Monday, 24 November 2025

The Traitor's Son by Wendy Johnson




The Traitor's Son
By Wendy Johnson


Publication Date: April 14th, 2024
Publisher: Made Global
Pages: 422
Genre: Medieval Historical Fiction


Caught between a king and a kingmaker, young Richard Plantagenet knows he’ll have to choose...


1461: Richard Duke of York, King by Right, has been branded a traitor and slain by his Lancastrian foes. For his eight-year-old son—Richard Plantagenet—England has become a dangerous place.


As the boy grapples with grief and uncertainty, his elder brother, Edward, defeats the enemy and claims the throne. Dazzled by his glorious sibling, young Richard soon discovers that imperfections lurk beneath his brother's majestic façade. Enter Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick—cousin, tutor, luminary—whose life has given him everything but that which he truly craves: a son. A filial bond forms between man and boy as they fill the void in each other’s lives. Yet, when treachery tears their world asunder, Richard faces an agonizing dilemma: pledge allegiance to Edward—his blood brother and anointed king—or to Warwick, the father figure who has shaped his life and affections.


Painfully trapped between duty and devotion, Richard faces a grim reality: whatever he decides will mean a fight to the death.


In "The Traitor’s Son", Wendy Johnson weaves a tapestry of loyalty, love, and sacrifice against the backdrop of England's turbulent history. Through the eyes of a young Richard III, readers are transported into a world where every choice is fraught with peril, and the bonds of kinship are tested to their limits.


Perfect for fans of Hilary Mantel, Annie Garthwaite and Sharon K. Penman.


Praise 

"Exquisitely written. An evocative and thoughtful retelling of the early life of Richard III."

 Philippa Langley, MBE


"Wonderfully woven story of a young Richard III. Woven with a sure knowledge of the history and a realistic telling of a story about a young boy finding his way through tragedy and triumph, uncertainty and a legacy he cannot escape.
Brilliant debut which promises more and more."

Cris, Amazon 5* Review


"Sometimes the perfect use of the written word takes my breath away. Not very often but this book is it. A wonderful story written so beautifully that I shall not forget it for a long time. Everything to my mind is perfect. The language, the story, the pacing. Just wonderful."


Amazon Reviewer, 5* Review


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The Traitor's Son

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Wendy Johnson


Wendy Johnson has a lifelong passion for medieval history, its people, and for bringing their incredible stories to life. Her specific areas of interest are the fifteenth century, the Wars of the Roses, and Richard III in particular. She enjoys narratives which immerse the reader in the past, and tries faithfully to recreate the later Middle Ages within in her own writing. She has contributed to a number of historical anthologies and was a runner up in the Woman and Home Short Story Competition 2008.

Wendy is also a founder member of Philippa Langley’s Looking for Richard Project, which located the king’s lost grave in 2012. She co-authored Finding Richard III: the Official Account of Research by the Retrieval and Reburial Project in 2014, and in 2019 received the Richard III Society’s Robert Hamblin Award.  

THE TRAITOR’S SON, volume one in a Richard III trilogy, is Wendy’s debut novel and she is currently working on the sequel.

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And They Never Looked Back by Anne Donaldson


 
And They Never Looked Back
By Anne Donaldson


Publication Date: 16th April 2024
Publisher: Historium Press
Page Length: 172
Genre: Historical / Biography

A FAMILY STORY OF LOVE, LIFE, AND EMIGRATION

Leaving the midlands of Ireland, they crossed the Atlantic to New York before travelling up the Erie Canal and crossing the Great Lakes in the autumn of 1873. They settled in the small pioneering town of Escanaba in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Anna is the last lonely American survivor of a large and loving family. One day she discovers amongst her mother's papers letters that travelled from Ireland. She recorded her family's pioneering story for posterity, discovering family secrets along the way. 
A must-read for anyone of Irish descent anywhere.

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And They Never Looked Back

Anne Donaldson 

Anne Donaldson nee Hogan is the youngest of twelve children. She was born and reared on a farm in Ballyfin, County Laois, in Ireland, in the very same house as her grandaunt Maria, Anna’s mother. She now lives near Ballincollig, in Cork, Ireland. She has been closely related to the early development of this still-expanding town that has always welcomed people from all over the world. A 19c British Military town with an internationally acclaimed gunpowder mill, the town has welcomed ‘outsiders’ for more than two centuries.

Anne has researched and compiled a comprehensive list of the names of those who served in the British Military at Ballincollig. This compilation can be accessed online through the Representative Church Body’s reference library. Her research of the British Military Graveyard, Ballincollig was published in 2003. In conjunction with Jenny Webb and Nonsuch publishers, she published A Hidden History of the Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills, in 2006. She is a regular contributor to local history journals. An article she researched on the Robinson Settlers in Ontario tweaked her interest in emigration. Her lifelong interest in local heritage and history led her to attain an M. Phil on the subject of The Irish County Gaol system.

An active member of her local writing group, Litwrits Ballincollig, she has published a selection of short stories. Through membership of her local library, she is a member of their book club.

She is an experienced amateur genealogist.

Anne is now a grandmother to many gloriously opinionated and kind young people. She lives with her husband, Frank, overlooking the River Lee.

She has no animals anymore, that is, unless you count our neighbors’ cats who patrol daily.

