Wednesday 16 October 2024
Book Review - Emelyn Morley and the Waking Dark (Saunmoor Book 1) by B. Lawson Hull
Book Review - An Adventurer’s Contract by Penny Hampson
Penny Hampson writes mysteries, and because she has a passion for history, you’ll find her stories also reflect that. A Gentleman’s Promise, a traditional Regency romance, was Penny’s debut novel and the first of her Gentlemen Series. There are now three novels in the series, with the fourth, An Adventurer’s Contract, due to be released by the end of 2024.
Penny lives with her family in Oxfordshire, and when she is not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, swimming, and the odd gin and tonic (not all at the same time).
Penny’s books are all available on Amazon: viewauthor.at/Pennysbooks
1571, and the beautiful, headstrong daughter of a French Count marries the son of the Vice Admiral of the Fleet of the West in Queen Elizabeth’s chapel at Greenwich. It sounds like a marriage made in heaven...
By Rosemary Griggs
Audiobook narrated by Rosemary Griggs
Tuesday 15 October 2024
Book Review - Rise of the Pale Moon by Patricia Brandon
By Patricia Brandon
They were more concerned about the repairs to the chimney than her five-year-old brother who was lying dead on the Carrington’s floor. He had died in the darkness of a chimney and he would never see sunlight again. Genevieve “Vieve” Whittier was too young to understand the connection between her beloved Simon, Lord Carrington, and her mother. But she did know that life would never be the same again.
With a strong determination to begin anew, Claire Whittier arranges a one-way ticket for herself and her daughter to Charlestown in The Province of South Carolina. But only Vieve would survive the journey.
Left alone and with nowhere else to turn, she becomes an indentured slave under the control of a wealthy plantation owner. Although this was not the life her mother had envisaged, Vieve is determined to make the very best of it and, as her mother made her promise, she would never give up, even in the darkest of times.
With its historical backdrop and compelling emotional storyline, Rise of the Pale Moon by Patricia Brandon will captivate the reader. It’s a story that encompasses all human emotions and leaves an unforgettable mark on the reader’s heart.
In her writing, Brandon skilfully combines an epic storyline with a keen attention to historical detail, resulting in a truly impressive novel. With great precision, Brandon has woven a narrative that encompasses a range of historical events, carefully addressing all the controversies and intricacies of the era. A deep understanding of this historical period has allowed for the examination of how those ensnared in slavery, including indentured servitude and enslaved natives, were treated. There are moments in this story where the tension reaches unbearable levels as our brave protagonists fight to remain alive and stay united in a world that seeks to separate them. Brandon’s storytelling skilfully revives a tragic yet mesmerizing era that you can’t help but be drawn to. Brandon weaves together themes of slavery, friendship, love, tragedy, and hope. This is a story that once started, is impossible to turn away from.
The novel delves into how friendship can surpass social class distinctions. Mistress Lucy has never had the privilege of knowing what true friendship feels like. Living on her family’s plantation severely restricts her ability to develop meaningful connections with children her age. When her father brings home Vieve, life as Lucy knows it is about to change forever. Despite being an indentured servant, Vieve and Lucy quickly become close friends. Maybelle and Ashwiyaa soon become part of this close-knit circle. All four friends bring their own individual qualities to the table, creating a lasting connection with each other. They grow together and they learn together. They also face impossible and dangerous situations together. Through the author’s depiction of this peculiar quartet, a powerful message is conveyed about the significance of one’s character over their physical attributes and social standing.
The narrative consistently explores the influence of individuals in terms of both status and wealth. The Carrington’s are prestigious members of the English aristocracy, while the Montagues have built their fortune on the backs of slaves working in rice and indigo fields. While the Carrington’s don’t own slaves, Lady Carrington’s unsympathetic perspective towards her servant, especially Vieve’s brother, is equal to the unapologetic treatment of the slaves by their Montague owners. The emphasis on one’s social standing amplifies the distressing treatment of the unfortunate people under these merciless individuals.
