusual is sure to enjoy Agent Kendra Donovan’s adventures.” – Shelf Awareness
“If the Outlander series were written by Lisa Gardner, this would be the result. A tense page-turner with an excellent dose of feminism, social commentary and badassery.” – Criminal Element
“Engrossing and enjoyable. The book is fast and fun to read, and watching a modern FBI agent try to solve crimes without any twenty-first century tech to help is intriguing.” – Historical Novels Review
Pick up your copy ofBetrayal in Time
AMAZON  •  

Julie McElwain is a national award-winning journalist. Her first novel, A Murder In Time, was one of the top 10 picks by the National Librarian Association for its April 2016 book list, and was selected as the mystery to read in 2016 by OverDrive Inc., a digital distributor serving more than 34,000 libraries around the world. The novel was also a finalist for the 2016 Goodreads’ readers choice awards in the Sci-fi/Fantasy category, and made Bustle’s list of 9 Most Addictive Mystery series for 2017. A Twist in Time and Caught in Timewere also selected by the National Librarian Association’s book lists.
A Murder In Time has been optioned for television/movie development.
Julie McElwain is a native of North Dakota, and a graduate of NDSU.  She currently lives in Long Beach, CA, but continues to cheer on her alma mater’s football team, the NDSU Bison, and fly home for Christmas, because bone-chilling cold should be experienced at least once a year.

Connect with Julie:

#Book Review — Smoke in her Eyes (The Wanderer #2) by Anna Belfrage #timeslip #paranormal #romance @abelfrageauthor

Smoke in her Eyes (The Wanderer #2) By Anna Belfrage

Six months ago, Helle Madsen would have described herself as normal. Now she no longer knows if that terms applies, not after her entire life has been turned upside down by the reappearance of not one, but two, men from her very, very distant past. 

Helle Madsen never believed in mumbo-jumbo stuff like reincarnation—until she came face to face with Jason Morris, a man who purportedly had spent fifty lives looking for her. Coping with being reunited with the lover from her ancient past was one thing. Having Sam Woolf, her vindictive nemesis from that same ancient past join the party was a bit too much. Suddenly, Helle finds herself the reluctant heroine of a far-flung, time-transcending epic story, one in which pain and loss seem to play a very big part. 

This time round, Jason and Helle are determined to make it to the happily ever after. Unfortunately, Sam Woolf will stop at nothing to crush them. That ride into the golden sunset seems awfully far away at times…



