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Under a Dark Star
Anna Faversham - Under a Dark Star - 0.99 until 11th August or FREE on Kindle Unlimited
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Here's the opening few paragraphs:
"Have you ever regretted something and wished you could put it right? Laura has and she did but it nearly cost her life.
July 1814
“You could not be further from the truth, Laura.”
“I have irrefutable evidence; it is no longer hearsay.”
Her course of action was clear: she would delay not a moment more. The man in whom she had invested all her hopes for the future must now become her past. Adam sat astride his chestnut stallion. His eyes never left hers not even when he dismounted and flung the reins to his approaching groom.
Laura turned away, gathered the silk shawl around her shoulders, the one he had given her, and hurried towards the house. He followed, caught hold of her hand, and spun her around. One last look; she would allow herself a final indulgent gaze at the man she had once thought noble.
She raised her eyes from his black riding boots, focused on the velvet collar where his dark hair curled as it skimmed his white shirt, and felt a pang of unreasonable jealousy for she would never touch that hair again. She hesitated, then glanced up. His eloquent eyes would haunt her until…"
Here's what Louisa (a Goodreads member) messaged me:
"When a book allows me to become one of the characters....aahhhh, perfection!"
99p/99c until 30th August
Time Travel Romance Mystery Thriller - 1815/2009
"This author wrote such an intriguing story with great characters and really draws her readers into it. I loved it. Great read!" Toni - a Goodreads reviewer
This is one of my favourite comments about Hide in Time:"When a book allows me to become one of the characters....aahhhh, perfection!" Louisa on Goodreads -it is buried in one of the comments but I loved it, so it is not forgotten.
Hide in Time
99p/US$0.99c for the rest of today (Sunday)
Available free for Amazon Kindle Unlimited members.
"This is such a pleasure to read, right up to the thrilling end, through tense moments and laughter..." (Goodreads Reviewer, A.K.)
Misjudging the man she loves, Laura leaves England for America in 1814 but is shipwrecked and washed ashore in 2009. Too late, she learns the truth about him.
Events confirm Laura's suspicion that the destiny of a woman she meets is linked with her own and she sees a way to restore happiness to the man she still loves and cannot forget. She risks her life and chance of fulfilment to return to Regency times.
A time travel mystery and romance all rolled into one exciting book.
"I really wanted to know what happened next so found it difficult to put this book down." Kevin Marsh on Goodreads
FREE for Kindle Unlimited members
It is 1821 and smuggling is rife on the English coast. One man is determined, not only to stop this violent trade, but to hang the perpetrators - one in particular. Lucy has her own problems and they get worse when these two men enter her life.
One Dark Night is described by a Goodreads reviewer as: "Beautifully written, the story is populated by interesting characters that I grew to love."
Here is an excerpt:
"The reason for Mrs Tynton’s unusually confident refusal to be intimidated stood by the farmhouse stove, legs astride, hands behind his back and keeping an amused eye on his parents. Alongside him lay a black and white, long-haired dog which regarded Lucy with interest.
Lucy had not seen Daniel for some years, maybe three or four, and even before that, their paths had rarely crossed. But here stood Daniel, his eyes taking her in, stripping her of her pitiful clothes and betraying the merest hint of a smile. Lucy blushed. Drat. If only she’d known he was to be home.
“Hello Lucy.”
The blush grew. “Hello Da… Mr Tynton.”
Daniel’s smile grew too. There was a controlled silence before he replied in his relaxed country burr. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
Lucy’s face was still as red as a ripe apple. He’d kissed her once when she was just thirteen and he was seventeen. The look on his face told her he’d not forgotten his game of stealth as he’d wrapped his arms around her waist, spun her round and stolen a kiss. Six years had passed and she’d never been kissed since, though some had tried. She attempted to think of an answer that wouldn’t give away her racing thoughts, but couldn’t.
Mrs Tynton was staring at them both. “Get your porridge, Lucy, and hurry up about it.” She ambled off towards the scullery.
To reach the porridge on the stove, Lucy had to pass Daniel and the dog, and neither moved. Rather than squeeze between him on her left and the kitchen table, she walked around the other side, collecting a bowl as she went. Still Daniel did not make way for her. “I would be obliged, Mr Tynton, if you would move just enough for me to reach the pot.”
