Mary Anne Yarde's Blog: The Coffee Pot Book Club , page 200

#FolkloreThursday ~ King Leir #history #Britain

King Lear — immortalised by Shakespeare as the mad old King who loses everything. It is nothing short of a tragedy.
But did you know that Shakespeare's King Lear is based on the 'historical' King Leir of Britain? As with many Kings of this era, Leir's stories cannot be found in the history books, but instead, his story resides in folklore.
A watercolour of King Lear and the Fool in the storm from Act III, Scene ii of King Lear ~ Wikipedia

The story of King Leir (c. 800 BC)
As King Leir neared death, he feared for his Kingdom — the Kingdom of Briton. To help ease his troubled mind, he decided to split up his kingdom between his three daughters. But first, he wanted to know just how loyal they were to him and more importantly, how much they loved him.
King Leir and his daughters, a marginal illustrationin the Chronica Majora, c. 1250 ~ Wikipedia
His first daughter, Gonorilla flattered her father, she said she loved him more than any precious stone. Leir was pleased with her answer and basked in her words.


His second daughter, Regan, also saw the wisdom of complementing her father. She flattered her father with words of love. Regan promised that she would always love him more than any other man on the face of the earth. This was exactly what Leir wanted to hear.


Feeling blessed, King Leir turned to his third daughter. Cordeilla was his favourite child, and he waited with pleasure for the compliments he was sure his daughter was going to bestow on him. Cordeilla, however, was not one to give any man false flattery, so she simply said...
"I love you just as a daughter should."
Cordelia in the Court of King Lear (1873) by Sir John Gilbert ~ Wikipedia
 King Leir was left speechless by Cordeilla's response. He thought her response cold and callous. Soon anger replaced the shock. So great was his rage that he decided not to give her a share of the kingdom, neither would she have a dowry, he then unmercifully banished her. He wanted nothing more to do with her. She was dead to him.


Cordeilla fled to France. Here she met King Aganippus, the King of the Franks. Despite Cordeilla having no dowry, Aganippus loved her so much that he married her anyway.
Meanwhile, King Leir gave Gonorilla and Regan half of his kingdom. They would receive the rest once he was dead. It was then that he discovered that his daughters did not love him as much as they had said they did. In fact, they didn't really love him at all.  Gonorilla's husband, Duke Maglaurus of Albany, overthrew Leir and seized power. Leir was a defeated and broken man.
Duke Maglaurus generously allowed Leir to keep a retinue of  60 knights, but this was too many knights for Gonorilla's liking. She banished a further 30 of her father's men.With only 30 knights left, Leir fled to Regan's household, but Regan was no better than her sister and soon Leir was left with only one knight to protect him.
King Lear and the Fool in the Storm by William Dyce (1806–1864) — Wikipedia
It was then that Leir realised what a terrible mistake he had made. Cordeilla had not stroked his ego by offering false flattery. Instead, she had been speaking truthfully and from her heart. With his head hung in shame, he made the arduous journey to France to plead for forgiveness.
Leir's journey was challenging and long for an old man of poor health. He was no King now, and he was not treated with the respect he had once been shown. He realised, too late, that the people were not loyal to a person, but a crown. It was a very sobering discovery.

Leir feared what kind of reception he would receive when he was finally reunited with his estranged daughter. Would she turn her back on him as he had done to her?
Cordeilla, meanwhile, had found happiness in France. She was married to a man she loved and who loved her in return. She was, despite the pain it had caused, thankful that her father had banished her. If he had not, then she would not have met and married the love of her life.
Leir was welcomed to the French court with open arms. His daughter forgave him, and his honour was restored. King Aganippus mustered an army, and they journeyed to Briton together to retake the land. The war was bloody, but Leir was victorious. Leir's daughters and their husbands paid for their treachery with their lives.
King Aganippus restored Leir to his throne, and Leir ruled for three years until his death.
A 1793 painting of King Lear and Cordelia by Benjamin West ~ Wikipedia
Cordeilla buried her father under the River Soar and founded a city nearby in his name. She called this city...
Leir-under-the Soar.(Leicester)
Cordeilla ruled the Kingdom Of Briton with a tender heart. She is remembered, in folklore, as being a just and beautiful queen.

This story can be found in Geoffrey of Monmouth, History of the Kings of Briton (late 12th Century). Of course, the most famous retelling of the story was by William Shakespeare, and that is how King Lear is now remembered. But as you can see, the story from days of old, is not so much a tragedy, it is a tale of an old man learning that false flattery is no flattery.
Is Leicester really named after King Leir?
Probably not, but it is a great story, isn't it...?
Reference:All pictures, unless otherwise stated, can be found on Pixabay



 The Du Lac Chronicles
If you fancy finding out what happened after the death of King Arthur then why not check out my award-winning historical fantasy series — The Du Lac Chronicles.
 Amazon US
Amazon UK

Read for free with

Author’s Inspiration ~ Barbara Best, #historicalfantasy #mustread @BarbaraBestBook

I have historical fantasy author, Barbara Best, on the blog today. Barbara is going to share with us her inspiration behind her fabulous series…The Lincoln Penny (A Time Travel series Book #1)

Unforgettably Different! Painfully Real! History geek Jane Peterson just hit the refresh button on her life when, during a Civil War reenactment, she is thrust into a raging siege with brutal consequences. 2012 resets to 1862 amid the colorful, historic characters of Savannah, Georgia and bloodiest conflict in American history.
Jane’s ghostly appearance is a bad omen to the doomed soldiers at Fort Pulaski. In a chilling twist of fate she is compelled to cross hostile enemy lines and seek shelter with strangers. Realizing the impact of her knowledge and horrors of Civil War medicine, Jane’s dream of rescue becomes a deep desire to save others. In a story of good and evil, murder and intrigue, grave reality and the supernatural, she must face the grim truth that loving history and living it are two entirely different things.