“We have to talk about Sam Woolf…”
But not yet. Not when Jason is so critically ill in hospital. Jason is her Wanderer, her heart, her life and he is like this because she had chosen him over Prince of Kolchis three thousand years ago.
Helle had died in his arms. Prince of Kolchis had killed her, and in return, Jason had slain him. But even so, it was the Prince that had ultimately won. Life without Helle was no life at all. For the past three thousand years, Jason had searched for his love. Death to life then back to death again in an endless cycle of reincarnation. So many lives, so many experiences, and so many memories, but never had he been close enough to catch even a glimpse of his beloved. To look into her face, to hear her whisper his name, to draw her into his embrace… The years of sacrifice had been worth it. This time he would not lose her. This time they would have the life that had been cruelly snatched from them all those years ago.
Sam Woolf (Prince of Kolchis) has not forgotten, nor has he forgiven. Helle was meant to be his. She was promised to him. Obsessed beyond reason, he will do whatever it takes to remove Jason from the picture. He has the resources, and the ability to do so, and this time, he will be victorious. This time, the Wanderer will die and Helle… Well, she would soon come around to his way of thinking.
How can you love when you are afraid? Woolf shot him. He shot Jason in the head in front of her, and he has threatened her family. Woolf wanted her to choose, and she had. She had chosen Jason, but Woolf would not accept that. Helle knew that Woolf would never give up until Jason was dead, and she was his. Not this time. Not in thislife. Helle would not let Woolf torture and abuse her again. If Jason died... If Woolf succeeded… No, Helle would not even acknowledge that thought. She would be brave. She would face whatever Woolf decided to throw at her. If she did not, then she would lose Jason and that thought was beyond comprehension. She and Jason would be victorious. They would defeat Woolf. They had to…
Mesmerising, evocative and utterly enthralling. Smoke in her Eyes (The Wanderer #2) by Anna Belfrage is an epic love story that spans three millennia.
When a book makes your heart flutter and tears drip heedlessly down your face, you know that you are in the hands of not just an accomplished author, but one that is a master in her craft. Time stood still as I lost myself in this masterpiece of a story. I was dazzled, not only by Belfrage’s incredibly compelling narrative but her ability to wring every type of emotion from her readers. Belfrage takes her readers on what can only be called an emotional rollercoaster. As Helle and Jason’s struggle to preserve their love and indeed their lives, Woolf is waiting in the shadows and systematically tightening the noose around their necks. Fabulous storytelling.
Our two brave and star-crossed lovers fight simply to love each other, marry and perhaps one day have children is heartbreakingly tragic. Instead of enjoying their long-awaited reunion, Jason and Helle are being watched and hunted by the one man in this world who unfortunately does have the power to destroy them both. They can trust no one, for Woolf can possess people, command their souls, and has other skills that one might consider demonic. Such trauma would put a strain on any relationship, and it certainly does Jason and Helle’s.
I don’t want to call it a love triangle as Woolf doesn’t love Helle, he wants to own her, but for the sake of not finding a better description, I will call it that. This triangle becomes something that resembles a square. Helle, Jason and Woolf are not the only ones in this constant cycle of rebirth. Juliet is as well, and she has been in love with Jason for countless centuries. Helle may well be the reason Jason draws breath, but he loves Juliet, and he struggles to balance these two very different women in his life. The dynamics in Helle and Jason’s relationship shifts because of Juliet. Jason feels responsible for Juliet, and he has no choice but to orbit Juliet’s sun for a while. She needs him, and he cannot abandon her. Helle’s response to this, her own sense of desertion by the one man who swore would never leave her side, was utterly heart-rending. Her grief at the thought that their relationship might be over causes her to take some very foolish and rash decisions, and it was almost as if the threat of losing Jason’s love outweighed any danger Woolf might place in her way. It was an interesting journey that Helle goes on in this book and one that was absolutely irresistible.
Desperation has driven Woolf to new heights of madness. His power is immense, and his obsession with Helle drives him deeper into the darkness. Woolf is truly despicable and yet it is his story, his fixation, that really drives the narrative forward. Kudos, Ms Belfrage, for giving us such a desperate and deplorable villain!
Belfrage continues to give her readers a tantalising glimpse into the many lives that Jason experiences and because he, unlike, Helle, remembers everything, he has what I would call an ancient soul. I think when Helle has doubts about Jason’s love, she forgets how much he has suffered because of his passionate devotion. In each life, Jason searched for her. He searched for three thousand years. Even thinking about that makes my heart flutter!
I cannot praise this book enough. Without a doubt, The Wanderer Series by Anna Belfrage is the most exciting and enchanting series that I have read this year. I cannot wait to get my hands on Book #3.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.The Coffee Pot Book Club.

Pick up your copy of

Smoke in her Eyes

Amazon UK • Amazon US

Anna Belfrage
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.  She has recently released the first in a new series, The Wanderer. This time, she steps out of her normal historical context and A Torch in His Heart is with a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense with paranormal and time-slip ingredients.
Find out more about Anna by visiting her website, or herAmazon page.

Check out Cassandra Austen's fabulous book — The Portrait #HistoricalFiction @AustenCassandra @hfvbt

Historical Fiction Virtual Blog Tours Presents…


The Portrait

By Cassandra Austen 

Lady Catherine, banished to the countryside as a useless girl with a lame leg, got her revenge by playing a dangerous game. And now it will ruin her.
When the old earl dies, his only child feels no sorrow. The earldom will now revert to the crown and Lady Catherine will continue to live life exactly as she pleases. But when she learns that she is the heir to a secret family title, everything changes. Marriage had once seemed unnecessary and out of the question; now it is the only thing she wants. The two men in her life both need her influence and wealth. Whom shall she choose? The kind but secretive Captain Avebury? Or the notorious Sir Lyle, the handsome smuggler? Both men deal very differently with honor. And when Catherine’s secret self-destructs, which man can be trusted to save her?The Portrait is about a strong woman, foolish decisions, trust, and the definition of honor. Fans of Jane Austen’s independent women will recognize in Catherine a voice which will not be silenced.
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away two copies of The Portrait! You can enter HERE!
Giveaway Rules
• Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on July 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
• Giveaway is open internationally.
• Only one entry per household.
• All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
• The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Pick up your copy of


