Judith Arnopp's Blog, page 13
May 28, 2023
The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tours present: Cold Blows the Wind by Catherine Meyrick
Book Title: Cold Blows the Wind
Author: Catherine Meyrick
Publication Date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Courante Publishing
Page Length: 425
Genre: Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Australian Fiction
Twitter Handle: @cameyrick1 @cathiedunn
Instagram Handle: @catherinemeyrickhistorical @thecoffeepotbookclub
Cold Blows the Wind
by
Catherine Meyrick
Blurb:
Hobart Town 1878 – a vibrant town drawing people from every corner of the earth where, with confidence and a flair for storytelling, a person can be whoever he or she wants. Almost.
Ellen Thompson is young, vivacious and unmarried, with a six-month-old baby. Despite her fierce attachment to her family, boisterous and unashamed of their convict origins, Ellen dreams of marriage and disappearing into the ranks of the respectable. Then she meets Harry Woods.
Harry, newly arrived in Hobart Town from Western Australia, has come to help his aging father, ‘the Old Man of the Mountain’ who for more than twenty years has guided climbers on Mount Wellington. Harry sees in Ellen a chance to remake his life.
But, in Hobart Town, the past is never far away, never truly forgotten. When the past collides with Ellen’s dreams, she is forced to confront everything in life a woman fears most.
Based on a period in the lives of the author’s great-great-grandparents, Sarah Ellen Thompson and Henry Watkins Woods, Cold Blows the Wind is not a romance but it is a story of love – a mother’s love for her children, a woman’s love for her family and, those most troublesome loves of all, for the men in her life. It is a story of the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Excerpt
Ellen glanced ahead to check whether she needed to cross the street before she got to the Rob Roy, slowing her step at the sight of George and Alice standing with that skinny rat, Dan Rogers. George held a bundle in his arms too, a squirming bundle.
Ellen hurried up to them, scowling as she looked from George to Dan. ‘What’s going on here?’
George grinned at her. ‘We thought we’d give young Billy some air.’ There was a glitter in his eyes. ‘And then we ran into my mate, Dan, here.’ He nodded toward Dan. ‘That’s right, isn’t it, Dan?’
Dan nodded his head furiously.
‘And Dan was saying what a fine lad Billy is.’
Ellen raised her eyebrows. ‘Was he?’ She passed her parcel to Alice and took Billy, settling him on her hip and pressed her nose against his hair, breathing in deeply. She looked up to see Dan Roger’s forced smile.
‘Tell her yourself, Dan.’ George grinned.
The Adam’s apple in Dan’s scrawny neck bobbed up and down as he swallowed. ‘He’s a grand lad, he certainly is.’ There was strain around his eyes.
Ellen wondered what George had threatened him with.
‘I know,’ she said, still unsmiling. ‘He takes after his mother’s family.’
‘And Dan was saying he wants to give you something for the lad.’
Ellen pressed her lips tight shut against the laughter bubbling up. She almost felt sorry for the skinny gutter rat.
Dan’s eyes had bulged with surprise but he obediently put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a shilling. ‘Sorry, Ellen, I’m a bit short at the moment.’
‘Not so short you can’t buy a mate a drink for old time’s sake.’ George threw his arm over Dan’s shoulder and steered him into the bar.
Ellen held tight to the coin. She’d buy Billy a toy, that brightly coloured spinning top she had seen in the window of the pawnshop. She could already hear his burbling laugh.
Alice beside her, Ellen walked smartly across the street ahead of a couple of carts trundling down the hill. ‘How did George manage that?’
‘He asked him how his mate Hawkes was and Dan’s knees went wobbly.’
‘I’ll remember that if there’s a next time.’ She had forgotten Dan Rogers was related to Hawkes. Will and George had done a month in gaol three years ago for the hiding they had given him. Rogers should remember that Thompsons never forgot a wrong.
‘George said he’d get him to make up for being rude to you.’
‘I wish the mongrel wasn’t rude to me in the first place.’
‘Perhaps he’s sweet on you,’ Alice said.
‘What? No. He’s just a nasty little rat picking on someone he thinks is weaker.’ She stopped and stared at her sister. She was only eight years old. ‘Where did you get the idea boys behave like that? You’re too young …’
‘From you and Mary Ann. I listen.’ Alice skipped along beside Ellen.
They turned into Watchhouse Lane, past the mercifully quiet Sunday School on the corner. The children bellowing out their raucous hymns on Sunday mornings made sleeping late almost impossible.
‘Anyway.’ Alice spun around and skipped backwards as she spoke. ‘George said, with Easter coming, we should go up to the Springs and see Grannie and Mr Woods.’
‘Oooh, that would be good. We can all go and make a real party of it.’
‘Mr Woods has his son staying with him.’
‘I didn’t know he had a son.’
‘He’s come from wherever Mr Woods was from, but he’s old.’
Halfway along the lane, Ellen pushed open the gate with her foot. ‘I suppose he would be. Mr Woods is ancient. How do you know all this?’
Alice skipped in and stood holding the door for Ellen. ‘I listen.’ She grinned.
‘As long as you learn from what you hear,’ Ellen said, hoping her sister would learn enough not to get involved with feckless men.
Universal Link: Barnes and Noble: Waterstones: Kobo: Apple:
Catherine Meyrick is an Australian writer of romantic historical fiction. She lives in Melbourne but grew up in Ballarat, a large regional city steeped in history. Until recently she worked as a customer service librarian at her local library. She has a Master of Arts in history and is also an obsessive genealogist.When she is not writing, reading and researching, Catherine enjoys gardening, the cinema and music of all sorts from early music and classical to folk and country & western. And, not least, taking photos of the family cat to post on Instagram.
Website: https://catherinemeyrick.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cameyrick1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CatherineMeyrickAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinemeyrickhistorical/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/catherinemeyrick15/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/catherine-meyrick
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07B8VXWYQ
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17798235.Catherine_Meyrick
May 24, 2023
The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour presents: Alternate Endings – an Historical Writers Forum Anthology
Book Title: Alternate Endings – A Short Story Anthology of Historical What Ifs
Publication Date: November 1st, 2022
Publisher: Historical Writers Forum
Page Length: 360
Genre: alternate history
Alternate Endings
A Short Story Anthology of Historical What Ifs
by Salina B Baker, Stephanie Churchill (Foreword), Sharon Bennett Connolly, Elizabeth Corbett, Virginia Crow, Cathie Dunn, Karen Heenan, Michael Ross, and Samantha Wilcoxson
Blurb:
We all know the past is the past, but what if you could change history?
We asked eight historical authors to set aside the facts and rewrite the history they love. The results couldn’t be more tantalizing.
What if Julius Caesar never conquered Gaul?
What if Arthur Tudor lived and his little brother never became King Henry VIII?
What if Abigail Adams persuaded the Continental Congress in 1776 to give women the right to vote and to own property?
Dive in to our collection of eight short stories as we explore the alternate endings of events set in ancient Rome, Britain, the United States, and France.
An anthology of the Historical Writers Forum.
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Universal Link: Amazon UK: Amazon US: Amazon CA: Amazon AU:
Samantha Wilcoxson is an author of emotive biographical fiction and strives to help readers connect with history's unsung heroes. She also writes nonfiction for Pen & Sword History.
Samantha loves sharing trips to historic places with her family and spending time by the lake with a glass of wine. Her most recent work is Women of the American Revolution, which explores the lives of 18th century women, and she is currently working on a biography of James Alexander Hamilton.
Historian Sharon Bennett Connolly is the best-selling author of five non-fiction history books, with a new release coming soon.
A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Sharon has studied history academically and just for fun – and has even worked as a tour guide at a castle. She writes the popular history blog, www.historytheinterestingbits.com.
Sharon regularly gives talks on women's history; she is a feature writer for All About History magazine and her TV work includes Australian Television's 'Who Do You Think You Are?'
Cathie Dunn writes historical fiction, mystery, and romance. The focus of her historical fiction novels is on strong women through time.
She loves researching for her novels, delving into history books, and visiting castles and historic sites.
