Mary Anne Yarde's Blog: The Coffee Pot Book Club , page 154

#BookReview — The Dragon Lady, by Louisa Treger #Historical #Africa #Romance @louisatreger

The Dragon LadyBy Louisa Treger

Opening with the shooting of Lady Virginia Courtauld in her tranquil garden in 1950s Rhodesia, The Dragon Lady tells Ginie's extraordinary story, so called for the exotic tattoo snaking up her leg. From the glamorous Italian Riviera before the Great War to the Art Deco glory of Eltham Palace in the thirties, from the secluded Scottish Highlands to sultry, segregated Rhodesia in the fifties, the narrative spans enormous cultural and social change. Lady Virginia Courtauld was a boundary-breaking, extremely colourful and unconventional character who rejected the submissive role women were expected to play.


Ostracised by society for being a foreign divorcée at the time of Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson, Ginie and her second husband Stephen Courtauld leave the confines of post-war Britain to forge a new life in Rhodesia, only to find that being progressive liberals during segregation proves mortally dangerous.

Subtly blending fact and fiction, deeply evocative of time and place in an era of great social change and threaded throughout with intrigue, this novel keeps the reader guessing from the outset who shot the Dragon Lady and why. 




“I’ve spent a lifetime trying to forget, yet the smallest things take me back to the time the Dragon Lady was shot…”
Rebellious, that was the word Virginia Peirano’s mother would have used to describe her. Not even a convent education could curb Virginia’s recalcitrant nature. When she was a teenager, Virginia had a large snake tattooed down the front of her leg. Virginia never told anyone what possessed her to do it although she liked to make up wonderful stories about the reasons why she had done something so irresponsible.
Virginia’s marriage into the wealthy Spinola family should have brought contentment. Only it did not. Instead, it brought scandal. The Vatican eventually annulled their marriage. Virginia was now a divorcée, and although she married the very wealthy and decorated war hero, Major Stephen Courtauld, Virginia would never quite fit in. Not in Italy. Not in London. Not in Africa.
However, there was something about Virginia. Something that drew men towards her. Perhaps it was her quest for adventure or her deep and generous nature. One thing was for sure, this rebellious marchioness was not the kind of woman one could easily forget.
From the romance of the Italian Rivera, the beau monde of London society, the restoration of Eltham Palace, to the sheer beauty of La Rochelle Estate in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), The Dragon Lady by Louisa Treger is the compelling account of Lady Virginia Courtauld’s remarkable life.
Treger writes with a great deal of empathy towards historical controversy and a keen eye for what makes historical fiction great. Treger has chosen her muse well, Virginia Courtauld’s story is one of success in a world where a king is forced to choose between his crown and the woman he loves, and the natives of a country have to fight to be treated as equals because of the colour of their skin. Like the scintillating Virginia, Treger’s writing could never be referred to as dull. Treger writes with a compelling style and a very impressive narrative that made this book impossible to put down.
I adored the characterisation of Virginia. Virginia is a woman who is born to a world that is ordered and has a sense of the proper. Virginia is like Wallis Simpson, a gallant spirit, who is occasionally shaken but never gives up her fight to be accepted and treated as an equal. When Virginia sees with her own eyes how the natives of Rhodesia were treated, there was no wonder that she wanted to help them any way she could, for she knows what it is like to be discriminated against.
This book touches on the terrible suffering caused by white supremacy in Rhodesia, and also the effects that this had, not only on the native population but also on the white settlers. The treatment of Mary, one of Virginia and Stephen’s servants, was incredibly effective in demonstrating the corruption of the government and the legal system during this era.
The amount of research that has gone into this book has to be commended. I knew next to nothing about the Courtaulds, but after reading The Dragon Lady, I felt compelled to learn more abut this remarkable couple. When I looked at photographs of Eltham Palace and the La Rochelle Estate, it was as if I had seen these images before. And, of course, I have, for their descriptions were so elegantly described in The Dragon Lady that I would have recognised them without the captions under the pictures. Treger has not only brought the Courtaulds back to life, but she has breathed life into the buildings and the time her novel is set in as well. Treger’s portrayal of Africa was rich and vibrant. I could feel the heat of the midday sun, and I could hear the chatter of the monkeys in the trees. Wonderfully descriptive and totally mesmerising.
The story is written with a great deal of imagination and energy. Treger’s elegant turn of phrase makes this book utterly irresistible and immensely readable. I enjoyed every word and every sentence. The Dragon Lady is a treat that no historical fiction fans will want to miss out on.
I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.The Coffee Pot Book Club.

Available for Pre-OrderThe title will be released on June 13th, 2019
Amazon UK • Amazon US


Louisa Treger
Born in London, Louisa Treger began her career as a classical violinist. She studied at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music, and worked as a freelance orchestral player and teacher.

Louisa subsequently turned to literature, gaining a First Class degree and a PhD in English at University College London, where she focused on early twentieth century women’s writing.

Married with three children, she lives in London.
Connect with Louisa: Website • Twitter • Goodreads.

#BookReview — A King Under Siege: Book One of The Plantagenet Legacy, by Mercedes Rochelle #Medieval #HistoricalFiction @authorrochelle

A King Under Siege: Book One of The Plantagenet LegacyBy Mercedes Rochelle

Richard II found himself under siege not once, but twice in his minority. Crowned king at age ten, he was only fourteen when the Peasants' Revolt terrorized London. But he proved himself every bit the Plantagenet successor, facing Wat Tyler and the rebels when all seemed lost. Alas, his triumph was short-lived, and for the next ten years he struggled to assert himself against his uncles and increasingly hostile nobles. Just like in the days of his great-grandfather Edward II, vengeful magnates strove to separate him from his friends and advisors, and even threatened to depose him if he refused to do their bidding. The Lords Appellant, as they came to be known, purged the royal household with the help of the Merciless Parliament. They murdered his closest allies, leaving the King alone and defenseless. He would never forget his humiliation at the hands of his subjects. Richard's inability to protect his adherents would haunt him for the rest of his life, and he vowed that next time, retribution would be his.



