Deborah Swift's Blog, page 12
October 2, 2022
Brushstrokes from the Past by Heidi Eljarbo #DualTimeline #Historical #CoffeePotBookClub
WWII and the mid-seventeenth century are entwined in this fourth dual timeline novel about Nazi art theft, bravery, friendship, and romance.
April 1945. Art historian Soli Hansen and her friend Heddy arrive at an excavation site only to find Soli’s old archeology professor deeply engrossed in an extraordinary find in a marsh. The remains of a man have lain undisturbed for three centuries, but there’s more to this discovery…
As Soli tries to understand who the baroque man was and discovers what he carried in a sealed wooden tube, problems arise. A leak reveals the finds to the notorious Lieutenant Colonel Heinz Walter, and soon, both Nazi elite and the Gestapo are after the treasure.
When Heddy and the professor disappear along with the artwork, Soli and her resistance group must find them before it’s too late.
1641. In Amsterdam, French musketeer Claude Beaulieu has had his portrait done by his close friend and artist Rembrandt van Rijn. When a band of thieves steal the precious painting, Claude and his wife Annarosa Ruber pick up their swords and a few belongings and go after the culprits.
Set in Norway during the tumultuous last days of the second world war, as well as the peak of the glorious baroque art period, these two stories are a must for readers who love historical fiction with adventure, suspense, and true love that conquers all.
Perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley, Kathleen McGurl, Rhys Bowen, and Katherine Neville.
My Review
This is a story that spans the Nazi occupation of Norway and also the 17th Century art world of Amsterdam. Musketeer and emissary to Louis XIII of France, Claude Beaulieu, has a portrait painted by his friend and the renowned master Rembrandt. When the painting is stolen, Claude and his wife, the sword-wielding Annarosa Ruber decide to go after the thieves. Fast forward a few centuries, and Soli Hansen and her friend Heddy are intrigued by the findings on an archaeological dig, where a sealed tube is unearthed. So begins the fourth of these well-written adventures.
Once the contents are revealed, its not long before the Nazis also find out about what’s inside and the ruthless Gestapo will stop at nothing for possession. Many twists and turns ensue, not least the disappearance of Soli’s friends, Heddy and the Professor. Heidi Eljarbo controls the two timelines effortlessly, bringing us a true sense of period in both. As a fan of the the world of 17th Century painting, I appreciated the way it was brought to life with many tiny details that can only have been found through thorough research, such as the way letters in the 17th Century were sealed with a monogram, or the play of light on impasto brushstrokes. Soli Hansen’s relationship with her friend Heddy is warm and believable, and their Nazi antagonists suitably determined, leading to a pacy and nailbiting read. Easy to read and engrossing, this is a treat for art lovers and those who like adventure seasoned with a little romance
I featured Heidi’s earlier book Hidden Masterpiece here on the blog
Available on #KindleUnlimited
BUY THE BOOK: https://books2read.com/u/47g8Ej
Contact Heidi : Amazon Author Page
Website: https://www.heidieljarbo.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiEljarbo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorheidieljarbo
The post Brushstrokes from the Past by Heidi Eljarbo #DualTimeline #Historical #CoffeePotBookClub first appeared on Deborah Swift.
August 2, 2022
The Du Lac Chronicles by Mary Anne Yarde #Arthurian #HistoricalFiction
Spotlight on the Du Lac Chronicles – A must for fans of Arthurian Legend!
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 THE BOOK
This novel is available on #KindleUnlimtied
Universal Link : https://books2read.com/u/b5lYy7
About Mary Anne Yarde
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.
You might enjoy this interview I did with Mary Anne about the world of King Arthur – Saints, Standing Stones and an Ancient Curse
I read and enjoyed this novel a while ago – Read my review of Book One of the Du Lac Chronicles
Find Mary Anne
Website: https://authormaryanneyarde.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryanneyarde
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-anne-yarde
July 21, 2022
Cragside: A 1930’s Murder Mystery by M J Porter #CoffeePotBookClub #MurderMystery #Extract
Dive into this 1930’s Murder Mystery!
Cragside by M J Porter – Excerpt
The following day – Lady Merryweather is now assisting Detective Inspector Aldcroft, and together they examine the scene of the murder
I step outside. The rain has finally stopped, the drip of water pooling from the roof, a reminder of just how fierce the storm has been. The sky’s a watery blue, soft clouds scudding overhead, and I huddle inside my good coat. I’ve managed to find my boots and so my feet are warm as I find myself on the very spot where Mr Harrington-Featherington had been found dead the evening before.