Lady Carrington and Elizabeth Montague are certainly cut from the same cloth, even though they never meet. They possess similar characteristics - entitled, apathetic, unsympathetic, and completely irredeemable. The despicable behaviour of both women in this novel establishes them as the obvious antagonists, and they both leave a lasting mark on Vieve’s life. While the reader’s interaction with Elizabeth is longer, it remains challenging to develop any sympathy for her, even in instances where sympathy would be appropriate. Her response to family indiscretions is to eliminate the victim rather than hold the perpetrator accountable. This novel places great emphasis on the idea that money can mask a variety of sins.
Life’s fragility is portrayed through the thoughtful use of similes and metaphors. Like the recurring seasons, the moon’s waxing and waning exemplify its inherent splendour and untamed strength. Brandon uses the moon repeatedly throughout this novel and it becomes something of a symbol for civilisation. By incorporating Mr. Thomas Paine and his progressive ideas, Brandon explores the potential for a different life for the characters in this story. A life that is not dictated by a few individuals. Irony is again put to good use for there is a prevailing sense of restlessness within the 13 colonies — they do not like to be told what to do, they want freedom from Britain. The ominous anticipation of war on the horizon is felt by all the characters in this novel, and more importantly, there is a sense of fear about what would happen after such a war. Would freedom be gained by some and lost by others? Or would this be a chance as Paine so elegantly put it: “… to begin the world over again.” The new world. A chance for individual liberty – of course that would depend on the individual in question. It’s really heart-wrenching to learn about Maybelle’s aspirations for her future. With nothing to hold onto but hope, she yearns for the freedom to shape her own destiny. Perhaps this war will see an end to slavery and she and her family will be free. Man’s inconsistency is once again comparable to the ever-changing nature of the moon, promises can just as easily be broken as made. Which leaves the reader truly fearing for Maybelle’s future.
Patricia Brandon’s Rise of the Pale Moon is an emotionally charged and captivating novel that had me engrossed from the very first sentence until the final punctuation mark. This literary masterpiece is an undeniable triumph that I enthusiastically recommend.
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion
Rise of the Pale Moon
HERE!
This novel is a must-read for fans of quality Historical Fiction.
An enthralling historical novel of Renaissance
(Italian Renaissance Series)
By Deborah Swift
Publisher: Quire Books
Page Length: 394 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
I’m a delver into archives, drinker of too much tea, and a lover of antiques and old buildings. Whilst you are reading this, I’m probably tapping away on my keyboard surrounded by my books and research. Our sturdy, stone-built house used to be the village primary school, and from my window I have a view of a few 17th century cottages, and behind those, green fields dotted with grazing sheep. This peaceful picture is often the opposite of what is unfolding on the page in front of me because storytelling thrives on conflict. And characters. And of course you, the reader.
Historical fiction was a natural choice for me as a writer because I always enjoyed the research aspect of design – poking about in archives and museums, not to mention the attraction of boned bodices and the excuse to visit old and interesting buildings!
I live close to the glorious countryside of the Lake District and divide my time between teaching and writing. When I’m not at work I love to walk and explore the landscape around my home – the lakes, the mountains and the sea.
Monday 14 October 2024
What will she lose in the fight for freedom?
(WW2 Secret Agent Series)
By Deborah Swift
Publisher: HQ Digital
Page Length: 389 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
I’m a delver into archives, drinker of too much tea, and a lover of antiques and old buildings. Whilst you are reading this, I’m probably tapping away on my keyboard surrounded by my books and research. Our sturdy, stone-built house used to be the village primary school, and from my window I have a view of a few 17th century cottages, and behind those, green fields dotted with grazing sheep. This peaceful picture is often the opposite of what is unfolding on the page in front of me because storytelling thrives on conflict. And characters. And of course you, the reader.
Historical fiction was a natural choice for me as a writer because I always enjoyed the research aspect of design – poking about in archives and museums, not to mention the attraction of boned bodices and the excuse to visit old and interesting buildings!
I live close to the glorious countryside of the Lake District and divide my time between teaching and writing. When I’m not at work I love to walk and explore the landscape around my home – the lakes, the mountains and the sea.
Sunday 13 October 2024
Book Review - Amid the Oncoming Storm (The Irish Fortune Series Book 3) by Juliane Weber
Amid the Oncoming Storm
(The Irish Fortune Series Book 3)
Publisher:
Page Length: 431 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
The devastating potato crop failure in 1845 continues to have severe consequences for Ireland, with hunger and desperation gripping the nation. With death tolls rising and despair prevailing, discord takes hold among the Irish population, as negligence from the British government and the cruelty of landlords fuel animosity among the impoverished and marginalized.