“With spades and hoes and ploughs, stand up now.Your houses they pull down, to fright poor men in town,The gentry must come down and the poor shall wear the crown…”
It was the age-old question, who should sit on the throne of France? Everyone in England knew that the French crown belonged to the English King — Richard II. Unfortunately, the House of Valois did not agree with the English consensus.
The French were a formidable foe. If the House of Plantagenet wanted to win this war, then they desperately needed to find more money. Parliament was called, and on the request of John of Gaunt, son of Edward III and uncle to the young King Richard II, a tax was agreed upon. Regrettably, this Poll tax was a very regressive tax. An unfair burden that the poor simply could not pay. It was really no surprise when the peasants revolted in 1381.
Richard II was only ten years old when he succeeded to the throne. He was too young to rule on his own. But instead of a regent, it was decided that the government should be placed in the hands of a series of councils, but even then, there were those who thought Gaunt had too much power. But it wasn’t Gaunt who rode out to meet with Wat Tyler (the leader of the rebels) at Smithfield. It was the fourteen-year-old King.
A child Richard may still be, but he was the King of England, and he believed in the royal prerogative. He had also had enough of being told what to do by men he no longer respected. Richard was old enough to know his own mind and to choose his own advisors. However, not everyone was happy with the way the monarchy was heading, and the discontent of those who had been influential rumbled around Richard’s realm like a threatening biblical storm from days gone by. It was only a matter of time before men such as Gloucester and Warwick had their retribution…
From small beginnings to disastrous ends, A King Under Siege: Book One of The Plantagenet Legacy by Mercedes Rochelle is the compelling account of the Peasant Revolt of 1381 and the following turbulent years of Richard II’s early reign.
What an utterly enthralling story A King Under Siege: Book One of The Plantagenet Legacy is. This is the story of a very tempestuous time in English history. Rochelle paints a vivid picture, not only of the peasantry and the hardship they faced but also the corruption and the dangers of court life in the reign of Richard II. These were treacherous times, and Rochelle has demonstrated this with her bold and an exceptionally riveting narrative.
The book is split into three parts, which gave the book a firm grounding of time and place. Part 1 explores the first major challenge in Richard II reign, which was the Peasant Revolt. Rochelle gives a scrupulously balanced account about the revolt. The story explores both sides of the argument, which I thought gave this book a wonderful depth and scope. Part 2 is aptly named “Resistance,” and this section was very compelling as Richard tried to take control of his throne. Part 3, was perhaps the most moving and upsetting as those who thought themselves slighted took revenge upon the King. Rochelle has this tremendous eye for writing very emotional scenes that certainly made me shed a few tears. I thought it was masterfully written.
As I have already touched upon, I thought the portrayal of Richard II was a historical triumph. Richard grows from this unsure youth to a man who is facing a war from those who should be on his side. Forget the war with France, it is the war within parliament that Richard has to try to win.
This story is rich in historical detail. It has so obviously been meticulously researched. I cannot but commend Rochelle for this exceptional work of scholarship.
A King Under Siege: Book One of The Plantagenet Legacy is one of those books that once started is impossible to put down. This book is filled with non-stop action. There are enough plots and conspiracies to satisfy any lover of historical fiction. This is storytelling at its very best.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.The Coffee Pot Book Club.

Amazon UK •  Amazon US

Mercedes Rochelle
Born in St. Louis MO with a degree from University of Missouri, Mercedes Rochelle learned about living history as a re-enactor and has been enamored with historical fiction ever since. A move to New York to do research and two careers ensued, but writing fiction remains her primary vocation. She lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.
Connect with Mercedes: Website • Blog • Facebook• Twitter

#NewRelease — The Red Flag by Julia Maiola is now available in an audiobook #HistoricalFiction #Audible @CaptainMaiola @tdgcardwell

The Red Flag (audiobook)By Julia MaiolaNarrated by Thomas Cardwell


Captain Stephen Boswell sails under the red flag, a symbol of no mercy. It's the only reason he has lived this long. The only reason the navy has not found him yet. But they are closing in. And if they catch him, they will execute him for piracy.

Ten-year-old Alice Bradford doesn't know why she is alive. When Captain Boswell found her hiding on his ship, she expected him to kill her, and it seemed his own crew had expected likewise. But now she is his prisoner and she fears that she will be forever. Somehow, though, it seems that the captain might be more afraid of the navy than she is of him. Something from his past has him ill at ease, Alice realizes. Even if the navy cannot bring him to his knees, his own paranoia will.

Amazon UK • Amazon US

Julia Maiola
Julia Maiola is a professional ice cream scooper from Rochester, New York. She received her Bachelor’s in English at the end of 2018 and will continue to develop her writing. The Red Flag is her first novel, the first of many to come. A science fiction title is currently in the works and will be followed by more in the fantasy and historical fiction genres. When Julia is not writing, she is gaming and skateboarding, but most of her spare time is spent reading adventure novels.
Connect with Julia : Website• Twitter • Instagram.


Thomas Cardwell
Thomas Cardwell is a fearlessly silly actor with a giggle that could turn lead to gold. With a resting mischief face, that lends a sense of the troublemaker to his almost accidental charm, he’s the Favorite Uncle, or the Goofball Best Friend. An International Man of Mystery, a part-time Pirate, and an occasional mustache-twirling villain. Also a Director and Writer, he co-founded EclecticPond Theatre Company in Indianapolis, and served as its Artistic Director for six years. Uncle to six, Dog Dad to two, Husband to one. Amateur Neuroscientist.
Connect with Thomas: Website • Twitter • Instagram.

Mary Ann Bernal is giving away one audio (via Audible) or one ebook copy of The Briton and the Dane: Legacy #Giveaway #HistoricalFiction #AudioBook @BritonandDane

The Briton and the Dane: Legacy – AudiobookBy Mary Ann Bernal
Whispered by the wise and the learned. Talked of in hushed tones round luminous firesides. Engraved by awestruck scribes in the scriptoria of the Chronicles. Against all the odds, great King Alfred defeated a vastly superior Danish army outside Chippenham.
This victory, the sages prophesied, would guarantee peace throughout the land. Or so they thought.
Two years later, Rigr the Bastard, vengeful and seeking to claim his birthright, was defeated in the wilds of East Anglia. His blood smeared berserker warriors vanquished; no quarter asked for - no quarter given.
Now, a further two years later, the Vikings return. Noble Prince Sven instigates a seaborne invasion, fueled partly by blind rage when he discovers that his brother, Prince Erik, has sworn fealty to the Anglo-Saxon king. 
His own brother: A traitor and a fool.
Erik’s love, Lady Gwyneth, attempts to stop the invasion before it starts by uniting the two estranged brothers, but her scheming only succeeds in making matters worse. Indeed, her interference guarantees the death of thousands of warriors in the freezing, tumultuous North Sea.
So, when the horns of Sven’s monumental fleet of warships are heard off the fogbound coast of Britannia, King Alfred – outnumbered, outshipped and weary of the fray - must rouse his jaded Saxon warriors and lead them to sea, to repel his most formidable enemy yet.
For a host motivated by the spilled blood of the fallen, the spirit of black vengeance, and the delights of a warrior’s reward in Valhalla, is the most fearsome opponent of all. 
Alfred. Sven. Erik. Gwyneth.  Amidst the ferrous reverberation of a battle royale - one or all must die, and the fate of a nation hangs in the balance, one final time.