Cathie's stories have garnered awards and praise from reviewers and readers for their authentic description of the past.
As an only child, Karen Heenan learned early that boredom was the enemy. Shortly after she discovered perpetual motion, and has rarely been seen holding still since.
She lives in Lansdowne, PA, just outside Philadelphia, where she grows much of her own food and makes her own clothes. She is accompanied on her quest for self-sufficiency by a very patient husband and an ever-changing number of cats.
One constant: she is always writing her next book.
Salina Baker is a multiple award winning author and avid student of Colonial America and the American Revolution.
Her lifelong passion for history and all things supernatural led her to write historical fantasy. Reading, extensive traveling and graveyard prowling with her husband keep that passion alive.
Salina lives in Austin, Texas.
Virginia Crow is an award-winning Scottish author who grew up in Orkney and now lives in Caithness.
Her favourite genres to write are fantasy and historical fiction, sometimes mixing the two together. Her academic passions are theology and history, her undergraduate degree in the former and her postgraduate degree in the latter, and aspects of these frequently appear within her writings.
When not writing, Virginia is usually to be found teaching music. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of music, especially as a tool of inspiration, and music is often playing when she writes. Her life is governed by two spaniels, Orlando and Jess, and she enjoys exploring the Caithness countryside with these canine sidekicks.
She loves cheese, music, and films, but hates mushrooms.
Elizabeth K. Corbett is an author, book reviewer, and historian who has recently published a short story, “Marie Thérèse Remembers.” She is currently working on her debut novel, a gothic romance set in Jacksonian America.
When she is not writing, she teaches academic writing, something she is very passionate about. She believes in empowering students to express themselves and speak their truth through writing. Additionally, she is a women’s historian who studies the lives of women in eighteenth and nineteenth century North America. Mostly, she is fascinated by the lives of the lesser known women in history.
A resident of gorgeous coastal New Jersey, she takes inspiration from the local history to write her historical fiction. She is an avid reader who adores tea and coffee. website
After serving time as a corporate paralegal in Washington, D.C., then staying home to raise her children, Stephanie Churchill stumbled upon writing, a career path she never saw coming.
As a result of writing a long-winded review of the book Lionheart, Stephanie became fast friends with its New York Times best-selling author, Sharon Kay Penman, who uttered the fateful words, “Have you ever thought about writing?”
Stephanie’s books are filled with action and romance, loyalty and betrayal. Her writing takes on a cadence that is sometimes literary, sometimes genre fiction, relying on deeply-drawn and complex characters while exploring the subtleties of imperfect people living in a gritty, sometimes dark world.
She lives in the Minneapolis area with her husband, two children, and two dogs while trying to survive the murderous intentions of a Minnesota winter. website
Website
Best selling author Michael Ross is a lover of history and great stories.
He's a retired software engineer turned author, with three children and five grandchildren, living in Newton, Kansas with his wife of forty years. He was born in Lubbock, Texas, and still loves Texas.
Michael attended Rice University as an undergraduate, and Portland State University for his graduate degree. He has degrees in computer science, software engineering, and German. In his spare time, Michael loves to go fishing, riding horses, and play with his grandchildren, who are currently all under six years old.
Twitter: Facebook:
May 4, 2023
The next step on Amy Maroney's Coffee Pot Book Club Book Tour: The Queen's Scribe
Book Title: The Queen’s Scribe
Series: Sea and Stone Chronicles
Author: Amy Maroney
Publication Date: April 25, 2023
Publisher: Artelan Press
Page Length: 388
Genre: Historical fiction
The Queen’s Scribe
Amy Maroney
A broken promise. A bitter conflict. And a woman’s elusive chance to love or die.
1458. Young Frenchwoman Estelle de Montavon sails to Cyprus imagining a bright future as tutor to a princess. Instead, she is betrayed by those she loves most—and forced into a dangerous new world of scheming courtiers, vicious power struggles, and the terrifying threat of war.
Determined to flee, Estelle enlists the help of an attractive and mysterious falconer. But on the eve of her escape, fortune’s wheel turns again. She gains entry to Queen Charlotta’s inner circle as a trusted scribe and interpreter, fighting her way to dizzying heights of influence.
Enemies old and new rise from the shadows as Estelle navigates a royal game of cat and mouse between the queen and her powerful half-brother, who wants the throne for himself.
When war comes to the island, Estelle faces a brutal reckoning for her loyalty to the queen. Will the impossible choice looming ahead be her doom—or her salvation?
With this richly-told story of courage, loyalty, and the sustaining power of love, Amy Maroney brings a mesmerizing and forgotten world to vivid life. The Queen’s Scribe is a stand-alone novel in the Sea and Stone Chronicles collection.
Praise for the Sea and Stone Chronicles:
“Island of Gold is a nimbly told story with impeccable pacing.” —Historical Novel Society, Editor’s Choice Review
“Sea of Shadows is stunning. A compelling tale of love, honor, and conviction.”—Reader’s Favorite Review
Amy Maroney is the author of the award-winning Miramonde Series, the story of a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern day scholar on her trail.
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Universal Link Amazon UK: Amazon US: Amazon CA: Amazon AU:
A Forgotten Queen: Uncovering the Extraordinary Life of Charlotta of Cyprus
My new novel, The Queen’s Scribe, features Queen Charlotta of Cyprus, a fifteenth century monarch with an astonishing story of personal ambition, courage, and dedication to her kingdom. But what exactly was her kingdom? How did it come to be? And why did it vanish just a few centuries after it began?
The Lusignan Court of Cyprus got its start in the early middle ages, when the island was under the control of the Eastern Roman Empire. In the 7th century, Arab forces began invading Cyprus, triggering a period of instability and violence. In 965, the Byzantines “reconquered” Cyprus for Christendom. In 1195, Richard the Lionheart seized control of the island. He sold Cyprus to the Knights Templar, who then sold it to Guy de Lusignan, the King of Jerusalem.
Guy de Lusignan established the Kingdom of Cyprus and brought the Latin world’s Catholicism to the island, endowing it with supremacy over the Greek Orthodox church. Lusignan Kings would reign over Cyprus until 1489, and the tension between Latin and Greek culture was a hallmark of the dynasty’s rule.
BELLAPAIS ABBEY, DEPOSIT PHOTOS STANDARD LICENSE
The Lusignans decreed that French was now the official language of Cyprus, taking precedence over Greek. A new noble class made up primarily of French people (known locally as Franks or Latins) took over. They forced commoners to become their serfs and persecuted Cypriots for their adherence to traditional beliefs and rituals.
With its prime location in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus was a very important point of trade; it was also a key stopover point for European pilgrims venturing to the Holy Land. Its main port city of Famagusta attracted merchants from all over Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The evolution of language in Cyprus during this time fascinated me during my research. Though French became the language of high administration, Greek remained the language of everyday life. In port towns, people communicated in French, Arabic, and Italian. Over the years, all of these languages converged.
The fourteenth-century historian and scribe Makhairas of Cyprus complained that under the Lusignans, “we (Cypriots) write both French and Greek in such a way that no one in the world can say what our language is.” In fact, the French spoken in Cyprus was so distorted that native French speakers visiting from Europe could not understand it. This fact underpins the plot of The Queen’s Scribe, which features a fictional French heroine whose skills as a scribe and interpreter become essential to Queen Charlotta.
ST. HILARION CASTLE RUINS, DEPOSIT PHOTOS STANDARD LICENSE
As difficult as life was for Cypriots under Frankish rule, the elites enjoyed outrageous levels of privilege, wealth, and leisure. Cyprus was famous for its production of luxury fabrics such as camlet (a blend of silk and wool), cloth-of-gold, and embroidered silks. In my research, I saw records of purchase for such goods by Western European nobles and royalty. Local artisans made intricate artificial birds of metal, and goldsmiths produced fine jewelry for export all over Europe.
