Mary Anne Yarde's Blog: The Coffee Pot Book Club , page 47

Judith Arnopp is giving away a signed print edition of her fabulous book - The Heretic Wind: The Life of Mary Tudor, Queen of England #Giveaway #HistoricalFiction #Tudors @JudithArnopp

 

Publication Date: February 2020Publisher: FeedAReadPage Length: 332Genre: Historical Fiction

Adored by her parents and pampered by the court, the infant Princess Mary's life changes suddenly and drastically when her father's eye is taken by the enigmatic Anne Boleyn.
Throughout her formative years, Mary stands firm against her father's determination to destroy both her mother's reputation, and the Catholic church. It is a battle that will last throughout both her father's and her brother's reign, until, almost broken by persecution, she learns of King Edward's death.
She expects to be crowned queen but Mary has reckoned without John Dudley, the Duke of Northumberland, who before Mary can act, usurps her crown and places it on the head of her Protestant cousin, Lady Jane Grey.
Furious and determined not to be beaten, Mary musters a vast army at Framlingham Castle; a force so strong that Jane Grey's supporters crumble in the face of it.
Mary is at last, Queen of England but her troubles are only just beginning. Rebellion, and heresy and the subsequent punishments take their toll both on Mary's health, and on the English people.
 Suspecting she is fatally ill, Mary steps up her campaign to compel her subjects to turn back to the Catholic faith.All who resist will face punishment for heresy in the flames of the Smithfield fires.



If you would like to be in with a chance to win a signed print edition of The Heretic Wind: The Life of Mary Tudor, Queen of England then you need to head over to #Bookstagram and follow the instructions on the Instagram post:
Enter HERE!
Good Luck!

*Giveaway is open Internationally.




In November 1558 Mary Tudor died at St James’ Palace at the age of 42. By the standards of today, that is a horribly young age to die but Mary had suffered a hard life and was prematurely aged, and very sick.
Everyone is guilty of something. In most cases we are remembered for our good deeds, our happiest days, and our kindest actions but Mary, as with her father, Henry VIII, is only remembered for cruelty.
The burning of heretics sounds dreadful to us because we live in a (ahem) tolerant society but in the 16th century burning was the standard punishment for heresy. Mary didn’t dream up the idea for the satisfaction of her monstrous soul.
While I am in no way seeking to excuse or white-wash her actions, I think she deserves a fuller picture. When one considers the world she grew up in, her tragic childhood, her adult disappointments, her frustration you come to realise there was much more to her than cruelty.
There are many recorded instances in which she was kind and generous, and I think she was terribly well-meaning. She adored her subjects and envisioned leading her people to salvation, but things didn’t turn out as she intended. Her reign was far from benign. While researching for The Heretic Wind I discovered Mary Tudor to be a sad, isolated, and desperate woman whose intention was to be a good and loving Queen. The fact things turned out rather differently were mostly due to exterior forces. Her conviction that the Catholic faith was the only faith is difficult for us to understand but we don’t have to look very far to find other religious zealots. It doesn’t begin or end with Mary.
In The Heretic Wind, the mortally sick and embittered Mary looks back on her life and explains to some extent, the reasons why events unfolded as they did. In the excerpt below her parents’ marriage is over and Henry’s determination to have Anne Boleyn is gathering pace.




