Mary Anne Yarde's Blog: The Coffee Pot Book Club , page 197

#bookreview ~ To Tame the Wind #Historical #Romance @RegansReview

To Tame the Wind
By Regan Walker
Paris 1782… AN INNOCENT IS TAKEN

All Claire Donet knew was the world inside the convent walls in Saint-Denis. She had no idea her beloved papa was a pirate. But when he seized Simon Powell's schooner, the English privateer decided to take the one thing his enemy held most dear... her.

A BATTLE IS JOINED

The waters between France and England roil with the clashes of Claire's father and her captor as the last year of the American Revolution rages on the sea, spies lurk in Paris and Claire’s passion for the English captain rises.

This is the prequel to the Agents of the Crown series and book 1 of the Donet trilogy; it can be read as a stand alone.
What did I think of the book?

Falling in love with a pirate...


Clare Donet has always had a spark of rebellion about her. She loathed being locked away in the convent school her father had placed her in. Many times she sneaked out, regardless of the consequences. But after one fateful evening, where she had met the man of her dreams, her world was turned upside down and she vowed never to leave the convent again.
Simon Powell's ship has been taken by that French rogue Donet, but Donet will pay for his crimes. If Donet ever wanted to see his daughter again, then he will give back to Simon what was taken.
But when Simon kidnaps Clare he had no idea what kind of woman he had taken. Donet may have stolen his ship and crew, but Clare is stealing his heart. He has to remain strong, for his crew is depending on him.
What a beautiful love story. To Tame The Wind by Regan Walker is a compelling romance set within the most amazing backdrop. Filled with danger, high seas and romance, I completely fell in love with this book and this story.
I adored the characterisation of Clare, she is so strong, and she will not be bullied into compliance. Simon certainly has his hands full. But she is also passionate and kind. There was really nothing not to like about her. Likewise, Simon is a very well drawn character who starts off with this single-minded mentality to get his ship and crew back but, by the end, well... You will have to read the story to find out!
I thoroughly enjoyed To Tame The Wind, and I think you will too.  
I Highly Recommend.


Links for purchase
Amazon US
Amazon UK
About the author

Award-winning, #1 bestselling author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romances. Also an avid reader/reviewer of historical romances set in the 19th century or earlier.
 My website: www.reganwalkerauthor.com. My blog is Historical Romance Review: reganromancereview.blogspot.com.

My stories will sweep you away, I promise. They are historically authentic with real historical figures as well as my fictional characters. (I do hundreds of hours of research for each book.)

#FolkloreThursday ~ Cat Sìth, The Soul Stealing Cat #Myths #Scotland

There are many tales of cats in folklore. But today I want to take a look at a particular cat that it is said can steal souls. This cat haunts the Scottish Highlands. So if you ever find yourself in this beautiful part of the world, keep your eyes open.


The cat is, of course, a black one, but it is easily identified because of a large white spot on its chest. The cat is also the size of a dog, so not your average house feline. But be warned, they are very good at disguise, on the face of it they they act like a normal cat, but when no one is watching they will stand up on their hind legs and act as if they are human. Of course, there is an explanation for this, for it is thought that the cat is actually a witch, who can transform from her human form to a cat at will. But...The witch can only do this eight times because if the witch transforms nine times the she will remain a cat forever. So I guess a witch has only nine feline lives. Interesting!


Now it is vital to keep the cat away from the newly departed because, as I said, it steals souls.  It is therefore vital to never leave a corpse unattended. This prevention is called the Feill Fadalach. To prevent the cat from stealing souls the Feill Fadalach has to be obeyed by the letter. This is what you have to do...
* Firstly, plant Catnip as far away from the corpse as you can ~ we all know how much cats love Catnip. They will be too busy playing in the Catnip to worry about stealing souls.


*Tell the cat a riddle. A really hard one that the cat has to spend hours trying to figure out.


*Extinguish all fires ~ Best not attract the cat to the warmth, you know how they like to monopolize the heat.

*Organise a wrestling match ~ cats love watching wrestling...?! 

*Play some music. Cat's love to dance to music. Some of them even sing along!


But this cat was so revered that it even had its own special night, where it was surprisingly welcomed. This night was called Samhain. On this night it was essential that you left a saucer of milk outside your house for the cat. The cat would then bless your house. If you did not the cat would curse your cows, and their milk would dry up.



