Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion: December 2024

Tuesday, 31 December 2024

The Godmother's Secret: The Mystery of the Missing Princes in the Tower by Elizabeth St.John

The Godmother's Secret:
The Mystery of the Missing Princes in the Tower
By Elizabeth St.John

Publication Date: 4th October 2022
Publisher: Falcon Historical
Page Length: 443 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

If you knew the fate of the Princes in the Tower would you tell? Or forever keep the secret?

May 1483: The Tower of London. When King Edward IV dies and Lady Elysabeth Scrope delivers her young godson, Edward V, into the Tower of London to prepare for his coronation, she is engulfed in political turmoil. Within months, the prince and his brother have disappeared, Richard III is declared king, and Elysabeth’s sister Margaret Beaufort conspires with her son Henry Tudor to invade England and claim the throne.

Desperate to protect her godson, Elysabeth battles the intrigue, betrayal and power of the last medieval court, defying her Yorkist husband and her Lancastrian sister under her godmother’s sacred oath to keep Prince Edward safe. Bound by blood and rent by honour, Elysabeth is torn between the crown and her family, knowing that if her loyalty is questioned, she is in peril of losing everything—including her life.

Were the princes murdered by their uncle, Richard III? Did Margaret Beaufort mastermind their disappearance to usher in the Tudor dynasty? Or did the young boys vanish for their own safety? Of anyone at the royal court, Elysabeth has the most to lose–and the most to gain–by keeping secret the fate of the Princes in the Tower.

Praise

This novel captured the very essence of this era and was simply unputdownable. In all ways, this book is an absolute triumph.

Mary Anne Yarde, Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion

"An extremely well-written book with depth and complexity to the main characters. The author says she wanted to write a book about family love and tolerance, and a woman's loyalty and courage. She has done so. This is the best book I've read in ages!"

The Ricardian Bulletin - Richard III Society

"The authenticity and historical research displayed within this story is immense and exquisite. Ms. St. John is sure to be a newfound favorite for fans of not only this fractious time in English history, but of all historical fans who adore rich, immersive prose.

Historical Fiction Company 2022 Book of the Year

Pick up your copy of
The Godmother's Secret
HERE!

Elizabeth St. John

Elizabeth St.John’s critically acclaimed historical fiction novels tell the stories of her ancestors: extraordinary women whose intriguing kinship with England's kings and queens brings an intimately unique perspective to Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart times.

Inspired by family archives and residences from Lydiard Park to the Tower of London, Elizabeth spends much of her time exploring ancestral portraits, diaries, and lost gardens. And encountering the occasional ghost. But that’s another story.

Living between California, England, and the past, Elizabeth is the International Ambassador for The Friends of Lydiard Park, an English charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing this beautiful centuries-old country house and park. As a curator for The Lydiard Archives, she is constantly looking for an undiscovered treasure to inspire her next novel.

Elizabeth's works include The Lydiard Chronicles, a trilogy set in 17th-century England during the Civil War, and The Godmother's Secret, which unravels the medieval mystery of the missing princes in the Tower of London. Her latest release, The King’s Intelligencer, follows Franny Apsley's perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the sudden discovery of the princes' bones. In Charles II's court of intrigue and deceit, Franny must decide what she’ll risk—for England’s salvation, her family's safety, and her own happiness.

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Written in their Stars: A Novel (The Lydiard Chronicles Book 3) by Elizabeth St.John

Written in their Stars: A Novel
(The Lydiard Chronicles Book 3)
By Elizabeth St.John

Publication Date: 16th January 2020

Publisher: Falcon Historical

Page Length: 487 Pages

Genre: Historical Biographical Fiction

London, 1649.

As King Charles I meets his bloody end on the executioner’s block, Royalist cousins Nan Wilmot and Frances Apsley witness the king’s death as a call to action. Determined to see his son, the exiled prince, return to the throne, they risk everything to restore the monarchy. Meanwhile, their radical cousin Luce, wife of regicide John Hutchinson, celebrates the rise of the republic, setting the stage for a devastating clash of cherished family love and loyalty.