Father is now the Supreme Head on Earth of the Church in England. I had never dreamed he would go this far. The people of England, afraid to protest too loudly, mutter among themselves and only the bravest in the land dare speak out against it. 
The church, like the queen, is a victim of Anne’s ambition, yet my mother has no champion. Although a few of the old families – the Staffords, the Nevilles, the Courtenays – are firmly on her side, their own influence is waning as the friends of Anne Boleyn wax. 
My governess, Margaret Pole, stands with us, as do Elizabeth Stafford and Gertrude Courtenay, but they have no power, no real influence over the king. They are soon as far out of favour as my mother and me.
The gossip reaches me in my sick bed at Alton. As womanhood encroaches, I am afflicted with great monthly suffering. For one week a month it feels as if demons are prodding me with red-hot forks. My belly is bloated, wracked with pain, and my mood is as deep and dark as Hell itself. I look into my glass and see my hair hanging limply either side of a pale face; my pores are enlarged, and a pustule the size of a quail’s egg is lodged in the crease of my nose. I might as well be dead.
My women offer what comfort they can but I burrow beneath the covers and give way to despair, mourning the dainty princess I once was. Everything is ruined. I want my mother, but her company is denied me. From time to time her letters are smuggled in. They are my single source of comfort. And that is fleeting.
Why does my mother’s cousin, the king of Spain, not come to our aid? He could invade our shores, set his assassins on the Boleyn woman, and force my father to reinstate us! My mother is close kin to them and so am I. Why do they sit by and allow our rights to be stolen? There is so little I understand.
But at last, because I have been so ill, I am permitted to return to court where everyone is talking about the king’s great matter. 
In every parlour across Europe, the details of my parents’ marriage are being discussed. I am being discussed. Did my mother lie with Prince Arthur? Was she a virgin at the time of her marriage to my father? Am I the legitimate heir, or just a bastard? That word again … Bastard. It haunts me. 
At court, close to the leading players in this marital farce, the conversation ceases when I enter a room; the silence makes my ears burn with humiliation. People are hesitant, afraid to show kindness toward me for fear it will put them out of favour with the king, or with his whore. As their backs turn slowly away from me, I ache with loneliness. 
Gradually, the pain turns to resentment, resentment to bitterness. I suspect everyone of spying for the great goggle-eyed whore as I have begun to think of her. She makes no secret of her hatred. Because of this, fearful of everyone’s motives, I rebuff those who do run the risk of befriending me. I go about court in fear of my life, terrified that the next person I meet may conceal a dagger, or a phial of poison in their sleeve.
I have no doubt she is wicked. I have heard how she goes against God’s teaching and embraces the new religion that is creeping across the channel from Europe. She supports Tyndale and his heretical scribblings, and I have no doubt that, in the privacy of his chambers, she dribbles her heresy into my father’s ear.
Like a bear in a trap, chained to a woman he does not love, the king grows more furious by the day. Angered by Wolsey’s failure to win the annulment of the marriage, he turns against his erstwhile friend. When he is taken, I know beyond doubt that the best the Cardinal can hope for is a lengthy stay in the Tower, for once my father turns against a man his fate is sealed. 



Amazon • FeedARead



Judith Arnopp's novels are set during the War of the Roses and the Tudor era. They focus on women like Margaret Beaufort, Elizabeth of York, Anne Boleyn, and Mary Tudor.
She has a Master's degree in medieval studies and a BA in English and creative writing from the University of Wales, making Historical Fiction the only obvious career choice.
She lives on the coast of West Wales with her husband, John, and now her family have flown the nest, she writes full time from her home overlooking Cardigan Bay.
Her first three books were set in the Anglo Saxon period but since switching to the Tudor era her career has flourished and she now has twelve books in her catalogue, the thirteenth due for publication early in 2021. All books are available on Kindle and in paperback, some are on Audible.
Judith also writes non-fiction, her work features in several anthologies and magazines.
Connect with Judith:Website • Blog • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter

Head over to Let your words shine... and find out about the inspiration behind Elizabeth St.John's fabulous book - By Love Divided #HistoricalFiction @ElizStJohn @BritonandDane

 

By Love Divided(The Lydiard Chronicles Book 2)By Elizabeth St.John


December 7th – December 18th 2020
Amazon  • Books2Read

Book Title: By Love DividedSeries: The Lydiard Chronicles, Book 2Author: Elizabeth St.JohnPublished: October 2017Publisher: Falcon HistoricalPage Length: 381Genre: Historical Fiction

