Mary Anne Yarde's Blog: The Coffee Pot Book Club , page 43

Merry Christmas from The Coffee Pot Book Club #Christmas #Books

 

We will be back on December 28th!

Happy Holidays!

Head over to Zoe's Art, Craft and Life for a sneak=peek between the covers of Christine Hancock’s fabulous book, Bright Helm (The Byrhtnoth Chronicles: Book 4) @YoungByrhtnoth @CraftygasheadZo

 

Bright Helm

(The Byrhtnoth Chronicles: Book 4)

By Christine Hancock

OCTOBER 22ND – 24TH DECEMBER 2020AMAZON UK • AMAZON US

Separated by anger and unanswered questions, Byrhtnoth and Saewynn are brought together by a tragic death.

Re-united, they set out on an epic voyage to discover the final truth about his father. 

The journey takes them far to the north, to Orkney, swathed in the mists of treachery, and to Dublin’s slave markets where Byrhtnoth faces a fateful decision.

 How far will he go, to save those he cares for?

Our final stop of the tour is over on Zoe's Art, Craft and Life where you can have a sneak-peek between the covers of Bright Helm:

Click HERE!

Welcome to Day #6 of the blog tour for Discovery (The Orphan Train Saga, Book 1) by Sherry A. Burton #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour @SherryABurton @Beatric09625662

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 over to Candlelight Reading to find out what the inspiration was behind this fabulous book!
Click HERE!

Welcome to day #2 of the blog tour for Donna Scott's fabulous book - The London Monster #HistoricalFiction @D_ScottWriter @CaigJamie

 

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 OVER TO The Whispering Bookworm for an exclusive interview with Donna Scott..Click HERE!

DECEMBER 16TH – FEBRUARY 17TH 2021AMAZON US • AMAZON UKP...

 

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 OVER TO The Whispering Bookworm for an exclusive interview with Donna Scott..Click HERE!

Welcome to Day #9 of the blog tour for - Three Monkeys (DCI Jack Callum Mysteries Book 1) by Len Maynard #HistoricalFiction #Crime @len_maynard @BritonandDane

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

Click HERE!

Join me in conversation with Historical Fiction author, Richard Foreman. Richards's fabulous book - Augustus: Son of Rome is #free on #Kindle for a Limited Time @SharpeBooks

 

Publication Date: 1st March 2018
Publisher: Sharpe Books
Page Length: 318 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Augustus: Son of Rome tells the story of the assassination of Julius Caesar and the rise of his heir, Gaius Octavius, as he journeys to Rome from Apollonia. We see a boy grow into a man as Octavius develops the moral courage, intelligence and ruthlessness that will finally see him become Augustus, Emperor of Rome.
The pen and sword will be employed to defeat his enemies and Octavius will earn the name of "Caesar".
Yet Rome will exact its price - and triumph will be accompanied by tragedy.

Pick up your #Kindle copy of Augustus: Son of Rome for FREE for a Limited Time!
Amazon UK • Amazon US





Mary Ann: It is such a pleasure to sit down with you again and discuss books and history. Could you tell us a little about your fabulous Augustus Series?
Richard Foreman: Thank you, Mary. Augustus: Son of Rome, originally published some years ago, was my breakthrough book. The novel topped various Amazon charts and was responsible for me writing several other books (including the Sword of Rome and Spies of Rome series) set during the same period, with some of the same characters. Having written a couple of more literary historical novels early in my career, I wanted to write something more commercial. I was tired of only being able to afford to order the house wine.
The Augustus series concerns itself with the emergence of Octavius, immediately after the death of Julius Caesar. The books track his trials and ascendency – and what he had to do and sacrifice to become Augustus. I also wanted the books to tell the story of Marcus Agrippa, the right-hand of Octavius Caesar – to bring him out of the shadows of history. Augustus: Son of Rome is a story about power and history – but also one of friendship.
I should say that, although there is the sequel – Augustus: Son of Caesar – and other titles relating to Augustus, I am still only halfway through completing the saga. I just seem to get continually side-tracked, which is both a curse and blessing.


