Mary Anne Yarde's Blog: The Coffee Pot Book Club , page 199
August 20, 2017
#GoodReads Giveaway ~ The Book Knights #YA #Arthurian #fantasy @JGMcKenney
How would you like to be in with a chance to win one of ten paperback copies of J.G.McKenney new Young Adult, Arthurian Fantasy, The Book Knights?
From the award winning author of EON'S DOOR comes an Arthurian tale like no other.
When her parents are condemned to death by Morgan Fay for the crime of reading, Arti Penderhagen becomes a fugitive. Hunted by Mordred, the sadistic police captain who recites poetry to enhance his physical strength, Arti escapes to the Isle of Avalon, a sanctuary for outlaws. There she meets an old librarian named Merl who tells her about the Grail Tome, an ancient book in Morgan Fay's possession that can alter the course of history. Can Arti steal the book in time to save her family?
THE BOOK KNIGHTS is a fantasy adventure in which knights wield words as weapons, librarians are wizards, and books can change the future.
Giveaway
Giveaway Rules
*Giveaway is open to Goodreads members only* Giveaway ends on September 17th 2017*Giveaway is open to US, CA and GB residents only*The author or publisher listing the giveaway is the sponsor, and if you win, they will receive your shipping address and they are responsible for shipping you the book.
You can enter here
Can't wait that long? Grab your copy of The Book Knights here...
Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA
About the author
J.G. (John) McKenney is a Canadian writer and teacher. For his first novel, EON’S DOOR, he received the 2012 Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award, and was also a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Award. John's fascination with fantasy and adventure began at a young age when he discovered works like THE HOBBIT and THE CALL OF THE WILD. That early love of reading has matured into a need to tell stories that transport readers into worlds full of wonder and enchantment.
Useful Links Website
From the award winning author of EON'S DOOR comes an Arthurian tale like no other. When her parents are condemned to death by Morgan Fay for the crime of reading, Arti Penderhagen becomes a fugitive. Hunted by Mordred, the sadistic police captain who recites poetry to enhance his physical strength, Arti escapes to the Isle of Avalon, a sanctuary for outlaws. There she meets an old librarian named Merl who tells her about the Grail Tome, an ancient book in Morgan Fay's possession that can alter the course of history. Can Arti steal the book in time to save her family?
THE BOOK KNIGHTS is a fantasy adventure in which knights wield words as weapons, librarians are wizards, and books can change the future.
Giveaway
Giveaway Rules
*Giveaway is open to Goodreads members only* Giveaway ends on September 17th 2017*Giveaway is open to US, CA and GB residents only*The author or publisher listing the giveaway is the sponsor, and if you win, they will receive your shipping address and they are responsible for shipping you the book.
You can enter here
Can't wait that long? Grab your copy of The Book Knights here...
Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA
About the author
J.G. (John) McKenney is a Canadian writer and teacher. For his first novel, EON’S DOOR, he received the 2012 Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award, and was also a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Award. John's fascination with fantasy and adventure began at a young age when he discovered works like THE HOBBIT and THE CALL OF THE WILD. That early love of reading has matured into a need to tell stories that transport readers into worlds full of wonder and enchantment.
Useful Links Website
August 16, 2017
#FolkloreThursday ~ The Tin Islands #Cornwall #ancienthistory #Romans
It is that time of the week again.
Let’s take a journey back in time to the year c.100BC
The Phoenicians were fearless explorers. They sailed the High Seas looking for new lands and new items in which they could trade. It so happened that they came upon an island that was rich in a seemingly endless supply of tin.
Phoenician Merchants and Traders ~ Wikipedia
The Phoenicians became the primary traders of tin, but they kept the whereabouts of this island to themselves for it was a rich source of income. Tin was in high demand, especially from The Roman Empire. It would be bad for business if the Roman’s found out where the tin came from. They had to keep the location of the Island a secret at all costs.
The Romans were desperate to find the place that the Phoenicians merchants referred to as Cassiterides. As it was, the Phoenician merchants could charge what they wanted for their commodity. Tin was much sought after, and prices were rising. One Roman captain decided enough was enough. He was going to find these Tin Islands, and then they could cut out the middleman once and for all.
The Roman captain had the harbour watched, and when one Phoenician merchant set sail, the Roman captain followed. The Roman vessel kept its distance, for it did not want to alarm the crew of the Phoenician vessel, but they kept a steady course, always in the Phoenician boat's shadow.
The Phoenician merchant wasn’t stupid. He knew they were being followed. But there was no way he was going to let the Romans know where their endless source of tin came from. He took the Roman vessel on quite a merry chase. The Roman boat was built for the calm waters of the Mediterranean. The Phoenician boat could cope with the extremes of the Atlantic. But try as he might, the Phoenician captain could not lose them. No matter what he did, no matter where he steered his boat, the Roman vessel continued to follow.
The Phoenician captain had tried to lose the Roman vessel in the dangerously wild seas of the Atlantic, but now he decided to change tactics. He was close to Cassiterides, but that didn’t matter for he had a cunning plan. The Romans in the ship that was following him would indeed discover the location of the Tin Islands, but the Phoenician captain would make sure that they were never going to tell anyone else where the Island was. Cassiterides' coast was dangerous. In amongst the shallow waters were submerged rocks. The Phoenician captain deliberately steered his boat towards the shallows. He felt safe in the knowledge that the Roman vessel would follow him. And follow it did.
The crew of the Roman ship watched in horror as the Phoenician ship ran aground. The Roman's tried desperately to turn their boat around, but it was too late. Their ship also ran aground and the unforgiving sea tore apart both their vessels and took the crew to a watery grave.
A Roman naval bireme ~ Wikipedia
When the locals of the Island deemed it safe, they came down to the beach to salvage the flotsam. But that was not all they found. Amongst the treasures, there was also a man, a sole survivor, who had washed up on the beach. He was easily identified as a Phoenician merchant, from his clothes. He was still breathing, just, so they took him to their village and nursed him back to health.
It took many months for the Phoenician to finally find his way home to what we now know as Syria. When he recounted his story about how he had kept the location of the Tin Island a secret he was praised as a hero. He was given the value of his lost cargo as a reward for his bravery and his sacrifice.
Is there any truth in the story?
Cassiterides has been linked with Galicia, in the Northwest of Liberia as well as Cornwall. But for the sake of today posts, let's make the assumption that the Phoenicians were referring to Cornwall.
Britain is often portrayed as this backward little island that had no contact with the outside world until the Roman’s invaded, but this wasn't the case. Coins, predating the Roman occupation have been found in Britain as well as many exotic artefacts from as far away as Egypt. Pre-Roman Britain was a trading nation.
There is some certainty that says that the Phoenicians certainly did trade with Britain, and Cornwall was renowned for its tin. So the evidence is rather compelling. But if Britain was trading with not only Europe but also the world, then why did the Roman's not know where the tin originally came from?
Perhaps there is more to this story than meets the eye. Perhaps the Romans did discover where the Island of Tin was.
It is interesting to note, that when the Roman’s did occupy Britain, for the most part they left Cornwall alone. Although there are a few examples of Roman villas and milecastles, there is not the evidence of Roman occupation as can be seen in the south of the country. Could it be that the Romans were already trading with Cornwall, before the invasion, and they were being charged a fair price for the tin? Could it be that they decided to keep things as they were and maintain the status-quo between Cornwall and Rome. An interesting question to end today's post on!
If you fancy joining me in the 6th Century, why not check out The Du Lac Chronicles series!
Amazon US Amazon UK
Read for FREE with
Let’s take a journey back in time to the year c.100BC
The Phoenicians were fearless explorers. They sailed the High Seas looking for new lands and new items in which they could trade. It so happened that they came upon an island that was rich in a seemingly endless supply of tin.