I’m not alone. Detective Inspector Aldcroft accompanies me. We don’t speak. It feels as though we’ve spoken a great deal, late into the evening yesterday. I’d retired to a warm bed, and slept well. I don’t think Aldcroft has been so lucky. He yawns, stifling it behind his hand, and I pretend not to see. The poor man. He must be exhausted, and now that he isn’t apprehending me on the say so of these horrible people I once thought of as friends, I almost like him.
He’s been led a merry dance by the inhabitants of the house yesterday. He’s made arrests but none of them are the killer of Mr Norman Harrington-Featherington or Lady Beatrice Carver. Or so it appears. Still, Lady Gwendoline Sunderland has been kept at Rothbury police station, and under police guard. She’s certainly not what she seems.
Despite the deluge of the night before, it’s easy to see the spot where the body was found. A dark stain mars the grey stone. It’s only a fraction of what must have bled from the man, but it’s enough to see it, and to know that someone died here.
Belatedly, I notice that Aldcroft has turned, and is gazing back at the doorway out of which we’ve just walked. Last night, I’d used the main door, as had the police officers. This area had been marked as out of bounds while Aldcroft orchestrated a thorough search, despite the heavy rainfall and the darkness. He’d hoped, he told me last night, that the weapon might be found, or some other tell-tale sign, but there had been nothing. If the murderer had left something behind, then the wind had blown it clear, or the rain had sent it spiralling down the hill to the river below us. It was probably winding it’s merry way down the stream, if it had ever existed in the first place.
I shuddered at the thought of the basin tank, where Lady Carver’s body had been found. It would be fuller than normal as well.
“I can’t see that anyone could have made their way out here, and not been seen.” Detective Inspector Aldcroft face is lined in confusion.
“The library, and the study both look out on this spot, as does the garden alcove.” I confirm.
“And the guests have made it clear that there were people in the library at the time. It would have been a terrible risk to take,” he further muses, as though I’ve not spoken.
“The actions of someone desperate.” I’m fast becoming convinced that while Lady Carver’s death might have been planned well in advance, that of Mr Harrington-Featherington’s has been opportunistic. Aldcroft has agreed with me when I’d mentioned it during our interview yesterday evening. While the remainder of the guests had been allowed into the drawing room following our dinner, they’d been watched by one of the police sergeants, essentially to ensure they weren’t attacked but really to make sure none of them could try and kill anyone else, or tamper with any evidence they might have left somewhere, if they had been the killer.
“He was definitely killed here?” I ask, just to be certain.
“He must have been. The amount of blood. I can’t see that anyone could have killed him elsewhere and dragged his body here without being noticed. Yes, it was going dark, by the time we believe he was killed, but not enough to entirely mask what was happening.”
“So the police surgeon is convinced the murder took place at dusk? At what 4pm?”
“Yes, based on what evidence he found, he is. Admittedly, it was a cold day so it’s difficult to tell.”
I walk to the edge of the rockery. From here, I can just glimpse the formal garden and greenhouses on the opposite bank of the burn.
“Surely, it would have been easier to push him over?” The fall’s huge, and almost sheer. There’s a path that winds down to the river, but it’s treacherous. I’ve made the trek many times on previous visits to the estate, but it isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s impossible to admire the view. It’s lethal to not watch your own feet.
Aldcroft stands beside me, peering down, his expression inscrutable, as he ponders my words.
“It would have made it more difficult to find the body, that’s a certainty. Yes, we’d have known he was missing, but whether he was actually dead or not would have been a mystery. Not until we found him at some point in the future. It would have meant you’d have to have been considered a suspect.” While he speaks with consideration, the words sting.
“Then I’ll be grateful for the mistake,” I try to jest, but my voice sounds edgy, even to my ears.
We’re not alone. There are two constables searching through the shrubs and plants, and in the cracks between the hard-packed earth and the grey stones. They pretend not to listen, but I’m sure they hear everything. It’s that sort of day, when sound travels in strange ways; the calm after the storm. I imagine those inside the huge house, with its mock Tudor design, are listening closely as well, especially the actual murderer or murderers. I’m yet to be unconvinced that there were two, or more of them, involved in what’s happened in such a peaceful location.
More about the book
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.