“Say that again and I’ll move.”
Lucy raised her eyes to meet his sparkling blue ones. He was jesting. “Why?”
“I like to hear you talk.”
“Why?” Lucy wondered if it was wise to hold her ground now that Daniel was no longer a boy.
“It’s good to see you’ve still a lot of fight in you, Lucy. I’ve been hearing a few tales.” He nodded his head in the direction of the scullery. “But I can hold out longer and I’ll not move until you say that again for me.”
“Why?” The word had come out quicker than she’d intended. Should she play these games with someone who held her livelihood in his hands?
Daniel took hold of her frozen hand. Lucy withdrew it and immediately regretted her instinctive reaction. His eyes had not left her since she’d walked through the door and her nerve was failing. “You don’t talk like the rest of us round here. I’ve missed your voice and, like me Ma says, you sound like you’re from the gentry.”
He meant it. Lucy could see that gentle look appearing in his eyes, the one she took to bed with her and to her sanctuary on the cliffs, the look which warmed her and fought to stay in her fading stock of cherished memories. Playfully, Lucy dropped him a curtsey and said, “Kind sir, I would be obliged if you would move just enough for me to reach the pot.”
“Gentle lady, you shall have your wish.” Daniel bowed low with a flourish of his hand and a courteous smile. He turned to the dog lying by his right foot. “Josh, this lady is a friend,” he placed his right hand on his left shoulder. Josh stood, plodded slowly towards Lucy, sat down again and held up a paw. Entranced, Lucy took his paw and shook it gently. “She wishes us to move. Would you be so kind as to shift a bit for her?” He clicked his fingers and Josh followed Daniel who moved just enough to give access to the steaming pot on the stove, leaving him close enough to ensure she brushed against him."
Only £1.99 or US$2.99 or equivalent
And if you are a Kindle Unlimited member the book is free.
is reduced to US99c/99p until next Wednesday 2nd December.
It's about Laura who finds herself washed up from a shipwreck in 2009 - she'd stormed off from her betrothed in 1814 so she's somewhat confused as to how this could happen. She likes life in the 21st century but she realizes she has made a horrible mistake.
Meanwhile, Xandra even hates her name as well as all the other bothersome things of modern day life and Laura happens to notice this! Could she...? Yep, she could, and she does. Back goes Xandra to 1814 only to be met with suspicious travelling companions, a highwayman and a delicious man who is still mourning the death of the girl he loved
How do these two cope with their puzzling new lives? And how does Laura manage not to upset the course of history despite her meddling? And oh boy can she meddle!
If you'd like to know more, then please grab a copy from Amazon and curl up somewhere warm and cosy and visit another time, another place.
Merry Christmas - no gifts, sorry, but
is reduced to 99p/99c on Christmas Day through until 31st December.
A romantic thriller:
It is 1821 and smuggling is rife on the English coast. One man is determined, not only to stop this violent trade, but to hang the perpetrators - one in particular. Lucy has her own problems and they get worse when these two men enter her life.
"One Dark Night, another beautifully written book by Anna Faversham."I really enjoyed experiencing the plot, going on a journey with the characters who soon became my friends. I really wanted to know what happened next so found it difficult to put this book down...One Dark Night is a lovely story which comes well recommended. Pick up a copy now, find a comfortable chair and enjoy."
The above is a review on Amazon UK (also on Goodreads) and is about
It is free through Kindle Unlimited.
Another reviewer said it reminded him of Daphne du Maurier's 'Jamaica Inn'.
I hope you will enjoy it. It is set in 1821 when, unless you were rich, times were hard and people in England faced near starvation unless they took the law into their own hands. And then they faced death.
It is 1821, Regency England, and smuggling is rife on the Kent coast. Lucy Yorton, dragged away from her privileged early life, finds it impossible to know who to trust, while those around her suspect she is a spy and treat her accordingly. Her problems increase when two men enter her life.
Lieutenant Karl Thorsen, sworn to avenge the death of his father, is a King's man. He is determined to stop the violent smugglers, hang them, and hang and gibbet one in particular.