The Kings of Lusignan and their courtiers were obsessed with falconry and hunting. The German traveler Ludolf von Suchen visited Cyprus in the mid-fourteenth century and observed nobles playing in tournaments, jousting, and hunting daily. He wrote that wild rams were hunted and caught with “leopards” (these were likely cheetahs) during mountain hunting expeditions that could last up to a month. He described a nobleman who owned more than 500 hounds; 250 servants were in charge of the animals. King Jacques I of Cyprus reportedly owned 300 falcons and 24 “leopards” (again, probably cheetahs), some of which he took hunting on a daily basis.
All of this was a drain on the royal coffers, as were the increasing attacks on Cyprus by Venetians, Genoese, Turks, and Egyptians. By 1458, when the fifteen-year-old, widowed Queen Charlotta ascended the throne, the Lusignan dynasty was weakened by war, debt, corruption, and betrayal.
ARCHBISHOP’S PALACE IN NICOSIA, WHERE QUEEN CHARLOTTA’S HALF-BROTHER JACCO LIVED, DEPOSIT PHOTOS STANDARD LICENSE
Though she faced these complications with tremendous ambition and courage, the queen’s greatest test came from her power-hungry half-brother, Jacco. In his quest for the crown, he launched a civil war against Charlotta, further hobbling the Cypriot court. When Queen Charlotta’s second husband Louis of Savoy proved a dismal leader, she left him in a seaside fortress and sailed around the Mediterranean begging allies to help save her kingdom. Her tenacity and courage earned respect and attention from some of Europe’s most powerful leaders, but in the end, she could not protect her crown.
Amy Maroney studied English Literature at Boston University and worked for many years as a writer and editor of nonfiction. She lives in Oregon, U.S.A. with her family. When she’s not diving down research rabbit holes, she enjoys hiking, dancing, traveling, and reading.
Amy is the author of The Miramonde Series, an Amazon-bestselling historical mystery trilogy about a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern-day scholar on her trail. Amy’s award-winning historical adventure/romance series, Sea and Stone Chronicles, is set in medieval Rhodes and Cyprus.
An enthusiastic advocate for independent publishing, Amy is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and the Historical Novel Society.
Website: Twitter: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Pinterest: Book Bub: Amazon Author Page: Goodreads:
April 27, 2023
Delighted to welcome Amy Maroney with news of her new book, The Queen's Scribe
The Queen’s Scribe
by
Amy Maroney
Queen Charlotta of Cyprus, a forgotten monarch
While researching the Sea and Stone Chronicles, a collection of novels about ordinary people living under the rule of the Knights Hospitaller in medieval Rhodes, I stumbled across a woman of power whose story captivated me. Her name was Queen Charlotta, and she ruled the Kingdom of Cyprus for a moment in time during the exact era of my research.
Just what the Kingdom of Cyprus was, I had no idea. So, like any overzealous historical novelist, I dove down an exhilarating research rabbit hole in search of more details.
I was astonished by my findings. The Kingdom of Cyprus, Jerusalem, and Armenia (the latter two designations were purely titular) was ruled by the French Lusignan dynasty for hundreds of years. Its zenith came in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. By 1458, when the fifteen-year-old, widowed Queen Charlotta ascended the throne, the Lusignan dynasty was hobbled by war and debt, and poisoned from within by corruption and betrayal.
Queen Charlotta therefore faced a formidable set of complications when she donned her crown. She not only accepted the challenge, she exhibited tremendous ambition and courage. Less than two years after taking the throne, she moved her courtiers to the seaside fortress of Kyrenia, where they survived a massive siege by her power-hungry half-brother, Jacco. Then, when her second husband Louis of Savoy proved a weak leader, she left him in Cyprus and sailed around the Mediterranean entreating allies to help save her crown.
Clearly, this courageous queen’s story had to be told. So I resolved to bring her to life with a novel, The Queen’s Scribe.
KYRENIA FORTRESS, WHERE QUEEN CHARLOTTA RESISTED A SIEGE BY HER HALF-BROTHERThough her father, King Jean, was a Frenchman born into the Lusignan dynasty, Charlotta’s mother, Eleni Palaiologina, was a proud Greek woman who defied the “Latin” influence of her husband’s court. Charlotta grew up a Greek girl in her mother’s apartments, and never learned much French.
But when Charlotta was married to Prince João of Portugal at fourteen, she was suddenly required to communicate in French (their common language). Her need for trusted interpreters would only grew stronger as time went on and she was forced to seek assistance from Western allies such as the Knights Hospitaller, the Pope, and the king of France. This is how I developed the concept of a fictional heroine serving the queen as a skilled interpreter and scribe.
ST. HILARION CASTLE, WHERE THE ROYAL FAMILIES OF CYPRUS RETREATED FOR LEISURETIME PURSUITSAfter the 1457 murder of her husband, Prince João, Charlotta faced a new betrothal. This time, her fiancé was her first cousin, Louis of Savoy. In the Greek Orthodox tradition, the marriage of first cousins doomed the bride and groom to hell. Charlotta’s mother naturally opposed the union. But as soon as she died, the marriage was on.
Fortune’s wheel turned again when King Jean died just a few months after his wife (whether it was due to natural causes or poison was a matter of dispute). Teenaged Charlotta ascended the throne, her father’s council members whispering in her ear just as they had done with her father. Meanwhile, her half-brother, Jacco, vowed he would seize the kingdom. His plan: gain the favor of the Sultan of Egypt, raise an army, and attack Cyprus. Charlotta would spend the rest of her life fighting to preserve her throne.
I chose to tell Queen Charlotta’s tale through the eyes of fictional Estelle de Montavon, daughter of a French falconer. I first wrote a story starring her in an anthology a few years ago, and she plays a minor role in my novel Island of Gold.
In The Queen’s Scribe, Estelle—a talented scribe and linguist—becomes as valuable as gold when the royal court retreats to Kyrenia Fortress and civil war looms between the queen and Jacco. As Queen Charlotta voyages across the Mediterranean Sea beseeching French-speaking allies for help, Estelle is at her side, witnessing every triumph and disaster along the way.
MURAL OF A WEALTHY FIFTEENTH CENTURY FAMILY IN A CYPRUS CHURCH, WHICH SHOWS HOW PEOPLE DRESSED IN THAT TIME AND PLACEThis extraordinary queen’s ambition and courage burned brightly, but all too briefly. Like so many other women who deserve a place in history books, her story has been relegated to the shadows. I hope that The Queen’s Scribe plays a role in bringing Charlotta of Lusignan’s story back into the light.
Amy Maroney studied English Literature at Boston University and worked for many years as a writer and editor of nonfiction. She lives in Oregon, U.S.A. with her family. When she’s not diving down research rabbit holes, she enjoys hiking, dancing, traveling, and reading. Amy is the author of The Miramonde Series, an award-winning historical fiction trilogy about a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern-day scholar on her trail. Her new historical suspense series, Sea and Stone Chronicles, is set in medieval Rhodes and Cyprus.
The Queen’s Scribe is on Kindle Unlimited and is available worldwide from Amazon: https://mybook.to/QueensScribe
Social Media Links:
Website: https://www.amymaroney.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/wilaroney
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amymaroneyauthor
Instagram: www.instagram.com/amymaroneywrites/
April 26, 2023
Alison Morton celebrates the tenth anniversary with INCEPTIO 10th Anniversary Hardback Edition
Book Title: INCEPTIO (10th Anniversary hardback)
Series: Roma Nova
Author: Alison Morton
Publication Date: 28 March 2023 (original ebook and paperback 1 March 2013)
Publisher: Pulcheria Press
Page Length: 390
Genre: Thriller
Twitter Handle: @alison_morton @cathiedunn
Instagram Handle: @AlisonMortonAuthor @thecoffeepotbookclub
INCEPTIO
Alison Morton
“It's about Roman blood, survival and money. Mostly yours."
In an alternative New York, Karen Brown is running for her life. She makes a snap decision to flee to Roma Nova - her dead mother's homeland, the last remnant of the Roman Empire in the 21st century. But can Karen tough it out in such an alien culture? And with a crazy killer determined to terminate her for a very personal reason?
Stifled by the protective cocoon of her Roma Novan family, deceived by her new lover, she propels herself into a dangerous mission. But then the killer sets a trap - she must sacrifice herself for another - and she sees no escape.