Vanished on her 24th birthday without a trace! Medical student Bryce McKenzie and Jane Peterson have shared a unique bond since childhood. But when exactly did she capture his heart? Refusing to accept Jane’s death, Bryce vows never to give up on the woman he loves. With the help of Sophie Downing, the only witness to Jane’s freak disappearance, he searches for the key to unlock an impossible mystery.
The Lover’s Eye (A Time Travel Series, Book 2)


The sequel to “The Lincoln Penny” is flinch-free and stands alone as a riveting story of glorious triumphs, unspeakable tragedies, and incredibly tender moments that will capture your heart, engage your imagination and keep you reading long into the night.
A heated clash between modern-day thinking and 19th century ideals emerges, as fiercely independent and impetuous Jane Peterson and her deep-seated love Bryce McKenzie from 2013 struggle to exist in 1863 wartime America. Follow Jane as she learns to let go of everything she thought she knew about herself, and gains the courage to make tough choices that will alter history, including her own, forever. Encounter shocking truths Bryce must face in his harrowing search for Jane and the ominous plot that involves him in an unbelievable event. Discover the dark and compelling secrets behind supernatural forces that will sweep you back, once again, to the vibrant people of the past and bloody backdrop of the great American Civil War.

Author’s Inspiration
They say the most effective writers write about what they know. In my case, I would say that statement is absolutely true. THE LINCOLN PENNY: A Time Travel Series, Book 1 and its sequel THE LOVER’S EYE: A Time Travel Series, Book 2, breathe life into a period of American history — the American Civil War — because I have lived it myself.
As a Civil War reenactor who assumes the persona of a proper American lady who might have existed between the years 1861 and 1865, I have had the unique opportunity to study history and teach others what it was like “back then.” Civil War reenactors are especially serious about authenticity and present the most realistic impression possible to the public. I feel those impressions of living history have inspired me to share many of my real-life experiences with others in the form of fiction, blended with serious notes of reality and imaginative speculation.
A woman’s life in the Southern United States during the American Civil War was steeped in tradition and varied, of course, much like the lives of women today. But, one thing all of their gender shared during this period was the unexpected and inescapable role they would take on to support the South and Confederacy. Many lives were turned upside-down, touched by adversity, sacrifice and tragedy, and often, one would think, beyond the realm of human endurance. No individual was left unaffected by the outbreak of hostilities and enormity of bloodshed, yet they persevered.

 Have you ever thought about the clothes women wore and the time it took to do their hair? During the mid-1800s, this daily monumental task, alone, could make the modern-day woman feel a bit overwhelmed and no less incensed.

When dressing for the period, I wear a minimum of ten layers, counting my sturdy boots and dress. I understand it is an average of forty-pounds worth, depending on the occasion. From stockings to chemise, to the fashionable corset and caged hoop, volumes of petticoats, undersleeves and other accessories, I am able to polish off an impression that is suitable to honor women of the times and guaranteed to make myself feel quite noble in the process.
During Civil War events, you will find me snugly sheathed from head to toe in all living conditions, from a sweltering ninety-five degree August day in a dusty field around a hot fire to freezing temps where you must break ice in a barrel before you can scoop the first bit of water to wash up in the morning and brew your coffee. Of course, there are lazy, hazy, daisy days too, where one might escape into a quaint historic setting, a lovely garden, or enjoy a nice stroll in the park. I know what it is like to awaken at the crack of dawn to a bugle’s razor-sharp call to Reveille or to recoil from the powerful blast of cannon fire that makes your ears ring for days. I have walked among Gothic archways in massive brick fortifications and danced the Virginia Reel by candlelight at a soiree. I have camped in a simple A-tent amid a sea of white canvas on a barren hillside dotted with crackling campfires and a million twinkling diamonds in the night sky. Sometimes, when you least expect it, you may find your mind and body has surrendered to the moment. In a surreal twist, an uncanny sensation abruptly washes over you and in the blink of an eye effects a chimera so real you could swear you are there — you have literally and eerily traveled back in time. Now, tell me, who on earth would not want to experience that, at least once?
A special thank you to Mary Anne Yarde for allowing me this wonderful opportunity to share. It has truly been a pleasure.


