Tag Archives: historical fiction

BOOK TOUR & GIVEAWAY: The Mark of the Salamander by Justin Newland

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 THE MARK OF THE SALAMANDER is the first in The Island of Angels series: a two-book saga that tells the epic story and secret history of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era.

The Mark of the Salamander

The Island of Angels Book One

by Justin Newland

Genre: Historical Fiction

1575: Nelan Michaels is a young Flemish man fleeing religious persecution in the Spanish Netherlands. Settling in Mortlake outside London, he studies under Queen Elizabeth’s court astrologer, conjuring a bright future – until he’s wrongly accused of murder. Forced into the life of a fugitive, Nelan is dramatically pressed into the crew of the Golden Hind.

Thrust into a strange new world on board Francis Drake’s vessel, Nelan sails the seas on a voyage to discover discovery itself. Encountering mutiny, ancient tribes and hordes of treasure, Nelan must explore and master his own mystical powers – including the Mark of the Salamander, the mysterious spirit of fire.

The Mark of the Salamander is the first in The Island of Angels series: a two-book saga that tells the epic story and secret history of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era.

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My historical fiction novel, The Mark of the Salamander, was published in October 2023. It’s the first in a two-book series, The Island of Angels, which tells the epic story and secret history of England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era. Book two is out in October, 2024, and is entitled The Midnight of Eights. This blog tells the story of the unusual fate of the good ship Elizabeth, one of the fleet of five vessels that set sail from Plymouth in England in 1577 to sail around the world. The fleet was commanded by Sir Francis Drake, while the Elizabath was captained by John Wynter. This was a voyage into the unknown, because no one on board had sailed around the world before. Only the Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand Magellan, had managed that feat, and that was some fifty years previously. So, rather than reveal his true intentions, Drake told the crew they were embarking on a trading voyage to Egypt, or the Levant as it was known then. This was to allay any fears the men might have about the real dangers they would face. But by the time they crossed the Atlantic from Africa to South America, the game was up, and Drake had to reveal the true aim of the expedition. The little fleet over-wintered in Patagonia, which is towards the southern tip of South America. There, like Magellan before him, Drake had to put down a mutiny amongst his crew, and executed one of the gentleman adventurers, an aristocrat named Thomas Doughty. Also while in Patagonia, Drake scuttled two of his supply ships before attempting to cross the Straights of Magellan, aka Cape Horn (see image). Because this was the meeting point of the waters of two huge oceans, the Atlantic and the Pacific, the seas there are notoriously treacherous, On 20 August, 1578, Drake set sail to traverse the Straights with three vessels, the Golden Hind, the Elizabeth, and the Marigold. They hit ferocious storms. The Marigold and her 29 crewmen was lost. Aboard the Golden Hind, the crew claimed that they heard the cries of the doomed seamen. In the Elizabeth, John Wynter passed through the Straits of Magellan, but on 7th October, 1578, a terrible storm arose and they lost contact with the rest of the fleet. Wynter later claimed that he had never lived through such a terrible tempest. Not only did he turn around, but, unbeknown to Drake, who thought he was lost, he retraced his steps and sailed all the way back to England, arriving in Plymouth in June 1580. At first, he received a hero’s welcome, but only because the populace who had come to greet him believed that he was Francis Drake, and had succeeded in circumnavigating the globe. The rumours about the real reasons for Wynter’s about-turn have rumbled on for centuries. Some claimed that Wynter took advantage of circumstances to head back to England because he could not get along with Drake, a situation brought to a head “… after what happened to Thomas Doughty.” It was said that his decision persisted “full sore against the mariners’ minds.” So much for Captain John Wynter, captain of half a circumnavigation. Images: Cape Horn Drake’s passage

 

JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism.

Undeterred by the award of a Doctorate in Mathematics from Imperial College, London, he conceived his debut novel, The Genes of Isis (ISBN 9781789014860, Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies.

His second book is a historical thriller, The Old Dragon’s Head (ISBN 9781789015829, Matador, 2018), and is set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.

The Coronation (ISBN 9781838591885, Matador, 2019) is an historical adventure and speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution.

The Abdication (ISBN 9781800463950, Matador, 2021) is a mystery thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith.

His latest is The Mark of the Salamander (ISBN 9781915853271, Book Guild, 2023) and is the first in a two-book series, The Island of Angels. Set in the Elizabethan era, it tells the epic tale of England’s coming of age.

The second in the series, The Midnight of Eights (ISBN 9781835740 330, Book Guild, 2024), charts of the uncanny coincidences that culminated in the repulse of the Spanish Armada and is due for publication in October.

Author, speaker and broadcaster, Justin gives talks to historical associations and libraries, appears on LitFest panels, and enjoys giving radio interviews.

He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.