Daniel Tynton has smuggling in his blood. Undaunted by Thorsen's threats, he is respected and feared. When he witnesses a murder, he makes a bold decision, and many lives will never be the same.
Until Monday 2nd May
will be 99c/99p on a Kindle Countdown Deal
Hide in Time is $US0.99 or 99p from 5th July to 11th JulyHide in Time is about Laura who finds herself washed up from a shipwreck early in the 21st century - she'd stormed off from her betrothed in 1814 so she's somewhat confused as to how this could happen. She likes her new life but she realizes she has made a horrible mistake.
Meanwhile, Xandra even hates her name as well as all the other bothersome things of modern day life and Laura happens to notice this. Could she...? Yep, she could, and she does. Back goes Xandra to 1814 only to be met with suspicious travelling companions, a highwayman and a delicious man who is still mourning the death of the girl he loved
How do these two cope with their puzzling new lives? And how does Laura manage not to upset the course of history despite her meddling? And oh boy can she meddle!
If you'd like to know more, then please grab a copy from Amazon and curl up somewhere warm and cosy and visit another time, another place.
Read free on Kindle Unlimited
Hide in Time is $US0.99 or 99p Last Day of Sale Monday 11th JulyHide in Time is about Laura who finds herself washed up from a shipwreck early in the 21st century - she'd stormed off from her betrothed in 1814 so she's somewhat confused as to how this could happen. She likes her new life but she realizes she has made a horrible mistake.
Meanwhile, Xandra even hates her name as well as all the other bothersome things of modern day life and Laura happens to notice this. Could she...? Yep, she could, and she does. Back goes Xandra to 1814 only to be met with suspicious travelling companions, a highwayman and a delicious man who is still mourning the death of the girl he loved
How do these two cope with their puzzling new lives? And how does Laura manage not to upset the course of history despite her meddling? And oh boy can she meddle!
If you'd like to know more, then please grab a copy from Amazon and curl up somewhere cool and cosy and visit another time, another place.
Read free on Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Coundown Deal 99p/99c until 8th AugustPermanently free on Kindle Unlimited
If this is on your reading list, it's a good time to buy it if you haven't already done so because the sequel is soon to be released.
It is 1821 and smuggling is rife on the English coast. Lucy Yorton, dragged away from her privileged early life, finds it impossible to know who to trust, while those around her suspect she is a spy and treat her accordingly. Her problems increase when two men enter her life.
Lieutenant Karl Thorsen, sworn to avenge the death of his father, is a King's man. He is determined to stop the violent smugglers, hang them, and hang and gibbet one in particular.
Daniel Tynton has smuggling in his blood. Undaunted by Thorsen's threats, he is respected and feared. When he witnesses a murder, he makes a bold decision, and many lives will never be the same.
"Beautifully written, the story is populated by interesting characters that I grew to love." GR reviewer
COUNTDOWN TO LAUNCH
The meaning behind the title:-
Dark star (Newtonian mechanics, 18th century), a star that has a gravitational pull strong enough to trap light…
On an island off the south coast of England, there are activities worse than smuggling and all the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man. The women on the island call him the Dark Star.
This is Book Two in The Dark Moon Trilogy but it stands alone if you haven't already read One Dark Night
Every good book should have a theme, or so I've been told. The theme of Under a Dark Star is a quotation that is usually attributed to Edmund Burke. Born in Dublin, Ireland, he became a British politician in the 18th century.
"All that it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Two good men oppose the evil of smuggling even if they have to put their lives and the lives of those they love in jeopardy.
Under a Dark Star is set in 1823, on an island off the south coast of England known as the 'Diamond Isle'.
Due for publication on Tuesday 30th August.
Countdown to publication continues:
All that it takes for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing. Fortunately, two good men decide to act, putting their lives and the lives of those they love in jeopardy.
Daniel Tynton, a reformed smuggler, and his old enemy, Lieutenant Karl Thorsen, embark on a quest to rid the ‘diamond isle’ of corruption by those who lure cargo ships onto rocks – wreckers. Against Daniel’s wishes, his wife Lucy follows him to the island where she plays a pivotal role in rescuing him from almost certain death.
All the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man.
In the midst of all the turmoil, Karl finally finds a woman he can love but she belongs to that man.