A thriller laced with romance and coming of age, this first in series is Roman fiction brought into the 21st century through the lens of alternative history and driven by a female protagonist with heart and courage.
This 10thAnniversary hardback edition includes bonus content: Three character ‘conversations’, two short stories and the story behind INCEPTIO.
Buy links:
INCEPTIO 10th Anniversary special edition hardback:
International Buy Link: Barnes & Noble: Book Depository:
Your local bookshop or library All other formats (ebook, paperback, audio)
When I saw this at the top of your website, Judith, I couldn’t help nodding strongly in agreement:
“History was recorded by monks, men to whom women were largely irrelevant, and as a result women were not given sufficient space on the record. This has robbed them of a historical voice, they are left on the side lines, playing a supporting role to the men who dominated their world.”
I would substitute ‘elite men’ for ‘monks’, but yes, all the way.
In my thriller novels, Roma Nova is governed by women. The Ancient (‘real’) Romans had a very interesting way of viewing women: they were granted the status and respect, but had no public rights or (officially) a say in their world. In law, women were viewed more or less as disposable property belonging to the family. How then do I reconcile the view of the ‘real’ Romans (the ancient ones) with the 21st century Romans in my Roma Nova alternative timeline?
If they were free-born, women in most of Ancient Rome’s recorded periods were citizens – an important status in a world where a hefty proportion of the population was slave. Towards the later Imperial period in particular, women gained much more freedom to act, trade, own property and run businesses of all types. But they still held no direct political power. Producing the next generation, running complex households and contributing to social, religious and cultural life, while important, were not activities valued at the same level as men’s roles, status and actions.
Nevertheless, women from wealthy or powerful Roman families could and did exert influence throughout Rome’s history: Cornelia Africana, mother of the Gracchi; Livia Drusilla, wife and councillor of Augustus; the later, the Severan Julias; and Galla Placidia, daughter, wife and mother of emperors towards the end of the Roman Empire.
In my Roma Nova novels, the first of which – INCEPTIO – I’m celebrating today as a 10th Anniversary hardback, women rule, but men are not disadvantaged. Life there is much more nuanced than that! Roma Nova survived through the centuries by changing its social structure. As men constantly fought to defend the new colony, women took over the social, political and economic roles on the home front, weaving new power and influence networks based on family structures.
So far, only a few, if significant, steps away from the traditional Roman cultural pattern…
But given the unstable, dangerous times in Roma Nova’s first few hundred years, especially during the Great Migrations in Europe, Roma Nova ran out of young and older men to put in the front line. Fit and tough as pioneers tend to be, daughters and sisters put on armour and hefted weapons to defend their homeland and their way of life. Fighting danger side by side with brothers and fathers reinforced women’s roles. And they never allowed the incursion of monotheistic paternalistic religions. So I don’t think that it’s too far a stretch for women to have developed leadership roles in all parts of Roma Novan life over the next sixteen centuries.
My female protagonist Karen’s story starts in INCEPTIO in a 21st century Western style society, although with some differences from ours. When she’s compelled to flee to her dead mother’s homeland in Europe, she finds the Roman-infused culture unnerving; Roma Novans live to a tough ethic of self-sufficiency, and an ingrained sense of duty to their state – core Roman values which have been crucial to their survival down the centuries. The strong female characters surrounding Karen – her grandmother, cousin, female colleagues and friends – are the result of this and form the pattern for her. Of course, we see political intrigues and conspiracies to overthrow governments – Roma Nova is a Roman society in every way. Enter the heroines…
And the biggest challenge when writing about strong women in a historical context? Plausibility.
You can’t jump from a passive, protected fragile flower to super-heroine, even if she passes through one or several formative traumatic events. Writers need to give early hints about resilience, integrity and an ability to develop confidence as well as physical abilities. Undoubtedly, a strong female character must have an equally strong will and a passion to drive through what she believes in.
An avid reader of spy, thriller and crime stories from childhood and a life-long devotee of all things Roman, I yearned to write a Roman thriller with a true-hearted heroine imbued with Roman virtue but a tendency to go off-piste. Lindsey Davis does this beautifully with Flavia Albia, Falco’s daughter, in the first century AD and to a certain extent with Helena Justina, Falco’s wife. But although sparky and often going beyond the expectations and constraints of their time, both (mostly) accept the prevailing values and social mores.
However, I wanted women in my New Rome to run things at every level. Yes, I had also read a lot of science fiction including wonderful stories by Anne McCaffery where women were equal and often leading their society. But I didn’t want to write space opera. I wanted to stay in the Roman mindset so brought my Roman stories with its women at the fore up to the 21st century.
***
Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. Her ten-book Roma Nova series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the ancient Roman Empire has survived into the 21st century and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but with a sharp line in dialogue. INCEPTIO starts the adventure…
She blends her fascination for Ancient Rome with six years’ military service and a life of reading historical, crime and thriller fiction. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history.
Six full-length Roma Nova novels, including INCEPTIO, have won the BRAG Medallion, the prestigious award for indie fiction. SUCCESSIO, AURELIA and INSURRECTIO were selected as Historical Novel Society’s Indie Editor’s Choices. AURELIA was a finalist in the 2016 HNS Indie Award. The Bookseller selected SUCCESSIO as Editor’s Choice in its inaugural indie review. The Historical Novel Society recently selected JULIA PRIMA, the first Foundation story set in the 4th century, the accolade of Editors’ Choice.
Alison lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her two contemporary thrillers, Double Identity and Double Pursuit. Oh, and she’s writing the next Roma Nova story.
Social media links:
Connect with Alison on her Roma Nova site: https://alison-morton.com
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AlisonMortonAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/alison_morton
Alison’s writing blog: https://alisonmortonauthor.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonmortonauthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5783095.Alison_Morton
Alison’s Amazon page: https://Author.to/AlisonMortonAmazon
Newsletter sign-up: https://www.alison-morton.com/newsletter/
April 24, 2023
Coffee Pot Blog Tours present Pagan Warrior by MJ Porter
Book Title: Pagan Warrior
Series: The Seventh Century
Author: MJ Porter
Publication Date: 25th May 2015 (new cover from January 2022)
Publisher: MJ Publishing
Page Length: 294
Genre: Historical fiction/Action and adventure
Pagan Warrior
MJ Porter
Audiobook narrated by Matt Coles
From bestselling author, MJ Porter comes the tale of the mighty pagan king, Penda of Mercia.
Britain. AD632.
Penda, a warrior of immense renown, has much to prove if he is to rule the Mercian kingdom of his dead father and prevent the neighbouring king of Northumbria from claiming it.
Unexpectedly allying with the British kings, Penda races to battle the alliance of the Northumbrian king, unsure if his brother stands with him or against him as they seek battle glory for themselves, and the right to rule gained through bloody conquest.
There will be a victor and a bloody loser, and a king will rise from the ashes of the great and terrible battle of Hædfeld.Excerpt inwhich Penda and his brother, Eowa, have one of their very enlighteningdiscussions. Two brothers, both desiring the same kingdom to rule.
Chapter 14
AD631 -Eowa of Mercia – The lands of the Hwicce
This is it. My brother watches me with an openexpression. By the end of today, we’ll either be enemies or allies. I reallydon’t know which way the conversation will turn.
We’rewithin my hall in the kingdom of the Hwicce, and I’m the king here, not him.Not that Penda doesn’t want to be. I know he wants it. I could share it withhim, make him my sub-king, a prince of the Hwicce as opposed to its king, but Idon’t know if I want to do that. Penda’s a powerful man in his own right. He’smade himself invaluable to King Cadwallon of Gwynedd instead of myself.
I have afledgling alliance with King Edwin of Northumbria. He’s made it clear to me, bysending his son Osfrith to me, that if I intend to keep the alliance, I have toturn Penda away from Cadwallon. Either that or my brother and I must become enemies.If I weren’t already so unsure of him, I might be offended, but as I’m uneasyabout Penda’s intentions, I can understand Edwin’s desires.