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BOOK TOUR: Bandy by Craig R. Hipkins

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Book Title: Bandy

Author: Craig R. Hipkins

Publication Date: February 15, 2024

Publisher: Hipkins Twins

Pages: 337

Genre: Historical Fiction / Young Adult

Isaac’s only friend is a passenger pigeon named Bandy. He deludes himself in believing the bird talks to him. Bullied, he is resigned to a life of being the misunderstood bookworm by neighboring boys until a disastrous fire kills his parents and little sisters, sparing only his younger brother, Thomas. He and Thomas are taken in by their Uncle Raymond, an abolitionist, who plans to send Isaac to Virginia to buy Joy, a young slave with debilitating health, from her slave owner, Wil Jericho. Shortly after arriving in Virginia, Isaac learns the ugly truth. The butler who accompanied him on the journey killed his uncle before leaving and plans to do the same to Isaac to steal Raymond’s estate.

Isaac, with Joy, escape into the backwoods of Virginia. Discovering passages of the Underground Railroad, stowing away in carriages, hiding in churches, and outwitting the mercenaries hired by Jericho, the two teens fight tooth and nail to make it to Boston before they’re caught. Will Joy be taken from this life by sickness before she’s found freedom? On their journey, they learn a lot about each other. Isaac promises to bring Joy to Bandy’s pond, a heavenly place where peace and serenity reign.

Buy Link:

This novel is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/m27zQr

Excerpt:

The afternoon dragged along. Every cracking branch put Isaac on his guard. He kept the derringer loaded and at half cock. Joy had another episode and this one was longer than the one she had earlier in the day. Isaac had kept her as comfortable as possible next to the fire.

As nightfall approached, she felt much better, and they each ate a stale biscuit and a few slabs of bacon. It was a lean meal, but enough to give them energy to continue on their way.

They decided to use the railroad. There was a stillness in the air, and they would be able to hear the clomping of hooves if any horses approached. Isaac prayed Joy wouldn’t have another one of her headaches. They seemed to come on with little warning and were debilitating.

A short time later, they passed by another small village of ramshackle houses. Isaac noticed a blacksmith’s shop. The smithy, a raw-boned man with bulging biceps was hard at work at the forge and did not even notice their passing. The glowing light of a furnace left them longing for the warmth of a fire. With any luck they would be in Portsmouth by midnight.

They were about a mile past the forge when the sound of a neighing horse grabbed their attention and they quickly darted off the tracks into a stand of pines. They crouched down behind some brambles and waited.

A lone horseman came into view. He was a thickset man with a dark beard riding a large stallion, his menacing profile bathed in the moonlight. Isaac immediately felt a gnawing wave of fear in the pit of his stomach. The mounted man had obviously seen them. He had stopped and was peering in their general direction. He was most certainly a bounty hunter.

Isaac quietly pulled his derringer from his small holster and capped it. He felt Joy’s hand find his free one. They glanced at each other nervously.

“Come on out, yuh murderin’ boy! I done seen yuh along with that little slave girl yuh travelin’ with!”

Isaac’s pulse began to race. If he were older, he would pull this man from the saddle and pummel him for that comment.

“Let’s go, boy! I ain’t got all day now. Yuh come outta those bushes and don’t give me no trouble and ah’ll make sure yuh git a fair trial. If not, it ain’t gonna go well with yuh!”

Isaac weighed his options. The way he looked at it, he had three. He could surrender—an option which he immediately dismissed. His second option was to fight it out with the man. He had the drop on him but surely the bounty hunter had a weapon of some kind on his person, almost certainly a revolver, which would neutralize his one-shot derringer. His third and final option was to sit still and do nothing. Let the bounty hunter come to them. There was a chance, albeit a slim one, that he would not find them in the darkness. He chose option number three and quietly whispered his intentions to Joy, who wholly agreed with him. They waited. They would let their pursuer make the next move.

Author Bio:
Craig R. Hipkins grew up in Hubbardston Massachusetts. He is the author of medieval and gothic fiction. His novel Adalbert is the sequel to Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018) He is an avid long distance runner and enjoys astronomy in his spare time.

Author Links:

Website: https://hipkinstwins.com

Twitter: https://x.com/CraigHipkins

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HipkinsTwins

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-hipkins-7a042357

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craighipkins3/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crhipkins.bsky.social

Book Bub: https:// www.bookbub.com/profile/craig-r-hipkins

Amazon Author Page: https:// www.amazon.com/stores/author/B004RDJMNC

Goodreads: https:// www.goodreads.com/author/show/19975162.Craig_R_Hipkins

BOOK TOUR & GIVEAWAY: Hard Dog’s Night by Rebecca Hendricks

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YA  Historical Fiction /YA Coming of Age

Date Published: Tuesday, Aug 6th 2024

 

 

In a time when rock-n-roll is deemed evil music and blamed for youth
rebellion, The Hound Dogs and The Dice are set to clash at the Madison
Community Center.

The Hound Dogs search for a drummer to complete their lineup while The Dice
hires Patrick McNeil as Danny Bruer’s replacement. Unbeknownst to The Dice,
Patrick carries a hidden agenda to sabotage his former band and settle old
scores.

As Patrick and his accomplice, Stu, execute their plot, questions loom over
the Madison Community Center. Can The Hound Dogs triumph against the odds?
Will the controversy ignite a community torn between tradition and
rebellion?

In a world where rock-n-roll rebels against societal norms, the destinies
of two bands hang in precarious balance. The echoes of their battle will
resonate far beyond the Madison Community Center.

Hard Dog’s Night, the second book in The Hound Dogs Series, is a
unique blend of historical fiction, coming-of-age, and the power of music as
it forever alters lives in the name of rock-n-roll.

 


 

 

Excerpt

Stately elm tree branches shaded James while he strolled down the tranquil street of Granger. A group of unruly children scampered past him on their way to the park. Their laughter and high-pitched squeals caused a few dogs to bark and a few residents to lift their heads like curious ostriches. Crossing the street, James continued his path toward the Coffee Grounds. He’d spent the entire week at home studying for finals, and he was anxious to see his girlfriend. James had tried to study at the Coffee Grounds once, but it was a disaster because he couldn’t keep his eyes or mind off Marcy. It’s not like he didn’t think about her constantly, but at least she wasn’t close enough to talk to or steal a kiss.

A popular college hangout, the Coffee Grounds was generally packed with students. Still, Saturdays tended to be quieter, and the atmosphere was more casual. The large ceiling fan lazily circulated the air through the establishment. Marcy took advantage of the quiet afternoon by cleaning and filling sugar dispensers. James’s arrival sparked delight in her grin as he sat at the counter. Wiping her hands on her apron, Marcy walked over to him.

“You’re here early.” “Disappointed?” James asked, perching his elbows on the counter.

“Of course not.” “It’s been a long week.”

“It has,” Marcy said, straightening the napkin dispenser. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”

James slid his hand under his chin. “Well, I’d rather have a kiss, but I’ll settle for coffee.”

Marcy smiled, took a cup from the shelf, and filled his cup. From her shiny auburn hair to her pert little nose, everything about her enchanted James. He would never tire of gazing at her.

Marcy brought James his coffee and sat it on the counter. “I guess you know you’re making me nervous.”

James picked up a spoon. “And why is that?”

“Because you’re ogling me.”

“So?” he said, clinking the spoon in the coffee cup.

“So, I know what you’re thinking.”

James’s grin spread, and Marcy nudged him. “I guess you know there is no sugar in your coffee.”

“Oh, yeah,” James said, taking the spoon out of the cup.

Marcy laughed. “You’ll never guess what I bought the other day,” James said, adding sugar.

Marcy leaned across the counter. “What?”

“You need to guess,” James teased.

“Can’t you give me a hint?” “It’s a book.”

“A book?”

“Yep.”

Marcy pressed her index finger to her lips. “Hmmm, let me guess. The Joys of Accounting?”

“Very funny.”

“What then?” James grinned.

“Kiss Me Deadly.”

“No kidding?”

“No kidding.” Marcy ran her finger over James’s hand.

“Are you going to lend it to me?”

“Maybe.”

She wrinkled her nose. “You better be nice to me, James, or you won’t get a kiss.”

He smirked. “We’ll see about that.”

A faint pink hue brushed her cheeks. “Say, do you think it would be all right if I posted a couple of flyers?” James asked.

“Is it for the drummer auditions?”

“Yep,” James said, setting one on the counter before Marcy.

“Sure. You can put it on the bulletin board by the front door and one on the back wall.”

“Okay, thanks.” Marcy returned to work, and James walked over to the bulletin board.

Advertisements and business cards covered the board like wallpaper. Pulling a tack out of an old advertisement, James covered it with the flyer and secured the tack. Smiling, he pulled out another spare tack and headed toward the back wall.

A young man was sitting at the back table by himself, reading a book. James probably wouldn’t have noticed him if his right leg wasn’t resting on a chair. At first glance, James thought he was lazy, but when he noticed the leg was encased in a metal leg brace with a thick platform shoe, he knew he was mistaken. James didn’t mean to stare and didn’t want to feel pity, but he couldn’t help himself. Securing the flyer to the wall, his eyes drifted back to the young man. He was wearing a checkered shirt with a worn wool jacket. Tufts of blond hair stuck out from underneath his faded grey porkpie hat with what looked like a turkey feather tucked under the band. Was he homeless? James’s heart sunk as his mind fired off several other sad scenarios. The young man sensed James’s presence, and he turned around to look at him.

“Hello,” James said with a sheepish grin.

The young man didn’t say anything. Was he mute too?

“Nice day, huh?” James said.

The young man didn’t answer. James noticed he had a Life magazine on the table with a picture of Marilyn Monroe on the front cover.

“You like Marilyn?” James asked.

“She’s my girlfriend.”

“Ha, ha,” James chuckled.

The young man tilted his head with a raised eyebrow. James walked back to his stool, wondering if the young man was crazy too. Marcy walked over to the young man’s table and refilled his cup. James watched Marcy chat with him for a few moments before she returned to the counter.

“So, you know that guy over there?” James asked.

“What guy?”

“You know, the one over there,” James said, pointing into his hand.

“You mean Ronnie?”

“I guess so.”

Marcy sat the coffeepot down. “Yes, he comes in here every once in a while.”

“He seems to be a little . . . nutty.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because he said his girlfriend was Marilyn Monroe.”

Marcy smiled. “He tells everybody that.”

“Do you think he believes it?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him that much.”

James fingered the handle on his coffee cup. “I feel bad for him.”

“You shouldn’t. He’s always in a good mood, even though some people say mean things to him.”

“That’s horrible.”

“If someone is mean to him, we kick them out.”

“That’s good.” Marcy untied her apron.

“I’m going to hang my apron up, and we can go.”

“Okay.”

Marcy walked away, and James glanced over at Ronnie. He was bobbing his head and tapping his thumbs on the table while he read. Maybe Marcy was right. Maybe he was perfectly happy despite his circumstance. With all his heart, James wanted to believe it. He wanted to believe that the cruel world did not affect Ronnie. With that thought in mind, James gathered his books and pushed his sorrowful thoughts aside and joined the beautiful young woman who waited at the door for him.

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BOOK BLAST & GIVEAWAY: Tyra of the Shadows by Martha Wickham

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Child of Frankenstein’s Bride, Book 5

 

Paranormal / Historical

Date Published: 07-23-2024


 

Will Tyra ever get out of the shadows?

Growing up isn’t easy for Tyra Smythe. Especially when you grow up in a
house with shadows. She and her friend Evelyn conjure up the ghost of a girl
who lived there 100 years ago and the mystery of the funhouse begins. While
her parents are away in England, the ghost Abby, begins to haunt. When more
ghosts appear at Tyra’s fourteenth birthday party, word that the house is
haunted gets out and draws unwanted attention to it.

Shortly Margaret has decided it is a good idea to make her home an
attraction for some extra money. It is 1929 and more haunted houses are
needed, the house is named the Shadows and creepy renovations are started
all at the expense of Tim Terror and his haunted attractions company.

As Abby haunts the halls and stairs, her hunger grows. Her legend says she
died there and appears during a full moon, and she even has a museum room.
Abby’s heart is close to Tyra, but they must move on though they feel at
home again once the remodel of The Shadows is complete.

Will she ever be able to leave, or will it leave her?

 

 

EXCERPT

 

“Don’t give him your address. I wonder if they can help you
find your father,” Evelyn said.

“They won’t. Jack isn’t any help. I’ll just look
myself. I’ll think about going to the police. We don’t have a
phone. I don’t like this.”

When they got home, it felt much cooler in the house. They grabbed drinks
and the telephone directory and went upstairs. Tyra did find a Nathaniel
Johnston—she actually found two of them. “Evelyn, another big
house to go look at later. I found Nathaniel.”

“Good.” Evelyn took everything out of her bag. They laid the
blue velvet table cover, the candles, and the Ouija board in front of them
on the floor.

“I’ll go get a couple candlesticks. We will try a séance
and use the board tonight,” Tyra said.

“Hattie, where are the candlesticks?” Tyra called.

“In the hallway by the kitchen!” Hattie answered.

She and Evelyn raced there and grabbed two.

Hattie appeared. “Be careful with those. Matches are in the
kitchen.”

“Thanks,” Tyra responded. “Have you ever seen a ghost in
here?”

“No, never,” Hattie responded.

“Hopefully, we will,” Tyra said as she headed for the kitchen.
She grabbed the matches.

“We won’t light them now, not until tonight,” she told
Evelyn.

“My mom is coming by in the morning to come and get me,” Evelyn
said.

Tyra nodded. “We’re going to try a séance. I read about
them in the paper.”

“I don’t want you to do that. I told you I haven’t seen
any ghosts here. When the wind blows, you can hear it loud. This is an old
house. Your dad said it was built in the 1790s,” Hattie said.

“We’ll just try. It probably won’t work.” Tyra went
to her room as Evelyn followed.

“Is it even worth the time?” Evelyn asked.

“No, but this is.” Tyra pulled out a rolled-up Ouija board that
looked like a map. She took the planchette out of Evelyn’s purse.
“I didn’t tell Hattie we had this.” They sat on the floor
and felt the beautiful soft velvet.

About the Author

Martha has studied writing with Writer’s Digest and has an
associate’s degree in Social Services. She has also written poems and
songs and even studied screen writing and horror. She still writes and likes
getting writing prompts. Her favorite author is VC Andrews. If you purchase
and read Martha’s books a review on this web site will be greatly
appreciated. She can also be found at http://www.marthawickham.com.

 

Contact Links

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Twitter @MarthaWickham

 

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RELEASE BLITZ: Shaloha Gems by Terry Chodosh

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Humorous Fiction/Romantic Comedy/Historical Fiction/Jewish Fiction

Date Published: July 9th, 2024

Publisher: Acorn Publishing


 

Abe Goldstein’s life is speeding downhill faster than a Coney Island
roller coaster. 

His Manhattan diamond company is on life support. Crime is so bad that
muggers are mugging other muggers. And his overbearing mother has gone
behind his back and posted his profile on a Jewish dating site. Now,
Abe’s phone is blowing up with messages from women who want to marry
him. 

At the advice of his accountant, Abe flees to Honolulu and cuts a deal with
an Okinawan family to buy their diamond ring business. The owner’s
beautiful daughter Kiyoko stays on as a consultant, and Abe finds himself
falling hard for her.

But there’s trouble in paradise. Abe’s meddlesome mother hires
an unscrupulous matchmaker to break the pair up and find a nice Jewish girl
for him instead. To make matters worse, a rival diamond firm connected to
Japanese organized crime is bent on destroying Abe’s fledgling
business, Shaloha Gems.

As Abe navigates the twists and turns of his unconventional island life,
everything he values is in jeopardy. He may be willing to damage his
relationship with his mother to preserve his romantic relationship. But will
he crumble under the pressure if he loses his reputation and his budding
diamond empire too? Or will a discovery that leads back to the darkest days
of World War II open an unexpected door to a brighter future?

 

 

About the Author

Born and raised in New Jersey, Terry Chodosh earned his MS in criminology
from Florida State University. Terry began his twenty-eight-year career with
the United States Secret Service (USSS) in NYC and fulfilled assignments in
the San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Honolulu field offices as well as in the
Gerald Ford protective detail.

While assigned to the Honolulu office, Terry traveled extensively in Asia,
conducting complex financial crime investigations and providing executive
protection for US government officials, including the president and vice
president of the United States. After retirement, Terry wanted to tap into
his humorous and creative side, which was often restrained throughout his
career, so he began writing his novel Shaloha Gems.

Terry lives with his wife and son in Honolulu, Hawaii. He enjoys distance
swimming in the ocean and outrigger canoe paddling, and he strives to stay
one step ahead of skin cancer and tiger sharks.

Contact Link

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BOOK TOUR: The Curse of Maiden Scars by Nicolette Croft

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The Curse of Maiden Scars
Nicolette Croft
Coming in August 2024: Audiobook narrated by Liz May Brice

Sixteen-year-old Renna Covert toils away in the shadows of a Yorkshire workhouse, her days filled with the mundane task of shelling cotton and the dangerous duty of scouting for punters. One fateful night, she crosses paths with two sailors and finds herself thrust into the heart of a chilling encounter at the local asylum.

These harrowing experiences catalyze Renna’s journey, promising newfound opportunities and revealing long-buried family secrets. Yet, at every turn, powerful forces conspire to thwart her quest for truth, forcing her to abandon her scullery work and embark on a daring escape to Venice alongside her steadfast companions.

In the labyrinthine alleys of Venice, Renna’s fate takes yet another twist. She is ensnared by a cunning Madam who trains her as a Venetian courtesan. But beneath the veneer of luxury lies a world fraught with danger, where Renna must rely on her withs and resilience to navigate the treacherous waters of deceit and betrayal.

Set against the backdrop of Venice’s tumultuous Napoleonic invasion of 1797, this is a tale of a girl’s struggle for survival. It is a story of resilience, defiance in the face of adversity, and, ultimately, one young woman’s determination to reclaim her identity.

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mgDEOq  

Excerpt:

My story must have begun before life as a stray waif, but I didn’t know the tale. The cotton house takes in children as little as three—the unwanted offspring of criminals, crazies, and the contagious. By sixteen, we were expected to make room for younger sprogs and pursue meaningful work. It was weeks until my sixteenth birthday, and I didn’t have a plan. Choices for a girl like me were limited, so Camilla told me. I had some learning and hoped I might find a maid’s position. Whatever I was to become, I didn’t want it to include lurking about the seedy, dank Yorkshire streets like a wet cur.

A cackle of laughter echoed from inside the Inn that stood open behind me. A woman’s mound of blond hair tied in red, pink, blue, and black ribbons appeared in the window’s waving candlelight. She tossed her head back and let out a bright, spirited laugh as a burly man with a beard kissed her neck. I envied their intimacy. I longed to know such love and care.