Who knew…?
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Author’s Inspiration ~ Larry D. Shackelford #mustread #apocalypse #OSFARG @larrydshack

It is with the greatest of pleasures that I welcome back author, Larry D. Shackelford onto the blog! Larry is going to tells us about his inspirations behind his latest book…
Abaddyon

Abaddyon is a fast-paced, Christian, apocalyptic urban fantasy/science fiction romance thriller that takes place in Salt Lake City, Utah and St. Louis, Missouri.  On a sleepy Sunday morning, the local populations are oblivious to ominous events that have occurred on the other side of the globe.  Sacred Biblical artifacts were stolen from a sacred shrine, and are about to unleash devastating effects on their future and the other surviving members on earth. 
FBI Special Agent Alan O'Brian, a recent transplant to Salt Lake City, is unwittingly thrust into a chaotic survival scene as the city suffers massive destruction and calamity.  The chain of events are incomprehensible, but with the aid of a rookie FBI agent and a comical Lutheran pastor, Alan attempts to reconcile and resolve the devolving situation. 
Emily Cannon is a young housewife residing in a Northern suburb of Salt Lake City.  Her perfect, protected life and religious commitment to the predominant religion is vanquished by the devastating earthquakes that rock the city.   The earthquakes are not her only obstacles; her children have vanished, and the unfathomable seismic events have revealed hidden community secrets Emily could have never imagined.  

All hope seems lost when Abaddyon and his legion of angels surface from the depths of hell to claim the condemned souls of the survivors.  Alan and his team of improbable characters must locate and consecrate the unprecedented artifacts in order to reverse the disaster. Battling nature’s fury and formidable hellish creatures, their task is a daunting race against time, and individual spiritual awakenings.
Author's Inspiration
Thank you Mary Anne for inviting me back to your blog site.  I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the stories and inspirations from the other authors featured on your site, and it is an honor and a privilege to be included once again.  I must also say that I look forward to the next installment of your incredible Du Lac Chronicles series! 
 
The inspiration behind the Christian fiction book “Abaddyon” was directly related to my interest in Biblical studies, apologetics, hermeneutics, and epistemology.  I grew up the southern part of the State of Missouri, and I was very fortunate to be raised in a Bible-believing family.  If you are unfamiliar with this region of the United States, this area is known as the “Bible belt of America”.  To help explain this concept better, it may be useful to know that “God” is a three-syllable word in this area (pronounced Ga-haw-da).

Many years ago, I seriously considered resigning from my law enforcement position to pursue a career as a Lutheran pastor, but as fate would have it, this ambition did not materialize.  I could provide a myriad of reasons (otherwise known as poor excuses!) for not obtaining this goal, but perhaps I was negligent because of what a seasoned Lutheran pastor once told me.  “Son, you have to understand that if you become a pastor, you will be rewarded with blessings beyond your understanding.  But, you must also understand that taking on this responsibility is kind-of like taking on a second wife!”  I realized what he was trying to tell me with his humorous comparison, but none-the-less, his comment made a lasting impression on me.  Regardless, there are many ways to serve, and I was grateful for the opportunity to teach High School Sunday School lessons for many years, which I enjoyed immensely.  Ironically, I reside in the State of Utah which has a thriving polygamous community, and the dominate religion is not considered within in the mainstream of orthodox Christianity.  As you have probably guessed, Sunday morning Bible study frequently deterred from what I was supposed to be teaching, to explaining the differences in religions. 

My goal with Abaddyon was to write an entertaining Christian action/adventure story with unique characters and diverse backgrounds.  Abaddyon is the seventh book that I have published, and regardless of the genre, I always try and incorporate a compelling romance story.  This story was extremely difficult to write due to the fact the main love story centers around two characters from very different cultures and religious beliefs.  Add in complicating factors such as hellish (no pun intended) circumstances and insurmountable odds of survival, and it is difficult to imagine that true love could ultimately prevail. 

One of the main reasons I write fiction stories is because it is challenging to write stories where a unique cast of characters are placed into situations that are difficult to resolve.   Not only do they need to survive, but they must overcome obstacles based on their background and capabilities.  In writing Abaddyon, I hope I was successful with this endeavor.  One final note pertaining to the difficulty in writing this story was, I felt it was important to point out the differences in the religions, but I also believed it was imperative to accomplish this task in a respectful and sensitive manner.

I can honestly say that I will probably not attempt to write another book that involves different theologies anytime soon.  I intend on focusing my efforts toward the customary chaos, calamity, and mayhem fiction themes…or in other words…the usual love stories!
Thanks again Mary Anne!  


