Mary Anne Yarde's Blog: The Coffee Pot Book Club , page 209

Author’s Inspiration ~ M J Porter #HistFic @coloursofunison

It is with the greatest of pleasures that I welcome historical fiction author, M J Porter, onto the blog to talk about the inspirations behind her latest book…
The First Queen of EnglandThe tenth century Anne Boleyn


In fulfilment of her husband's dying wishes, the bereaved Elfrida seeks out the youthful King Edgar, and falls passionately in love with him, despite the fact he's already married. With the King reciprocating her feelings, the pair decides to make use of what they can in order to marry; the churchmen, the nobility; the factions vying for his good will. But just when she believes she's achieved all that she wants, the King's past resurfaces and threatens all that she's worked for.
Author’s Inspiration
I have written a number of series based in Anglo-Saxon England (In chronological order they are Gods and Kings, Chronicles of the English and The Earls of Mercia), and one of the biggest problems is a lack of visible women. This doesn’t mean they didn’t exist, but they are little mentioned although they had a much better place in society than many might well think, confusing Anglo Saxon England with the Medieval period when women were very much badly served by their men.
I’ve written almost exclusively about men in the past, but the story of Queen Elfrida presented an opportunity to both focus on the women of the period, and offer a slightly more ‘romantic’ take on the period. Why? It was nothing that I did, but rather an appreciation that during the 960’s there’s a huge mingling of three different generations of powerful women at the court of King Edgar and they all had their own story to tell. Elfrida was simply the focus of this particular story because ultimately she does become the first crowned queen of England, her predecessors either being crowned queen of Wessex or queen of the Anglo-Saxons, but all these women would have had a prominent position at the King’s court. I enjoyed working out the family dynamics and who would have politically ‘liked’ who. It also presented an opportunity to present the Anglo-Saxon people in an unwarlike setting. This is rare as war, whilst not constant, was a near constant threat.
And as with almost all my novels, it also gave me the opportunity to try and present a more ‘neutral’ image of Elfrida. In later history her reputation was to suffer greatly, and sometimes it’s a revelation to peel back the layers of history and try and make a stab at some sort of truth. And much like Anne Boleyn, many centuries later, she also has the reputation of snagging the eye of a king who was both already married, but a little lacking in children. Coincidentally, King Edgar’s reign is also most often characterized as a time of religious upheaval, and while it might not have come about as a means of gaining a divorce (divorce seems to have been much easier in the Anglo-Saxon period and quite often the right of the woman to instigate) it meant that Elfrida was at Court at a time of unease and also very powerful religious men who had the ear of the king and who the king welcomed.
The story of Elfrida also allows me to ‘link’ two of my series a little better – The Chronicles of the English ends in 946 whereas The Earls of Mercia begins in 994.All in all, Elfrida’s story was one that I thought needed to be told. It’s about time that the study of English history began long before 1066, and if it takes a little touch of fiction to work that magic, then I will happily provide it.


Links to Purchase Amazon US Amazon UK  
About the author
I'm an author of fantasy (viking age/dragon themed) and historical fiction (Anglo-Saxon, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest), born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since the end of Anglo-Saxon England. I write A LOT. You've been warned! 
My first historical fiction novel, Ealdorman, is about to be published by Endeavour Press, and all of my other stories have been indie published through Amazon and Smashwords.

Find me at http://mjporterauthor.co.uk , http://dragonofunison.co.uk  and http://earlsofmercia.co.uk and @coloursofunison on twitter and https://www.patreon.com/MJPorter
Thank you!

