Linnea Tanner's Blog, page 25
August 4, 2022
Mary Anne Yarde The Du Lac Chronicles Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalFantasy #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @maryanneyarde
I am delighted to spotlight the Historical Fiction / Historical Fantasy / Historical Romance, The Du Lac Chronicles (Book 1 of The Du Lac Chronicles), by Mary Anne Yarde in The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held between August 1st — August 5th, 2022. The Du Lac Chronicles was released by the author on 21st February 2016 (317 pages).
Below are highlights of The Du Lac Chronicles and Mary Anne Yarde’s author bio.
To follow the blog tour, CLICK Tour Schedule Page
HIGHLIGHTS: THE DU LAC CHRONICLES
The Du Lac Chronicles
(Book 1 of The Du Lac Chronicles)
By Mary Anne Yarde
(Blurb)
A generation after Arthur Pendragon ruled, Briton lies fragmented into warring kingdoms and principalities.
Eighteen-year-old Alden du Lac ruled the tiny kingdom of Cerniw. Now he half-hangs from a wooden pole, his back lashed into a mass of bloody welts exposed to the cold of a cruel winter night. He’s to be executed come daybreak—should he survive that long.
When Alden notices the shadowy figure approaching, he assumes death has come to end his pain. Instead, the daughter of his enemy, Cerdic of Wessex, frees and hides him, her motives unclear.
Annis has loved Alden since his ill-fated marriage to her Saxon cousin—a marriage that ended in blood and guilt—and she would give anything to protect him. Annis’s rescue of Alden traps them between a brutal Saxon king and Alden’s remaining allies. Meanwhile, unknown forces are carefully manipulating the ruins of Arthur’s legacy.
Trigger warnings:
Torture, Warfare
Buy Links:
This novel is available on #KindleUnlimtied
Universal Link 
Amazon UK Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon AU
Mary Anne Yarde is a multi-award winning and bestselling author of Historical Fiction, as well as an award-winning blogger. She studied History at Cardiff University and went on to study Equine Science at Warwickshire College.
Mary Anne is a passionate advocate for quality Historical Fiction and founded The Coffee Pot Book Club in 2015 and became a professional Editorial Reviewer in 2016.
Mary Anne’s award-winning series, The Du Lac Chronicles, is set a generation after the fall of King Arthur. The Du Lac Chronicles takes you on a journey through Dark Age Britain and Brittany, where you will meet new friends and terrifying foes. Based on legends and historical fact, The Du Lac Chronicles is a series not to be missed
Born in Bath, England, Mary Anne grew up in the southwest of England, surrounded and influenced by centuries of history and mythology. Glastonbury—the fabled Isle of Avalon—was a mere fifteen-minute drive from her home, and tales of King Arthur and his knights were part of her childhood.
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Instagram: @coffeepotbookclub
August 3, 2022
Jenny Knipfer On Bur Oak Ridge Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour #ChristianHistoricalRomance #ShelteringTrees #OnBurOakRidge #HistoricalRomance #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @jennyknipferbrave @coffeepotbookclub
It is my pleasure to welcome Jenny Knipfer again as the featured author in The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held between August 1st — August 5th. Jenny Knipfer is the author of the Historical Romance / Christian Historical Romance / Christian Historical Fiction, On Bur Oak Ridge (Sheltering Trees: Book 3), which was released by the author on 29th July 2022 (266 pages).
Below are highlights of On Bur Oak Ridge, Jenny Knipfer’s author bio, and an excerpt from her book.
To follow the blog tour, CLICK Schedule Page
HIGHLIGHTS: ON BUR OAK RIDGE
On Bur Oak Ridge
(Sheltering Trees: Book Three)
By Jenny Knipfer
(Blurb)
“The plot has its twists and turns to keep readers intrigued…to the very end. A great comfort read that will soothe the spirit with renewed hope and faith.” Readers’ Favorite five-star review
A HISTORICAL NOVEL OF FINDING HEALING AND A SECOND CHANCE AT LOVE
In the early 1900s, quiet and reserved Molly Lund finds refuge from her past at the Nelsons’ farm in Minnesota. In an attempt to turn a new page in her life, Molly works at making peace with her losses and coming to terms with the disfiguring burns on her face.
Samuel Woodson, the Nelsons’ hired hand, carries his own cares. Split from his family and bearing a burden of misplaced guilt for an act that haunts him, Samuel–seeing past Molly’s scars–draws her out of her self-protective shell.
Molly and Samuel form a friendship, but just as their hearts lead them deeper, an unexpected guest comes calling, demanding what’s his.
Will Molly and Samuel find a way to be together or will they be separated, due to impediments beyond their control? Can they trust in God’s plan and travel a path that heals the hurts of the past?
Readers of historical fiction, Christian historical fiction, and Christian historical romance will delight in this beautifully wrought story of the healing power of love.
“A heartwarming story of healing from external and internal scars. Through some of life’s harder lessons the characters learn to trust, forgive, and find second chances out of the ashes of pain and loss.” —Anne Perreault, author of eighteen inspirational novels, including the Yellowstone series
Trigger Warnings:
Grief, trauma from burns, accidental death, time in an insane asylum
Buy Links:
Available on #KindleUnlimited
Universal Link 
Amazon UK Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon AU
AUTHOR BIO: JENNY KNIPFER
Jenny lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken, and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling.