Excerpt
For Sound Cloud LinkClick HERE!


Narrated by traveling bard, Sebastian Lockwood, Author of the acclaimed The Trickster's Tongue.




Southeast BritanniaTwo Years Earlier


The Pilgrims spoke softly amongst themselves as they walked the forest path. Brother Martel had favored the well-traveled main road, but their leader chose to save time by following a more direct route through the woods since the tired band of travelers wished to reach the abbey before Compline.
Sunbeams illuminated the lush green foliage where soft breezes rustled the leaves in the towering trees while furry creatures scuttled between overgrown shrubs as a doe and her fawn jumped over a fallen tree.
“You seem unsettled,” Sidonius whispered.  “What troubles you?”
“We are easy prey,” Brother Martel murmured while pointing to the sloping terrain and massive oaks overshadowing the rock-strewn trail.
Sidonius nodded, but he noticed that Brother Martel kept his hand instinctively upon the pommel of his sword as both men warily searched amongst the trees for any sign of mischief while walking deeper into the forest.
Sidonius kept Tarren protectively close and was grateful that the little ones slept. He whispered comforting words when he saw the fear in her eyes while offering to take Emidus.
“No, carrying two is tiring, but I will give you the boy should the need arise,” Sidonius murmured.
Tarren smiled anxiously, but she grasped Sidonius’ hand as she, too, scoured the threatening landscape.  She tightened the wrap carrier when Concordia stirred, comforting the child silently when a flock of chirping birds flew frantically out of the swaying treetops just as mounted warriors rode over the crest of a nearby hill.
Bone chilling howls and war cries resonated throughout the woodland as brigands with drawn swords rapidly approached the startled travelers.  Women screamed as they ran amongst the trees, but the men grasped the reins of the seasoned warhorses and tried to unseat their attackers, but they fell to the ground with wounds that would readily mend.
“Save your family!”  Brother Martel shouted to Sidonius as he freed his weapon and prepared for battle.  “Seek refuge at King Alfred’s court.”
“Leave with us,” Sidonius yelled while freeing his dagger.  “You are but one sword.”
“My sword will give you time to flee. Await me in Winchester,” Brother Martel replied.  “Go! Quickly!”
Tarren was terrified as a mounted fighter charged towards them, but Brother Martel easily deflected the blow, yet he was not able to defend himself against a crazed fighter who ferociously wielded his sword and savagely slashed the holy man’s eyes.  Blood seeped down Brother Martel’s face as the blinded religious stumbled against a warhorse.  He instinctively grabbed the reins, his hands grasping for his mounted enemy, but he fell to his knees when a spear penetrated his back.
Sidonius grabbed Tarren’s arm, leading her away from the carnage and headed towards the river.  Emidus and Concordia screamed as they tried to wiggle free, but the little ones cried uncontrollably when they failed to loosen the wrap carrier.
Sidonius and Tarren were out of breath when they reached the edge of a cliff where the mighty roar of a waterfall deafened the screams echoing throughout the forest as the women were ravaged by their attackers.
The cool spray gently caressed their faces as Sidonius and Tarren looked upon the gushing water crashing upon the rocks, the turbulent river flowing towards the sea. Sidonius looked at the large boulders along the riverbed, scouring the steep and rocky terrain for overgrown trails and hidden caves.
“Do not be foolish,” a fearsome horseman said while pulling on the reins.  “Your choice is simple.  Take your chances with me or be enslaved.”
“We would be in your debt,” Sidonius replied while helping Tarren onto the animal’s back.
Tarren cradled Concordia, leaning against the stranger as Sidonius swung himself atop the charger, but Emidus screamed when he found himself wedged between his protectors.
“Fear not, little one,” Sidonius murmured.  “We are safe.”
Lucian smiled as the well-disciplined animal picked its way carefully along the narrow path that followed the winding river as they disappeared amongst the trees.

***
“Brother Gervase!”  A young monk cried as he ran through the abbey gate and headed towards the sickrooms.  “There has been an attack in the woods!  I do not know how many have been wounded or slain!”
“Fetch a wagon!”  Brother Gervase yelled while grabbing a healer’s bag and running out the door.
It did not take long for the holy men to reach the clearing where the vicious attack had occurred. Brother Gervase saw the vultures circling above the motionless bodies when he reached the crest of the sloping terrain. He ran down the hill, stumbling as he hurriedly approached the first victim. He knelt beside the fallen Pilgrim and gently pressed his fingers against the man’s neck.
“He is with the Lord,” Brother Gervase whispered as he made the Sign of the Cross before approaching the Pilgrim who had been felled by the dreaded spear.
Brother Gervase knelt beside Brother Martel’s body and was surprised that he still lived.  Blood trickled from the gaping wound as Brother Gervase deftly removed the formidable weapon. He looked compassionately upon the wounded man’s swollen, blood-caked face, and feared the holy man’s sight had been taken.
“Where is the wagon?”  Brother Gervase shouted. “His wounds are grave!”
The frightened monk ran towards the crest of the hill, but he was relieved when he saw the wagon was almost upon them.
“Quickly!” The young monk shouted.  “One lives!”
Brother Gervase watched as his skillful apprentices carefully lifted Brother Martel into the wagon.  The younger monk nodded to Brother Gervase as he jumped onto the seat, grabbed the reins and hit the animal’s back. The wagon creaked and the wheels squealed as the horse trotted through the vast forest.  Brother Gervase wanted to push the horse harder and was tempted to take the reins, but he managed to conceal his growing impatience and silently praised the Lord when they finally reached the abbey gate.
The religious community watched in horror, as Brother Martel was taken to the healer’s dwelling.
“Is he mortally wounded?” One of the women asked.
“His life is in the Lord’s hands,” Brother Gervase told her as he ushered the curious from his quarters and firmly shut the door.