Phoenician Merchants and Traders ~ WikipediaThe Phoenicians became the primary traders of tin, but they kept the whereabouts of this island to themselves for it was a rich source of income. Tin was in high demand, especially from The Roman Empire. It would be bad for business if the Roman’s found out where the tin came from. They had to keep the location of the Island a secret at all costs.
The Romans were desperate to find the place that the Phoenicians merchants referred to as Cassiterides. As it was, the Phoenician merchants could charge what they wanted for their commodity. Tin was much sought after, and prices were rising. One Roman captain decided enough was enough. He was going to find these Tin Islands, and then they could cut out the middleman once and for all.
The Roman captain had the harbour watched, and when one Phoenician merchant set sail, the Roman captain followed. The Roman vessel kept its distance, for it did not want to alarm the crew of the Phoenician vessel, but they kept a steady course, always in the Phoenician boat's shadow.
The Phoenician merchant wasn’t stupid. He knew they were being followed. But there was no way he was going to let the Romans know where their endless source of tin came from. He took the Roman vessel on quite a merry chase. The Roman boat was built for the calm waters of the Mediterranean. The Phoenician boat could cope with the extremes of the Atlantic. But try as he might, the Phoenician captain could not lose them. No matter what he did, no matter where he steered his boat, the Roman vessel continued to follow.
The Phoenician captain had tried to lose the Roman vessel in the dangerously wild seas of the Atlantic, but now he decided to change tactics. He was close to Cassiterides, but that didn’t matter for he had a cunning plan. The Romans in the ship that was following him would indeed discover the location of the Tin Islands, but the Phoenician captain would make sure that they were never going to tell anyone else where the Island was. Cassiterides' coast was dangerous. In amongst the shallow waters were submerged rocks. The Phoenician captain deliberately steered his boat towards the shallows. He felt safe in the knowledge that the Roman vessel would follow him. And follow it did.
The crew of the Roman ship watched in horror as the Phoenician ship ran aground. The Roman's tried desperately to turn their boat around, but it was too late. Their ship also ran aground and the unforgiving sea tore apart both their vessels and took the crew to a watery grave.
A Roman naval bireme ~ WikipediaWhen the locals of the Island deemed it safe, they came down to the beach to salvage the flotsam. But that was not all they found. Amongst the treasures, there was also a man, a sole survivor, who had washed up on the beach. He was easily identified as a Phoenician merchant, from his clothes. He was still breathing, just, so they took him to their village and nursed him back to health.
It took many months for the Phoenician to finally find his way home to what we now know as Syria. When he recounted his story about how he had kept the location of the Tin Island a secret he was praised as a hero. He was given the value of his lost cargo as a reward for his bravery and his sacrifice.
Is there any truth in the story?
Cassiterides has been linked with Galicia, in the Northwest of Liberia as well as Cornwall. But for the sake of today posts, let's make the assumption that the Phoenicians were referring to Cornwall.
Britain is often portrayed as this backward little island that had no contact with the outside world until the Roman’s invaded, but this wasn't the case. Coins, predating the Roman occupation have been found in Britain as well as many exotic artefacts from as far away as Egypt. Pre-Roman Britain was a trading nation.
There is some certainty that says that the Phoenicians certainly did trade with Britain, and Cornwall was renowned for its tin. So the evidence is rather compelling. But if Britain was trading with not only Europe but also the world, then why did the Roman's not know where the tin originally came from?
Perhaps there is more to this story than meets the eye. Perhaps the Romans did discover where the Island of Tin was.
It is interesting to note, that when the Roman’s did occupy Britain, for the most part they left Cornwall alone. Although there are a few examples of Roman villas and milecastles, there is not the evidence of Roman occupation as can be seen in the south of the country. Could it be that the Romans were already trading with Cornwall, before the invasion, and they were being charged a fair price for the tin? Could it be that they decided to keep things as they were and maintain the status-quo between Cornwall and Rome. An interesting question to end today's post on!
If you fancy joining me in the 6th Century, why not check out The Du Lac Chronicles series!
Amazon US Amazon UK
Read for FREE with
August 15, 2017
Author’s Inspiration ~ David Pryce #HistFic #Wales @Madog1170
Please give a warm Coffee Pot welcome to historical fiction author, David Pryce. David is going to share with us his inspirations behind his latest book…
1170: The Legend of Prince Madoc
Author’s Inspiration
300 Years before Columbus…Native American tradition tells of a brave group of pale skinned explorers who many generations ago crossed a ‘Great Water’ to get to their lands; these people called themselves ‘Welsh’ and this is their story…Join Prince Madoc and his intrepid band of followers as they turn their backs on treachery and duplicity and undertake a voyage that will test their togetherness, belief and fighting spirit; taking them beyond the known boundaries of civilization to distant lands far to the west.
Prince Madoc ap Owain was an illegitimate son of the great Prince of Wales, Owain Gwynedd. Destined like many of his siblings to be consigned to historical anonymity, it seems that Madoc had other ideas. Instead of obscurity, adventure beckoned and trailing in the footsteps of Norse explorer of yore, Madoc and his followers headed across the Atlantic Ocean, making final landfall at Mobile Bay in modern day Alabama; some three hundred years before Signore Colombo. It is hypothesized that from there they eventually headed up river into the interior of the country (remains of stone forts that some attribute to the Welsh explorers can be found in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee).
My own Prince Madoc adventure began in more modest circumstances, with an e-mail from my brother-in-law back home in North Wales. Had I heard of a Welsh prince who’d discovered America? I hadn’t, but that soon changed as I voraciously researched. Initially my ambitions stretched no further than a factual article or two, perhaps a modest blog, but the more I dug the more I felt that Madoc deserved more. Perhaps I was driven on by the fact that I was also a Welshman who had journeyed across the Atlantic - albeit in considerably more comfort and with distinctly less peril - to call this continent home?Could I really write a book though? I’d dabbled as a child, but nothing since. I scoured the internet for tips and advice and discovered a whole community out there for budding authors. I started a spreadsheet to track my daily and weekly word totals and every day I lost myself in 12th century Wales. My characters took on life and writing allowed me to disappear from the everyday mundane. I decided to pen the tale as a trilogy and several months later the first book was finished. Exciting? Well to be honest, I felt a little flat. I started to have withdrawal symptoms; what was I going to do without my daily fix of Madoc, Cynwrig, Fergal, Ioan and the rest of my protagonists? Then there was the editing…Long story short; after completing books two and three, a chance conversation convinced me to combine and re-edit the three books into one, and 1170 was born…or should that be reborn? David Pryce
Links for PurchaseAmazon UKAmazon US
About the Author
David Pryce was born and bred in North Wales; after graduating with a Mining Engineering degree he spent the next seven years living and working in Southern Africa. He currently resides in Colorado, but returns to North Wales on a regular basis to visit family and rediscover his intrinsic ‘Welshness’. This also affords him the opportunity to eat some decent fish and chips and sink a pint or three of real beer!
You can visit David online at www.wales2america.com and connect with him on twitter @Madog1170
1170: The Legend of Prince Madoc
Author’s Inspiration
300 Years before Columbus…Native American tradition tells of a brave group of pale skinned explorers who many generations ago crossed a ‘Great Water’ to get to their lands; these people called themselves ‘Welsh’ and this is their story…Join Prince Madoc and his intrepid band of followers as they turn their backs on treachery and duplicity and undertake a voyage that will test their togetherness, belief and fighting spirit; taking them beyond the known boundaries of civilization to distant lands far to the west.
Prince Madoc ap Owain was an illegitimate son of the great Prince of Wales, Owain Gwynedd. Destined like many of his siblings to be consigned to historical anonymity, it seems that Madoc had other ideas. Instead of obscurity, adventure beckoned and trailing in the footsteps of Norse explorer of yore, Madoc and his followers headed across the Atlantic Ocean, making final landfall at Mobile Bay in modern day Alabama; some three hundred years before Signore Colombo. It is hypothesized that from there they eventually headed up river into the interior of the country (remains of stone forts that some attribute to the Welsh explorers can be found in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee).