Links for Purchase
Amazon US
Amazon UK
About the author

Larry was raised in southwest Missouri where he received his college degree, but he received his education after he graduated and began working in a maximum-security federal prison. After spending two years behind bars, he continued his law enforcement career as a criminal investigator, residing and working in eight states and two foreign countries. Larry retired from law enforcement after twenty-five years of service and resides in Salt Lake City with his wife and cat.Useful Links Facebook Twitter

In the time of the Theodosians #GuestPost #HistFic @hfvbt @faithljustice

Book Blast ~ Historical Virtual Book Tour Presents....



The Twilight Express 
By Faith L. Justice



Twilight Empress tells the little-known story of a remarkable woman—Galla Placidia, sister to one of the last Roman Emperors. Roman princess, Gothic captive and queen—Placidia does the unthinkable—she rules the failing Western Roman Empire—a life of ambition, power and intrigue she doesn’t seek, but can’t refuse. Her actions shape the face of Western Europe for centuries.A woman as well as an Empress, Placidia suffers love, loss, and betrayal. Can her strength, tenacity and ambition help her survive and triumph over scheming generals, rebellious children, and Attila the Hun? Or will the Dark Ages creep closer and bring down the Empire?
The Theodosians Are Here!By Faith Justice

Why do some historical fiction writers (and readers) specialize in the Tudors, or World War II, or medieval Japan? After all, if you put a timeline on the wall and throw a dart, it would make no difference what year you hit—people somewhere would be creating art and culture, innovating in crafts and science, warring over territory and religion, fighting diseases and natural disasters. Down through the ages, people love one another, give birth, and betray each other; work, create, and explore—the stuff of life and fiction.
Like a lot of history geeks, over a long lifetime, I’ve been obsessed by a few time periods. I went through an ancient Greek/Roman/Egyptian phase, American Revolution/Civil War/Expansionist phase, and—yes—a Plantagenet/Tudor phase. During those explorations, I was always drawn to stories of strong women: Sappho the poet, Hatshepsut the Pharaoh, Boudica of the Iceni, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Mary and Elizabeth Tudor. Many of these women were immortalized in Judy Chicago's ground-breaking feminist art exhibit "The Dinner Party" which I attended in 1980. So I was surprised when I ran across a woman whose story I didn't know—Hypatia, the Lady Philosopher of Alexandria. The accompanying Dinner Party catalog made much of the fact that she was a pagan woman mathematician and astronomer murdered by a Christian mob in AD 415.


Judy Chicago, The Dinner Party ~ Wikipedia
I realized I knew next to nothing about this turbulent time period and embarked on a journey to learn as much as I could. The 5th Century was particularly violent: the Huns forced other barbarian tribes west into Roman territory, the Christian Church underwent convulsive birth pangs as it emerged from a century of internal conflict to become a potent political force, and the political power that was Rome stumbled, mortally wounded by internal corruption and external invasion. This was the century of the Fall of Western Rome and the birth of the Eastern Byzantine Empire. For a writer and history buff, it was a treasure trove of untold stories and unexplored history. What was not to like?

As I researched Hypatia's life and times, I came across other remarkable (and little known) women and their stories: Placidia, sister to Emperor Honorius who was captured by the Goths when they took Rome in 410, married their king and ruled the Western Empire for over twenty years; her niece Pulcheria who—at the tender age of fifteen!—proclaimed herself Regent for her younger brother Theodosius II and co-ruled with him for much of his reign; Athenais, a young pagan beauty who captured the heart of “The Most Christian Emperor” and contended with Pulcheria for influence over Theodosius. They were all wonderfully complex, compelling stories of powerful women set in this time of turbulence and change just waiting for a writer to discover them and bring them out of the shadows.

I wrote Hypatia's story in my first novel and Placidia's in my current book Twilight Empress. I hope to have Pulcheria’s and Athenais’ stories out in the next couple of years. When I first pitched my 5th Century novels, I got a lot of enthusiastic praise from agents and publishers, usually followed by, “But no one is interested in this time period. Do you have any books about the Tudors?” I didn’t and probably never will. I'm hoping readers are becoming just a little bored with the Tudors and their era. Maybe they're ready for something different, but equally fascinating: the Theodosians, barbarians at the gates, and the Fall of Rome.

© 2017 Faith L. Justice


Links for Purchase
Amazon US
Amazon CAN
 Amazon UK
Barnes and Noble
 iBooks
IndieBound
Kobo

About the author
Faith L. Justice is a science geek and history junkie, which is reflected in her writing. Her short stories and poems have appeared in such publications as “The Copperfield Review”, “Beyond Science Fiction and Fantasy”, and the “Circles in the Hair” anthology. Faith has published in such venues as “Salon.com”, “Writer’s Digest”, “The Writer”, and “Bygone Days”. She’s an Associate Editor for “Space & Time Magazine”, a frequent contributor to “Strange Horizons”, and co-founded a writer’s workshop more years ago than she cares to admit.