Giveaway
Mary Ann Bernal is giving away one audio (via Audible) or one ebook copy of "The Briton and the Dane: Legacy."

All you need to do is answer this question:
You need a plus one for a benefit gala. If you could bring anyone throughout history, who would that be and why?
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 February 27th.You must be 18 or older to enter.
• Giveaway is only open to residents of the United States, and The United Kingdom.
•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.
Grab your copy of The Briton and the Dane: Legacy today!
Amazon Audible UK• Amazon Audible US




Mary Ann Bernal
Mary Ann Bernal attended Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she received a degree in Business Administration.  Her literary aspirations were ultimately realized when the first book of The Briton and the Dane novels was published in 2009.  In addition to writing historical fiction, Mary Ann has also authored a collection of contemporary short stories in the Scribbler Tales series. Her latest endeavor is a science fiction/fantasy novel entitled Planetary Wars:  Rise of an Empire. Originally hailing from New York, Mary Ann now resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska.
Connect with Mary Ann: Website • WhisperingLegendsPress • Blog • Twitter • Facebook.

#Giveaway — Wolf’s Head, By Steven A. McKay #HistoricalFiction #RobinHood @SA_McKay

Wolf’s HeadBy Steven A. McKay

When a frightened young outlaw joins a gang of violent criminals their names – against a backdrop of death, dishonour, brotherhood, and love – will become legend.

ENGLAND AD 1321

After viciously assaulting a corrupt but powerful clergyman Robin Hood flees the only home he has ever known in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Becoming a member of a notorious band of outlaws, Hood and his new companions – including John Little and Will Scaflock – hide out in the great forests of Barnsdale, fighting for their very existence as the law hunts them down like animals.

When they are betrayed, and their harsh lives become even more unbearable, the band of friends seeks bloody vengeance.

Meanwhile, the country is in turmoil, as many of the powerful lords strive to undermine King Edward II’s rule until, inevitably, rebellion becomes a reality and the increasingly deadly yeoman outlaw from Wakefield finds his fate bound up with that of a Hospitaller Knight…

"Wolf’s Head" brings the brutality, injustice and intensity of medieval England vividly to life, and marks the beginning of a thrilling new historical fiction series in the style of Bernard Cornwell and Simon Scarrow.

“Well researched and enjoyably written, Wolf’s Head is a fast-paced and original re-casting of a familiar legend. McKay’s gift as a storyteller pulls the reader into a world of violence, passion, injustice and revenge and leaves us wanting more!"
Glyn Iliffe, author, The Adventures of Odysseus series

As of Feb 2014, Wolf's Head is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree!

Excerpt

Little John pulled an arrow from his belt, and the two outlaws stood ready, hidden by the thick tree they’d chosen as cover.
A while later they heard a horse-drawn cart creaking along the road and, as it slowly came into sight, Robin felt his pulse quicken as he realised this might not be as simple as he’d hoped.
The friar was riding a horse. In addition to the noisy cart, which carried a roughly made, but sturdy, wooden box, there were eight hard-looking riders. These men all wore gambesons like Robin’s, for protection, with helmets in seemingly good repair, and long swords at their hips. Every one of them looked as dangerous as most of Adam Bell’s men.
Robin looked a little nervously at John. The bearded giant looked back, shrugging his massive shoulders. “That friar must have something good in his box, to be travelling with all those guards.”
As the party reached the ambush point, there was a piercing whistle from Adam Bell, hidden somewhere in the dense foliage, and the ropes at either end of the road were suddenly pulled taut, and tied to the trees, blocking the horsemen’s path. Little John and the other outlaws raced forward silently to pen the friar’s party in, although they stayed close by the thick tree trunks in case they needed cover. Robin followed, gripping his bow so tight he could feel it digging into his hands.
The friar sat back in his saddle, but didn’t look particularly dismayed by the ambush. Robin was a little worried, though, to see the guards quietly and efficiently take up defensive positions encircling the cart.
The young outlaw looked quickly at Little John, but the big man just glared grimly at the guards. He’d clearly seen this all before, and Robin again felt himself relaxing a little. Adam Bell knew what he was doing. He must do, after all these years as a robber outlaw leader.
Just then, Bell himself walked into view, and stood facing the friar. He never looked once at the stony-faced guards who followed him with their eyes. Some of them had drawn short bows and held them aimed at Bell.
“Get those ropes out of the way. Before we cut you down.” The friar’s words were cool, his voice powerful and controlled, but Robin realised the churchman probably knew this was Adam Bell in front of him. And Bell’s reputation was not a good one, when it came to how he treated churchmen who didn’t co-operate.
The outlaw leader simply pointed to the cart. “We’re taking that, friar. Those men” – he gestured to the eight soldiers –“can keep their weapons and continue along the way with you.” He spread his feet and put one hand on his sword hilt, staring at the friar.
The clergyman shook his head. “There are nine of us. Get out of the way and nothing more need be said about this.”
Adam Bell continued to stare impassively at the friar for another few seconds, before raising his hand and pointing at one of the soldiers. “Will!”
Bell jumped behind a tree as there was a snapping noise, and a thud. Robin was shocked to see the soldier Bell had single out thrown backwards off his horse, gasping and clawing wildly at the arrow that had hammered into his windpipe. Will Scaflock smoothly dropped his bow and pulled his sword from its scabbard, dropping into a fighting stance, an appalling animal grin on his wide face.
No one moved for a split second, until the shock passed, and the guards realised what had happened.
“Damn it, Scaflock!” John grunted, knowing Will could have easily incapacitated the guard with a shot to the arm or shoulder, rather than killing him.
“Dismount!” one of the soldiers shouted, realising they had no chance while on horseback, penned in as they were, and the rest followed, kneeling beside the cart, weapons drawn.
Adam Bell’s voice could be heard from behind a tree. “There’s eight of you now, friar!” He laughed coldly. “Now tell your men to drop their weapons and we’ll just take that cart of yours.” He stepped into view again, expertly drawing a beautifully forged sword.
Robin held his breath, as time seemed to stand still and the friar stared silently at Bell.
The stand-off was broken as the soldier who had ordered the dismount earlier decided he’d had enough. “Get the bastards!”
Giveaway
Steven A. McKay is giving away two ebook copies of "Wolf's Head."