Nan, as Countess of Rochester, uses her powerful position to manipulate England’s political divide, defying Cromwell and establishing a Royalist spy network. Frances and her husband, Allen, escape to Paris to join the impoverished prince in his fight for restoration. Luce remains loyal to her beloved republic, defending Nottingham Castle under siege. As these courageous women navigate treacherous political waters and devious foes, their husbands fight openly across England’s fortresses and battlefields, all for a cause that may destroy them.

In the chaos of war, Nan, Frances, and Luce are trapped between loyalty and love. Will the return of the king be a victory, or the bitter end of everything they’ve fought for?

Based on the true story of Elizabeth St.John’s ancestors, this gripping historical novel brings to life the dramatic choices and sacrifices of women who shaped the fate of England during its darkest days of civil war. Perfect for readers of literary historical fiction who seek adventure, love, and the untold stories of courageous women.

Only 0.99 on #Kindle for a Limited Time.

Pick up your copy of

Written in their Stars

HERE!

Elizabeth St. John

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Monday, 30 December 2024

Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen: The Story of Elizabeth of York (Plantagenet Embers Book 1) by Samantha Wilcoxson

Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen:
The Story of Elizabeth of York
(Plantagenet Embers Book 1)
By Samantha Wilcoxson

Publication Date: 6th August 2015
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length: 359 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

Born a Plantagenet Princess, Elizabeth became the first Tudor Queen.

She was the mother of Henry VIII and wife of Henry VII, but who was Elizabeth of York? As the eldest child of King Edward IV, Elizabeth had every reason to expect a bright future until Edward died and her life fell apart.

When Elizabeth's uncle became King Richard III, she was forced to choose sides. Should she trust her father's brother and most loyal supporter or honor the betrothal that her mother has made for her to her family's enemy, Henry Tudor?

The choice was made for her on the field at Bosworth.

Did Elizabeth find happiness with Henry? And did she ever discover the truth about her missing brothers, the lost Princes in the Tower?

Lose yourself in Elizabeth's world and join her on her journey.

The Plantagenet Embers Series:

Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen: The Story of Elizabeth of York

Faithful Traitor: The Story of Margaret Pole

Queen of Martyrs: The Story of Mary I

The Last Lancastrian: A Story of Margaret Beaufort (novella)

Once a Queen: A Story of Elizabeth Woodville (novella)

Prince of York: A Story of Reginald Pole (novella)

Only 0.99 on #Kindle for a Limited Time

(UK only).

Pick up your copy of

Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen:
The Story of Elizabeth of York

HERE!

Samantha Wilcoxson

Samantha Wilcoxson is an author of emotive biographical fiction and strives to help readers connect with history's unsung heroes. She also writes nonfiction for Pen & Sword History. Samantha loves sharing trips to historic places with her family and spending time by the lake with a glass of wine. Her most recent work is Women of the American Revolution, which explores the lives of 18th century women, and she is currently working on a biography of James Alexander Hamilton.

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Written in their Stars: A Novel (The Lydiard Chronicles Book 3) by Elizabeth St.John

Written in their Stars: A Novel
(The Lydiard Chronicles Book 3)
By Elizabeth St.John

Publication Date: 16th January 2020

Publisher: Falcon Historical

Page Length: 487 Pages

Genre: Historical Biographical Fiction

London, 1649.

In the chaos of war, Nan, Frances, and Luce are trapped between loyalty and love. Will the return of the king be a victory, or the bitter end of everything they’ve fought for?

Only 0.99 on #Kindle for a Limited Time.

Pick up your copy of

Written in their Stars

HERE!

Elizabeth St. John

Connect with Elizabeth:

Sunday, 29 December 2024

Written in their Stars: A Novel (The Lydiard Chronicles Book 3) by Elizabeth St.John

Written in their Stars: A Novel
(The Lydiard Chronicles Book 3)
By Elizabeth St.John

Publication Date: 16th January 2020

Publisher: Falcon Historical

Page Length: 487 Pages

Genre: Historical Biographical Fiction

London, 1649.

In the chaos of war, Nan, Frances, and Luce are trapped between loyalty and love. Will the return of the king be a victory, or the bitter end of everything they’ve fought for?

Only 0.99 on #Kindle for a Limited Time.

Pick up your copy of

Written in their Stars

HERE!

Elizabeth St. John

Connect with Elizabeth:

Friday, 27 December 2024

The King’s Intelligencer: Discovering the Missing Princes in the Tower by Elizabeth St.John

The King’s Intelligencer:

Discovering the Missing Princes in the Tower

By Elizabeth St.John

Publication Date: October 15th, 2024
Publisher: Falcon Historical
Pages: 494 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

London, 1674

When children’s bones are unexpectedly unearthed in the Tower of London, England’s most haunting mystery—the fate of the missing princes—is reignited.

Franny Apsley, trusted confidante to Charles II’s beloved niece and heir, Lady Mary Stuart, is caught up in the court’s excitement surrounding the find. Yet, as a dark family secret comes to light, Franny realises the truth behind the missing princes is far more complex—and dangerous—than anyone suspects. Recruited by her formidable cousin Nan Wilmot, Dowager Countess of Rochester, to discover the truth behind the bones, Franny is thrust into the shadowy world of intelligencers. But her quest is complicated by an attraction to the charismatic court artist Nicholas Jameson, a recent arrival from Paris who harbours secrets of his own.

Pursued by Nicholas, Franny searches for evidence hidden in secret family letters and paintings, and uncovers a startling diplomatic plot involving Lady Mary, which causes Franny to question her own judgment, threatens the throne, and sets England on a course for war. With only her courage and the guidance of an enigmatic spy within the royal household, Franny must decide how far she will go to expose the truth—and whether that truth will lead to England’s salvation or her own heartbreak.

In a glittering and debauched society where love is treacherous and loyalty masked, Franny must navigate a world where a woman’s voice is often silenced and confront the ultimate question: What is she willing to risk for the sake of her country, her happiness, and her family’s safety?

A captivating historical novel of conspiracy, passion, and courage, The King’s Intelligencer is one woman's quest for a truth that could change the fate of a nation. A companion to the critically acclaimed best-selling novels The Godmother’s Secret and The Lydiard Chronicles, The King’s Intelligencer weaves together beloved characters and actual events to bring a suspenseful mystery to life.

Pick up your copy of

The King’s Intelligencer

HERE!

Elizabeth St. John

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Thursday, 26 December 2024

Book Review - Murder on West Lake: A South Shore Mystery by I. M. Foster

Murder on West Lake:

A South Shore Mystery

By I. M. Foster

Publication Date: 9th December 2024

Publisher: Inez M. Foster

Page Length: 438 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Mystery

A scream shattered the tranquil air, echoing off the ice-covered lake, and Daniel's heart froze. He knew that voice all too well.

After a pleasant afternoon of ice skating on the frozen waters of West Lake, local librarian Kathleen Brissedon stumbles across a gruesome sight in the nearby gazebo. It only takes a moment for her beau, assistant coroner Doctor Daniel O'Halleran, to determine that the victim was murdered.

To protect Kathleen from the ghastly sight of the man’s slashed throat, Daniel insists she return home while he examines the body further. Though the immediate cause of death appears obvious, he fears the subsequent autopsy will uncover more questions than answers, and it's clear that he has his work cut out for him if he's going to find the person responsible.

Kathleen has no intention of remaining demurely at home, not when there's a murder to solve. Slipping back to the scene, she conducts her own investigation. Though her discoveries prove interesting, Daniel is too concerned about her safety to stifle his annoyance, especially after the killer makes a second attempt closer to home. But as the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place and Daniel starts closing in on the truth, the killer sets their sights on him.

With the danger increasing, Kathleen intent on assisting in the investigation, and his family descending on Patchogue to spend the Christmas holidays, Daniel has his hands full. Will he and Kathleen be able to put their heads together and discover who is behind the attacks, or will the killer continue to plague the tranquil South Shore village unhindered?