BUY THE BOOK books2read.com/Cragside
About MJ Porter
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.
Find M J here:
Website: https://www.mjporterauthor.com/
Blog: https://mjporterauthor.blog/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coloursofunison
July 11, 2022
The Girl From Oto by Amy Maroney #Audiotour #audiobook #CoffeePotBookClub @wilaroney
I really enjoyed this series of books and here they are on audio, narrated by Meg Price.
Do go and get a treat of a listen!
About the first in the series:
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.
This book is available on #KindleUnlimited.
BUY THE BOOK
The Girl from Oto: https://mybook.to/girlfromoto
Mira’s Way: https://mybook.to/MirasWay
A Place in the World: https://mybook.to/aPlaceInTheWorld
About 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 her website.
Website: https://www.amymaroney.com/
Twitter: @wilaroney
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amymaroneyauthor
The Girl from Bologna by Siobhan Daiko #Review #WW2 #CoffeePotBookClub
About the Book:
Just last week, she read Faulkner’s words, “the past is never dead. It’s not even past,” and they resonated with her. It’s true; the past is NEVER past. She can no longer bury what happened; she can no longer forget…
Bologna, Italy, 1944, and the streets are crawling with German soldiers. Nineteen-year-old Leila Venturi is shocked into joining the Resistance after her beloved best friend Rebecca, the daughter of a prominent Jewish businessman, is ruthlessly deported to a concentration camp.
In the spring of 1981, exchange student Rhiannon Hughes arrives in Bologna to study at the university. There, she rents a room from Leila, who is now middle-aged. Leila’s nephew, Gianluca, offers to show Rhiannon around but Leila warns her off him.
Soon Rhiannon finds herself being drawn into a web of intrigue. What is Gianluca’s interest in a far-right group? And how is the nefarious leader of this group connected to Leila? As dark secrets emerge from the past, Rhiannon is faced with a terrible choice. Will she take her courage into both hands and risk everything?
A heart-wrenching page-turner that will sweep you away to one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. A tale of courage, loss and heart-wrenching redemption.
Review
This is a book rich in Italian detail about Bologna; the language, the food, the architecture of the city. If you are a fan of travel to Italy, you can go there through the pages of this book and feel you are truly there. This is a thoroughly gripping read which also covers a lesser known angle on WW2. For me, the modern 1980’s part of this dual timeline story was more successful than the WW2 part of the story, I think because Leila’s WW2 story was told as a memoir, which always makes me more aware of the fact it is a story from the past. It is however very skilfully written and contains some shocking parts of Italian history which have been painstakingly researched. In Nazi-occupied Bologna there are many factions at work, including partisans, right wing activists, communists and spies and agents on both sides. What drew me into the novel was the warm relationship between the older Leila and her student lodger Rhiannon. I also appreciated the fact that Gianluca and Rhiannon become friends rather than lovers, and that the mystery of Marie (Rhiannon’s friend at the university) keeps the plot moving right until the end. I haven’t read the first two books in the series, but this one quite easily stands alone.
This is a book that will delight those who want to know more about Italy and its history, and is highly recommended.
BUY THE BOOK : Available on #KindleUnlimited
Universal Link: viewbook.at/TGFB
ABOUT Siobhan Daiko:
Siobhan Daiko is a British historical fiction author. A lover of all things Italian, she lives in the Veneto region of northern Italy with her husband, a Havanese dog and a rescued cat.After a life of romance and adventure in Hong Kong, Australia and the UK, Siobhan now spends her time indulging her love of writing and enjoying her life near Venice.
https://siobhandaiko.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/siobhandaiko
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SiobhanDaikoAsolandoBooks
July 5, 2022
Two Presidents of WW2 by Richard Marrison #HistoryTen #WW2 #Presidents
Today I welcome Richard Marrison to my blog to give us his take on the presidents of two of the most influential nations in WW2. Richard is from Budapest, Hungary and holds a degree in Cultural Anthropology from Eötvös Loránd University. Over to Richard:
World War 2, 1939-1945, was one of the most significant and destructive global conflicts that resulted in about 70-85 million casualties. A major part of the world was involved in this war directly or indirectly.