My own Prince Madoc adventure began in more modest circumstances, with an e-mail from my brother-in-law back home in North Wales. Had I heard of a Welsh prince who’d discovered America? I hadn’t, but that soon changed as I voraciously researched. Initially my ambitions stretched no further than a factual article or two, perhaps a modest blog, but the more I dug the more I felt that Madoc deserved more. Perhaps I was driven on by the fact that I was also a Welshman who had journeyed across the Atlantic - albeit in considerably more comfort and with distinctly less peril - to call this continent home?Could I really write a book though? I’d dabbled as a child, but nothing since. I scoured the internet for tips and advice and discovered a whole community out there for budding authors. I started a spreadsheet to track my daily and weekly word totals and every day I lost myself in 12th century Wales. My characters took on life and writing allowed me to disappear from the everyday mundane. I decided to pen the tale as a trilogy and several months later the first book was finished. Exciting? Well to be honest, I felt a little flat. I started to have withdrawal symptoms; what was I going to do without my daily fix of Madoc, Cynwrig, Fergal, Ioan and the rest of my protagonists? Then there was the editing…Long story short; after completing books two and three, a chance conversation convinced me to combine and re-edit the three books into one, and 1170 was born…or should that be reborn? David Pryce
Links for PurchaseAmazon UKAmazon US
About the Author
David Pryce was born and bred in North Wales; after graduating with a Mining Engineering degree he spent the next seven years living and working in Southern Africa. He currently resides in Colorado, but returns to North Wales on a regular basis to visit family and rediscover his intrinsic ‘Welshness’. This also affords him the opportunity to eat some decent fish and chips and sink a pint or three of real beer!
You can visit David online at www.wales2america.com and connect with him on twitter @Madog1170
August 14, 2017
Blog Tour ~ Sarah’s Secret: A Western Tale of Betrayal and Forgiveness #HistFic @hfvbt
Book Blast ~ Historical Virtual Book Tour Presents....
Sarah’s Secret:
A Western Tale of Betrayal and Forgiveness
By Beverly Scott
Follow the paths of Sarah and Will (or Sam) as they tell their stories of trust, secrets, and betrayal on the frontier in the old West. Their pioneer spirit helped to fuel the expansion into the Western territories of the United States. The two are historically on their separate journeys, yet they remain intimately connected. Through the fictionalized Western frontier tale of Sam and Sarah, the author, Beverly Scott, was inspired to reveal rumored secrets from her family history.
In 1878, Will is on the run after killing a man in a barroom gunfight. He escapes the Texas Rangers by joining a cattle drive as a cook headed to Dodge City. He struggles with the dilemma of saving his life or attempting to return to his pregnant wife and five children. Just when he thinks he might be able to return home, he is confronted by a bounty hunter who captures him and plans to return him to Fort Worth, Texas to be hanged.
Although Will changes his name to Sam, he remains an irresponsible, lonely and untrustworthy man on the dodge from the law who abandons the women he loves. He ultimately seeks redemption and marries Sarah.In 1911, Sarah, a pioneer woman and widow with five children struggles to find the inner strength to overcome betrayal, loneliness, fears, and self-doubt. Her husband, Sam, thirty years her senior, died with a mysterious and defiant declaration, “I won’t answer!”. Despite poverty and a crippling illness, she draws on her pioneer spirit to hold her family together and return to Nebraska to be near her parents and siblings.When Sarah returns to Nebraska she receives staggering news which complicates her efforts to support her children. She is shocked, angry and emotionally devastated. Since she is attempting to establish herself in the community as a teacher, she believes she must keep her secret even from her own family. Will Sarah find forgiveness in her heart and the resolve to accept her new life alone?
Praise for Sarah’s Secret
“In the flash of one moment, the trajectory of a man’s life and of those who loved and depended on him changes forever. The developing plot draws the reader in as we wait to see how this one action reaches into and impacts the lives of future generations. Set against the backdrop of a post-Civil War nation, when thousands headed west to escape their past, disappear into the horizon, and remake themselves, this biography is a rich study of pioneer ethos and the risks faced every day. The women touched by this man, who kept his secrets close, are heroines of courage, steadfastness and goodness. Beverly Scott is an author who has a way of painting word pictures that make you feel like you are a part of the story as it unfolds towards the discovery of his devastating secrets.”
Patricia and Craig Neal, co-founders, Heartland Inc.
“Using the plain spoken language of the women and men who scratched out life on the hard scrabble plains in the early days of this young country Bev Scott crafts a sharp picture of the violence and the love that shaped the middle of this nation. Every river crossing, each spring planting reveals the conflicts inside the characters and their struggle to survive in contested territories.”
Jewell Gomez, Author, The Gilda Stories
Book Extract
I reassured myself that I could handle this. I had to. I sat up straight. Together, as a family, we would be strong.Giveaway
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a paperback copy of Sarah’s Secret! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
* Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on September 4th. You must be 18 or older to enter.* Giveaway is open to US residents 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 HERE
Links for Purchase Amazon IndieBound
About the author
Bev specialized in serving executives and managers as a leadership coach and organizational consultant for over thirty-five years. She taught organization psychology and founded The 3rd Act, a program whose mission supports positive aging. As she grew into her own third act, she started a genealogical journey to uncover the details of her grandparents’ lives. She concluded that the story needed to be told as fiction using the known facts as her framework.
“Sarah’s Secret: A Western Tale of Betrayal and Forgiveness,” Bev’s debut novel, is the culmination of her long-held desire tell the family story and confirm the whispered story about her grandfather.
Bev previously focused on publishing non-fiction work, including the second edition of “Consulting on the Inside,” which she co-authored with Kim Barnes, published in 2011. She has written numerous professional articles and contributed to “70 Things to Do When You Turn 70,” edited by Ronnie Sellers and Mark Chimsky. Bev blogs on several sites, including her own, “The Writing Life” on www.bevscott.com.
Bev enjoys traveling, visiting with friends, reading and spending time with her grandsons. She lives with her spouse in San Francisco.
Useful LinksFacebookPinterestAmazonGoodreads.
Sarah’s Secret: A Western Tale of Betrayal and Forgivenessby Beverly ScottPublication Date: January 31, 2017eBook & Paperback; 306 PagesWord Project Press
Genre: Fiction/Historical/Western
Sarah’s Secret:
A Western Tale of Betrayal and Forgiveness
By Beverly Scott
Follow the paths of Sarah and Will (or Sam) as they tell their stories of trust, secrets, and betrayal on the frontier in the old West. Their pioneer spirit helped to fuel the expansion into the Western territories of the United States. The two are historically on their separate journeys, yet they remain intimately connected. Through the fictionalized Western frontier tale of Sam and Sarah, the author, Beverly Scott, was inspired to reveal rumored secrets from her family history.
In 1878, Will is on the run after killing a man in a barroom gunfight. He escapes the Texas Rangers by joining a cattle drive as a cook headed to Dodge City. He struggles with the dilemma of saving his life or attempting to return to his pregnant wife and five children. Just when he thinks he might be able to return home, he is confronted by a bounty hunter who captures him and plans to return him to Fort Worth, Texas to be hanged.
Although Will changes his name to Sam, he remains an irresponsible, lonely and untrustworthy man on the dodge from the law who abandons the women he loves. He ultimately seeks redemption and marries Sarah.In 1911, Sarah, a pioneer woman and widow with five children struggles to find the inner strength to overcome betrayal, loneliness, fears, and self-doubt. Her husband, Sam, thirty years her senior, died with a mysterious and defiant declaration, “I won’t answer!”. Despite poverty and a crippling illness, she draws on her pioneer spirit to hold her family together and return to Nebraska to be near her parents and siblings.When Sarah returns to Nebraska she receives staggering news which complicates her efforts to support her children. She is shocked, angry and emotionally devastated. Since she is attempting to establish herself in the community as a teacher, she believes she must keep her secret even from her own family. Will Sarah find forgiveness in her heart and the resolve to accept her new life alone?