Book #giveaway ~ The Du Lac Chronicles #Anniversary

"An evocative, timeless saga of love and betrayal, it has rivalry and treachery enough for any ‘Game of Thrones’ aficionado..." Tony Riches, author of The Tudor Trilogy.
The Du Lac Chronicles
ByMary Anne Yarde


A generation after Arthur Pendragon ruled, Briton lies fragmented into warring kingdoms and principalities.
Eighteen-year-old Alden du Lac ruled the tiny kingdom of Cerniw. Now he half-hangs from a wooden pole, his back lashed into a mass of bloody welts exposed to the cold of a cruel winter night. He’s to be executed come daybreak—should he survive that long.
When Alden notices the shadowy figure approaching, he assumes death has come to end his pain. Instead, the daughter of his enemy, Cerdic of Wessex, frees and hides him, her motives unclear.
Annis has loved Alden since his ill-fated marriage to her Saxon cousin—a marriage that ended in blood and guilt—and she would give anything to protect him. Annis’s rescue of Alden traps them between a brutal Saxon king and Alden’s remaining allies. Meanwhile, unknown forces are carefully manipulating the ruins of Arthur’s legacy.
***
What is on your bucket list?
Write a book and publish it.
That was always at the top of my wish list.On the 21st February 2016, I finally ticked that box.
A year on and I invite you to celebrate that milestone with me. I am giving away one signed paperback copy of The Du Lac Chronicles. To be in with a chance to enter all you have to do is caption this picture!! (leave your comments below). The winner will be announced on the 28th February 2017. Good Luck!



Book Extract from The Du Lac Chronicles
“I was informed my bride to be had absconded with an escaped prisoner. I did not realise the prisoner was you.”“Well, now you do.”“Alden, you could be a little more pleasant, considering you are in my country and you are hoping to convince me to loan you a boat. I have a good mind to send you back to Wessex.”“Oeric had the same idea.”“Did he? Well, I can’t say I am surprised. What happened to your arm?”Annis thought Alden would refuse to answer but then he sighed heavily, as if he was fed up with the hostility. “A wound, courtesy of Oeric's archers.”“They let loose at you?”“Yes, who would have thought? And them being such good allies of mine and everything.”“One day your sarcasm is going to get you killed.”“My sarcasm? I have thought of many reasons why Wessex wanted me dead, but I never considered sarcasm. Thanks for clearing that up.”
Awards
Winner -- N.N.Light Award for Best Romance 2016
Bronze Medal Winner -- Circle Of Books Rings Of Honor Awards 2016
Semifinalist -- The Golden Box Book Publishing Golden Book Award 2017

Links for purchase
"I can honestly say that this is one of the best books I have ever read as it combined many of the elements I love. It had forbidden romance, daring heroes, a road trip, court intrigue, war, sword fights and a medieval time setting with horses, knights and honour.........what more could you want?" Melinda Howard, Netgalley Professional Reads, Top #100 Goodreads reviewer.
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Read the series for #FREE on #KindleUnlimited
 

#bookreview ~ A New Beginning #histfic #Romance @KansasCrossroad

A New Beginning(Kansas Crossroads Book 1)
By
Amelia C. Adams



Handsome young heir Adam Brody sees nothing but possibilities in the sprawling old building he's just purchased. With a little hard work, he will transform it into a hotel to meet the needs of those traveling by railroad. Aunt Caroline believes he's lost his mind, but she agrees to help him give it a try.

Left a widow with a small daughter, Elizabeth Caldwell must find work. When she sees an advertisement in the newspaper inquiring about cheerful young women to work in a hotel, she decides to apply. However, the hotel owner specifically requested single ladies, so she must hide her former marital status, and her child, if she wishes to get the job.

