Linnea Tanner's Blog, page 33
August 8, 2021
#RRBC’S 6th Annual #Writers’ #Conference & #Book #Expo #WCBE21! @RRBC_Org
I’m pleased to announce a virtual event sponsored by the Rave Reviews Book Club (RRBC) on Monday, August 9th, which is open for the general public to drop by and participate. Click on RRBC’s 6th Annual Writers’ Conference & Book Expo.
Be sure to visit the Author Booth for each featured RRBC author with a chance to win a door prize. I’m honored to be included in this awesome group. And there is much more!
There will be games, prizes, surprises, and other goodies, so be sure to visit each Author Booth, take a look around, then leave a comment for your chance to win each Author Booth’s door prize!
Of course, we’ll have our READING ROOM open and one of our members is going to blow you away showcasing their talent!
If you’re into BINGO, purchase your BINGO cards and join us for a game or two!
And what we all wait for every year – our RAFFLE! Yes, each year we raffle off (7) $100 Amazon gift cards and this is open to the public so go on and snag your tickets today! Raffle tickets are only $5! How awesome would that prize be? Some of them also include additional goodies like other gift certificates, ebooks, and more! Enter for your chance to win one or more of these $100 Amazon gift card gift baskets. The more tickets you buy, the greater your chances of winning. (Please do not purchase more than 7 tickets).
This year for the first time ever, we’ve added our BEST BOOK COVER CONTEST! This contest is open to the general public so go ahead and enter your book cover(s) now! Share your comments with us and let us know which one you think is best!
Click for a full ITINERARY OF EVENTS!
The venue opens at 5 PM CT on Monday, 8/9/21. We hope to see you there! In the event of minor time delays, please check the sidebar of the RRBC website for updates.
July 20, 2021
BARBARA GREIG DISCOVERY COFFEE POT BOOK CLUB BLOG TOUR #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @BarbaraGreig @matadorbooks @maryanneyarde
It is my pleasure to feature Barbara Greig as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held from June 2nd – August 4th, 2021. Barbara Greig is the author of the historical fiction novel, Discovery, which was released by Matador (imprint of Troubador Publishing Ltd) on 28th June 2020 (336 pages).
Below are highlights of Discovery, Barbara Greig’s author bio, and an excerpt from her book.
HIGHLIGHTS: DISCOVERY
Discovery
by Barbara Greig
Discovery: An epic tale of love, loss and courage When Elizabeth Gharsia’s headstrong nephew, Gabriel, joins Samuel Champlain’s 1608 expedition to establish a settlement at Quebec, he soon becomes embroiled in a complicated tribal conflict. As months turn into years, Gabriel appears lost to his family.
Meanwhile at home in France the death of her father, Luis, adds to Elizabeth’s anguish. Devastated by her loss, she struggles to make sense of his final words. Could her mother’s journals, found hidden among Luis’s possessions, provide the key to the mystery?
The arrival of Pedro Torres disrupts Elizabeth’s world even further. Rescued from starvation on the streets of Marseille by her brother, Pedro is a victim of the brutal expulsion of his people from Spain. Initially antagonistic, will Elizabeth come to appreciate Pedro’s qualities and to understand the complexity of her family?
Buy Links:
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Amazon UK 
Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon AU Waterstones Kobo Troubador WHSmith iBooks Google Play Book Depository
AUTHOR BIO: BARBARA GREIG
Barbara Greig was born in Sunderland and lived in Roker until her family moved to Teesdale. An avid reader, she also discovered the joy of history at an early age. A last-minute change of heart, in the sixth form, caused her to alter her university application form. Instead of English, Barbara read Modern and Ancient History at Sheffield University. It was a decision she never regretted.
Barbara worked for twenty years in sixth form colleges, teaching History and Classical Civilisation. Eventually, although enjoying a role in management, she found there was less time for teaching and historical study. A change of focus was required. With her children having flown the nest, she was able to pursue her love of writing and story-telling. She has a passion for hiking, and dancing, the perfect antidotes to long hours of historical research and writing, as well as for travel and, wherever possible, she walks in the footsteps of her characters.
Discovery is Barbara’s second novel. Her debut novel Secret Lives was published in 2016 (Sacristy Press).
Social Media Links:
Twitter Facebook Amazon Author Page Goodreads
Ch30 Excerpt from DISCOVERY (Greig)
The day after their return to Caors dawned brightly, with just enough chill in the air to persuade Catarina to light the fire in the parlour. She was coaxing the first flames to catch when her efforts were interrupted by an urgent knocking. She hurried across the hall, the loud noise echoing around her, and pulled open the heavy oak door to reveal a diminutive figure.
“It is early to be thundering on a person’s door.”
Shrewd dark eyes pinned her to the spot. “I am Sara Gaulbert and I wish to speak to your mistress.”
“She is abed.”
“Then wake her up!”
Her attention caught, Catarina looked past the old woman to the untethered mule, who had chosen that moment to defecate copiously in Elizabeth’s yard. She watched the animal move a couple of paces to reach some grass, pulling the old, battered cart behind him, and then she gave Sara the benefit of her most withering expression.
“Wake up your mistress immediately,” demanded the tiny figure. “And invite me in.” Sara Gaulbert would stand no insolence from an uppity servant.
Five minutes later Elizabeth appeared, a shawl quickly thrown over her night clothes. In her haste, she had forgotten her slippers and she hopped from one foot to the other as the cold penetrated from the stone flags. “What is it, Sara?”
“It is the harvest. The pickers are late.” The enormity of the situation was clear on the old woman’s face. Her eyes implored. “We could lose much of the crop.”
“I will come.” Nobody had noticed Pedro’s presence. Three pairs of eyes turned towards him. For a moment he experienced the customary irritation, that he often seemed to be invisible to people, and then suppressed it as unworthy in the circumstances. How could they have known that he had risen well before dawn to ensure the ledgers were up to date before he left for Amsterdam?
“I will come,” Catarina volunteered, rather too swiftly for her mistress’s liking. Elizabeth raised her eyebrows in a gesture reminiscent of her father and Sara waited with interest to see how her friend would respond to the maid’s impudent reaction. “I will be of more value than you. You are not used to hard labour.”
Conscious that Pedro was studying her, Elizabeth clamped her lips shut on her sharp response and rephrased her answer. “It is true, that of late, I have not had the responsibility of running the household alone, but I can assure you I am capable of bringing in the harvest. When I was younger my father insisted all of us worked in the vines and I enjoyed it.” She paused, felt the emotion building, and determined to continue. “It was I who taught Gabriel to cut his first bunches.”
Sara looked from one woman to the other: something was afoot which was more complicated than aptitude for hard work. She stole a glance at Pedro Torres. He was staring at Elizabeth with a mixture of sympathy and amusement, while Catarina’s focus was clearly on him. Now I understand, she thought, and studied the maid. The woman was comely enough and, on Sara’s first acquaintance, she appeared spirited, which was a characteristic Sara secretly admired, but she doubted Pedro would be interested. In her opinion Pedro’s admiration of Elizabeth was perceptible and Sara truly believed they would make a good match.