Praise for Sarah’s Secret
“In the flash of one moment, the trajectory of a man’s life and of those who loved and depended on him changes forever. The developing plot draws the reader in as we wait to see how this one action reaches into and impacts the lives of future generations. Set against the backdrop of a post-Civil War nation, when thousands headed west to escape their past, disappear into the horizon, and remake themselves, this biography is a rich study of pioneer ethos and the risks faced every day. The women touched by this man, who kept his secrets close, are heroines of courage, steadfastness and goodness. Beverly Scott is an author who has a way of painting word pictures that make you feel like you are a part of the story as it unfolds towards the discovery of his devastating secrets.”
Patricia and Craig Neal, co-founders, Heartland Inc.
“Using the plain spoken language of the women and men who scratched out life on the hard scrabble plains in the early days of this young country Bev Scott crafts a sharp picture of the violence and the love that shaped the middle of this nation. Every river crossing, each spring planting reveals the conflicts inside the characters and their struggle to survive in contested territories.”
Jewell Gomez, Author, The Gilda Stories
Book Extract
I reassured myself that I could handle this. I had to. I sat up straight. Together, as a family, we would be strong.Giveaway
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a paperback copy of Sarah’s Secret! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
* Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on September 4th. You must be 18 or older to enter.* Giveaway is open to US residents 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 HERE
Links for Purchase Amazon IndieBound
About the author
Bev specialized in serving executives and managers as a leadership coach and organizational consultant for over thirty-five years. She taught organization psychology and founded The 3rd Act, a program whose mission supports positive aging. As she grew into her own third act, she started a genealogical journey to uncover the details of her grandparents’ lives. She concluded that the story needed to be told as fiction using the known facts as her framework.
“Sarah’s Secret: A Western Tale of Betrayal and Forgiveness,” Bev’s debut novel, is the culmination of her long-held desire tell the family story and confirm the whispered story about her grandfather.
Bev previously focused on publishing non-fiction work, including the second edition of “Consulting on the Inside,” which she co-authored with Kim Barnes, published in 2011. She has written numerous professional articles and contributed to “70 Things to Do When You Turn 70,” edited by Ronnie Sellers and Mark Chimsky. Bev blogs on several sites, including her own, “The Writing Life” on www.bevscott.com.
Bev enjoys traveling, visiting with friends, reading and spending time with her grandsons. She lives with her spouse in San Francisco.
Useful LinksFacebookPinterestAmazonGoodreads.
Sarah’s Secret: A Western Tale of Betrayal and Forgivenessby Beverly ScottPublication Date: January 31, 2017eBook & Paperback; 306 PagesWord Project Press
Genre: Fiction/Historical/Western
August 12, 2017
#BookReview ~ Desperate Knight (Knights of Kilbourne Book 2) #fantasy @kilbourneknight
Desperate Knight
(Knights of Kilbourne Book 2)
By Keith W. Willis
No time... No options... No plan…No one said saving the world would be easy.
Morgan McRobbie and Lady Marissa duBerry swing back into swashbuckling action, facing old enemies, new threats, and a diabolical conspiracy—not to mention a more personal battle, one with hearts and pride at stake.
As the pair escorts Prince Robert to the dwarf king’s court, a scheme intended to hurl men and dwarves into a devastating war is unfolding. Morgan ends up sidetracked by a kidnapped dwarf and a centuries-old feud, while a mysterious wizard’s revelations shake Marissa to her core, throwing into question everything she thought she knew about her past and future. And the advent of a rival for Marissa’s affections threatens any hope of a happy ending—if they survive.
Once again, the desperate knight and indomitable damsel must hazard everything on a single throw of the dice, gambling on untested allies and unimagined weapons to save their world.
The odds have never been worse.
What did I think of the book?
Danger, intrigue, love, romance and...dragons!
With the intention of ending a long and bitter feud, King Rhys has agreed to a treaty to end the hostilities between Kilbourne and the Kingdom of the Drawfs. But unbeknown to the King, those who want to see the treaty fail are plotting against him.
Trouble seems to always find Morgan McRobbie, especially when a certain lady is involved. Between trying to protect the King, he battles with his own heart. But time is against him. Can he reach Kilbourne in time to save the King? And has he left it too late to tell Lady Marissa of his love?
Traitor's Knight was a page-turning adventure, with such memorable characters that when Keith W. Willis approached me and asked if I would like to read the sequel, Desperate Knight (Knights of Kilbourne Book 2), I couldn't say yes fast enough!
Desperate Knight (Knights of Kilbourne Book 2) picks up where Traitor's Knight left off. I am pleased to say that once again Mr Willis has delivered a masterpiece in historical fantasy.
I adored the characterization of Morgan and Marissa in book 1, and I love them even more in Book 2. They are both such wonderful protagonists. They are full of the unexpected, especially Marissa, and they were so well fleshed that they were very easy to visualise. Their romance was also very sweet and helped to enhance the story.
The plot is full of twists and turns. Who is the enemy? Who can our heroes trust? The story certainly kept me turning those pages.
The characters certainly get themselves into some desperate situations, but there is also a great deal of humour in this book, which had me laughing out loud!
The antagonists were equally compelling, and they keep our heroes second guessing right up until that final chapter.
I think Desperate Knight works very well as a standalone, but to get the most out of the story, I do recommend you begin with Book 1. You won't be disappointed.
If you are looking for quality historical fantasy, with a touch of romance, then Desperate Knight is the book for you.
I Highly Recommend.
* I received an ARC of this book, from the author, for review consideration.*
Links for Purchase
Amazon US
Amazon UK
About the author
Keith W. Willis graduated (long ago) with a degree in English Lit from Berry College, which has the distinction of being the world's largest college campus. He now lives in the scenic Hudson Valley/Adirondack region of NY with his wife Patty. Keith is certain those rumbling noises attributed to Henry Hudson's crew are really just the dragons grumbling. Keith and Patty have one grown son, Matt, who actually thinks it’s pretty cool that Dad wrote a book.
Keith’s interests include reading classic mysteries, fantasy and sci-fi; camping and canoeing; and cutthroat games of Scrabble. He began writing seriously in 2008, when the voices in his head got too annoying to ignore. When he’s not making up stories he manages a group of database content editors at a global information technology firm. TRAITOR KNIGHT (Champagne Books) is his first published novel, and has won awards for both fantasy and romance.
(Knights of Kilbourne Book 2)
By Keith W. Willis
No time... No options... No plan…No one said saving the world would be easy.
Morgan McRobbie and Lady Marissa duBerry swing back into swashbuckling action, facing old enemies, new threats, and a diabolical conspiracy—not to mention a more personal battle, one with hearts and pride at stake.
As the pair escorts Prince Robert to the dwarf king’s court, a scheme intended to hurl men and dwarves into a devastating war is unfolding. Morgan ends up sidetracked by a kidnapped dwarf and a centuries-old feud, while a mysterious wizard’s revelations shake Marissa to her core, throwing into question everything she thought she knew about her past and future. And the advent of a rival for Marissa’s affections threatens any hope of a happy ending—if they survive.
Once again, the desperate knight and indomitable damsel must hazard everything on a single throw of the dice, gambling on untested allies and unimagined weapons to save their world.
The odds have never been worse.
What did I think of the book?
Danger, intrigue, love, romance and...dragons!
With the intention of ending a long and bitter feud, King Rhys has agreed to a treaty to end the hostilities between Kilbourne and the Kingdom of the Drawfs. But unbeknown to the King, those who want to see the treaty fail are plotting against him.
Trouble seems to always find Morgan McRobbie, especially when a certain lady is involved. Between trying to protect the King, he battles with his own heart. But time is against him. Can he reach Kilbourne in time to save the King? And has he left it too late to tell Lady Marissa of his love?