All you need to do is answer this question:
“Who would win a battle between Robin Hood and King Arthur, and why?”
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 Febraury 27th.You must be 18 or older to enter.
• Giveaway is only open to Internatioanlly.
•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.

Wolf’s Head is currently FREE on Amazon Prime Reading in the UK and also free worldwide with Kindle Unlimited.


Amazon UK • Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon AU

Steven A. McKay
Steven A. McKay was born in Scotland in 1977. His first book, "Wolf's Head", came out in 2013 and was an Amazon UK top 20 bestseller. "The Abbey of Death” is the final book in the Forest Lord series which has over 100,000 sales so far.
Steven's new book, "The Druid" is the first in a brand new series set in post-Roman Britain and was published on November 1st 2018. He is now finishing off a standalone novel about a slave in Roman Britain.
He plays guitar and sings in a heavy metal band when they can find the time to meet up (which isn't often these days to be honest).
Check out his website at
https://stevenamckay.com/
and sign up for the email list - in return we'll send you a FREE short story which is not available anywhere else, as well as offering chances to win signed books and other goodies!

Join Historical Fiction author, Diana Rubino, as she talks about the inspiration behind her fabulous book — For the Love of Hawthorne. #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance #Hawthorne @DianaLRubino

Join Historical Fiction author, Diana Rubino, as she talks about the inspiration behind her fabulous book —For the Love of Hawthorne.

In 19thcentury Salem, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s clairvoyant bride rescued her beloved husband from a perceived curse that spanned generations.

Salem, Massachusetts witnessed horrific and shameful events in 1692 that haunted the town for three centuries. Accused as witches, nineteen innocent people were hanged and one was pressed to death. Judge John Hathorne and Reverend Nicholas Noyes handed down the sentences. One victim, Sarah Good, cursed Noyes from the hanging tree: “If you take away my life, God will give you blood to drink!” She then set her eyes on Judge Hathorne. “I curse you and your acknowledged heirs for all time on this wicked earth!” Hathorne was not only Sarah Good’s merciless judge; he also fathered her son Peter and refused to acknowledge him.
In 1717, Nicholas Noyes choked on his own blood and died. Every generation after the judge continued to lose Hathorne land and money, prompting the rumor of a family curse. By the time his great great grandson Nathaniel was born, they faced poverty.
Ashamed of his ancestor, Nathaniel added the ‘w’ to his last name. His novels and stories explore his beliefs and fears of sin and evil, and he based many of his characters on overbearing Puritan rulers such as Judge Hathorne.
When Nathaniel first met Sophia Peabody, they experienced instantaneous mutual attraction. Sparks flew. He rose upon my eyes and soul a king among men by divine right, she wrote in her journal.
But to Sophia’s frustration, Nathaniel insisted they keep their romance secret for three years. He had his reasons, none of which made sense to Sophia. But knowing that he believed Sarah Good’s curse inflicted so much tragedy on his family over the centuries, she made it her mission to save him. Sarah was an ancestor of Sophia’s, making her and Nathaniel distant cousins—but she kept that to herself for the time being.

Sophia Peabody’s home next to Charter Street Burying Ground, resting place of Judge Hathorne, Salem, MA


Sophia suffered severe headaches as a result of childhood mercury treatments. She underwent routine mesmerizing sessions, a popular cure for many ailments. Spirits sometimes came to her when mesmerized, and as a spiritualist and medium, she was able to contact and communicate with spirits. She knew if she could reach Sarah and persuade her to forgive Judge Hathorne, Nathaniel would be free of his lifelong burden.
Sarah Good’s son Peter had kept a journal the family passed down to the Peabodys. Sophia sensed his presence every time she turned the brittle pages and read his words. John Hathorne’s legitimate son John also kept a journal, now in the Hawthorne family’s possession. Living on opposite sides of Salem in 1692, Peter and John wrote in vivid detail about how the Salem trials tormented them throughout their lives.
Nathaniel finally agreed to announce their engagement, and married Sophia on July 9, 1842. They moved into their first home, The Old Manse in Concord, Massachusetts. Wanting nothing else but to spend the summer enjoying each other, we became Adam and Eve, alone in our Garden of Eden, Sophia wrote in her journal.

The Old Manse, the Hawthornes' first home as newlyweds
As success eluded Nathaniel, they lived on the verge of poverty. After being dismissed from his day job at the Salem Custom House, he wrote The Scarlet Letter, which finally gained him the recognition he deserved. But the curse he believed Sarah cast on his family still haunted him. In the book he asks for the curse to be lifted.

The House of the Seven Gables, Salem, MA, built in 1668


Sophia urged Nathaniel to write a novel about the house, knowing it would be cathartic for him. While they lived in Lenox, Nathaniel finished writing The House of the Seven Gables. The Gothic novel explored all his fears and trepidations about the curse. He told Sophia, “Writing it, and especially reading it aloud to you lifted a tremendous burden off my shoulders. I felt it physically leave me. I carried this inside me since my youth and couldn’t bring it out to face it. And I have you, and only you, to thank.”
But he did not believe the curse could be lifted.
Sophia invited renowned spiritualist John Spear to The Gables. She explained that she needed to complete one final step to convince Nathaniel the curse was lifted.
Read More About John Spear
http://mysteriousuniverse.org/2014/06/the-bizarre-mechanical-messiah-of-john-murray-spear/JohnSpear

John Spear urged Nathaniel to forgive Judge Hathorne. “You don’t have to say it out loud,” John said. “Just forgive him in your heart.”
Nathaniel whispered his forgiveness.
John, Nathaniel and Sophia went to Judge Hathorne’s gravesite to give the journals proper burial.

Grave of Judge Hathorne, Charter Street Burial Ground, Salem, MA


Why I wrote For The Love Of Hawthorne... 
I live near Salem and have been to all the Hawthorne landmarks there, and in Concord. The House of the Seven Gables has been my favorite house in the world since I'm a kid. I've always felt a strong spiritual connection to Salem, and always wanted to write one of my books set there, including the witch trials.
I read several of his books and stories, to get a better background on him. Nathaniel wrote from the heart, about his true beliefs, and his loathing of how the witch victims were treated. He did consider it disgraceful, and it certainly was. He added the 'w' to his last name to distance himself from the judge. That tormented him and his family all his life. It must have been cathartic to him to have his writing as his outlet.