With cloudy pasts to overcome, both Adam and Elizabeth want to believe in a bright future. Will they find the strength they need in each other, or will their differences keep them apart?
What did I think of the book?
This book really got under my skin. The writing is flawless, elegant and just plain lovely. Ms Adam's captured my attention with the opening sentence and, from there on in, I was hooked.
Ms Adam’s has brought 19th Century Kansas back to life — she has done her research. I can honestly say that reading this book was like a symphony to the senses. I could feel the heat of the sun. See the dust on the road and almost taste Agatha’s cake (I so want the recipe). This book was all-consuming and completely enthralling.
A New Beginning is a classic love story and is a compelling page-turner. The romance between Adam and Elizabeth has been beautifully composed and very believable. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the romance unfold.
There are some interesting side characters in this book — I especially liked Aunt Caroline and Harriet. I was very pleased to discover that A New Beginning is Book 1 of a series. I can't wait to read the rest of the books.
This book has a big thumb’s up for me. But be warned, make sure you have a couple of hours spare before you pick this book up because you are so not going to want to put it down.
I Highly Recommend.
Links for PurchaseAmazon USAmazon UK
About the author


Amelia C. Adams is a wife, a mother, and a novelist. She spends her days dreaming up stories and her nights writing them down. Her biggest hero is her husband, and you might just see bits and pieces of him as you read her novels.

She loves all things historical and enjoys learning about days gone by, but she's glad she was born more recently (she won't say how recently or not recently) because the Internet is awesome, and she's glad she doesn't have to wash her clothes by hand in a galvanized tub. She has hit Amazon bestseller status twice, once for A Clean Slate and once for A Clear Hope.

You can reach Amelia at ameliaadamsauthor@gmail.com or visit her at www.a

bookreview ~ A Bed of Wild Roses #Regency #Romance @wackyjackyful

A Bed of Wild RosesFlowers of the Aristocracy (Untamed Regency Book 1) ByJackie Williams
A Regency Mystery Romance.

An innocent kiss might not have sealed her fate. Even a scandalously slippery jelly could be explained away. But revealing one’s long hidden charms to the local nobility can only lead Lady Felicity into marriage or ruination.

How could a childhood game become so complicated? How could a dessert behave so decadently? And how could his own shrubbery become so untamed? Caught between debt, honour, and Felicity’s more than irate brother, Lord Algernon Barclay’s immediate future can only lead in one direction. Straight into a parson’s noose.

But even while reconciling themselves to their fate, a killer stalks. Amid attempted murder, thieving relatives, and renovating an impoverished estate, will they surrender to their shared attraction, or will Algernon’s stubborn heart convince her to give up and leave him.
What did I think of the book?
It has been a while since I have read a Regency Romance, and I was looking forward to diving in between the covers of A Bed Of Wild Roses. If the blurb was anything to go by then, this book was going to be a terrific read.
I had high expectations for this book, and I am pleased to say that I wasn't disappointed. This book had everything a great Regency Romance needs. A terrific historical backdrop. A dashing hero. A feminine yet, feisty heroine. An evil antagonist and a would-be brother-in-law who kept getting the wrong end of the stick, with sometimes disastrous, but amusing, consequences.
The story was fast-paced and very engaging. I adored the characterisation of all the characters, especially Algernon, Felicity and Brendon. They all had very distinct personalities and were very real in the telling.
The romance was swoon worthy. It was beautifully portrayed and very easy to get lost in. I loved it!
If you love quality Regency Romance, then check out A Bed of Wild Roses.
I Highly Recommend.


Links for PurchaseAmazon USAmazon UK

About the author


I was born in Essex England during the mid sixties but I missed all the fun. Being only young I assumed that all Beatles were six legged creatures and Flower Power was something to do with the vigorous way my mother kneaded the bread dough.

My wonderful parents brought me up with a huge love of books. We read anything and everything. Bedtime stories were a treasured time of adventure and mystery. My sister and I sat wide eyed in wonder and to this day I worry about Dinah and Dorinda being pricked with pins because they grew so fat, and I never pull faces at the a waning moon (or was it a waxing one?) just in case my chops stay that way . (The Wind On The Moon)

I began reading romance while still at school. The fuel for many a teenage fantasy leapt from between the covers of wildly romantic books and my passion still lingers now for all those dark haired heroes.