Mary Anne: "et tu brute" is perhaps one of the most recognisable quotes penned by William Shakespeare. Augustus: Son of Rome tells the story of Caesars' assassination. What drew you towards this era and in particular, this story?
Richard Foreman: The books are influenced by a variety of things. I had worked with the likes of Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow as a publicist and enjoyed the pace and black, soldierly humour of their novels. But Augustus: Son of Rome is also the product of my reading of Plutarch, Suetonius and Shakespeare’s relevant plays. Also, the letters and life of Cicero shed light on the period and the people who shaped it. 
Although the politics of ancient Rome are different to today’s world, they still relate and resonate in a way that, perhaps, other eras fail to. Caesar’s downfall is one of political hubris – and, unfortunately, political hubris never seems to go out of fashion.
The first half of the life of Octavius was shaped by Julius Caesar, both his rise and fall. As much as the Ides of March has been portrayed in books and film before, I still felt compelled to re-heat the old dish and put my spin on things. Julius Caesar plays a significant role in the novel, albeit the story of Octavius is also about him becoming his own man.
Also, from a trade point of view, there was no place like Rome in terms of book sales for historical fiction when I wrote the first Augustus book. As well as Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow riding high in the charts at the time, Ben Kane was breaking through and Robert Harris was publishing his trilogy about Cicero. The track record – and potential sales – attracted me to the era.
Mary Anne: Gaius Octavius is a historical figure who is both celebrated and despised —depending if you are on Team Mark Antony or not! Why do you think the relationship between these two men broke down so dramatically, and do you explore this complicated relationship in your series?
Richard Foreman: There can be only one, to quote the phrase from Highlander. Both men were considered semi-divine. Gods prefer ruling to submitting, as actors like to be centre stage. Mark Antony was Caesar’s second-in-command. Octavius was his legal heir. Both men believed that they should be Caesar’s successor and the leader of the Caesarean faction. The shock was not perhaps that their relationship broke down, but that they managed to swallow their pride to become temporary allies.
Although I am not one to believe in historical inevitability, it was always likely that the two men would clash (despite being reasonably successful in their power sharing and defeating their mutual enemies). Both men needed to be the First Man of Rome. As accomplished and enigmatic a military commander as Mark Antony was, Octavius was a cannier statesman – who owned the added advantage of being able to employ Marcus Agrippa to fight his battles for him.
The first two books in the series sow the seed of the tension between the two men – and how Mark Antony initially underestimated his rival. But the detente and then war between the two great figures will be explored in subsequent novels.
Mary Anne: Do you find it a challenge to balance the history of the era with the story that you want to tell?
Richard Foreman: Not really, partly because I try to pick stories from history which will naturally lend themselves to the demands and structures of fiction. There’s always a blend of fictional characters and historical personages in my novels, which hopefully strike a happy balance in the reader’s mind. I enjoy researching periods and writing about the likes of Augustus Caesar, Marcus Aurelius, Cicero, Henry V, and most recently, the noblemen involved in the First Crusade. But I am also, unashamedly, a novelist. I get to make stuff up.
Mary Anne: Do you have any top tips for writers who are thinking about setting their story in the ancient world?
Richard Foreman: In general, whether writing about the ancient world or other eras, most first-time novelists fall into the seductive trap of over researching their books. They try to prove to themselves – and their readers – how much of a good historian they are. They should be proving to themselves – and their readers – that they a good historical novelist, however.
Another tip is to read other novels out there, set in the ancient world. Learn from the masters. More than any historian, Steven Saylor helped inform and inspire me whilst writing the Augustus books. The likes of Bernard Cornwell and Robert Harris sell for a reason. 
One of the reasons why I have written this blog and put Augustus: Son of Rome on free promotion (and discounted numerous other titles) is that I am hoping other novelist will read the books and be inspired to write something similar (or have something already written and published) and submit to Sharpe Books http://sharpebooks.com/ to publish. Augustus: Son of Rome was a bestseller. If you have written something similar in style and tone, set in ancient Rome or a different period, then do get in touch. Similarly, I have just started to serve on the advisory board for the magazine and website Aspects of History https://aspectsofhistory.com/ and we are looking for authors to submit short stories. Should you be a writer working in the ancient world, or other eras, and have written something similar to Augustus: Son of Rome (or the stories contained in the HWA collections of Rubicon, Royal Blood, By the Sword, Victoriana) then please do get in touch via the magazine’s website.