Links for Purchase
The Lincoln Penny 
Amazon US
Amazon UK

The Lover's Eye
Amazon US
Amazon UK
About the author

Barbara Best began her career as a professional copywriter and artist with over twenty-five years in the fields of Marketing and Graphic Design. Beginning in 2014, she took her love of writing to new heights with her debut novel, “The Lincoln Penny,” which merges multiple genres, to include historical fiction, mystery, romance, scientific literature and fantasy. Its sequel “The Lover’s Eye” was released in June 2016, and she is not finished yet. Book 3 in her Time Travel Series is currently in the works and should be released sometime in 2018. Her novels, to date, reveal Barbara’s genuine passion for history. She has been an avid American Civil War reenactor for many years and participated in Civil War era events held at national battlefields and heritage sites throughout the East Coast of the United States. Her hobby and a need to bring the past to life eventually formed the backdrop for her absorbing and heartwarming tales. Barbara is a devoted grandmother who loves to ride motorcycles, play the piano, camp, and travel overseas. “I may be retired with my hubby Bob, but I am busier than ever.”
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#BookReview ~ Quest of a Warrior #Romance @m_morganauthor

Quest of a Warrior(Legends of the Fenian Warriors Book 1)By Mary Morgan

"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?

What did I think of the book?
What would you sacrifice for love?
Ivy O'Callaghan has spent her life hidden in the shadows. But now it is a time for a new start, so when she learns that she has inherited her uncle's estate, she jumps on a plane and heads to Ireland.
Conn MacRoich, an ancient Fenian Warrior, has come to fix a mistake that he made hundreds of years ago. What he didn't count on was falling in love with a human. But there is something about Ivy that draws him in and makes him long for things that a Fenian Warrior has no right to long for.
Caught between two worlds, Conn must decide between his people and the woman he loves.
I was so looking forward to Mary Morgan's new Fenian Warriors series, and Quest Of A Warrior did not disappoint. The story is heartbreakingly romantic and beautifully portrayed. It is a real page turner that I simply could not put down.
I loved the portrayal of Conn. He really struggles with what he wants and what is right. He knows that he should not let himself fall in love with Ivy because in his world they have no future. He should walk away from her before it is too late. But love is not always rational and Conn goes on an incredibly emotional journey of discovery. Likewise, Ivy came across as very real in the telling. She is a really likeable person who is more than a match for the Fenian Warrior.
The story itself is full of intrigue and secrets as well as love. I thought it was a very moving story and it is one I will definitely be coming back to. I cannot wait for Book 2. Kudos, Ms Morgan.
I Highly Recommend.



Links for Purchase


Amazon US  Amazon UK
About the author
​  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. 

Guest Post ~ Italian Prisoner of War Camps #history #WW2 @julidrevezzo

Italian Prisoner of War Camps
by Juli D. Revezzo

My latest historical fantasy novel, FRIGGA’S LOST ARMY, is set in World War 2 Italy, and you might wonder about that. The histories of the era don’t mention that country a lot, I know. But for various reasons, I found their involvement an interesting little kernel in the war’s timeline. What part did the Italians play in the war? Their leader at the time was the dictator Benito Mussolini and he (some sources say) had designs on being the next Cesar. 
Benito Mussolini ~ WikipediaOr, put another way, he wanted to revive the Roman Empire, and bring it back into prominence on the world stage. Not long after the battle of Dunkirk, he declared war and sent 250,000 troops into Africa to reclaim part of what he saw as his empire. Here, he joined forces with Rommel and Hitler, and so set into motion the Battle of Tunisia. That battle took place in the then tiny African town, pulling some American forces into region.
By the summer of 1943, the Italian president had had enough of the war, of the ugliness Mussolini’s forces inspired (yes, they did open internment camps for those they considered lesser), and ousted Mussolini. 
To me, what sparked the story was an article that said several  thousand Americans were captured at Tunisia and taken to Prisoner of War camps in Italy—not Germany (although some did end up there) but Italy.
If you’ve seen any post-Vietnam war movies, I’m sure you’re aware of how, to put it very simply, horrible the plight of PoWs could be and yet… compared to those tales, the PoWs sent to Italy, were treated rather well. Why? Because of the Geneva Convention that ruled the treatment of said prisoners and that they feared whatever they did to ours, we’d do to theirs.
I ran across stories that said the PoWs would end up getting away with far more than we picture when someone says “PoW”. They’d receive packages from the Red Cross and from home. They could send letters out, and smuggle more stuff in than you’d believe—sometimes with the guards’ help. 
It’s definitely not the norm, by any means.  But I found it all an interesting part of the war, enough that it inspired me to write Frigga’s Lost Army. I had beta readers stumped at the reality of all that so it seemed easiest to lay it all at the feet of a goddess who watched out for the main characters. (Besides, the fantasy aspects are the most enjoyable part of historical fantasy, aren’t they? ;)) But what you’ll see of Benjamin (the hero’s) life in Frigga’s Lost Army, is…er, 70% true?

If you would like to find out more about Frigga's Lost army, then read on...