Book Two in The Dark Moon Trilogy
If you haven't read book 1 yet, there's still time...
Publication Day draws close! Here's a short excerpt from Chapter One:-
Karl Thorsen arrived, as usual, like a drum roll prior to battle. Dismounting from his black stallion, he flung the reins around the hitching post and strode across to the open door of the early Georgian farmhouse.
“I need your help.”
“Another impossible task you wish to undertake?” Daniel Tynton dipped his head in greeting to his old foe, now promoted to almost a friend. “What is it this time?”
Karl gave him a wry smile and stamped his feet impatiently after his long, cold ride. “All that it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Would you agree?”
Daniel, a little taller and fairer than Karl, stood aside to allow him to enter. “A notion you have acquired from your Parliamentary friends?”
Countdown to Launch - One Day to GoHere's another excerpt from the first chapter:-
“However,” said Daniel clasping his chin, “coming from the mainland, I doubt you could become one of them. You’d be an outsider. And if you are to challenge wreckers rather than smugglers, you are directly threatening men who clearly have no regard for taking lives. Your life will mean nothing to them.”
Karl stared at Daniel. “A ship lured onto the rocks, smashed, looted. Crew and passengers desperately struggling to the safety of the shore. Throats slit. I hear the sea ran red.”
Lucy shuddered.
Daniel glanced at his wife, her big brown eyes now staring at him; she’d been listening to every word. He looked at the parson and read his mind. Why had Karl crudely spilt the lurid details of this atrocity in front of her? Why was he always so dramatic? Then a pinpoint of light, like a star on a dark night, flashed into his blue eyes. Leaning forward he whispered, “You’ve come for more than information.”
Karl grinned. “If you and I put our energies and strengths together, we’d be a formidable force.”
* * *
Under a Dark Star is almost ready to be snatched from Amazon. An ebook you might like? I hope so.
Under a Dark Star, Book Two of The Dark Moon Trilogy is just a few days old and alive and kicking.
Short blurb: On an island off the south coast of England, there are activities worse than smuggling and all the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man. The women on the island call him the Dark Star.
Excerpt from an early chapter where Daniel sets out to infiltrate the wrecking gang.
“Good leather that.” The innkeeper screwed up his eyes to take a clearer look. “You planning on keeping it?”
Daniel rubbed his fist in his palm: his old ways were returning. “Aye, I’ll keep it.”
The innkeeper slammed a tankard of ale down in front of Daniel and held out his hand. “Shilling.”
“And one for Polly.” A green feathered parrot screeched from a cage atop the end of the bar.
Any other time he might have been amused – but not today. “Shilling! Most of it’s on here.” Daniel pointed to the puddles on the bar.
“Shilling.” The innkeeper insisted.
“Shilling this time.” He flexed his fingers before grasping the handle and staring hard at the short, stout man, he whispered slowly, “Never again.”
“Never again,” screeched Polly.
It’s not essential to read Book One of The Dark Moon Trilogy One Dark Night first but, like dinner, it’s often preferable to have the main course before treacle pudding and custard.
Have you ever regretted something and wished you could put it right? Laura has and she did, even though she had to put her life at risk to travel back to the time when she misjudged the man she loved.As one 5* reviewer said, Hide in Time is "Part time travel, part historical romance, part mystery, this was a very enjoyable read".
If you like tales of shipwrecks, highwaymen, and family feuds, then you might like Hide in Time.
99p/99c until 20th September or read free on Kindle Unlimited
Currently #1 in the .com Amazon Romance Time Travel chart (as at 14/15th September, hopefully longer!) 99c/99pHave you ever regretted something and wished you could put it right? Laura has and she did, even though she had to put her life at risk to travel back to the time when she misjudged the man she loved.
As one 5* reviewer said, Hide in Time is "Part time travel, part historical romance, part mystery, this was a very enjoyable read".
If you like tales of shipwrecks, highwaymen, and family feuds, then you might like Hide in Time.
99p/99c until 20th September or read free on Kindle Unlimited
An excerpt to give you the flavour of this tale of smuggling on the coast of England:
“Oh fumbleduck and dragonpoop,” said Martha. “The laundry man has just delivered it all back nice and clean and ironed and what do I find? Scat curled up sleeping on top of it.”