Neither isPenda doing himself any favours. He’s swaggered into my hall, filthy and dirtyfrom wherever he’s been, and he’s not instructed his men to leave their weaponsat the doorway. Neither has he led by example.
He’swearing war clothing of byrnie and helm, his weapons belt filled with bladesand edges. He stinks of sweat and metal.
Pendabristles with aggression and anger. I could almost laugh at him if he weren’tso bloody dangerous.
I wish Ihad half his skill in battle.
“Brother,speak your mind to me,” Penda demands, leaning forward and helping himself to adecent piece of beef from the table. I try not to notice that it’s the pieceI’d been considering eating. He’s always known to take what I want.
“Brother,”I respond, rolling the word around my mouth.
He meets myeyes, waiting for me to say something further, but I still haven’t decided whatI want to say.
“Tell meabout King Cadwallon,” I finally mouth, and he quirks a smile at me.
“Tell meabout King Edwin,” his immediate response. He’s blunt. His weapons are sharp,his mind is sharp, but he’s blunt. He’s bloody deadly.
“King Edwinis a Christian king, keen to share his experiences.”
Penda roarswith laughter at my response. His eyes sparkle with delight.
“Don’t tellme. He did actually try to convertyou, didn’t he?”
I feel agrin tugging my lips. And that’s the other thing about Penda. He makes men happy.
“He askedBishop Paulinus to speak to me. I agreed to listen to his words, but I didn’ttake it any further than that,” I respond defensively.
He’s stillsmirking.
“Is thisthe great Bishop Paulinus that all new Christians speak about?” His tone isanything but respectful. The use of the word ‘great’ slides from him easily,but it’s not what he means when he says it.
“Yes, itis,” I retort. I wish I could tell him everything about my trip, say to himthat King Edwin is as smug as Penda believes, that he does think more ofhimself than he should, and that his elder sons all hate him and want him dead.But I can’t. My brother is my enemy, not my friend. At least not yet.
“Tell me ofhim?” Penda demands, but I shake my head.
“No, youtell me of your travels. Rumour has it you’ve been far and wide.”
He chucklesagain. He expects me to keep track of him. It’s arrogant of him, and yet I do,so he’s correct.
“I’ve been surveyingthe land, yes. But not for any great purpose.”
Now it’s myturn to splutter with amusement as I help myself to the second tastiest pieceof beef from before us both.
“You needto work on that,” I say, and he growls as he eats. It’s hard to keep secretsfrom brothers.
I take amouthful. He does the same. I’m trying to decide what to say next, but he’sfirst to speak, as always.
“KingCadwallon says that King Edwin isn’t to be trusted. Ever.”
“King Edwinsays King Cadwallon’s not to be trusted,” I respond.
“I toldKing Cadwallon not to trust you,” Penda replies. I arch an eyebrow at him,unsure how to interpret his tone.
“I toldKing Edwin the same about you.”
“So no oneis to trust anyone else, even brothers.” Again, Penda beats me to the heart of thematter.
“No, noteven brothers,” I agree, a little sadly. That’s what it comes down to with us.He is my brother. I’d happily split the known world with him if I could, butit’s not just him and I. And we don’t yet govern the world. If I want to get tothat point, then I will have to make some difficult decisions first, andthey’ll be to the detriment of my brother.
“So we’renot going to call on our family alliance?” he asks. He’s far too accepting ofthis.
“You don’tseem surprised?” I demand. Did he come to tell me this, or have I forced hishand? Was he thinking along the same lines as me?
“We bothwant the same thing. We can’t both have it. At some point, we have toacknowledge that and deal with the consequences.”
“And that’sall right with you?” I query. I know we’re no longer close, but I had expectedsomething more from him.
He’s stilleating and drinking the food from my table as I watch him suspiciously.
“None ofthis is acceptable to me, but until you acknowledge that I’m the superiorwarrior and war leader and that I should be king here, there’s little you or Ican do.”
I’mspitting at his audacity. He simply winks and reaches for more of my best beef.I put my hand out to clamp down on his questing fingers. He glares at me withhis deep blue eyes. Gods, I’d forgotten how strong he is. Even with all mystrength, he’s still able to move forward and claim my beef. I can’t stop him.I hope it’s not a portent of things to come. I don’t want him always to be thetougher one.
I wonderhow much of what he says he means. Does he genuinely think that he’s the betterman than me? Does he just toy with my nervousness?
“When Ileave here tomorrow, we’ll officially be working apart, not enemies, but notallies. We’ll be family, nothing more. We’ll not be honour bound to do anythingother than enforce our familial bonds. If King Edwin,” and Penda grins at thisshowing me his strong, white teeth. “Kills you, then I’ll be able to kill himin retaliation or take your blood price.”
I breathedeeply before I respond. How does he know to get under my skin so quickly?
“Likewise,if King Cadwallon kills you, I’ll be able to do the same.”
Pendachuckles. “You can try. King Cadwallon won’t take too kindly to youraccusations.”
“I’m notgoing to argue about that. The point remains. We won’t be working towards acommon goal, but we can still avenge each other, should the need arise.”
My smug brotheris still grinning at me. Not for a moment does he think he’ll be dying anytimesoon. Clearly, Penda believes I might be.
“What doyou want, Penda?” I ask him. I’m curious to uncover what drives him. I’vealways thought that I knew, but now I’m not sure.
“I wanteverything,” he says, still chuckling. “From one side of the island to theother. I want it to be mine, but for now, I’ll be happy to be King Cadwallon’sally and see where that takes me. Now, brother, what is it that you want?”
I wish Icould downplay my heart’s desire as well as he does.
“I wantMercia,” I say roughly. There, I’ve said it. His eyes dangerously flash as theyscan the hall before him. He grew up here. This was his home. Beneath theblackened rafters, we played as children and dreamed of our future together.He’s distanced himself from the place because I’m the older brother. I’m itsking and war leader.
“And I wantyou to have it,” Penda says flatly, his humour fled. I think he does mean it.
I wish Iunderstood my brother better.
Universal Link: Barnes and Noble: Waterstones: Kobo: iBooks: iTunes: Audio: Bookshop.org:
MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to
Eleventh-Century England, as well as three twentieth-century mysteries. Being 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.
Website: Twitter: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Pinterest: BookBub: Amazon Author Page: Goodreads: Linktr.ee: Tiktok:
Narrator, Matt Coles:
April 12, 2023
Helen Hollick celebrates her 30 year publication anniversary of The Kingmakng AND a very special birthday!!
Special 30th Publication Anniversary and 70th Birthday Celebration!
Book Title: The Kingmaking
Series: The Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy (Book #1)
Author: Helen Hollick
Publication Date: March 2023 (new editions, excl. US/CA)
Publisher: Taw River Press
Page Length: 570
Genre: Historical Fiction / Arthurian Fiction
Twitter Handle: @HelenHollick @cathiedunn
Instagram Handle: @thecoffeepotbookclub
Hashtags: #HistoricalFiction #KingArthur #30YearAnniversary #70thBirthday #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
The Kingmaking
Helen Hollick
New Editions for 2023
(sadly, this edition is not available in USA/Canada)
The Kingmaking: Book One
Pendragon’s Banner: Book Two
Shadow of the King: Book Three
The Boy Who became a Man:
Who became a King:
Who became a Legend... KING ARTHUR
There is no Merlin, no sword in the stone, and no Lancelot.
Instead, the man who became our most enduring hero.
All knew the oath of allegiance:
‘To you, lord, I give my sword and shield, my heart and soul. To you, my Lord Pendragon, I give my life, to command as you will.’
This is the tale of Arthur made flesh and bone. Of the shaping of the man who became the legendary king; a man with dreams, ambitions and human flaws.
A man, a warlord, who united the collapsing province of post-Roman Britain,
who held the heart of the love of his life, Gwenhwyfar
- and who emerged as the most enduring hero of all time.
A different telling of the later Medieval tales.
This is the story of King Arthur as it might have really happened...