Spending many years as a librarian in a local public library, Jenny recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability. Her education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions.
All of Jenny’s books have earned five-star reviews from Readers’ Favorite, a book review and award contest company. She holds membership in the: Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, Wisconsin Writers Association, Christian Indie Publishing Association, and Independent Book Publishers Association.
Jenny’s favorite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set.
She deems a cup of tea and a good book an essential part of every day. When not writing, Jenny can be found reading, tending to her many houseplants, or piecing quilt blocks at her sewing machine.
Her new historical fiction, four-part series entitled, Sheltering Trees, is set in the area Jenny grew up in, where she currently lives, and places along Minnesota’s Northern Shore, where she loves to visit. She is currently writing a four-part novella series entitled: Botanical Seasons and a three-part fantasy series entitled: Retold Fairy Tales.
Social Media Links:
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Molly
With a low creak the front door opens, and the men walk in. I turn my back to them and move to place the boiled dinner Mabel and I made in the middle of the table. Rashly, I lift up the handle of the cast-iron pot, forgetting it’s hot. I drop the handle and it clunks against the side of the pot.
“Yow!” I can’t help uttering.
I shake my hand, trying to flap away the pain, red marks blooming on the underside of my middle fingers.
Mr. Woodson steps forward and grabs a tea towel to lift the pot to the table.
“Let me,” his low voice rumbles out.
I keep my eyes lowered as I offer him a “Thank you.”
I don’t need to say more.
Mabel holds her hand out to me, motioning with her fingers, demanding my burning hand. “Oh dear. Let me see.” I don’t resist and place my hand, palm-up, in hers.
“Oooh, that might leave a welt.” Mabel drops my hand and steps toward the icebox. “I’ll chip off some ice to place on it. Sit down at the table.”
I obey. Lincoln steps closer to his wife.
“Should we do the same, Mae? Is supper ready?” he asks, using his pet name for Mabel, concern present in his tone.
“Surely. Take your seats. This won’t take but a minute, and then you can say the blessing,” Mabel says with confidence.
While she chips at some ice with an ice pick, we all sit, looking a bit uncomfortable. Lincoln watches me with what I imagine is genuine care.
Mr. Woodson, Samuel, folds and unfolds his fingers over the top of his plate and clears his throat several times, yet retains his thoughts and his gaze. It gives me the opportunity to study him. He wears his ash-blond hair long, but his face sports no facial hair. His eyes are wide and well-set but not shrunken. Because of his downcast gaze or the candlelight, I cannot decipher what shade they are. The oval shape of his face puts me in mind of more feminine features, but his strong brow and prominent jaw are decisively masculine. Altogether, he presents a pleasing figure.
Mr. Woodson suddenly glances up, as if he can read my thoughts.
I instantly drop my inspection of him and turn my face, so my good side is to him. My neck begins to prick and itch, and I look at Mabel, begging her to hurry up. She gathers the ice shards in a flour-sack towel, folds it several times, and hands it to me.
“There. You rest your hand on that; it should start to feel better soon. After dinner, I can put some balsam of myrrh on the burn.”
I gulp, swallowing the word “burn.”
I know about burns. I’ve lived through them. Almost died from them.
Mabel’s eyes widen, and she holds perfectly still, a fly caught in a word-web. “I’m…I’m sorry. I didn’t think…”
Her eyes glisten with the brown, gold-flecked sheen of sand- polished ironstone.
“It’s…”
I want to reassure my friend that I’ve put the past behind me and that it no longer has the power to scar me. But I’m unsure. Perhaps it still does.
Instagram: @coffeepotbookclub
July 29, 2022
Barnes and Noble Book Signing Lone Tree Colorado AuthorYou Members Support Colorado Author’s Hall of Fame #Barnes&NobleEvent @JudithBriles @AuthorYOUBooks
Saturday,
AUGUST 6th in Colorado
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Teaming with Local Bestselling and Award-Winning AuthorYOU Members at Barnes & Noble –Shoppes at the Meadows, 8374 S. Willow Street, Lone Tree, CO 80124
I’ll be teaming with AuthorYOU members to celebrate and sign books at the August Barnes and Noble Bookfair. We’ll be there to sign, sell books, and support the Colorado Author’s Hall of Fame. Barnes & Noble has been a generous supporter of Colorado Authors and the AuthorYOU community.
This is an event where any books and other store merchandise purchased by visitors to the store on Saturday will generate a donation to support the Colorado Author’s Hall of Fame, which will provide funds to support the Aspiring Authors Scholarships that will be awarded in September to residents of Colorado aged 16 and beyond.
The book signing event will feature fiction and nonfiction authors of all genres: adult, YA, juvenile, and children’s books.
July 26, 2022
Paul Bennett The Mallory Saga Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour #HistoricalFiction #AmericanHistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @hooverbkreview @maryanneyarde
It is my pleasure to introduce the featured author, Paul Bennett, as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held July 25th — July 29th, 2022. He is the author of the Historical Fiction series, The Mallory Saga. The first book in the series, Clash of Empires, was released by Hoover Books on 25th November 2016 (224 pages).
Below are highlights of The Mallory Saga series, Paul Bennett’s author bio, and an overview of Book 3 of The Mallory Saga series—Crucible of Rebellion.