Visit Salem
www.salem.org
I was fortunate to get a private tour of the House of the Seven Gables when I was writing the book; two of the guides, Ryan Conary and David Moffat, showed me around, and it was fabulous.Click here to see their book about the house.


The Wayside, the only home the Hawthornes ever owned, in Concord, MANathaniel added that room at the top for his writing studio


An Excerpt From FOR THE LOVE OF HAWTHORNE (Sophia and Nathaniel’s visit to his cousin Susan Ingersoll at The House of the Seven Gables)
I went over to a curio cabinet and swept my eyes over the items on the shelves—a china doll wearing a calico dress, a stack of gold cups and saucers, a red and blue glass checkerboard propped up to display its surface…and a wooden hammer on the top shelf. Upon closer inspection, I saw it was a gavel that judges use in trials. Out of curiosity I picked it up and a shock ran through me as if electrified. Dear God, was it that gavel?I dropped it to the rug. It landed with a thump. I bent to retrieve it. Somehow I knew it wouldn’t shock me this time—that was only an initial warning. “Something about it made me want to touch it, to pick it up and hold it.”Nathaniel approached me. He stared at the gavel in my hand, horror darkening his eyes. His lips parted but no words emerged. I knew what he was thinking—the curse. He turned to his cousin, pointing at the gavel, his arm trembling.Susan hurried over to us, took it from me and placed it back on the shelf. “Yes, it’s Judge Hathorne’s. What happened, Sophie? Are you all right?”I looked down at my open hands, palms up. They burned as if I’d touched a hot poker. “That gavel—it carries something evil. Has anything happened to you with this, Susie?”Nathaniel backed away and before Susan could answer me, he grasped her arm. “I begged you to get rid of that accursed thing! You know it shouldn’t be here!”She looked from him to me, heaving a deep sigh. “I’m not inclined to dispose of it, Natty. It’s a family heirloom, notwithstanding its past.”He gripped the chair, his face drained of color. “It’s downright evil. You know what he used that thing for.”She held her hands up in surrender. “Very well, I’ll conceal it.” She took it off the shelf and slid it behind the checkerboard.“That should not be in this house!” He stood his ground, his eyes fixed on the checkerboard as if it would melt in such close proximity to that horrid object.“It’s fine there, Natty. It’s concealed from sight now.” She looked at me and gestured for me to sit again. I sat and gulped my sherry.“Nathaniel’s always overcome with distress at the witch trials.” Susan explained what I already knew.“And so should you be,” he cut in.“If I must speak for Judge Hathorne, I heard stories of him from my grandfather.” Susan looked from Nathaniel to me. “The whole hysteria that caught up the judge was started by unscrupulous men to further their own riches. But spectral evidence was still admissible. No sane person could believe that blithery.”
Amazon
Diana Rubino

My passion for history and travel has taken me to every locale of my books and short stories, set in Medieval and Renaissance England, Paris, Egypt, the Mediterranean, colonial Virginia, New England, Washington D.C. and New York. My urban fantasy romance, FAKIN’ IT, won a Top Pick award from Romantic Times. I’m a member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society and the Aaron Burr Association. My husband Chris and I own CostPro, an engineering firm based in Boston. In my spare time, I bicycle, golf, play my piano, devour books of any genre, and spend as much time as possible living the dream on my beloved Cape Cod.
Connect with Diana: Website • Blog • Facebook • Twitter.  

Book Marketing Courses for FREE! — What are you waiting for? Start learning today... #amwriting #ampromoting #Books

Book Marketing Courses for

Authors With Books Go Social


So, you have published your book. Congratulations! Now what?
Having some knowledge about Book Marketing is essential if your book is going to be successful. I am delighted to have negotiated this wonderful, not to be missed offer from Books Go Social.
For a Limited Time, you can access their training courses for FREE! That’s right, I said for FREE! 

The Courses:
• Fast Track Master Class In Finishing Your Novel — Usual Price $99.00
• Master Class In Story Telling — Usual Price $39.00
• Fast Track Master Class In Blogging For Authors —Usual Price $99.00
• Fast Track Basics of Digital Marketing For Authors – Usual Price $0.00
• Fast Track Master Class In Viral Marketing For Authors — Usual Price $99.00
• Fast Track Master Class In Email Marketing — Usual Price $99.00
• Master Class In Creating Podcasts That Sell Books — Usual Price $99.00
• Fast Track Master Class In Achieving Your Dream — Usual Price $99.00
• *The Digital Marketing Power Pack For Authors — Usual Price $199.00*The Coffee Pot Book Club Highly Recommended Marketing Course.
• Fast Track Master Class In Twitter For Authors — Usual Price $99.00
• Fast Track Master Class In Facebook For Authors — Usual Price $99.00
• Master Class In Power Branding For Authors  — Usual Price $99.00
• Master Class In Public Relations For Authors — Usual Price $99.00
• Master Class In Remembering All That You Learn — Usual Price $12.50

To view the courses in more detail click
HERE!
Once you have chosen the course you would like to do type in
hf1
at the checkout.


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.

Recommended by 

Mercedes Rochelle's fabulous book, A King Under Siege: Book One of The Plantagenet Legacy, is now available on #NetGalley #HistoricalFiction #BooksGoSocial @LPOBryan @authorrochelle

Have you heard…?
Mercedes Rochelle's fabulous book, A King Under Siege: Book One of The Plantagenet Legacy, is available on NetGalley for your reading pleasure. If you love great historical fiction then this is the book for you. 



A King Under SiegeBook One of The Plantagenet Legacy

Richard II found himself under siege not once, but twice in his minority. Crowned king at age ten, he was only fourteen when the Peasants' Revolt terrorized London. But he proved himself every bit the Plantagenet successor, facing Wat Tyler and the rebels when all seemed lost. Alas, his triumph was short-lived, and for the next ten years he struggled to assert himself against his uncles and increasingly hostile nobles. Just like in the days of his great-grandfather Edward II, vengeful magnates strove to separate him from his friends and advisors, and even threatened to depose him if he refused to do their bidding. The Lords Appellant, as they came to be known, purged the royal household with the help of the Merciless Parliament. They murdered his closest allies, leaving the King alone and defenseless. He would never forget his humiliation at the hands of his subjects. Richard's inability to protect his adherents would haunt him for the rest of his life, and he vowed that next time, retribution would be his.
To grab your copy of A King Under Siege: Book One of The Plantagenet Legacy Click
HERE!