He caught the old woman’s eye and smiled the curious half-smile she had often seen, as if his life had never allowed him to beam broadly. “You must be exhausted,” he said, “rising so early to come and see us.”
Sara chuckled, pleased her journey had not been wasted. “The mule needs the rest, which he can have while I break my fast with you. Then we can all leave together.”
*
By noon they were out in the fields, except for Sara, who had retired to rest. Pedro was working on a row with Elizabeth, much to Catarina’s chagrin, and he found he was revelling in the repetitive task. After filling each basket, he stretched and allowed himself a few moments to appreciate the scenery. Laden with fruit, row upon row of vines, their autumnal leaves quivering in the light breeze, unfolded up the slopes before him. He could see Luc and Helena, Jacques and Catarina, and the collection of neighbours who had rallied around to help, all methodically progressing between the rows. He had noticed that Jacques periodically glanced in the direction of the farmhouse, willing the itinerant pickers to arrive. It was true that the Gaulberts had started to harvest early but the extra hands they needed usually arrived in good time.
“Stop idling,” teased Elizabeth as she, too, stretched and placed her hands on the small of her back.
Pedro retaliated in the same tone. “Who are you to call me idle, Mistress Gharsia? My basket is full, unlike yours.” He hoisted the hod onto his back, struggling slightly with the straps, and called back as he strode towards the waiting cart. “However, if you speak kindly to me I will carry your grapes, too.” He turned when he reached the end of the row, pleased to see that she was still watching him.
“Pedro!” Jacques voice startled him, as the vintner was partially hidden by the increasing pile of grapes. “How about you coming to the barn to start the pressing?”
“I was helping Elizabeth.”
“She will be fine. She has been harvesting grapes since she was a child.”
“I will just go and tell her.”
Jacques waited impatiently. How long did it take for a man to say he was going to the press? he asked himself, reflecting on the way Elizabeth leant forward slightly, apparently listening intently. Her affection for the Castilian was as obvious to Jacques as it was to his mother, but it was no business of his.
The cellar was cool and dark after the outside heat and it took a moment for Pedro to adjust his eyes. The huge vats and press gradually came into focus as Jacques said, “We have enough grapes for one vat and you and I will have to manage. Come on, strip off.” Too busy pulling off his own shirt, the vintner did not notice Pedro stiffen and pause, torn between exposing his lacerated back and his desire to stomp the black, glistening grapes. “Come on,” repeated Jacques as he clambered into the vat and, if he noticed the scars, he showed no sign of it. “We have no time to lose. All the grapes picked today need to be crushed.”
The stalks were hard, digging into Pedro’s feet, while the fruit burst and oozed through his toes. At first, the strange sensation was disconcerting but soon he was lost in the rhythm, and although he did not know the words, he hummed to the tune of his companion’s song. He became absorbed in the physical exertion, his mind free, for once, of facts and figures, supressed emotion, and haunting memories. At the end of each verse Pedro breathed deeply, filling his lungs with the musty smell of the old stones and the earth floor, wine-soaked over decades, which mingled with the pungency of the newly crushed grapes and the sharp, woody smell of the new oak barrels Jacques had recently acquired. He experienced a moment of complete contentment and then a voice broke the spell. Both men turned towards the door.
“Not now, Mama. Pedro is here!”
Sara stayed where she was, averting her eyes. “Pierre has just been to tell us the pickers have been seen. They landed at Fumel this morning so will be here by sunset.”
Her son punched the air in delight and grinned at his companion. “You can go home tomorrow.” Pedro’s disappointment must have shown on his face as Jacques swiftly added, “Only if you wish to.”
Instagram: @coffeepotbookclub
BARBARA GREIG DISCOVERY COFFEE POT BOK CLUB BLOG TOUR #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @BarbaraGreig @matadorbooks @maryanneyarde
It is my pleasure to feature Barbara Greig as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held from June 2nd – August 4th, 2021. Barbara Greig is the author of the historical fiction novel, Discovery, which was released by Matador (imprint of Troubador Publishing Ltd) on 28th June 2020 (336 pages).
Below are highlights of Discovery, Barbara Greig’s author bio, and an excerpt from her book.
HIGHLIGHTS: DISCOVERY
Discovery
by Barbara Greig
Discovery: An epic tale of love, loss and courage When Elizabeth Gharsia’s headstrong nephew, Gabriel, joins Samuel Champlain’s 1608 expedition to establish a settlement at Quebec, he soon becomes embroiled in a complicated tribal conflict. As months turn into years, Gabriel appears lost to his family.
Meanwhile at home in France the death of her father, Luis, adds to Elizabeth’s anguish. Devastated by her loss, she struggles to make sense of his final words. Could her mother’s journals, found hidden among Luis’s possessions, provide the key to the mystery?
The arrival of Pedro Torres disrupts Elizabeth’s world even further. Rescued from starvation on the streets of Marseille by her brother, Pedro is a victim of the brutal expulsion of his people from Spain. Initially antagonistic, will Elizabeth come to appreciate Pedro’s qualities and to understand the complexity of her family?
Buy Links:
Available on Kindle Unlimited.
Amazon UK Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon AU Waterstones Kobo Troubador WHSmith iBooks Google Play Book Depository
AUTHOR BIO: BARBARA GREIG
Barbara Greig was born in Sunderland and lived in Roker until her family moved to Teesdale. An avid reader, she also discovered the joy of history at an early age. A last-minute change of heart, in the sixth form, caused her to alter her university application form. Instead of English, Barbara read Modern and Ancient History at Sheffield University. It was a decision she never regretted.
Barbara worked for twenty years in sixth form colleges, teaching History and Classical Civilisation. Eventually, although enjoying a role in management, she found there was less time for teaching and historical study. A change of focus was required. With her children having flown the nest, she was able to pursue her love of writing and story-telling. She has a passion for hiking, and dancing, the perfect antidotes to long hours of historical research and writing, as well as for travel and, wherever possible, she walks in the footsteps of her characters.
Discovery is Barbara’s second novel. Her debut novel Secret Lives was published in 2016 (Sacristy Press).
Social Media Links:
Twitter Facebook Amazon Author Page Goodreads
Ch30 Excerpt from DISCOVERY (Greig)
The day after their return to Caors dawned brightly, with just enough chill in the air to persuade Catarina to light the fire in the parlour. She was coaxing the first flames to catch when her efforts were interrupted by an urgent knocking. She hurried across the hall, the loud noise echoing around her, and pulled open the heavy oak door to reveal a diminutive figure.
“It is early to be thundering on a person’s door.”