Two rival alliances were formed, namely the Allies and the Axis powers. The principal combatants included Germany, Italy, and Japan forming the Axis powers and France, Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union forming the Allies. In addition to the military aspect of war, politics was also an important factor that affected war decisions. The head of state of every nation held the ultimate decision power as to what extent the nation would participate in a wartime scenario. They were responsible for the direction and supervision of the military force as the top-level authority. Some nations’ presidents played a crucial role during the second world war. The consequential decisions made and actions taken by these authoritative individuals created an impact during the time of war. Underneath, we discuss the presidents of two of the most influential nations during World War 2 who, at that time, led their nations to war.
The President of Germany during World War 2
Adolf Hitler, the president of Germany, initiated World War 2 by invading Poland on September 1, 1939. This invasion marked the beginning of the catastrophic global war. After the sudden death of Reichspräsident Paul Von Hindenburg, Adolf Hitler assumed the presidency’s powers and took over the German nation in August 1934. Hitler, who was already the Chancellor, assumed control of the powers under the title of ‘Führer und Reichskanzler’ without any regard to constitutional legality. Adolf Hitler initially served in the Bavarian army in World War 1 as a ‘Gefreiter.’ In 1918, he was gravely injured and hospitalized during the war. Hitler was reportedly furious and devastated when he learned about the Treaty of Versailles and the terms on which the war ended.
In 1921, Hitler was appointed the leader of the Nazi Party, replacing the former chairman, Anton Drexler. By this time, Hitler was consistently showing opposition towards the Treaty of Versailles. Following this leadership, he was designated as Chancellor of Germany in 1933 by Hindenburg upon the recommendation of some influential politicians. Soon after the designation, the parliament passed the Enabling Act of 1933, which granted the Chancellor the power to form and enforce laws. This was a major advantage to Hitler, who started taking relevant steps towards transforming the German Republic to Nazi Germany. After he took over as the head of the state in 1934, Hitler held the dictatorship for nearly 11 years. During the second world war, he was a significant figure and was heavily involved in military operations. Hitler chiefly initiated World War 2 by attacking Poland. Britain and France declared war on Germany after this invasion. In 1940, Germany invaded Denmark and Norway, and based on his overconfidence following these victories, Hitler started making some turbulent decisions. He started interfering in military decisions , breaching the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and attacking the Soviet Union, which led to disastrous results. He even appointed himself as the armed force’s commander-in-chief after this failed operation and continued to take risky offensive decisions. The downfall of the German Republic’s military position was inevitable under Hitler’s over-ambitious leadership.
Hitler and Goring
Between 1941 and 1945, Hitler’s enduring operation to bring about Jewish elimination from the nation was in progress. The Holocaust was the genocide of European Jews during the course of the World War. Somewhere around six million Jews were murdered in pogroms and mass shootings under the dictatorship of Adolf Hitler and domination of the Nazi Party. Around the end of 1944, Hitler made a last attempt to gain control through a counter-offensive attack directed towards the American and British troops. This attempt was unsuccessful, and his efforts to negotiate peace with the US and Britain also went in vain. After the complete invasion of Berlin by the Soviet troops, Adolf Hitler and his wife Eva Braun committed suicide in the Reich Chancellery on April 30, 1945. Only two days later, on May 2, Berlin surrendered, followed by the German Republic surrendering on May 7. This was the official end of the second world war in Europe, a war that Adolf Hitler had initiated.
The President of the United States during World War 2
Franklin D. Roosevelt was the president of the US throughout the second world war up to nearly its end. He directed and led the country to war starting from December 8, 1941, after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, causing significant damage. Roosevelt was the only president elected to office four times, beginning from March 4, 1933, until his death on April 12, 1945. He governed the country through two of the most critical events in history, the Great Depression and World War 2. Focusing on developing domestic policies during the start of his term, since he was elected amidst the Great Depression, Roosevelt inaugurated the New Deal. In 1939, when the war broke out, Roosevelt wanted to pursue the assistance of British and French military power. In a session called by Roosevelt to revoke the Neutrality Act, the isolationist leaders of Congress succeeded in repealing the primary motive of the session. However, he gained Congressional approval for the sale of arms on a cash-and-carry basis.