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Sunday, 23 November 2025

Editorial Book Review: Emily's Christmas Dream: A Magical Christmas Adventure for Children by Michael Stolle

 


Emily's Christmas Dream: A Magical Christmas Adventure for Children
By Michael Stolle



Publication Date: 25th September 2025
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length: 50
Genre: Children's Fiction

A Christmas Adventure Like No Other!
What if you woke up on Christmas morning... and it was Easter?

Christmas is just two days away, and Emily is buzzing with excitement! She can't wait to try on her new, magical nightgown—the one her grandmother promised would bring the most wonderful dreams. But when she accidentally puts it on backward, the magic goes haywire, and Emily wakes up to a shocking sight: a world of spring flowers, a curious Easter Bunny, and a whole lot of confusion.

Instead of sleigh bells and snow, she's got bunnies and blooms!

Now, it’s a race against time. Emily and her new friend must team up to find a way to fix the reversed spell and bring Christmas back. Their adventure will take them through a whimsical land of snow, where they’ll have to outsmart a fire-breathing dragon and meet the legendary Mrs. Holle.

Can Emily and the Easter Bunny save Christmas before it’s too late?


"Emily's Christmas Dream: A Magical Christmas Adventure for Children," penned by Michael Stolle, is an enchanting bedtime story that captures the spirit of the holiday season. This delightful tale takes young readers on a whimsical journey filled with wonder and excitement, making it the perfect choice for cosy nights spent snuggled up with loved ones. With beautifully crafted illustrations and heartwarming themes of kindness and imagination, this book is sure to spark the magic of Christmas in the hearts of children, making it a cherished addition to your holiday reading traditions.

Emily is a delightful little girl with a vivid imagination and a heart full of wonder. As she wanders through the enchanting Christmas market, her eyes are drawn to a shimmering nightdress that hangs gracefully among the stalls, glowing softly under the twinkling fairy lights. This is no ordinary nightdress; it is a magical creation, handcrafted with delicate threads that promise to deliver the wearer beautiful dreams every night. As the excitement of the festive season fills the air, Emily, in her enthusiasm, hurriedly dons the nightdress without paying close attention to its intricate design. Unbeknownst to her, the nightdress must always be worn the right way around to unlock its enchanting powers. Instead, she puts it on backwards, a mistake that will lead her on an unexpected journey. As she drifts off to sleep, rather than being embraced by sweet dreams, Emily finds herself caught in a peculiar twist of fate. Time begins to rewind, causing the winter landscape to melt away and bloom into the vibrant colours of spring. To her astonishment, she comes face to face with the Easter Bunny, a beautiful, fluffy creature with floppy ears and a basket brimming with colourful eggs. Realising that the magic of the nightdress has transported her back to springtime, Emily and the Easter Bunny,  Friedrich, set off to see Grandpa Rabbit to see if he can help set things right. He sends the young rabbit and child to see Mrs Holle.

Mrs Holle is depicted as a kind and nurturing grandmother figure who plays a pivotal role in assisting Emily. With her gentle demeanour and wise guidance, she helps Emily navigate the challenges she faces, ultimately enabling her to break the spell that binds her. Through Mrs Holle's intervention, Emily can return to the warmth and joy of Christmas Eve.

The illustrations in this novel are exquisitely crafted, vividly bringing the characters to life in a way that captivates the imagination. Emily, with her expressive features and lively personality, embarks on enchanting adventures alongside her charming rabbit friend, Friedrich, each uniquely designed with delightful colours and intricate details that enhance their personalities. Together, they navigate a whimsical world filled with wonder and discovery, making every page a visual feast that draws Children deeper into their delightful journey.

This charming book is perfect for the holiday season and would make an exceptional gift for children. Additionally, it would be a wonderful addition to a children's book advent calendar, providing daily doses of festive cheer and adventure leading up to Christmas.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Book Promotions

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Emily's Christmas Dream: A Magical Christmas Adventure for Children
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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.



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Friday, 21 November 2025

Blog Tour: The Relic Keeper by Heidi Eljarbo

 


The Relic Keeper

By Heidi Eljarbo


Publication Date: 18th November 2025
Publisher:  Independently Published
Genre: Historical Fiction
Page Length: 162

Italy, 1620.

Angelo is an orphan, lonely and forgotten. Having been passed on from one family to the next, he ends up as a common thief, subject to and under the thumb of a ruthless robber called Tozzo.

Angelo knows no other life and has lost hope that any chance of providence will ever replace his lonely, misfortunate existence. When he loses his master, his livelihood is shaken. Tozzo’s plunder is hidden in a safe place, but what will happen if someone comes after Angelo to get their hands on the stolen relics? More than that, he feels threatened by words he’s heard too many times; that he’ll always remain unforgiven and doomed.

One day, a priest invites Angelo to help with chores around the church and rectory and, in exchange, offers him room and board. Padre Benedetto’s kindness and respect are unfamiliar and confusing, but Angelo’s safety is still a grave concern. Two older robbers have heard rumors about the hidden treasures and will stop at nothing to attain them.

With literary depictions and imagery, Angelo’s story is a gripping and emotional journey of faint hope and truth in seventeenth-century Italy—an artistic and audacious tale that crosses paths with art collector Vincenzo Giustiniani and the powerful Medici family.

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The Relic Keeper

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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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Tour Schedule Coming Soon

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