Deep shivers tightened my sodden dress over my back, and a cough rattled through me. I was prone to illness. My lungs had never been strong. And the wetness only made things worse. I stuffed my head between my knees and swooned in lightheadedness. I closed my eyes and wished myself someplace warm and safe, dreaming of a small bed in a quiet room free of mold, surrounded by soft blankets, the amber light of candles, and a stack of leather-bound books with stories waiting for me to discover. Such a wish was only a fantasy to me—nothing in my real life resembled it.

Boot heels sounded beside me, ripping me out of my daydream. I lifted my head too quickly, and my vision faded darkly. Panic grew from the depths of my belly. Had I missed the opportunity to signal the workhouse strumpets, giving them time to sell their comfort for a copper?

A passerby kicked me and shot, “street rat.” He poured ale over my head and rolled with laughter. There was always laughter. I’d have kicked his feet out from under him if I hadn’t felt weakened from illness. I was accustomed to this sort of abuse, having scouted for culls since the age of eight, and wasn’t afraid to fight back if needed.

About the Author:

Nicolette Croft can’t remember a time when she was not creating imaginary worlds inspired by her Hungarian and American ancestors. As a neuro-divergent learner, however, putting those stories to paper proved more challenging than imagining them. Because her determination would not allow her to settle, she pursued an English B.A. to improve her writing.

Young motherhood also brought unexpected challenges, which motivated her to pursue graduate work in twice-exceptional learners and education. She would later add an M.A. degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, specializing in neurodivergent people, trauma, and grief. Nicolette uses her natural gift of storytelling as an exploratory method for her clients.

The Curse of Maiden Scars is also an outgrowth of her personal journey and marks her first publication as a novelist, having previously published short fiction. When not at her counseling practice or researching historical facts for her latest story, Nicolette shares treasured time with family, friends, and her husband. Whether writing, cooking, traveling, or learning, the act of creation is always at the center of her colorful life.

Author Links:

Website: https://www.nicolettecroft.com

Twitter: https://x.com/croft_nicolette

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NicoletteCroftAuthor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolette-croft-a6744929a/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolettecroft22/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@nicolettecroft22

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nicole-Croft/author/B0052UF75G

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/178035999-nicolette-croft

BOOK TOUR & GIVEAWAY: The Devil’s Spies by K.C. Sivils — $0.99 SALE !!

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 The devil has eyes and ears everywhere!

The Devil’s Spies

by K.C. Sivils

Genre: Historical Fiction

 Needing to stop the flood of humanity fleeing communist oppression by making it to the divided city of Berlin, the communist government of East Germany took drastic measures. In August of 1961, construction of the Berlin Wall began.

Two young lovers, an American refugee worker, and an East German seminary student, find themselves separated by the wall. Desperate to be reunited and build a life together, Angela Wettin and Michael Dieterich, with Michael’s brother Joseph, set in motion a dangerous plan to escape by tunneling under the Berlin Wall. Determined to stop any hope of gaining freedom, the East German Stasi, the dreaded secret police of the communist state, formed Department XX/4 to infiltrate and spy on the Church in East Germany. Faced with betrayal, dangerous cave-ins, and family conflict, the trio enters a life-and-death race against the Stasi and Department XX/4. Can they gain their freedom before they are caught by the Devil’s Spies from the Stasi?

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“It’s after two in the afternoon,” Angela complained to the nearby soldier. The GI studiously ignored Angela. He’d learned the hard way to ignore pretty girls when on duty. Hating the fact time moved so slowly, Angela decided the best course of action was to get a cup of tea before making her crossing into East Berlin. She’d expected to at least see Michael on the other side of the checkpoint, and if not Michael, then her fiancée’s partner in crime, Werner. Shouting, followed by the sound of gunfire, jarred Angela out of her pique. A hundred or so yards from Check Point Charlie, a young man appeared at the top of the wall, caught in the wire. Spellbound, Angela watched as the man made no effort to free himself from the wire, simply rolling off the top of the wall and falling, taking several feet of barbed wire with him. The bark of gunfire stopped, and a West Berlin police officer pulled himself up to the top of the wall and peered over, looking down. Screams from the onlookers propelled Angela forward. Sprinting towards the chaos, she could hear the cries of a man in pain, begging for help. Another West Berlin police officer reached the wall as the first dropped down from it. They spoke, and the second officer climbed the wall and shouted to the man on the other side. Angela watched in horror as the second officer produced bandages and dropped them over the wall. “Murderers!” “Criminals!” As an angry crowd gathered, Angela took notice of the escapee who had made it over the wall. He was cut and bleeding and clearly stunned by what had happened. “You! You’re an American!” Turning to the voice, Angela stared at the red, angry face of a young Berliner. “Neither side will do anything to help him! Get the American soldiers!” The sound of tear gas canisters being launched could be heard from somewhere on the other side of the wall. In seconds, tendrils of the greyish-white gas and its pungent smell began to reach across the wall. The Berliner covered his face and pushed Angela. Shouting, “Go! Now, while there is still a chance to help him!” Angela nodded, relieved to suddenly find herself useful. She turned and ran as fast as her feet would take her to Check Point Charlie. “Someone’s been shot trying to escape,” Angela panted as the Lt. in command of the detail came out to meet her. He said nothing, instead looking up in the sky at the helicopters that had suddenly appeared. “We have our orders, Ma’am.” “Your orders?!” “Yes, Ma’am. We contacted General Watson for instructions.” “Good, do something.” “Ma’am, our orders are to stand down.”

 U.S.A. Today and Amazon Best-Selling author is the creator of the scifi crime noir series of Inspector Thomas Sullivan novels as well as the southern noir series of stories centering around the private investigator James Benoit “Heat” Heatley.

A longtime fan of crime noir and science fiction, director Ridley Scott’s adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s sci-fi classic Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep into the masterful Harrison Ford vehicle Bladerunner encouraged Sivils to consume as much of both genres as possible in his younger years.

A fan of past noir masters such as Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, Sivils also enjoys the current generation of storytellers like Sandra Woffington, Tom Folwer, Jeff Edwards, Renee Pawlish, and James Scott Bell.

In addition to his aforementioned series, Sivils is also the creator of the Agent Nelson Paine Historical Mystery series set during WW II and the early years of the Cold War.

In a previous life, Sivils was a varsity basketball coach and high school history teacher. He and his wife, Lisa, have three adult children, seven grandchildren, and two four legged furry children who still live at home, Bella and Mr. Darcy.

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COVER REVEAL: Wrinkled Rebels by Laura Katz Olsen

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Literary Novel / Historical Fiction

Date Published: 07-23-2024

Publisher: Vine Leaves Press


 

Now 80 years old, retirement and advanced age have dissipated the spirit of
six college radicals of the 1960s, who jointly had participated in civil
rights campaigns and anti-war protests. Having engaged in only periodic
communication over the decades, they suddenly receive an invitation to
reunite for an extended weekend. Struggling with whether to go, each of them
has divergent qualms and expectations for the proposed gathering.

During their three days together, they confront their inner demons, each
other, and their future. Does Rebecca, the prime mover of the event, find
solace after losing her wife and career? Can Malaika regain her sense of
self after stepping down from her successful law practice? Mourning the loss
of her youthful athletic prowess and attractiveness, what happens when
Deanna faces her old friends?

Struggling with two divorces and a failing marriage, can Russell attain
peace of mind? How will Max, an expat living in Canada, manage with his
incipient dementia? Will the demoralized Keith recover his idealism?

Wrinkled Rebels is a story of how six people achieve meaningful lives
through the struggle for social justice. It is also a tale of love, the
bonds of friendship, and growing old positively.

About the Author

Laura Katz Olson, AGF Distinguished Professor of Political Science, has
taught at Lehigh University since 1974. To date, she has published nine
nonfiction books, focusing on aging and healthcare. Her latest, Ethically
Challenged: Private Equity Storms U.S. Health Care has been awarded several
gold medals, including from the Independent Book Publishers Association
(IBPA) and the Benjamin Franklin Awards. Elder Care Journey: A View from the
Front Lines, which relates her personal experiences as a caregiver for her
mother, won a Gold Medal in the Ninth Annual Living Now Book Awards.
Wrinkled Rebels is her second novel.

 

Contact Links

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BOOK TOUR: Stumbling Stones by Bonnie Suchman

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Stumbling Stones
by Bonnie Suchman

Shortlisted for the Hawthorn Prize 2024

“Alice knew that Selma sometimes felt judged by their mother and didn’t always like it when Alice was praised and Selma was not. Alice glanced over at her sister, but Selma was smiling at Alice. In what Alice understood might be Selma’s last act of generosity towards her sister, Selma was going to let Alice bask in the glow of Emma’s pride toward her elder daughter. Then the three shared a hug, a hug that seemed to last forever.”

Alice Heppenheimer, born into a prosperous German Jewish family around the turn of the twentieth century, comes of age at a time of growing opportunities for women.

So, when she turns 21 years old, she convinces her strict family to allow her to attend art school, and then pursues a career in women’s fashion. Alice prospers in her career and settles into married life, but she could not anticipate a Nazi Germany, where simply being Jewish has become an existential threat. Stumbling Stones is a novel based on the true story of a woman driven to achieve at a time of persecution and hatred, and who is reluctant to leave the only home she has ever known.

But as strong and resilient as Alice is, she now faces the ultimate challenge – will she and her husband be able to escape Nazi Germany or have they waited too long to leave?

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/4ND1x8

Interview with Bonnie Suchman

How long have you been writing, and how long did it take before your first book was published?

As an attorney for more than 40 years, I have been writing my whole work life. Three years ago, I published a non-fiction book about my husband’s German Jewish family. I realized I was not done writing about Alice Heppenheimer, but decided to write Stumbling Stones as a novel to provide a fuller and richer story. I was fortunate to find a publisher, Black Rose Writing, to publish my first novel.