London, 1630.
Widowed and destitute, Lucy St.John is fighting for survival and makes a terrible choice to secure a future for her children. Worse still, her daughter Luce rejects the royal court and a wealthy arranged marriage, and falls in love with a charismatic soldier. As England tumbles toward bloody civil war, Luce’s beloved brother Allen chooses to fight for the king as a cavalier. Allen and Luce are swept up in the chaos of war as they defend their opposing causes and protect those they love.
Will war unite or divide them? And will they find love and a home to return to—if they survive the horror of civil war. In the dawn of England’s great rebellion, love is the final battleground.
A true story based on surviving memoirs, court papers, and letters of Elizabeth St.John's family, By Love Divided tells of the war-time experiences of Lucy St.John, the Lady of the Tower. This powerfully emotional novel tells of England's great divide and the heart-wrenching choices one family faces.
Head over to Let your words shine... and read about the inspiration behind Elizabeth St.John's fabulous book.
Click  HERE!
Pick up your copy for only 0.99 on #Kindle for a Limited Time!
Amazon  • Books2Read

Welcome to Day #10 of the blog tour for Fire and Ash Gifts of the Gods, Book 3 By Thomas J Berry #FireandAsh #HistoricalFiction #AncientGreek #CoffeePotBookClub @TBerryAuthor @1BrookAllen

 

Fire and Ash
Gifts of the Gods, Book 3
By Thomas J Berry


NOVEMBER 30TH – DECEMBER 11TH 2020AMAZON UK • AMAZON US • AMAZON CA • AMAZON AU • BOOKLOCKER
Publication Date: 10th October 2020Publisher: BookLocker Genre: Historical Fiction Page Length: 450 PagesFive men and women in Ancient Greece are set on a dangerous journey of self-discovery during the bitter conflict of the Peloponnesian War. While mighty Athens struggles to rebuild after a devastating campaign abroad, the feared warriors of Sparta prepare to deliver the final blow in a decades long war. No one is safe anymore as the conflict shifts across the Aegean to the shores of wealthy Persia. Old colonies, once loyal to Athens, are eager to rebel and the Great King is willing to pay anything to regain his control over them. These coastal plains set the stage for massive battles and heartbreaking defeats. This time there will be only one true victor. The news coming out of Sicily ripples across the cities of Ancient Greece like a thunderbolt and it is left to the poor and desperate to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. One young mother is suddenly faced with a horrible tragedy and struggles against all odds to make a new life for her family. An eager boy looking for adventure enlists in the new Athenian ranks but finds life on campaign a lot more than he bargained for. A Spartan officer in the twilight of his years struggles to adapt to a young man's army and an exiled Athenian strives to earn his way back into the graces of his beloved city. The harem girls in a Persian court meet a handsome foreigner and one risks everything for a chance at love. As the conflict between Athens and Sparta builds to a final showdown, five men and women struggle to come to terms with their changing world. What will they find in the ashes when peace finally comes?

For the final day of this blog tour, we are over on Brook's Scroll to find out what the story is behind the title of this fabulous book!

Click HERE!

Head over to Madwoman in the Attic and have a sneak-peek between the covers of Paula Lofting's fabulous book - The Wolf Banner #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour @Paulalofting @LisaReadsBooks

 

December 7th – December 18th 2020
Amazon UK • Amazon US

Publication Date: August 26th 2020 / Second Edition: Publisher: Longship PublishingGenre: Historical Fiction
WAR AND BLOODFEUD
"Best battle description ever!"
1056...England lurches towards war as the rebellious Lord Alfgar plots against the indolent King Edward. Sussex thegn, Wulfhere, must defy both his lord, Harold Godwinson, and his bitter enemy, Helghi, to protect his beloved daughter.
As the shadow of war stretches across the land, a more personal battle rages at home, and when it follows him into battle, he knows he must keep his wits about him more than ever, and COURAGE AND FEAR MUST BECOME HIS ARMOUR…

Head over to Madwoman in the Attic and have a sneak-peek between the covers of The Wolf Banner.
Click HERE!