Lucy lifted Scat firmly and put her on her cushion by the stove. “Dragonpoop? Martha, you surely don’t believe in dragons?” Martha was so easy to tease.
“I tell you girl, there’s more to this world than you and I know about.” Then, lowering her voice, she whispered, “There’s secrets.”
Lucy might have dismissed such talk but, despite Martha mostly calling her 'girl' she’d learned to admire this loveable little woman. “What sort of secrets?”
“Shush, girl. Well, before you came, I was dusting the desk, the master’s I mean, and I saw things I wasn’t meant to. Things no one should see.”
“About dragons?”
“You can scoff, girl, but I’m telling you, I saw a map and on that map I saw a dragon. ’twas far across the sea and nothing for us to worry about. But someone’s seen them, else why would they show them if not to warn the sailors?”
“I think it must have been a very old map, Martha. It was indeed meant to warn sailors but they know now that America is there, not dragons.”
“America? What, where the dragons be?”
“But there aren’t any dragons, Martha, really there aren’t.”
“Oh yes there are. St George fought a dragon for England and I won’t have you saying that’s not true!” Martha flashed her almost toothless grin. “Besides, what am I going to threaten Scat with if not with dragonpoop?”
99c/99p until Monday. Or FREE with Kindle Unlimited
is on sale for the very first time. Only 99c/99p until Monday 24th October.
In 1823, on an island off the south coast of England, there are activities worse than smuggling and all the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man. The women on the island call him the Dark Star.
Reformed smuggler, Daniel Tynton, and his old enemy, Lieutenant Karl Thorsen, join forces to defeat the evil that brings poverty to ‘the diamond isle’. Karl falls for the woman belonging to the Dark Star with profound consequences.
Book Two of The Dark Moon trilogy
~
If you haven't read #1 of the trilogy, I'm told it doesn't matter and that Under a Dark Star stands alone quite comfortably!
BUT... if you're quick you can catch # 1 of the Dark Moon trilogy
also on sale until 21st October at 99c/99p
Both are FREE through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited membership
Happy reading!
"All that it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."Reformed smuggler, Daniel Tynton, and his old enemy, Lieutenant Karl Thorsen, join forces to defeat the evil that brings poverty to ‘the diamond isle’. And Karl finally finds a woman he can love, with tragic consequences.
99p/99c last day of deal - Monday 24th October
I came across this on the internet via Google. I saw my name and I thought I'd better see what it's all about. I was relieved and pleased to find a review:-My Recommendation of the Book, Hide in Time
When I think about it carefully, I know there were several reasons why I really liked this book and why I would highly recommend it to anyone.
First, it shows us that we can completely change the course of our own lives when needed and find happiness in a new place. It might take some time to readjust, but we can survive and adapt to new surroundings and people.
Second, it highlights how people are basically the same today as they were hundreds of years ago. Evil still abounds and good people still exist to maintain the balance that is our world.
And, last but by no means least, I like the concept about time travel in "Hide in Time". You can't go back! Once you have crossed into a different place in time, you can't return and just pick up where you left off. Yes, Laura returns, but she cannot be seen. She can whisper to the living and they hear her, but they believe she is what most of us would think of as a "ghost".
A truly fascinating exchange of lives. It was a very interesting twist to doppelgangers trading places and I really, really liked it a lot. So much so, I plan to read it again! I feel like I may have missed some hidden nuggets in the story.
Cynthia Sylvestermouse of Review This! (Reviews of Movies, Music, Books and More)
~
Ms Sylvestermouse said a lot more - for which I am very grateful! And she's quite right, there's definitely hidden nuggets!
So after all the good things that happened to Hide in Time in the last couple of months, (#1 on Amazon Books/Romance/Time Travel) I have to face the reality of
slipping down the charts. However, I bumped into an acquaintance yesterday who told me she'd just finished two brilliant books while on holiday. It took me a good few long seconds to realize she was talking about One Dark Night and Under a Dark Star. What a nice warm fuzzy feeling something like that can leave me with.Here's an excerpt from Under a Dark Star where Karl Thorsen is trying to improve the anti-smuggling unit on a remote part of the Isle of Wight in 1823.