What is NetGalley?
How It Works (in their own words…)NetGalley connects publishers and authors to an enthusiastic community of early influencers who will help their book succeed: librarians and booksellers who order and recommend books to their patrons, media professionals who interview authors, reviewers and bloggers who write about books online and leave reviews on retail sites, and more. Publishers and authors list their titles on NetGalley for members to request, read, and review, and members gain free access to a vast catalog of digital review copies.
NETGALLEY FOR MEMBERS   
NetGalley is a service to help readers of influence discover and recommend new books to their audiences. If you are a reviewer, blogger, librarian, bookseller, educator, journalist or other member of the media, you can use NetGalley for free to request, read, and recommend books before they are published.Your reviews and feedback are essential to publishers and other readers!
Become a NetGalley member today! NetGalley
 NetGalley for Authors
Are you an author? Would you like to see your book on NetGalley. The Coffee Pot Book Club offers affordable NetGalley promotion. Click HERE to find out more.

Why I’m happy to have my books judged by their covers! By Dominic Fielder #bookcovers #HistoricalFiction @Kings_Germans

Why I’m happy to have my books judged by their covers!By Dominic Fielder.
I sold my first book when I was eleven. That’s less impressive than it sounds. I simply held out my hand and took the money: I was working on my parent’s book stall in Plymouth Market. Selling other people’s books and comics has been my business, on and off, ever since. I’ve watched how people tend to pick up a book and look at the cover, for a second or two, then turn it over, read the blurb (and keep reading if it appeals), check the price, open it and see if they like the font...and then make a final decision…more often than not, as they look at the cover again. We know the adage but we are all guilty of it.
A couple of years ago I wrote my own book; something of mine to sell. I tried to interest literary agents, I still try occasionally. Then I decided that self-publishing was the way forward. My other job (besides writing and book-selling) is being a tutor. I mention this because from my tuition circle I found a great editor, who explained to me that I’d written one flabby book, with the potential to be two very good ones…but that’s for another blog post. One of my other tuition clients, Catherine, is one of those people who are incredible at networking. In a chance conversation, I said about my writing attempts and she directed me towards an old school friend of hers, Jennie Rawlings (Jen at Serifim- Design for Publishing), a brilliant graphic designer.
And what did I do with that information? …Nothing.


Or rather I did what most aspiring writers on a shoestring budget do. Smiled sweetly, thanked her for the advice and moved on. But I was impatient to see how my book might look one day. So, I ploughed through the listing process on Amazon and reached that point where the cover art is requested. I’m sure that at this point, I used the cover template and the result was this rather uninspiring thumb-nail. I’ve never shared this before, mostly because it’s rubbish.
Clearly, I needed help (it’s not the first time in my life I’ve been told that, though!). I needed a brilliant graphic design artist (at a reasonable price)…I needed Jen! From the outset, she was as good as Catherine had said, all those months earlier. We talked through design ideas, Jen wanted to read the text and understand the spirit in which I was hoping to tell the story. We looked at looked at a few book covers in the field of Napoleonic fiction, and some of the characters of the age.


For those who have tried to load a book cover onto Amazon (mine was a standard 5.25” x 8” with 556 pages), the process isn’t the most forgiving. Yet again, there was Jen to smooth over the wrinkle and help me retain what’s left of my sanity.
It’s time that we heard from her…    
"Dominic's novels are my first set of covers for books that are based on accurate historical events which is a challenge in itself. They also feature complex plot lines and a huge international cast of characters so deciding on a running theme for the books that would work for every section of the story he tells could have been a daunting prospect.

Fortunately, when Dominic approached me to collaborate on the artwork, he already had the answer: flags. They certainly evoke the kind of epic symbolism that suit this genre and provide a stirring background for the artwork that glues the overall theme of each story, and the series as a whole, together. It was a real gift to be able to incorporate the Union Flag on this occasion. It is one of the most iconic pieces of graphic design ever created in my view and can never fail to be eye-catching."


Effective historical military fiction covers tend to heavily feature common themes including bold colours and contrasts, prominent (often embossed) text and a strong sense of nostalgia so our Union Flag really fits the bill in very much the same way that the Flemish Black Lion flag did on the first cover. One common misconception about book covers is that they need to 'tell the story' of the book but this is often neither practicable nor desirable and, where this is the case, it is far better to try to create an image that grabs the imagination of the reader with sufficient force to compel them to find out more for themselves. Ultimately, it is the blurb that will make the sale. My job is to make the right person want to read 


So, the cover lures the reader in and the blurb hooks them. They form that bond between the writer and the potential reader. Except that no one ever collects a series of books because of the Calibri type set. But they are drawn by the juxtaposition of the Union Flag and Crown of France.

This is a series of books that I’m happy for you to judge by their covers.



The Black Lions of Flanders
 (King's Germans Book 1)

May 1793: The French border.
Valenciennes, Paris then home! Every common soldier knows the popular refrain so why can’t the commanders see sense? 
The protracted siege of Valenciennes exposes the mistrust between the allies. National interests triumph over military logic. The King’s Germans find themselves marching north to the coast, not east to Paris. Dunkirk has become a royal prize, an open secret smuggled to the French, who set a trap for the Duke of York’s army. 
Lieutenant Erich von Bomm and Captain Werner Brandt find themselves in the thick of the action as the 14th Nationals, the Black Lions, seek their revenge. In the chaos of battle, Sebastian Krombach, working alongside Major Trevethan, the engineer tasked with capturing Dunkirk, must make a dreadful choice: to guide a battalion of Foot Guards to safety across the Great Moor or carry a message that might save the life of a friend. 