Elizabeth St.John is giving away a print edition of her fabulous book — By Love Divided #HistoricalFiction #Giveaway @ElizStJohn

 

Published: October 2017

Publisher: Falcon Historical

Page Length: 381

Genre: Historical Fiction

London, 1630. 
Widowed and destitute, Lucy St.John is fighting for survival and makes a terrible choice to secure a future for her children. Worse still, her daughter Luce rejects the royal court and a wealthy arranged marriage, and falls in love with a charismatic soldier. As England tumbles toward bloody civil war, Luce’s beloved brother Allen chooses to fight for the king as a cavalier. Allen and Luce are swept up in the chaos of war as they defend their opposing causes and protect those they love.
Will war unite or divide them? And will they find love and a home to return to—if they survive the horror of civil war. In the dawn of England’s great rebellion, love is the final battleground.
A true story based on surviving memoirs, court papers, and letters of Elizabeth St.John's family, By Love Divided tells of the war-time experiences of Lucy St.John, the Lady of the Tower. This powerfully emotional novel tells of England's great divide and the heart-wrenching choices one family faces.

If you would like to be in with a chance to win a print edition of By Love Divided then you need to head over  to #Bookstagram and follow the instructions on the Instagram post:
Enter HERE!
Not on Instagram - no worries. Just answer this question in the comment section at the end of this post (Scroll Down):
What is your favourite Christmas pop song of all time?
Good Luck!

*Giveaway is open Internationally 

The fire is most fervent in a frosty season.Luce 21st August, 1642
These were the times in which Lucy Apsley questioned if God had deserted her.Around the table, her children gathered. When had they grown into men and women? Where went the innocent Allen, the child in Luce? These young people talked recklessly tonight. Lucy shook the ghosts of yesteryear from her thoughts. Be grateful for the hour at hand, the joy shared in this pleasing home.Still, the doubts chattered in her mind. The past crept close tonight, the door ajar between dead and living.This dinner was a happy occasion, a celebration of Allen’s knighthood. A fresh carp caught in their own fishponds graced the table. Elegant clothes were unpacked from trunks, dried lavender shaken from the skirts. Even Luce, always careless with her dress, wore a fine gown of blue watered silk, dotted with moonstones.And then, as unpredictable as a summer storm, a lightning exchange heralded dispute.For the king. Against the king. Favored by Villiers. Betrayed by Parliament.Those old arguments restored her husband’s memory, twelve years departed from this life. And now, their past disputes echoed in her children.“Where lies your loyalty, Allen?” demanded Luce. “Your family deserves the truth.”He shrugged, his broad shoulders strong under the fine holland shirt, the beautifully cut doublet. Court was good to her son.“Why, Luce,” he replied, “As God is my witness, I am loyal to His Majesty and faithful to the Parliament. My heart lies with the men of this country, and their wish for peace.”“By forming armed bands of Cavaliers?” cried Luce, her voice rising. “My heart is loyal and faithful too—loyal to the Parliament who represent the rights of men, faithful to the tradition of monarchy. Consider your own world order, not mine.”Allen stood too, his soldier’s physique suddenly charging the atmosphere. His color rose. “The king is as a father to the people of this nation. He knows what is best for them.”“Is that why he commandeers our ammunition, leaves our towns defenseless, our woman and children vulnerable to any band of armed men?”“Keep to your writing and notebooks, Sister, and leave the business of government to men.”Lucy prayed for the storm to subside. Thus always ranged their arguments, until one caught the other’s eye, and a shared smile would appear, contagious and healing. Please, God, let this night be no different. “Tomorrow, we ride to Nottingham to attend King Charles,” she said. “He speaks to unite our country, to stand down the armies. Tonight, let not differences divide us.”A mother knows what is best for her children. And still, they seek out their own destinies. Perhaps, once more, she could protect her children with a lie.God save us. For again, the fate of my family and of England lies within this deceitful king’s hands. And if he cannot have his way, he will destroy us all.