“Gentlemen.” Karl supposed, correctly, that they were not used to being addressed as such but he’d need them on his side. “I am Lieutenant Thorsen. Welcome to your new appointment.” Much would depend on these two hand-picked good men from the north of the island.
Having loosely tethered their horses to the post, both men stood to attention and saluted. Karl returned their salute. “Your names?”
“Lieutenant Thorsen, I am William Tutte.”
“And I am Thomas Flowers, sir.”
Tutte and Flowers were tall and well-built and Karl eyed them as if they were prize bulls. “Were you seen?”
Tutte replied, “I doubt we were seen, sir, even though the moon is bright, but it is known, even as far north as Cowes, that nothing gets past Tridd.”
“Until now,” Karl said with a broad grin. “I’m sure he would like a surprise from time to time.” He rubbed his hands together then said, “At ease.” The two men relaxed. Karl pointed to the stables. “Flowers, you look like you’re good with horses. How are you with geese?”
“Geese sir? They love me!”
That was the spirit he liked to hear. He could only hope it was true. “They’ve not arrived yet but to avoid the stables being vulnerable to attack, as well as Watch House, of course, there’ll be a delivery of as many as can successfully be transported. They will be arriving in a day or so. In the meantime, be aware that my stallion doesn’t take well to surprises, so stable your horses but go carefully. Tomkins is already nursing a bruised leg. He’s lucky it isn’t broken.”
I hope that gives you the flavour of the writing and the story and I hope you'll like it enough to bankrupt yourself and buy it.
$2.99/£1.99
As you may know, geese were the 19th century equivalent of a burglar alarm.
Anna, I'm so happy for you. These reviews are beautiful, and you earned them. You're a talented author.Like I stated in my review, even though I'm not a fan of Historical/Romance, anyone who is a lover of this genre will love Hide In Time. I still remember the story.
Good for you! Annndddd, you just gave me an idea--thanks!
Well I sure hope you're going to tell us what this idea is! I'm not very good at guessing.Thanks for your enthusiastic words and encouragement. All Indie writers need a little of that and you are great to give it.
Keep writing, Groovy.
http://kaymacleodbooks.com/indie-adve...The above link takes you to Kay's very clever idea - an Advent Calendar showcasing indie writers' work. Each day another two books pop up.
Today's a good day to take a look ;o)
The whole site is well put together and worth a browse.
Kay's had a good idea, hasn't she? I haven't seen anyone do that before. I love ordinary advent calendars and I haven't got one this year, so this works well.
If you're trying to find a little time for yourself and you want to read something which will take you well away from all the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, then perhaps One Dark Night will do the trick.Here's an excerpt:
“Oh fumbleduck and dragonpoop,” said Martha. “The laundry man has just delivered it all back nice and clean and ironed and what do I find? Scat curled up sleeping on top of it.”
Lucy lifted Scat firmly and put her on her cushion by the stove. “Dragonpoop? Martha, you surely don’t believe in dragons?” Martha was so easy to tease.
“I tell you girl, there’s more to this world than you and I know about.” Then, lowering her voice, she whispered, “There’s secrets.”
Lucy might have dismissed such talk but, despite Martha mostly calling her girl she’d learned to admire this loveable little woman. “What sort of secrets?”
“Shush, girl. Well, before you came, I was dusting the desk, the master’s I mean, and I saw things I wasn’t meant to. Things no one should see.”
“About dragons?”
“You can scoff, girl, but I’m telling you, I saw a map and on that map I saw a dragon. ’twas far across the sea and nothing for us to worry about. But someone’s seen them, else why would they show them if not to warn the sailors?”
“I think it must have been a very old map, Martha. It was indeed meant to warn sailors but they know now that America is there, not dragons.”
“America? What, where the dragons be?”
“But there aren’t any dragons, Martha, really there aren’t.”
“Oh yes there are. St George fought a dragon for England and I won’t have you saying that’s not true!” Martha flashed her almost toothless grin. “Besides, what am I going to threaten Scat with if not with dragonpoop?”