Richard Foreman is the bestselling author of numerous historical series set during the Roman Republic and Roman Empire, including the Augustus Caesar books, Sword of Empire and Sword of Rome. He is also the author Warsaw, Raffles: The Complete Innings and Band of Brothers, a series charting the story of Henry V and the Agincourt campaign. He lives in London.

Vanda Vadas is giving away a digital copy of her fabulous book — The Prodigal Laird #Giveaway #Bookstagram #HistoricalRomance @Vanda_Vadas

 

Book Title: The Prodigal Laird
Publication Date: 1st March 2019
Publisher: Escape Publishing
Page Length: 285 Pages
Genre: Scottish Historical Romance
His marriage might cease decades of hostilities between two clans, but that doesn't mean he wants it─or his bold new wife who is keeping secrets of her own.
Roderick MacLeod arrives in his native Scottish Highlands to pay brief respects to his recently deceased father─the man Roderick blames for the death of his English mother. But before he can return to England, he is saddled with two responsibilities he never asked for: the title of Laird of Clan MacLeod and an unwanted marriage, by proxy, to the daughter of a rival laird.
Annabel MacDonald thought she had the perfect marriage; her husband's continued absence allowed her independence and the freedom to secretly hide and abet the escape of her fugitive clansmen. When the husband she'd never met shows up, she must convince him to return to England before he uncovers her many secrets, and perhaps her heart.


If you would like to be in with a chance to win a digital copy of Vanda Vadas' fabulous book, The Prodigal Laird, then answer this question in the comment section at the bottom of this post (Scroll Down)!
What makes you smile?

Good Luck.
*Open Internationally.*The winner must be willing to provide their email address.*Giveaway closes on January 4th 2021.