To follow the blog tour, CLICK Tour Schedule
THE MALLORY SAGA SERIES BLURB
Follow the Mallory family as they attempt to live a peaceful life on the PA frontier in 1756. They face tragedy and loss as they become embroiled in The French and Indian War – Clash of Empires. In Paths to Freedom, the colonies are heading to open revolt against King George III, and the Mallory’s are once again facing the spectre of war. Crucible of Rebellion continues the Mallory story through the early years of the Revolutionary War. In Book 4, A Nation is Born completes the Revolution and the Mallory’s have played their part in the victory. In book 5, A Turbulent Beginning, the nascent nation finds it hard going to establish a peaceful existence. The Natives of this land resist the westward expansion of white settlers.
Trigger Warnings:
Violence and battle scenes, mild sexual content, and profanity.
Buy Links:
This series is available to read for free with #KindleUnlimited subscription.
Universal Buy Links of theThe Mallory Saga in order:
Clash of Empires: https://books2read.com/u/m2eDQo
Paths to Freedom: https://books2read.com/u/47YyVE
Crucible of Rebellion: https://books2read.com/u/mg7xPz
A Nation Is Born: https://books2read.com/u/bPgpNx
A Turbulent Beginning: https://books2read.com/u/m2eDQd
Buy Links of Clash of Kingdoms (The Mallory Saga, Book 1):
Clash of Empires – Universal Link 
Amazon UK Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon AU
Paul was born in Detroit when the Big Three ruled the automobile industry, and The Korean Conflict was in full swing. A lifelong interest in history and a love of reading eventually led him to Wayne State University where he majored in Ancient History, with a minor in Physical Anthropology. However, to make ends meet, those studies were left to the realm of dreams, and Paul found himself accidentally embarking on a 50-year career in computers. A career that he has recently retired from in order to spend more time with those dreams….7 grandchildren will help fill the time as well.
He now resides in the quaint New England town of Salem, Massachusetts with his wife Daryl, just a few minutes’ walk from the North River, and the site where the Revolution almost began.
The Mallory Saga is the culmination of Paul’s love of history, and his creative drive to write stories. With Nightwish and Bruce Cockburn coming through his headphones, and many cups of excellent coffee, Paul hopes to carry the Saga into the late 19th century, bringing American history to life through the eyes and actions of the Mallory family.
Social Media Links:
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Crucible of Rebellion
(Book 3 of
The Mallory Saga)
By Paul Bennett
The timeline for Crucible is 1775 – 1778. I decided to split the Revolutionary War into two books, mainly because there is so much more action as opposed to The French & Indian War…and because as I was writing, my characters insisted on some scenes I hadn’t previously thought of. The three Mallory siblings, Daniel, Liza, and Liam play important parts in CoR, but it is their children who begin to make their marks on the saga. Their youngest son, Ethan, and their daughter Abigail, of Daniel and Deborah travel with their parents to Boonesborough and reside there with Daniel Boone. The war reaches this remote frontier, prompting Daniel and Deborah to move further west in search of peace. However, even the banks of The Wabash River prove not to be a barrier to the conflict.
Their eldest son Bo accompanies Liam’s twins, Jack and Cal, first to Fort Ticonderoga, then to Boston with a load of cannon for General Washington’s siege of Boston (the Noble Train of Artillery with Colonel Henry Knox). In Boston they meet up with Liza and Henry’s son Thomas, who is no longer a prisoner (can’t say more than that), Marguerite, and Samuel Webb. General Washington has plans for the Mallory boys…plans which see some of them in a few of the more important battles of the war… the escape from Long Island, the surprise attack at Trenton, the turning point battles at Saratoga NY, as well as taking part in numerous guerilla type skirmishes. A long way away from the conflict Liam, with Wahta, are living with the Crow along the Bighorn River. Liza and Henry made the trip to Boonesborough with Daniel and Deborah, but do not go with them to The Wabash….they have their own adventures.
Instagram: @coffeepotbookclub
July 17, 2022
M J Porter Cragside: A 1930s Murder Mystery Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalMystery #HistoricalThriller #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @coloursofunison @maryanneyarde
It is my pleasure to introduce the featured author, M J Porter, as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held July 18th — July 22nd, 2022. She is the author of the Historical Mystery, Cragside: A 1930s Murder Mystery, which was released by M J Publishing on 14th April 2022 (234 pages).
Below are highlights of Cragside: A 1930s Murder Mystery, M J Porter’s author bio, and an excerpt from her book.
To follow the blog tour, CLICK Tour Schedule Page
HIGHLIGHTS — CRAGSIDE: A 1930S MURDER MYSTERY
Cragside: A 1930s Murder Mystery
By M J Porter
Blurb
Lady Merryweather has had a shocking year. Apprehended for the murder of her husband the year before, and only recently released, she hopes a trip away from London will allow her to grieve. The isolated, but much loved, Cragside Estate in North Northumberland, home of her friends, Lord and Lady Bradbury, holds special memories for her.
But, no sooner has she arrived than the body of one of the guests is found on the estate, and suspicion immediately turns on her. Perhaps, there are no friendships to be found here, after all.
Released, due to a lack of evidence, Lady Ella returns to Cragside only to discover a second murder has taken place in her absence, and one she can’t possibly have committed.