"If only all historical fiction could be this good." Historical Novels Review
"... Juggles a large cast of characters and a bloody, tangled plot with great skill. " Publishers Weekly
"Hollick's writing is one of the best I've come across - her descriptions are so vivid it seems as if there's a movie screen in front of you, playing out the scenes." Passages To The Past
"Hollick adds her own unique twists and turns to the familiar mythology" Booklist
"Uniquely compelling... bound to have a lasting and resounding impact on Arthurian literature." Books Magazine
(contains scenes of an adult nature)
The Kingmaking is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Universal Link: Amazon UK: new edition Amazon AU: Amazon US: Amazon CA: Barnes and Noble: US edition
Helen Hollick is celebrating her 70th birthday and thirty years as a published author. Her Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy, a fifth-century version of the Arthurian legend, was accepted for traditional publication in April 1993 by William Heinemann (Random House UK) a week after her 40th birthday. The Trilogy has been widely acclaimed since then – and gone through several different editions.
Helen moved from Random House UK in 2006 and went ‘Indie’, now in 2023 to celebrate she has brought out her own fabulous new editions! (The Trilogy is published mainstream by Sourcebooks Inc in USA/Canada. The publisher was offered the new cover designs for free, but declined.)
Helen became a USA Today Bestseller with her historical novel, The Forever Queen (titled A Hollow Crown in the UK) with the sequel, Harold the King (US: I Am The Chosen King) being novels that explore the events that led to the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
She writes a nautical adventure/fantasy Pirates of the Caribbean series, The Sea Witch Voyages and has also branched out into the quick read novella, 'Cosy Mystery' genre with her Jan Christopher Murder Mysteries, set in the 1970s, with the first in the series, A Mirror Murder incorporating her, often hilarious, memories of working as a library assistant.
Her non-fiction books are Pirates: Truth and Tales and Life of A Smuggler. She lives with her family in an eighteenth-century farmhouse in North Devon with a variety of pets and horses.
Website: Twitter: Facebook: Newsletter subscription: Blog: Amazon Author Page: Goodreads:
April 11, 2023
Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tours present: The Last Great Saxon Earls series by Mercedes Rochelle
Book Title: Godwine Kingmaker
Series: The Last Great Saxon Earls
Author: Mercedes Rochelle
Publication Date: April 4, 2015
Publisher: Sergeant Press
Page Length: 351
Genre: Historical Fiction
THE LAST GREAT SAXON EARLS
GODWINE KINGMAKER
THE SONS OF GODWINE
FATAL RIVALRY
by
Mercedes Rochelle
Blurb:
They showed so much promise. What happened to the Godwines? How did they lose their grip? Who was this Godwine anyway, first Earl of Wessex and known as the Kingmaker? Was he an unscrupulous schemer, using King and Witan to gain power? Or was he the greatest of all Saxon Earls, protector of the English against the hated Normans? The answer depends on who you ask.
He was befriended by the Danes, raised up by Canute the Great, given an Earldom and a wife from the highest Danish ranks. He sired nine children, among them four Earls, a Queen and a future King. Along with his power came a struggle to keep his enemies at bay, and Godwine's best efforts were brought down by the misdeeds of his eldest son Swegn.
Although he became father-in-law to a reluctant Edward the Confessor, his fortunes dwindled as the Normans gained prominence at court. Driven into exile, Godwine regathered his forces and came back even stronger, only to discover that his second son Harold was destined to surpass him in renown and glory.
This series is available on Kindle Unlimited
Universal Link: Amazon UK: Amazon US: Amazon CA: Amazon AU: Audio:
Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channeled this interest into fiction writing. She believes that good Historical Fiction, or Faction as it’s coming to be known, is an excellent way to introduce the subject to curious readers. She also writes a blog: HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story.
Born in St. Louis, MO, she received by 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.
Website: Twitter: Facebook: Book Bub: Amazon Author Page: Goodreads:
EXCERPT:Duel between Canute and Edmund Ironside
The isle of Olney was little more than along sandbank with willow trees growing unsteadily on its shore. The two Kingsand their followers disembarked on opposite sides at the same time. They made theirway to the center, where an enclosure was quickly roped off.
Godwine was even more impressed byEdmund's great size from close up, and he understood Canute's reluctance tomeet him in single combat. The man was intent—nay, grim—and there was no evidenceof any softness or weakness about him. Edmund's mouth was set and his blackeyes were steady as he scrutinized his antagonist, looking for shortcomings. Hemotioned with his head for the man beside him to step forward.
Tearing his eyes from Edmund, Godwineassumed he was facing Eadric who walked to the center, acknowledging bothopponents with a glance and a nod, as though he ruled the assembly. Godwine wassurprised at the man's ugliness; his bulging blue eyes so pale they seemedempty. For just a second Eadric's eyes met with Godwine's, and the Saxoncouldn't suppress a shudder; how could such a loathsome creature inspire suchconfidence?
And then Eadric spoke, clearing up thelittle mystery. His voice was so melodic that it was a delight just to listento him. Godwine had heard that Eadric was of common ancestry and had risen inAethelred's favor by way of his own abilities. It was no wonder, hethought to himself. One could get lost in that man's voice.
"We are gathered here," Eadricwas saying, "to decide the fate of the kingdom by single combat. Canuteclaims the crown by right of his father, Swegn Forkbeard." He bowed to theDane.
"And Edmund Ironside claims thekingship by right of his inheritance from King Aethelred." He bowed to theSaxon. "Both men have good and valid claims; and yet, it stands to reasonthat the misery wrought on our good country should come to an end. Let God inheaven make the decision for us, and grace the rightful King with a victorythis day."
Pleased with this little speech, Eadricmoved back, waving for the assembled to give the combatants more room.
Canute and Edmund moved into the centerof the clearing, their eyes locked. The Saxon was armored in chain mail likeCanute, his choice of weapon broadsword and shield against the Dane's axe andshield.
No one in the crowd made a sound.
The two Kings circled, each looking foran opening, then suddenly they both dashed together, shattering the silencewith a deafening crash of steel against wood. Both men had aimed a blow for thehead; both easily stopped the blade with their shield.
Canute was transformed by the firstencounter. He lost all of his uncertainty when the fighting began. Crouching sothat Edmund had a smaller target, Canute began concentrating on the Saxon'stiming, and forgot about his overwhelming size.
Edmund followed quickly with a series ofwell-aimed blows—first high, then low—and pushed forward, trying to overcomehis enemy with brute force.
Quickly recognizing Edmund's reliance onhis strength, Canute began to weave and duck, cutting in and out of hisopponent's range. He struck quickly, more to weaken Edmund and draw blood thanto maim him; Canute realized that one solid blow from the Saxon could easilyfinish him.
The chain links began to burst and flyoff Edmund's armor, displaying Canute's skill. Edmund was forced backmomentarily and stopped, gasping for breath. The Dane straightened up, seeinghis difficulty, and said in a loud voice, "Edmund, you are tooshort-winded."
Stung, the Saxon jumped forward,responding with a stunning wrap-around blow to Canute's head; the Dane fell tothe ground.
"Not too short-winded if I canbring so great a King to his knees.”
Smiling grimly, Edmund stood back for amoment, allowing his opponent to recover; then he moved in again, chopping soheavily at the Dane's shield that huge splinters flew in every direction.
Canute stepped back, then again, andrealized that he was not going to hold up much longer. His shield arm wasgrowing numb; frenziedly defending himself, he couldn't return any of theblows.
Then, with a gasp, the Dane was forcedagain to one knee. "Bravest of youths," he cried out, "whyshould either of us risk his life for the sake of a crown?"
Edmund stopped his hammering and stoodback, waiting for Canute to continue.
"Let us be brothers byadoption," Canute went on, staying on one knee, "and divide thekingdom, governing so that I may rule your affairs, and you mine."
The Saxon looked at Canute with loweringbrows; he seemed unconvinced.
"Even the government of Denmark Isubmit to your disposal."
These last words came out morereluctantly; they cost Canute dear. Edmund knew that. He dropped his shield,passed the sword to his left hand, and gave Canute his right, helping him up.
"I hope he knows what he isdoing," Ulf growled to Godwine. "This is more than the rest of usbargained for."
Godwine glanced at Ulf, worried at histone.
King Edmund ceremoniously held Canute atarm's length, then gave him the kiss of peace; as though they were brothers,the Dane returned his gesture, amid the cheers of the Saxons. Canute'sfollowers were less vociferous in their enthusiasm, but out of regard for theirchief, they raised no objection.
Edmund seemed to have come prepared;releasing Canute, he motioned for his scribes to advance, and record all thatwas to be decided. It seemed that the division was going to take place in thatvery spot.
"He must want witnesses,"Godwine said, nodding, "so that there will be no questions later. It seemsthat Edmund wants to be rid of our presence at the soonest."
Canute did not react to this hastygesture, nor did he give any indication that he suffered humiliation from hisdefeat. His first demands were for the Danish fleet to be paid a certain amountof money, as a matter of course. Edmund agreed without demurring, so habitualwas this method of dealing with the Danes. Then, the actual division wasdecided upon. Edmund was to have all the land south of the Thames: the earldomof Wessex. In addition to this, East Anglia, Essex, and London. Canute wasagreeable. "Done. Those last belong to you anyway, even with my troops allover them. Wessex has always been yours."
Canute was to have all of Mercia andNorthumbria: a sizable portion of England, if somewhat less populous. It wasagreed that each would succeed to the territories of the other in case ofdeath; Edmund's two children were very young, and therefore given littleconsideration for the moment.
Both Kings appeared content, thoughGodwine wondered how deep that satisfaction went. But when all was finished andCanute came nearer, an angry glint in his eye gave the Saxon his answer.
However, Ulf didn't seem to notice."Why did you do that?" the Jarl said angrily. "You should nothave included Denmark in the bargain."
Canute turned on him furiously."What business is it of yours, what I do with my kingdom?"
Ulf stepped back, but he was toocommitted to stop now. Nor did he want to. "It is very much my business.Do not forget the rest of your Jarls. Without our support, where would yoube?"
Canute's face tuned red, but herestrained his temper. He said icily, "I would watch what I say, if I wereyou."
His manner made Godwine more nervousthan if he were to explode in anger. But still Ulf did not heed his wrath."You had just better watch yourself, Canute. We will have no foreign kingtelling us what to do."
"You will do as I say!" Canuteturned to the field, observing the last of the Saxons. When he looked at Ulfagain, his eyes were shuttered, his voice even. "Do not worry, Ulf. Whatyou fear will never happen." Then he spun on his heels and strode off,motioning for his Danes to follow.
April 2, 2023
The Coffee Pot Blog tour for The Scots of Dalriada by Rowena Kinread
Book Title: The Scots of Dalriada
Author: Rowena Kinreead
Publication Date: January 26th, 2023
Publisher: Vanguard Press
Pages: 287
Genre: Historical Fiction
The Scots of Dalriada
By Rowena Kinread
THREE BROTHERS
Fergus, Loarn and Angus, Princes of the Dalriada, are forced into exile by their scheming half-brother and the druidess Birga One-tooth.
THREE FATES
Fergus conceals himself as a stable lad on Aran and falls helplessly in love with a Scottish princess, already promised to someone else. Loarn crosses swords against the Picts. Angus designs longboats.
TOGETHER A MIGHTY POWER
Always on the run the brothers must attempt to outride their adversaries by gaining power themselves. Together they achieve more than they could possibly dream of.
Fergus Mór (The Great) is widely recognised as the first King of Scotland, giving Scotland its name and its language. Rulers of Scotland and England from Kenneth mac Alpín until the present time claim descent from Fergus Mór.
Full of unexpected twists and turns, this is a tale of heart-breaking love amidst treachery, deceit and murder.
Read an Excerpt:
When they return from Brodick, Bethaccompanies them. The two women, best of friends, have been through muchtogether. Rhianna talks of the loss of Eòghann. Beth is certain that there hasbeen foul play, but she cannot imagine how or what. She doesn’t speak out; shedoesn’t want to agitate Rhianna.
When Rhianna realises she is with child again,she frets and cannot sleep.
“I’m worried Beth, I’m terrified thebaby might have some inexplicable disease and die again.”
“The monk said you needn’t be worried;you have two healthy children.”
“I can’t help myself, I brood on it,day and night.”
“Well how about some distraction? Todayis market day, shall we walk down to town?”
“That is a good idea.”
The two women wander along the rows ofmarket stalls, selling everything from foodstuffs and live animals to ribbonsand knives. In one corner of the market, they see an old lady with just onesmall table and a few cheeses. She has a crooked back and is dressed in rags.Rhianna nudges Beth.
“The poor dear, we should buy a cheesefrom her.”
They approach her table. She hasprepared a plate with small pieces of cheese for people to taste before buying.She holds the plate out towards Rhianna and Beth, her hand shakes with theeffort.
Will you try a piece of wildgarlic cheese, my Ladies?” she asks.
Rhianna notices she has only one toothleft in her mouth.
They both take a small piece and chewit carefully. “Why it is absolutely delicious,” Rhianna compliments the woman.“We must buy one, Beth.”
Beth agrees and starts to pick a cheeseup from the table.
“No,” the woman says, reaching downbelow the table and retrieving a cheese from a box. “It has been in the sun,take this one!”
Beth puts the cheese in her basket andthe women continue on their way. Birga-One-tooth keeps a sharp eye on them.Once they are out of view, she packs her things up quickly, and goes to theharbour where a boat is waiting for her.
“I told you Rhianna would come to themarket sooner or later,” she tells Cartan.
They had come to the market for fiveweeks running and today finally been rewarded with Rhianna’s presence.
“I hope that the whole family eats fromit,” Cartan replies. “Soldiers hiss the sails! We must depart quickly.”
Back at the castle, Rhianna and Bethput their basket of shopping on the table. Rhianna cuts some bread, whilst Bethpours them two mugs of ale.
They sit down and have just begun toeat, as Lisanda runs in screaming, “Mother, Mother come quickly, the boys arefighting again!”
Rhianna sighs, stands up and follows her.Tudwal is pulling Domangart’s hair and Domangart is kicking Tudwal.
“Stop it, the two of you, stop it atonce!” she tells them off. Suddenly an agonising pain rips through her body.She grips her stomach and falls to the floor.
“Mother!” The children stop fightingand run out of the room to find help, a monk, a healer, an adult, anyone.Racing through the kitchen they see Beth lying on the floor in a pool of vomit.They hold their breath a second, then run outside screaming.
Rhianna drifts in and out ofconsciousness. Sometimes she thinks she hears someone speaking to her. Shetries to open her eyes, but her vision rotates and her head thumps.
Fergus holds her hand.
Will she recover?” he asks the monktending to her. Rhianna has lost her baby and has a high fever. She has beenhallucinating for two days now.
“If we can reduce her fever, yes. Ihave tried to give her elderberry juice, just a drop at a time, but she cannothold it down.”
“What can I do?”
“Nothing. Luckily, she didn’t eat asmuch of the cheese as Beth.”
“And it was poisoned with lily of thevalley?”
“It might have been an accident; the leavesare very similar to those of wild garlic.”
“My men questioned every stallholder. Nobodyknows who the woman is, she had only just started selling her cheeses at themarket. But the strange thing is that she hasn’t been seen since.”
“It is lucky no one else has beenharmed.”
“That is what makes mesuspicious.”
Rhianna’s eyes flutter open. “Fergus?”she asks.
“Yes, I’m here, I’m with you,” he says.
“I’m thirsty,” she says.
The monk gives her a sip of water. Shekeeps it down.
Universal Link: Amazon CA: Amazon AU:
Rowena Kinread grew up in Ripon, Yorkshire with her large family and a horde of pets. Keen on travelling, her first job was with Lufthansa in Germany.She began writing in the nineties. Her special area of interest is history. After researching her ancestry and finding family roots in Ireland with the Dalriada clan, particularly this era.
Her debut fiction novel titled “The Missionary” is a historical novel about the dramatic life of St. Patrick. It was published by Pegasus Publishers on Apr.29th, 2021 and has been highly appraised by The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post and the Irish Times.