The King’s Germans and the Black Lions do battle to determine who shall be crowned the King of Dunkirk. The King of Dunkirk is released on 3rd March 2019.
Amazon 


Dominic Fielder

Dominic Fielder (1968-present) was born in Plymouth to parents of families from Roman Catholic and Protestant backgrounds. Then such things mattered to others but not to a first-born son who knew only love and a stable happy family. Two brothers made for a warm and somewhat idyllic childhood. He was bright but a disengaged student preferring instead to spend time with his dad at the family book business (the Bookstall) where a love of literacy flourished. Having finished sixth-form at Devonport High School for Boys, he passed opportunities to join first, the Tank Regiment, then the Royal Air Force, settling instead on a career in banking. Three years later, fed up with counting other people’s money, he travelled to Australia for a year, working for a time in the Outback and thoroughly enjoying life!
On returning to the UK, he drifted into work at his family’s Comic Shop (Kathies Comics). Despite fifteen years of hard work, the business failed and so did his marriage. Working a series of odd jobs, with odd hours, he finished a degree course in History, gaining a First and drifted into the world of education. Now he divides his time unequally between private tuition, running the family book business which has survived for sixty years and writing. More important than all of these, is spending time with his son. With what free time he has, he enjoys cycling, walking and horse-riding on the moors that surround his home in Mary Tavy, Devon.
His passion and interest for as many years as he can care to remember has been ‘little model soldiers’, painting them, researching facts about the regiments and playing wargames with them. For a dozen years or more, Dominic ran a series of ‘Megagames’ where people would arrive from all corners of the globe to game out World War Two scenarios for a week. Such events needed a strong narrative and his first attempts at writing were contained within the pre-game intelligence and the post-action reports. His writing project, ‘The King’s Germans’ is a few steps further down that road. For the person who drifted from one task to another, it’s a commitment to write twenty-two years of the history of Hanoverian soldiers in the service of King George III.    
Connect with Dominic on:  Facebook • Twitter.

A conversation with Historical Romance author Raelle Logan #HistoricalRomance #Pirates @RaelleLogan1

A conversation with Raelle Logan.

Thank you for having me on Myths, Legends, Books and Coffee Pots. My name is Raelle Logan.  Yes, the name is a pen name. The name Raelle is taken from my father’s name, which was Raymond and is a dedication to him. The Logan part of the name was just a name I’ve always liked.
Hi Raelle. I am so glad you could join us today. I enjoyed the story about your pen name! I would love to know more about your fabulous book Blackheart. What inspired you to write your book?
What inspired me to write BLACKHEART? I’ve always loved to write. The first book I wrote, when I was far younger, was a Western, which is probably because my father absolutely loved Western movies when I was a child.  The book was very bad, since I wasn’t yet experienced enough to write and it was trashed pretty quickly. Later, when I was in my teens, my Mom worked at a library and one summer she brought home a bunch of books for me to read in order to keep me busy over my school vacation time. Many of the books in the pile were historical romance.  I’ve always had a love for pirates. Over the years, many of the books I read were about pirates but the accuracy of the books was a little questionable. I wanted to write a book about pirates that was more accurate to the reality of their true lives but was also a romance. BLACKHEART is drawn from that desire.
Did you face any challenges when you were researching the period your book is set in?
Challenges I faced in researching the pirate period? Oh, there were many. Learning about weapons, ships, clothing and speech were a huge challenge. How to discover the truth about pirates themselves became one of my biggest goals. There are a ton of books with information but trying to uncover the facts about these reclusive mariners is tough.  Truth and fiction have definitely blurred over time; Hollywood movies haven’t assisted in the process.  I had to unbury books written by authors who had done a ton of research themselves. I was able to uncover many authors who are as dedicated to the truth as I am, fortunately, but it did take time.
It sounds like you went on quite a journey during your research. Do you think there is anything about your book that sets it apart from others in your chosen genre?
What sets my novel apart from other pirate romance books? I would say my dedication and yearning to write a book that is more realistic to the reality of the pirate genre and is also a passionate, sensual romance that is entertaining and seduces the reader into the story, luring them to want to read more.    


Your book sounds amazing. Can you tells us what you are currently working on?
Currently, I am working on another pirate romance but one with an entirely different story line from BLACKHEART.  The book is in the editing stage, which I hope to have finished in a few months.
Good luck with your new release!
Scroll down to find out more information about Raelle's wonderful book!
Blackheart
No memory of his past, sentenced to death for a duel gone horrid, Lochlanaire Blackheart is commanded by King William to hunt Siren Rain. She’s the illegitimate daughter of ousted King James II. In capturing his prey, Lochlanaire must retrieve the ruby signet Siren dons. That jewel is the talisman of King James II, which proves Siren’s ancestry. Lochanaire, however, is unaware that at the moment he casts sail aboard his ship, Siren’s been kidnapped by his pirate brother, Zore. Lochlanaire must battle this cutthroat for the princess, spinning Siren into his web of treachery. Afterward, they’re shipwrecked, entwined in a union of inconvenience when Lochlanaire weds Siren under the witchery of gypsies. Lochlanaire soon enlightens Siren of her true father’s identity. She seduces her captor, desperate to conceive Lochlanaire’s child. She believes he cannot surrender her to die at King William’s hangman’s noose if their blood unites. When Lochlanaire’s stalked by a ghoul slaughtering the pirates aboard his ship, he never realizes that this fiend possesses a wicked secret. Siren must unravel all the Blackheart brothers’ secluded evils and save Lochlanaire, for he threads together a travesty by which to sacrifice himself to King William, all while opposing the two seething brothers who seek his demise for the tragedies reaped in Lochlanaire’s shattered past. If Lochlanaire fails to evade the death shroud shadowing his footfalls, Siren will lose the breath-wrenching privateer who is her assassin hunter, the possessor of her lusty soul, and her only love.Amazon • Barnes and Noble
Raelle Logan
I’ve been writing stories since I was a very young child.  Back then, my writing interests were mainly in a Western genre, owing to my Dad being a HUGE Western movie fan.  My mother worked at a local library and one day she brought home several books she hoped would keep me occupied throughout the summer months while I was out of school.  Several of those books were written by author Victoria Holt.  Needless to say, I was hooked on romance.  After I threw out the Western manuscript I had written, I delved into the romance genre with hearty gusto, reading every book I could find.  In later years, after marrying a racecar driver, a neighbor tossed an old laptop over the fence in our backyard into my husband’s arms, as he wanted to help with my husband’s racing career.  I got curious about the computer, sat down one day and starting writing on the notepad, only to discover, to my absolute horror, that I couldn’t save my work.  I bought a new computer and have been writing since.  After writing my first manuscript, I realized I wanted to write a book about pirates that was more true to the reality of their real lives than is usually portrayed in books and film.  Having only the limited knowledge of what I had seen in paper and movies, I took a year off in order to do historical research, learning about pirates and their ships, weapons, clothing and, language. I even read the WEBSTER’S dictionary, so I could use words for the time period I write about.  BLACKHEART is my first published manuscript. Currently, I live in Littleton Colorado with my husband and our cat, Ransom.Connect with Raelle: Facebook• Twitter • Goodreads