Amazon • Books2Read



Elizabeth St.John spends her time between California, England, and the past. An acclaimed author, historian, and genealogist, she has tracked down family papers and residences from Lydiard Park and Nottingham Castle to Richmond Palace and the Tower of London to inspire her novels. Although the family sold a few country homes along the way (it's hard to keep a good castle going these days), Elizabeth's family still occupy them-- in the form of portraits, memoirs, and gardens that carry their legacy. And the occasional ghost. But that's a different story.
Having spent a significant part of her life with her seventeenth-century family while writing The Lydiard Chronicles trilogy and Counterpoint series, Elizabeth St.John is now discovering new family stories with her fifteenth-century namesake Elysabeth St.John Scrope, and her half-sister, Margaret Beaufort.
Connect with Elizabeth:Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Amazon Author Page

Welcome to Day #8 of the blog tour for Bright Helm (The Byrhtnoth Chronicles: Book 4) by Christine Hancock #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @YoungByrhtnoth @MaddieS39950549

 

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?

Have a sneak-peek between the covers of Bright Helm over on Oh look, another book!

Click HERE!

Welcome to Day #9 of the blog tour for Anke: The Beginning by Anas Hamshari and Caroline Snodgress #HistoricalFiction #ShortStories #CoffeePotBookClub @ExoticReads @carpe_librum

 

Anke: The Beginning

By Anas Hamshari and Caroline Snodgress

October 15th – December 17th 2020

Amazon

Publication Date: September 16th 2020

Publisher: Exotic Reads

Page Length: 111 eBook / 170 paperback

Genre: Historical Fiction

Living in the city of Mechelen, just south of once-prosperous Antwerp, in the aftermath of the Thirty Years’ War, Anke Verhaegen, an ambitious nineteen-year-old, is determined to make the most of her life.

When her brother Johan suggests crossing the Atlantic to New Netherland, Anke knows this is her destiny. Together, the two set about attempting to secure passage across the sea.

Before long, their plans are in motion, and hopes are high. Yet, with vengeful enemies, secrecy, and danger on the high sea waiting to be faced, will Anke really be able to secure a better life for herself?

Head over to Samantha Wilcoxson’s Official Blog where Historical Fiction authors, Anas Hamshari and Caroline Snodgrass are talking about what life was like in New Netherland in the early 16th Century- well worth a read. 

Click HERE!

Welcome to Day #4 of the blog tour for The Wolf Banner (Sons of the Wolf, Book 2) By Paula Lofting #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @Paulalofting @CraftygasheadZo

 

December 7th – December 18th 2020
Amazon UK • Amazon US

Publication Date: August 26th 2020 / Second Edition: Publisher: Longship PublishingGenre: Historical Fiction
WAR AND BLOODFEUD
"Best battle description ever!"
1056...England lurches towards war as the rebellious Lord Alfgar plots against the indolent King Edward. Sussex thegn, Wulfhere, must defy both his lord, Harold Godwinson, and his bitter enemy, Helghi, to protect his beloved daughter.
As the shadow of war stretches across the land, a more personal battle rages at home, and when it follows him into battle, he knows he must keep his wits about him more than ever, and COURAGE AND FEAR MUST BECOME HIS ARMOUR…

Check out what Zoe's Art, Craft and Life has to say about The Wolf Banner:
"...It is very obvious that the author knows this era inside out and along with a very believable and compelling plot, this is a novel that seemingly has a little of everything. I really enjoyed it..." Zoe's Art, Craft and Life
To read the review in full, 
Click HERE!