Roosevelt stayed firm to his decision of not rushing the nation to war, considering the high casualties the US suffered during World War 2. However, he did declare a state of national emergency and started maximizing and strengthening the US military power after the war had begun among other nations. After the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt mentioned in his speech that the day of the attack was ’a date which will live in infamy’, and the US declared war on Japan. Following the entrance of the States in the war, Germany and France also declared war on the nation, to which the United States responded reciprocally. Roosevelt established a grand alliance with the nations forming the Allies from the start of the United States’ direct involvement in the war. He maintained cordial relations with the prime minister of Britain, Winston Churchill, and they even pursued the project of preliminary stage research of nuclear weapons jointly. With active wartime discussions and conferences between Roosevelt and the leaders of the United Kingdom, Soviet Union, and China, they formed a strong alliance with the prime focus of bringing Nazi Germany and other Axis Powers down. After Italy surrendered to the Allies, the German forces conceded defeat on May 8, 1945. This was followed by Japan surrendering officially on September 2, 1945, marking the end of WW2.
Roosevelt played a significant role in leading the nation during this destructive conflict. It would be fair to say that he eased the path of the ongoing war for his successor, Harry S. Truman. Franklin D Roosevelt, who was in a state of deteriorating health for some time already, died of a massive brain hemorrhage on April 12, 1945. The then vice-president Harry S. Truman took over the office. He directed the United States during the second world war for only a couple of months until the Axis Powers fully surrendered and the six-year-long war came to an end. The Hiroshima bombing was one of the significant attacks during World War 2 initiated by Truman after he took over as the president. Truman was re-elected after he won the 1948 presidential election. He governed the nation through the Cold War period as well. His term ended in 1953, after which he did consider running for the presidential election again but was defeated, considering his declining health and abilities.
In conclusion …
World War 2 was conjointly a conflict that arose due to the plotting and decision of many relevant figures of various nations. Adolf Hitler of Germany, Benito Mussolini of Italy, and Hirohito of Japan were the chief leaders of the Axis Powers. Similarly, Franklin D. Roosevelt of the US, Winston Churchill of Great Britain, and Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union were the prime alliance of the Allies. Adolf Hitler’s long-planned vision led to the start of one of the most catastrophic events in history. This led to several post-war effects, which were rarely positive. In addition to the numerous casualties, the war brought turbulence in the nations’ economies, war crimes, and hunger crisis. Some of the leaders who initially led their nations to war faced an unpleasant fate. The major instances of Hitler committing suicide and Mussolini being assassinated before the war ended prove this. The end of World War 2 brought victory to the Allies, with Japan surrendering at the very end among the Axis Powers.
FAQs
What political party was Franklin D. Roosevelt in?
Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, was a member of the Democratic Party prior to 1910 when he was recruited to run for a seat in the New York State Assembly. Roosevelt shared a connection with the Democratic Party, which was influenced by his father’s bonding with the party.
What is Winston Churchill best known for?
Winston Churchill served as the Prime Minister of Great Britain twice, and he led the nation to victory during World War 2. He played a major role in shaping the Allied strategy and guiding the country towards victory from the brink of defeat.
What did Hirohito do in WW2?
Hirohito, the emperor of Japan from 1926 to 1989 , initiated the invasion of China, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and finally the surrender of Japanese troops to the Allies. He was the nation’s leader throughout World War 2 and sided with the Axis Powers officially on September 27, 1940, after signing the Tripartite Pact.
Who executed the Italian prime minister, Benito Mussolini?
Benito Mussolini and his mistress were captured and shot to death by Italian partisans on April 28, 1945. The fascist leader was caught trying to flee to Switzerland, a neutral country during WW2, after realizing the downfall of the Italian troops in front of the Allied nations.
Thank you to Richard Marrison for this useful overview. Find Richard at his own blog on History at historyten.com
The post Two Presidents of WW2 by Richard Marrison #HistoryTen #WW2 #Presidents first appeared on Deborah Swift.June 28, 2022
Leningrad: The People’s War by Rachel R. Heil #CoffeePotBookClub #WW2
I’m delighted to spotlight this fascinating new WW2 novel by Rachel Heil – Leningrad: The People’s War
(Leningrad, Book 1)
About the Book:
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 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.
Click to buy the book
This novel is also available on #KindleUnlimited.
About Rachel R. Heil
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.
Follow Rachel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeilRachelR
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelRHeil
June 21, 2022
Raleigh Tudor Adventurer by Tony Riches #CoffeePotBookClub #Elizabethan #Biographical
Tudor adventurer, courtier, explorer and poet, Sir Walter Raleigh has been called the last true Elizabethan.
He didn’t dance or joust, didn’t come from a noble family, or marry into one.
So how did an impoverished law student become a favourite of the queen, and Captain of the Guard?
The story which began with the best-selling Tudor trilogy follows Walter Raleigh from his first days at the Elizabethan Court to the end of the Tudor dynasty.