My own beautiful teenage daughter persuaded me to write my first romance. She was only fourteen at the time and between books for children and adults. She couldn’t find anything that ticked all her numerous and particular boxes and so she asked me to write a book, with all the exact ingredients just for her. Though not just a book for teens, she enjoyed the resulting tale so much that she shared it with her friends and I eventually published A Perfect Summer as an ebook on amazon.

But I have discovered that writing is not easily stopped once you start. It has turned into a grand passion that I just cannot hold back. The fingertips start tapping the keys and ideas suddenly come flooding, far too many for just one book and so I began another and then another. Nine books later I am still nowhere near done. Book ten is on its way and only just the other night I woke from a wild and wonderful dream with book eleven fully formed in my head.

Romance will always be my first love but recently I was so influenced by a tiny polished plaque on a sea wall that I gave paranormal romance a try. (Echo Beach) Mixing the two genres was a real challenge for me but I was delighted with the result. Historical romance is going to be my next genre. All those fabulously titled and passionate men are impossibly hard to resist.

In Search of the Real King Arthur with Mary Anne Yarde #Arthurian

You can find me over at Cynthia Ripley Miller’s Blog today. Just follow the link…
In search of the real King Arthur

In The Lime Light – Mary Anne Yarde -#Author #Interview

You can find me over at the fabulousBooknvolume today! Click on the link below...
Booknvolume 

Author’s Inspiration ~ Kristin H Richards #YA #fantasy

It is with the greatest of pleasures that I welcome Young Adult, historical fantasy/paranormal author, Kristin H Richards, on to the blog to talk about the inspirations behind her book.

CREPUSCULAR: Light In The Night
It begins in a small town in Canada called Fort Smith. Were Lucy and her sister Lisa are living with their Uncle Travis who adopted them when they were only one and three years old after his sister Elvira the girls mother and there father Maccon suddenly disappeared. Lucy is now eighteen and Lisa is sixteen and their lives are about to change dramatically over night when they will find out the truth about who they are and what they have become. Lucy falls in love with the new guy in town Nikolas but she had no idea that Vampires existed. Then one of her childhood best friend Ty who is a Werewolf comes back to town and sees Nikolas with her then he thinks it's time to start protecting Lucy and tell her what he really thinks of her. But that won't be as easy as he thought because when she fell in love with Nikolas she woke up all the Demons and Nikolas had only one option and that was to take here to Iceland in hope that the Vikings would help them find her parents and fight with them when the time came Ty had made up his mind about Nikolas and now they both had to protect her before she would change into one of the dangers animal killer out there.