The Portrait


AMAZON • BARNES AND NOBLE


Cassandra Austen
Cassandra Austen writes historical and contemporary fiction set in both old and New England. She is the author of The Portrait, a historical romance that takes place during the Regency period in England, and Coming Home to Greenleigh, a contemporary New England romance. She lives and works in her 1700s farmhouse in northern New England, but you are welcome to visit her at her virtual home: cassandraausten.com. You can also find Cassandra on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Talk with an editor: Grace Augustine #amwriting #amediting @mallidalli

Talk with an editor: Grace Augustine
Writers repeatedly ask me: What type of editing do you do? Do you check for grammar and punctuation errors? Do you edit content? Are you a developmental editor? Are you a technical editor? How many different types of editors are there?

All are valid questions.

Personally, I am an in-line content/developmental editor. Those are fancy words for a Jill of all trades when it comes to editing.  I cover all bases, except technical editing and fact checking. I wholly believe those are jobs for the writers.

To take you through my process:

**When an author/writer first initiates contact with me, we discuss what they are looking for, what their needs are, what their timeline is, and how they want to take care of the fees associated with editing.  Once all of that is established, the person is no longer an author/writer…they are a client.

**I complete a contract, with the name of the manuscript to be edited, the title of the manuscript, date of receipt, date of return, and amount due and payment information. The client reviews the document and if they agree with the terms set forth, will either electronically sign the document and email it to me, or physically sign it and return it by postal service.

Upon receipt of the completed contract, payment, and manuscript, then I begin. My major concerns with any manuscript are

1.   Sentence structure2.   Good grammar and punctuation3.   Paragraph transitions4.   Content congruity (making sure if the character’s name is Bob it isn’t George elsewhere in the manuscript)5.   I look for plot holes, repetition, character believability, and timeline issues 6.   Strength of protagonist/antagonist7.   Advancement of story line8.   Overall story content9.   Effective conclusion

This may seem like a lot…and it is. Good editors are the glue that hold your manuscript together. They make sure that it makes you look the best you can through the words you’ve written. For me, being an in-line copy and developmental editor, I warn my clients to not be upset when they receive their edited manuscript. I cross out a lot of copy. I make notes and highlight them in the body of your manuscript so you can see the errors or what needs changing. You will not receive a clean copy in return with marginal notes. My job is to make sure every sentence is structured in the very best way. My job is to make sure there are no plot holes. My job is to make sure you have the very best for your end result…a book people want to purchase and read, and hopefully one that is on a best-selling list.

Some authors/writers feel editors are a disposable part of the process. Some feel editors are paid too much, while others feel they aren’t paid enough. Personally, I believe the editor and the cover artist are the ones who help you perfect your final product into a believable, desirable, readable book.
I’m always only a click away. I’d love to help you achieve perfection with your manuscript…one word at a time.

Edits With a Touch of Grace is committed to helping you achieve perfection one word at a time with your manuscript. I have many years of experience from copy editing in the newspaper business to putting out error free church newsletters and weekly bulletins.Please contact me and let’s discuss how I can help you achieve your manuscript goals.  Signed contracts must be received and editing fee paid (via PayPal or personal check) before work begins on your manuscript. Fee schedule will be provided to interested clients after initial contact.**Proofreading (includes grammar and punctuation only)**Full Editing (includes grammar, composition, paragraph transitions, story congruity, and deep line edits.)

If you are interested in ordering one of these services, you may reach me through my email  graceau57@gmail.com Please use this reference code: MA2019 in initial correspondence. Or contact me on Facebook.
I look forward to working with you.

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Books Go Social (BGS) is a highly respected Author Promotion service — you may have already heard of them. The founder of BGS, Laurence O’ Bryan is dedicated to helping authors showcase their books. He knows what works and what does not. This is why I am so excited to be working with him on this fantastic deal.

Want to advertise your book with an Amazon Ad campaign but don’t know where to start. Let the experts do it for yo. Save $40.00 on Books Go Social Amazon Ad Package. Offer ends 1st July 2019 #Book #Marketing #Discount @LPOBryan

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Our Amazon Ads “Done For You” service is a breakthrough for authors. No more time wasted getting it all to work. Get our experts to do it all for you. We guarantee to get you results too.

