Mary Anne Yarde's Blog: The Coffee Pot Book Club , page 198
September 4, 2017
Blog Tour ~ Woman Enters Left #JessicaBrockmole @hfvbt @JABrockmole @PenguinRandom
Book Blast ~ Historical Virtual Book Tour Presents....
Woman Enters Left
By Jessica Brockmole
A woman sets out on a cross-country road trip, unknowingly tracing in reverse the path her mother traveled thirty years before.
In the 1950s, movie star Louise Wilde is caught between an unfulfilling acting career and a shaky marriage when she receives an out-of-the-blue phone call: She has inherited the estate of Florence “Florrie” Daniels, a Hollywood screenwriter she barely recalls meeting. Among Florrie’s possessions are several unproduced screenplays, personal journals, and—inexplicably—old photographs of Louise’s mother, Ethel. On an impulse, Louise leaves a film shoot in Las Vegas and sets off for her father’s house on the East Coast, hoping for answers about the curious inheritance and, perhaps, about her own troubled marriage.
Nearly thirty years earlier, Florrie takes off on an adventure of her own, driving her Model T westward from New Jersey in pursuit of broader horizons. She has the promise of a Hollywood job and, in the passenger seat, Ethel, her best friend since childhood. Florrie will do anything for Ethel, who is desperate to reach Nevada in time to reconcile with her husband and reunite with her daughter. Ethel fears the loss of her marriage; Florrie, with long-held secrets confided only in her journal, fears its survival.
In parallel tales, the three women—Louise, Florrie, Ethel—discover that not all journeys follow a map. As they rediscover their carefree selves on the road, they learn that sometimes the paths we follow are shaped more by our traveling companions than by our destinations.
“Tender, touching, original, and rich with delicious period detail of Hollywood’s heyday—buckle up, because you’ll definitely want to go on a road trip after reading this delightful book!”
Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Girl Who Came Home
Links for Purchase
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 18.0px Tahoma; color: #4787ff; -webkit-text-stroke: #4787ff} span.s1 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none} span.s2 {font-kerning: none; color: #000000; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #000000} span.s3 {text-decoration: underline ; font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke: 0px #4787ff} Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-a-Million
iTunes
IndieBound
Kobo
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 2 signed copies of Woman Enters Left! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
•Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on October 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.•Giveaway is open to residents in the US only.•Only one entry per household.•All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.•Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
You can enter the Giveaway here!
About the author
Jessica Brockmole is the author of At the Edge of Summer, the internationally bestselling Letters from Skye, which was named one of the best books of 2013 by Publishers Weekly, and Something Worth Landing For, a novella featured in Fall of Poppies: Stories of Love and the Great War. She lives in northern Indiana with her husband, two children, and far too many books.
For more information, please visit Jessica Brockmole’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.
Woman Enters Left by Jessica BrockmolePublication Date: August 8, 2017 Ballantine Books/Penguin Random House Paperback & eBook; 352 Pages Genre: Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction | Women’s Fiction
September 3, 2017
#Bookreview ~ A Gallant Gamble (Unrivalled Regency #3) #Romance @wackyjackyful
A Gallant Gamble(Unrivalled Regency #2)By Jackie Williams
She had been creating havoc since the moment he had first set eyes on her, but avoiding the outrageous yet beautiful Lady Charlotte, had become almost impossible. With her delightful innocence and her exquisite looks, she had entangled herself firmly in his heart.
If only Geoffrey could act upon the riotous emotions that tormented him through day and night, but even as she stood half-naked in front of him, he knew that it was impossible for a stable hand to marry a Lady. Though he had saved her guardians life, the new Lord Caithwell would have him flogged if he knew the thoughts that tortured Geoffrey’s every waking moment.
Now, what with the Duke of Ormond ordering him to accompany Lady Charlotte on her first season in London, Geoffrey’s equilibrium is about to be shattered. Protecting the vivacious woman from the felons who would attempt to steal her fabled Caithwell diamond will be difficult enough, but the thought of any other man even so much as dancing with her was enough to bring Geoffrey out in a cold sweat.
He didn’t think his heart could take it. He needed a distraction from the impossibility of having her for himself. Perhaps riding in Lord Davenport’s annual steeplechase would be a fitting diversion from the delights of the woman he could never win.
Perhaps he would triumph and take the thousand guinea prize. Or maybe he would lose not only the woman he loves, but also his life as rivals for her hand and her priceless heirloom, gamble on the outcome.
A Gallant Gamble is a 16+ (sensual, sexual content) stand-alone read in the Unrivalled Regency series, however, the books are best read in order to fully appreciate all the characters and situations.
What did I think of the book?
Geoffrey is determined to drive Lady Charlotte from his thoughts. A man like him has no business daydreaming about a Lady like her. She is so far above his station that to even dream about her is ridiculous. But Lady Charlotte is like no other woman that he has ever met. She is courageous, reckless, beautiful, and kind. She is slowly driving him crazy.
Lady Charlotte does not know what she has done wrong. Well, she does, but surely Geoffrey can understand that helping to birth that foal meant she had to take her gown off. It wasn't as if he could see anything. But ever since that...incident...he has been avoiding her. And for some reason, it hurts unbearably.
But now the Duke of Ormond has ordered Geoffrey to be Lady Charlotte escort during her first season in London. Geoffrey can think of nothing more torturous. If Charlotte were to find a husband, then his heart would be forever broken, but what could he possibly offer her and why would she want to accept a nobody like him as her husband?
Jackie Williams has done it again. She has brought us a story filled with passion, mystery, intrigue, and laughter in A Gallant Gamble (Unrivalled Regency #3). The story was so engaging that I did not put this book down and read it within a couple of hours.
I loved the characterisation of both Charlotte and Geoffrey. They both adore each other, but they both think themselves unworthy of each other. Their love story was filled with doubts and misunderstandings, but if ever there were two people made for each other then it is Charlotte and Geoffrey. Their love story is not only believable but wonderful to read about. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Although this is Book 3 in the Unrivalled Regency, it does work very well as a standalone, but I would recommend starting with Book 1 because you don’t want to miss one page of this fabulous series.
If you are looking for a quality Regency Romance, with one or two surprises, then A Gallant Gamble (Unrivalled Regency #3) is for you.
I Highly Recommend.
Links for Purchase
Amazon US
Amazon UK
About the author
I was born in Essex England during the mid sixties but I missed all the fun. Being only young I assumed that all Beatles were six legged creatures and Flower Power was something to do with the vigorous way my mother kneaded the bread dough.