$2.99/£1.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited
A quotation from Kevin Marsh, a Goodreads Reviewer:
"Under a Dark Star is a beautifully written story with a plot that had me believing that I was really there."
An excerpt:
" “Tutte!” William Tutte came immediately to his side. “We are being watched or it could be the parson they are interested in. Follow me and we’ll follow them.”
It was indeed the parson they were intent upon and as he closed the church door, put on his hat and strolled towards the once-imposing and sizeable parsonage, the men roused themselves and picked up three wooden clubs. Once the parson had gone inside, they moved swiftly to the gate. One stayed watching and the other two stood on the doorstep. Moments later they knocked on the door.
Parson Raffles, smiling broadly, opened the door. “Good day to you, gentlemen.” He flung his arms wide as if in greeting, seized their heads and banged them together. They dropped to the ground. The third man raised his wooden club then thought better of it, he turned and ran – straight into the arms of Karl.
Raffles picked up the stunned men by the scruffs of their necks, which ripped their flimsy coats, dragged them inside the doorway and deposited them on the bare floor of the empty drawing room. Karl and Tutte pushed their captive ahead of them and shoved him on top of his now stirring comrades.
“Tutte, is there a gaol nearby?”
Raffles did not give Tutte the chance to reply. “Lieutenant, I think these men were bringing me an offering of firewood. It is clear to me that they are hoping to benefit from a good fire in next Sunday’s service.”
Tutte whispered in Karl’s ear. “They’ll be too afraid to attend if Tridd is behind this.”
Karl could not restrain himself. “Afraid! Then it’s the town gaol for them.”
Tutte leant towards Karl. “The magistrate is also afraid.”
“Then it’s my gaol they’ll be kept in until we replace these lily-livered magistrates!”
“Replacing them isn’t easy, sir. They are put there to do the will of those who have made their fortunes through what they call free-trading.”
“And I call smuggling!” barked Karl. "
So if you want to read a book that will make you think you're really there, follow Kevin Marsh, the GR reviewer (I hope he won't mind!) and see if you would fare well in the early 19th century.
Free on Kindle Unlimited and not much more if you want to buy it.
Dark and Intriguing Historical Romance/Suspense“A great read! I love all the historical detail and I learnt much about smugglers. It's fast paced, and it really grips you until the end. The characters are very well portrayed. I was sorry to finish the book, always the sign of a good story.” - ‘Amazon Customer’ UK site.
It is 1821 and smuggling is rife on the English coast. Lucy doesn’t know who to trust, while those around her suspect she is a spy and treat her accordingly. Her problems increase when two men enter her life:
Lieutenant Karl Thorsen, sworn to avenge his father’s murder, is determined to hang the violent smugglers.
Daniel Tynton has smuggling in his blood. When he witnesses a murder, he makes a tough decision, and many lives will never be the same.
99c/99p until 3rd January or Free on Kindle Unlimited
Journey into a dark world where all the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man - the Dark Star. In 1823, on an island off the south coast of England, there are activities worse than smuggling and all the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man. The women on the island call him the Dark Star.
Lieutenant Karl Thorsen enlists the help of his old enemy, reformed smuggler Daniel Tynton who infiltrates the gang to defeat the evil that brings poverty to ‘the diamond isle’. Karl has the misfortune to fall for the woman belonging to the Dark Star.
Book Two of The Dark Moon trilogy - It’s not essential to read Book One first but, like dinner, it’s often preferable to have the main course before strawberries and cream.
Free with Kindle Unlimited or reduced to 99p/99c until 12th January
is a time-travel romance and is reduced to 0.99 until 27th March."When a book allows me to become one of the characters....aahhhh, perfection!" Louisa on Goodreads
On your death bed, they say it's not the things you've done that you regret most, but the things you've left undone.
In 1814 Laura misjudges the man she loves and storms off from him only to discover that she's made a terrible mistake. She longs to put it right but finds herself in the 21st century and unable to do so. Or can she?
Laura risks her life to restore happiness to the man she has so badly misjudged and in doing so she frees herself from the destructive regret lingering in her life. And throughout, love patiently waits for her.
It is 1821 and smuggling is rife on the English coast. One man is determined, not only to stop this violent trade, but to hang the perpetrators – one in particular. Lucy has her own problems and they get worse when these two men enter her life. Two men, one girl – trouble awaits.
“This is an enjoyable and thoroughly recommended read, a romantic thriller mystery that maintains its knife edge tension through to the last page.” Tony Spencer - Amazon UK reviewer.
0.99 until 5th April
Free on Kindle Unlimited
In 1823, on an island off the south coast of England, there are activities worse than smuggling and all the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man. The women on the island call him the Dark Star.Lieutenant Karl Thorsen enlists the help of his old enemy, reformed smuggler Daniel Tynton who infiltrates the gang to defeat the evil that brings poverty to ‘the diamond isle’. Karl has the misfortune to fall for the woman belonging to the Dark Star.
Book Two of The Dark Moon trilogy - 0.99 until 19th April or FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
It’s not essential to read Book One first but, like dinner, it’s often preferable to have the main course before strawberries and cream. Except, of course, if you haven't got time for the main course and need to rush straight on in with the strawberries.
Here’s an excerpt from Under a Dark Star which is currently 0.99 until midnight on 19th April. So hurry :-)“However,” said Daniel clasping his chin, “coming from the mainland, I doubt you could become one of them. You’d be an outsider. And if you are to challenge wreckers rather than smugglers, you are directly threatening men who clearly have no regard for taking lives. Your life will mean nothing to them.”
Karl stared at Daniel. “A ship lured onto the rocks, smashed, looted. Crew and passengers desperately struggling to the safety of the shore. Throats slit. I hear the sea ran red.”
Lucy shuddered.
Daniel glanced at his wife, her big brown eyes now staring at him; she’d been listening to every word. He looked at the parson and read his mind. Why had Karl crudely spilt the lurid details of this atrocity in front of her? Why was he always so dramatic? Then a pinpoint of light, like a star on a dark night, flashed into his blue eyes. Leaning forward he whispered, “You’ve come for more than information.”
Karl grinned. “If you and I put our energies and strengths together, we’d be a formidable force.”
And here’s what a reviewer said on Amazon UK
“I loved all the period detail (think Poldark!) and the stories of the smugglers, all totally believable and fascinating. It is an exciting story which grips you right to the end, which leaves you wanting more.”
Journey into a dark world where all the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man - the Dark Star. This is the sequel to One Dark Night but stands alone.“She uses language expertly and the result is an immersive experience for the reader. I can’t stress enough how reading this book was like gazing through a window to a bygone era filled with smugglers, scoundrels, gentlemen, and heroes.” Amazon Customer
Excerpt: Opening of chapter one
Karl Thorsen arrived, as usual, like a drum roll prior to battle.
Dismounting from his black stallion, he flung the reins around the hitching post and strode across to the open door of the early Georgian farmhouse.
“I need your help.”
“Another impossible task you wish to undertake?” Daniel Tynton dipped his head in greeting to his old foe, now promoted to almost a friend. “What is it this time?”
Karl gave him a wry smile and stamped his feet impatiently after his long, cold ride. “All that it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Would you agree?”
Daniel, a little taller and fairer than Karl, stood aside to allow him to enter. “A notion you have acquired from your Parliamentary friends?”
~
So what does this tell you? That Karl and Daniel are no longer enemies. That Karl is still fighting fit and is now involved with Parliament in some way. That Daniel is, as ever, comfortably laid-back and used to Karl’s crusades. That two good men are about to embark on a perilous adventure.
And for only 0.99 you can go with them. ;-) I should take your rain coat if I were you.
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Books mentioned in this topic
Under a Dark Star (other topics)Under a Dark Star (other topics)
Under a Dark Star (other topics)
One Dark Night (other topics)
Hide in Time (other topics)
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Currently 99p or world wide equivalent, Hide in Time will return to its usual price of £1.99 or equivalent some time on Friday 17th July.
I'll let someone else do the talking: here is the latest review on Amazon UK:
"What a beautifully written book. I instantly fell in love with the characters and cared about what happened to them. I loved the history, the little gems of information which sent me off to research further and the concept of the story. I found it believable even though it’s a work of imagination and fiction. Hide in Time is a must read for all those looking for a well written book in which to lose oneself. Highly recommended."