Thursday 31 October 2024

Arria and Garic’s marital bonds are tested but forged as they partner together to fulfill one of history’s most challenging missions, The Quest for the Crown of Thorns.

 


The Quest for the Crown of Thorns 
(Book Two Of The Long-Hair Saga)
By Cynthia Ripley Miller



Publication Date: 29th October 2018
Publisher: Booklocker.com
Page Length: 293 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Thriller

AD 454. Three years after the Roman victory over Attila the Hun at Catalaunum, Arria Felix and Garic the Frank are married and enjoying life on Garic’s farm in northern Gaul (France). Their happy life is interrupted when a cryptic message arrives from Arria’s father, the esteemed Senator Felix, calling them to Rome. At Arria’s insistence, but against Garic’s better judgment, they leave at once.

On their arrival at Villa Solis, they are confronted with a brutal murder and a dangerous mission. The fate of a profound and sacred object—Christ’s Crown of Thorns—rests in their hands. They must carry the holy relic to the safety of Constantinople, away from a corrupt emperor and old enemies determined to steal it for their own gain. But a greater force arises against them—a secret cult who will commit any atrocity to capture the Crown. All the while, the gruesome murder and the conspiracy behind it haunt Arria’s thoughts.

Arria and Garic’s marital bonds are tested but forged as they partner together to fulfill one of history’s most challenging missions, The Quest for the Crown of Thorns.

Pick up your copy of
The Quest for the Crown of Thorns 

Cynthia Ripley Miller


Cynthia Ripley Miller is a first-generation Italian-American writer with a love for history, languages, and books. She has lived, worked, and traveled in Europe, Africa, North America, and the Caribbean. As a girl, she often wondered what it would be like to journey through time (she still does), yet she knew it could only be through the imagination and words of writers and their stories. Today, she writes to bring the past to life. 

Cynthia holds two degrees and has taught history and teaches English. Her short fiction has appeared in the anthology Summer Tapestry and The Scriptor. A Chanticleer International Chatelaine Award finalist for her novel On the Edge of Sunrise, she has reviewed for UNRV Roman History and blogs at Historical Happenings and Oddities: A Distant Focus and on her website. 

Cynthia has four children and lives with her husband, twin cats, Romulus and Remus, and Jessie, a German Shepherd, in a suburb of Chicago. On the Edge of Sunrise is the first in the Long-Hair Sagas; a series set in late ancient Rome and France and published by Booklocker.

 Cynthia with Cynthia:




 

Wednesday 30 October 2024

When love commands, destiny must obey.

 


On the Edge of Sunrise
(Book One of The Long-Hair Saga)
By Cynthia Ripley Miller


Publication Date: 2nd June 2018
Publisher: Booklocker.com, Inc.
Page Length: 378 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Romance

When love commands, destiny must obey. The year is AD 450. The Roman Empire wanes as the Medieval Age awakens. Attila the Hun and his horde conquer their way across Europe into Gaul. Caught between Rome’s tottering empire and Attila’s threat are the Frankish tribes and their ‘Long-Hair’ chiefs, northern pagans in a Roman Christian world, and a people history will call the Merovingians.

A young widow, Arria longs for a purpose and a challenge. She is as well versed in politics and diplomacy as any man … but with special skills of her own. Emperor Valentinian, determined to gain allies to help stop the Huns, sends a remarkable envoy, a woman, to the Assembly of Warriors in Gaul. Arria will persuade the Franks to stand with Rome against Attila.

When barbarian raiders abduct Arria, the Frank blue-eyed warrior, Garic, rescues her. Alarmed by her instant and passionate attraction, Arria is torn between duty and desire. Her arranged betrothal to the ambitious tribune, Drusus, her secret enlistment by Valentinian as a courier to Attila the Hun, and a mysterious riddle—threaten their love and propel them into adventure, intrigue, and Attila’s camp. Rebels in a falling empire, Arria and Garic must find the strength to defy tradition and possess the love prophesied as their destiny.

Pick up your copy of
On the Edge of Sunrise

Cynthia Ripley Miller


Cynthia Ripley Miller is a first-generation Italian-American writer with a love for history, languages, and books. She has lived, worked, and traveled in Europe, Africa, North America, and the Caribbean. As a girl, she often wondered what it would be like to journey through time (she still does), yet she knew it could only be through the imagination and words of writers and their stories. Today, she writes to bring the past to life. 

Cynthia holds two degrees and has taught history and teaches English. Her short fiction has appeared in the anthology Summer Tapestry and The Scriptor. A Chanticleer International Chatelaine Award finalist for her novel On the Edge of Sunrise, she has reviewed for UNRV Roman History and blogs at Historical Happenings and Oddities: A Distant Focus and on her website. 

Cynthia has four children and lives with her husband, twin cats, Romulus and Remus, and Jessie, a German Shepherd, in a suburb of Chicago. On the Edge of Sunrise is the first in the Long-Hair Sagas; a series set in late ancient Rome and France and published by Booklocker.

 Cynthia with Cynthia:




 

Tuesday 29 October 2024

September 1941, Bath – three friends are about to find that some of the biggest battles are to be found on the home front…



The Home Front Nurses

By Rachel Brimble


Publication Date: 8th August 2024
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Page Length: 266 Pages
Genre: Historical Romance

The start of a BRAND NEW historical series from Rachel Brimble

September 1941, Bath – three friends are about to find that some of the biggest battles are to be found on the home front…

As war rages and brave soldiers returning home from the frontline need nurses more than ever, fiercely proud redhead Sylvia Roberts is determined to help in any way she can. In spite of her mother’s belief she isn’t good enough, Sylvia believes that becoming a home front nurse is her calling.

Together with the two friends she makes on her first day in the job – Freda and Veronica – she knows she can help save lives. And, as the devastation of war shows no signs of ceasing, their work becomes ever more vital.

Then Sylvia’s life is thrown into the path of a man who might just be able to capture her heart. Even though he is somebody who everyone – except her best friends – seems prejudiced against. Can love really conquer all, in times of war?

One thing she knows is that – in the dangerous days that will follow – she and her friends will all need to support each other right to the end…

Pick up your copy of
The Home Front Nurses
HERE!

Rachel Brimble


Rachel lives in a small town near Bath. She’s the author of 30 novels, including the popular Shop Girl series and Ladies of Carson Street trilogy, as well as many single titles. Her brand new WWII series is set in Bath. The first book, The Home Front Nurses, was released on August 8th, with book 2 coming in February 2025.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and the Female Entrepreneur Association and also runs a manuscript & proofreading service.

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Monday 28 October 2024

Paul Bennett's fabulous novel. Clash of Empires: A Novel of the French Indian War (The Mallory Saga Book 1), is now available as an audiobook.

 


Clash of Empires: A Novel of the French Indian War (The Mallory Saga Book 1)
By Paul Bennett
Narrated by Jonathan Hicks


Publication Date: 25th November 2016
Audible Release Date: 19th October 2023
Publisher: Hoover Books
Page Length: 391 Pages
Listening Length: 9 hours and 12 minutes
Genre: Historical Fiction

In 1756, Britain and France are on a collision course for control of the North American continent. The eventual result can be described as the first world war, known as the Seven Year’s War in Europe and the French and Indian War in the colonies. The Mallory family uproots from eastern Pennsylvania, and moves to the western frontier, where they find themselves in the middle of war. Daniel, Liam, and Liza (the three Mallory siblings) become involved in the conflict in ways that lead to emotional trauma for each. The story focuses on historical events and includes historical characters. 

Clash of Empires is an exciting look at the developments leading to the events of July 1776, which are chronicled in the sequel as we follow the exploits and fate of the Mallory clan.

Pick up your audio copy of
Clash of Empires

Also available on #Kindle and Paperback
Read for Free with #KindleUnlimited

Paul Bennett


Paul was born in Detroit when the Big Three ruled the automobile industry, and The Korean Conflict was in full swing. A lifelong interest in history and a love of reading eventually led him to Wayne State University where he majored in Ancient History, with a minor in Physical Anthropology. However, to make ends meet, those studies were left to the realm of dreams, and Paul found himself accidentally embarking on a 50 year career in computers. A career that he has recently retired from in order to spend more time with those dreams….7 grandchildren will help fill the time as well.

He now resides in the quaint New England town of Salem, Massachusetts with his wife Daryl, just a few minutes’ walk from the North River, and the site where the Revolution almost began.

The Mallory Saga is the culmination of Paul’s love of history, and his creative drive to write stories. With Nightwish and Bruce Cockburn coming through his headphones, and many cups of excellent coffee, Paul hopes to carry the Saga into the late 19th century, bringing American History to life through the eyes and actions of the Mallory family.

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Saturday 26 October 2024

Book Review - For the Want of Silver: Inspired by the story of Ulf of Borresta by Michael E. Wills



For the Want of Silver: 
Inspired by the story of Ulf of Borresta
By Michael E. Wills


Publication Date: 17th May 2023
Publisher: Bygone Ages Press
Page Length: 279 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

A novel inspired by the true story of a Viking raider who, over 30 years, acquired a fortune in English silver.

In the churchyard of the village of Orkesta, just north of the city of Stockholm, stand two eleventh century rune stones. One of them, in a few brief runes, tells the world of the extraordinary achievements of Ulf of Borresta, a Viking raider, who lived nearby.

During his long raiding career, Ulf became extremely rich on the proceeds of extortion: Danegeld. The carved runes mention the names of Norse historical figures with whom he ravaged the English countryside. These Viking chieftains were real historical figures. Their names, the dates and places of their battles in England and the sums of silver they were paid by desperate English monarchs, are documented in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles.

Ulf took part in this reign of terror and in the vicious raids and bloody battles where the Danegelds were won. This is his story.



Chieftain Gnir annually sent the tax collector, Ingemund, to the nearby villages to collect the owed tithes. This year was no different. But for Ulf and his best friend Erik, life would never be the same again.

Taken by Ingemund for a crime against one of his men, the two boys come face to face with Gnir. Recognizing their potential, Gnir offers them the opportunity to train as housecarls. But this does not guarantee that they will reach adulthood, for there are those who would happily see both boys in their graves.

Discover the captivating tale of Ulf of Borresta in Michael E. Wills’ latest book, “For the Want of Silver.”

The story is gripping and progresses with a distinct narrative arc. The opening of this novel sets up the conflict and introduces the main characters, Ulf and Erik. Ulf and Erik’s growth from captive children to warriors shapes their path towards becoming successful individuals. The events that occur in this story are connected in a logical manner, and the pacing effectively maintains reader engagement.

The characters in this novel are well-developed and believable. Ulf is a highly likeable character, although he can come off as arrogant, especially in his interactions with his best friend Erik, whom he perceives as less intelligent. However, without Erik’s support, Ulf’s journey from captive child to warrior, farmer, husband, and father would have been impossible. Despite occasional difficulties, Ulf and Erik share a strong bond. Erik’s unwavering loyalty means that he will always be there to support Ulf, especially in times of trouble. It’s undeniable that without Erik, Ulf would not have lived to see his children grow up. As an adult, Erik is a shameless alcoholic which puts him and Ulf at odds on several occasions, but he will do everything in his power to keep Ulf physically safe, even if that comes at his own expense. Regardless of the highs and lows in their relationship, Ulf and Erik have a deep understanding that they can rely on each other in times of great necessity. The depiction of this friendship by the author is skilful, and Ulf and Erik make a formidable duo.

In this novel, there are numerous antagonists. Agmunder and others like him hold a personal vendetta against the boys. When the boys mature into men and take up arms, they soon grasp the notion that the risks of war surpass the enemy they confront, putting them at risk of injury and death from their own allies. Likewise, greed, pride, and envy are dangerous foes. They must share the silver obtained from their adversaries equally, but it is up to each person to secure their own silver from those who would try to steal more to satisfy their greed. Ulf’s comprehension of this peril prompts him to devise strategies for securing the silver in a manner that would make it extremely difficult to take.

Wills has illustrated a Norse society that was highly structured, with defined social classes, but there was substantial social mobility. Ulf is a prime illustration of this mobility. Initially a freeman, he is taken prisoner, transitions into a warrior, and eventually establishes himself as a wealthy farmer. Despite his life being illustrated in stone for all eternity, the reality was that his destiny was not tied to his circumstances of birth.

This novel portrays numerous battle scenes, Ulf visits England thrice, and earns his fair share of the Danegeld! Ulf’s growing confidence as a warrior is juxtaposed with the heartbreaking loss of friends, emphasizing the grim truths of war. The intricacies of warfare are thoroughly examined, including fear, adrenaline, and excitement. The Anglo-Saxon army, as depicted by the author, consists not only of trained soldiers but also farmers. The farmers must have been truly terrified when they encountered such a strong adversary, causing the reader to pause and contemplate. True to expectations, the book contains intense scenes of violence, but the author emphasizes the aftermath of the battle more rather than the battle itself.

The amount of effort put into researching this era is apparent in the attention to the historical detail. On the other hand, the inclusion of certain modern terminology may interrupt the reader’s engagement in the narrative. People who enjoy novels set in this era typically understand the terminology, but clear explanations in well-written prose can clarify the meaning of each archaic word. The novel’s style suggests it is targeted towards young adults, showcasing the author’s preference for this audience. Nevertheless, this book contains many adult themes that may be unsuitable for a younger reader.

For the Want of Silver by Michael E. Wills is a novel that deserves to be read. Wills has breathed new life into Ulf, bringing his story to a new generation of readers. This book absolutely deserves a spot on your bookshelf.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion



Pick up your copy of
For the Want of Silver

Michael E. Wills

Michael Wills was born in Newport on the Isle of Wight and attended the Priory Boys’ School and later Carisbrooke Grammar. He trained as a teacher at St Peter’s College, Birmingham, before teaching mathematics and physical education for two years at a secondary school in Kent.

After re-training to become a teacher of English as a Foreign Language he worked in Sweden for thirteen years. In 1979 he returned to UK with his wife and young family to start a language school, the Salisbury School of English.

From small beginnings the school developed into substantial business enterprise. Michael retired in 2008 after over forty years in the field of education. Along the way, he was President of Salisbury Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Co-Chair of English UK, the national association of English language training providers.

Currently, Michael is employed part-time as Ombudsman for English UK. He divides his spare time between indulging his life-long interest in medieval history and enjoying his grandchildren, writing, carpentry, amateur radio and sailing.

Michael also has an interest in modern history and has a website relating to the evacuation of Dunkirk in World War II: https://www.iowtodunkirk.com

Connect with Michael:
Website
Twitter
Facebook





Friday 25 October 2024

From action to romance, secrets to adventure, every aspect of this book is captivating and will keep you hooked until the last page.



Steinar
(The Wolves of Clan Sutherland Book 3) 
By Mary Morgan


Publication Date: 10th January 2024
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Page Length: 265 Pages
Genre: Viking Historical Romance

Descended from the mighty Somerled, Lord of the Isles, Steinar MacDougall’s supremacy over the seas is fierce. On a quest for King William, he is captured by the enemy and presented with a favorable opportunity. Yet Steinar soon realizes his greatest threat comes from the woman who hides behind the mask of a warrior, and the quest for control might send them hurdling into the abyss of the sea.

As leader of the Serpents, Inga the Ruthless travels beyond the isles bartering for goods with her brothers. After rescuing the feared Pirate Wolf during a storm, she surrenders her trust to the man and his inner wolf in order to claim the lost treasure of Odin. Though the journey is fraught with dangers, Inga fears her heart might be the one in peril, leading her to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Will the sea be their salvation or doom them to a watery grave?

Pick up your copy of 
Steinar
(The Wolves of Clan Sutherland Book 3)
HERE!



Mary Morgan


Mary Morgan is an international best-selling author of award-winning historical fantasy and paranormal romance novels. During her research travels with her knight in shining armor to England, Ireland, and Scotland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Her passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic and Norse mythology, Mary's tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of fantasy, then journey back in time within the pages of her books.

Connect with Mary



Thursday 24 October 2024

He’s come to Ireland to escape his past. She’s trying to run from her future.




Under the Emerald Sky: 
Gripping historical fiction in 19th century Ireland
(The Irish Fortune Series Book 1)
By Juliane Weber


Publication Date: 25th October 2020
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length: 469 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction/Historical Romance

It’s 1843 and the Englishman Quinton Williams has come to Ireland to oversee the running of his father’s ailing estate and escape his painful past. There he meets the Irishwoman Alannah O’Neill, whose family is one of few to have retained ownership of their land, the rest having been supplanted by the English over the course of the country's bloody history. Seeing the injustices of Victorian Ireland, Alannah’s brother Kieran has learned to hate the English and imperialism. Aware of Kieran’s hostility towards the English, Alannah keeps her growing relationship with Quin a secret – but it's a secret that can't be kept for long from those plotting to end England’s oppression of the Irish people. In the face of hate and revenge, an action-packed romance ensues.

But all the while, Ireland is deeply troubled, steeped in the stark contrasts that separate the rich few from the plentiful poor – which will prove to have devastating consequences.

Can Quin and Alannah find happiness in a land teetering on the brink of disaster? 

Pick up your copy of
Under the Emerald Sky

Juliane Weber


Juliane is a scientist turned novelist. She holds degrees in physiology and zoology, including a

PhD in physiology. During her studies she realised her passion lay not in conducting scientific research herself, but in writing about it. Thus began her career as a medical writer, where she took on all manner of writing and editing tasks, in the process honing her writing skills, until she finally plucked up the courage to write her first historical novel, Under the Emerald Sky. The book is the first in the Irish Fortune Series, which is set in 19th century Ireland around the time of the Great Famine. Under the Emerald Sky was awarded bronze medals in The Historical Fiction Company 2021 Book of the Year Contest and The Coffee Pot Book Club 2022 Book of the Year Contest. 

The second book in the series, Beneath the Darkening Clouds, was selected as an Editors' Choice title by the Historical Novel Society and was awarded a bronze medal in The Historical Fiction Company 2022 Book of the Year Contest.

Juliane was born in Germany, but spent most of her life in South Africa. She now lives with her husband and two sons in Hamelin, Germany, the town made famous by the story of the Pied Piper. 

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Wednesday 23 October 2024

A Celtic warrior princess is torn between her forbidden love for the enemy and duty to her people.

 


Apollo’s Raven
(Curse of Clansmen and Kings, Book 1)
By Linnea Tanner


Publication Date: 27th January 2020 
Publisher: Apollo Raven Publisher, LLC
Page Length: 394 Pages
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Historical Fiction

A Celtic warrior princess is torn between her forbidden love for the enemy and duty to her people.
 
AWARD-WINNING APOLLO’S RAVEN sweeps you into an epic Celtic tale of forbidden love, mythological adventure, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia. In 24 AD British kings hand-picked by Rome to rule are fighting each other for power. King Amren’s former queen, a powerful Druid, has cast a curse that Blood Wolf and the Raven will rise and destroy him. The king’s daughter, Catrin, learns to her dismay that she is the Raven and her banished half-brother is Blood Wolf. Trained as a warrior, Catrin must find a way to break the curse, but she is torn between her forbidden love for her father’s enemy, Marcellus, and loyalty to her people. She must summon the magic of the Ancient Druids to alter the dark prophecy that threatens the fates of everyone in her kingdom.
 
Will Catrin overcome and eradicate the ancient curse. Will she be able to embrace her forbidden love for Marcellus? Will she cease the war between Blood Wolf and King Amren and save her kingdom?

Pick up your copy of
Apollo’s Raven


Linnea Tanner


Award-winning author, Linnea Tanner, weaves Celtic tales of love, magical adventure, and political intrigue in Ancient Rome and Britannia. Since childhood, she has passionately read about ancient civilizations and mythology. Of particular interest are the enigmatic Celts, who were reputed as fierce warriors and mystical Druids.

Linnea has extensively researched ancient and medieval history, mythology, and archaeology and has traveled to sites described within each of her books in the Curse of Clansmen and Kings series. Books released in her series include "Apollo’s Raven" (Book 1), "Dagger’s Destiny" (Book 2), "Amulet’s Rapture" (Book 3), and "Skull’s Vengeance" (Book 4). She has also released the historical fiction short story, "Two Faces of Janus."

A Colorado native, Linnea attended the University of Colorado and earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. She lives in Fort Collins with her husband and has two children and six grandchildren.

Connect with Linnea:

Website

Twitter

Instagram