I have secured a massive $40.00 discount for Books Go Social Amazon Ads Breakthrough package.
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Use the code

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Who are Books Go Social?



Books Go Social (BGS) is a highly respected Author Promotion service — you may have already heard of them. The founder of BGS, Laurence O’ Bryan is dedicated to helping authors showcase their books. He knows what works and what does not. This is why I am so excited to be working with him on this fantastic deal.

The Coffee Pot Book Club Book Cover of the Month for June is — The Traitor of Treasure Island by John Drake #HistoricalFiction #BookCover @JohnDrakeauthor @EndeavourQuill

The Coffee Pot Book ClubBook Cover of the MonthGoes to...


The Traitor of Treasure IslandBy John Drake

Buried for over 300 years and now brought triumphantly to light by Dr Livesay, this is, at last, the true story of what happened on the fateful Treasure Island…
The truth about Captain Flint and his fabled death.
The truth about Long John Silver and his coveted wife.
And the truth about Jim Hawkins, that double-dealing turncoat of the first order: The traitor of Treasure Island.
Coming soon...
Pre-order your copy ofThe Traitor of Treasure Island
Amazon UK • Amazon US




John Drake
John Drake trained as a biochemist to post-doctorate research level before realizing he was no good at science. His working career was in the television department of ICI until 1999 when he became a full-time writer. John's hobby is muzzle-loading shooting, and his interests are British history and British politics (as a spectator), plus newspapers, TV news, and current affairs. He is married with a son and two grandchildren.

Editing Service

Edits with a touch of Grace


“I have worked with Grace for a number of years on various projects, she is always professional and courteous.If you are looking for a great editor, then look no further.I Highly Recommend her services."
Mary Anne Yarde



Edits With a Touch of Grace is committed to helping you achieve perfection one word at a time with your manuscript. I have many years of experience from copy editing in the newspaper business to putting out error free church newsletters and weekly bulletins.
Please contact me and let’s discuss how I can help you achieve your manuscript goals.  

Signed contracts must be received and editing fee paid (via PayPal or personal check) before work begins on your manuscript. Fee schedule will be provided to interested clients after initial contact.**Proofreading (includes grammar and punctuation only)**Full Editing (includes grammar, composition, paragraph transitions, story congruity, and deep line edits.)

If you are interested in ordering one of these services, you may reach me through my email  graceau57@gmail.com Please use this reference code: MA2019 in initial correspondence.
I look forward to working with you.
Testimonials


“I want to thank you specifically for the areas in which I feel you improved my work.  I thank you for noting all the minor typographical errors that inevitably occur. It was revealing how much I missed, and I consider myself a decent writer.  I also appreciate the several times you provided alternate tags for quote attribution. It provided variety, and in some cases better reflected the particular emotion or mindset during an exchange between speakers. You also improved the flow and maintained a certain 'pacing' I wanted to use in places. Most of these improvements were subtle, the stuff of avid and/or sophisticated readers, but it surely made a difference.”Charles Peterson Sheppard

 "When you ask Grace Augustine to edit your manuscript, you’ll be met with the utmost courtesy and professionalism. She’s quick too! I had my short story back far faster than I expected. Her suggestions made me rethink a few items about my draft that I hadn’t considered before."  
Aubree Lane, Author


  "Grace Augustine’s editing services were referred to me by a friend who knew I was looking to take my writing to the next level. I wanted someone who would be willing to shoot it to me straight and help me whip my manuscript into the best possible shape but do so with encouragement and guidance. I found all of that in Grace. She also allowed me to keep my voice as a writer while helping me see where improvements could be made so that I walked away feeling confident about my book. Grace went above and beyond my expectations and I am looking forward to working with her on upcoming projects."Linda Boulanger, Author



"Grace has edited several stories for me and is always professional and precise. I appreciate her sharp eyes, attention to detail, and constructive criticisms!"
GVA
"It's been a long time since I've seen such a thorough, in-depth edit as Grace Augustine has provided for me. As she has over 20 years of experience in the field, this came as no surprise, but it was still refreshing to see the quality of her work. With a Grace Augustine edit, you'll not only end up with a polished manuscript, one that will set you above the rest, but you'll also learn and improve your style as you go. Each suggestion came with explanations and examples where they were needed, and all were delivered in a straightforward manner. Couldn't be happier with her service."
Paper Gold Publishing