Although not the first time the pair had been faced with a body, Doctor Daniel O’Halleran had hoped to keep Kathleen Brissedon away from any future investigations. A coroner’s assistant himself, he was no stranger to performing autopsies, or carefully stepping into crime scenes to attempt to determine the true causes of death, but that wasn’t something Kathleen was supposed to be making a habit of.

After a pleasant day out together, with Daniel formally, and publicly, courting Kathleen, the discovery of a body not far from the frozen lake, is cause enough for concern. The brutal cause of death, however, brings to the coroner’s table new worries to face – is a murderer once again on the loose in the small village? And will Daniel be able to keep Kathleen safe when she is so determined to help?

In Murder on West Lake: A South Shore Mystery, I. M. Foster once again proves how adept she is at capturing a reader’s attention and keeping them thoroughly engaged in a story until the very end.

After the discovery of Clyde Dunmore’s body, it is quickly evident that his wounds are not self-inflicted, and that his death happened at the hands of another person. In a small village, rumours spread like wildfire, and it does not take long for the word ‘murder’ to reach many households. To discover the truth quickly is a necessity to keep people feeling safe and secure, but Daniel finds the secrets held around the scene of the crime are not forthcoming, and the true intent is difficult to establish. When the killer strikes again, it quickly becomes a race against time to unveil the truth and reveal the murderer’s identity before the safety of those Daniel cares about is threatened.

Although Kathleen has proven herself useful in the past, Daniel is still reluctant to let her help in the investigation. However, Kathleen is not one to be told, and she refuses to simply sit by and wait for Daniel to attempt to solve the mystery himself when she can provide valuable assistance. The dynamic between Daniel and Kathleen in this novel is both intriguing and entertaining. As much as Daniel knows how beneficial Kathleen’s help in the case would be, there are social constructs he must consider. There are already enough people talking about how she hasn’t allowed proper mourning time for her father before beginning their courtship – if he were to simply allow her to help, how many people would talk about the impropriety of the situation? However, he is fully aware that if he refuses to have her accompany him, she will simply go at it alone, and to keep her close seems to be the only way for him to ease his mind that she is safe, and not tampering with evidence. At times, it becomes truly comical at how frustrated he grows with her, although he can never stay mad at her for long, as his feelings for her are as clear as day.

The investigation itself is one that Daniel finds incredibly difficult. The clues that are available don’t appear to correlate with each other, and he must attempt to rely on the accounts told by his suspects and their families to determine the truth – even though some of them might be lying to him. The run-up to Christmas is already a stressful time, and with such a threat, Daniel is determined to figure out the truth before more lives are lost. For Daniel and Kathleen, but also for the reader, it is impossible to determine the truth until I. M. Foster deems it a suitable time to reveal their identity. For almost every suspect, there are reasons why they could have a motive, but also reasons to believe their innocence. With Daniel running back and forth between different households, learning the intricacies of ties, both familial and social, the reader slowly gets to know the people of the village, and how they might be related to the case. Whether or not they are involved is another matter entirely, and it is all too easy to start pointing fingers without knowing the full story. With details revealed slowly, and Daniel attempts to fit in day-to-day life around his investigation, this novel will certainly keep your attention rapt as the suspense builds in the lead up to festive celebrations.

Although it can, at first, be difficult to keep up with the amount of characters, the reader joins Daniel in trying to keep track of everyone, and learns alongside him how they are all connected, and who’s story is who’s. This does put the reader firmly in the story alongside Daniel, as the reader does not learn something until he does, making them feel more like his partner than his observer.

To fully grasp the characters and their backgrounds alluded to in this novel, reading the first two books offers a cohesive narrative of Daniel and Kathleen’s developing relationship. This novel does, however, stand well by itself, and it is not necessary to read the previous two books to understand the events of this novel, or indeed to enjoy it. Of course, to read this book is to have Daniel and Kathleen capture your heart, and it is more than likely that you will want to go back and read the previous two novels after you have read this one.