Quickly realising that these new murders must be related to that of her beloved husband, Lady Merryweather sets out to solve the crime, once and for all. But there are many who don’t want her to succeed, and as the number of murder victims increases, the possibility that she might well be the next victim, can’t be ignored.
Journey to the 1930s Cragside Estate, to a period house-party where no one is truly safe, and the estate is just as deadly as the people.
Trigger Warnings:
Description of murder scenes and bodies
Buy Links:
Universal Link Amazon UK Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon AU Barnes and Noble Waterstones Kobo Apple Books Audio
MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to Eleventh-Century England, as well as three twentieth-century mysteries. Raised in the shadow of a building that was believed to house the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia, meant that the author’s writing destiny was set.
Social Media Links:
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Our suspects start to turn on one another
“So,” Margot snarls in Rebecca’s direction. “You have your answers. You must admit that it looks more and more likely that Lady Merryweather was responsible. She might not have been here physically, but perhaps she had someone else do the deed on her behalf. The Detective Inspector is a fool if he thinks she’s not the guilty one. After all, she’s killed before.” Margot hisses as she speaks. The temptation to slap her face for such a shocking diatribe has me sitting on my hands, focusing on keeping my face expressionless. Abandoned on the table before me are the remains of the sandwiches and cold teapot.
What Margot has failed to appreciate is that I’d not even arrived at the house when Lady Carver was killed yesterday.
“I disagree,” Rebecca sneers, showing more emotion than I expect from her. “It looks to me as though someone in this house is trying everything they can to send an innocent woman up for murder, again. I can see that the Detective Inspector is aware of that now. As he said, of us all, there’s only Lady Merryweather who can’t possibly be responsible for the murder of Norman.” I’m astounded to hear someone defending me.
Before Margot can respond, Edmund returns to the library. Aldcroft hasn’t taken long to ask his questions of the owner of Cragside.
“My dear, it’s your turn now,” Edmund Bradbury informs his wife. Arm clasped over the opposite arm, Margot stands and gives Rebecca such a cold stare, I expect the fire to gutter and go out.
“I’ll ensure the Detective Inspector knows where I was and who I suspect.” So spoken, Margot strides from the room, high heels clipping on the wooden floorboards. The sound echoes with the stone of the walls.
Edmund sinks into a comfortable looking chair to the far side of the room, closer to the bookcases. His face is ashen, the pipe clutched tightly, as though it’s a life vest intended to keep him afloat.
“All these years,” Edmund mutters softly. “All these years and nothing terrible has ever befallen this wonderful house built by my father. And now. Well now, two in two days, well, less than twenty-four hours. I’ll never recover from such a tragedy.” I think Edmund might be about to break into sobs, but somehow, he doesn’t. His gaze lingers on the fire.
“Lady Bradbury informs me that you were with her and Hector, all afternoon, after luncheon, in the drawing-room.”
Rebecca is a tenacious woman. She offers no empathy for Edmund’s disturbed thoughts. I admire her.
“What? Yes, yes, of course, she was.”
“So, she didn’t leave the room to powder her nose or anything like that?” Rebecca presses. From Lilian’s darting eyes, I can tell that she’s not considered such a possibility. I have. All these people would have needed were a handful of minutes to kill Mr. Harrington-Featherington. We don’t know how long he’d been dead on the rockery before he was discovered. “No one has mentioned seeing him since luncheon.”
“I’ll not have you speak about my wife in such a way,” Edmund doesn’t explode, but the words are softly spoken and all the more menacing because of that.
“I’ll speak how I like,” Rebecca responds, her mouth suddenly twisted with fury. “I’m brought to a house where not one but two people are murdered, and I’m not allowed to leave it. I don’t much care for who you are or what titles you have after your name. To me, you could all be the murderer. All of you.” Her words escape on a shriek. My respect for her evaporates in the wake of her terror.
I expect Edmund to defend Margot further, but he deflates before me.
“You are, of course, right to say what you do. This is terrible. Just terrible. I do believe we might all have left the room at one point or another,” Edmund admits.
“Come now, old boy, I didn’t leave the drawing-room.” Hector fills his voice with false humour. I detect a thread of fear, which I think is worthy of note.
“I know that I did,” Edmund announces, as though not hearing Hector. “I thought I heard the dogs and came looking for them. But I must have misheard, as there was no sign of Lilian or the dogs. Of course, sound does echo strangely in the valley,” Edmund concedes.
I try not to glance directly at Lilian at this admission. It means that she might have been closer than she’d first implied. I’m learning a great deal. I imagine more than the Detective Inspector. I can’t see that Margot will even listen to his questions, let alone answer them truthfully. She’s a woman eager to impress on everyone that she’s a member of the gentry.
“Edmund,” Margot’s cry rings from the inner hall, the single word shrill.
“Yes, dear,” Edmund calls.
“I need you,” and we all hear a thudding noise as though something heavy hits the floor. It too strongly reminds me of the men carrying Norman’s body through the house that, for a moment, I do worry that Margot might have fallen to her death.
Instagram: @coffeepotbookclub
July 11, 2022
Book Spotlight The Girl from Oto by Amy Maroney #Renaissance #WomenArtists #HistoricalMystery #MiramondeSeries #TheGirlFromOto #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @wilaroney @maryanneyarde
I am delighted to spotlight the Historical Mystery, The Girl from Oto (The Miramonde Series, Book 1), by Amy Maroney in The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held between July 11th —July 15th, 2022. The Girl from Oto was released by Artelan Press on 20th September 2016 (524 pages). The narrator of the audiobook is Meg Price (Audio Length: 15 hours 23 minutes)
Below are highlights of The Girl from Oto and Amy Maroney’s author bio.