Welcome to Day #8 of the blog tour for Fire and Ash Gifts of the Gods, Book 3 By Thomas J Berry #FireandAsh #HistoricalFiction #AncientGreek #CoffeePotBookClub @TBerryAuthor @CraftygasheadZo

Fire and Ash
Gifts of the Gods, Book 3
By Thomas J Berry


NOVEMBER 30TH – DECEMBER 11TH 2020AMAZON UK • AMAZON US • AMAZON CA • AMAZON AU • BOOKLOCKER
Publication Date: 10th October 2020Publisher: BookLocker Genre: Historical Fiction Page Length: 450 PagesFive men and women in Ancient Greece are set on a dangerous journey of self-discovery during the bitter conflict of the Peloponnesian War. While mighty Athens struggles to rebuild after a devastating campaign abroad, the feared warriors of Sparta prepare to deliver the final blow in a decades long war. No one is safe anymore as the conflict shifts across the Aegean to the shores of wealthy Persia. Old colonies, once loyal to Athens, are eager to rebel and the Great King is willing to pay anything to regain his control over them. These coastal plains set the stage for massive battles and heartbreaking defeats. This time there will be only one true victor. The news coming out of Sicily ripples across the cities of Ancient Greece like a thunderbolt and it is left to the poor and desperate to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. One young mother is suddenly faced with a horrible tragedy and struggles against all odds to make a new life for her family. An eager boy looking for adventure enlists in the new Athenian ranks but finds life on campaign a lot more than he bargained for. A Spartan officer in the twilight of his years struggles to adapt to a young man's army and an exiled Athenian strives to earn his way back into the graces of his beloved city. The harem girls in a Persian court meet a handsome foreigner and one risks everything for a chance at love. As the conflict between Athens and Sparta builds to a final showdown, five men and women struggle to come to terms with their changing world. What will they find in the ashes when peace finally comes?

Check out what Zoe's Art, Craft and Life has to say about Fire and Ash: Gifts of the Gods:

"...The era that the author portrays is vividly describe. This is the kind of novel that envelops you, it wraps you up in history. At times, it is like I was there, witnessing these events first hand..." Zoe's Art, Craft and Life.

To read the review in full, 

Click HERE!

Check out this fabulous #BookReview by Candlelight Reading of By Love Divided (The Lydiard Chronicles, Book 2) by Elizabeth St.John #histfic @ElizStJohn @Beatric09625662

 

 

By Love Divided(The Lydiard Chronicles Book 2)By Elizabeth St.John


December 7th – December 18th 2020
Amazon  • Books2Read

Book Title: By Love DividedSeries: The Lydiard Chronicles, Book 2Author: Elizabeth St.JohnPublished: October 2017Publisher: Falcon HistoricalPage Length: 381Genre: Historical Fiction

London, 1630.
Widowed and destitute, Lucy St.John is fighting for survival and makes a terrible choice to secure a future for her children. Worse still, her daughter Luce rejects the royal court and a wealthy arranged marriage, and falls in love with a charismatic soldier. As England tumbles toward bloody civil war, Luce’s beloved brother Allen chooses to fight for the king as a cavalier. Allen and Luce are swept up in the chaos of war as they defend their opposing causes and protect those they love.
Will war unite or divide them? And will they find love and a home to return to—if they survive the horror of civil war. In the dawn of England’s great rebellion, love is the final battleground.
A true story based on surviving memoirs, court papers, and letters of Elizabeth St.John's family, By Love Divided tells of the war-time experiences of Lucy St.John, the Lady of the Tower. This powerfully emotional novel tells of England's great divide and the heart-wrenching choices one family faces.
Today, we are stopping over on Candlelight Reading for a fabulous 5 Star Review! Here is a snippet:

“Set during the English Civil War, Ms St.John has presented her readers with a book that leaves a lasting impression in one's heart. The brutalities of war, the emotional trauma of watching as your family is torn apart by political ideas and beliefs means that this novel not only tugs at the reader's heartstrings, but also demands to be read in one sitting - a feat I achieved by staying up to the early hours of the morning to read it - but this book demands such tender devotion, for the story is enthralling and the characters unforgettable..." Candlelight Reading.

You can read the rest of the review HERE!
Pick up your copy for only 0.99 on #Kindle for a Limited Time!
Amazon  • Books2Read