Traitor's Knight was a page-turning adventure, with such memorable characters that when Keith W. Willis approached me and asked if I would like to read the sequel, Desperate Knight (Knights of Kilbourne Book 2), I couldn't say yes fast enough!
Desperate Knight (Knights of Kilbourne Book 2) picks up where Traitor's Knight left off. I am pleased to say that once again Mr Willis has delivered a masterpiece in historical fantasy.
I adored the characterization of Morgan and Marissa in book 1, and I love them even more in Book 2. They are both such wonderful protagonists. They are full of the unexpected, especially Marissa, and they were so well fleshed that they were very easy to visualise. Their romance was also very sweet and helped to enhance the story.
The plot is full of twists and turns. Who is the enemy? Who can our heroes trust? The story certainly kept me turning those pages.
The characters certainly get themselves into some desperate situations, but there is also a great deal of humour in this book, which had me laughing out loud!
The antagonists were equally compelling, and they keep our heroes second guessing right up until that final chapter.
I think Desperate Knight works very well as a standalone, but to get the most out of the story, I do recommend you begin with Book 1. You won't be disappointed.
If you are looking for quality historical fantasy, with a touch of romance, then Desperate Knight is the book for you.
I Highly Recommend.
* I received an ARC of this book, from the author, for review consideration.*
Links for Purchase
Amazon US
Amazon UK
About the author
Keith W. Willis graduated (long ago) with a degree in English Lit from Berry College, which has the distinction of being the world's largest college campus. He now lives in the scenic Hudson Valley/Adirondack region of NY with his wife Patty. Keith is certain those rumbling noises attributed to Henry Hudson's crew are really just the dragons grumbling. Keith and Patty have one grown son, Matt, who actually thinks it’s pretty cool that Dad wrote a book.
Keith’s interests include reading classic mysteries, fantasy and sci-fi; camping and canoeing; and cutthroat games of Scrabble. He began writing seriously in 2008, when the voices in his head got too annoying to ignore. When he’s not making up stories he manages a group of database content editors at a global information technology firm. TRAITOR KNIGHT (Champagne Books) is his first published novel, and has won awards for both fantasy and romance.
August 9, 2017
#FolkloreThursday ~ Dunstan and the Devil #Glastonbury #myths #legends
Today on #FolkloreThursday I want to take a look at a 10th Century Abbot of Glastonbury Abbey. Dunstan had a notable career. He was not only the Abbot of Glastonbury but also the Bishop of Worcester, the Bishop of London, and if that were not enough, The Archbishop of Canterbury. He lived through the reign of eight kings and was a close advisor to six of them. He was a famed worker of metal. He was also an illuminator and a great musician. There is also a rumour that he dabbled in unlawful arts when he was a young man. But most noticeable, Dunstan restored monastic life in England and reformed the English Church.
Saint Dunstan ~ Wikipedia
What has this got to do with Folklore I hear you cry?
Let’s go back to that magical era that is known as...
Once upon a time
...and I will tell you.
Dunstan was a man of God. Wherever he went, and whatever he did, God never strayed far from him. They were inseparable. He was the holiest of holy men.
Dunstan could often be found working in the smithy, for he was a skilled craftsman. One day, a woman of great beauty came into his workshop. She smiled becomingly at him and asked if he would forge her a toasting fork.
Dunstan agreed. But instead of leaving him to his work, the young woman watched as Dunstan worked the metal, moulding it and shaping it. Unable to resist, the young woman began to tease Dunstan. But Dunstan was not one to be manipulated by a beautiful face even if her eyes did sparkle with the promise of seduction. He continued with his work, trying his best to ignore her.
The woman became even more daring in her bid to get Dunstan to pay her some attention. But as she danced around him, her skirt lifted up, and Dunstan could clearly see hooves where feet should be.
Not one to be easily shocked, Dunstan very calmly picked up his pair of tongs, that had been resting in the fire, and he clamped them hard on the woman’s nose. The woman screamed, and her appearance changed. Wings came out from her back, and Dunstan watched, with no surprise, as the woman turned into the Devil.
Lucifer (Le génie du mal) by Guillaume Geefs (Cathedral of St. Paul, Liège, Belgium) ~ Wikipedia
The Devil managed to free his nose from the burning tongs, and he flew up into the air. It is said that the Devil flew to Kent and seeing the water at Tunbridge Wells, he landed and dipped his face into the water in a desperate bid to ease his burning nose. And from that day on the water turned red and tasted of sulphur.
But this wasn't the last encounter Dunstan was to have with the Devil. One day the Devil came to Dunstan and asked him to reshoe his horse. But instead of putting the horseshoe on to the horse's foot, Dunstan nailed it onto the Devil's hoof. The Devil, understandably, roared with pain. He ordered Dunstan to take the shoe off. But Dustan folded his arms about him and shook his head. In the end, the Devil began to beg. Dunstan said he would take the shoe off but only if the Devil swore never to enter a house that had a horseshoe nailed above the door. The Devil agreed, and now you know why a horseshoe hung over a door is considered lucky. For the Devil will leave such a house alone.
Dunstan shoeing the Devil's hoof, as illustrated by George Cruikshank ~ Wikipedia
The life of Dunstan is a fascinating one. He was disgusted with how the Church was run, and he wanted to do something about it. He did not think it right that priests could marry and have families. Priests, in his opinion, should take a vow of celibacy. Well, as you can image, his view was not popular, and he met a great deal of opposition to his argument.
Possible self-portrait of Dunstan. Detail from the Glastonbury Classbook ~ Wikipedia
Things finally came to ahead in the meeting which had been called to address this troublesome matter. These important men of the Church met on the first floor of a building in Wiltshire.
Wilshire
They debated, they argued, but no one could agree. They were going around in circles with their arguments. This was going to be a complete waste of time. Dunstan had had enough, so he simply said...
"Let Jesus decide."
And with those words, something terrible happened. There was a creaking and a groaning and then without warning the floor gave way. Many men fell through the floor. I was quite a drop, and many were injured. But Dunstan and his supports stood on the other side of the room unharmed, and they looked down, though the hole in the floor upon their fellow priests with shocked surprise. Jesus had decided.
Those who had fallen through the roof believed that it wasn't Jesus' will that had made that part of the floor collapse, but instead, it was Dunstan's will. He had sabotaged the floor. But no one would believe them.
Dunstan won that argument and from that day on priests were forbidden to marry.
But there is more. It wasn't plain sailing for Dunstan as he tried to implement new laws for the priesthood. He wanted to see an end to the days of drunkenness and disorder within the monasteries. But he had learnt that arguing had got him nowhere, so from now on, if anyone disagreed with him, he simply turned them into eels and threw them into the rivers and lakes of the Fenlands. A certain place that Dunstan favoured became known as Ely — the place of Eels!
So there we have it. No wonder everyone both feared and respected Dunstan.
Dunstan died on the 19th May 988 at the age of 79. He was made a saint shortly after.
ReferenceIf not otherwise stated, all images can be found on Pixabay.
If you fancy joining me in the 6th Century, why not check out The Du Lac Chronicles series!
Amazon US Amazon UK
Read for FREE with
Saint Dunstan ~ WikipediaWhat has this got to do with Folklore I hear you cry?
Let’s go back to that magical era that is known as...
Once upon a time
...and I will tell you.
Dunstan was a man of God. Wherever he went, and whatever he did, God never strayed far from him. They were inseparable. He was the holiest of holy men.
Dunstan could often be found working in the smithy, for he was a skilled craftsman. One day, a woman of great beauty came into his workshop. She smiled becomingly at him and asked if he would forge her a toasting fork.
Dunstan agreed. But instead of leaving him to his work, the young woman watched as Dunstan worked the metal, moulding it and shaping it. Unable to resist, the young woman began to tease Dunstan. But Dunstan was not one to be manipulated by a beautiful face even if her eyes did sparkle with the promise of seduction. He continued with his work, trying his best to ignore her.
The woman became even more daring in her bid to get Dunstan to pay her some attention. But as she danced around him, her skirt lifted up, and Dunstan could clearly see hooves where feet should be.
Not one to be easily shocked, Dunstan very calmly picked up his pair of tongs, that had been resting in the fire, and he clamped them hard on the woman’s nose. The woman screamed, and her appearance changed. Wings came out from her back, and Dunstan watched, with no surprise, as the woman turned into the Devil.
Lucifer (Le génie du mal) by Guillaume Geefs (Cathedral of St. Paul, Liège, Belgium) ~ WikipediaThe Devil managed to free his nose from the burning tongs, and he flew up into the air. It is said that the Devil flew to Kent and seeing the water at Tunbridge Wells, he landed and dipped his face into the water in a desperate bid to ease his burning nose. And from that day on the water turned red and tasted of sulphur.
But this wasn't the last encounter Dunstan was to have with the Devil. One day the Devil came to Dunstan and asked him to reshoe his horse. But instead of putting the horseshoe on to the horse's foot, Dunstan nailed it onto the Devil's hoof. The Devil, understandably, roared with pain. He ordered Dunstan to take the shoe off. But Dustan folded his arms about him and shook his head. In the end, the Devil began to beg. Dunstan said he would take the shoe off but only if the Devil swore never to enter a house that had a horseshoe nailed above the door. The Devil agreed, and now you know why a horseshoe hung over a door is considered lucky. For the Devil will leave such a house alone.
Dunstan shoeing the Devil's hoof, as illustrated by George Cruikshank ~ WikipediaThe life of Dunstan is a fascinating one. He was disgusted with how the Church was run, and he wanted to do something about it. He did not think it right that priests could marry and have families. Priests, in his opinion, should take a vow of celibacy. Well, as you can image, his view was not popular, and he met a great deal of opposition to his argument.
Possible self-portrait of Dunstan. Detail from the Glastonbury Classbook ~ WikipediaThings finally came to ahead in the meeting which had been called to address this troublesome matter. These important men of the Church met on the first floor of a building in Wiltshire.
WilshireThey debated, they argued, but no one could agree. They were going around in circles with their arguments. This was going to be a complete waste of time. Dunstan had had enough, so he simply said...
"Let Jesus decide."
And with those words, something terrible happened. There was a creaking and a groaning and then without warning the floor gave way. Many men fell through the floor. I was quite a drop, and many were injured. But Dunstan and his supports stood on the other side of the room unharmed, and they looked down, though the hole in the floor upon their fellow priests with shocked surprise. Jesus had decided.
Those who had fallen through the roof believed that it wasn't Jesus' will that had made that part of the floor collapse, but instead, it was Dunstan's will. He had sabotaged the floor. But no one would believe them.
Dunstan won that argument and from that day on priests were forbidden to marry.
But there is more. It wasn't plain sailing for Dunstan as he tried to implement new laws for the priesthood. He wanted to see an end to the days of drunkenness and disorder within the monasteries. But he had learnt that arguing had got him nowhere, so from now on, if anyone disagreed with him, he simply turned them into eels and threw them into the rivers and lakes of the Fenlands. A certain place that Dunstan favoured became known as Ely — the place of Eels!
So there we have it. No wonder everyone both feared and respected Dunstan.
Dunstan died on the 19th May 988 at the age of 79. He was made a saint shortly after.
ReferenceIf not otherwise stated, all images can be found on Pixabay.
If you fancy joining me in the 6th Century, why not check out The Du Lac Chronicles series!
Amazon US Amazon UK
Read for FREE with
August 8, 2017
Author's Inspiration ~ Casanova’s Secret Wife #Casanova #historicalfiction @hfvbt @KensingtonBooks
Book Blast ~ Historical Virtual Book Tour Presents....
Casanova’s Secret WifeByBarbara Lynn-Davis
Set in eighteenth-century Venice and based on an actual account by Giacomo Casanova—here is a lush tale of desire and risk.
Caterina Capreta was an innocent girl of fourteen when she caught the attention of the world’s most infamous chronicler of seduction: Giacomo Casanova. Intoxicated by a fierce love, she wed Casanova in secret. But his shocking betrayal inspired her to commit an act that would mark her forever …
Now twenty years later on the island of Murano, the woman in possession of Caterina’s most devastating secret has appeared with a request she cannot refuse: to take in a noble-born girl whose scandalous love affair resembles her own. But the girl’s presence stirs up unwelcome memories of Caterina’s turbulent past. Tested like never before, she reveals the story of the man she will never forget.
Bringing to life a fascinating chapter in the history of Venice, Casanova’s Secret Wife is a tour de force that charts one woman’s journey through love and loss to redemption.
“Full of passion and rich historical detail . . . an enthralling read, impossible to put down.”
Phyllis T. Smith, bestselling author
“This is Venice beneath the mask: A dark and fascinating love story hiding in the shadows of the golden city.”Marina Fiorato, bestselling author of The Glassblower of Murano
“Seductive and unforgettable”Harmony Verna, author of Daughter of Australia
“Breathtaking, beautiful . . . will mesmerize readers.” Rosanna Chiofalo, author of Stella Mia
Author's Inspiration
I first became enchanted with Venice while working at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in the neighborhood of Dorsoduro. I lived with an 86 year-old contessa who was a widow and impoverished. She supported herself by taking in students and preparing pranzo (the main meal of the Italian day) for a friend. The scenes in my story of Caterina Capreta’s home are recollections of the contessa’s modest, yet somehow magical apartment, which overlooked the shining Giudecca Canal.
Giudecca Canal
I returned home from this trip sure I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. in Venetian art. A few years later, while studying for my general exams, I came across a note mentioning the memoirs of Giacomo Casanova. I had not realized that “Casanova” was a real man, much less a Venetian. Intrigued, I immediately went to the library, found 8 volumes of his memoirs, and dove in.
Reader, I fell in love with him. I remember sitting in my living room in the middle of the night, feeling like I was cheating on my (then, new) husband because Casanova was stealing my heart. He was clever, amusing, adventurous, a risk-taker, and of course, seductive. I adored him.
In the third volume I encountered Casanova’s affair with “C.C.” (Casanova typically does not reveal the names of his lovers, though the identities of some, including Caterina Capreta, have been discovered.) The story starts off innocently and charmingly and full of promise. I tore through the pages. Theirs is a story of passion, hope, desperation, loss, and enduring love. I became haunted by their experiences together.
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none}
Francesco Guardi, Il Ridotto (Venetian gambling house), detail of masked lovers, 1746.
I’ve dreamed for years of sharing this love story with readers around the world (so far, the book is being translated into Russian and Czech). I hope in discovering it, you too will feel connected to Caterina and Casanova across the centuries.
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a paperback copy of Casanova’s Secret Wife!
Giveaway Rules
• Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on July 28th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
• Giveaway is open to residents in the US & Canada 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.
Enter Giveaway…
HERE!
Links for Purchase
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Indiebound
Target
iBooks
Google Play
Kobo
About the author
Barbara Lynn-Davis graduated from Brown University with a degree in art history. She then worked at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice and later spent a year there while completing her Ph.D. in Renaissance art at Princeton University.She currently teaches art history and writing at Wellesley College, and lives outside Boston with her family.Useful LinksWebsiteFacebookGoodreads.
Casanova’s Secret Wife by Barbara Lynn-DavisPublication Date: July 25, 2017Kensington BookseBook & Paperback; 304 PagesGenre: Fiction/Historical/Biographical
Reference
Francesco Guardi, Il Ridotto (Venetian gambling house), detail of masked lovers, 1746 (full image can be found here) ~ Wikimeida
Casanova’s Secret WifeByBarbara Lynn-Davis
Set in eighteenth-century Venice and based on an actual account by Giacomo Casanova—here is a lush tale of desire and risk.
Caterina Capreta was an innocent girl of fourteen when she caught the attention of the world’s most infamous chronicler of seduction: Giacomo Casanova. Intoxicated by a fierce love, she wed Casanova in secret. But his shocking betrayal inspired her to commit an act that would mark her forever …
Now twenty years later on the island of Murano, the woman in possession of Caterina’s most devastating secret has appeared with a request she cannot refuse: to take in a noble-born girl whose scandalous love affair resembles her own. But the girl’s presence stirs up unwelcome memories of Caterina’s turbulent past. Tested like never before, she reveals the story of the man she will never forget.
Bringing to life a fascinating chapter in the history of Venice, Casanova’s Secret Wife is a tour de force that charts one woman’s journey through love and loss to redemption.
“Full of passion and rich historical detail . . . an enthralling read, impossible to put down.”
Phyllis T. Smith, bestselling author
“This is Venice beneath the mask: A dark and fascinating love story hiding in the shadows of the golden city.”Marina Fiorato, bestselling author of The Glassblower of Murano
“Seductive and unforgettable”Harmony Verna, author of Daughter of Australia
“Breathtaking, beautiful . . . will mesmerize readers.” Rosanna Chiofalo, author of Stella Mia
Author's Inspiration
I first became enchanted with Venice while working at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in the neighborhood of Dorsoduro. I lived with an 86 year-old contessa who was a widow and impoverished. She supported herself by taking in students and preparing pranzo (the main meal of the Italian day) for a friend. The scenes in my story of Caterina Capreta’s home are recollections of the contessa’s modest, yet somehow magical apartment, which overlooked the shining Giudecca Canal.
Giudecca CanalI returned home from this trip sure I wanted to pursue a Ph.D. in Venetian art. A few years later, while studying for my general exams, I came across a note mentioning the memoirs of Giacomo Casanova. I had not realized that “Casanova” was a real man, much less a Venetian. Intrigued, I immediately went to the library, found 8 volumes of his memoirs, and dove in.
Reader, I fell in love with him. I remember sitting in my living room in the middle of the night, feeling like I was cheating on my (then, new) husband because Casanova was stealing my heart. He was clever, amusing, adventurous, a risk-taker, and of course, seductive. I adored him.
In the third volume I encountered Casanova’s affair with “C.C.” (Casanova typically does not reveal the names of his lovers, though the identities of some, including Caterina Capreta, have been discovered.) The story starts off innocently and charmingly and full of promise. I tore through the pages. Theirs is a story of passion, hope, desperation, loss, and enduring love. I became haunted by their experiences together.
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 13.0px Arial; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} Francesco Guardi, Il Ridotto (Venetian gambling house), detail of masked lovers, 1746.
I’ve dreamed for years of sharing this love story with readers around the world (so far, the book is being translated into Russian and Czech). I hope in discovering it, you too will feel connected to Caterina and Casanova across the centuries.
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a paperback copy of Casanova’s Secret Wife!
Giveaway Rules
• Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on July 28th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
• Giveaway is open to residents in the US & Canada 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.
Enter Giveaway…
HERE!
Links for Purchase
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-A-Million
Indiebound
Target
iBooks
Google Play
Kobo
About the author
Barbara Lynn-Davis graduated from Brown University with a degree in art history. She then worked at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice and later spent a year there while completing her Ph.D. in Renaissance art at Princeton University.She currently teaches art history and writing at Wellesley College, and lives outside Boston with her family.Useful LinksWebsiteFacebookGoodreads.
Casanova’s Secret Wife by Barbara Lynn-DavisPublication Date: July 25, 2017Kensington BookseBook & Paperback; 304 PagesGenre: Fiction/Historical/Biographical
Reference
Francesco Guardi, Il Ridotto (Venetian gambling house), detail of masked lovers, 1746 (full image can be found here) ~ Wikimeida
August 7, 2017
Looking Back ~ Dunkirk: Filling in the Pieces #Dunkirk #history #WW2 @Suzy_Henderson
Dunkirk: Filling in the Pieces By Suzy Henderson
Dunkirk. A French port steeped in history. A popular destination for holidaymakers and a place that reveals secrets and a dark heritage, particularly at low tide. For what lies beneath the water is a maritime graveyard.Roll back the clock to May 1940. The British Expeditionary Force had under-estimated the might of the German Army and their elitist Panzer tanks and found itself surrounded, pushed into a small pocket at Dunkirk. This is the image many recognise, the story many have heard over the years. The miracle of Dunkirk where the British were rescued by the Royal Navy and the “little ships”. It was one of the worst times for Britain and her main fighting force. If she did not secure her men, what would become of her? She would certainly have been exposed, vulnerable, and quite possibly unable to defend herself against a German invasion. Churchill, a military man himself of great experience, knew what needed to be done, as did the military commanders, but he did not mastermind this evacuation. He asked Vice-Admiral Bertram Ramsay to do so, who managed this all within one week. The naval operation HQ lay in the bowels of Dover Castle, and it was from the Dynamo Room that Ramsay assimilated the plans for Operation Dynamo – the Dunkirk evacuation.
British troops line up on the beach at Dunkirk to await evacuation. Image courtesy of the IWM, in the public domain. Source: http://media.iwm.org.uk/ciim5/37/332/large_000000.jpgChurchill hoped they might rescue around thirty thousand men, and his commanders said at best those numbers may rise to forty-five thousand. As part of his plan, Ramsay came up with the idea of requisitioning the civilian boats, as many as they could, using naval men to sail them to Dunkirk to assist. He realised they would be able to sail into the shallow waters nearer the beach, load up with men and ferry them out to the destroyers further out. There was only one jetty – the Dunkirk mole. This meant that space was limited for docking and time was something they had little of. The new movie by Christopher Nolan, “Dunkirk”, does not tell the full story, nor does it go into detail about the person who masterminded this entire evacuation. The story is told from three different perspectives, including the RAF and the civilian sailors with their ‘little ships’. But the beach scene is a major feature, portraying the troops, dead, wounded and those standing in lines waiting to board the next ship. But one must forgive the director and producers as there is only so much one can achieve in a single movie. 
British troops embarking onto ships during the evacuation from France, June 1940. Image source: Press Agency photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
What the movie does not show is what was happening away from the beaches, behind the scenes.The French army were fighting rear-guard action along with thousands of British troops, led by Lord Gort. Many of these men would not escape. Some would die in battle, some would be murdered by the Germans upon surrender, and many more would become prisoners of war. But, as some have quite rightly indicated, where were the troops of ethnic race?The French troops comprised of men from elsewhere such as Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco. There were Indian troops on the beach and there was a pecking order. Discrimination and segregation persisted even when the jaws of the enemy bore down and unless you were white, you were at the back of the queue. The French and other allied troops were evacuated last.While Nolan’s movie does not portray the complete history of the event, it does offer a fresh perspective that gives the viewer a taste of what the evacuation was like for all those involved. It goes a little way to illustrate how tough the battle was for the RAF and of course for the Royal Navy. It was perilous at sea with a determined Luftwaffe persistently bombing any vessel it came across. Then there was the ever-present threat of the U-boats who did sink a number of ships during the evacuation. And for those who still don’t know, a number of the smaller boats were indeed manned by their civilian owners, who took an incredible risk by sailing into battle for King and countrymen. This was perhaps their finest hour.Churchill gave the order for Operation Dynamo just before 7 pm on May 26th, 1940. By June 4th it had ended and the number of men rescued surpassed all expectation – around 338,000. It’s important to point out that this would not have been possible without the expert military planning of Vice-Admiral Bertram and his idea to use civilian vessels for necessary resources. Nor would it have been achieved without the valiant efforts of the RAF, as many more vessels would have been bombed and sunk without a doubt, and more men would have been killed while waiting on the beaches. It was a team effort across all the forces. The hero of the operation was undoubtedlyVice-Admiral Bertram Ramsay – the dynamo behind the miracle of Dunkirk. He was a naval man who had served during the Great War and worked his way up through the ranks, retiring in 1938. However, when WW2 broke out, he was asked to return and was immediately placed as the officer-in-charge of Dover.