Shrewd dark eyes pinned her to the spot. “I am Sara Gaulbert and I wish to speak to your mistress.”
“She is abed.”
“Then wake her up!”
Her attention caught, Catarina looked past the old woman to the untethered mule, who had chosen that moment to defecate copiously in Elizabeth’s yard. She watched the animal move a couple of paces to reach some grass, pulling the old, battered cart behind him, and then she gave Sara the benefit of her most withering expression.
“Wake up your mistress immediately,” demanded the tiny figure. “And invite me in.” Sara Gaulbert would stand no insolence from an uppity servant.
Five minutes later Elizabeth appeared, a shawl quickly thrown over her night clothes. In her haste, she had forgotten her slippers and she hopped from one foot to the other as the cold penetrated from the stone flags. “What is it, Sara?”
“It is the harvest. The pickers are late.” The enormity of the situation was clear on the old woman’s face. Her eyes implored. “We could lose much of the crop.”
“I will come.” Nobody had noticed Pedro’s presence. Three pairs of eyes turned towards him. For a moment he experienced the customary irritation, that he often seemed to be invisible to people, and then suppressed it as unworthy in the circumstances. How could they have known that he had risen well before dawn to ensure the ledgers were up to date before he left for Amsterdam?
“I will come,” Catarina volunteered, rather too swiftly for her mistress’s liking. Elizabeth raised her eyebrows in a gesture reminiscent of her father and Sara waited with interest to see how her friend would respond to the maid’s impudent reaction. “I will be of more value than you. You are not used to hard labour.”
Conscious that Pedro was studying her, Elizabeth clamped her lips shut on her sharp response and rephrased her answer. “It is true, that of late, I have not had the responsibility of running the household alone, but I can assure you I am capable of bringing in the harvest. When I was younger my father insisted all of us worked in the vines and I enjoyed it.” She paused, felt the emotion building, and determined to continue. “It was I who taught Gabriel to cut his first bunches.”
Sara looked from one woman to the other: something was afoot which was more complicated than aptitude for hard work. She stole a glance at Pedro Torres. He was staring at Elizabeth with a mixture of sympathy and amusement, while Catarina’s focus was clearly on him. Now I understand, she thought, and studied the maid. The woman was comely enough and, on Sara’s first acquaintance, she appeared spirited, which was a characteristic Sara secretly admired, but she doubted Pedro would be interested. In her opinion Pedro’s admiration of Elizabeth was perceptible and Sara truly believed they would make a good match.
He caught the old woman’s eye and smiled the curious half-smile she had often seen, as if his life had never allowed him to beam broadly. “You must be exhausted,” he said, “rising so early to come and see us.”
Sara chuckled, pleased her journey had not been wasted. “The mule needs the rest, which he can have while I break my fast with you. Then we can all leave together.”
*
By noon they were out in the fields, except for Sara, who had retired to rest. Pedro was working on a row with Elizabeth, much to Catarina’s chagrin, and he found he was revelling in the repetitive task. After filling each basket, he stretched and allowed himself a few moments to appreciate the scenery. Laden with fruit, row upon row of vines, their autumnal leaves quivering in the light breeze, unfolded up the slopes before him. He could see Luc and Helena, Jacques and Catarina, and the collection of neighbours who had rallied around to help, all methodically progressing between the rows. He had noticed that Jacques periodically glanced in the direction of the farmhouse, willing the itinerant pickers to arrive. It was true that the Gaulberts had started to harvest early but the extra hands they needed usually arrived in good time.
“Stop idling,” teased Elizabeth as she, too, stretched and placed her hands on the small of her back.
Pedro retaliated in the same tone. “Who are you to call me idle, Mistress Gharsia? My basket is full, unlike yours.” He hoisted the hod onto his back, struggling slightly with the straps, and called back as he strode towards the waiting cart. “However, if you speak kindly to me I will carry your grapes, too.” He turned when he reached the end of the row, pleased to see that she was still watching him.
“Pedro!” Jacques voice startled him, as the vintner was partially hidden by the increasing pile of grapes. “How about you coming to the barn to start the pressing?”
“I was helping Elizabeth.”
“She will be fine. She has been harvesting grapes since she was a child.”
“I will just go and tell her.”
Jacques waited impatiently. How long did it take for a man to say he was going to the press? he asked himself, reflecting on the way Elizabeth leant forward slightly, apparently listening intently. Her affection for the Castilian was as obvious to Jacques as it was to his mother, but it was no business of his.
The cellar was cool and dark after the outside heat and it took a moment for Pedro to adjust his eyes. The huge vats and press gradually came into focus as Jacques said, “We have enough grapes for one vat and you and I will have to manage. Come on, strip off.” Too busy pulling off his own shirt, the vintner did not notice Pedro stiffen and pause, torn between exposing his lacerated back and his desire to stomp the black, glistening grapes. “Come on,” repeated Jacques as he clambered into the vat and, if he noticed the scars, he showed no sign of it. “We have no time to lose. All the grapes picked today need to be crushed.”
The stalks were hard, digging into Pedro’s feet, while the fruit burst and oozed through his toes. At first, the strange sensation was disconcerting but soon he was lost in the rhythm, and although he did not know the words, he hummed to the tune of his companion’s song. He became absorbed in the physical exertion, his mind free, for once, of facts and figures, supressed emotion, and haunting memories. At the end of each verse Pedro breathed deeply, filling his lungs with the musty smell of the old stones and the earth floor, wine-soaked over decades, which mingled with the pungency of the newly crushed grapes and the sharp, woody smell of the new oak barrels Jacques had recently acquired. He experienced a moment of complete contentment and then a voice broke the spell. Both men turned towards the door.
“Not now, Mama. Pedro is here!”
Sara stayed where she was, averting her eyes. “Pierre has just been to tell us the pickers have been seen. They landed at Fumel this morning so will be here by sunset.”
Her son punched the air in delight and grinned at his companion. “You can go home tomorrow.” Pedro’s disappointment must have shown on his face as Jacques swiftly added, “Only if you wish to.”
Instagram: @coffeepotbookclub
July 6, 2021
Zenobia Neil Ariadne Unraveled Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour #HistoricalRomance #HistoricalFantasy #AncientGreece #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @ZenobiaNeil @maryanneyarde
I’m delighted to feature Zenobia Neil as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held from July 5th – July 16th, 2021. Zenobia Neil is the author of the Greek Retelling/ Historical Romance novel, Ariadne Unraveled: A Mythic Retelling, which was released by Hypatia Books today, 7th July 2021 (345 pages).
Below are highlights of Ariadne Unraveled: A Mythic Retelling, Zenobia Neil’s author bio, and my 5 of 5 star review of her book.
To follow the tour, click Tour Page Link
HIGHLIGHTS: ARIADNE UNRAVELED
Ariadne Unraveled: A Mythic Retelling
by Zenobia Neil
Ariadne, high priestess of Crete, grew up duty-bound to the goddess Artemis. If she takes a husband, she must sacrifice him to her goddess after no more than three years of marriage. For this reason, she refuses to love any man, until a mysterious stranger arrives on her island.
The stranger is Dionysus, the new god of wine who empowers women and breaks the rules of the old gods. He came to Crete seeking vengeance against Artemis. He never expected to fall in love.
Furious that Dionysus would dare meddle with her high priestess, Artemis threatens to kill Ariadne if Dionysus doesn’t abandon her. Heartbroken, the new god leaves Crete, vowing to become better than the Olympians.
From the bloody labyrinth and the shadows of Hades to the halls of Olympus, Dionysus must find a way to defy Artemis and unite with his true love. Forced to betray her people, Ariadne discovers her own power to choose between the goddess she pledged herself to and the god she loves.
Buy Links:
Universal Amazon Link 
Amazon UK Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon AU
Zenobia Neil was named after an ancient warrior queen who fought against the Romans. She writes historical romance about the mythic past and Greek and Roman gods having too much fun. Visit her at ZenobiaNeil.com
Social Media Links:
Website Twitter Facebook Instagram Pinterest BookBub Amazon Author Page Goodreads
5 of 5 stars
Author Zenobia Neil retells the epic tale about a High Priestess of Artemis in Ariadne Unraveled: A Mythic Retelling by weaving various Greek myths and lore together into a compelling story. The daughter of the vengeful king, Minos, and the sorceress mother, Pasiphae, Ariadne grows up in a maze-like palace in Crete. Every year, Midas sacrifices young Greek men and women to her brother, the Minotaur, in retribution for the death of another brother. The story begins with the prologue in which Theseus has abandoned the pregnant Ariadne to die. Then in Part One, we find out what previously happened to her.
Ariadne devotes all her loyalty and love to the goddess Artemis. If she marries a man, she must slit the man’s throat to sacrifice to Artemis. She meets the new god, Dionysus, bearing the gift of an intoxicating new drink, wine, in a meadow. His only goal is to serve Ariadne and fulfill her desires. However, Ariadne’s life unravels after she tastes erotic pleasure with the new god of vine. Unbeknowst to Ariadne, her liaison with Dionysus incites Artemis’ jealousy and vengeful anger because she has allowed herself to be seduced by a godling of no consequence. The ramifications of Artemis’ revenge propel Ariadne and Dionysus into an epic adventure across the Mediterranean region and into the Underworld as they both struggle to understand their new roles in a changing world.
Author Neil has masterfully re-imagined the Greek myths about Ariadne. For readers who enjoyed Madeline Miller’s recent novel, Circe, they should also enjoy reading Ariadne Unraveled: A Mythic Retelling. The author captures the female-centered religion and culture of the Minoans in Ancient Crete, where women openly display their breasts with pride of their womanly attributes. The Greek paternalistic society is slowly displacing the Minoan civilization with its pantheon of lusty and vengeful gods. The primary characters, Ariadne and Dionysus, are engaging and spice-up scenes with their sensual lovemaking. The tale is also an epic adventure in which both Ariadne and Dionysus struggle to find their roles in a changing world. It is a multi-layered, mythic story that explores deeper themes of unconditional love, vengeance, coming-of-age, redemption, and spiritual resurrection.
I highly recommend Ariadne Unraveled: A Mythic Retelling for readers who enjoy reading Greek myths and learning more about ancient civilizations.
@coffeepotbookclub
July 2, 2021
Two Faces of Janus Just Released #HistoricalFiction #AncientRome #MarkAntony #RRBC
I’m thrilled to announce that Two Faces of Janus: A Short Story of Ancient Rome was released on June 29, 2021. I wrote this short story as a challenge to enter the 2021 RRBC 90-Day Alpha/Omega (Beginning to End) Short Story Writing Contest, in which I had to draft, edit, format, proof, and publish a short story within 90 days.
Inspiration for Two Faces of JanusAs I began writing the historical fantasy series, Curse of Clansmen and Kings, one of the questions I asked myself in the development of characters is how Lucius Antonius reacted to the charges of treason against his father, Iullus Antonius, and the downfall of his grandfather, Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony). In the series, Lucius controls his son, Marcellus, with an iron fist in his determination to restore the family’s legacy out of the ashes of his maligned forefathers. Two Faces of Janus explores how Lucius as a young man must face the imperial crossfire when his father is accused of treason for having an affair with Julia, daughter of Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar.
Historical BackdropThe imperial dynasty of Augustus Caesar reached a crisis point in 2 BC as various factions in the family maneuvered to shape the politics after he died. Augustus had only one biological child, Julia, with his second wife, Scribonia. He divorced her to marry Livia, who brought two stepsons (Claudian dynasty) into their marriage but never bore a child with him. Augustus used Julia as a political game piece to assure the Julian dynasty through strategic marriages. The Antonius dynasty was added to the mix through Mark Antony’s marriage with Augustus’s sister, Octavia.
One of the mysteries in Roman history is why Augustus Caesar overreacted when he learned Julia had adulterous affairs with powerful politicians. Her primary lover was Iullus Antonius. Augustus forced Iullus to commit suicide for his treasonous affair while he banished Julia and her other lovers. There was likely a political element of infighting between two factions—one centered on Julia and her sons (Gaius and Lucius) and the other on Livia and her son, Tiberius.
History is silent on how Iullus’s wife, Marcella Major, and their eighteen-year-old son, Lucius, reacted to his suicide and disgrace. Marcella Major, the oldest daughter of Octavia, was first married to Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa—Augustus’s close friend, general, and statesman responsible for constructing some of the most notable buildings in the history of Rome and for critical military victories. After Augustus almost died in 23 BC, he forced Agrippa to divorce Marcella Major to marry Julia. The political marriage between Agrippa and Julia strengthened the constitutional stability by providing for a political heir or replacement if Augustus succumbed to his chronic ill health. Marcella Major was then obligated to marry Iullus Antonius, and together they had one son, Lucius, and a daughter.
Very little is known about Lucius except that he went to Massalia (present-day Marseilles) on the pretext of studying law after his father’s disgrace. Likely, Augustus unofficially demanded that Lucius exile for his father’s crime.
Highlights of Two Faces of Janus
Two Faces of Janus
(A Short Story of Ancient Rome)
by Linnea Tanner
A young nobleman confronts a specter from the past that could threaten his family’s legacy.
A brash young aristocrat, Lucius Antonius anticipates Emperor Augustus Caesar will support his lofty ambitions to serve as a praetor in the Roman justice system in 2 BC Rome. As the son of the distinguished politician and poet, Iullus Antonius, Lucius prays to Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings, to open the door for him to rise politically. But he is unaware of the political firestorm ready to erupt in the imperial family.
Augustus must confront evidence that his daughter, Julia, has behaved scandalously in public and that Iullus is her lover. The prospect that Julia might want to marry Iullus—the only surviving son of Marcus Antonius—threatens to redirect the glory from Augustus to his most hated rival beyond the grave. Caught in the political crossfire, Lucius must demonstrate his loyalty to Augustus by meeting all of his demands or face the destruction of his family’s legacy and possibly his own life.
Will Lucius ultimately choose to betray and abandon his disgraced father?
Buy Links:
Two Faces of Janus is available on Kindle Unlimited. The paperback will be available soon at most retail outlets.
Upcoming EventsTo celebrate the release of Two Faces of Janus, a newsletter will be sent to subscribers at the beginning of next week for a chance to win a free book in the Hot Summer Giveaway! An update on the release of Skull’s Vengeance (Curse of Clansmen and Kings Book 4) and upcoming author events will be announced soon!
I greatly appreciate your continued support.
Best regards,
Linnea Tanner
June 30, 2021
Eric Schumacher Sigurd’s Swords Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour #HistoricalFiction #Vikings #KindleUnlimited #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @DarkAgeScribe @maryanneyarde
It is my pleasure to feature Eric Schumacher as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held from June 28th – July 9th, 2021. Eric Schumacher is the author of the Viking historical fiction novel, Sigurd’s Swords (Olaf’s Saga Book 2), which was recently released by Bodn Books on 28 June 2021 (300 pages).
I was first introduced to Eric Schumacher as an author when I reviewed his book, War King (Hakon’s Saga Book 3), as a voluntary reviewer of the Historical Novel Society (See War King HHS Review). Since then, I have been a fan of Eric and previously interviewed him at Eric Schumacher Interview and reviewed his first book in Olaf’s Saga, Forged by Iron.
Below are highlights of Sigurd’s Swords, Eric Schumacher’s author bio, and my review of his book.
HIGHLIGHTS: SIGURD’S SWORDS
Sigurd’s Swords
(Olaf’s Saga, Book 2)
By Eric Schumacher
From best-selling historical fiction novelist, Eric Schumacher, comes the second volume in Olaf’s Saga: the adrenaline-charged story of Olaf Tryggvason and his adventures in the kingdom of the Rus.
AD 968. It has been ten summers since the noble sons of the North, Olaf and Torgil, were driven from their homeland by the treachery of the Norse king, Harald Eriksson. Having then escaped the horrors of slavery in Estland, they now fight among the Rus in the company of Olaf’s uncle, Sigurd.
It will be some of the bloodiest years in Rus history. The Grand Prince, Sviatoslav, is hungry for land, riches, and power, but his unending campaigns are leaving the corpses of thousands in their wakes. From the siege of Konugard to the battlefields of ancient Bulgaria, Olaf and Torgil struggle to stay alive in Sigurd’s Swords, the riveting sequel to Forged by Iron.
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Eric Schumacher (1968 – ) is an American historical novelist who currently resides in Santa Barbara, California, with his wife and two children. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and attended college at the University of San Diego.
At a very early age, Schumacher discovered his love for writing and medieval European history, as well as authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Those discoveries continue to fuel his imagination and influence the stories he tells. His first novel, God’s Hammer, was published in 2005.
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5 of 5 stars
Sigurd’s Swords, the second book in Olaf’s Saga, sweeps you into a Nordic action/ adventure in the historical backdrop of the Rus Kingdom (modern-day Bulgaria) in AD 968. The Viking-age saga is based on the Norse tales of the legendary Viking king, Olaf Tryggvason, but is told in first-person by his companion and protector, Torgil. The saga follows the adventures and tribulations of three primary characters: Torgil, Prince Olaf, and Turid (Torgil’s love interest and female warrior). In the first book, Forged by Iron, the three adolescent companions barely escape with their lives after the betrayal by the Norse king, Harold Eriksson, and are subsequently enslaved under horrific conditions. After Lord Sigurd—Olaf’s uncle and commander to Rus Prince Sviatoslav—frees them, Olaf and Torgil feel indebted to him and serve as soldiers under his command.
The second book, Sigurd’s Swords, starts ten years later when Prince Sviatoslav is expanding the Rus Empire in bloody warfare. The story jumps into a brutal siege at Konugard, which Signurd’s army is defending against the treacherous Pechenegs. A small fleet of Rus ships has come to their aid, but someone has to slip through the enemy line to get a message to the Rus general aboard the vessel on where to attack. Without hesitation, Olaf and Torgil both volunteer as messengers and succeed in their mission. Ultimately hailed as heroes, they are but game pieces in the political machinations of royals and generals willing to sacrifice them to achieve their ambitions. The three companions wrestle with their internal turmoil as they strive to find their places in life. Their perseverance and loyalty to each other are tested in open battlefields, siege warfare, and royal courts. Universal themes of unconditional love, corruption of power, and betrayal resonated with me after reading the book.
Author Eric Schumacher has again skillfully portrayed the essence of the Norse characters in a riveting epic adventure with battles, political intrigue, and unrequited love. The brash and charismatic Olaf embraces his destiny to become a king while Torgil struggles to find his place as an honorable and courageous warrior. After enduring sexual assault as a slave, Turid strives to control her life by being a warrior but must overcome her fear of intimacy with a man she loves. One of the more heartfelt subplots is how Torgil supports Turid’s desire to be a warrior after she has rejected his marriage proposal.
Sigurd’s Sword is a tale about friendship and the bond between warriors fighting alongside each other. Themes explored in this epic tale include the illusion of power, unconditional love, and honor. The author vividly describes the Viking culture and the harsh conditions that warriors must endure in battle and siege warfare. Like the first book, poignant moments of compassion are juxtaposed with harsh realities of bloody conflict and betrayal. Extra bonuses in the book include regional maps and a glossary of Viking terms used in the narrative.
Sigurd’s Swords continues the riveting epic of the legendary King Olaf and his closest companions. It is a character-driven Viking adventure of three young warriors searching for their destinies in the brutal world of warfare, political intrigue, and betrayal. I look forward to reading the third book and highly recommend the series for readers who enjoy multi-layered Norse adventure and action epics.
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June 29, 2021
Alan Bardos The Assassins Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour #HistoricalFiction #Thriller #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @bardosAlan @maryanneyarde
It is my pleasure to feature Alan Bardos as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held from May 5th – July 7th, 2021. Alan Bardos is the author of the historical thriller novel, The Assassins, which was released by Sharpe Books on 15th February 2021 (376 pages). The audiobook was narrated by Jack Bennett.
Below are highlights of The Assassins, Allan Bardos’ author bio, and an excerpt from his audiobook.
HIGHLIGHTS: THE ASSASSINS
The The Assassins
By Alan Bardos
(Blurb)
1914.
Tensions are reaching a boiling point in Europe and the threat of war is imminent.
Johnny Swift, a young and brash diplomatic clerk employed by the British embassy is sent to infiltrate the ‘Young Bosnians’, a group of idealistic conspirators planning to murder Franz Ferdinand. The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, in a bid to liberate their country from the monarchy’s grip.
Swift has been having an affair with his employer’s wife, Lady Elizabeth Smyth. Sir George Smyth dispatches the agent on the dangerous mission, believing that it will be the last he will see of his young rival.
The agent manages to infiltrate the Young Bosnian conspirators’ cell, helped by Lazlo Breitner, a Hungarian Civil Servant.
However, Swift soon realises that he may be in over his head. His gambling debts and taste for beautiful women prove the least of his problems as he struggles to survive on his wits in the increasingly complex – and perilous – world of politics and espionage.
Desperate to advance himself and with the lives of a royal couple unexpectedly in his hands, Swift tries to avert catastrophe.
Praise for Assassins
‘A cracking read, highly recommended’ – Roger A Price
‘Written with polished panache, it kept me gripped from the first to last. Five stars from me!’ – A.A. Chaudhuri
‘Part historical fiction, part thriller and part love story, this is a compelling and entertaining read’ – Gary Haynes
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Alan Bardos is a graduate of the MA in TV Script Writing at De Montfort University. He also has a degree in Politics and History from Brunel University. Writing historical fiction combines the first great love of his life, making up stories, with the second, researching historical events and characters. Alan currently lives in Oxfordshire with his wife… the other great love of his life.
Despite the amount of material that has been written about the twentieth century there is still a great deal of mystery and debate surrounding many of its events, which Alan explores in his historical fiction series using a certain amount of artistic license to fill in the gaps, while remaining historically accurate. The series will chronicle the first half of the twentieth century from the perspective of Johnny Swift, a disgraced and degenerate diplomat and soldier; starting with the pivotal event of the twentieth century, the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, in ‘The Assassins’.
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June 21, 2021
MERCEDES ROCHELLE THE USURPER KING COFFEE POT BOOK CLUB BLOG TOUR #HistoricalFiction #Plantagenet #HenryIV #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @authorRochelle @maryanneyarde
It is my pleasure to feature Mercedes Rochelle as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held from May 11th – June 25th, 2021. Mercedes Rochelle is the author of the historical fiction novel, The Usurper King (The Plantagenet Legacy Book 3) which was recently released by Sergeant Press on April 5th, 2021 (308 pages).
Below are highlights of The Usuprper King, Mercedes Rochelle’s author bio, and my interview with her.
HIGHLIGHTS: THE USURPER KING
The Usurper King
(The Plantagenet Legacy, Book 3)
By Mercedes Rochelle
From Outlaw to Usurper, Henry Bolingbroke fought one rebellion after another.
First, he led his own uprising. Gathering support the day he returned from exile, Henry marched across the country and vanquished the forsaken Richard II. Little did he realize that his problems were only just beginning. How does a usurper prove his legitimacy? What to do with the deposed king? Only three months after he took the crown, Henry IV had to face a rebellion led by Richard’s disgruntled favorites. Worse yet, he was harassed by rumors of Richard’s return to claim the throne. His own supporters were turning against him. How to control the overweening Percies, who were already demanding more than he could give? What to do with the rebellious Welsh? After only three years, the horrific Battle of Shrewsbury nearly cost him the throne—and his life. It didn’t take long for Henry to discover that that having the kingship was much less rewarding than striving for it.
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AUTHOR BIO: MERCEDES ROCHELLE
Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history and has channeled this interest into fiction writing. Her first four books cover eleventh-century Britain and events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. The next series is called The Plantagenet Legacy about the struggles and abdication of Richard II, leading to the troubled reigns of the Lancastrian Kings. She also writes a blog: HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story. Born in St. Louis, MO, she received her BA in Literature at the Univ. of Missouri St.Louis in 1979 then moved to New York in 1982 while in her mid-20s to “see the world”. The search hasn’t ended! Today she lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.
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I’m delighted, Mercedes, that you’ve agreed to an interview as part of the Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour. Would you provide an overview of the books you’ve published in the Plantagenet dynasty?
Thank you, Linnea, for interviewing me today! This series begins with the life of Richard II in two volumes: A King Under Siege covers the first ten years of his reign and ends when he assumes his majority. First, he faced the terrifying Peasants’ Revolt at age fourteen—and demonstrates the bravery one would expect from the son of the Black Prince. Only a few years later his disgruntled barons unite against him and threaten him with usurpation. Through judicial murder they eliminate his foremost advisors and send the rest into exile; the lucky ones are simply dismissed. In The King’s Retribution he wreaks merciless revenge against his enemies, but in his anxiety to protect his crown Richard underestimates the very man who will take it from him: Henry Bolingbroke.
Please tell us more about your most recently released book, The Usurper King (The Plantagenet Legacy Book 3). Can this book be read as a standalone?
Book Three picks up the story of Henry Bolingbroke, starting with his exile in Paris. Taking advantage of Richard’s expedition to Ireland, Henry returns to England and swiftly gains support. His revolution is almost bloodless and his usurpation is a triumph. Unfortunately, only three months after the coronation, Henry IV has to face his first rebellion led by Richard’s disgruntled favorites. Repressive measures lead to more discontent. His own supporters turn against him, demanding more than he could give. The haughty Percies precipitated the Battle of Shrewsbury which nearly cost him the throne—and his life. To make matters worse, even after Richard II’s funeral, the deposed monarch was rumored to be in Scotland, planning his return. The man just wouldn’t stay down and malcontents wanted him back.
I did my best to make this a stand-alone, though naturally the nuances will be lost without having read the other books. If you know your Shakespeare, you won’t have any trouble!
What has inspired you to write historical fiction about medieval Britain?
Ironically, my college days, I stumbled across the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism). They “recreate” the Middle Ages as it should have been (without the plague, that sort of thing). I knew nothing about the period, so I initially learned my history as a reenactor. I was an English major, so the writing part was already in place. Shortly afterward, I discovered Sharon Kay Penman, and the concept of historical fiction was really like a light bulb going off in my head!
How much research was involved in writing your books? How did you go ABOUT researching the history, language, myths and culture of medieval Britain to support your writing?
Decades of reading about the eleventh century for my first series gave me a good background. But when I jumped forward three hundred years, I had to start all over again. It took me a year of daily reading before I even started writing about Richard II. I’ve learned that the fat books (in page-length) are the best starting points. They give us a broad brush stroke (like a landscape painting) and create the structure for the story. The huge books tend to be sparse on details. Then I slowly get more specific, finding books that are more focused. By the time I delve into the academic articles, I am ready to sort out the fine details of a scene. These treatises are specific to a particular subject, so the author puts every bit of knowledge into an event (including all contradictory source material). JSTOR.org is a fabulous source for these articles. Of course, the reading never stops. After I’ve run my course as described above, I go back to the beginning and re-read the material to pick up all the stuff I missed the first time through. There’s a lot of it! I consumed well over 30 history books while writing the first two volumes of this series, and four loose-leaf binders full of articles.
Is there any sub-character in The Usurper King who is your favorite? Explain why.
I’m a sucker for the Percies, both father and son. Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland was apparently an irascible fellow—ambitious, greedy, and opportunistic. At the same time, he was Henry’s most powerful noble, experienced in both warfare and negotiation. I think people were in awe of him. His son, Harry Hotspur, was apparently full of charisma, for you never read anything about him except glowing, wistful reverence. Yet he was hotheaded and impulsive, and I think he was driven by a misguided sense of honor. I find them both to be complicated characters.
How often do your characters surprise you by doing or saying something totally unexpected?
I admit that my characters don’t surprise me often, since I research the heck out of them. I already know what they are going to do. The most challenging part for me is finally having to decide why they did something. For instance, why did Edward, Earl of Rutland turn on his fellow conspirators at the last minute before the Epiphany Rising? Or did he? Shakespeare had his angle in the play Richard II, but I didn’t agree with him. Historians were all over the place. I waffled for weeks before I finally had to write that scene. It wasn’t until I was actually there that I had to commit myself. And at that moment (literally, he was at a crossroads), it’s true that I summoned up an incident from earlier in the novel that pushed him over the edge. I had almost forgotten how significant it was until I needed it. Once the decision was in place, it all made sense. Whew.
Have you received reactions/feedback to your work that has surprised you? In what way?
I should have expected this, but people who enjoyed my Anglo-Saxon novels were not nearly as excited about the 14th century as I was. Now I understand how musicians feel when their fans object to their evolving into a different style.
What are the most important traits you look for in a friend?
Creativity is high on my list. I noticed that the people I gravitate toward are usually open-minded and excited about learning new things. They want to talk about concepts, art, and literature. Like myself, they are not terribly interested in politics or everyday stuff.
If you could have one skill that you don’t currently have, what would it be?
I wish I had learned to ride a horse. I tried it for a while as an adult, but I think I was just too old to start (I was in my late thirties). By then, I was very timid about falling off; as a result, I could never get into jumping or even galloping. When you are young, you are fearless! (Or at least I think so, though to be honest, I was never really all that plucky.)
What simple pleasure makes you smile?
Anything to do with animals. I love bird watching and feeding the critters. I love gardening. I love walking in the woods. Camping! Maybe being a medieval person would have suited me after all (without the nasty stuff).
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June 20, 2021
Interview Paul Schumacher Book Review The Importance of Now #ComingofAge @pgschuey
by Paul Schumacher
FEATURED AUTHOR: Paul SchumacherIt is my honor to feature Paul Schumacher, Colorado author of the coming-of-age novel, The Importance of Now, which was recently released by Black Rose Writing on May 27, 2021 (234 pages). I first met Paul at a writing workshop sponsored by the Northern Colorado Writers and was moved by his heartfelt, poignant writing style in his first book, The Tattered Box, at which time I interviewed him (See Paul Schumacher Interview).
Below are highlights of The Importance of Now, Paul Schumacher’s author bio, author interview, and my review of his book.
HIGHLIGHTS: THE IMPORTANCE OF NOW
The Importance of Now
At 14, Shawn Stevens commits a horrible crime the day after his father’s funeral. These two events define his life. After leaving juvenile detention, he starts life over but is haunted by his past, unable to forgive anybody, including himself. When Shawn becomes a mentor, he finally confronts what he’s done, questioning everything.
In a parallel story from the present, Shawn’s 13-year-old son, Aidan, finds letters in the attic introducing him to the father he never met. Aidan discovers the secrets his mom kept all these years and uncovers what drove his dad to finally forgive before it was too late.
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The Tattered Box
by Paul Schumacher
Eighteen-year-old John receives a peculiar gift from his elderly grandpa: a timeworn box filled with items from the past. John soon discovers what they all mean when he travels back to 1941 and suddenly finds himself the same age as his grandpa. They play baseball together, enjoy a double date, yet endure hardships and the imminent threat of war. As the items in the box become the ultimate storytellers, John hopes to appreciate his grandpa for who he is.
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AUTHOR BIO: PAUL SCHUMACHER
Paul Schumacher was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He currently lives in Colorado with his wife, Gail, and their three children. He has authored more than twenty technical papers and is an inventor on more than forty patents. His first novel, The Tattered Box, was published in December 2016, and his second book, The Importance of Now, was published in May 2021.
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AUTHOR INTERVIEW: PAUL SCHUMACHER
1) What’s the first line in your newest book, “The Importance of Now?”
I hated going up, but I had to.
2) What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
The back cover summary will speak for itself. To me, it’s about learning to forgive, both others and yourself. The protagonist, Shawn, is a flawed guy with a good heart. He’s trying to move beyond his past, but it’s difficult in so many ways. Like us, he finds inspiration and love in unexpected places, which makes for an interesting road to recovery.
3) What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I mentored six boys at my church back in Minnesota in the late 1990s, and it really opened my eyes to the love and forgiveness that everyone wants and needs, especially youth. While kids require a lot, they can also be very open-minded and willing to accept others, much more so than many adults. As I was the only mentor who was not a parent, I wondered how I would have been treated if I had a shady past, if I needed some oft-mentioned forgiveness but the church was reluctant to give it. I have also been to many of the places described in the book, so they provided a great backdrop for the story.
4) What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
We all struggle with learning to forgive, and it’s especially hard when the person in need of forgiveness is yourself. This story also makes you think about redemption and your unforeseen impact on others. We could all use some reminders of that now and then.
5) What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Shawn seems so real to me, partly because he is composed of many people I know, including myself. I purposely made his road to recovery an up and down rollercoaster, as that is what most personal roads are like. I’ve experienced it myself. I love how he fights his way through his struggles. I was rooting for him the whole time I wrote it. I hope you will, too.
6) Is this the first book you’ve written?
It’s my second book. My first novel, The Tattered Box, was published in December 2016. It’s a story about a grandson who travels back in time to hang out with his grandpa.
7) When did you first decide to become an author?
I had often considered it but never really got around to finding the time (I’m sure you can relate). The day before my farther-in-law passed away, I was taking my oldest to school. During the short drive, he said, “Wouldn’t it be cool if I could somehow travel back in time to hang out with Grandpa. We’d golf, bowl, fish, you name it.” Well, needless to say, I was hooked. I knew right away that’d make a great story, so that’s where the inspiration for my first book came from. I then had to convince myself I could do it again, so in some ways this second one was more difficult to write. But I love how it turned out.
8) What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Write to an audience of one: yourself. Especially in early drafts, don’t think about what will sell or what others will want to read or think of you. Don’t care, just write. Write the story that only you can write, and do it with enough passion that others will want to come along for the ride.