Redcoats! Annabel froze in the saddle. She swung her gaze towards horses and riders heading her way. Her fingers curled around the reins and her throat closed off, making breathing difficult.
Roderick’s hand on her arm gave little comfort. ‘You needn’t worry, lass. I’ll not let any harm befall you.’
Was her fear so obvious? Her mouth went suddenly dry. ‘’Tis kind of ye to say so, but we’re at the mercy of their mood.’
Darach cursed from behind. ‘My palms fair sweat for my broadsword.’
‘Aye,’ growled Gillis through clenched teeth. ‘If nae for the Sassenach bastards outlawing our weapons, I’d run them all through.’
Roderick twisted around in the saddle. ‘Hold your temper and tongues, men. I’ll deal with this.’
They followed his calm lead and rode on. Annabel counted ten men. Fear made her muscles lock. What were they doing so close to Finvreck? Had someone betrayed her to the English? Did the Redcoats know she hid and smuggled fugitives away from Scotland’s shores?
Both parties drew to a halt, facing each other. Annabel threw a sidelong glance at Roderick. He focused on one man whose uniform bespoke his rank.
Roderick acknowledged him with a nod. ‘Captain.’
The beady-eyed man of solid build looked to be in his late fifties. Greying hair was tied back in a queue beneath his military hat. He cast a distasteful glance over the party of four who blocked his way forwards. His gaze lingered on Annabel. The hairs on her neck stood on end. When he licked his thin lips, her skin positively crawled, making her shudder. Her visible reaction did not escape his notice, and in response his top lip curled in a sneer. 
Shifty ashen eyes slid back to Roderick. ‘The only things to set you apart from your heathen contemporaries are your freshly shaven face and clean attire. By what stroke of good fortune do you understand the benefits of bathing and cleanliness?’ 
Annabel bristled at the deliberate insult. She heard the muttered oaths of Gillis and Darach at her back.
Roderick returned the man’s measured stare, his own expression nonchalant. ‘By dint of birth. And habit. That, and holding favour with the King. ’Tis not wise to front at court in an unkempt manner.’
The unexpected revelation took Annabel by surprise, as it did the captain. She drew immense satisfaction from seeing his eyes widen and the way he shifted uncomfortably in the saddle. Those in his company threw their shoulders back and chests out as if Roderick were there to inspect the regiment and issue them a direct order.
Seeing this, the captain swept a wary eye over Roderick. ‘Who are you? You have a dialect half heathen, half English.’
‘Aye, and proud of it. I am Roderick MacLeod, Laird of Clan MacLeod, recently returned from London and a career in diplomacy under the patronage of my maternal grandfather. ’Tis fortuitous that you and I have met today.’
Fortuitous? Annabel hoped her face did not reflect her objection to the ludicrous statement. What good could possibly come from having the King’s Regiment, however small, anywhere near his clan, or her, for that matter?
The captain responded with a derisive laugh. ‘There’s nothing fortuitous about these damned Highlands, nor meeting you barbaric people who scratch out a living here.’ 
‘Barbaric?’ Roderick shook his head. ‘No, Captain. Cumberland’s no quarter given at Culloden and in its aftermath was the epitome of barbaric. ’Tis men like you, with your ignorant attitude, that makes my meeting you worthwhile.’
Roderick played a dangerous game. It sent Annabel’s heart racing. She had to trust he knew what he was doing.
The captain sighted down his nose. ‘Humour me, Laird. What is it you find worthwhile?’
‘My grandfather liaises with your superiors and the lawmakers in Parliament. My orders are to conduct a full enquiry and thence deliver to them a report detailing the conduct and my opinions of army personnel such as yourself. I’m to document my observations, naming those suspected of corruption, senseless murder and unmitigated hardship or cruelty towards all Highlanders, no matter their station.’
The captain’s cheeks reddened in outrage. ‘And they’ve appointed you to the task?’ 
‘Aye. I’ve the advantage of being, as you said, half heathen, half English. Loyal to both the Crown and Scotland. One foot firmly planted either side of the border, you might say.’
Annabel stole a glance at Roderick. His head turned slightly towards her as if to acknowledge the first night they’d dined together. She’d asked him if his allegiance lie with Scotland or England. Whether his heart wrestled with loyalty to either country, or if perhaps he toiled over freedom of will versus duty? He hadn’t answered her directly then, but he’d given her clarity now.
Roderick made a conciliatory gesture. ‘Who better than me to exercise diplomacy in delivering an unbiased opinion on the current military climate here on my clan lands, and those that extend beyond MacLeod borders?’
He gave the captain a moment to let the words sink in. ‘Finvreck Castle, my family seat, is but a few miles from here. Perhaps you and your men will accept my invitation to spend the night and enjoy the hospitality of my clan?’
The captain’s gaze slid to Annabel. Again, he licked his lips. ‘A tempting offer.’ 
Annabel suffered the scrutiny of his leer and raised her chin in an open challenge. She sensed Roderick tense in his saddle.
‘How remiss of me.’ His tone was as lethal as a newly honed sgian-dubh. ‘Allow me to introduce you to my wife, Annabel MacDonald, daughter of William MacDonald, Laird of Clan MacDonald.’
Annabel’s gaze snapped to Roderick’s. The look he returned warned her to keep silent on the matter. She understood that he was protecting her, staking his claim and warning the captain to cast his roving eye elsewhere.


Amazon UK • Amazon US • iBook • Kobo • GooglePlay


Before residing in Australia, Vanda's birthplace and early childhood years were spent in Papua New Guinea. At the age of eleven, a holiday in England sparked an interest in the days of old. Castles, ruins, and discovering Jane Austen novels inspired a life-long interest in all things historical, a passion that later kick-started Vanda's desire to write historical fiction. Subsequent travels to faraway places have served to create fictitious characters and dramas set against authentic and geographical backdrops. The Gold Coast in Queensland is home to Vanda and her husband, where they enjoy walks along world-renowned beaches or a quiet getaway to the lush hills of the Hinterland.
Connect with Vanda:Website • Facebook • Twitter  • Instagram





 

Welcome to Day #3 of the blog tour for Janet Lee Berg's fabulous book - Restitution #BlogTour #HistoricalFiction #CoffeePotBookClub @janetleeberg1 @MaddieS39950549

 

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 on over to Oh look, another book! to find an excerpt of this fabulous book!
Click HERE!

Welcome to Day #6 of the Blog Tour of — Betrayal #histfictioneers #Betrayal #HistoricalFiction #CoffeePotBookClub @HistFictioneers @Beatric09625662

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 Candlelight Reading for a 5 star review!
Click HERE!