Friday, 4 April 2025

Victory Gardens by Bill Hand



Victory Gardens
By Bill Hand


Publication Date: 18th August 2023
Publisher:  Historium Press
Page Length: 494 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

It's 1941 and something is buried in Eunice's garden.... It's Eunice!

Meet Connecticut Talker Tscharner - "Cat" to his friends. It's 1941 and he wants to serve his country, but a high school football injury has left him too crippled to sign up. He has dreams of sleuthing-but how can you make a living doing that in a small, quiet Carolina town? Besides, he's saddled with running his sick father's grocery store. But fate is preparing a hurricane of troubles: military wives are turning up dead and buried in their gardens. A poisoner is fixing her deadly charms on Cat's own family, and a ruthless German spy is sending convoy locations to an offshore U-boat, killing anyone who gets in his way.

Every one - victims and perpetrators - are people he knows, and many of them are ones he loves. Cat soon finds himself in the tangle of all three webs and must battle to expose them all to save himself, to serve his country, and to rescue his town.

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Victory Gardens


Bill Hand


In addition to his creative writing, Bill Hand is a historian and journalist and photographer for an online newspaper called New Bern Live and president of the North Carolina History Theater, a company emphasizing the history of North Carolina in its productions. He is also the inhouse playwright. A native of Indiana, who was raised in Pennsylvania and has been in New Bern since 1995, Bill lives with his wife, dogs and a bit too many cats. His published works include plays, regional histories and a fantasy novel, "The One Prince".

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The Whirlpools of Time (The Time Locket Book 1) by Anna Belfrage




The Whirlpools of Time
(The Time Locket Book 1)
By Anna Belfrage


Publication Date: 11th June 2021
Publisher: Timelight Press
Page Length: 388 Pages
Genre: Time Travel Romance, Scottish Historical Romance

He hoped for a wife. He found a companion through time and beyond.

It is 1715 and for Duncan Melville something fundamental is missing from his life. Despite a flourishing legal practice and several close friends, he is lonely, even more so after the recent death of his father. He needs a wife—a companion through life, someone to hold and be held by. What he wasn’t expecting was to be torn away from everything he knew and find said woman in 2016…

Erin Barnes has a lot of stuff going on in her life. She doesn’t need the additional twist of a stranger in weird outdated clothes, but when he risks his life to save hers, she feels obligated to return the favour. Besides, whoever Duncan may be, she can’t exactly deny the immediate attraction.

The complications in Erin’s life explode. Events are set in motion and to Erin’s horror she and Duncan are thrown back to 1715. Not only does Erin have to cope with a different and intimidating world, soon enough she and Duncan are embroiled in a dangerous quest for Duncan’s uncle, a quest that may very well cost them their lives as they travel through a Scotland poised on the brink of rebellion. 

Will they find Duncan’s uncle in time? And is the door to the future permanently closed, or will Erin find a way back?

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The Whirlpools of Time

Anna Belfrage


Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests: history and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England.

Anna has also published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients.

More recently, Anna has been hard at work with her Castilian series. The first book, His Castilian Hawk, published in 2020, is set against the complications of Edward I’s invasion of Wales. His Castilian Hawk is a story of loyalty, integrity—and love. In the second instalment, The Castilian Pomegranate, we travel with the protagonists to the complex political world of medieval Spain, while the third, Her Castilian Heart, finds our protagonists back in England—not necessarily any safer than the wilds of Spain! The fourth book, Their Castilian Orphan, is scheduled for early 2024.

Anna has recently released Times of Turmoil, the sequel to her 2021 release, The Whirlpools of Time. Here she returns to the world of time travel. Where The Whirlpools of Time had Duncan and the somewhat reluctant time-traveller Erin navigating the complexities of the first Jacobite rebellion in Scotland, in Times of Turmoil our protagonists are in Colonial Pennsylvania, hoping for a peaceful existence. Not about to happen—not in one of Anna’s books!