To contact Faith, read her essays and interviews, or get a sneak preview of her historical novels, visit her website at www.faithljustice.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

 Twilight Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome
by Faith L. Justice
Publication Date: May 12, 2017

Raggedy Moon Books

eBook & Print; 392 Pages
Series: The Theodosian Women, Book 1
Genre: Fiction/Historical/Action & Adventure

#BookBlast ~ The Soldier’s Return #HistFic @hfvbt @LauraLibricz @BlueHeronBW

Book Blast ~ Historical Virtual Book Tour Presents....


The Soldier’s ReturnBy Laura Libricz

The year is 1626. A senseless war rips through parts of Germany. Ongoing animosity between the Catholics and the Protestants has turned into an excuse to destroy much of the landscape situated between France, Italy and Denmark. But religion only plays a minor role in this lucrative business of war.
The young dutchman, Pieter van Diemen, returns to Amsterdam in chains after a period of imprisonment in the Spice Islands. He manages to escape but must leave Amsterdam in a hurry. Soldiers are in demand in Germany and he decides to travel with a regiment until he can desert. His hope of survival is to reach Sichardtshof, the farm in Franconia, Germany; the farm he left ten years ago. His desire to seek refuge with them lies in his fond memories of the maid Katarina and her master, the humanist patrician Herr Tucher. But ten years is a long time and the farm has changed. Franconia is not only torn by war but falling victim to a church-driven witch hunt. The Jesuit priest, Ralf, has his sights set on Sichardtshof as well. Ralf believes that ridding the area of evil will be his saving grace. Can Pieter, Katarina and Herr Tucher unite to fight against a senseless war out of control?

The Soldier’s Return is the second book in the Heaven’s Pond Trilogy and will be released on September 15, 2017.Available on Amazon
About the author
Laura Libricz was born and raised in Bethlehem PA and moved to Upstate New York when she was 22. After working a few years building Steinberger guitars, she received a scholarship to go to college. She tried to ‘do the right thing’ and study something useful, but spent all her time reading German literature.She earned a BA in German at The College of New Paltz, NY in 1991 and moved to Germany, where she resides today. When she isn’t writing she can be found sifting through city archives, picking through castle ruins or aiding the steady flood of musical instruments into the world market.Her first novel, The Master and the Maid, is the first book of the Heaven’s Pond Trilogy. The Soldier’s Return and Ash and Rubble are the second and third books in the series.For more information, please visit Laura Libricz’s website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
The Soldier’s Return by Laura LibriczPublication Date: September 15, 2017eBook & PaperbackSeries: Heaven’s Pond Trilogy, Book TwoGenre: Historical Fiction

#bookreview ~ Colorless #Historical #fantasy #YA @stradling_rita

ColorlessBy Rita Stradling



In Domengrad, there are rules all must live by: Fear the Gods. Worship the Magicians. Forsake the Iconoclasts. 
To Annabelle Klein, the rules laid down by the Magicians are the mere ramblings of stuffy old men. As far as she’s concerned, the historic Iconoclasts, heretics who nearly destroyed the Magicians so long ago, are nothing but myth. She has much more important matters to worry about.

Heiress to a manor mortgaged down to its candlesticks and betrothed to her loathsome cousin, sixteen-year-old Annabelle doubts the gods could forsake her more.

Then Annabelle is informed of her parents’ sudden and simultaneous deaths, and all of the pigment drips out of her skin and hair, leaving her colourless. Within moments, Annabelle is invisible and forgotten by all who know her.

Living like a wraith in her own home, Annabelle discovers that to regain her color she must solve the mystery behind her parents’ murders and her strange transformation.

Meanwhile, hundreds of the Magicians’ monks, with their all-black eyes and conjoined minds, have usurped control of Annabelle’s family manor. An Iconoclast is rumored to be about—a person who they claim goes unseen, unheard, and lost to memory, yet is the greatest threat to all of Domengrad. For the first time in a hundred years, the monks plan to unleash the dire wolves of old.

Their only target: Annabelle.
What did I think of the book?
If no one can see you do you exist at all?
The day Annabelle Klein parents died her life changed forever. She watched with horror as the colour drained from her skin, her clothes, and everything she touched. She also became invisible. No one asked where she was, no missed her because they had forgotten she had existed in the first place.
Annabelle thought she was to spend the rest of her life as a living ghost.
Dylan Miller mourned the loss of his employers for Lord and Lady Klein were good people, but they also lived a secret life. A dangerous life. Unlike most, Dylan can see Annabelle, and he wants to help her. But dark forces are intent on finding Annabelle, and they will stop at nothing to destroy her.
Colorless by Rita Stradling is a page turning adventure in a dark world that is filled with secrets, danger, and mystery. Ms. Strandling has created a unique world, which did take a little bit of perseverance for me to get my head around, but once I did the story was gripping.
Colorless is told through alternative perspectives, which really worked for this book and gave a deeper insight into the characters themselves. I adored the characterisation of both Annabelle and Dylan. Annabelle is a very strong young woman, who loses everything and everyone, but she is determined to find the truth and to protect those who have risked so much to keep her safe. Likewise, Dylan, is a very honourable young man who will do absolutely anything to keep Annabelle safe. He is a very likeable character, and I enjoyed reading about him. There is also a cast of supporting actors, and they helped to drive the story forward.
The world, in which our brave heroes live, is controlled by the Magicians’ monks who invade every part of everyone’s lives. They are feared. And they are determine to kill Annabelle, if only they could see her. They use threats and intimidation to get what they want. They were very chilling antagonists that were frighteningly evil. This is very much a dark verses the light story.
If you are looking for historical fantasy escapism then this is the book for you.
I Highly Recommend.

Links for purchase
Amazon US
Amazon UK

About the author
Rita Stradling is the author of The Deception Dance series, the Dakota Kekoa series and The Fourteen Day Soul Detox Novella Serial. She has a BA in Art History and a particular love for modern and medieval art.

Rita lives with her husband and son in Northern California.

She has an insatiable novel addiction and mostly reads young adult and adult: romance, paranormal, urban fantasy and high fantasy.

New Release ~ Wyrd of the Wolf #HistFic #Saxons @broughton_john

Have you heard that John Broughton has a new book out? If you love your historical fiction to be set in the time of the Saxons, then why not check out John’s latest book…
Wyrd of the Wolf

In seventh century England, political and religious upheaval mean that nobody is safe. As the old gods are eroded by the new church, and tribes and ambitious men vie for power, property and precedence, blood is shed throughout the land.
In the south, ealdorman Aelfhere believes that for his only child, sixteen-year-old daughter Cynethryth, marriage to a Saxon king is the way to security. And so, somewhat against her own wishes, Cynethryth is betrothed.
Yet as battle rages around her, and with her betrothed away to fight, Cynethryth too becomes a victim of war.
Taken prisoner by the warrior invaders, she is forced into the presence of another Saxon king, who would also have her for his wife. Yet this is a man she actually loves.
In marrying Caedwalla, King of the Suth Seaxe, Cynethryth allies herself against her father and her own people in a deadly, grisly and complex war — and becomes a key element of events that continue to influence England today.
For the events of the seventh century were crucial in determining the religions, cultures and identities of nations. And Caedwalla, as a fearsome warrior but also in time a religious convert, personifies the turbulent mix of bloodshed, brutality, philosophy and faith that came to define the period.
With its acutely accurate descriptions of the people and events of the Anglo-Saxon age, and meticulous attention to detail, Wyrd of the Wolf is both a superb historical depiction and a thrilling story. As Aelfhere watches the old world slip away, battles his enemies and his torturous feelings for his only child, so Caedwalla balances his lust for blood and power with growing spiritual awareness. In Wyrd of the Wolf, the complications and the conflicts of the dark ages are brought to light, as a compelling tale unfolds.

Links for Purchase
Amazon US
Amazon UK
About the author

I was born in Cleethorpes Lincolnshire in 1948: just one of the post-war baby boom. After attending grammar school and studying to the sound of Bob Dylan I went to Nottingham University and studied Medieval and Modern History (Archaeology subsidiary). The subsidiary course led to one of my greatest academic achievements: tipping the soil content of a wheelbarrow from the summit of a spoil heap on an old lady hobbling past our dig. Well, I have actually done many different jobs while living in Radcliffe-on-Trent, Leamington, Glossop, the Scilly Isles, Puglia and Calabria. They include teaching English and History, managing a Day Care Centre, being a Director of a Trade Institute and teaching university students English. I even tried being a fisherman and a flower picker when I was on St. Agnes, Scilly. I have lived in Calabria since 1992 where I settled into a long-term job, for once, at the University of Calabria teaching English. No doubt my lovely Calabrian wife Maria stopped me being restless. My two kids are grown up now, but I wrote books for them when they were little. Hamish Hamilton and then Thomas Nelson published 6 of these in England in the 1980s. They are now out of print. I’m a granddad now and happily his parents wisely named my grandson Dylan. I decided to take up writing again late in my career. You know when you are teaching and working as a translator you don’t really have time for writing. As soon as I stopped the translation work I resumed writing in 2014. The fruit of that decision is my first two historical novels, The Purple Thread and Wyrd of the Wolf, published by Endeavour Press, London. Both are set in my favourite Anglo-Saxon period and are available on Amazon as eBooks and paperbacks. Currently I’m halfway through my third novel, as yet without a title. It’s set in on the cusp of the eighth century in Mercia and Lindsey. I hope it will be a trilogy.Useful LinksBlog Twitter Facebook

#FolkloreThursday ~ Merlin and the Stones #Arthurian #myths

Today on #FolkloreThursday I am going to head over to Wiltshire and tell the story of a King, a great Sorcerer, and some Standing Stones.


Once upon a time, there was a great but terrible battle. King Ambrosius lost over 3,000 of his noble Knights. As he looked upon the carnage of the battlefield, his heart felt heavy.
With tears in his eyes, he turned to his most trusted advisor — a young boy whose name was Merlin.

"I will not have their noble sacrifice forgotten," King Ambrosius said. "I want to build a monument, so all who pass this way will remember how they gave their lives for this Kingdom."

"I know just the thing," Merlin said, smiling for the first time that day. "Have you heard of The Giant's Dance, Sire?"
"No," King Ambrosius stated.
"The Giants Dance is a circle of stones. It is said they are magical, some even claim they can heal the sick."



"Then we should bring The Giant's Dance here," King Ambrosius said as he turned his back on all the dead.
"There is just one problem," Merlin said, a frown on his brow. "The Giant's Stone are in Killaraus—"

"Ireland?" King Ambrosius sighed unhappily. "I do not have the men to go to Ireland."
"But Sire," Merlin persisted. "These stones will stand as a monument forever. No one will forget the deaths of our most noble knights. These stones will stand as testament."
King Ambrosius thought on this. Finally he said, "You can go to Ireland with 15,000 knights and bring the stones back. Uther will accompany you."
Uther, Ambrosius brother, had just walked up to them, his face was splattered with blood, as was his clothes. He yawned with fatigue. "Where are we going?" Uther asked tiredly.

"Ireland," King Ambrosius informed him. He smiled and patted his brother on the back before walking away.
"Ireland?" Uther asked, looking at Merlin for an explanation.
"It was his idea," Merlin said, pointing to the King.
What Uther said next isn't suitable for this blog...!
The crossing of the Irish Sea was no picnic. The tide was high and unpredictable. By the time the coast of Ireland came into view, even Merlin was wondering if he had been a little hasty at his suggesting the Stones as a monument.
Along the top of the cliffs, an army watched their progress. The Irish knew the Knights of Ambrosius would only cross the sea for one thing and one thing only. But if they thought they could come here and take the sacred Stones then they had another think coming.

But as the Knights of Ambrosius departed from the boats, the Irish realised the fragility of their numbers. There was no way they could win. So with heavy hearts, they dropped their weapons and walked away. The Stones would have to take care of themselves.
Meeting no resistance, Merlin and the Knights made for the Stones. But try as they might the Knights of Ambrosius could not move the Stones. Merlin sat down in the grass and watched with barely concealed enjoyment.
Defeated, Uther sat down next to him.
"My brother is deluded if he thinks we can bring theses Stones back to Briton."



"I wouldn't say deluded, " Merlin said, rising to his feet. And then with a few softly spoken words, the Stones began to tremble. Ambrosius' Knights stepped back and looked at the Stones with panic.
Merlin walked confidently forward as the Stones still trembled. He raised his arms in the air and continued to chant. To the astonishment of everyone gathered, the Stones began to rise slowly into the air.
"To the boats," Merlin said with a grin to the Knights who were stood watching the Stones with opened mouths.
"Why didn't he just do that in the first place?" One of the Knights asked Uther.
Uther shook his head and breathed out unsteadily.
The sea was calm during the crossing back, but Merlin, who continued to chant, looked tired and drawn. By the time they reached Salisbury, Merlin was supported by Uther and another Knight, but still, he continued to chant. When they came into the presence of the King, Merlin allowed the Stones to fall softly to the earth.
“You did it,” King Ambrosius said, grinning like a fool.
Merlin was too exhausted to reply.
King Ambrosius immediately summoned the clergy and his people to celebrate the erection of the monument. Merlin once again began to mutter under his breath and the Stones once more lifted into the air, but this time when they landed, they were in their rightful positions, just as they had been in Ireland.