9) Which book do you wish you could have written?
I’m going to cheat and name two:
A Separate Peaceby John KnowlesA Prayer for Owen Meany by John IrvinG
BOOK REVIEW: THE IMPORTANCE OF NOW5 of 5 Stars
The Importance of Now by Paul Schumacher is a coming-of-age literary fiction with themes of forgiveness, redemption, and unconditional love. The story is told primarily by Aiden and his father, Shawn, as a young man in a time/slip narrative. Both of their stories unfold after thirteen-year-old Aiden finds letters about his father in an attic, and he confronts his mother, Grace, to find out more about him. As Aiden uncovers the truth, Shawn’s story is told in parallel in the past after returning from a boy’s detention home for a crime he committed shortly after his own father’s death. Shawn struggles to redeem himself by mentoring teen boys at a church and learning how to forgive others to set him free from bitterness. Falling deeply in love, Shawn looks forward to a bright future, but he must grasp happiness at the moment before it escapes him.
Author Paul Schumacher has written a poignant, beautifully written story with the powerful themes of forgiveness, redemption, and unconditional love. The prose is rich with sensory descriptions and metaphors. It is a character-driven story with the unique structure of time/slip narratives, letters, and police records. The author nails the character’s voices through internal thoughts, natural dialogue, and descriptions. Both Shawn and Aiden are relatable characters as they struggle to understand themselves in their coming-of-age life journeys. I was particularly moved by Shawn, who finally understands why he made reckless decisions as a teen and what he needs to move forward in the depths of his despair. Grace helps light the way for Shawn through her forgiveness and unconditional love for him. Finally, Aidan learns by vicariously experiencing what his father went through so he can accept his mother.
The Importance of Now speaks to the heart about redemption, forgiveness, and unconditional love. These themes resonated with me long after I read the story—characteristics of a classic novel. Highly recommended.
June 16, 2021
A. B. Michael The Madness of Mrs. Whittaker Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @ABMichaelsBooks @maryanneyarde
It is my pleasure to feature A. B. Michaels as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held from June 14th – June 25th, 2021. A. B. Michaels is the author of the historical fiction novel, The Madness of Mrs. Whittaker (The Golden City, Book Six), which was recently released by Red Trumpet Press on June 9th, 2021 (450 pages).
Below are highlights of The Madness of Mrs. Whittaker, A. B. Michaels’ author bio, and an excerpt from her book.
HIGHLIGHTS: THE MADNESS OF MRS. WHITTAKER
The Madness of Mrs. Whittaker
Series: (The Golden City, Book Six)
By A.B. Michaels
While exploring the remote possibility of contacting her dead husband through a spirit medium, a young widow is pronounced insane and committed to an asylum against her will. As she struggles to escape the nightmare she’s been thrust into, she is stripped of everything she holds dear, including her identity and her reason to live. The fight to reclaim what is rightfully hers will test every aspect of her being, up to and including her sanity. Is she up to the task, or has her grip on reality already slipped away?
Book Six of The Golden City series, The Madness of Mrs. Whittaker explores two major forces of early twentieth century America: the religious movement called Spiritualism and treatment of the mentally ill. Like all of A.B. Michaels’ novels, it is a stand-alone read.
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AUTHOR BIO: A. B. MICHAELS
A native of California, A.B. Michaels holds masters’ degrees in history (UCLA) and broadcasting (San Francisco State University). After working for many years as a promotional writer and editor, she turned to writing fiction, which is the hardest thing she’s ever done besides raise two boys. She lives with her husband and two spoiled dogs in Boise, Idaho, where she is often distracted by playing darts and bocce and trying to hit a golf ball more than fifty yards. Reading, quilt-making and travel figure into the mix as well, leading her to hope that sometime soon, someone invents a 25+ hour day.
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[Excerpt from The Madness of Mrs. Whittaker taken from Chapter 6 – 625 words]:
In this scene, Mae is in the midst of her first “mourning circle,” which readers will recognize as a séance. The medium, Mrs. Springvale, has just shown the group that she knows the content of the notes they’ve written without even reading them.
Once the last person’s note had been divined, Mrs. Springvale thanked the group and asked them to once more “create a spiritual-physical connection,” which Mae quickly learned was a command to grasp hands. Pasiphae re-entered the room and this time stood just behind the medium. Without saying a word, she began to stroke the back of the woman’s head. Mrs. Springvale said nothing, but over the next few minutes the feeble lamplight that had illuminated her face petered out.
Several more agonizing minutes passed.
In the dark, her hands still held fast, Mae felt the whisper of a breeze run along her wrist, as if someone had opened a window or blown gently on her skin. The thought sent a shiver through her. At the same time, she heard a strange humming from the other side of the table; was it Mrs. Springvale?
Fat Fingers gripped her hand harder and whispered, “I am Asterius. Do not be afraid.”
His words had the opposite effect: Mae fought to keep panic at bay. I do not want to be here! Strangely, the hand on her right side grounded her. It did not squeeze or grow clammy or limp. It was simply there for her to hold onto.
In the next instant, her anxiety intensified at the eerie sound of Mrs. Springvale’s monotonal voice.
“I … I see a man walking down a city street. He is holding his daughter’s hand. She has golden hair. She looks up to him. She loves him very much. He is her daddy. He wants her to know he will always be her daddy, no matter what.” There were a few minutes of silence, then … “Wait … he is older now, and sad. So very sad. He misses his little girl. She was such a help to him. He wants to tell her … tell her something. He knows what lays heavy on her.”
Guilt slithered through Mae. After years spent rescuing her father from himself, she had finally left him to fight his demons alone. Her marriage, she admitted, had been a mistake in more than one way. Her father had been ill, and she should never have forsaken him.
Claire’s voice permeated the silence. “Papa!” she cried.
“Shh,” someone whispered. “Let her finish.”
No. Mae half rose from her seat, held back by Fat Fingers. She wanted to stop this … this, whatever it was. It was too intense, too—
“Ahhhh!” cried Mrs. Springvale, startling Mae into sitting back down.
Pasiphae stroked the medium’s brow and murmured something to her before announcing quietly, “That is all for today. Sterope and Merope, may you be blessed.”
Apparently, that was the signal for two of the table’s occupants to leave. One of them—an old woman—turned to help another who seemed near to her in age. Without saying a word, they shuffled toward the sliver of light at the bottom of the door leading to the front parlor.
Several minutes later, when Pasiphae called, “Asterius,” Fat Fingers obediently let go of Mae’s hand and exited. She tugged her fingers away from the man on the right, and he released her with no objection.
The recessional continued, and Mae was relieved when she and Claire were finally instructed to leave. As they did, she noticed the basket had more than one large bill in it. Claire added some money of her own and they exited the building, where their buggy was waiting.
The “church service” was over.
Thank God.
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