My wonderful parents brought me up with a huge love of books. We read anything and everything. Bedtime stories were a treasured time of adventure and mystery. My sister and I sat wide eyed in wonder and to this day I worry about Dinah and Dorinda being pricked with pins because they grew so fat, and I never pull faces at the a waning moon (or was it a waxing one?) just in case my chops stay that way . (The Wind On The Moon)
I began reading romance while still at school. The fuel for many a teenage fantasy leapt from between the covers of wildly romantic books and my passion still lingers now for all those dark haired heroes.
My own beautiful teenage daughter persuaded me to write my first romance. She was only fourteen at the time and between books for children and adults. She couldn’t find anything that ticked all her numerous and particular boxes and so she asked me to write a book, with all the exact ingredients just for her. Though not just a book for teens, she enjoyed the resulting tale so much that she shared it with her friends and I eventually published A Perfect Summer as an ebook on amazon.
But I have discovered that writing is not easily stopped once you start. It has turned into a grand passion that I just cannot hold back. The fingertips start tapping the keys and ideas suddenly come flooding, far too many for just one book and so I began another and then another. Nine books later I am still nowhere near done. Book ten is on its way and only just the other night I woke from a wild and wonderful dream with book eleven fully formed in my head.
Romance will always be my first love but recently I was so influenced by a tiny polished plaque on a sea wall that I gave paranormal romance a try. (Echo Beach) Mixing the two genres was a real challenge for me but I was delighted with the result. Historical romance is going to be my next genre. All those fabulously titled and passionate men are impossibly hard to resist.
She had been creating havoc since the moment he had first set eyes on her, but avoiding the outrageous yet beautiful Lady Charlotte, had become almost impossible. With her delightful innocence and her exquisite looks, she had entangled herself firmly in his heart.
If only Geoffrey could act upon the riotous emotions that tormented him through day and night, but even as she stood half-naked in front of him, he knew that it was impossible for a stable hand to marry a Lady. Though he had saved her guardians life, the new Lord Caithwell would have him flogged if he knew the thoughts that tortured Geoffrey’s every waking moment.
Now, what with the Duke of Ormond ordering him to accompany Lady Charlotte on her first season in London, Geoffrey’s equilibrium is about to be shattered. Protecting the vivacious woman from the felons who would attempt to steal her fabled Caithwell diamond will be difficult enough, but the thought of any other man even so much as dancing with her was enough to bring Geoffrey out in a cold sweat.
He didn’t think his heart could take it. He needed a distraction from the impossibility of having her for himself. Perhaps riding in Lord Davenport’s annual steeplechase would be a fitting diversion from the delights of the woman he could never win.
Perhaps he would triumph and take the thousand guinea prize. Or maybe he would lose not only the woman he loves, but also his life as rivals for her hand and her priceless heirloom, gamble on the outcome.
A Gallant Gamble is a 16+ (sensual, sexual content) stand-alone read in the Unrivalled Regency series, however, the books are best read in order to fully appreciate all the characters and situations.
What did I think of the book?
Geoffrey is determined to drive Lady Charlotte from his thoughts. A man like him has no business daydreaming about a Lady like her. She is so far above his station that to even dream about her is ridiculous. But Lady Charlotte is like no other woman that he has ever met. She is courageous, reckless, beautiful, and kind. She is slowly driving him crazy.
Lady Charlotte does not know what she has done wrong. Well, she does, but surely Geoffrey can understand that helping to birth that foal meant she had to take her gown off. It wasn't as if he could see anything. But ever since that...incident...he has been avoiding her. And for some reason, it hurts unbearably.
But now the Duke of Ormond has ordered Geoffrey to be Lady Charlotte escort during her first season in London. Geoffrey can think of nothing more torturous. If Charlotte were to find a husband, then his heart would be forever broken, but what could he possibly offer her and why would she want to accept a nobody like him as her husband?
Jackie Williams has done it again. She has brought us a story filled with passion, mystery, intrigue, and laughter in A Gallant Gamble (Unrivalled Regency #3). The story was so engaging that I did not put this book down and read it within a couple of hours.
I loved the characterisation of both Charlotte and Geoffrey. They both adore each other, but they both think themselves unworthy of each other. Their love story was filled with doubts and misunderstandings, but if ever there were two people made for each other then it is Charlotte and Geoffrey. Their love story is not only believable but wonderful to read about. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Although this is Book 3 in the Unrivalled Regency, it does work very well as a standalone, but I would recommend starting with Book 1 because you don’t want to miss one page of this fabulous series.
If you are looking for a quality Regency Romance, with one or two surprises, then A Gallant Gamble (Unrivalled Regency #3) is for you.
I Highly Recommend.
Links for Purchase
Amazon US
Amazon UK
About the author
I was born in Essex England during the mid sixties but I missed all the fun. Being only young I assumed that all Beatles were six legged creatures and Flower Power was something to do with the vigorous way my mother kneaded the bread dough.
My wonderful parents brought me up with a huge love of books. We read anything and everything. Bedtime stories were a treasured time of adventure and mystery. My sister and I sat wide eyed in wonder and to this day I worry about Dinah and Dorinda being pricked with pins because they grew so fat, and I never pull faces at the a waning moon (or was it a waxing one?) just in case my chops stay that way . (The Wind On The Moon)
I began reading romance while still at school. The fuel for many a teenage fantasy leapt from between the covers of wildly romantic books and my passion still lingers now for all those dark haired heroes.
My own beautiful teenage daughter persuaded me to write my first romance. She was only fourteen at the time and between books for children and adults. She couldn’t find anything that ticked all her numerous and particular boxes and so she asked me to write a book, with all the exact ingredients just for her. Though not just a book for teens, she enjoyed the resulting tale so much that she shared it with her friends and I eventually published A Perfect Summer as an ebook on amazon.
But I have discovered that writing is not easily stopped once you start. It has turned into a grand passion that I just cannot hold back. The fingertips start tapping the keys and ideas suddenly come flooding, far too many for just one book and so I began another and then another. Nine books later I am still nowhere near done. Book ten is on its way and only just the other night I woke from a wild and wonderful dream with book eleven fully formed in my head.
Romance will always be my first love but recently I was so influenced by a tiny polished plaque on a sea wall that I gave paranormal romance a try. (Echo Beach) Mixing the two genres was a real challenge for me but I was delighted with the result. Historical romance is going to be my next genre. All those fabulously titled and passionate men are impossibly hard to resist.
September 1, 2017
#Bookreview ~ A Murderous Masquerade (Unrivalled Regency #2) #Romance @wackyjackyful
A Murderous Masquerade(Unrivalled Regency #2)By Jackie Williams
Book 2 in the Unrivalled Regency Series. Anne and Giles’ story.
Waiting for nearly two years hadn’t been easy. Every second under Anne’s emerald gaze had been pure torture while Giles waited out her mourning, but now it was over and with the county’s eligible, if aging bachelors already gathering at her gates, he hadn’t a moment to lose.
With his heart in his mouth and his marriage proposal on his lips, it was unfortunate that Anne’s aristocratic father and overbearing brother chose that particular moment to visit.
Lord Edward Ellesworth had never been keen on the lower classes. That his sister would even consider marrying someone as inferior as Giles Denvers, was beyond all reason. It wasn’t going to happen while he had breath in his body. There had to be a way to separate them.
With Giles facing the hangman's noose, and Anne frantic to avoid marriage to one of her father's aging cronies, desperate measures are called for.
Add to the delicious mix of romance and intrigue, a herd of hungry prize porkers, a beautiful young cousin, a very noble intention plus a diamond as big as a walnut and we have the makings of a ripping Regency yarn!
This book is a stand-alone story but the series is best read in order to gain full enjoyment of all the previous characters and scenery involved. (Please see Silence of Scandal by Jackie Williams)
A Murderous Masquerade is suitable for ages 16 and upwards due to sensual, sexual scenes.
What did I think of the book?
At last Giles Denvers is going the marry the woman of his dreams. He had fallen in love with Anne from the moment he had first set eyes on her, but she was in mourning, and he had to allow for the proper time to pass before he proposed.
But there was no way that Anne's brother, Lord Edward Ellesworth, is going to allow a marriage between his sister and a nobody like Giles. And he will do anything to see that the marriage does not take place.
Giles finds himself staring at a hangman's noose for a crime he did not commit. His dreams of a life with Anne are dashed to the ground, and he fears for her future and that of his cousin. Both women depend on him to secure their safety, but what can he do while he is behind bars?
While Giles best friend, Alexander, Duke of Ormond, tries desperately to clear Giles name, Giles must come to terms with his own mortality as he tries to do everything possible to secure the future of the woman he loves.
Oh, my giddy aunt! I loved Silence Of Scandal (Unrivalled Regency #1) by Jackie Williams, but A Murderous Masquerade (Unrivalled Regency #2) was simply brilliant. I was completely drawn into the story from page one, and I couldn't turn those pages fast enough. Full of drama, mystery, intrigue, as well as love, this is one of those books that I could easily read again and again.
I loved the characterisation of Giles. He was a really lovable hero. His compassion for the women in his life, his fear of them, was very touching. Likewise, Anne is a very gentle soul who learns to stand up for herself. But I have to admit my favourite character was Giles' cousin, Charlotte. Charlotte has such a brilliant mind and is so full of spirit that I could not help but like her. I think the next book in the series is about Charlotte and I cannot wait to read it!
A Murderous Masquerade (Unrivalled Regency #2) is a great read. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you like great historical romance with a super-fast plot and believable characters, then this is the book for you.
I Highly Recommend.
Links for Purchase
Amazon USAmazon UK
About the author
I was born in Essex England during the mid sixties but I missed all the fun. Being only young I assumed that all Beatles were six legged creatures and Flower Power was something to do with the vigorous way my mother kneaded the bread dough.
My wonderful parents brought me up with a huge love of books. We read anything and everything. Bedtime stories were a treasured time of adventure and mystery. My sister and I sat wide eyed in wonder and to this day I worry about Dinah and Dorinda being pricked with pins because they grew so fat, and I never pull faces at the a waning moon (or was it a waxing one?) just in case my chops stay that way . (The Wind On The Moon)
I began reading romance while still at school. The fuel for many a teenage fantasy leapt from between the covers of wildly romantic books and my passion still lingers now for all those dark haired heroes.
My own beautiful teenage daughter persuaded me to write my first romance. She was only fourteen at the time and between books for children and adults. She couldn’t find anything that ticked all her numerous and particular boxes and so she asked me to write a book, with all the exact ingredients just for her. Though not just a book for teens, she enjoyed the resulting tale so much that she shared it with her friends and I eventually published A Perfect Summer as an ebook on amazon.
But I have discovered that writing is not easily stopped once you start. It has turned into a grand passion that I just cannot hold back. The fingertips start tapping the keys and ideas suddenly come flooding, far too many for just one book and so I began another and then another. Nine books later I am still nowhere near done. Book ten is on its way and only just the other night I woke from a wild and wonderful dream with book eleven fully formed in my head.
Romance will always be my first love but recently I was so influenced by a tiny polished plaque on a sea wall that I gave paranormal romance a try. (Echo Beach) Mixing the two genres was a real challenge for me but I was delighted with the result. Historical romance is going to be my next genre. All those fabulously titled and passionate men are impossibly hard to resist.
Book 2 in the Unrivalled Regency Series. Anne and Giles’ story.
Waiting for nearly two years hadn’t been easy. Every second under Anne’s emerald gaze had been pure torture while Giles waited out her mourning, but now it was over and with the county’s eligible, if aging bachelors already gathering at her gates, he hadn’t a moment to lose.
With his heart in his mouth and his marriage proposal on his lips, it was unfortunate that Anne’s aristocratic father and overbearing brother chose that particular moment to visit.
Lord Edward Ellesworth had never been keen on the lower classes. That his sister would even consider marrying someone as inferior as Giles Denvers, was beyond all reason. It wasn’t going to happen while he had breath in his body. There had to be a way to separate them.
With Giles facing the hangman's noose, and Anne frantic to avoid marriage to one of her father's aging cronies, desperate measures are called for.
Add to the delicious mix of romance and intrigue, a herd of hungry prize porkers, a beautiful young cousin, a very noble intention plus a diamond as big as a walnut and we have the makings of a ripping Regency yarn!
This book is a stand-alone story but the series is best read in order to gain full enjoyment of all the previous characters and scenery involved. (Please see Silence of Scandal by Jackie Williams)
A Murderous Masquerade is suitable for ages 16 and upwards due to sensual, sexual scenes.
What did I think of the book?
At last Giles Denvers is going the marry the woman of his dreams. He had fallen in love with Anne from the moment he had first set eyes on her, but she was in mourning, and he had to allow for the proper time to pass before he proposed.
But there was no way that Anne's brother, Lord Edward Ellesworth, is going to allow a marriage between his sister and a nobody like Giles. And he will do anything to see that the marriage does not take place.
Giles finds himself staring at a hangman's noose for a crime he did not commit. His dreams of a life with Anne are dashed to the ground, and he fears for her future and that of his cousin. Both women depend on him to secure their safety, but what can he do while he is behind bars?
While Giles best friend, Alexander, Duke of Ormond, tries desperately to clear Giles name, Giles must come to terms with his own mortality as he tries to do everything possible to secure the future of the woman he loves.
Oh, my giddy aunt! I loved Silence Of Scandal (Unrivalled Regency #1) by Jackie Williams, but A Murderous Masquerade (Unrivalled Regency #2) was simply brilliant. I was completely drawn into the story from page one, and I couldn't turn those pages fast enough. Full of drama, mystery, intrigue, as well as love, this is one of those books that I could easily read again and again.
I loved the characterisation of Giles. He was a really lovable hero. His compassion for the women in his life, his fear of them, was very touching. Likewise, Anne is a very gentle soul who learns to stand up for herself. But I have to admit my favourite character was Giles' cousin, Charlotte. Charlotte has such a brilliant mind and is so full of spirit that I could not help but like her. I think the next book in the series is about Charlotte and I cannot wait to read it!
A Murderous Masquerade (Unrivalled Regency #2) is a great read. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you like great historical romance with a super-fast plot and believable characters, then this is the book for you.
I Highly Recommend.
Links for Purchase
Amazon USAmazon UK
About the author
I was born in Essex England during the mid sixties but I missed all the fun. Being only young I assumed that all Beatles were six legged creatures and Flower Power was something to do with the vigorous way my mother kneaded the bread dough.
My wonderful parents brought me up with a huge love of books. We read anything and everything. Bedtime stories were a treasured time of adventure and mystery. My sister and I sat wide eyed in wonder and to this day I worry about Dinah and Dorinda being pricked with pins because they grew so fat, and I never pull faces at the a waning moon (or was it a waxing one?) just in case my chops stay that way . (The Wind On The Moon)
I began reading romance while still at school. The fuel for many a teenage fantasy leapt from between the covers of wildly romantic books and my passion still lingers now for all those dark haired heroes.
My own beautiful teenage daughter persuaded me to write my first romance. She was only fourteen at the time and between books for children and adults. She couldn’t find anything that ticked all her numerous and particular boxes and so she asked me to write a book, with all the exact ingredients just for her. Though not just a book for teens, she enjoyed the resulting tale so much that she shared it with her friends and I eventually published A Perfect Summer as an ebook on amazon.
But I have discovered that writing is not easily stopped once you start. It has turned into a grand passion that I just cannot hold back. The fingertips start tapping the keys and ideas suddenly come flooding, far too many for just one book and so I began another and then another. Nine books later I am still nowhere near done. Book ten is on its way and only just the other night I woke from a wild and wonderful dream with book eleven fully formed in my head.
Romance will always be my first love but recently I was so influenced by a tiny polished plaque on a sea wall that I gave paranormal romance a try. (Echo Beach) Mixing the two genres was a real challenge for me but I was delighted with the result. Historical romance is going to be my next genre. All those fabulously titled and passionate men are impossibly hard to resist.
The Du Lac Devil ~ Readers' Favorite Book Award Finalist #epic #fantasy
The Du Lac Devil is a Readers' Favorite Book Award Finalist in the category of Epic Fantasy. I was up against some fabulous authors and I am beyond thrilled that The Du Lac Devil made it this far in the competition.
Readers' Favorite Award Winners 2017
Read Readers' Favorite 5* Review of The Du Lac Devil here!
A big thank you to all my readers and to my family for allowing me to pursue my dreams!
Readers' Favorite Award Winners 2017
Read Readers' Favorite 5* Review of The Du Lac Devil here!
A big thank you to all my readers and to my family for allowing me to pursue my dreams!
August 30, 2017
#FolkloreThursday ~ London Bridge Is Falling Down #myths #legends #Viking
We all know the children's nursery rhyme London Bridge is Falling down.
Well, I wonder if you have every heard this verse...
London Bridge is broken down. Gold is won, and bright renown.Shields resounding,War-horns sounding,Hild is shouting in the din!Arrows singing,Mail-coats ringing, Odin makes our Olaf win!
Let's take a journey back to the early 11th Century. It is story time, now listen...
The oars of the great Viking longships hardly made any sound as they cut through the water of the River Thames. The mist from the Thames hid their presence and they made good progress. However, as the sun began to rise, so did the mist.
A child rubbed her tired eyes when she thought she saw something that looked like a dragon. Suddenly she realised what she was seeing.
"Vikings," she screamed with fear, as she dropped her basket and ran for home.
Her cry was taken up by others, and King Cnut, whose Father had only recently toppled King Æthelred from the throne, came out with his warriors. Surely Æthelred would not be so foolish as to try and take his kingdom back?
King Sweyn (Cnut's father) invading England 1013 ~ WIkipediaUnbeknown to King Cnut, King Æthelred had enlisted the help of the great King Olaf of Norway. King Cnut prayed to God for victory when he spotted an armada of dragon heads coming out of the mist.
"To the Bridge," he yelled. King Cnut knew that if they could hold the Bridge, then they could hold the kingdom. King Æthelred would have to pass under the bridge if he had any chance of winning this battle. King Cnut prayed to God that King Æthelred would keep coming, for he had one heck of a surprise for him.
But, this had once been King Æthelred's kingdom, he knew the territory and he knew this bridge. So he was not at all surprised when he saw that King Cnut had used the bridge to form an impassable blockade.
King Æthelred smiled, it was exactly what he had expected King Cnut to do and he had prepared for such an eventuality. He had instructed King Olaf to build high platforms on the boats. He knew that King Cnut would think that this had been done to protect the rowers, but that was not the reason.
When the dragon heads reached the bridge, King Æthelred and King Olaf's men climbed onto the platforms. They were now on the same level as King Cnut's warriors who were standing on the bridge. King Æthelred had instructed his and King Olaf's men to stand in pairs. One of which would hold a shield and the other a grappling hook.
A typical Viking shield ~ WikipediaArrows, rocks, and rubble rained down upon them, but it did not deter the warriors who threw their hooks towards the bridge’s wooden pilings. But they were not trying to moor up, far from it.
King Cnut's released what King Æthelred planned to do and he ordered his men to throw mighty boulders down onto the ships, but it was too late.
King Æthelred gave the order to row back the way they had come. The wood of the bridge’s pilings held strong for a moment. King Æthelred felt a moment of doubt. This wasn't working. But then, God answered his prayers. The wood began to tear as the grappling hooks dug in. London Bridge began to shake.
King Æthelred encourage his mean to heave and to his delight he watched as wood, stone and men fell into the water.
Æthelred in an early thirteenth-century copy of the Abingdon Chronicle ~ WikipediaA great cheer rose up from the Viking boats. King Æthelred and King Olaf had won. London Bridge had fallen down.
Is there any truth in the story...?
King Cnut defending London Bridge ~ WikipediaWell, yes! Æthelred the Unready did indeed lose his throne to Sweyn. Æthelred fled to Normandy, but then Sweyn died unexpectedly and his son, Cnut, became king. Æthelred launched an expedition, with the support of Olaf Haraldsson to retake his kingdom. Olaf led a successful attack on London Bridge, and Cnut and his army withdrew from England.
Later, Æthelred son, Edmund Ironside, revolted against his father and established himself in the Danelaw. Cnut returned and over the next few months conquered most of England. Cnut won a decisive victory over Edmund at the Battle of Ashingdom (1066) but, so impressed was he with Edmund that he agreed to divide the nation. Edmund took Wessex while Cnut took the whole of the country beyond the Thames. Edmund died a few weeks later, and Cnut became the first Viking King of England.
References:
Unless otherwise stated, all images can be found on Pixabay.
***
Do you ever wonder what happened after the death of King Arthur?Then check out The Du Lac Chronicles series...
Amazon US Amazon UK
Read for FREE with
August 29, 2017
Author’s Inspiration ~ Mary Morgan #paranormalromance #Irish @m_morganauthor
It is with the greatest of pleasures that I welcome paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan, back on to the blog for Author’s Inspiration. But before I hand the blog over to Mary let’s take a quick look at her latest release.
Quest Of A Warrior
“You met them in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their legends!"
Fenian Warrior, Conn MacRoich has traveled the earth for thousands of years, guarding the realm between mortal and Fae. His deeds are legendary. Yet, one mistake will force him on a journey to fix a broken time-line. However, on Conn’s quest, he must face a human female who will eventually bring this ancient warrior to his knees.
When Ivy O’Callaghan inherits her uncle’s estate, she never imagines there will be more secrets to unravel, including the one she hides from the world. With the help of a mysterious stranger, she learns to trust and step out of the shadows. However, nothing prepares Ivy when she learns Conn's true identity.
As the loom of fate weaves a thread around the lovers from two different worlds, will the sacrifices they make lead them to love? Or will their secrets destroy and separate them forever?
Reflection on a Publishing Anniversary by Mary Morgan
I am disciplined. I am organized. I am a business. I am a writer. Did you notice where I put the bit about being a writer? At the end. This is where I was before I left on a much-needed vacation to Scotland and England in early June. The first major one since I became a published author three years ago. I was even working on edits a few hours before we were due to depart for the airport. My life was insane!
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} Urquhart Castle in Scotland — home of my fictional Dragon Knights.Finally settling into my seat on the plane, I pulled out the June issue of Romance Writers Report by RWA. There was an article by Katharine Ashe (who I adore) titled, “Finding Your Top Ten Rules for Writing Romance.” As I sat reading, my chest constricted and I found myself emotional. It was a moment of revelation and reflection. When did I put “writing for joy” at the bottom of my list? Somewhere along the way, I had flipped all my rules around and the one dearest and precious to my soul was delegated to the bottom of the list.
As I silently thanked Katharine for her wise words, I closed the magazine and reorganized my Top Ten Rules. Number one, write with passion and enjoy the freedom it gives my soul. All the rest of my other rules have fallen into place. Yes, I still want to make money and maintain an organized business, but this isn’t why I chose this path. I dreamed of being a writer—of telling beautiful stories that you can see, smell, touch, and experience. This is my foundation, my center, my first rule.
Author Tip
Remember why you chose your profession. Re-evaluate your own rules every six month. You may find they will shift. This will be your compass. It all depends on your own personal goals. Everyone is different, so there’s no right or wrong path. Just make sure your happy with the direction.
Quest Of A Warrior Excerpt:
“Intoxication can unleash the beast within a Fae.” ~Chronicles of the Fae Conn fought the bolt of desire spearing a path throughout his body. Her touch spoke volumes—an invitation to taste. Never had he longed to kiss a human like this wee lass. His heart beat loudly, and he found himself unable to move. She was a Goddess of the moonlight. It danced off her face and hair, and he trembled before her. Ivy’s fingers traced down his cheek and across his lips. He was helpless to contain the growl that escaped from his mouth.
The rush of passion overtook him, and Conn slammed the door on his mind. Grasping Ivy around the waist, he hoisted her up on top of the bridge. Her lips parted on a sigh, and he lowered his mouth to feast on something he dared not take. The first brush of her soft lips against his own ignited a hunger he could no longer contain. Taking her moan deep into him, Conn glorified in the sensation of her mouth—one filled with a honeyed sweetness.
The Fae warrior became just a man for the first time. Something primal burst within him. Emotions he had never felt left him dizzy, spiraling to a physical plane. He craved them all. His lips seared a course down her neck, to her throat, and then recaptured the velvet warmth of her mouth.
Links for purchase Amazon USAmazon UKAmazon CAB&NKoboApple iBooks
Order Of The Dragon Knights
Dare to journey with the Dragon Knights of Scotland!
They were an ancient order descended from the great Tuatha De Danann, a tribe from the Goddess Danu. Half human and half fae, each blessed with mystical powers. They were also given holy relics and guardianship over the dragons.
With the dawn of Christianity, the dragons were systematically hunted down and slain leaving only one. The Dragon Knights took her from Ireland to a land across the sea, settling in the Great Glen near Urquhart. The clan was known as the MacKay clan, descendants from the MacAoidh.
Yet, there were those who deemed the Order had too much power, and they tried to possess it for themselves. They were evil and twisted, and their plan succeeded one fateful night.
The Clan Mackay is no longer.
The Dragon Knights scattered across the land.
Yet out of the darkness, they will each fight for redemption.
Links for PurchaseAmazon
About the author
Award-winning Scottish paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return. Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling--writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.Useful Links WEBSITE BLOG TWITTER FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE FACEBOOK GOODREADS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE PINTEREST INSTAGRAM BOOKBUB
August 28, 2017
#Arthurian Literature ~ The Round Table #myths #kingarthur
The Round Table — the most iconic piece of furniture of all time.
Painting where King Arthur presides at the Round Table with all of his Knights ~ WikipediaFor something so incredibly large, it remains as obstinately difficult to find as Arthur and his knights.
In 1100c. Robert Wace, a Norman Poet, took it upon himself to translate Geoffrey of Monmouth's, History of the Kings of Briton, from Latin to Norman French. But Wace was a poet, and he did not think it disrespectful to fiddle with the original work. He was, after all, improving upon it. He was sure no one would notice if he added a rather large round table to the tale.
Wace presents his Roman de Rou to Henry II ~ Wikipedia."...Because of these noble lords about his hall, of whom each knight pained himself to be hardiest champion, and none would count him the least praiseworthy, Arthur made the Round Table, so reputed by the Britons..."
Robert Wace, Roman de Brut, translated by Eugene Mason
Wace had, with his poetic licence, cemented The Round Table into the legend. And from there on in, The Round Table became a prominent addition to the Arthurian romances that were published in the Middle Ages.
By the time Sir Thomas Malory was languishing in jail and composing his great work Le Morte d' Arthur, The Round Table had been so ingrained into the minds of the populous that a story about Arthur would not be the same without The Round Table in it.