That night saw a great celebration, but Merlin was too weary to even drink his mead. He fell into a contented and deep sleep content in the knowledge that this monument would stand forever.


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Author’s Inspiration ~ Amy Bearce #YA #Fantasy

It is with the greatest of pleasure that I welcome Young Adult Fantasy author, Amy Bearce, onto the blog today. Amy’s ‘World of Aluvia’ is a must read series and one that I have given 5* reviews to.  Amy is going to share with us her inspiration behind her fabulous series. I can’t wait…!
About the series



The World of Aluvia series is a trilogy best suited for ages 11-14 and up.
The world of Aluvia is a place of magic, but it’s a broken, dark world where magical creatures are suffering, and the land itself begins to shake apart. When the fairy queens disappear and their little fairies die, it marks the beginning of a long journey for three girls who seek to heal their world. 
Sierra hates her calling as a fairy keeper, but is compelled to travel to the dangerous wilderness to find the lost queens. (Book One, Fairy Keeper) Phoebe must help the gentle merfolk reclaim their magic once more—by first discovering her own. (Book Two, Mer-Charmer)And Nell must hold the line when a new enemy arrives who wants to return Aluvia to the days when humans held all the power, risking the very magic they’ve worked so hard to restore. (Book Three, Dragon Redeemer)
Let’s take a closer look at Book 3 in the series
Dragon Redeemer

Four years have passed since a fairy swarm released the voice of prophecy in Nell Brennan. In that painful moment, a skilled warrior became a reluctant leader and defender of Aluvia’s magic. Now a new enemy threatens their still-fragile lands, one Nell feels powerless to stop even with help from the voice within her.
A mysterious dark alchemist from the Ice-Locked Lands is rising to power on the strength of his sword arm and an ice-breathing dragon obedient to his command. He promises unlimited magic to his followers and death to those who defy him. If he takes over the ports, his corrupt elixirs will disrupt the delicate balance of peace between Aluvia's people and all magical creatures.
The voice of prophecy sends Nell and her friends to their enemy’s treacherous domain to find a sword of legend. Only the sword’s magic can prevent a return to a world of dying fairies and caged merfolk. But Nell’s up against the toughest foe she’s ever faced. In order to defeat him, she must master the unimaginable power of the sword―and the unwanted magic inside herself.

Author’s Inspiration
Unlike some of my ideas, I can trace the origin of Fairy Keeper, which is the first book in my series. I had been reading about Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).  For those unfamiliar with that term, CCD is when all the worker bees of a hive swarm off and disappear for no known reason, leaving the queen and her brood (the young) behind to eventually die.  Entire bee colonies were vanishing, and scientists and farmers were struggling to determine the reason.
At least one third of the world’s crops depend on pollinators like bees.
I found this alarming, but also fascinating.  One of my favorite questions as a writer is “What if?” So I asked the question, “What if, instead of bees, little insect-like fairies were going missing and dying? And like with bees, what if these little fairies would have a huge impact on their world if they disappeared forever?” It occurred to me that the people in that world might not even know how valuable fairies were—until they were gone. 
My entire series began with a single scene that popped in my head, in which a girl named Sierra approaches her fairies to collect their magical nectar. She senses something is wrong when she doesn’t hear their usual thrumming sound.  When she races to the meadow where they live, she sees the little ones dead on the ground and her fairy queen missing.  Though Sierra is immediately shocked at the devastation, she doesn’t know yet just how bad this is for their world.
This scene played like a movie in my mind, and the rest of the story developed from there. I actually didn’t set out to create a story about the importance of conserving our natural resources, though this theme definitely shines through. J I just wanted to tell a story about a strong girl in a difficult set of circumstances, and her determination to change the situation she faces.  