REVIEW
I think people underestimate how long it takes to write a book such as this – the enormous amount of research, the sheer graft of putting together a narrative that tells of a historical past in a dramatic way, but sticks to the facts. Tony Riches shows us not only Raleigh, but the whole Elizabethan era in his new book, Raleigh Tudor Adventurer. Raleigh, a rather disgruntled law student has to call upon his brother, a much higher-up courtier to get him on the ladder to success. The two brothers have not much love for each other and this is clearly drawn. We follow Raleigh through his exploits on board his ship Falcon, into his cramped cabin with space enough for books. For Raleigh is also a poet, and we see him earlier in the novel in the company of Burbage at the new theatre. Raleigh comes across as a man who wears many hats – not afraid of battle or bloodshed, or storms at sea, but also able to appreciate literature, and more importantly to move in court circles.
Life on board ship is contrasted with the stultified rituals of court life. Raleigh is famous for his dealings with Elizabeth at court, and in this book we meet many other interesting historical figures such as Francis Walsingham, Bess Throckmorton, Edmund Spenser, Robert Cecil, to name only a few. In fact the cast in this book is enormous and its a credit to Tony Riches that he manages to keep them all individuals with credible personalities.
Raleigh is a towering figure of his age and Riches has done him justice.
If you love the Elizabethan period, and have a thirst for a novel with a huge scope, you will love this book.
You can buy the book here mybook.to/Raleigh
or read it free with your subscription to Kindle Unlimited.
Tony Riches is a full-time UK author of best-selling historical fiction. He lives in Pembrokeshire, West Wales and is a specialist in the lives of the Tudors. He also runs the popular ‘Stories of the Tudors’ podcast, and posts book reviews, author interviews and guest posts at his blog, The Writing Desk. For more information about Tony’s books please visit his website www.tonyriches.com and find him on Twitter @tonyriches
The post Raleigh Tudor Adventurer by Tony Riches #CoffeePotBookClub #Elizabethan #Biographical first appeared on Deborah Swift.June 18, 2022
De-clutter your description in historical fiction #HistoricalFiction #amwriting
I’ve just been reading a historical novel set back in Tudor times. And I was taken with the fact that often my imagination was held up by unnecessary words. These are words that don’t earn their keep and merely make the prose more verbose. Often these are words about the materials used in the past to make something. Of course they make the book sound ‘historical’ but do they really add anything?
Here are the main culprits. These are not quotations from the book I was reading, but examples, to show you what I mean.
No 1. ‘Wooden’.
‘In the Golden Hind tavern he pulled out a wooden chair and sat down, pulling his earthenware cup towards him.’
So, chairs are usually wooden. If it was made of metal, or upholstered in velvet, or painted bright red, then it might be worth noting. Otherwise, its just unnecessary clutter. Do we need ‘earthenware’ for the cup? Well, I suppose it could be horn, or pewter or gold so perhaps that is a more necessary word. But still, unless it directly impacts the scene, its probably unconscious padding by the author to make it seem ‘historical’.
Want some specific chairs for your book? More about chairs https://antiques.lovetoknow.com/Antique_Chair_Styles
No 2. ‘Iron’
‘He grabbed the iron doorknocker and rapped.’ ‘The door creaked on its iron hinges.’ ‘In the Fleet prison, he grabbed the iron bars in both hands and wondered how it had come to this.’
Doorknockers and hinges and prison bars are usually iron. Telling the reader what they are made of makes it appear as if the writer is trying too hard to spell everything out. The adjective interferes with the directness of the action, and holds us up whilst we try to imagine something that, in fact, we are already imagining.
Want a specific knocker for your book? Photos of iron door knockers that might inspire you https://www.oliverelliott.org/article/miscellaneous/knockers_pics/
Girona. Cathedral church of Saint Mary. Portal of the apostles. Wooden door with its door knocker and iron decorative nails.1739
No 3. ‘Linen’
‘She tied a linen apron around her waist and began to scrub.’ ‘Her linen petticoats flapped around her ankles as she ran.’
Linen is just too easy. It’s a word designed to simply denote ‘history’. It is probably unnecessary. But much better choices could be made if its important for the reader to know what the apron or petticoats are made of. If poor, an apron could be sacking or hemp, or calico. if rich, petticoats could be starched or sateen or lace-edged. But again, does the description interfere with the action?