The Round Table, like the stories of Arthur, was elaborated, made into something epic in its description. As the numbers of knights were added to the story, the table increased in diameter. And it became a draw for this mythical time — all the knights wanted to join the Fellowship Of The Round Table. It was the ultimate goal for these young, brave men.
Sir Galahad takes the "Siege Perilous ~ WIkipedia But for me, this is the most interesting part. The Round Table became so much part of the legend that suddenly we needed to know where it was. Where could it be? Surely somewhere we would find evidence of The Round Table? I mean a table that size isn't going to be languishing in someone's garage is it...?
I am sure you know what I am going to say next... There have been many places that have been associated with The Round Table. By all accounts, it was once seen at Winchester. Indeed, there is a replica still hanging from the wall at Winchesters Great Hall — although this dates back to Tudor times rather than Arthurian times. I hate to say it, but just like with Camelot, you cannot find something that was never there in the first place.
Winchester Round Table ~ Wikipedia.However, I do wish those who search for the Round Table all the luck in the world, although maybe you want to start with Robert Wace, Roman de Brut…
***
Do you ever wonder what happened after the death of King Arthur?Then check out The Du Lac Chronicles series...
Amazon US Amazon UK
Read for FREE with
August 23, 2017
#FolkloreThursday ~ The Wizard of Alderley Edge #Arthurian #Britain
In the time of myths and legends, there is one story that stands head and shoulders above the rest. That story is about King Arthur and his Knights. Arthur is renowned for doing many glorious and noble things, but today on #FolkloreThursday, I want to take a look at one of the most endearing and long-lasting stories of Arthur.
Now the story goes, that Arthur did not die, instead he and his Knights are slumbering, waiting for the time when they would be called to ride again. But where is this resting place that protects the Knights and the Once and Future King?
The Wizard of Alderley Edge
There is a small village in Cheshire, with a population of just over 4,000. Here they tell a tale of a farmer, a white horse, a Sorcerer and a mysterious cave hidden in a hill.
The story goes...
Once there was a farmer from Mobberley. He was on his way to the market at Macclesfield, in the hope of selling his white mare. As he made his way around, what the locals called The Edge, he saw an old man, dressed in flowing grey garments. The old man approached him and offered him a fair price for the horse. The farmer refused, he wanted more than this mystery man was offering him and he thought he would get a better price at the market. The old man wished him luck and told him that he would wait for his return from the market and, if he still had the horse, then maybe the farmer would be willing to sell the animal to him then.
The horse did not sell and, with grave disappointment, the farmer began to make his way home. He hoped that the old man would be waiting for him and still willing to buy the horse at the price he had offered earlier.
Thankfully the old man was there, and the farmer sold the horse to him, which cheered him somewhat after his dismal disappointment at the market. The old man did not have any money on him, but he assured the farmer that his home was not very far away. The farmer was happy to follow the old man back to his house.
As they approached an area, near a place that was known locally as Stormy Point, the old man produced a wand and started to mutter under his breath. The farmer was understandably alarmed and wished now that he had refused the old mans offer, but he had come this far, and he needed the money.
The rocks opened up in front of him. Fearfully he looked inside and saw a pair of majestic iron gates. The old man had started to chant in the language known only to those who practised magic. The gates opened. Terrified, the farmer fell to his knees and begged the old man not to harm him. The sorcerer, which the old man clearly was, smiled reassuringly and promised that he meant him no harm and all he wanted to do was pay him for the horse.
Not knowing what to do for the best — for this sorcerer had great power and he did not want to offend him — the farmer decided to lead the horse into the cave. Up ahead of him he saw countless men and white horse, all fast asleep. He watched with his mouth a gasp as the sorcerer went to an old chest and pulled out a bag of coins, which he gave to the farmer as payment for the horse.
The farmer asked fearfully who these people were. The sorcerer told him that this was a sleeping army who would one day rise again, should England be in peril.
The sorcerer then abruptly told the farmer to leave, which he gratefully did. The iron gates slammed shut behind the farmer, and when he turned around to look at the gates one last time, there was nothing to see. The land in front of him looked as it always had.
Not daring to linger, the farmer walked swiftly away. When he returned home he told everybody he knew about the strange encounter and the next day his friends travelled with him back to the rocks, but they could see no cave, everything looked as it always did.
The view from Stormy Point over to the Pennines
From the description of the men asleep and the Sorcerer's words, we can assume the men asleep was none other than Arthur and his knights. Can you guess who the Sorcerer was?
Alderley Edge in Cheshire is not the only place where it is said that Arthur and his Knights are slumbering. Cadbury Hill in Somerset also has a very similar story.
Is there any truth in this tale?
Who knows….!
If you fancy joining me in the 6th Century, with the next generation of Knights then why not check out The Du Lac Chronicles series!
Amazon US Amazon UK
Read for FREE with
Now the story goes, that Arthur did not die, instead he and his Knights are slumbering, waiting for the time when they would be called to ride again. But where is this resting place that protects the Knights and the Once and Future King?
The Wizard of Alderley Edge
There is a small village in Cheshire, with a population of just over 4,000. Here they tell a tale of a farmer, a white horse, a Sorcerer and a mysterious cave hidden in a hill.
The story goes...
Once there was a farmer from Mobberley. He was on his way to the market at Macclesfield, in the hope of selling his white mare. As he made his way around, what the locals called The Edge, he saw an old man, dressed in flowing grey garments. The old man approached him and offered him a fair price for the horse. The farmer refused, he wanted more than this mystery man was offering him and he thought he would get a better price at the market. The old man wished him luck and told him that he would wait for his return from the market and, if he still had the horse, then maybe the farmer would be willing to sell the animal to him then.
The horse did not sell and, with grave disappointment, the farmer began to make his way home. He hoped that the old man would be waiting for him and still willing to buy the horse at the price he had offered earlier.
Thankfully the old man was there, and the farmer sold the horse to him, which cheered him somewhat after his dismal disappointment at the market. The old man did not have any money on him, but he assured the farmer that his home was not very far away. The farmer was happy to follow the old man back to his house.
As they approached an area, near a place that was known locally as Stormy Point, the old man produced a wand and started to mutter under his breath. The farmer was understandably alarmed and wished now that he had refused the old mans offer, but he had come this far, and he needed the money.
The rocks opened up in front of him. Fearfully he looked inside and saw a pair of majestic iron gates. The old man had started to chant in the language known only to those who practised magic. The gates opened. Terrified, the farmer fell to his knees and begged the old man not to harm him. The sorcerer, which the old man clearly was, smiled reassuringly and promised that he meant him no harm and all he wanted to do was pay him for the horse.