Although this novel is primarily a murder mystery, with a thrilling story, and a romantic subplot, the world-building itself must be commended. Not only do the characters come across as incredibly real in the telling, but the world they live in is also authentic. To watch the discovery of different medical and investigatory practices that are commonplace in the modern world, and to see them begin to be put to use, is certainly interesting to read about. To be able to combine such an intricate story with a true and factual historical world is a gift that I. M. Foster has clearly put to good use in this novel.

Murder on West Lake: A South Shore Mystery by I. M. Foster is another truly engrossing novel in what is becoming an unforgettable series. With characters you cannot help but love, and an engaging and captivating investigation, this novel is certainly one to add to your list.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Ellie Yarde

Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion

Pick up your copy of

In Murder on West Lake

HERE!

I. M. Foster

I. M. Foster is the pen name author Inez Foster uses to write her South Shore Mystery series, set on Edwardian Long Island. Inez also writes historical romances under the pseudonym Andrea Matthews, and has so far published two series in that genre: the Thunder on the Moor series, a time-travel romance set on the 16th century Anglo-Scottish Borders, and the Cross of Ciaran series, which follows the adventures of a fifth century Celt who finds himself in love with a twentieth century archaeologist.

Inez is a historian and librarian, who love to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogically speaking. She has a BA in History and an MLS in Library Science and enjoys the research almost as much as she does writing the story. In fact, many of her ideas come to her while doing casual research or digging into her family history. Inez is a member of the Long Island Romance Writers, and the Historical Novel Society.

You can keep track of her upcoming releases and tidbits about her books on the following sites:

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Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Twelfth Cake House: A delightful and witty historical sweet romance novella (Heartwarming Christmas) by Heidi Eljarbo

Twelfth Cake House: A delightful and witty historical sweet romance novella
(Heartwarming Christmas)
By Heidi Eljarbo

Publication Date: December 15th, 2023

Publisher: independently published

Page Length: approx. 90 pages

Genre: Clean Historical Christmas Romance

Even a clever matchmaker may need a push in the right direction if she’s to find true love. When she’s asked to find a match for herself, it proves to be the most difficult task she’s ever undertaken.

Mid-December 1796.

Sixty-year-old spinster Miss Jemima Thurgood has three weeks to finish the preparations for her annual Twelfth Night party. In her position as a matchmaker, for over forty years she has assumed a grave responsibility. Luckily, she’s a shrewd observer of people, and many happy reunions have come about due to her exceptional talent for nudging kindred hearts in the right direction.

Every year, Jemima invites twelve carefully selected men and women to her festivity, and each guest is assigned a dinner partner. The days before the merrymaking are constantly disrupted by one unforeseen event after another. Jemima must work hard to be ready in time, and more importantly, to provide the kind of celebration her chosen guests deserve.

But this year, what Jemima doesn’t know is that her life is about to take a sudden change of course—one she could not have predicted or planned for. As the days pass, several gentlemen indicate they are interested in becoming better acquainted with her, but only a very special man can charm a matchmaker.

A sweet romance novella set during a witty and enchanting Georgian-Era Christmas, Twelfth Cake House is a story about traditions, goodwill, and finding hope and the courage to change and take a chance on finding true love.

Pick up your copy of
Twelfth Cake House
HERE!

Heidi Eljarbo

Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of historical fiction and mysteries filled with courageous and good characters that are easy to love and others you don't want to go near.

Heidi grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as an author, magazine journalist, and painter.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have fifteen grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier.

Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

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Tuesday, 31 December 2024

Monday, 30 December 2024

Sunday, 29 December 2024

Friday, 27 December 2024

Thursday, 26 December 2024

Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Twelfth Cake House: A delightful and witty historical sweet romance novella(Heartwarming Christmas)By Heidi Eljarbo

Twelfth Cake House: A delightful and witty historical sweet romance novella
(Heartwarming Christmas)
By Heidi Eljarbo