Do you have a routine you follow when you’re working on a book? A certain time of day when you write, or a snack you keep nearby?

I still have a full-time job, so I have to work around my work schedule. Sometimes I write before work, sometimes in the evening, and sometimes on the weekend. And my goldendoodle, Teddy, is almost always by my side as I write.

If you could pick your top 3 favorite books of all time, what would they be?

I don’t think I really have favorite books as much as I have favorite authors. Any time I see a new book by Kate Atkinson, Ian McEwan or Kazuo Ishiguro, I race to download it. All three are masters of their craft, and there is never a wasted word in any of their books. I would love to write like them, but, for now, I will have to settle for reading them.

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when following your dreams?

In following your dreams, I have two suggestions: be open to new opportunities and don’t be afraid to fail. Throughout my life, I have always been interested in trying new things, and have sometimes been surprised by the outcome.  Being a published author was never one of my dreams, but I am so grateful that I tried it and I am loving writing about the Heppenheimer family. And it is rare that I have regretted giving something a try. Even if I try something and it doesn’t work out, I have found that what I have learned from the experience has helped me on the next stops of my journey. Certainly, if I worried about failing as an author, Stumbling Stones would not have been published.

Does your family support your writing?

My husband supports every new thing I have tried. But he is especially supportive of my writing, and has read and provided helpful comments on everything I have written. Of course, it helps that he is also a lawyer and that I am writing about his family.

About the Author

Bonnie Suchman is an attorney who has been practicing law for forty years. Using her legal skills, she researched her husband’s family’s 250-year history in Germany, and published a non-fiction book about the family, Broken Promises: The Story of a Jewish Family in Germany. Bonnie found one member of the family, Alice Heppenheimer, particularly compelling. Stumbling Stones tells Alice’s story. Bonnie has two adult children and lives in Maryland with her husband, Bruce.

Author Links:

Website: www.bonniesuchman.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BonnieSuchman

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556457672565

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonniesuchmanauthor/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bonniesuchman/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/bonnie-suchman

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bonnie-Suchman/author/B09L3BDVRQ  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21796158.Bonnie_Suchman

BOOK TOUR: Snarling Wolf by David Fitz-Gerald

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Snarling Wolf: A Pioneer Western Adventure
David Fitz-Gerald
Page Length: 229
Genre: Western, Historical Fiction

Dive back into the gripping, frontier chaos. Snarling Wolf is the fourth adventurous installment in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series.

The famed Snake River marks the point the wagon master claims that all the greenhorns turn loco. After twelve hundred grueling miles and four relentless months on the trail, the expedition teeters on the brink. Frayed nerves, exhausted patience, and the specter of doom cast a dark cloud over the travelers.

At every turn, new dangers emerge. A young man who is like a brother to Dorcas Moon is ravaged in a mountain lion attack. A heat wave grips the dusty, barren plains and spreads sickness. The wolves that lurk in the shadows edge closer. Even the rattlesnakes seem emboldened.

Dorcas’ daughter, Rose’s descent into madness can no longer be ignored. What began as an eerie preoccupation with death takes a shocking turn when Rose reveals her truths. Dorcas is thrust into a realm of disbelief, and her worst fears about Rose’s mysterious suitor become a stark reality.

As weary emigrants yearn for respite, tales of murderous outlaws spread like wildfire across the prairie. Passing strangers share the latest terrifying news. It’s only a matter of when, not if, the notorious highwaymen will strike. Which bend of the mighty snake shelters the feared outlaws?

Grab your copy of Snarling Wolf now and unveil the next chapter in Dorcas Moon’s relentless saga. Sink your teeth into this tale of survival, madness, and the unyielding spirit of those who brave the treacherous migration.

Buy Links:
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/snarling-wolf

Author Bio:


David Fitz-Gerald writes western and historical fiction. He is the author of twelve books, including the brand-new series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail set in 1850. Dave is a multiple Laramie Award, first place, best in category winner; a Blue Ribbon Chanticleerian; a member of Western Writers of America; and a member of the Historical Novel Society.

Alpine landscapes and flashy horses always catch Dave’s eye and turn his head. He is also an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has hiked to the summit of the range’s highest peaks. As a mountaineer, he’s happiest at an elevation of over four thousand feet above sea level.

Dave is a lifelong fan of western fiction, landscapes, movies, and music. It should be no surprise that Dave delights in placing memorable characters on treacherous trails, mountain tops, and on the backs of wild horses.

Author Links:
Website: https://www.itsoag.com/GATOT
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorDAVIDFG
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDaveFITZGERALD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordavefitzgerald/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/AuthorDaveFITZGERALD/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/david-fitz-gerald
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/dfitzgerald
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17341792.David_Fitz_Gerald
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/authordavidfitzgerald