Her second novel “The Scots of Dalriada” centres around Fergus Mór, the founder father of Scotland and takes place in 5th century Ireland and Scotland. It is due to be published by Pegasus Publishers on Jan.26th, 2023.
The author lives with her husband in Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Lake Constance, Germany. They have three children and six grandchildren.
Website: Twitter: Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram:
March 30, 2023
The Coffee Pot Blog Tour presents: The Hartford Manor Series by Marcia Clayton
Book Title: The Rabbit’s Foot
Series: The Hartford Manor Series: Book Three
Author: Marcia Clayton
Publication Date: 18 November 2021
Publisher: Sunhillow Publishing
Page Length: 352
Genre: Historical Fiction, Family Saga, Romance
Twitter Handle: @MarciaC89111861 @cathiedunn
Instagram Handle: @marciaclayton97/ @thecoffeepotbookclub
Hashtags: #romance #FamilySaga #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub
The Rabbit’s Foot
The Hartford Manor Series
Marcia Clayton
1885 North Devon, England
Mr Edward Snell was more than a little curious when Robert Fellwood, the heir to Hartford Manor, and Lady Margery, his elderly aunt, begged an audience on a Saturday morning. However, being such valued clients, the solicitor was happy to oblige. As his clerk showed the visitors in, he was intrigued to see them followed by an old man who, though respectably dressed, had something of a vagrant about him. The crisp suit in which he was attired could not disguise his weather-beaten face or his missing teeth.
Robert introduced his Uncle Sam and explained he had come to claim his inheritance. The solicitor was old enough to remember the extensive search for Thomas Fellwood when his father, Ephraim, died in 1840. However, that was some forty-five years ago, and the young man had never been found. Yet here was Sam, who claimed to be Thomas Fellwood’s son, and even more surprising, was the fact that the Fellwood family appeared to have accepted him as such.
“The Rabbit’s Foot” is an intriguing and compelling novel with many unexpected twists and turns. Set in the small seaside village of Hartford, it tells the tale of how an old man, who has spent his life with barely a penny to his name, suddenly finds himself rich beyond his wildest dreams. However, there is only one thing that Sam Fellwood truly wants, and that is to be reunited with his son, Marrok, whom he abandoned at the age of five. Will Sam find the happiness that has eluded him for so many lonely years?
An Excerpt from The Rabbit's Foot
Theresa grabbed wildly as a vicious gust of wind seized her hat. Abe made a lunge for it, almost losing one of the oars and upsetting the boat, but he missed, and the wind tossed the hat around until it blew over the bridge and out of sight.
“Oh no, what a nuisance. That was my new hat, and I was so proud of it.”
“Yes, it is a shame. Never mind, I’ll buy you another one sometime. Anyway, we’d better turn back now and return the boat, or I’ll be charged double.”
“Yes, all right. I enjoyed our trip on the river, but it’s quite chilly. I won’t be sorry to get off and warm up.”
Abe skilfully secured the boat and helped Theresa to disembark. “I’ll tell you what, I’ll take you for a walk around the town, and then we’ll call in at my mum’s house for a cup of tea, and we can get warm. She’s been wanting to meet you because I’ve told her all about you. She’ll be disappointed if you don’t come, and I think she’s even baked a cake, especially for you.”
“I’m not sure. It’s gone half-past three now and I mustn’t be late getting back.”
“Come on, it’s not far, and I promise I’ll have you home by five o’clock.”
Abe took her arm and led her through the park. When they came to a deserted copse of trees, he pulled her to him and covered her mouth with his, running his hands all over her body. Trying to resist the temptation to enjoy his attention, she pushed him away.
“Abe, no. You mustn’t do that, especially here where we are alone.”
“You can’t tell me you didn’t enjoy that. Your body told me a different tale, and we could hardly do that where there are people.” He reached for her again, but she pulled away.
“It makes no difference whether I enjoyed it or not, it’s not right. Let’s walk on, or I’m going home.”
Seeing she was determined; the man took her arm, and they headed towards a part of the town Theresa had not visited before. The farther they walked, the more anxious she became, for the relatively respectable area she was familiar with, gave way to dark alleyways where barefoot children, dressed in rags, ran through the filth.
“Abe, take me home, please. I don’t like this part of town. Surely, this is not where you live?”
“Oh, sorry, this area is a bit run-down, but in a few minutes, we’ll come into a more prosperous street. I shouldn’t have brought you this way because it isn’t exactly pleasant. I wasn’t thinking. Mind out.”
Abe pulled her to one side as a man pushing a barrow trundled past, shouting, “four pennies for a watch and chain, just four pennies for a watch and chain. Fill your children’s bellies, four pennies for a watch and chain.”
Looking at the offal on the barrel and the many flies swarming all over it, Theresa felt sick.
“What on earth is he talking about a watch and chain for? All he’s got is some disgusting rotting meat.”
“It’s easy to tell you’re not from around here. A watch and chain are the lights, liver, heart, and kidneys of a sheep; it makes a tasty meal when you have nothing else. Come on, not far now.”
They rounded a corner and safely negotiated their way around a brawl that was taking place in the street.
“Here we are; The Tucker’s Arms. This is where I live. Come in, and say hello to my mum.”
Theresa glanced around her in horror, for this area was no better than where they had been walking for the last half an hour or more.
“No, I’ll come another day, Abe. It’s time I was getting home, or Francis will be worried. Tell your mum I’ll see her next time. Now please take me home.”
“Look, I promised her she would see you today because I’ve been telling her all about you. We won’t stay long, and I’ll take you back a different way which will be quicker. Come on.”
Taking her hand, he pulled her across the street and into a yard. A tired, emaciated donkey was tethered in one corner, and there was a strong smell from the pigsty which ran the length of the yard.
“Hello, Mum, I’ve brought Theresa to meet you like I promised.”
The room they entered was dingy and none too clean, but Theresa had little time to survey her surroundings before she was hugged by a large fat woman. The stench of stale sweat emanating from the woman made Theresa all but gag, as she struggled to free herself from the embrace.
“I’m pleased to meet you, ma’am, but I was just telling Abe, I must get home. My brother will be worried.”
“Now, you sit yourself down and have a quick cup of tea. Your hands are frozen. What are you thinking of Abe, keeping the young lady out in the cold for so long?”
The kettle was already boiling on the hearth, so Theresa decided it would be easier to accept the tea and then leave as soon as possible.
“I took Theresa out in a rowing boat on the River Taw, Mum. That’s how we got so cold, and then her hat blew away.”
“Oh dear, that is a pity. Well, you get that hot cup of tea down you, my dear, and then Abe will see you home. We can’t have your brother worrying, or he won’t let you come to see me again. Would you like a piece of cake?”
“No, the tea is fine, thank you.”
“Just as you like. Abe tells me your brother has opened a shop in the town. Is it doing well?”
“Yes, we’ve been busy, thank you. Perhaps you would like to visit it sometime.”
“Yes, I must do that. I don’t venture to that side of town often, but I could do with a few new clothes.”
Theresa hurriedly drank the hot liquid, not enjoying the taste, but wanting to leave the house as soon as possible. Suddenly, she felt faint, and the room began to spin.
“Abe, I don’t feel too good.”
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited
Universal Link: Amazon CA: Amazon AU: Barnes and Noble: Allauthor:
All the books in The Hartford Manor Series can be ordered from any bookshop.
Marcia Clayton was born in North Devon, a rural and picturesque area in the far South West of England. She is a farmer's daughter and often helped to milk the cows and clean out the shippens in her younger days.
When Marcia left school she worked in a bank for several years until she married her husband, Bryan, and then stayed at home for a few years to care for her three sons, Stuart, Paul, and David. As the children grew older, Marcia worked as a Marie Curie nurse caring for the terminally ill, and later for the local authority managing school transport.
Now a grandmother, Marcia enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She’s a keen researcher of her family history, and it was this hobby that inspired some of the characters in her books. A keen gardener, Marcia grows many of her own vegetables. She is also an avid reader and mainly enjoys historical fiction, romance and crime books.
Website: Twitter: Facebook: Instagram: Book Bub: Amazon Author Page: Goodreads:
