A Tiger in the Garden by India Edghill

Publication Date: 1st June 2025
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length: 838
Genre: Historical Fiction

NOBODY’S PAWN

In the spring of 1878, young Lily Shawcross sails from England to India. An adventurous spirit, Lily looks forward to life in the exotic India of the Raj. Also on the voyage is a friend from Lily’s school days: the beautiful and self-centered Princess Lilavati of Sherabagh. Lily and Lilavati are delighted to meet again, but for quite different reasons.

For Lilavati is unwillingly returning to India to be married to her cousin, the Rajah Sherdil of Sherabagh. She sees in the sympathetic Lily a perfect pawn. Lily longs for exotic adventure – and Lilavati intends to see that Lily gets it.

So when the ship docks at Bombay, Lilavati drugs the unsuspecting Lily and hands her over to the escort Rajah Sherdil has sent to bring her home. Thinking they have Princess Lilavati, the escort takes Lily and heads north to the independent hill state of Sherabagh.

Of course Sherdil knows Lily isn’t his cousin, and he’s horrified to discover that he has a well-born English girl on his hands. Indian rulers had been deposed by the British for lesser offenses. Desperate to keep Sherabagh out of the grasp of the British, Sherdil decides to continue the pretense that Lily is Lilavati. He’ll take her to Sherabagh and marry her, and keep her in the Tiger Palace zenana where no one will ever find her.

Lily, on the other hand, has no intention of marrying Sherdil, no intention of being hidden away, and every intention of escaping back to British India. And she’s nobody’s pawn.

So begins a game of wills and wits, and the stakes are high: Sherabagh’s independence and Lily’s freedom. Only time will tell who will be the victor – Sherdil or Lily…or both. But Lilavati also plays a game in which only she can be the winner….

Praise

“A Tiger in the Garden” by India Edghill is an enthralling story that invites readers into a vividly imagined world teeming with historical detail and deep emotional resonance. Set against a backdrop that weaves together rich cultural tapestries, the narrative unfolds in a way that not only captivates the mind but also tugs at the heart. Each page reveals intricate characters and compelling conflicts, guiding the reader through a journey that leaves a lasting impression. The experience is sure to linger in the readers’ thoughts, making it a must-read for anyone seeking an engaging and memorable literary adventure. This book comes highly recommended.

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 India Edghill

India Edghill's love of books and of history is longstanding: her grandparents and parents were all book and history lovers, and India inherited both traits. Her favorite reading is historical novels, especially sweeping epics such as GONE WITH THE WIND. THE FAR PAVILIONS, and THE FIRST MAN IN ROME. So when she started writing, naturally she wrote historical novels!

A librarian and a resident of the Mid-Hudson Valley for many years, she now lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley in Oregon. There she and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels enjoy the marvelous weather and she continues to indulge her passion for reading and writing. It's always a wonderful day when she discovers a new book to adore!

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Editorial Book Review: The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven by Jennifer Ivy Walker

 

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven
By Jennifer Ivy Walker

Publication Date: 1st May 2025

Publisher: Green Mermaid Publications

Print Length: 522 Pages

Genre: Arthurian Fantasy / Historical Romance Fantasy / Parnormal

In this paranormal fantasy adaptation of the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde, the rightful heir to the Irish crown must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads Issylte to the otherworldly realm of the Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between her life as a Celtic healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom from the ruthless Black Widow Queen.

Tristan of Lyonesse is a Knight of King Arthur's Round Table who must overcome the horrors of his traumatic past and defend his kingdom of Cornwall against a Viking invasion from Ireland. When he becomes a warrior of the Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks.

Two parallel lives, interwoven by fate. Haunted and hunted by the same Black Widow Queen.

Can their passion and power prevail?

From the very first page, Jennifer Ivy Walker draws readers into a world that feels as ancient as legend itself, yet alive with vivid colours, captivating scents, and emotions that run deep (the forests almost seem to breathe, and the waterfalls seems to whisper secrets of its own). "The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven" is far more than a retelling of the Tristan and Isolde legend; it is a fully reimagined Celtic fantasy, intricately woven with magic, romance, and political intrigue. Walker’s richly detailed settings — from enchanted groves to terrifying battles — are inseparable from the lives of her characters, and the world itself becomes as much a character as the humans and magical beings who inhabit it. Her prose balances lyrical beauty with immediate urgency, immersing readers in the heartbeat of her characters and the vibrant pulse of a world alive with wonder, conflict, and longing.

Issylte, the heroine of this gripping tale, embodies resilience and quiet strength. Her life is irrevocably altered when her father, King Donnchadh of Ireland, marries the enchanting yet duplicitous Princess Morag of Scotland. Though outwardly beautiful, Morag harbours a heart steeped in ambition and darkness, her deadly desire for power placing her in direct opposition to her new stepdaughter. Issylte survives her stepmother’s attempt on her life, yet the threat endures: she must disappear from the world she knows and seek refuge with the legendary fairy witch, Maiwenn.

Under Maiwenn’s watchful and nurturing guidance, Issylte undergoes a remarkable transformation. She learns the ancient arts of healing, mastering the verdant magic of the forest that shelters her. Her visions — fleeting glimpses of the future — are both terrifying and illuminating, revealing dangers at every turn. Each foreboding glimpse heightens the tension, keeping readers acutely aware of the stakes. What makes Issylte particularly compelling is not merely her survival, but her growth. From a sheltered princess, she blossoms into a formidable young woman, wielding both wisdom and the natural magic of her forest sanctuary. Walker’s portrayal is tender, intricate, and utterly immersive: every fear, every flicker of courage, and the heartbreak of losses that cannot be undone is palpable. Her battle against Morag’s relentless pursuit becomes far more than a fight for life — it is a journey towards identity, empowerment, and agency in a world rife with danger and deception. Issylte emerges as a heroine whose quiet strength lingers long after the story ends.

Tristan of Lyonesse, the Blue Knight of Cornwall, is equally compelling. Haunted by past events, Tristan embodies a complex blend of loyalty, courage, and vulnerability. His journey is not solely about battles fought with sword and shield, or tormanemtents won; it is deeply personal, navigating fate while confronting memories of loss and regret. Tristan wrestles with inner conflicts and moral dilemmas, making him richly nuanced and highly relatable. Like Issylte, he possesses the extraordinary powers courtesy of the Tribe of Dana, linking him to ancient magic and a purpose beyond mere knighthood.

Another character of note is Ronan, the Avalonian Elf, whose story is both touching and intriguing. Scarred by tragedy yet drawn to Issylte, with courage and determination, he dares to love again. The bond between Issylte and Ronan forms one of the most compelling threads in the novel.

One of Walker’s greatest achievements in this novel is the ability to intertwine epic legend with intimate human experience. The looming threat of Morag, the intricacies of courtly politics, and the ever-present magic create tension that feels immediate. Yet it is often the small moments — a whispered confession, a touch weighted with years of longing, a carefully cast healing spell — that resonate most powerfully, marking the story as both epic and profoundly personal.

Walker’s pacing is masterful. The story flows effortlessly, balancing the grandeur of epic conflict with quieter, reflective passages. Action scenes are vivid and cinematic, yet never at the expense of character development, while reflective moments allow readers to inhabit Issylte and Tristan’s world fully. Themes of love, destiny, courage, and self-discovery are explored with both subtlety and clarity, making this a story that resonates on multiple levels.

 "The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven" is a masterfully crafted tale of magic, love, and Arthurian legend. Jennifer Ivy Walker has created a novel that is immersive, emotionally rich, and utterly enchanting — a story to be savoured, revisited, and shared. Book Two cannot come soon enough.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
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Jennifer Ivy Walker

Jennifer Ivy Walker is an award-winning author of medieval Celtic, Nordic, and paranormal romance, as well as contemporary romance, historical fantasy, and WWII romantic suspense.

A former high school teacher and college professor of French with an MA in French literature, her novels encompass a love for French language, literature, history, and culture, including Celtic myths and legends, Norse mythology, Viking sagas, and Nordic lore.

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Victory Gardens by Bill Hand

 

Victory Gardens 

By Bill Hand

Publication Date: 18th August 2023

Publisher: Historium Press

Print 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 

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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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Under the Spell of the Holy Relics by Michael Stolle

 

Under the Spell of the Holy Relics
By Michael Stolle

Publication Date: 1st April 2025

Publisher: Independently Published

Page Length: 418

Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Thriller

A gripping historical thriller full of intrigue, hidden truths, and deadly secrets!

Rome, 17th Century – A conspiracy that could change the course of history...

When Pope Innocent X ascends the Holy See, he has no idea that dark forces within the Vatican are pursuing their own agenda. Three of Christianity’s holiest relics – the Holy Grail, the Crown of Thorns, and the Shroud – conceal a secret that could threaten power, faith, and life itself.

A secret Templar order is searching for the holy relics – at any cost.

Cardinals, spies, and assassins fight for control over the faith.

The truth is hidden in ancient writings – but not everyone wants it to be revealed.

When monk Brother Johannes stumbles upon a classified document, he is drawn into a deadly race against time. In his search for the truth and battling with his conscience, he becomes entangled in the power struggles of the Church, the intrigues of European noble houses, and the shadows of the past. Who can he trust? And will he uncover the truth about the relics – before it’s too late?

Step into a world of secrets, betrayal, and deadly power struggles!

Praise

“Under the Spell of the Holy Relics” by Michael Stolle is a captivating historical thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. This enthralling story masterfully combines intense suspense with light-hearted moments of romance. It explores the deep bonds of friendship and family while also delving into the corruption brought about by greed and power. This book deserves a special place on your shelf and is one you will want to revisit time and again.

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Michael Stolle

Michael Stolle, award-winning and best-selling author, was born and educated in Europe. His enduring passion for history has deeply enriched his understanding of the human experience. Through his exploration, he has arrived at a powerful insight: the core essence of humanity is timeless, remaining as relevant today as it was in the 17th century.

Stolle started his writing journey in 2012, and since then, he has enthralled readers worldwide, selling over 100,000 copies of his books. His compelling narratives offer an immersive experience that breathes life into the richness of history, inviting readers to engage with the past in an intimate and vivid way.

Rough Diamond - Rough Justice by Avien Gray

Rough Diamond - Rough Justice 

By Avien Gray

Publisher: Avien Gray

Page Length: 446

Genre: Political Thrillers & Suspense / Historical Fiction

After a first kill, MI5 Agent and erstwhile photographer Cain becomes an undercover, extra-judicial killer for a secret Bureau.

Recovering from injuries sustained protecting the Royal Family, Cain embracesa new life and romance in sun-drenched Australia, leaving his past life behind.

But when tragedy strikes, he is on the move again. This time to a new career in the world of diamond dealings in Florida.

Curiosity takes Cain to the diamond world in South Africa, where his past finally catches up with him, the criminal world allies against him and he becomes a killer again.

In Cain's action-packed escapades, a spectacular betrayal takes him into the rigours of a Chinese prison where the truth about his past begins to unravel.

Aided by a loyal band of friends from the shadowy world of intelligence, he delivers his own particular brand of rough justice.

However, with enemies closing in on all sides, will Cain prevail?

Praise

“Rough Diamond, Rough Justice” by Avien Gray is an absolute triumph that should not be missed by any true fan of fast-paced thrillers. Gray delivers a masterful narrative, plunging readers into an electrifying journey filled with complex emotions, relentless danger, and an adrenaline rush that leaves you breathless. With each unexpected twist and turn, you won’t just be a spectator; you’ll be fully immersed in a gripping story that skilfully balances heart-stopping action with profound character depth. This book promises to captivate your imagination and keep you enthralled from the first page to the last—don’t let this thriller of a ride pass you by.

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Avien Gray

Avien Gray, the English author behind Rough Diamond – Rough Justice, brings a wealth of experience to his gripping debut novel. Born in the UK, Gray has led a dynamic, bachelor’s life marked by an impressive array of skills and global adventures. He has a driver’s license, motorbike license, and pilot’s license. His physical discipline extends to martial arts, where he earned a karate black belt, complemented by a lifelong passion for photography that captures the world through his discerning lens.

Gray’s rumoured travels paint the picture of a man unbound by borders. He is said to have spent many months in Saudi Arabia, Australia, the USA, South Africa, Europe and China. This rich tapestry of experiences infuses his writing with authenticity, lending a vivid, worldly edge to the thrilling narrative of his complex protagonist: a man called Cain.

Avien and his best friend shared a flat and went out with various female friends together. They had a great time. As it says in the book when Cain is talking with his best friend: a Royal Protection Officer.

 ‘We will have to write that book when we retire,’ Cain said.

 They looked at each other with knowing smiles – for a long few seconds.

 ‘All those secrets,’ said Jerry. ‘Perhaps we will.’

 And time moved on.

But in real life, his best friend tragically died – leaving Avien to write their book alone.

The Unquiet Spirit (Spirited Encounters Book 1) by Penny Hampson

 

 

The Unquiet Spirit
(Spirited Encounters Book 1)
By Penny Hampson

Publication Date: 17th October 2025

Publisher: PP&M Publishing

Page Length: 245

Genre: Paranormal Ghost Romance

She wasn’t home alone...

With her love life in tatters, Kate Wilson needs a fresh start, and where could be better than the old Cornish house that had belonged to her godmother?

There’s just one problem – it comes with a ghost as a sitting tenant.

Her grumpy new neighbour, the broodingly handsome Tom Carbis, is another fly in the ointment – he seems to turn up wherever Kate goes. His dog might be friendly, but he’s definitely not.

Then the discovery of a hidden diary points Kate to a romantic mystery with links to both Tom’s family and her house’s past – a mystery that might explain the reason for her spectral lodger.

The downside? Kate needs Tom’s help to solve it and has to convince him that she is not his foe.

But working with Tom to unravel long-buried secrets has unexpected consequences, and Kate discovers far more than she bargained for.

The Unquiet Spirit is a spooky, suspense-filled, enemies-to-lovers romance.

Praise

“The Unquiet Spirit” by Penny Hampson is an enthralling paranormal romance that weaves together elements of mystery and the supernatural. In this captivating tale, readers are drawn into a world where love transcends the boundaries of life and death, unveiling a profound connection between the living and the restless spirits that linger in the shadows.

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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).

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Penny’s books are all available on Amazon: viewauthor.at/Pennysbooks

The Acorn Legacy by Paul Lima

 

The Acorn Legacy
By Paul Lima

 

Publication Date: 8th August 2023

Publisher: Historium Press
 Page Length: 357 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

A Historical Novel Spanning 17 Centuries!

Corey Alden knows his full family tree--a lineage that stretches back 17 centuries--and he has the documents to prove it. Through DNA testing, however, he discovers a connection with someone he did not know existed--an entirely new branch of his family tree. And when his wife, Indira, an adoptee who believed she was an only child, gets her DNA tested, things get even more interesting.

The Acorn Legacy is a complex novel of history, mystery, and fantasy--as we move between past, present, and the mythical to bring the family line to life. Through it all, the Alden family line is entangled with major historical events from 400 AD onward.

The story begins on the European mainland, but moves quickly to Britain as Saxons battle Romans. The family line moves through British history until, fleeing religious persecution in Britain, the Alden ancestors arrive in the New World on the Mayflower. During the American Revolution, the line takes up residence in Canada and continues the family tree.

The Alden family line has a genealogical past, much like the history that many of our families have, with the exception that through it all they pass on enchanted acorns that grow into magical Oak trees. Do the humans plant and control the trees, or do the trees guide the family history? Or is the entire narrative in the hands of the ancient gods? These provocative questions drive forward the narrative about a seemingly ordinary family.

If you have ever wondered about your ancestry, or just love a first-rate story with engaging characters and situations, The Acorn Legacy is a must-read.

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 The Acorn Legacy

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Paul Lima

Based in Toronto, Canada, Paul Lima has been a professional writer and writing trainer for 35+ years. He has written 25 books: three novels, short story collections, and books on various aspects of business, promotional and online writing, writing memoirs, writing non-fiction books, and about Multiple Sclerosis, and illness Paul has had for 20 years. He has also produced free video webinars and video blogs on many aspects of writing and MS. An English major from York University, Paul has worked as an advertising copywriter (print and broadcast), continuing education manager and magazine editor (Northern Lights and Toronto Computes).

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