To follow the blog tour, CLICK Tour Schedule Page
HIGHLIGHTS: THE GIRL FROM OTO
The Girl from Oto
(The Miramonde Series, Book 1)
By Amy Maroney
Narrated by Meg Price
(Blurb)
A Renaissance-era woman artist and an American scholar. Linked by a 500-year-old mystery…
The secrets of the past are irresistible—and treacherous.
1500: Born during a time wracked by war and plague, Renaissance-era artist Mira grows up in a Pyrenees convent believing she is an orphan. When tragedy strikes, Mira learns the devastating truth about her own origins. But does she have the strength to face those who would destroy her?
2015: Centuries later, art scholar Zari unearths traces of a mysterious young woman named Mira in two 16th-century portraits. Obsessed, Zari tracks Mira through the great cities of Europe to the pilgrim’s route of Camino de Santiago—and is stunned by what she finds. Will her discovery be enough to bring Mira’s story to life?
A powerful story and an intriguing mystery, The Girl from Oto is an unforgettable novel of obsession, passion, and human resilience.
The Girl from Oto Buy Links:
This book is available on #KindleUnlimited.
Amazon UK Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon AU Audio
Universal Buy Links for The Miramonde Series:
AUTHOR BIO: AMY MARONEY
Amy Maroney lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family, and spent many years as a writer and editor of nonfiction before turning her hand to historical fiction. When she’s not diving down research rabbit holes, she enjoys hiking, dancing, traveling, and reading. Amy is the author of the Miramonde Series, a trilogy about a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern-day scholar on her trail. Amy’s new series, Sea and Stone Chronicles, features ordinary people seeking their fortunes under the rule of the medieval Knights Hospitaller in Rhodes, Greece. To receive a free prequel novella to the Miramonde Series, join Amy Maroney’s readers’ group at www.amymaroney.com.
Social Media Links:
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Instagram: @coffeepotbookclub
July 7, 2022
Rachel R. Heil Leningrad: The People’s War #HistoricalFiction #WorldWarII #Leningrad #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @HeilRachelR @maryanneyarde
It is my pleasure to introduce the featured author, Rachel R. Heil, as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held June 27th — July 8th, 2022. She is the author of the Historical Fiction / Historical Romance, Leningrad: The People’s War (Leningrad, Book 1), which was released by the author on 5 February 2021 (326 pages)
Below are highlights of Leningrad: The People’s War, Rachel R. Heil’s author bio, and my review of her gripping novel.
To follow the blog tour, CLICK Tour Schedule Page:
HIGHLIGHTS — LENINGRAD: THE PEOPLE’S WAR
Leningrad: The People’s War
(Leningrad, Book 1)
By Rachel R. Heil
Blurb
Leningrad, 1941
As Europe crumbles under the German war machine, the people of the Soviet Union watch. There are whispers of war but not loud enough for the civilians of Leningrad to notice. Instead, they keep their heads down and try to avoid the ever-watching eyes of their own oppressive government.
University student Tatiana Ivankova tries to look ahead to the future after a family tragedy that characterizes life under the brutal regime. But, when the rumors that have been circulating in the country become a terrifying reality, Tatiana realizes that the greatest fear may not be the enemy but what her fellow citizens are prepared to do to each other to survive.
As his men plow through the Russian countryside, Heinrich Nottebohm is told to follow orders and ask no questions, even if such commands go against his own principles. His superiors hold over him a past event that continues to destroy him with every day that passes. But, when given the opportunity to take an act of defiance, Heinrich will jump at the chance, ignoring what the end results could be.
Leningrad: The People’s War tells the harrowing beginning of a war that forever changed the landscape of a city, told through the eyes of both sides in a tale of courage, love, and sacrifice.
Buy Links:
This novel is available on #KindleUnlimited.
Universal Link Amazon UK Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon AU
Rachel R. Heil is a historical fiction writer who always dreamed of being an author. After years of dreaming, she finally decided to turn this dream into a reality with her first novel, and series, Behind the Darkened Glass. Rachel is an avid history fan, primarily focused on twentieth-century history and particularly World War Two-era events. In addition to her love for history, Rachel loves following the British Royal Family and traveling the world, which only opens the door to learning more about a country’s history. Rachel resides in Wisconsin.
Social Media Links:
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Leningrad: The People’s War by Rachel R. Heil
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loyalties to families and to the repressive regimes of Stalin’s Russia and Hitler’s Germany are tested in the first book, Leningrad: The People’s War, of the World War II historical fiction series by Rachel R. Heil. The story is told through the eyes of a young Russian female sharpshooter, Tatiana Ivanova, and a reputed German commander, Heinrich Nottebohm. The NKVD secret police’s arrest of some of Tatiana’s family members has profoundly impacted her. To protect her remaining family from possibly being arrested, Tatiana agrees to do whatever a reporter loyal to Stalin asks her to do. The uninformed people in Leningrad are taken by surprise when the Germans invade Russia and march rapidly to Leningrad. Tatiana accompanies the state-loyal reporter to fortifications being built to defend the city so he can take photos to inspire the townspeople to fight by using persuasive propaganda. During a German attack on Leningrad, Tatiana recklessly saves a wounded woman. As a result of her bravery, she is recruited to train as a sharpshooter and wins public notoriety for her deadly ambushes on German soldiers.
As Tatiana’s story unfolds, we are introduced to a reputed German commander, Heinrich, who has a dark secret about a previous liaison with a woman. A brilliant military strategist, he questions the brutality of his superiors’ orders and secretly defies them on his march and assault on Leningrad. The perspective of the German attack on Leningrad alternates between the points of view of Tatiana and Heinrich—adding to the heart-pounding suspense about their fates when they face each other.
Author Rachel R. Heil does not spare you from the horrific scenes of war and the death toll on civilians—both from starvation and assaults. She explores the theme of duty to the state vs. loyalty to the family in the novel. Tatiana is an engaging character who defies the stereotypical role of a woman in war. She is cunning and brutal in her ambushes on Russian soldiers. She will do what is necessary to save her family from the dangers of the NKVD secret police, which are as brutal as the Germans from her perspective. Heinrich walks a tightrope to outwit his superiors and minimize the brutality he is ordered to carry out.
A page-turner, the story accelerates to a breakneck pace with unexpected twists toward the end. The story does not end in a traditional climax, but it continues into the next book. I’m eager to read the series to find out the fates of the characters in what was considered the most devastating battle in World II. For the most part, the narrative is well-edited and tight, but there is a noticeable punctuation error in using commas instead of em dashes outside the quotation marks to set off a bit of action without a dialogue tag. Nonetheless, the storytelling is riveting and kept me on the edge of my seat as I continued reading the book late at night.
I highly recommend Leningrad: The People’s War to readers who enjoy reading character-driven, fast-paced historical fiction that will leave you breathless from its unexpected twists and suspense.
Instagram: @coffeepotbookclub
July 5, 2022
Summertime Blues A Multi-Author Event for #Audiobook Lovers #Giveaway #AudiobookGiveaway @UviPoznansky
A select group of authors has joined forces
To bring you amazing audiobooks narrated by great voices actors.
Come listen to their stories during the FACEBOOK event
To be held July 7-8, 2022.
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An Epic Celtic Tale Weaving Forbidden Love, Sorcery, and Political Intrigue
in Ancient Rome and Britannia.
A CELTIC WARRIOR PRINCESS IS TORN BETWEEN HER FORBIDDEN LOVE FOR THE ENEMY AND HER DUTY TO THE PEOPLE.
AWARD-WINNING APOLLO’S RAVEN sweeps you into an epic Celtic tale of forbidden love, mythological adventure, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia. In 24 AD British kings hand-picked by Rome to rule are fighting each other for power. King Amren’s former queen, a powerful Druid, has cast a curse that Blood Wolf and the Raven will rise and destroy him. The king’s daughter, Catrin, learns to her dismay that she is the Raven and her banished half-brother is Blood Wolf. Trained as a warrior, Catrin must find a way to break the curse, but she is torn between her forbidden love for her father’s enemy, Marcellus, and loyalty to her people. She must summon the magic of the Ancient Druids to alter the dark prophecy that threatens the fates of everyone in her kingdom.
Will Catrin overcome and eradicate the ancient curse? Will she be able to embrace her forbidden love for Marcellus? Will she cease the war between Blood Wolf and King Amren and save her kingdom?
BOOK 2: DAGGER’S DESTINY
A CELTIC WARRIOR PRINCESS ACCUSED OF TREASON FOR AIDING HER ENEMY ROMAN LOVER MUST WIN BACK HER FATHER’S LOVE AND TRUST.
War looms over 24 AD Britannia where rival tribal rulers fight each other for power and the Romans threaten to invade to settle their political differences. King Amren accuses his daughter, Catrin, of treason for aiding the Roman enemy and her lover, Marcellus. The ultimate punishment is death unless she can redeem herself. She must prove loyalty to her father by forsaking Marcellus and defending their kingdom—even to the death. Forged into a warrior, she must overcome tribulations and make the right decisions on her quest to break the curse that foretells her banished half-brother and the Roman Empire will destroy their kingdom.
Yet, when Catrin again reunites with Marcellus, she is torn between her love for him and her duty to King Amren. She must ultimately face her greatest challenger who could destroy her life, freedom, and humanity.
Will Catrin finally break the ancient prophecy that looms over her kingdom? Will she abandon her forbidden love for Marcellus to win back her father’s trust and love? Can King Amren balance his brutality to maintain power with the love he feels for his daughter?
BOOK 3: AMULET’S RAPTURE
BLOOD STAINS HER CELTIC HOME AND KINGDOM. THE WARRIOR DRUID PRINCESS WILL DO ANYTHING TO RETAKE HER THRONE.
Although Catrin is the rightful heir to the Celtic throne in Britannia, she is lucky to be alive. After witnessing the slaughter of her family at the hands of her half-brother, who was aided by the Romans, she is enslaved by a Roman commander. He disguises her as a boy in the Roman Legion with the belief that she is an oracle of Apollo and can foretell his future. The sole bright spot in her miserable new life is her forbidden lover Marcellus, the great-grandson of the famed Roman General Mark Antony.
But Marcellus has been wounded and his memories of Catrin and their secret marriage were erased by a dark Druidess. Though Marcellus reunites with Catrin in Gaul and becomes her ally as she struggles to survive the brutality of her Roman master, he questions the legitimacy of their marriage and hesitates to help her escape and retake her kingdom. If their forbidden love and alliance are discovered, her dreams of returning to her Celtic home with Marcellus will be shattered.
June 30, 2022
Craig R Hipkins Clement: The Templar’s Treasure Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour #HistoricalFiction #YoungAdult #YAfantasy #Medieval #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @CraigHipkins @maryanneyarde
It is my pleasure to welcome back Craig R. Hipkins as the featured author in The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held June 20th — July 1st, 2022. He is the author of the Young Adult Historical Fiction, Clement: The Templar’s Treasure (Clement, Book 3), which was released by Hipkins Twins on 4th May 2022 (233 pages).
Below are highlights of Clement: The Templar’s Treasure, the author bio of Craig R. Hipkins, and a suspenseful excerpt from his book.
To follow the blog tour, CLICK Tour Schedule Page
HIGHLIGHTS: CLEMENT: THE TEMPLAR’S TREASURE
Clement: The Templar’s Treasure
(Clement, Book 3)
By Craig R. Hipkins
Blurb
Clement & Dagena return for another action-packed adventure. From the cold and dreary shores of Greenland to the fabled land of Vinland. The legendary treasure of the Knights Templar awaits.
Buy Links:
This novel is available on #KindleUnlimited
Universal Link Amazon UK Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon AU
Craig R. Hipkins grew up in Hubbardston Massachusetts. He is the author of medieval and gothic fiction. His novel, Adalbert is the sequel to Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018). He is an avid long-distance runner and enjoys astronomy in his spare time.
Social Media Links:
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EXCERT: CLEMENT: THE TEMPLAR’S TREASURE
Clement strapped on his belt and checked his dagger. He would not need his bow so he left it with Olaf in the shelter. They left quietly, in the dark, leaving Olaf with the remaining biscuits. The village was a few miles away. Pometecomet estimated it would take two hours to get there as they would not be using the trails for obvious reasons. It was still snowing, but not as heavy as the evening before. Clement could feel the cold air biting his face and pulled the hood of his cloak tighter. Except for his feet, Pometecomet’s legs were bare from the knees down. Clement wondered how he managed it in the cold, but it did not seem to bother him.
They wanted to arrive before dawn. The Nipmuck usually only kept a solitary guard near the entrance but there might be more than one on this morning. No doubt, Sven would have men on duty. Pometecomet was hoping Dagena would be sleeping with the other maidens in the small hut near the breach, but if not, they would be able to tell them where she was staying. Clement was dreading the worst possible scenario. Sven had her with him, or even worse, the sailor, Guy, who would probably be doing unthinkable things to her. He felt his blood boiling again and was impatient to get there. If Pometecomet was not here, he would probably be reckless and use the main trail. However, he was glad he was here. How would he know about the location of the village or the breach where they could enter the town undetected? He felt fortunate and blessed.
It was still dark when they arrived on the hill overlooking the village. Clement felt a lump in his throat. This was going to be dangerous and he might end up being captured or even killed; but he had no choice. Not only was Dagena counting on him, but Tristan’s life was also in peril. For a few minutes, the two boys crouched down among some boulders and observed the palisade. It was quiet. Mostly, everyone was sleeping. They could have probably entered through the narrow lane and quickly dispatched the lone sentry keeping watch, but if they did, it would come at a great risk. The sentry might be able to call out the alarm. Also, Clement knew his uncle would not be so careless. Undoubtedly, there were others tending to the fire and keeping a lookout on the camp. He could see the glow of a fire but, from their position, could not actually see the flames.
“What do you think?” Clement asked.
Pometecomet was rubbing his chin. His long dark braids fell across his face. He pointed toward a depression in the ground outside the sturdy posts that served as the town’s walls.
“That is where we will enter. Come…it is time. We need to do this before it is light.”
The snow was now coming down fast and heavy. It was turning into a white out as the two boys quickly and catlike moved down the wooded slope. If anyone had been watching, they would have mistaken them for ghosts. Pometecomet led the way. They were soon huddled together in the depression up against the posts. They could see the opening but it was only a few inches from the ground to the bottom of the posts. They began to dig frantically into the snow. It was not long before they had an opening a boy could fit through but not a grown man.
Pometecomet touched Clement on the shoulder. “I will go in first. If I am not back in the time it takes to walk the perimeter of this village, then I am caught and the game is up.”
Clement nodded. “I will be waiting but do hurry.”
Without replying, the Wampanoag boy slipped through the opening. Clement was on his belly, peering through the hole. He saw his friend disappear around the corner of the hut. The snow was now coming down in sheets. He had never seen it snow this hard. It was turning into a blizzard. He remembered his father talk about one storm that had stopped King Stephen’s army in its tracks on one of his campaigns against the Welsh.
He waited anxiously, getting impatient. He wondered if he would have had time to walk the perimeter of the village. He had decided if Pometecomet got caught, he would still go. That is just the way he dealt with things. He was about to despair when he saw his friend peek around the corner and motion for him to come. He crawled through the opening and joined Pometecomet behind the hut. A few of the girls were standing in the shadows, watching them. Would any of them betray them?
“Dagena is being held in a separate hut,” Pometecomet whispered. “They say she is all alone, except for a guard, who has been assigned to watch her. He is sitting on a log outside of the hut.”
Clement was biting his lower lip. His mind was in motion.
“Where is this hut?”
His friend looked grave.
“It is located on the other side of the village. It is isolated from the others. It is usually where the Nipmuck keep prisoners. You will recognize it because it is the only hut built right into the palisade and there is a small holly tree growing next to the entrance. Watch out for the guard. The maidens say he is a big Norman with a brown mole on his forehead. They say he is fierce and has been abusing the girl with the hair the color of the brightest autumn leaves.”
Clement’s eyes narrowed and he was clenching his fists. He pulled his dagger from its sheath.
“That is Guy. He is a dead man.”
Pometecomet placed a comforting hand on his friend’s shoulder. He began to speak in his own tongue, in which Clement was now completely fluent.
“My friend; do not let your anger get in the way of your mission. You can get there undetected by following the narrow space between the palisade wall and the huts. I am going to help Weetamoe. I have told her about the boy, Tristan. She is gathering some supplies but needs my help to get them. I will meet you behind the boulders on the hill.”
They clasped hands and Clement watched his friend disappear into the darkness. For a second, he just stood there listening. The falling snow seemed to muffle nearly every sound, including his own footsteps as he cautiously crept around the backside of the huts along the palisade wall. He heard someone coughing in one of the huts. For the first time, he felt apprehensive and even a little frightened. What if he were captured before he got to Dagena? He quickly erased this thought from his mind. He was wearing the white cloak with the red cross of the Templar order. He suddenly felt empowered, almost invincible and omnipotent. He was not only a Templar Knight, but he was also their Seneschal. He was their leader. He could not fail. He would not fail.
He crept along in the snowy mist until he reached the last hut. Peering around the corner, he saw it. The small hut built into the palisade wall. He could see the lumbering form of Guy sitting cold and miserable on a stump blowing warmth into his hands and rubbing them together.
Clement’s eyes narrowed and he pulled his dagger from his sheath and boldly started forward. When he was about halfway across the open space Guy looked up and spotted him. Standing up, the sailor was at first confused, not recognizing who was approaching in the wintry mist. When he did finally realize it was the boy Templar, he was baffled. How had he managed to make it into the village? He had heard all about Clement’s former exploits and his supposed invincibility. Still, he did not believe a word of it. Clement, after all, was still only a boy and no match for him, a grown man twice his size and strength. Despite this, however, he felt it wise to treat this boy as a formidable opponent. He pulled his dagger from his sheath and grinned, showing his rotten teeth and grey gums. He started for the boy with his dagger raised.
Instagram: @coffeepotbookclub
Author Event Fan Expo Denver Linnea Tanner, Ryanne Glenn, and Nicole M. Davis #FanExpoDenver @RyanneGlenn @_NicoleMDavis
Meet and converse with world-renowned Guest Authors and the best writers the region has to offer and see them on multiple panels throughout the weekend. I’ll be sharing BOOTH A037 with my author buddies—Ryanne Glenn and Nicole M. Davis — in Author Alley. Purchase your books on-site or bring your own well-worn copy and have them signed by the author for free at their table or following one of their panels. Authors are always happy to spend a few minutes chatting, so don’t be shy.
FAN EXPO is the place to come if you are looking to get established as a writer and need writing or marketing guidance OR you’re just a fan and are looking for ideas for your next, great read! Topics and genres run from Science Fiction and Fantasy to Horror, Mystery, and Paranormal. Authors of all ages will be presenting, from adults to young adults. There will be panels and demonstrations about screenwriting, and the fastest-growing segments of readership – Romance and Audiobooks!
For those who are interested, we will be on the following panels:
Start
End
Name of Event
Location
Friday, July 1
5:30 pm
(Nicole M. Davis, Ryanne Glenn)
6:15 pm
CAN YOU TAKE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM? LIVE WRITING CRITIQUE
708 – LITERARY :30
Saturday, July 2
11:30 am
(Nicole M. Davis, Ryanne Glenn)
12:15 pm
PLOTTING VS. PANTSING – AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
708 – LITERARY :30
Sunday, July 3
2:30 pm
(Linnea Tanner, Ryanne Glenn
3:15 pm
WRITING A STRONG HERO/HEROINE JOURNEY
708 – LITERARY :30
3:30 pm
(Linnea Tanner)
4:15 pm
I HAVE A STORY IDEA – WHERE DO I START?
708 – LITERARY :30
For more information on all of the events,CLICK Schedule of Events
DATES: July 1 – 3, 2022
WHERE: DENVER CONVENTION CENTER
Denver Convention Center
700 14th St
Denver, CO 80202
Booth A037: Apollo Raven Publisher, LLC
(Ryanne Glenn, Nicole M. Davis, and Linnea Tanner)
Show Hours:
Friday, July 1, 2022: 2:00 PM – 4:00PM – Special Preview for VIP’s and 3 Day Pass Holders
Friday, July 1, 2022: 4:00PM – 9:00 PM – All other pass holders
Saturday, July 2, 2022: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 3, 2022: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Ryanne Glenn
Nicole M Davis
Linnea Tanner