General Montgomery with Admiral Ramsay (right) pictured at Montgomery’s Belgian HQ, 19thSeptember 1944. Image Source: IWMCollectionsIWM Photo No.: B 10113. In public domain.Vice-Admiral Ramsay received a knighthood after Dunkirk and a promotion to Admiral in 1944. He also worked as part of a team led by Eisenhower on Operation Torch (liberation of North Africa in 1942) and the invasion of Sicily in 1943. He was placed in charge of the Allied Naval Expeditionary Force for the invasion of France, Operation Neptune, in 1944 (D-Day landings). Tragically, on January 2nd, 1945, he was killed in a plane crash while on his way to Brussels to meet with General Montgomery. There is a statue of him outside Dover Castle and a plaque was unveiled to mark the 75thanniversary in May 2015. In a sense, Ramsay has become one of the forgotten in that he perhaps did not receive the full recognition he should have for all his efforts during WW2. He died before the war endedand never had the chance to write his memoirs, to tell his war from his perspective as many others have done. Dunkirk is effectively his miracle and his legacy lives on in all those who made it home and in their descendants. He is without a doubt, one of Britain’s greatest unsung heroes.
Troops evacuated from Dunkirk enjoying tea and other refreshments at Addison Road station in London, 31 May 1940. By Saidman (Mr), War Office official photographer [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsAbout Suzy HendersonSuzy Henderson was born in the North of England, but a career in healthcare took her away to rural Somerset. Years later, after marriage and children, she decided to embark upon a degree in English Literature with The Open University.
That was the beginning of a new life journey, rekindling her love of writing and a passion for history. With an obsession for military and aviation history, she began to write.
It was an old black and white photograph of her grandmother that caught Suzy’s imagination many years ago. When her grandmother died, her tales of war vanished with her forever, tales she never spoke about. When Suzy decided to research her grandmother’s war service in the WAAF, things spiralled from there. Stories came to light, little-known stories, and tragedies, and it is such discoveries that inform her writing.
Having relocated to the wilds of North Cumbria, she has the Pennines in sight and finally feels at home. Suzy is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Romantic Novelists Association. "The Beauty Shop" is her debut novel and was released 28th November 2016. She is currently writing the next book.
England, 1942.
After three years of WWII, Britain is showing the scars. But in this darkest of days, three lives intertwine, changing their destinies and those of many more.
Dr Archibald McIndoe, a New Zealand plastic surgeon with unorthodox methods, is on a mission to treat and rehabilitate badly burned airmen – their bodies and souls. With the camaraderie and support of the Guinea Pig Club, his boys battle to overcome disfigurement, pain, and prejudice to learn to live again.
John ‘Mac’ Mackenzie of the US Air Force is aware of the odds. He has one chance in five of surviving the war. Flying bombing missions through hell and back, he’s fighting more than the Luftwaffe. Fear and doubt stalk him on the ground and in the air, and he’s torn between his duty and his conscience.
Shy, decent and sensible Stella Charlton’s future seems certain until war breaks out. As a new recruit to the WAAF, she meets an American pilot on New Year’s Eve. After just one dance, she falls head over heels for the handsome airman. But when he survives a crash, she realises her own battle has only just begun.
Based on a true story, "The Beauty Shop" is a moving tale of love, compassion, and determination against a backdrop of wartime tragedy.
Links for PurchaseAmazon
August 6, 2017
New Release ~ The Book Knights #Arthurian #fantasy #YA @jgmckenney
The Book KnightsBy J.G. McKenney
From the award winning author of EON'S DOOR comes an Arthurian tale like no other. When her parents are condemned to death by Morgan Fay for the crime of reading, Arti Penderhagen becomes a fugitive. Hunted by Mordred, the sadistic police captain who recites poetry to enhance his physical strength, Arti escapes to the Isle of Avalon, a sanctuary for outlaws. There she meets an old librarian named Merl who tells her about the Grail Tome, an ancient book in Morgan Fay's possession that can alter the course of history. Can Arti steal the book in time to save her family?
THE BOOK KNIGHTS is a fantasy adventure in which knights wield words as weapons, librarians are wizards, and books can change the future.
Book Excerpt
The fire crept across the floor, devouring paper and carpet, gaining momentum as it spread. A thick, black smoke filled the room, rolling over itself like a storm cloud, ravenous flames growling hungrily as they climbed. A moment later, there was another sound: a deep, drum-like thudding, barely audible above the burning tempest. A lower section of the shelf separated from the wall, and a row of hard covers slapped the floor. More books cascaded to the carpet, and a groping hand emerged.
The girl coughed violently, retching as she labored to breath amid the thickening blanket of smoke. She squeezed out from behind the book case, reaching back to pull a duffel bag from the cavity, pushing aside the dish, cup, and utensils her father had cast into the void in the rush to hide her. The bag held provisions, preparations made for a day they prayed would never come.
Making sure her vidlink was in her pocket, she lifted the hood of her sweatshirt and with eyes clenched shut, crawled across the floor, dragging the duffel bag. Scalding heat seared her throat as she gasped for air, her face and hands feeling like they were on fire. Gulping a mouthful of acrid smoke, an intense wave of nausea washed over the girl, and she fell against the wall of books. She was helpless now, certain she was going to die.
As the firestorm raged, her mind floated away from the horror. She was a young child again, sitting on her father’s lap, following his finger as it traced words on the page. She giggled and squirmed with excitement as the story unfolded, peeking ahead, eager to find out how the tale would end. Her mother leaned toward her from the adjacent chair, her smiling face awash in the light of the reading lamp. This is our secret, Arti. You can’t tell anyone. She could hear herself answer, Ipromise.
When the story was done, she reached across with her tiny hand and closed the book’s cover. She smiled up at her parents expectantly, waiting to say the ritual words together. And they lived happily ever after.
From somewhere in the cloud of her delirium, Arti Penderhagen heard the books on the shelves call to her, drawing her back to the present. Words echoed from their pages, guiding her hand along their bindings, showing her the way out.
Links for PurchaseAmazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA
About the author
J.G. (John) McKenney is a Canadian writer and teacher. For his first novel, EON’S DOOR, he received the 2012 Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award, and was also a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Award. John's fascination with fantasy and adventure began at a young age when he discovered works like THE HOBBIT and THE CALL OF THE WILD. That early love of reading has matured into a need to tell stories that transport readers into worlds full of wonder and enchantment.Useful Links
Website
August 5, 2017
Golden Quill Award Contest for Best Characters goes to The Du Lac Devil. #HistFic
I am so excited! The Du Lac Devil has won the Golden Quill Award Contest for Best Characters!
Here is what the Judges had to say:
"Complex and multi-dimensional characters that brings the story to life."
"Everything is there what a good story needs, good and evil fighting, love, loyalty as well as betrayal."
"A perfect blend of mythology and historical facts."
"Definitely a great story for fans of the Arthurian legend and the history of medieval Britain."
"There are plenty of characters in the story to love and hate but Merton is the best described anti-hero I've ever came across."
Now I need your help. The Readers Vote is opened to chose the Grand Prize Winner. You can vote HERE!
A big thank you to all of those who have supported me on this wonderful Du Lac journey that I find myself on!
Here is what the Judges had to say:
"Complex and multi-dimensional characters that brings the story to life."
"Everything is there what a good story needs, good and evil fighting, love, loyalty as well as betrayal."
"A perfect blend of mythology and historical facts."
"Definitely a great story for fans of the Arthurian legend and the history of medieval Britain."
"There are plenty of characters in the story to love and hate but Merton is the best described anti-hero I've ever came across."
Now I need your help. The Readers Vote is opened to chose the Grand Prize Winner. You can vote HERE!
A big thank you to all of those who have supported me on this wonderful Du Lac journey that I find myself on!
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