Want some language around linen? The Story of Linen – Retting and Rippling https://englishhistoryauthors.blogspot.com/2014/04/retting-and-rippling-story-of-linen.html
Photo by James Kemp on Unsplash
No 4 ‘Cobbled’
‘He pursued him down the cobbled alleyway towards the docks.’ Every novel I read that is set in the past seems to have these generic cobbled streets — from Tudor times right up until the end of the Victorian era — so adding the word ‘cobbled’ adds little to the reader’s understanding of the particular past that they are inhabiting. Readers expect streets in the past to be cobbled. In fact in later eras most of what people call cobbled roads were paved with granite ‘setts’.
I’m not suggesting you should use ‘setts’ as it’s an unfamiliar word to most people, and would cause the reader to stop and ponder instead of getting on with the story. Usually, the road surface is irrelevant unless the person is going to skid on it, trip over it, or hear the rumble of wheels on it as the cart goes by.
Here is an interesting article on those cobbles. http://graceelliot-author.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-cobbled-streets-of-victorian-london.html
Which brings me to ‘cart’ — another of those generic words! Bonus points for suggesting alternative more particular words.
When editing, I try to weed out as many of these what I call ‘historicisms’ as possible, and either cut them or replace with something more specific and relevant. The great enemy of any historical novel is vague generality. As a reader I want to be transported to somewhere vivid and memorable.
The post De-clutter your description in historical fiction #HistoricalFiction #amwriting first appeared on Deborah Swift.
May 10, 2022
Extract from The Admiral’s Wife by MK Tod #CoffeePotBookClub #HistoricalFiction
The Admiral’s Wife
The lives of two women living in Hong Kong more than a century apart are unexpectedly linked by forbidden love and financial scandal.
In 2016, Patricia Findlay leaves a high-powered career to move to Hong Kong, where she hopes to rekindle the bonds of family and embrace the city of her ancestors. Instead, she is overwhelmed by feelings of displacement and depression. To make matters worse, her father, CEO of the family bank, insists that Patricia’s duty is to produce an heir, even though she has suffered three miscarriages.
In 1912, when Isabel Taylor moves to Hong Kong with her husband, Henry, and their young daughter, she struggles to find her place in such a different world and to meet the demands of being the admiral’s wife. At a reception hosted by the governor of Hong Kong, she meets Li Tao-Kai, an influential member of the Chinese community and a man she met a decade earlier when he was a student at Cambridge.
As the story unfolds, each woman must consider where her loyalties lie and what she is prepared to risk for love
“Family secrets and personal ambitions, east and west, collide in this compelling, deeply moving novel.” — Weina Dai Randel, award-winning author of THE LAST ROSE OF SHANGHAI
The Admiral’s Wife – EXTRACT
At 6:00 p.m., Kennedy Road was still crowded along the winding section that cut across Victoria Peak. Hong Kong’s ubiquitous red taxis dodged from lane to lane as they ferried commuters from offices in Sheung Wan, Central, and Wan Chai to apartment buildings that crammed the hillside like an invading army. Patricia stared out the tinted windows of their limousine, idly reading the names mounted on each grand entrance gate: Camelot Heights, Wing Wai Court, Amber Garden, Bamboo Grove.
“You seem moody,” Andrew said.
“Do I?” She turned to look at him. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m still annoyed with my father.”
“Come on, sweetheart. That was more than a week ago. Just ignore him and find a job on your own.” He squeezed her hand. “What’s happened to my strong, capable wife? The woman who could handle tough negotiations with people who had twice as much experience.”
Patricia flashed him a little smile. “You’re right,” she said. “But the whole thing still pisses me off.”
Her husband rubbed the red stubble on his face, a sign that he was weighing his next words. “Should we return to New York?” he asked.
She pushed a strand of long black hair behind one ear. “No, no, no. We can’t go back to the U.S. My father would have a fit. So would my mother. But I’m going nuts with nothing to do.”
During the first three or four months in Hong Kong, Patricia had spent her days organizing their spacious apartment, exploring the city, spending time with her family, and indulging in what she thought of as frivolous pursuits like shopping and weekly pedicures. She had also played tennis, learned mahjong, taken up qigong, and made a few friends. After almost twenty years of working in a demanding career, she’d considered this interlude a well-deserved rest.
