Mary Anne Yarde's Blog: The Coffee Pot Book Club , page 42

Welcome to Day #10 of the blog tour for - Three Monkeys (DCI Jack Callum Mysteries Book 1) by Len Maynard #HistoricalFiction #Crime @len_maynard @storywhispers

 

Three Monkeys

(DCI JACK CALLUM MYSTERIES BOOK 1)BY LEN MAYNARD
OCTOBER 28TH – DECEMBER 30TH  2020AMAZON UK • AMAZON US

Publication Date: 22nd July 2020

Publisher: Sharpe Books

Page Length: 270 Pages

Genre: Historical Crime

1958.

A girl’s body is found in Hertfordshire.

Her eyes and mouth have been sewn shut. Candle wax has been poured into her ears to seal them.

DCI Jack Callum, policeman and dedicated family man, who cut his teeth walking the beat on the violent streets of London, before moving his family away from the city, to a safer, more restful life in the country, leads the investigation into this gruesome crime that shatters the peace of the sleepy English town.

Images of three monkeys are sent to the police to taunt them: see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. Something more sinister than a mere isolated murder seems to be going on as more victims come to light.

Who is doing this and why?

At the insistence of the first victim’s father, a local dignitary, officers from Scotland Yard are brought in to bring about a speedy conclusion to the case, side-lining Jack’s own investigation.

In a nail-biting climax, one of Jack’s daughters is snatched. Before she can become the next victim, Jack has to go against the orders of his superiors that have constantly hampered his investigation, and risk his own career in an attempted rescue at the killer’s own home.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Len Maynard was born in North London in 1953.

In 1978, a book of short ghost stories, written in collaboration with Michael Sims, was published by London publisher William Kimber. For the following forty years the pair wrote ten more collections of ghost stories before moving into novels in 2006, completing over thirty more books, including the successful Department 18 series of supernatural/crime crossover novels as well as several standalone novels and novellas in the supernatural and crime genres. Always a keen reader of crime novels, and with a passion for the social history of the twentieth century it was fairly inevitable that, when he decided to branch out and write under his own name, some kind of combination of these two interests would occur.  The six DCI Jack Callum Mysteries were the result of several years of total immersion in the world he created for Jack Callum, his family, his friends (and enemies) and his work colleagues. He has also written a trilogy of adventure thrillers set in the Bahamas (also available from Sharpe Books) He is currently at work on the seventh book in the DCI Jack Callum series.

Head over to Whispering Stories to find out the history behind the DCI Jack Callum series!

Click HERE!

Welcome to Day #3 of the blog tour for Donna Scott's fabulous book - The London Monster #HistoricalFiction @D_ScottWriter @BritonandDane

 

DECEMBER 16TH – FEBRUARY 17TH 2021AMAZON US • AMAZON UK

Publication Date: 21st November 2020

Publisher: Atlantic Publishing

Page Length: 322 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Historical Mystery

In 1788, exactly one hundred years before Jack the Ripper terrorizes the people of London, a sexual miscreant known as the London Monster roams the streets in search of his next victim…

Thomas Hayes, having lost his mother in a vicious street assault, becomes an underground pugilist on a mission to rid the streets of violent criminals. But his vigilante actions lead to him being mistaken for the most terrifying criminal of all.

Assistance arrives in the form of Sophie Carlisle, a young journalist with dreams of covering a big story, though she is forced to masquerade as a man to do it. Trapped in an engagement to a man she doesn’t love, Sophie yearns to break free to tell stories that matter about London’s darker side—gaming, prostitution, violence—and realizes Tom could be the one to help. Together, they come up with a plan.

Straddling the line between his need for vengeance and the need to hide his true identity as a politician's son becomes increasingly difficult as Tom is pressured to win more fights. The more he wins, the more notoriety he receives, and the greater the chance his identity may be exposed—a revelation that could jeopardize his father’s political aspirations and destroy his family’s reputation.

Sophie is also in danger as hysteria spreads and the attacks increase in severity and frequency. No one knows who to trust, and no one is safe—Tom included, yet he refuses to end the hunt.

Little does he realize, the monster is also hunting him.

Head on over to Let Your Words Shine to find out the inspiration behind this fabulous book!
Click HERE!

Welcome to Day #7 of the blog tour for Discovery (The Orphan Train Saga, Book 1) by Sherry A. Burton #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour @SherryABurton @LombardEmma

 

DISCOVERY THE ORPHAN TRAIN SAGA, BOOK 1 BY SHERRY A. BURTON

NOVEMBER 18TH – JANUARY 20TH 2021
AMAZON UK • AMAZON US • BARNES & NOBLE

Book Title: Discovery

Series: The Orphan Train Saga, Book 1

Author: Sherry A. Burton

Publication Date: December 25, 2018

Publisher: Dorry Press

Print Length: 229 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

While most use their summer breaks for pleasure, third grade teacher Cindy Moore is using her summer vacation to tie up some loose ends concerning her grandmother’s estate. When Cindy enters the storage unit that holds her grandmother’s belongings, she is merely looking for items she can sell to recoup some of the rental fees she’s spent paying for the unit.

Instead, what she finds are secrets her grandmother has taken to the grave with her. The more Cindy uncovers, the more she wants to know. Why was her grandmother abandoned by her own mother? Why hadn’t she told Cindy she’d lived in an orphanage? And how come her grandmother never mentioned she’d made history as one of the children who rode the Orphan Trains?

Join Cindy as she uncovers her grandmother’s hidden past and discovers the life that stole her grandmother’s love.
Head on over to Emma Lombard's Official Blog for an exclusive sneak-peek between the covers of this fabulous book!
Click HERE!

Mary Morgan is giving away a digital copy of her fabulous book — Magnar #Giveaway #ParanormalRomance @m_morganauthor

 

Publication Date: August 26, 2020

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Page Length: 223 Pages

Genre: Historical Paranormal Romance

Known as the Barbarian, Magnar MacAlpin is a fierce ruler for those under his command. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, his loyalty and obedience lies with Scotland. However, the king’s last demand is not something Magnar will tolerate.

After Elspeth Gunn’s brother the Chieftain of Castle Steinn is murdered, she flees with her nephew, and finds safety amongst a band of men who are rumored to be part wolf. When the king forces her to wed a heathen Northman, she fears losing her heart and soul not only to the man, but the beast as well.

In order to restore peace to a shattered clan, Magnar and Elspeth travel a treacherous path that challenges their beliefs. When evil seeks to destroy ancient traditions, will Magnar be compelled to restrain his wolf or allow him free to protect those he loves?

If you would like to be in with a chance to win a digital copy of Mary Morgan's fabulous book MAGNAR then you need to head over to #Bookstagram and follow the instructions on the Instagram post.
Enter HERE!
Not on Instagram - you can still enter! just drop the answer to this question in the comments section at the bottom of this post:
What is your favourite holiday cookie?
Good Luck!
*Open to US residents only.
*The winner must be willing to provide their email address.
*Giveaway closes on January 4th 2021