Not knowing what to do for the best — for this sorcerer had great power and he did not want to offend him — the farmer decided to lead the horse into the cave. Up ahead of him he saw countless men and white horse, all fast asleep. He watched with his mouth a gasp as the sorcerer went to an old chest and pulled out a bag of coins, which he gave to the farmer as payment for the horse.
The farmer asked fearfully who these people were. The sorcerer told him that this was a sleeping army who would one day rise again, should England be in peril.
The sorcerer then abruptly told the farmer to leave, which he gratefully did. The iron gates slammed shut behind the farmer, and when he turned around to look at the gates one last time, there was nothing to see. The land in front of him looked as it always had.
Not daring to linger, the farmer walked swiftly away. When he returned home he told everybody he knew about the strange encounter and the next day his friends travelled with him back to the rocks, but they could see no cave, everything looked as it always did.
The view from Stormy Point over to the PenninesFrom the description of the men asleep and the Sorcerer's words, we can assume the men asleep was none other than Arthur and his knights. Can you guess who the Sorcerer was?
Alderley Edge in Cheshire is not the only place where it is said that Arthur and his Knights are slumbering. Cadbury Hill in Somerset also has a very similar story.
Is there any truth in this tale?
Who knows….!
If you fancy joining me in the 6th Century, with the next generation of Knights then why not check out The Du Lac Chronicles series!
Amazon US Amazon UK
Read for FREE with
August 22, 2017
Author’s Inspiration ~ Chris Bishop #HistFic #saxons @RedDoorBooks @cbishop_author
Please give a warm welcome to historical fiction author, Chris Bishop. Chris is going to share with us his inspirations behind his fabulous debut novel and coming series…
Blood & Destiny
(The Shadow of the Raven Book #1)
Set in Wessex in 878AD, my novel is focused on a critical turning point in English history as King Alfred, whose army had been virtually annihilated following a surprise attack in Chippenham, strives to restore his kingdom.
It is narrated by Matthew, a novice monk who becomes embroiled in the battle and goes with Alfred to hide with what's left of the Saxon army in the desolate marches at Athelney. Being of noble birth, he is positioned close enough to witness at first hand the key events of this critical time and can relate how Alfred managed to turn utter defeat into a magnificent victory just a few months later.
Although woven around perceived historical events, this is not just about bloody battles and gory hand to hand fighting, it is about triumph over adversity and victory against the odds as deeply religious Saxons fight not just for freedom, their homes and their religion — but for their very existence.
https://theshadowoftheraven.com/
Author’s Inspiration
GHOST WRITER – THE HAND THAT GUIDES THE PEN
Writing without a reader is like talking to yourself. What you say may make perfect sense but no-one will hear you – or, even if they do, they’ll probably think you’re crazy!!!!
My debut novel – Blood & Destiny – started out as a short story about a ghost which I intended to submit to a literary competition. It was not a genre I had ever attempted before but I had a plot in mind which started out with the remains of a young boy being disturbed by archaeologists who were excavating his grave, curious to know why he had been buried in such a remote and lonely place. That is, in essence, still the basis of the prelude to Blood & Destiny, except that it rapidly became apparent that the ghost of the boy had his own tale to tell. He seemed to take over the story, pushing me into all sorts of places I had not intended to go and inducing all manner of twists and turns along the way. The upside of this was that pretty soon the whole story came gushing out like a … well, like all good stories should.
The strange thing was that when I started to research the facts of the era (Anglo Saxon England), I found that so much of what I had jotted down fitted the perceived historical facts like a glove. Then, when I eventually gave my ghost a name (actually, I gave him two names but you’ll have to read the book to find out why) he seemed to come to life and I realised that I was no longer writing a short ghost story, I was writing a novel.When I’d finished it, I sent a draft off to several publishers all of whom were very complimentary but they either rejected it as being ‘not for their market’ or suggested so many revisions that I began to wonder who was actually writing it. That’s not to say that their suggestions were unwelcome; in fact I took on board quite a few of them but, in the end, I opted to tell my story (or rather Matthew’s story) my way - in the way that it had come to me.
One of the publishers made a very valid point in saying that the voice at the beginning of the story (in the Prelude) seems older than the text suggests. When I looked at this I realised it was true. I also realised why – it was because Matthew’s life did not end where my story ended, implying that he yet had even more to tell me. With that in mind I drafted Book Two (The Warrior with the Pierced Heart) and even sketched out an outline for Book Three (The Vengeance of Kings). There is even a wildly ambitious plan for a Book Four but that won’t be about Matthew, it’ll be about …actually, you’ll have to wait and see what that will be about!
I’d like to think that Matthew’s ‘ghost’ guided my pen throughout the process (or should I say told me which keys to press on my keyboard?). Certainly it felt that way at times as so much came gushing out – including details I didn’t know I knew but then found to be correct. So, is it possible that this really is Matthew telling his story through me - and if so, does that mean it could actually be true?
Personally, I think not. To accept that would be to deny the hours of research, drafting, editing and revision that are all part of writing a novel. But I think it is just one of those stories that needed to be told to the extent that several reviewers have described it as ‘a damn good tale’. If so, I regard myself as being very fortunate that it was given to me to tell it.
Links for purchase
Available online and in all good bookstores.
About the author
Chris Bishop was born in London in 1951. After a successful career as a Chartered Surveyor, he retired to concentrate on writing, combining this with his lifelong interest in history. Blood and Destiny is his first novel and is part of a series entitled The Shadow of the Raven.
His other interests are travel, windsurfing and fly-fishing.
Useful Links Website Twitter
Blood & Destiny
(The Shadow of the Raven Book #1)
Set in Wessex in 878AD, my novel is focused on a critical turning point in English history as King Alfred, whose army had been virtually annihilated following a surprise attack in Chippenham, strives to restore his kingdom.
It is narrated by Matthew, a novice monk who becomes embroiled in the battle and goes with Alfred to hide with what's left of the Saxon army in the desolate marches at Athelney. Being of noble birth, he is positioned close enough to witness at first hand the key events of this critical time and can relate how Alfred managed to turn utter defeat into a magnificent victory just a few months later.
Although woven around perceived historical events, this is not just about bloody battles and gory hand to hand fighting, it is about triumph over adversity and victory against the odds as deeply religious Saxons fight not just for freedom, their homes and their religion — but for their very existence.
https://theshadowoftheraven.com/
Author’s Inspiration
GHOST WRITER – THE HAND THAT GUIDES THE PEN
Writing without a reader is like talking to yourself. What you say may make perfect sense but no-one will hear you – or, even if they do, they’ll probably think you’re crazy!!!!