Author’s Inspiration
I am a big fantasy fan and somehow fantasy comes easy to me. One night after I had been thinking about writing and all my family members were asleep I sat down in my living room and opened up my computer and began writing the first few words of the fantasy trilogy Crepuscular. I had no idea were this fantasy world would take me but I just kept on writing, day and night, night and day some how I just couldn't stop, it just flowed and sometimes I was surprised that I had even written this story myself I enjoyed every second of it. Everywhere I went I took down notes just going to the store and seeing something that inspired me I wrote down, even though I didn't use it in my story I wanted to have the opportunity to look at it if I could use it somewhere, sometimes I used my notes and sometimes I didn't but I always had my eyes open. I loved driving through and walking in the woods that's where my fantasy level went straight to 100%. I had no trouble coming back home and write a whole chapter but of course I had to read over every word I wrote and sometimes I made changes but mostly I was very satisfied with what I had wrote. It took me one year to write all of the three books and when I got to the end of the story I felt a little sadness like I was saying goodbye to someone I really cared about but I knew it was the right time to end it and I'm very pleased with the ending. These book are for all ages older adults will equally enjoy them as well.  I know once people start reading they will want to continue. These are YA fantasy were you'll be introduced to new creatures the Dragon-Vampires, they have been in our world longer then the Vampires have and only the Vikings and the Werewolves have known about there secret until now I really loved creating the Dragon-Vampires and the whole plot with them and also bringing the Vikings and the elves into the story made it something new and exciting. I loved that I could have Iceland included in this adventure because we don't have many fantasy story's with Vampires & Werewolves that are seen in Iceland so it the perfect place for the adventure to continue from Canada. In Volume 2 Crepuscular The Magic Of The Sun's Rays they will take the adventure to some new places that are very different from Canada and Iceland. If you are into YA fantasy, romance and adventure you can't let this one slip your fingers I heard from one of my readers that it was like the book came to life and it was like watching a movie in your head. Welcome into the world of Crepuscular and I hope you enjoy every bit of it. Kristin H Richards
Links to PurchaseAmazonB&NWalmart
About the authorKristin H Richards was born and raised on a small and cold Island in the Atlantic Ocean called Iceland she moved to Sweden for few years when she was very young with her single mother and 3 siblings. That's were Kristin started to love the fantasy world. After living in Sweden for few years they moved back to Iceland for 3 years as her mother went to school in the USA they moved to the states for 6 months and then back to Iceland were she stayed until her adult years. When she was 31 years of age she and her boyfriend with their three children wanted to try something new and moved to Sweden were all of her family lives today. They have lived there now for six and a half years and are very happy there. Kristin is a new published author of the trilogy Crepuscular her first book in the series is called Crepuscular Light In The Night. She is a fantasy lover that has been living in her own fantasy world since she was little. She used to use her imagination a lot when she was alone like walking home from school or going to the gymnastic every opportunity she got she started to create some new world that she liked from the age of seven and up to here teen years then she took up writing. Kristin never thought about publishing anything she wrote, she looked at it more for fun. She love writing poems as she did story's and when she started to have her own kids she wrote them their own story's were they were the main character and they loved it. Kristin has finished all three books in the crepuscular trilogy and she is very proud of the world she has created for her fans it took her about one year to write all three books and in October of 2015 she landed her first contract with a small publishing company in Scotland and few months later to be exact in March of 2016 her first book in the series was published. Now in the beginning of February of 2017 her second book Crepuscular The Magic Of The Sun's Rays will be published. She is a hard worker how loves writing and being around children and animals. If she could she would build a very big house were she could adopt all the children and animals that are in need of security and love. Her interest is being with her family, writing, tennis, being at the beach in warm weather and enjoying life as it comes. She has three children with her boyfriend of 24 years. Useful LinksFacebookTwitterInstagram kristinhrichards 

Goodreads Giveaway ~ The Du Lac Devil ~ have you entered yet?

"If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones and/or The Vikings, you’ll love the back-stabbing/political jockeying in The Du Lac Devil..." N.N.Light
"The Du Lac Devil combines great writing with storytelling skills to keep the reader's eyes riveted on the pages. The writing is clear and beautiful and the descriptions are vivid, painting a picture that readers can easily visualize as they read." Readers' Favorite.

If you would like to be in with a chance to win a signed, paperback copy of The Du Lac Devil, then enter the Goodreads Giveaway today!
Goodreads Giveaway

 The Award Winning and International Bestselling series ~ The Du Lac Chronicles ~ continues.
War is coming to Saxon Briton.
As one kingdom after another falls to the savage might of the High King, Cerdic of Wessex, only one family dares to stand up to him — The Du Lacs.
Budic and Alden Du Lac are barely speaking to each other, and Merton is a mercenary, fighting for the highest bidder. If Wessex hears of the brothers’ discord, then all is lost.
Fate brings Merton du Lac back to the ancestral lands of his forefathers, and he finds his country on the brink of civil war. But there is worse to come, for his father’s old enemy has infiltrated the court of Benwick. Now, more than ever, the Du Lac must come together to save the kingdom and themselves.
Can old rivalries and resentments be overcome in time to stop a war  Can wait for the Giveaway?Amazon US Amazon UK 

#bookreview ~ That Burning Summer #YA #histfic @LydiaSyson

That Burning Summer
By Lydia Syson

It’s July 1940 on the south coast of England. A plane crash-lands in the marsh, and sixteen-year-old Peggy finds its broken pilot—a young Polish airman named Henryk. Afraid and unwilling to return to the fight, Henryk needs a place to hide, and Peggy helps him find his way to a remote, abandoned church.