Standing abruptly, Elspeth glanced around the table. She wanted to shout at them all. Did they not understand how exhausted they were? From the moment they arrived at Lord Sutherland’s castle, they were ushered into the great hall to await the king. No food given. Only wine served. Bright red splotches covered her nephew’s cheeks.
Moving away from the table, she went to her nephew and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “My king. If you would be so kind, I shall see Erik to his chamber.”
King William smiled. “Do not fret, Lady Elspeth. There was not much wine in his cup. I deemed it best to acknowledge his new position as chieftain with a small amount.”
Relief coursed through her, and she gave him her best smile. “Then with your consent, may I fetch him some food from the kitchens?”
The king rose from his chair. “Lord Sutherland has prepared chambers for you both.”
“Chambers in the south tower?” asked Magnar, taking a hold of her elbow.
Lord Sutherland gave him a slight nod.
Startled once again by the man’s silent movements, Elspeth remained mute, trying to control the warring emotions from the man’s touch. The heat of his fingers seared into her gown and onto her skin.
Giving the king a small smile, she permitted Magnar to usher her out of the great hall. Erik kept a steady pace with their movements as he continued to entertain their overly bold guide with yet another tale of how they escaped their home.
Her steps slowed as the torchlight danced off the giant tapestry hanging on the wall near the stairs. The eyes of a white wolf bore into Elspeth as she drew near. Though only the head of the animal was represented within the woven threads, she half expected the wolf to jump out at her.
Elite Guards. Wolves. King William.
Elspeth returned her attention to the man holding her in his grip. “I heard my brother once mention the elite guards for the king. He spoke with reverence and with fear. They are loyal to the king but had one leader—one who all of Scotland should fear because of his magic.”
The man’s eyes darkened, and a smile tipped the corners of his mouth. “Your brother was wise in his account.”
Elspeth’s heart pounded fiercely within her chest. “You are the leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland.”


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Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy 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. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.
If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.
Connect with Mary:Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Pinterest • Goodreads • BookBub • Amazon Author Page

Welcome to Day #7 of the Blog Tour of — Betrayal #histfictioneers #Betrayal #HistoricalFiction #CoffeePotBookClub @HistFictioneers @CaigJamie

  

BETRAYAL
BY JUDITH ARNOPP, CRYSSA BAZOS, ANNA BELFRAGE, DEREK BIRKS,HELEN HOLLICK, AMY MARONEY, ALISON MORTON, CHARLENE NEWCOMB, TONY RICHES, MERCEDES ROCHELLE, ELIZABETH ST. JOHN, ANNIE WHITEHEAD

NOVEMBER 17TH - JANUARY 19TH

Publication Date: November 17, 2020

Publisher: Historical Fictioneers

Page Length: 486

Genre: Historical Fiction

Betrayal, treachery, treason, deceit, perfidy—all names for the calculated violation of trust. And it’s been rife since humans trod the earth. A promise broken A mission betrayed A lover’s desertion A parent’s deception An unwitting act of treason Betrayal by comrades Betrayal by friends Could you resist the forces of misplaced loyalty, power hunger, emotional blackmail, or plain greed? Is there ever redemption, or will the destruction visit future generations and even alter history? These questions are still with us today. Read twelve tales by twelve accomplished writers who explore these historical yet timeless challenges from post Roman Britain to the present day.

Today we are over on The Whispering Bookworm for an exclusive author interview and a lovely review!
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Welcome to Day #4 of the blog tour for Janet Lee Berg's fabulous book - Restitution #BlogTour #HistoricalFiction #CoffeePotBookClub @janetleeberg1 @CraftygasheadZo

 

December 8th - February 9th 2021

Publication Date: 30th September 2020
Publisher: Koehler
Page Length: 262 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction 
Amazon UK • Amazon US • Barnes and Noble • BooksAMillion

“Restitution” is the riveting, multigenerational story of Sylvie Rosenberg, a Holocaust survivor traumatized by the memory of her art dealer father forced to trade paintings with the Nazis in an attempt to save their large extended family.  Sylvie’s adult life in 1970s New York is plagued by survivors’ guilt and bitterness.  But when her self-destructive ways threaten to upend the life of her Vietnam-vet son, Sylvie finally needs to face her demons.  She returns to Holland to confront her past and fight the Dutch judicial system for the return of the masterpieces, but the battle proves far more difficult than Sylvie imagined...
Weaving in tragic true events from her own family history, Berg offers a sensitive story of history, romance, and humor along with detail from the extensive research of Lynn H. Nicholas, the world’s leading expert on art pilfered during WWII. Over 80 years later, the real family still awaits justice and the return of artwork that continues to hang on museum walls, without noting their tragic history…  

Head over to Zoe's Art, Craft & Life for an exclusive sneak-peek between the covers of this fabulous book!
Click HERE!

Join me in conversation with Mehitable Munch from See She's Ghosts by David Fitz-Gerald #HistoricalFiction #Supernatural @AuthorDAVIDFG

Publication Date: October 25, 2020 Publisher: Outskirts PressPage Length: 270 pagesGenre: Historical/Supernatural
A blazing fire killed her family and devoured her home. A vengeful demon haunted her. Ghosts of the Revolutionary War needed help that only she could provide. A young woman languished, desperate to survive, and teetered on the edge of sanity.
Mehitable grew up in a freshly tamed town, carved from the primeval forest. Family, friends, and working at the mercantile filled her days and warmed her heart. For Mehitable, life was simple and safe, until tragedy struck. When her family perished in their burning home, she retreated into a world of her own making.
As a young girl, she had seen glimmers, glimpses, and flickers of the spirit world. She closed her eyes. She turned her back. She ignored the apparitions that she never spoke of, desperately hoping they would leave her in peace. She was mistaken.
Grief-stricken, Mehitable withdrew from the human world. Ghosts were everywhere. They became bolder. She could no longer turn her back on the spirit world. Her friends feared for her survival. Nobody understood her. She would have to find her own way.
Fans of TV’s Ghost Whisperer and Long Island Medium will especially love She Sees Ghosts. This historical novel features memorable characters and delivers bone-tingling, spine chilling goosebumps. It stands on its own and it is the next installment in the Adirondack Spirit Series by the award-winning author of Wanders Far―An Unlikely Hero’s Journey. David Fitz-Gerald delivers a historical novel with a bittersweet ending that you won’t see coming.
Would she save the spirits’ souls, or would they save her? Only time would tell.

It’s a bright spring morning. Mary Anne Yarde from the Coffee Pot Book Club has arrived in her trusty time machine and parked it a short distance from a large barn. She tiptoes through the open door and finds a young woman in a rocking chair, busily knitting. As she approaches, she whispers an incantation, compelling her interview subject to answer her questions honestly. After cordial introductions and a polite welcome, Mary Anne is invited to make herself comfortable and she prepares to write the answers to her questions in a stenographer’s notebook. And thus, the interview begins.

Mary Anne: What is your name? 

Mehitable: I am Mehitable Munch.

 

Mary Anne: What is the date today, and how old are you?

Mehitable: I think it is the 17th of May, 1804, and I am 20-years-old.

Mary Anne: Where were you born, raised, and where do you live now?

Mehitable: I was born in Poultney, Vermont and now I live here, in this barn in Jay, New York. I like living on the frontier in the wild, untamed wilderness.

Mary Anne: Do you like to read? If so, what do you like to read?

Mehitable: Yes, I love to read. Every day, I read from Granny’s Bible. I have a few other books, including the complete works of William Shakespeare. Mostly I’m too busy to read much, but I do like to take a few minutes now and then. As I go about my chores, I like to ponder what I’ve read.

Mary Anne: What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you?

Mehitable: I don’t like to talk about it and I almost never do. But for some reason, I feel compelled to answer you. I was spending the night at my friend’s house. My family’s house was burned to the ground. There were no survivors. I lost my parents, six siblings, and Father’s cousin Millicent to that dreadful fire.

Mary Anne: I’m so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. Does it get any easier with time?

Mehitable: I think of it every day. I take comfort in keeping busy, playing music, reading poetry, and I enjoy the company of the barnyard animals. In particular, a sheep named Emmeline. She’s a very good listener.

Mary Anne: Do you have a prized possession? If so, what is it?

Mehitable: Yes. I love the virginal that has been in my family for generations. If you’re not familiar with this musical instrument, it’s like a small piano in a box. I entertain the farm animals with a recital from time to time. I’m fortunate to have a few other treasures, including Granny’s spinning wheel and Father’s sheep sheers. Just yesterday, I sheered the sheep myself. I’ve never done that before. Have you ever heard of a woman who could sheer sheep? I’ve never heard of a woman doing that before.

Mary Anne: Good for you. All of the animals here look so well cared for. Here’s another question. If you were going to visit someone, what dish would you bring with you?

Mehitable: Let me see. I’m known for my cookies, which I make from oats, pumpkin, and maple syrup. I would probably bring those or my mother’s beloved Shoo-Fly Pie.

Mary Anne: What makes you different or special from other people?

Mehitable: [sighs deeply] Many things, I suppose. Probably the strangest thing is that I refuse to sleep in a house. After the fire killed my family, I have insisted on sleeping in the barn instead. My dear friends, Polly and Reuben, allow me to live in their barn, and they permitted me to accompany them when they moved from one frontier town to another.

Mary Anne: Describe your hero. What things remind you of your hero?

Mehitable: I had a very special bond with my Granny. She made me feel important, loved, and she understood me in a way that nobody else ever has. I think of her a lot, but especially when I pray. Almost every day, I say her favorite prayer, and it makes me feel like she’s still with me. God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior.

Mary Anne: What is your deepest secret, and who knows your secret?

Mehitable: [frowns] I’d rather not answer that, but the truth is, I can see dead people. For the most part they leave me alone, but there is this one ghost that torments me on a nightly basis. ’Tis the ghost of the man that burned down my house and killed my family. That fire killed him also. Granny and my brother Perry knew my secret.

Mary Anne: Describe your ideal man.

Mehitable: [scoffs] I tell my friends that I should like to marry a musical man that can sing in a deep voice and play the violin. A man that reads poetry to me. The truth is, I don’t know if I’m ready for the ideal man, should he magically appear. I tell myself that I will let God choose for me, and I trust that I’ll know when and if that should ever happen. My friend Polly’s husband, Reuben was sweet on me before he courted Polly. I was far too young, and even less ready to marry than I am now, but if I had to guess, I would have to admit that he’s pretty close to my ideal man―tall, strong, and kind with dark hair.

Mary Anne: Would you like to have children one day? If so, would you prefer that they resemble their father or their mother?

Mehitable: Yes, I love children. I would love to have children some day. So I guess I shall have to let some man sweep me off of my feet someday. I think I’d prefer that our children resemble their father. Then they wouldn’t have to deal with seeing ghosts like Granny and me.

Mary Anne: What is your deepest fear?

Mehitable: Mice. You would think it would be ghosts. Some days I think that evil spirit will be the death of me, but my deepest fear is mice. How unfortunate, since mice are very plentiful in barns. If you look all around you can see I have set traps for them everywhere. I shudder in terror when I catch a mouse and have to pick it up by its tail to get rid of it.

Mary Anne: What is your favourite colour, and why?

Mehitable: I used to think it was red. Burgundy, to be more specific. ’Twas the color of the dress I wore on the night of my sixteenth birthday. Since the tragedy, however, maybe I have come to prefer green. ’Twas my mother’s favorite color, and she surrounded herself with things that were colored green. 

Mary Anne: Do you care what other people think of you?

Mehitable: No. Mostly, I don’t care. Except for my close friends, Polly and Reuben, other than them, I really don’t care about what people think anymore. Since the tragedy, I pretty much stay to myself and avoid people. Before the tragedy, I loved to work at the mercantile and talk with customers as they came in to shop. That seems like a lifetime ago now.

Mary Anne: Do you think that someday you might find that your ability to see ghosts is a good thing―a gift, perhaps?

Mehitable: ’Tis hard to imagine, but you might be right. That sounds like something that Granny would say. How strange.

Mary Anne Yarde thanks Mehitable for her time, bids her adieu, and hurries to her vehicle, so that she can return to the year 2021!

She Sees Ghosts is currently FREE on #Kindle for a Limited Time.
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She Sees Ghost is also available on #KindleUnlimited.Add to Goodreads

David Fitz-Gerald writes fiction that is grounded in history and soars with the spirits. Dave enjoys getting lost in the settings he imagines and spending time with the characters he creates. Writing historical fiction is like making paintings of the past. He loves to weave fact and fiction together, stirring in action, adventure, romance, and a heavy dose of the supernatural with the hope of transporting the reader to another time and place. He is an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has hiked all of the highest peaks in New York State, so it should not be surprising when Dave attempts to glorify hikers as swashbuckling superheroes in his writing. She Sees Ghosts―A Story of a Woman Who Rescues Lost Souls is the next instalment in the Adirondack Spirit Series.
Connect with David:
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Have a sneak-peek between the covers of Mercedes Rochelle's fabulous book — Godwine Kingmaker #HistoricalFiction #Christmasreads @authorrochelle

 

Publication Date: April 24, 2015Publisher: Top Hat BooksPage Length: 352 pagesGenre: Historical Fiction

Harold Godwineson, the Last Anglo-Saxon King, owed everything to his father. Who was this Godwine, first Earl of Wessex and known as the Kingmaker? Was he an unscrupulous schemer, using King and Witan to gain power? Or was he the greatest of all Saxon Earls, protector of the English against the hated Normans? The answer depends on who you ask. He was befriended by the Danes, raised up by Canute the Great, given an Earldom and a wife from the highest Danish ranks. He sired nine children, among them four Earls, a Queen and a future King. Along with his power came a struggle to keep his enemies at bay, and Godwine's best efforts were brought down by the misdeeds of his eldest son Swegn. Although he became father-in-law to a reluctant Edward the Confessor, his fortunes dwindled as the Normans gained prominence at court. Driven into exile, Godwine regathered his forces and came back even stronger, only to discover that his second son Harold was destined to surpass him in renown and glory.

It was nearing dark, and the servants were lighting the torches while Godwine played chess with the King. They sat in Canute's favorite room—perfect for entertaining the early arrivals of the Yuletide celebration. Already, Earl Eric of Northumbria was present, tasting some of the breads at the sideboard. Tovi was in his usual place behind the King speaking quietly with two other Danes, and a musician was in the corner, plucking on a harp.  

The door opened and Godwine, whose back was to the newcomer, concluded who it was from Canute's grimace. The sleek voice of Eadric Streona confirmed his guess. "Good even’, your grace. I hope you are well." All other voices in the room stopped.

Canute moved a piece, nodding an answer. 

Two servants followed Eadric into the room, carrying a batch of firewood. For a moment, the sound of wood being stacked filled the silence. Then the servants left the room, bowing.

"And yourself, my Lord Eric?" 

The Northumbrian Earl moved closer to the King, bending over the chess-board. "Considering the rare quiet within my earldom, I am content. And yourself, Eadric?" 

Godwine heard the newcomer striding back and forth behind him. His concentration broken, the Saxon quickly turned around, watching Eadric rub his arms as though he needed more warmth. Godwine turned back to the board, but not before he noticed Eadric's mouth twitch. 

"I could be better." Eadric’s tone brought Canute's head up questioningly. Godwine straightened in his seat but Canute caught his eye, nodding at the board. Eadric took a stick and poked the fire.

Taking a closer look at the Earl, Godwine noticed that his hair was unbrushed, his fingernails were cracked, his clothing wrinkled. He began pacing again, adjusting his belt. 

“How is that Christmas pie?” Canute asked Eric, holding out a hand for a taste. The Dane cut a piece for him, holding it out on the edge of his knife. Taking a long time to sample it, Canute leaned back, evidently enjoying the taste. He licked all five fingers and wiped his hand on his tunic, then reached for another chess piece. Eadric stopped pacing and faced Canute, his arms crossed over his chest.

"And what might be the problem?" The King's voice sounded appropriately concerned. 

"My earldom is restive,” he started slowly. "The populace has not yet recovered, the revenues are poor, and the people are hungry." 

"That is a pity." 

"More the pity that the King does not concern himself with their troubles." 

"I see," said Canute, interested. "And what of the exemption I gave them from this year's taxes?" 

Closing his eyes, the other gestured as if it were nothing.

"Eadric, this is not what is bothering you." 

Stopping, the Earl glared at the King, unable to hide his antipathy. He came to the table, leaned over it. Godwine could smell alcohol on his breath. 

"All right. I believe that I deserve better than this. You have given me the most devastated, the poorest earldom in the kingdom. You exclude me from your council. You treat me like a stranger. After all I have done for you." 

"And what is it that you have done for me?" 

Eadric straightened up, crossing his arms again. He took a deep breath. "You know damned well.”

Intrigued, Canute gave Eadric his full attention. "I know damned well,” he repeated softly. 

The tension between them was so strong it felt as though there were only two people in the room. Everyone knew Canute was at his most dangerous when he was totally quiet. But Eadric seemed beyond caring.

“Ask Edmund Ironside, if you could." 

Godwine gasped aloud, more in amazement at the man's blatant admission of the deed than its actuality. Even Canute had paled. Getting slowly to his feet, he faced Eadric so fiercely that the other stepped back. 

"Then you shall get everything you deserve. You killed your own lord! My sworn brother! Your own mouth has pronounced you a traitor; let the blood be on your head. 

"Eric, dispatch this man, lest he live to betray me as well." 

The Earl of Northumbria was not loth to obey. Pulling an axe from his belt, the man moved purposefully toward his enemy, narrowed eyes reflecting his satisfaction with Canute's command. 

For a moment, Eadric froze, unbelieving. Then his instinct for survival gained sway, and he pushed the table over, making a dash for the door. 

But Godwine blocked the way—Godwine, this nonentity, who had barely rated his acknowledgment. The Saxon was standing with legs apart and drawn sword, opposing his exit. 

Preferring to die under the blade of an equal, Eadric whirled, pulling his sword. But he was already too late. Eric's axe head was making its deadly arc, and Eadric's blade came up uncertainly, not even delaying the impact of the edge as it cleanly severed his head from his body. 

Canute had been watching from the fireplace. "Throw the wretch's carcass from the window, into the Thames." 

Eric was glad to do so. He had hated the Earl, and saw this as a fitting end to a despicable career. Seizing one of the convulsing legs, he dragged the body across the floor, oblivious to the gushing blood. Stooping, he hoisted the corpse onto the sill and dumped it unceremoniously into the river. 

Godwine stared at the disembodied face, as it gawked back at him. Then he grabbed the hair and came up behind Eric, flinging the head through the window and far out over the water. 

As he listened for the inevitable splash, Godwine felt an eerie satisfaction; at least this once, he had done his part in wreaking revenge on the betrayer of Edmund Ironside, and possibly his own father way back in 1009. 

Amazon UK • Amazon US • Barnes and Noble • Audible

Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channeled this interest into fiction writing. Her first four books cover eleventh-century Britain and events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Her current project is called “The Plantagenet Legacy” and begins with the reign of Richard II. She also writes a blog: HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story. Born in St. Louis, MO, she received by BA in Literature at the Univ. of Missouri St.Louis in 1979 then moved to New York in 1982 while in her mid-20s to "see the world". The search hasn't ended! Today she lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.

Connect with Mercedes:

Website • Blog • Facebook • Twitter

Welcome to Day #9 of the blog tour for Lady Estrid: A Novel of Eleventh Century Denmark by M J Porter #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour @coloursofunison @Beatric09625662

 

LADY ESTRID: A NOVEL OF ELEVENTH CENTURY DENMARKBY M J PORTER

November 2nd  – January 4th
Amazon UK • Amazon US

Publication Date: 29th October 2020
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length:
Genre: Historical Fiction 

Daughter, Sister, Duchess, Aunt. Queen.

United by blood and marriage. Divided by seas. Torn apart by ambition.

Lady Estrid Sweinsdottir has returned from Kiev, her first husband dead after only a few months of marriage. Her future will be decided by her father, King Swein of Denmark, or will it?

A member of the ruling House of Gorm, Estrid might not be eligible to rule, as her older two brothers, but her worth is in more than her ability to marry and provide heirs for a husband, for her loyalty is beyond question. 

With a family as divided and powerful as hers, stretching from England to Norway to the land of the Svear, she must do all she can to ensure Denmark remains under the control of her father’s descendants, no matter the raging seas and boiling ambition that threatens to imperil all.

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Elizabeth Keysian is givingaway three signed copies of her fabulous series - Trysts and Treachery #Giveaway #Bookstagram #HistoricalRomance @EKeysian

 

Publication Date: 27.10.20
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing
Page Length: 306
Genre: Historical Romance (Tudor)
You can take a man out of the wild, but you can’t take the wild out of the man.
She failed to save the man she loved. She won’t make the same mistake again. Desperate to avoid a suffocating marriage, Clemence plans to dazzle at court, and remain as chaste as The Virgin Queen. Then she’s rescued from kidnappers by the mysterious Lancelot, and only a betrothal to him can save her reputation. But what could induce her father to give her to a man with no memory, no status, and no home but the forest? Especially when that man has a propensity for throwing people into horse troughs, getting himself poisoned, and being accused of murder.
In his forest home, he’s a king among both beasts and men.
Lancelot does everything differently. He can’t help it; he’s been living free in the forest with no memory of shame, sin or the reason for wearing clothes. No memory of anything at all, in fact, although his dreams reveal he’s had a close brush with death. But was he a victim or quite the opposite? 
Living hand-to-mouth in his woodland lair, Lancelot is used to helping himself to what he wants, and he wants Clemence. But when she drags him back into the real world, he soon realizes that she will either bring him salvation or oblivion.


If you would like to be in with a chance to win signed copies of the first three books in Elizabeth Keysian's fabulous series, TRYSTS AND TREACHERY, then all you need to do is answer this question:
If you could go back in time to celebrate the Festive Season in a bygone era, what era would you visit, and why?
Good Luck!
*Open to UK residents only.*The winner must be willing to provide their address.*Giveaway closes on January 4th 2021. 

He tried the weight of the sword, then swung it around in an arc. His arm seemed to move of its own accord, blocking imaginary blows to his shoulders and legs.
“Some of my knowledge has been restored by reading your father’s books. Some things I simply remember—or at least the knowledge comes back if I worry at it like a terrier at a rat. And sometimes, skills return to me—like this.” He swung the sword again, stabbing it with pinpoint accuracy at the center of a red poppy on the tapestry. “Hopefully, more abilities will return if I have need of them.”
“You have scars on your back. Someone attacked you with a sword or a knife, and evidently bested you.”
A fact he had to face, though he hated it. “Mayhap I had no weapon with which to defend myself. Or was already incapacitated.”
She grimaced. “Then it was a cowardly attack. Mayhap I should have a sword, too, in case I need to defend myself.”
He immediately sheathed the ancient weapon he’d found, and fastened the belt around his hips. “Not while I draw breath, you won’t. If you hold a blade, your attacker will feel forced to use his own. If you have no weapon, he’ll be more inclined to parley. Besides, what need have you of steel when you have me to protect you?” 
She tossed her head. “I suppose you’ll tell me next that swordplay isn’t so much fun as it looks. And I thought you a free spirit, with a mind open to new ideas, eschewing the everyday rules by which we live.”
He’d thought himself a free spirit, too, by comparison. But when it came to Clemence, he found he could happily follow the rules if it kept her safe.
“When I know what I know and how I know it, I might then be in a position to teach you, oh, courageous maid. But for now, I am the one wearing the sword, and intend to keep it that way.”


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Elizabeth Keysian is an international bestselling author of heart-pounding Regency romances, set mostly in the West of England. She is working on a fresh series for Dragonblade Publishing called Trysts and Treachery, which is set in the Tudor era. Though primarily a writer of romance, she loves to put a bit of mystery, adventure, and suspense into her stories, and refuses to let her characters take themselves too seriously.
Elizabeth likes to write from experience, not easy when her works range from the medieval to the Victorian eras. However, her passion for re-enactment has helped, as have the many years she spent working in museums and British archaeology. If you find some detail in her work you've never come across before, you can bet she either dug it up, quite literally, or found it on a museum shelf.
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