In the winter of 1943, Benjamin is just a grunt and Army cook — until he finds himself captured, along with his unite, taken prisoner by Mussolini's troops after The Battle of Tunisia.
Transported  to a POW camp in Italy, Benjamin is plagued with intense visions of the Norse Goddess Frigga and her retinue of Valkyries, berserkers, and other magical beings.
When he encounters a woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to the goddess, he wonders if he hasn't been entangled in a battle between the natural and the supernatural— a battle for the present and the future.
Links for PurchaseAmazonCreatespace

About the author


Juli D. Revezzo loves fantasy and Celtic mythology and writing stories with all kinds of fantastical elements. She is the author of the historical romance, House of Dark Envy, Watchmaker's Heart, and Lady of the Tarot, the Antique Magical paranormal series and Celtic  Stewards Chronicle series and more. She is also a member of the Independent Author Network and the Magic Appreciation Tour.
Useful LinksWebsiteNewsletterFacebookTwitter

FRIGGA'S LOST ARMYPublication Date: July 19, 2017Raven Queen PublicationsEbook& Paperback:228 pages.
Genre: Historical Fantasy/World War II


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The Quest For The Holy Grail ~ #FolkloreThursday #Myths #Legends

The Quest For The Holy Grail


While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26:17-30 New International Version (NIV)
  The Last Supper, ca. 1520, Andrea Solari, after Leonardo da Vinci ~ Wikipedia

This was to be the last supper before Jesus' arrest and horrific crucifixion. It is said that the cup that Jesus used on that fateful night was also used to catch his blood as he hung on the cross.


 Joseph of Arimathea and The Holy Grail.

When Joseph of Arimathea found his way to Albion, he brought the sacred Chalice with him. Joseph settled in The Island of Glass (Glastonbury) and here he hid the Holy Grail down a sacred well. The water of the well instantly turned red and tasted of blood.

The Chalice Well Gardens ~ Glastonbury

The Grail's hiding place remained a secret for many years, and over time it became the stuff of legends. The stuff of folklore.

The Chalice Well
 Chrétien de Troyes and Arthurian Legend

At the end of the 12th Century, Chrétien de Troyes, a French poet, took up the story of the Grail. He wove the story of the Grail into the story of King Arthur and his Knights.

Chrétien de Troyes ~ Wikipedia The importance of de Troyes influence on Arthurian legend cannot be overlooked. It is de Troyes that introduced us to Lancelot and the love triangle. It is de Troyes that first introduced the idea of the Knights Quest for the Holy Grail. He also introduced us to the knight that would discover the Grail's hiding place — Sir Percival.

Perceval, the Story of the Grail.

If nothing else, de Troyes certainly sparked the imagination of the populace, for what could be more romantic than these chivalrous, heroic knights, searching for the sacred cup of their religion?
Robert de Boron (late 12th Century French Poet) went into even more detail when he took up the story.

The Holy Grail of Valencia, with the cup made from a piece of agate carved during the time of Christ ~ Wikipedia
But it was Vulgate Cycle (Lancelot-Grail), which was written in the 13th Century by an unknown author that really cemented the Grail Quest with Arthur and his Knights.
The central character of the story is Lancelot. However, instead of Percival being the ultimate Grail hunting knight, it is Lancelot's son, Galahad.

George Frederick Watts (1817 - 1904) ~ Wikipedia
The Holy Grail and Arthurian Legend
(An abridged version!) 

Whitsunday (the eve of Pentecost), Camelot.


One day a woman of great beauty came to Arthur's court. She was immediately taken with Lancelot — who wasn't? She asked Lancelot if he would consent to a walk in the woods. Lancelot agreed, and the two set off for what Lancelot assumed would be a romantic stroll. Was he in for a surprise!

The lady led Lancelot to a convent, and there waiting for him were his cousins — Sir Bors and Sir Lionel.



The Abbess introduced Lancelot to a handsome young man. She asked if Lancelot would be so kind as to knight him. There was a moment of shared bemusement between the cousin, but Lancelot agreed to the nun’s request.
Sir Bors could not help but notice that there was something strangely familiar about the young man. He was the image of Lancelot. Lancelot took a closer look at the young man and conceded that this was his child. Who knew...?
Not long after, the Knights were summoned back to Camelot for a meeting at the Round Table.


There was an empty chair pulled up to the Round Table. This chair was known as the Siege Perilous, and it was waiting for that one special knight who would find the Holy Grail. It just so happens that this special knight was Lancelot son, Galahad. Galahad took his place with the chosen few.

Sir Galahad sits at the Siege Perilous, 15th-century French manuscript ~ Wikipedia

When Galahad sat down an image of the Grail floated above the table. There could be no mistake. God wanted Arthur and his Knights to find the Grail. 

The Holy Grail, by Évrard d'Espinques c. 1475 ~ Wikipedia


This was by far the greatest quest the knights have ever been on. While they set off in groups, Galahad decided to go it alone, but alas, he was not successful. The Grail continued to be elusive. Eventually, Galahad was reunited with Bors and Percival.

Percival's sister showed them where the Grail ship was, but unfortunately, she died, and Bors offered to take her body back home.
How Sir Galahad, Sir Bors and Sir Percival were Fed with the Sanc Grael; But Sir Percival's Sister Died by the Way, an 1864 watercolour by Dante Gabriel Rossetti ~ Wikipedia

Galahad had a vision, and he saw things that no mere mortal man could ever imagine. He now knew where the Grail was hidden. He explained to his fellow knights that the Grail was in Briton, but despite the code of chivalry, Camelot was unworthy to be its keeper. The Grail had to be taken to Sarras (a mystical land) — this was a command from God and must be obeyed.
The Grail was on the ship, waiting for them, and they took it to Sarras. They watched in amazement as the cup was lifted to the heavens and disappeared.
Galahad, after seeing the Grail, made a rather odd request. He asked that he may be allowed to die at a time of his choosing. After a visit with Joseph of Arimathea, which was truly glorious, he made his request to die. He said goodbye to Percival and Bors, and the angels came down and took him to heaven.

Image of Galahad from a tapestry by Edward Burne-Jones, c. 1894 ~ Wikipedia
The Grail has never been seen on earth, from this day on, for it has gone home. 
 What did the Church think of this story?
The idea of a magic cup - cauldron - was a very common theme in Celtic myths, not so much the Bible. It was, in short, a pagan tale that was rewritten by a French poet with a socially acceptable Christian theme. But it captured the imagination of the country and has been associated with Arthur and his Knights ever since.

Reference
Unless otherwise stated all images can be found on Pixabay.

 The Du Lac Chronicles
If you fancy finding out what happened after the death of King Arthur then why not check out my award-winning historical fantasy series — The Du Lac Chronicles.
  Amazon US
Amazon UK

Read for free with

Author’s Inspiration ~ David O. Stewart #HistFic #HistoricalMystery #Giveaway @hfvbt

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

The Babe Ruth Deception  By David O. Stewart

As the Roaring Twenties get under way, corruption seems everywhere–from the bootleggers flouting Prohibition to the cherished heroes of the American Pastime now tarnished by scandal. Swept up in the maelstrom are Dr. Jamie Fraser and Speed Cook…
Babe Ruth, the Sultan of Swat, is having a record-breaking season in his first year as a New York Yankee. In 1920, he will hit more home runs than any other team in the American League. Larger than life on the ball field and off, Ruth is about to discover what the Chicago White Sox players accused of throwing the 1919 World Series are learning–baseball heroes are not invulnerable to scandal. With suspicion in the air, Ruth’s 1918 World Series win for the Boston Red Sox is now being questioned. Under scrutiny by the new baseball commissioner and enmeshed with gambling kingpin Arnold Rothstein, Ruth turns for help to Speed Cook–a former professional ballplayer himself before the game was segregated and now a promoter of Negro baseball–who’s familiar with the dirty underside of the sport.
Cook in turn enlists the help of Dr. Jamie Fraser, whose wife Eliza is coproducing a silent film starring the Yankee outfielder. Restraint does not come easily to the reckless Ruth, but the Frasers try to keep him in line while Cook digs around.
As all this plays out, Cook’s son Joshua and Fraser’s daughter Violet are brought together by a shocking tragedy. But an interracial relationship in 1920 feels as dangerous as a public scandal–even more so because Joshua is heavily involved in bootlegging. Trying to protect Ruth and their own children, Fraser and Cook find themselves playing a dangerous game. Once again masterfully blending fact and fiction, David O. Stewart delivers a nail-biting historical mystery that captures an era unlike any America has seen before or since in all its moral complexity and dizzying excitement.
“(The Babe Ruth Deception) cleverly mixes real-life people and historical events. The problems of the unlikely sleuths will particularly appeal to baseball fans.”
Kirkus Reviews
“This is so much more than a baseball book. There’s a lot of the Babe, but it’s a history book, a mystery book, a complex book that beautifully details an era in America. I loved it!”
Tim Kurkjian, ESPN Baseball Contributor and Author
Author’s Inspiration


My Ten Best Mystery/Thriller WritersBy David O. StewartTo wrap up my month-long blog tour marking the paperback launch of my historical mystery, The Babe Ruth Deception, I want to honor ten mystery/thriller writers who made me want to write that type of book.  The list reflects my tastes, freely acknowledged here:·      Not a lot of gore or mass violence.  They’re distractions.·      Smart, polished writing.·      Close, loving attention to the people in the story, not just the story – unless the story’s totally amazing.John Le Carré  -- The master.  From The Spy Who Came in From the Cold (1963) through Russia House (1989), Le Carré captured the tensions, hypocrisies, and terrors of the Cold War.  With the fall of the Soviet Union, he reinvented himself, exploring the same themes around the globe in great yarns like The Constant Gardener (2001), The Tailor of Panama (1996), and Our Kind of Traitor (2010).  Witty, ironic, the Muse of Moral Ambiguity. Elmore Leonard – The master, American version, who packed more description into fewer words than anyone.  Try this character from Tishomingo Blues: “all the way cool.”  You could use more words, but why?  He did Detroit-based stories (Split Images, City Primeval), Florida stories (Maximum Bob, Out of Sight) and anything he damn well pleased.  Get Shorty may be perfect.  Eric Ambler – This British espionage writer created dense atmosphere, quirky characters, and compelling yarns.  The early books (Journey Into Fear, The Mask of Dimitrios) explore devious men wandering through the world-gone-mad of fascism and communism.  His later books widened his scope.  A favorite is his last, The Care of Time (as in “time will take care of him”).Rex Stout – I haven’t yet joined the Nero Wolfe Literary Society (yup, there is one!), but I can’t resist the fat epicurean sleuth who loves orchids and never leaves his Manhattan townhouse (well, hardly ever).  Sidekick Archie Goodwin is the perfect counterweight.  Try The League of Frightened Men, or Too Many Cooks, or any of them.P.D. James – A Scotland Yard investigator who writes poetry?  What can I say – it works in her Adam Dalgleish books (Cover Her Face, The Private Patient).  James also made time for a woman protagonist, An Unsuitable Job for a Woman.  Thoughtful, carefully-observed stories that draw you in deeper and deeper.Olen Steinhauer – I know, I know, this the first writer on my list who’s still alive.  In fact, still in his 40s.  Concentrating on spy stories, Steinhauer already has produced a great trilogy (loved The American Spy) and excellent stand-alone books (try The Cairo Affair).  The tension crackles, the intrigue is compelling.  An entire book told through a single dinner between former colleagues?  He pulled it off, beautifully, in All the Old Knives.Robert B. Parker – The Spenser books.  I rest my case.  One of the few recurring-character series that I just kept coming back for.  They’re so good that they’re still coming out even though Parker died seven years ago (written by Ace Atkins).  The novels go down fast, with the smoothest pacing.  Try Early Autumn or The Judas Goat.  Josephine Tey – Her novel The Daughter of Time showed that an investigator could unearth secrets from the historical past (in her case, the 15th-century killing of the princes in the Tower of London).   That inspired my first mystery, The Lincoln Deception.  Though I haven’t been crazy about her other books, Daughter of Time is perfect.Arthur Conan Doyle – It’s crazy to have him down this low on the list.  Sherlock Holmes will always be with us.  The dog that didn’t bark.  There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.  When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.  Great stuff.  Charles McCarry – Another espionage writer, also alive (!).  McCarry’s first novel, The Miernik Dossier, was extraordinary.  His novel about the Kennedy assassination, The Tears of Autumn, is the best guess I’ve seen as to what happened in Dallas in November 1963.  That’s my list so far.  Great writers didn’t make the cut:  Raymond Chandler, John D. MacDonald, Dashiell Hammett, Agatha Christie.  Hey, it’s MY list.  Who’s on yours? David O. Stewart is the author of the Fraser/Cook mystery series, The Lincoln Deception (2013), The Wilson Deception (2015), and The Babe Ruth Deception (2016). 

Giveaway
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away two paperback copies of The Babe Ruth Deception! To enter, please see the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
• Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on July 27th. 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 Here

Links for Purchase
Amazon
 Barnes & Noble
 Books-a-Million
 IndieBound   
About the author

David O. Stewart, formerly a lawyer, writes fiction and history. His first historical work told the story of the writing of the Constitution (“The Summer of 1787”). It was a Washington Post Bestseller and won the Washington Writing Prize for Best Book of 2007. His second book (“Impeached”), grew from a judicial impeachment trial he defended before the United States Senate in 1989. “American Emperor: Aaron Burr’s Challenge to Jefferson’s America” explored Burr’s astounding Western expedition of 1805-07 and his treason trial before Chief Justice John Marshall. “Madison’s Gift: Five Partnerships That Built America” debuted in February 2015. He has received the 2013 History Award of the Society of the Cincinnati and the 2016 William Prescott Award for History Writing from the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America.
Stewart’s fiction career began with the release of “The Lincoln Deception,” an historical novel exploring the John Wilkes Booth conspiracy. “The Wilson Deception,” the sequel, is set at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919. “The Babe Ruth Deception” occurs during the Babe’s first two years with the Yankees while he remade baseball and America began the modern era with Prohibition, bootlegging, and terrorism.Stewart lives with his wife in Maryland.Useful Links Website

The Babe Ruth Deception by David O. Stewart
Publication Date: June 27, 2017Kensington BooksHardcover & eBook; 304 PagesSeries: A Fraser and Cook Mystery (Book 3)Genre: Fiction/Historical/Mysteries/Baseball

July News from Mary Anne Yarde #amwriting #HistoricalFiction

Hi everyone, I hope you are all well!
There have been some exciting things afoot this month for me. I have almost finished with the rewrites for The Du Lac Princess (Book 3 of The Du Lac Chronicles). I am hoping to send it off to my editor at the end of the week. The Du Lac Princess has taken me on quite a journey and writing it has certainly been a very emotional experience. I can’t wait to share it with you.
I have also been busy working with my book designer for the cover of Book 3, and I think it might be my favourite cover so far. I will be revealing the cover very soon.
In other news…
I was thrilled to receive a Discovered Diamond Review for The Du Lac Chronicles.
You can read the full review here…


I also found out that The Du Lac Devil is a finalist in the Golden Quill Award. Yay!!

The Contest Judges were asked to rate the books 0-10 based on the questions below: 

Is the story line engaging and interesting enough to make you turn the pages?
Is the protagonist's character well developed? (You can relate to it)
Is the antagonist character well developed? (You love to hate it)
Is the authors' writing style engaging and makes the story flow well?
Is the formatting and or illustrations aesthetically pleasing?
Did you find the story idea original?
Is the plot well thought out and well developed? (no inconsistencies and flows well)
Satisfying ending (happy ending or not, did it leave you satisfied with the conclusion of the story?)
​
The FINALIST books received 8-10 points out of 10:
You can find all the finalists, including myself, here...

Blog News.
Remember to keep an eye on the blog in the coming months as I have some fabulous guest authors coming on to talk about the inspirations behind their books. I don't know about you, but I love Author's Inspiration, I am always fascinated about what inspires authors’ to write their books.
Anyway, I need to go and procrastinate on Twitter and Facebook for a while.I'll catch up with you all soon.
Take Care
Mary Anne xxx

#BookBlast ~ An Epiphany in Lilacs #YA #HistFic #WWII @hfvbt @IrisDorbian

 Book Blast ~ Historical Virtual Book Tour Presents....  An Epiphany in Lilacs ByIris Dorbian   
An Epiphany In Lilacs is a young adult novel set in a DP camp outside Hamburg, Germany following the end of World War II. The author, Iris Dorbian, captures in this story a unique glimpse into the period after the Holocaust when survivors had to deal with their new realities for living, based on her father’s personal experience. After liberation in May 1945, Daniel, a 14-year-old Latvian Jew, is treated in a field hospital in the British zone of partitioned Germany. A survivor of various concentration camps, Daniel fights to recover from starvation and disease. Racked by nightmares, a nearly nightly occurrence, Daniel finds sleep almost impossible. Through his love of nature, and pre-war memories, Daniel struggles to find comfort. He forms an intriguing bond with an older German gentile, another survivor. Later on, as he joins a theater troupe, Daniel tries to move on with his life, yet still searching for the whereabouts of his mother and two sisters. Poised on the cusp of a new life, young Daniel makes his way to the country that will become his new home.
“Rich with powerful and piercing historical references, An Epiphany in Lilacs: In the Aftermath of the Camps by Iris Dorbian captures the reality of Jews who survived the Holocaust, the inner scars and the struggles with uncertainty, incessant nightmares, and fitting into the day-to-day lifestyle of ordinary people. It is a heart-wrenching story, told in excellent prose and in the author’s unique style. I have been a huge fan of Holocaust literature, starting with Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, and have always felt appalled by man’s cruelty to fellow man. In this new book, the author explores the terrible effects of a fragment of history on the life of a little boy. This is a story to read and share, a powerful story about freedom and the perils of war. Well-crafted with compelling characters and interesting themes.”
 Divine Zape for Readers’ Favorite
“This was a lovely and inspiring read about survival after the war. The fact that this is based on the author’s personal accounts made this absolutely mesmerizing. This was such a tragic and heartbreaking time in our history, so to be able to read a story like this was like none other. Iris really captures this time period quite well through her father. The connection Daniel finds with the older German (another survivor of the war) and his story about rebuilding his life in the country while searching for his family makes it impossible to put book down.”
Rainy Day Reviews/Bookjunkie Mom Blog

Giveaway
During the Blog Tour we are giving away a signed copy of An Epiphany in Lilacs to one lucky winner! To enter please see the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
• Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on July 27th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
 • Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
• Only one entry per household.
• All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any 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 (Kindle)
 Amazon (Paperback)
 Barnes & Noble (Paperback)
 IndieBound (Paperback)
  About the author
Iris Dorbian is a business and arts journalist whose articles have appeared in a wide number of outlets that include the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Venture Capital Journal, Buyouts, Investopedia, DMNews, Jerusalem Report, the Forward, Playbill, Backstage, Theatermania, Live Design, Media Industry Newsletter and PR News. From 1999 to 2007, Iris was the editor-in-chief of Stage Directions. She is the author of “Great Producers: Visionaries of the American Theater,” which was published by Allworth Press in August 2008. Her personal essays have been published in Blue Lyra Review, B O D Y, Embodied Effigies, Jewish Literary Journal, Diverse Voices Quarterly, Adanna Literary Journal, ThisSpace.org, Skirt! and Gothesque Magazine. A New Jersey native, Iris has a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University.

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An Epiphany in Lilacs by Iris DorbianPublication Date: January 1, 2017Mazo PublisherseBook & Papberback; 180 PagesGenre: Young Adult/Historical Fiction/World War II





 

#bookreview ~ The King's Daughter #historicalfantasy @WriterChurchill

The King’s DaughterBy Stephanie Churchill  In this gripping sequel to The Scribe's Daughter, a young woman finds herself unwittingly caught up in a maelstrom of power, intrigue, and shifting perceptions, where the line between ally and enemy is subtle, and the fragile facade of reality is easily broken.