My debut novel – Blood & Destiny – started out as a short story about a ghost which I intended to submit to a literary competition. It was not a genre I had ever attempted before but I had a plot in mind which started out with the remains of a young boy being disturbed by archaeologists who were excavating his grave, curious to know why he had been buried in such a remote and lonely place. That is, in essence, still the basis of the prelude to Blood & Destiny, except that it rapidly became apparent that the ghost of the boy had his own tale to tell. He seemed to take over the story, pushing me into all sorts of places I had not intended to go and inducing all manner of twists and turns along the way. The upside of this was that pretty soon the whole story came gushing out like a … well, like all good stories should.
The strange thing was that when I started to research the facts of the era (Anglo Saxon England), I found that so much of what I had jotted down fitted the perceived historical facts like a glove. Then, when I eventually gave my ghost a name (actually, I gave him two names but you’ll have to read the book to find out why) he seemed to come to life and I realised that I was no longer writing a short ghost story, I was writing a novel.When I’d finished it, I sent a draft off to several publishers all of whom were very complimentary but they either rejected it as being ‘not for their market’ or suggested so many revisions that I began to wonder who was actually writing it. That’s not to say that their suggestions were unwelcome; in fact I took on board quite a few of them but, in the end, I opted to tell my story (or rather Matthew’s story) my way - in the way that it had come to me.
One of the publishers made a very valid point in saying that the voice at the beginning of the story (in the Prelude) seems older than the text suggests. When I looked at this I realised it was true. I also realised why – it was because Matthew’s life did not end where my story ended, implying that he yet had even more to tell me. With that in mind I drafted Book Two (The Warrior with the Pierced Heart) and even sketched out an outline for Book Three (The Vengeance of Kings). There is even a wildly ambitious plan for a Book Four but that won’t be about Matthew, it’ll be about …actually, you’ll have to wait and see what that will be about!
I’d like to think that Matthew’s ‘ghost’ guided my pen throughout the process (or should I say told me which keys to press on my keyboard?). Certainly it felt that way at times as so much came gushing out – including details I didn’t know I knew but then found to be correct. So, is it possible that this really is Matthew telling his story through me - and if so, does that mean it could actually be true?
Personally, I think not. To accept that would be to deny the hours of research, drafting, editing and revision that are all part of writing a novel. But I think it is just one of those stories that needed to be told to the extent that several reviewers have described it as ‘a damn good tale’. If so, I regard myself as being very fortunate that it was given to me to tell it.
Links for purchase
Available online and in all good bookstores.
About the author
Chris Bishop was born in London in 1951. After a successful career as a Chartered Surveyor, he retired to concentrate on writing, combining this with his lifelong interest in history. Blood and Destiny is his first novel and is part of a series entitled The Shadow of the Raven.
His other interests are travel, windsurfing and fly-fishing.
Useful Links Website Twitter
August 21, 2017
The enduring popularity of Ben-Hur #amreading #mustread #ChristianFiction
The Greatest Story Ever Told....
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ has been on my to-read list for what feels like forever. I can remember as a child that Easter always meant that the 1959 movie of Ben-Hur starring Charlton Heston would be on the television and I always sat down to watch it. Watching the movie always left me in floods of tears, and it still does.
Finally, I decided to put aside some time to read this remarkable book. At least then I could finally tick it off my list.
The chariot race scene, Ben-Hur 1959 ~ WikipediaI knew the story of Jesus was a big part of this book, but it was so much more of a part than the film version of this story. Judah Ben-Hur doesn't getting a mention until at least two hours into the book, and that did surprise me. Likewise, Lew Wallace tended to go off on a tangent as many 19th Century authors did. And for that reason, at times, from a modern readers perspective, it did drag. On the other hand, some of the major events, such as the shipwreck, took only a couple of pages to describe. It was a blink, and you will miss it event. Nevertheless, it was an amazing read and I did enjoy it. It was certainly worth the eleven-plus hours that I devoted to it.
But what really made me sit up and take notice was when I started writing this review. I had no idea who the author of Ben-Hur was.
The author of Ben-Hur was Lew Wallace. Wallace's life would merit its own movie. I mean seriously, this man did not have a life, he had an adventure. He was an American General. He fought in the Civil War on the Union side. He was held responsible for the appalling losses at the Battle of Shiloh in 1862 — something that he never got over. He was later the governor of New Mexico and negotiated with Billy the Kid. Yes, that is right, Billy the Kid! Then he served as the American ambassador in Istanbul. He became a lawyer as well as a writer, and more surprisingly he wasn't particularly religious. He was intrigued by the life of Jesus, but it wasn't until he took a train journey in 1886 with Colonel Robert Ingersoll — a man who had served under him at the Battle of Shiloh — that his interest in the theological was piqued. The two talked, and as these things sometimes happen, they started to talk about religion. While Ingersoll attacked the Christian faith, Wallace became more intrigued. In the days that followed he devoted time to reading the Bible and his life was changed forever. It was then that he penned Ben-Hur.
Lew Wallace ~ WikipediaBen-Hur: A Tale of the Christ was first published in 1880. That first seven months it sold a modest 2,800 copies. But by 1886, Wallace was earning about $11,000 in annual royalties (equivalent to $290,000 in 2015 dollars). By 1889, 400,000 copies had been sold. It was the best-selling American novel of the 19th Century, and it has never been out of print. Ben Hur was given the Church's stamp of approval. It was even blessed by the Pope.
The cover of the first-additionBetween the years 1889-1920 the book was turned into a theatre production and was seen by over 20 million people.
Theatrical release poster ~ WikipediaIn 1959 came that iconic film. It cost a staggering $130 million dollars (in modern money) to make. And here are some staggering facts for you:There were 360 actors with speaking parts.There were 50,000 actors in minor roles.There were 200 camels.There were 250 horses.The circus took 1,000 workmen a year and a half to build.
It won 11 Academy Awards and 3 Golden Globe Awards. Everything about it was epic!
Charlton Heston and Marina Berti in Ben-Hur ~ WikipediaBut that is not the end of the story, the film was remade in 2016, and if you haven't watched it, then please do put it on your to-watch list.
Theatrical release poster ~ WikipediaI thought Jack Huston portrayed Judah Ben-Hur beautifully. The story has been changed slightly, but I think it enhanced the story for today's audience. The film is a PG-13, so if you are thinking of watching it with your children, then please watch it first on your own as there are scenes that young children might find very upsetting.
Ben-Hur Official Trailer #1 (2016) - Morgan Freeman, Jack Huston ~ PG -13
So there we are, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ has lost none of its appeal since it was first released and I don't think it ever will. The story is timeless and I will always love it.
The Coffee Pot Book Club
The Coffee Pot Book Club (formally Myths, Legends, Books, and Coffee Pots) was founded in 2015. Our goal was to create a platform that would help Historical Fiction, Historical Romance and Historical
...more
- Mary Anne Yarde's profile
- 159 followers