All of Anna’s books have been awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion, she has several Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choices, and one of her books won the HNS Indie Award in 2015. She is also the proud recipient of various Readers’ Favorite medals as well as having won various Gold, Silver and Bronze Coffee Pot Book Club awards.

Find out more about Anna, her books and enjoy her eclectic historical blog on her website, www.annabelfrage.com.

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Thursday, 3 April 2025

A Necessary Killing (William Constable Spy Thriller series Book 2) by Paul Walker


A Necessary Killing
(William Constable Spy Thriller series Book 2)
By Paul Walker


Publication Date: 23rd October 2019
Publisher: Sharpe Books 
Page Length: 279 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

1579.

William Constable - physician and unwilling spy - is in Plymouth waiting to sail to the New World. The expedition, led by renowned explorers and traders, John Hawkins and Sir Humphrey Gilbert, has already suffered birth pangs.

William's friend, Captain Charles Wicken, is accused of killing the son of a wealthy merchant, but the testimonies appear suspect. When William learns that Wicken is one of Walsingham’s agents he uncovers evidence to suggest the murder and Wicken’s naming are designed to conceal a plot of invasion - backed by Rome and Spain.

The sailing of the expedition's fleet is delayed while this threat is examined. William is despatched to St Malo, the lawless haunt of corsairs, to investigate. His betrothed, Helen Morton, together with the fleet, wait for his return.

Malign forces conspire to prevent William from carrying vital intelligence back to Plymouth.

William must evade enemy agents and unravel a tangle of duplicity if he is to survive - and prevent the invasion.

Pick up your copy of
 A Necessary Killing

Paul Walker


Paul is married and lives in a village 30 miles north of London. Having worked in universities and run his own business, he is now a full-time writer of fiction and part-time director of an education trust. His writing in a garden shed is regularly disrupted by children and a growing number of grandchildren and dogs.

Paul writes historical fiction. He inherited his love of British history and historical fiction from his mother, who was an avid member of Richard III Society. The William Constable series of historical thrillers is based around real characters and events in the late sixteenth century. The first two books in the series - "State of Treason" and "A Necessary Killing" - were published in 2019. The third book, titled, "The Queen’s Devil", was published in the summer of 2020.

He took a diversion to the early 20th century and wrote a thriller based at the peace conference in Paris at the end of the First World War. "A Turbulent Peace" was published in 2022. Now, it's back to the sixteenth century and more Elizabethan intrigue for William Constable and his confederates.

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AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse by Mary Ann Bernal

  

AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse
By Mary Ann Bernal


Publication Date: 18th January 2025
Publisher: Whispering Legends Press
Page Length: 91 Pages
Genre: Thriller

A feared artifact. An ancient curse. A menacing enemy. 

Join AnaRose Preston, a savvy museum curator and antiquity expert, as she confronts the ticking clock of destiny. In a desperate bid to foil a malevolent organization’s hunt for the dreaded Medusa pendant, AnaRose plunges into a labyrinth of peril and treachery. Can she derail their nefarious plans with her sharp intellect and indomitable courage? Or will she witness the dawn of an era frozen in stone by terror?

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 AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse

Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in Business Administration. Her journey into the literary world reached a milestone with the 2009 publication of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series. Mary Ann’s repertoire extends beyond historical fiction, encompassing diverse genres, including a collection of contemporary short stories, a science fiction/fantasy novel, and thrilling action and adventure novellas.

Her latest literary contributions include “Crusader’s Path,” a poignant redemption tale amidst the tumult of the First Crusade; “Forgiving Nero,” a compelling exploration of familial dynamics in Ancient Rome; and the “AnaRose” adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a museum curator turned relic hunter.

A fervent advocate for the United States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively participated in letter-writing campaigns and various support initiatives. Her dedication to the military community garnered attention on “The Morning Blend” show on KMTV, Omaha’s CBS affiliate, and an interview with the Omaha World-Herald. As a celebrated author, she has graced numerous reader blogs and promotional platforms with her presence. Mary Ann cherishes her life in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she continues to inspire through her written works.

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Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Book Review: Sketches from the Periphery by MP Summers



Sketches from the Periphery
By MP Summers


Publication Date: 26th October 2024
Publisher: MP Summers
Page Length: 221 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

Alexander Barr stands on the edge of society. Humanity, devoid of civilization, is bared before him, raw and visceral.

Sketches from the Periphery, MP Summers’ debut novel, is a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of the Darfur Conflict through the eyes of Alexander Barr, a young contractor confronted not only by the harsh realities of a fractured Sudan, but with his own morality. As he strives to find meaning, he encounters Cassandra, a fiercely independent European journalist on her own quest for understanding. Their paths continue to intersect as they both are drawn deeper into the conflict.

With a blend of historical accuracy and fictional storytelling, Sketches from the Periphery offers a profound look at the impact of war on both individuals and societies, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the human stories behind global conflicts.




The splendour of Sudan and its people has been torn asunder due to the horrors occurring in Darfur.
 
Alexander Barr, a US citizen, bravely ventures into this war-stricken country as an overseas contractor, but his experience will change the trajectory of his life forever.
 
In “Sketches from the Periphery”, MP Summers presents a compelling debut novel that follows a young man’s transformative journey to find himself in the heart of Sudan during the War in Darfur. Amidst the chaos, his discovery of love’s essence reveals its beauty and its potential for heartbreak. This powerful exploration invites readers to reflect on the intricacies of human connection in the face of adversity.
 
Alex is a young man on a meaningful quest for his purpose in life. After making the bold decision to drop out of college, he embarks on a journey working abroad, which leads him to the tumultuous landscapes of war-torn Sudan. At just twenty-two, Alex grapples with the weight of his choices and aspirations. Amidst the backdrop of conflict and chaos, he experiences a unique and powerful connection to Darfur. The raw beauty of the land, despite its scars, captivates him. There’s an undeniable sense that he belongs there, as if the dusty winds and endless horizons whisper his true calling. This is a coming-of-age tale where, amidst the vast desert and the brutality of war, Alex ultimately discovers his true self.
 
In stark contrast to Alex is Cassandra, a young and ambitious European journalist whose courage seemingly knows no bounds. Fearlessly entering territories where even the bravest soldiers would hesitate, she is driven by an insatiable hunger for the truth. Unlike Alex, Cassandra exudes an aura of confidence and intelligence, possessing an innate ability to command attention and navigate challenging situations with ease. As the story progresses, the reader can’t help but feel a sense of trepidation about her reckless bravery. She is a whirlwind, a formidable force darting through the arid desert, unstoppable in her pursuit of the next “story”. Her vibrant spirit is both inspiring and alarming, embodying the relentless quest for knowledge and justice in a world overshadowed by conflict.
 
Alex’s self-criticism is unrelenting; he often jokingly refers to himself as a “sociopath”. Yet, his actions and inner reflections reveal he lacks a true understanding of the term and instead employs it as a sweeping label for his turbulent thoughts and his ability to make people like him and share their life stories with him. In stark contrast, Cassandra articulates her philosophical ideas with a commanding presence. She exudes confidence and conviction. Her eloquent musings and journalism expertise are used not just to express her beliefs, but also to shape the very nature of her character. Through her words, she invites the reader to engage with her unwavering certitude, providing a compelling counterpoint to Alex’s moments of self-doubt.
 
There are several antagonists in this story, but there is one in particular that projects fear into the reader. The reader is ahead of Alex’s discovery of who the enemy within is, but a little more detail on the backstory of the antagonist would help the reader understand her motivation. Alex does come across as a little naïve, especially regarding the antagonist. He is very trusting and takes people at face value, although as the story progresses, his awareness of the complexities and dangers surrounding him deepens.
 
The narrative unfolds in a deeply philosophical manner, weaving together lengthy passages of Alex’s introspective thoughts and the significant dialogues between the characters, which explore themes of religion, politics, and war. The story pivots around these philosophical reflections, making the novel feel less like an enthralling adventure at times and more like an exploration of morality and the author’s own opinions on world affairs, which sometimes distracts from the story itself. At times, the novel also reads a little like a lecture, and this significantly slows the story down.
 
This book deserves praise for its rich historical and geographical detailing. Summers masterfully captures the essence of the Darfur Conflict, revealing the depths of its horrors and the pervasive misery that affected countless lives, although an understanding of the conflict before reading would give the reader an advantage as to what exactly was going on. There are moments of true terror that grip the heart, yet these are intertwined with lighter, more tender themes—like the exhilarating blossoming of young love or the delightful innocence of a small child discovering the cool breeze of an air conditioner on tiny, curious fingers. The fractured landscape of this country compels the reader to grapple with the complexities of the war. The lines that separate friend from foe are exceedingly thin, catching Alex by surprise on more than one occasion. This delicate interplay between life and death installs a sense of cautious hope, suggesting that even amidst overwhelming despair, the resilience of life prevails, and a future can unfold despite the dark shadows of the present.
 
Through vivid imagery, Summers powerfully evokes the scenery, climate, and cultural richness of the setting, as well as the era. Abundant sensory details are present, ranging from the sun-drenched earth of the Abu Shouk IDP camp to the dramatic mountains against the seemingly endless sky. This beautiful, yet at the same time unforgiving, landscape underscores the emotional depth of the characters’ experiences. Not merely a backdrop, the landscape acts as a character, mirroring the tenacity and hardships of its inhabitants within its beautiful but harsh setting.
 
The story is primarily told from a third-person perspective, mainly through Alex’s eyes. However, Summers skilfully shifts the focus to provide insights into Cassandra’s thoughts and feelings through her dialogue. This approach enhances the story’s depth and complexity, offering a direct look at the motivations of both characters. At times, Summers randomly uses a third-person subjective point of view, which makes for a somewhat disjointed reading experience. However, as the narrative progresses, the author primarily adheres to the third-person perspective, resulting in a much more enjoyable reading experience.
 
“Sketches from the Periphery” by MP Summers is a gripping novel that masterfully delves into the intricate dynamics of morality, religion, politics, and love. With a moving and starkly harrowing narrative, Summers skilfully resurrects the complexities of this era, leaving readers both profoundly impacted and reflective.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion

Pick up your copy of
Sketches from the Periphery

MP Summers



MP Summers is a professional environmentalist specializing in trans-national impacts and regulatory compliance.

His career began in 2005, when he dropped out of college and pursued a contract position supporting the Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur. He has since executed environmental and sustainability projects throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. 

A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a member of both the Hakluyt Society and Alianta, MP Summers has a Bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State University and a Juris Doctor from Birmingham School of Law. MP currently lives in Alabama with his wife, son, and two dogs. 

His debut novel, Sketches from the Periphery, focuses on the intersectional roots of the Darfur conflict.

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Ravens Hill (The Atheling Chronicles, #5) by Garth Pettersen



Ravens Hill
(The Atheling Chronicles, #5)
By Garth Pettersen


Publication Date: 15th April 2025
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing
Page Length: 308 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

In 1030 C.E. — When Harald, the second son of King Cnute, returns from fighting the king's enemies in Northern Wales, he expects his life to return to normal. He's surprised when he's granted a large landholding—an idyllic life, far from the power-mongering of King Cnute's court, farming in the Midlands, evening walks with his beloved Selia. It’s a gift they cannot refuse, but the king has other plans for Harald and his wife.

On arriving at their new holding, Ravens Hill, Harald and Selia receive a tepid welcome from tenants—belligerent housecarls; a conniving steward; an uncompromising abbess, bitter at not adding their estate to her abbey lands; a priest with roaming hands; and a grieving daughter of the previous landholder who has entered the nunnery.

Harald and Selia wish to improve the lot of their tenant farmers, but they face obstacles at every turn, and Harald’s generosity is seen as weakness.

Trouble brews when they learn the lands come with an unexpected millstone—an unsolved murder.

Pre-order your copy of
Ravens Hill
HERE! 

Garth Pettersen 


Garth Pettersen is a Canadian writer and historian who lives with his wife on a farm in the beautiful Fraser Valley near Vancouver, British Columbia. When he is not writing, he is looking after horses and mending fences. He has a bachelor's degree in History and a background in Education (History, English, Theatre). Garth Pettersen's short stories have appeared in several anthologies and in journals such as Blank Spaces, The Spadina Literary Review, and The Opening Line Literary 'Zine. His award-winning historical fiction series The Atheling Chronicles is set in Anglo-Saxon/Danish England early in the eleventh century and features the largely unknown figure of Harald Harefoot, second son of the “Viking” King Canute. Reviewers have praised the author for his extensive research on the era.

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THE QUEEN'S COIFFEUR by Will Bashor


THE QUEEN'S COIFFEUR
By Will Bashor


Publication Date: 5th September 2022
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length: 104 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

THE QUEEN’S COIFFEUR is the story of Leonard Autié, the role he played in the life of his most famous client, and the chaotic and history-making world in which he rose to prominence.

Was Leonard indirectly responsible for the very first attacks upon the queen, found in inflammatory pamphlets circulating as early as 1775. The attacks were prompted by Leonard's incredibly fanatical hairstyles, concoctions that reached such a height that it was necessary for ladies to kneel on the carriage floor--or hold the towering hairpieces outside the coach windows en route to gala balls and the opera.

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THE QUEEN'S COIFFEUR

Will Bashor


From Columbus, Ohio, Will earned his Ph.D. from the American Graduate School of Paris. In his spare time, he reads memoirs and researches the lives of royals and their courtiers. He hopes to share his fascination with the Bourbon dynasty and its quirky inhabitants and, at the same time, weave the historical record with creative fiction. He has written articles for the Huffington Post, Age of Revolutions, BBC History Magazine, and Carine Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book.

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Dear Heart, How Like You This? (The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn) by Wendy J. Dunn


Dear Heart, How Like You This?
(The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn)
By Wendy J. Dunn
 

Publication Date: 17th January 2019
Publisher: Poesy Quill; 2nd edition
Page Length: 368 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

1536, Allington Castle

Sir Thomas Wyatt is in his father's custody after witnessing the deaths of Anne and George Boleyn during his imprisonment at the Tower of London.

Tom had secretly loved Anne his entire life. Told he is not highly born enough to pursue her, he learns to hide his feelings, especially after Anne catches the eye of Henry VIII.

Despite his deepening disquiet about Anne's growing relationship with the king, Tom remains at Anne's side as one of her staunchest friends and supporters.

Then Anne takes her place as the king's second consort, and the unthinkable happens.
Tom watches helplessly as the woman he loves and his closest friends go on trial for their lives...

Grieving for Anne and his friends, Tom remembers Anne's tumultuous journey to become Henry's queen.

What is the cost of love?

Pick up your copy of
Dear Heart, How Like You This?

Wendy J. Dunn


Wendy J. Dunn is an award-winning Australian writer fascinated by Tudor history – so much so she was not surprised to discover a family connection to the Tudors, not long after the publication of her first Anne Boleyn novel, which narrated the Anne Boleyn story through the eyes of Sir Thomas Wyatt, the elder. Her family tree reveals the intriguing fact that one of her ancestral families – possibly over three generations – had purchased land from both the Boleyn and Wyatt families to build up their own holdings. It seems very likely Wendy’s ancestors knew the Wyatts and Boleyns personally. 

Wendy is married, the mother of three sons and one daughter—named after a certain Tudor queen, surprisingly, not Anne. She is also the grandmother of two amazing small boys. She gained her PhD in 2014 and loves walking in the footsteps of the historical people she gives voice to in her novels. Wendy also tutors at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.

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