Irisa's parents are dead and her younger sister Kassia is away on a journey when the sisters’ mysterious customer returns, urging Irisa to leave with him before disaster strikes. Can she trust him to keep her safe? How much does he know about the fate of her father? Only a voyage across the Eastmor Ocean to the land of her ancestors will reveal the truth about her family’s disturbing past. Once there, Irisa steps into a future she has unknowingly been prepared for since childhood, but what she discovers is far more sinister than she could have ever imagined. Will she have the courage to claim her inheritance for her own?
What did I think of the book?
What if everything you thought you knew was a lie…
Irisa is a nobody. She is a poverty stricken young woman like the rest of the people in her neighbourhood. Irisa and her sister are only one breath away from being evicted, but thankfully Kassia has been hired for a job, so perhaps this month they will be able to make the rent.
But the life the sisters have known is about to come to a sudden and abrupt end.
Unbeknown to Irisa, her deceased parents have a past — a past that could cost the lives of both Irisa and her sister. Irisa has many questions, but the cost of discovering who they really are will come at a terrible price.
I was so looking forward to reading the sequel to The Scribe's Daughter, and I am pleased to say Stephanie Churchill did not disappoint.
The King's Daughter is a heartbreakingly emotional journey of discovery. In The Scribes Daughter, Irisa was portrayed as the delicate sister, the one that needed looking after by her sister, but Irisa has an inner strength and a quick wit. She is as much a survivor as Kassia is.
The story itself was incredibly fast-paced with many unexpected twist and turns that kept me turning those pages with anticipation.  The world Ms Churchill has created is so vivid in the telling that it is very easy to visualise, and her characterisation of both the protagonists and the antagonists were so well drawn that they practically breathed life.
The King's Daughter captivated me from beginning to end, and it is a story that I am sure I will come back to again. If ever there was a sit-down-and-finish book, then this is it. Kudos, Ms Churchill. But don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself.
I Highly Recommend.
*I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the author for review consideration.*
Available for pre-orderRelease 1stSeptember 2017  Amazon USAmazon UK
About the author
I used to live my life as an unsuspecting part of the reading public. Spending my days in a Georgetown law firm just outside downtown Washington, D.C., by all outward appearances I was a paralegal working in international trade and then antitrust law. I liked books, and I read them often, but that's all I was: a reader of books.

When my husband and I got married, I moved to the Minneapolis metro area and found work as a corporate paralegal, specializing in corporate formation, mergers & acquisitions, and corporate finance. Again, by all outward appearances, I was a paralegal and a reader of books.

And then one day, while on my lunch break, I visited the neighboring Barnes & Noble and happened upon a book by author Sharon Kay Penman, and while I'd never heard of her before, I took a chance and bought the book. That day I became a reader of historical fiction.

Fast forward a dozen years or so, and I had become a rabid fan of Sharon Kay Penman's books as well as historical fiction in general. Because of a casual comment she'd made on social media, I wrote Ms. Penman a ridiculously long review of her latest book, Lionheart. As a result of that review, she asked me what would become the most life-changing question: "Have you ever thought about writing?" And The Scribe's Daughter was born.

When I'm not writing or taxiing my two children to school or other activities, I'm likely walking Cozmo, our dog or reading another book to review. 

New Release — The Awakening – Embrace beyond Passion #Viking #Romance #HistFic @sarahdahl13

  The AwakeningEmbrace beyond Passion BySarah Dahl

The second in the collection of sensual short stories set in the Viking age, the Tales of Freya:
In a world of crackling fires and rough landscapes, long winters and bloody raids, the immediacy of life and death ignites undeniable passions. Warriors and monks, healers and housewives – all follow the call of their hearts and bodies to indulge in pleasures that may forever change their lives …
Ingrid leads a quiet, joyless life with a husband who is oblivious to her needs. Every time the dragon boats carry him away, she resigns herself to the solitude of her modest hilltop farm by the fjord. But her uneventful world is shaken to the core when the shadows of her house reveal a secret that sets her passions afire. “Full of passion and rich historical detail . . . an enthralling read, impossible to put down.”

Book Excerpt
Ingrid felt Rikard’s eyes on her, piercing through the dark. Her heart strained against her chest, thudding nervously, knowing she wouldn’t manage a polite conversation. His presence paralysed her. His dark voice derailed her every thought. She stared into the flames, wringing her hands as if to warm them.
Before she knew it, his hands covered hers. She winced as if bitten, eyes wide from the unexpected touch. How dare he …. But being an able warrior, he must have scanned the room for onlookers before reaching out. He knew he was safe.
“Ice-cold,” he stated matter-of-factly.
Oh, by the gods, how could he? Even though they had known each other since childhood, they had never exchanged more than a few polite words at the market. She remembered how the air had crackled between them after his return from his longest trip. His eyes had lingered on her, and her flush deepened so much she thought everyone around them would notice. As far as she knew, he wasn’t tied to a farm, a wife, or family. He lived on the earl’s estate, waiting to join the next raid.
As if that made a difference.
Strong, calloused fingers began to gently massage her, while Rikard kept his eyes on the fire. Breathless, she was unable to retrieve her hands. His palms radiated badly needed life into her stiff fingers, burning marks onto her skin where he stroked. She knew she’d be staring at the invisible pattern later, when she was alone.
“What brought you here?” His head did not move to look at her.
“I … I wanted to —”
He chuckled and his eyes met hers, silencing her. Little bright dots danced in their coal blackness.


Links for PurchasePronounAmazon US Amazon UK

About the author  Sarah Dahl lives on the edge of the rural German Eifel and writes historical fiction (novels and short stories) primarily set in the Viking age. She also works as an editor, translates, and coaches new writers in German and English. She is interested in everyday life in bygone centuries and the human stories that may have occurred behind the hard, historical facts. Her author page is: sarah-dahl.com
Useful LinksAuthor homepage and blogMailing list Book AlertFacebookTwitterPublisher Pronoun  GoodreadsAmazon.com author page
Amazon.co.uk author page
The Awakening – Embrace beyond PassionPublication date: July 21, 2017Published by: Pronoun
Series: Tales of Freyap.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 11.0px Times}