Depression had come on unexpectedly. The first sign was difficulty getting out of bed in the morning. General fatigue and irritability had followed, and there were days when she just couldn’t focus. Andrew had encouraged her to go to the doctor. Doctor Leung, her mother’s GP, had prescribed pills but after less than a month Patricia had stopped taking the medication. At the same time, she’d resolved to get back to work.
“I know it’s been difficult,” Andrew said. He took her hand again and ran his thumb across her fingers. “You’ll find something. But please don’t antagonize your father tonight. I’m finally making headway at the bank. I think he’s even beginning to appreciate my skills, which is an improvement over resenting me. If he believes he can trust me, there could be more opportunity here than back home. And more money. I have to think of the kids.”
“I wish we could see them,” she said. Sadness surged across her chest.
“So do I. Very much. But they’ll be here for Christmas.”
Andrew’s ex-wife had primary custody of his two children. When Patricia and Andrew lived in New York, Steven and Emma had spent every other weekend with them, but now that they were in Hong Kong, visits could only be scheduled during summer holidays, spring break, and Christmas, unless business took Andrew to the U.S. After agonizing over the decision, she and Andrew had agreed to restrict their relocation to three years. They both missed his children terribly, a sacrifice made more acute by her inability to carry a baby to term.
Patricia looked at her husband, whose pale blue eyes were bloodshot from a string of late nights. She was being unreasonable but couldn’t help herself. Situations that she would have dismissed as trivial when they lived in New York had become major sources of discontent and angst.
“If I had a job . . .” Her voice trailed off. They’d been round and round the topic all week. Andrew was becoming exasperated.
“Well, given your father’s reaction, you should probably wait a while before raising that topic again.” Andrew withdrew his hand and fingered the crease of his dark gray pants. “What about looking outside banking? You’re a great project manager.”
“Maybe,” Patricia said. “But so far, every possibility I’ve found requires Asian experience and fluency in Cantonese or Mandarin.” She sighed. “Dammit. Why does he always make things so difficult?”
“To tell you the truth, I have no idea. Probably because he can. I admire many of your father’s tactics. But I don’t like the way he treats people, especially you.” Andrew’s voice was gentler than before. “Aren’t you seeing someone about that board position?”
“Mm-hmm. Arthur Chung said it’s mine if I want it.” She linked her fingers with Andrew’s. “We’re meeting Friday afternoon for a briefing on the role he wants me to play. I’m sure he only asked me to get a donation from Ah Ba, but it could be interesting.”
Their driver merged the Mercedes onto Queen’s Road East, past hotels and schools along with a Sikh temple and remnants of air-raid tunnels built during the Second World War. Traffic was at a standstill.
“Well, make the best of it for now,” he said. “I’m sure things will get better.”
Patricia knew her husband was trying to be helpful, but his remark felt patronizing. She hated being patronized. Unlike many of her male colleagues who had underestimated her abilities, Andrew had treated her as an equal from the day they’d met. Had their new circumstances changed his perspective? Was she only his equal when they were both working?
After she’d told him about the conversation with her father, Andrew had asked why she’d allowed her parents to persuade her to live in a place that had never been her home. Patricia hadn’t replied. And ever since, the question had hovered, unsettling in its stark clarity.
She loved her parents, despite their idiosyncrasies and traditional ways. And they loved her. Of that she was certain. Eighteen months earlier, when she and Andrew still lived in New York, her mother had ended a lengthy argument about Patricia’s duty to her family by saying, “We’ll be dead soon and then you’ll be sorry you never came back.”
That conversation had been the tipping point. After much debate, Andrew had agreed to try living in Hong Kong. They’d also agreed that if it didn’t work out, they would return to New York. Ever since, she’d felt displaced, torn between Andrew’s world and the Chinese world of her parents. Her husband expected a modern businesswoman with Western values; her parents expected a dutiful Chinese daughter. The two were irreconcilable.
“I wonder when this place is going to feel like home,” Patricia said.
“You’re the one—”
“Yes, I know,” she said. “I’m the one who wanted to move here. I’m just a little out of sorts. But don’t worry. I’ll make nice with my father. You should know, though, that I’m not going to put up with him telling me what to do any longer.”
WANT MORE? BUY THE BOOK
Connect with Mary:
Website: https://www.mktod.com
Blog: https://www.awriterofhistory.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MKTodAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.tod.3/
The post Extract from The Admiral’s Wife by MK Tod #CoffeePotBookClub #HistoricalFiction first appeared on Deborah Swift.