The other books came from this initial premise of healing a broken world.  While I had not originally intended to write a trilogy, I wanted to tell Phoebe’s story with Tristan and the merfolk, which is hinted at in book 1. Additionally, there were some things that happen to a character named Nell in book 1 that readers wanted to know more about.  Though she began as an antagonist, she turned out to be a favorite character among many of my readers as she developed. So I asked myself... four years later, what would be happening among the population of Aluvia? What would Nell be facing in her position? If people have been sacrificing easy access to magic for a while, in an effort to protect magical creatures, might they forget just how bad life had gotten four years ago? Would they begin to resent the new rules? Humans have short memories sometimes, it seems to me. The storylines for Mer-Charmer and Dragon Redeemer were born shortly before Fairy Keeper came out in 2015. 
Fairies and merfolk were clearly set in the first two books by the problem of book 1 and the supporting characters introduced.  But for book 3, I toyed with a number of magical creatures to highlight. I chose dragons for book 3 because Nell is a fierce warrior, and I wanted an equivalently strong magical creature for her.  And I have always wanted to write about dragons! I’ve loved fantasy all my life, so it’s really not surprising that my stories always end up with magic in them somehow.
Generally speaking, my inspiration often comes from real life, be it a scientific discovery or an actual place I’ve visited. We’ve done a lot of travel over the last few years because we were living overseas, and two manuscripts that I’m currently working on came from our travels.  One is set in contemporary Paris and one is in Rome, both with elements of magic. I read a lot of articles, watch documentaries, and listen to Ted Talks and educational podcasts. I often find that an interesting idea or event combined with a “What if” twist makes for a fun story premise.
That’s certainly how the World of Aluvia series came to be.
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About the author

​Amy writes fantasy for tweens and teens. She is a former reading and English teacher with a Masters in Library Science.  Prior to writing novels, she spent ten years writing short stories, articles, and poetry for state standardized reading tests on a freelance basis. 
As an Army kid, she moved eight times before she was eighteen, so she feels especially fortunate to be married to her high school sweetheart. Together they’re raising two daughters in Texas. A perfect day for Amy involves rain pattering on the windows, popcorn, and every member of her family curled up in one cozy room reading a good book. 
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Cover Reveal ~ The Du Lac Princess #Arthurian #Histfic

It is with the greatest of pleasure that I can finally reveal the cover of The Du Lac Princess (Book 3 of The Du Lac Chronicles). The Du Lac Princess has been an absolute joy to write, and I can not wait to share the next instalment to my award winning series, The Du Lac Chronicles, with you! 

Briton 500 AD
The ink has dried on Amandine’s death warrant. Her crime? She is a du Lac.
All that stands in the way of a grisly death on a pyre is the King of Brittany. However, King Philippe is a fickle friend, and if her death is profitable to him, then she has no doubt that he would light the pyre himself.
Alan, the only man Amandine trusts, has a secret and must make an impossible choice, which could have far-reaching consequences — not only for Amandine, but for the whole of Briton.


Book Extract:

“Soon I will be entertaining some very important guests. I am celebrating my victory over Budic and his broth—”
“I need to know this because…?” Amandine queried, interrupting him. “Do you expect me to take part in the celebrations? Do you want me to dance on Merton’s grave? Will that satisfy the masses?”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake,” Philippe scoffed. “You are not invited. It is your skill I desire. You were married to Garren. You know how such celebrations are organised.”
“You want me to plan it? Go to Hell.”
“I saved your life,” Philippe reminded her again.
“No you didn’t,” Amandine disagreed. “Don’t you understand? I died the same day he did.”
“I know that you are an exceptional seamstress, and you can make even the mundane look beautiful,” he continued as if he had not heard her.
“You are out of your depth, aren’t you?” Amandine realised, and a smile pulled at her lips. “You don’t know how to be a king, do you? You don’t know how to act, or how to entertain such influential people. You have no idea about the proper etiquette.”
Philippe raised his head and looked calmly into her face. “If you don’t help me then I am sure the Church would love to take you back under their wing,” he threatened.
But the threat did nothing to dampen Amandine’s amusement. “There are others you should ask. I am not the only one who knows how such things are organised and besides, no one would listen to me. You forget…I am damned,” she continued to giggle at the irony.
“I wasn’t expecting you to leave this room.”
“I see,” Amandine scoffed.
Philippe surprised her by kneeling down on the floor in front of her. Everyone knew that Philippe had a thing about cleanliness. He was obsessed with it. Kneeling on the floor was surely a no no, up there with petting the castle’s dogs. He must be truly desperate, Amandine thought but did not say.
Philippe’s hand reached for hers and then he paused, thought better of it, and his hand dropped away. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but Merton was a cruel, evil man and with time, you will come to see that. I saved you from him. I saved you from the consequences of loving him. I need your help. I have invited many dignitaries. I have to impress. Please, show me how and I swear,” he placed his hand on his chest, where his heart rested, “I will protect you forever.”
“Protect me?” Amandine laughed, although there was little humour in it. She watched as Philippe rose back to his feet. “I am a du Lac. You and I, we will always be enemies.”
Copyright © 2017 Mary Anne Yarde

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