Meanwhile, Peggy’s eleven-year-old brother Ernest is doing his best to try to understand the war happening around him. He’s reading all the pamphlets—he knows all the rules, he knows exactly what to do in every situation. He’s prepared, but not for Peggy’s hidden pilot.

Told in alternating points of view, this is a beautifully written story about growing up in wartime and finding the difference between following the rules and following your heart. What Did I Think Of The Book?

I was really looking forward to reading this book. The cover is beautiful, and the blurb made it sound like a great read. I couldn't wait to get started.

I was quite taken back by how the book opened. I wasn't too sure what Ms Syson was trying to do initially, but it seemed as if I had stumbled onto some poorly written poetry that didn't make any sense. The prose were too lyrical, too short, and to sweetly sticky for my liking. It was difficult to read, let alone engage with.

But...it takes a great deal for me to give up on a book so I persevered, and in this instance, I am so glad I did.

As the book progressed, the writing became less flamboyant and began to have an easy to read flow to it. Ms Syson settles down to a very nice writing style, and the book blossomed.

The story itself is beautiful, and it is set in a very realistic backdrop of WW2. It is very clear that Ms Syson has done her homework and researched the era in great depth, for she brought it back to life. I got completely lost in this book and time flew by because I was so absorbed in the story.

Ms Syson deals with a few controversial subjects in this book, which I thought she handled with a very delicate hand. From a child's anxiety to what we call Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but what they would have called Shell Shock — which of course wasn't understood so well back then. She also deals with the contentious issue of those who would not bear arms against another, and she highlighted just how dreadful it was if you dared to refuse to go to war and fight. We often forget how barbaric the pacifists and their families were treated by the authorities and by their neighbours.

There are three protagonists in this book, and I liked the changing Points of Views. We have young Earnest, who is terrified he is going to stumble upon a spy. There is sixteen-year-old Peggy, who is convinced life is going to pass her by because of the war. Lastly, there is Henryk, a young Polish pilot who has lost his nerve to get back into an aeroplane. This story is about them, and it is sublime.

Despite the wobbly beginning, this book is really rather good. That Burning Summer is a very cleverly crafted piece of Young Adult Historical Fiction. It is worth checking out!
I Highly Recommend.

*I received this book for free copy of this book via Netgalley for review consideration*

Links For PurchaseAmazon USAmazon UK
About the author

Lydia Syson is a fifth-generation North Londoner who now lives south of the river with her partner and four children. After an early career as a BBC World Service Radio producer, she turned from the spoken to the written word, and developed an enduring obsession with history. Her PhD about poets, explorers and Timbuktu was followed by a biography of Britain’s first fertility guru, DOCTOR OF LOVE: JAMES GRAHAM AND HIS CELESTIAL BED, and then two YA novels for Hot Key Books set in the Spanish Civil War (A WORLD BETWEEN US) and World War Two (THAT BURNING SUMMER). LIBERTY’S FIRE, a passionate tale of the Paris Commune of 1871, is the third of her novels to be inspired, very loosely, by family history: Lydia’s anarchist great-great-grandmother moved in Co

Review Opportunity: The Du Lac Devil by Mary Anne Yarde @XpressoReads

You can now request a review copy of The Du Lac Devil by Mary Anne Yarde, a New Adult, Arthurian, historical fantasy. Reviews should be posted by April 20th. Review copies will be in PDF format. A copy of Book 1 can also be requested in the form, however The Du Lac Devil is a standalone.
Click here if you want to find out more!