For Quin and Alannah Williams the welfare of their tenants is their top priority, but with mounting unrest growing, how much longer can they trust their tenants will not turn on them?
Amid the Oncoming Storm (The Irish Fortune Series Book 3) by Juliane Weber is so successful that the pages practically turn themselves. It is a heartbreakingly emotional read, but it is also one where the underlying message is of justice and hope.
Told in the third and first person, the story follows Quin and Alannah Williams. The use of different narrative devices allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the character’s thoughts and feelings.
Quin, an English gentleman, is an extremely sincere and ethical man who approaches his role as a wealthy landowner with great dedication. He is a kind man, a good husband, and a loyal friend. Alannah, an Irish woman, possesses a strong sense of self while exuding a natural charm that endears her to others. Both characters are highly likeable, and a joy to read about. However, there are also multiple antagonists who pose a threat to the harmonious lifestyle Quin and Alannah have established. With elements of darkness and light, this novel is an enthralling and highly entertaining read. Although there are some very emotional scenes which means having tissues close to hand is a must.
The narrative is haunted by the constant mention of hunger, disease, death and evictions. The author reminds the reader that the suffering of so many was not only because of the failure of the potato crop due to blight, but it was also a direct consequence of the British government's laissez-faire approach and the wealthy English landlord's total lack of empathy – profit before people has never been so apt as in Ireland during this era. Food and the lack of it assumes a symbolic indicator of the changes that are about to occur in the very fabric of Ireland and her people. Food not only sustains life but it also comes with a sense of pride. If a man can feed his family then he is a successful member of society, when he can’t he is seen as useless or lazy – this theme is touched upon on several occasions by the wealthy English characters in this novel. The rising tension caused by a starving nation foreshadows a violent future event and begs the question, how long before civil unrest is unleashed upon the once peaceful streets? The tone of this novel is therefore at times very dark.
The response of characters such as Quin and Alannah when there are beggars at the door is very telling of their characters. They see the suffering, they fear for the nation, and they will do what they can to help. Although they must prioritise their tenants, they will not slam their door to a beggar's plea for food. Their understanding of the situation is a sharp contrast when compared to the Cartwrights. Colleen Cartwright’s belief that the impoverished should cease their complaints is a classic demonstration of how the wealthy belittled the true extent of suffering endured by the majority of Irish citizens. Weber clearly illustrates the utter contempt that the English landowners viewed their Irish tenants. The immoral actions of many of the English landlords do however mean that all English landlords are tarred with the same brush. Although Quin and Alannah do everything they can to make sure their tenants are housed and fed this does not make Quin any less an English devil in the eyes of some of his tenants – he is an easy target to blame for all the wrongs in their lives, even when Quin swims against the tide and offers help to those who need it.
Through characters such as Emmeit, Weber explores Ireland's folklore traditions. The portrayal of the Gaelic May Day celebration, Bealtaine, was truly magnificent. In the midst of the ongoing famine, the children’s excitement becomes infectious and the festival’s rituals take on a renewed significance. By harnessing the power of flames, smoke, and ashes, both people and livestock would be safeguarded, guaranteeing a prosperous harvest. The May Bush would ward off the little people and stop them from meddling with the harvest. Grandfather O’Reilly’s study of the sky in the hope of seeing good fortune for the harvest reminds the reader of the importance of the harvest, it really was a matter of life and death.
The author’s dedication to historical accuracy and meticulous attention to detail shines through in the captivating narrative and polished prose of this novel, establishing its worthiness of praise. Through her enthralling storytelling, Weber has presented her readers with an immensely readable novel, with its non-stop action, intrigue, tested loyalties and love.
Even though this is the third book in The Irish Fortune Series, it holds its ground as a standalone story. There is the right amount of backstory for those new to the series, without it needlessly repeating things to the readers who have been with this story from the very beginning.
The key to this novel’s success lies in the seamless integration of thrilling action, a thoroughly researched historical setting, vivid character portrayal, and an enthralling plot. The Oncoming Storm by Juliane Weber is a novel that stands tall on a crowded bookcase. Without a doubt, this novel is a resounding success and comes highly recommended.
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion