Monday, 2 February 2026

A story about bravery, conscience, and the power of one voice.

 



Looking for a February read that goes beyond easy romance and speaks to courage, conscience, and standing up for what is right? This powerful historical novel is one of those unforgettable stories.


💘 Why This Book Will Stay With You



✔️ A powerful historical story set in 1920s America
✔️ A courageous young heroine learning when—and how—to use her voice
✔️ A gripping exploration of conscience, family loyalty, and moral courage
✔️ A deeply moving look at friendship and standing up to injustice
✔️ Perfect for readers who appreciate thoughtful, emotional historical fiction with heart




Check out the blurb:


All her life, Esther Hopkins has been told she has a mighty fine voice.

Still, she can't believe her luck when just days after moving to town, she's invited to sing a solo at the 1923 Independence Day picnic. But the group sponsoring the picnic is not the benevolent fraternal order they claim to be. Worse, they've recruited her father, the town's freshly ordained Baptist minister, to become their chaplain. When they target the immigrant family of her new best friend, Esther must risk her father's anger, the KKK's revenge, and her family's safety to follow her conscience, salvage her friendship, and find the strength to speak truth to power even if it costs all she holds dear.


If you’re looking for a Valentine’s read that honours love, integrity, and bravery in the face of hate, this is a story that truly matters.


Buy One Fine Voice today on Amazon and experience a powerful story of courage, conviction, and the strength it takes to stand up for what’s right.



Rebecca Langston-George is the author of nineteen books for young readers including the globally popular For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story. Though she’s long been known for nonfiction, her newest titles are both works of fiction. One Fine Voice is her first middle grade historical fiction while Rover Rolled Over is her first fiction picture book. A retired teacher credentialed in both single subject language arts for upper grades and multiple subjects for younger grades, Rebecca is a popular school presenter for all ages, encouraging students to investigate and tap into their personal interests when writing. She serves on the board of The California Reading Association and is the Co-Regional Advisor for SCBWI Central-Coastal California, helping other writers achieve their dreams. She splits her time between California’s scenic coast and its agricultural heartland, writing (and mostly rewriting) at one mile per hour on a treadmill desk. Read more at Rebecca Langston-George | Children's Book Author.

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Escape of the Grand Duchess by Susan Appleyard




Celebrated last year as a Book of the Year award winner, Escape of the Grand Duchess stands as a testament to the enduring power of historical fiction — reminding readers why stories rooted in the past can feel so urgently alive. This is a novel that invites readers not only to witness history, but to feel it.





Publication Date: 27th July 2025
Publisher: Ingenium Books Publishing Inc.
Page Length: 412
Genre: Biographical Historical Fiction 

Escape of the Grand Duchess by Susan Appleyard is a gripping historical novel that shatters the notion that royalty is synonymous with privilege and ease. At its heart is Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, the youngest sister of Tsar Nicholas II—a Romanov who defied a doomed destiny and survived.

Unlike her ill-fated brother and his family, Olga’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and daring escape. Trapped in a loveless marriage to a reckless gambler—who harbours secrets of his own—she finds hope in the arms of a dashing army lieutenant. But before she can claim her own happiness, she must first endure the brutal realities of World War I, where she serves as a nurse on the frontlines.

As the Russian Empire teeters on the brink of collapse, the infamous Siberian mystic Rasputin tightens his grip on the imperial court, setting the stage for revolution. With the Bolsheviks seizing power and the Romanovs marked for death, Olga faces an impossible choice: risk everything to stay or flee into the unknown with her true love and their children.

Rich in historical detail and driven by an unforgettable heroine, Escape of the Grand Duchess is a sweeping riches-to-rags tale of survival, love, and the strength it takes to forge a new life in the face of unimaginable upheaval.


Pick up your copy of
Escape of the Grand Duchess

Susan Appleyard


Susan was born in England, which is where she learned to love English history, and now lives in Canada in the summer. In winter she and her husband flee the cold for their second home in Mexico. Susan divides her time between writing and her hobby, oil painting, although writing will always be her first love. She was fortunate in having had two books published traditionally. Since joining the ebook crowd, she has published nine books, some of which have won various awards.

Connect with Susan: 

Blog

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page





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Sunday, 1 February 2026

Escape To The Maroons by Mike Weedall

 


Escape To The Maroons
By Mike Weedall




Publication Date: August 19th, 2025
Publisher: Historium Press
Pages: 275
Genre: Historical Fiction


In 1792, an escaped slave, raised and living as white, is discovered and forced to flee into the Great Dismal Swamp.


Barely escaping a bounty hunter, a Maroons community of fugitive slaves rescues him. Over time, Nathanial comes to accept his true identity while fighting to overcome the suspicions of his new community. Because of his pale skin, he becomes a conductor on the underground railroad, slipping runners onto ships going north. On one of his missions, fate intervenes and places Nathanial's community at risk.


This little-known chapter in American history tells how escaped enslaved people gave their all to live free while creating a community and economy in one of the world's most unforgiving environments.


Pick up your copy of

Escape To The Maroons

HERE!


Mike Weedall



As the author of three books, Mike’s passion is finding the little-known stories of history and bringing them to life. History in school is too often events and dates. Mike seeks to discover the people who lived those events and reveal why those individuals made the decisions they did. Ultimately, there are stories to be mined, and who doesn’t love a good story?

In his soon-to-be-released historical novel “Escape To The Maroons,” Mike tells the little-known story of 1791 self-liberated slaves who chose to struggle for survival in The Great Dismal Swamp in their determination to live free. The term Maroons delineates areas where escaped slaves fled and could not be recaptured. It’s estimated that over 2,000 survived deep in the swamp around the turn of that century. 

His first book “Iva: The True Story of Tokyo Rose” describes the tragic life of Iva Toguri. Trapped in Japan during World War II, this Japanese American woman was forced to work for Radio Tokyo. Although she never participated in propaganda, the racial animus of post-war America led to her being falsely labelled as Tokyo Rose and prosecuted for treason. Through her incarceration and the ongoing discrimination heaped upon her, Iva never lost her courage and determination.

“War Angel: Korea 1950” was his second book that followed a reservist nurse thrust into the carnage of The Korean War. Serving as an operating room nurse in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, the real MASH and strength of a woman is revealed.  

Mike resides with his family in the Pacific Northwest where they enjoy experiencing the outdoors.

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Solstice (The Newcastle Witch Trials Trilogy, Book 3) by Helen Steadman



 

Solstice
(The Newcastle Witch Trials Trilogy, Book 3)
By Helen Steadman



Publication Date: 18th September 2023
Publisher: Bell Jar Books
Page Length: 336
Genre: Historical Fiction / Horror

England, 1673. 

Still a world of witches, witch trials and witchfinders.

When a new vicar arrives to take over the parish of Mutton Clog, the village finds itself in the grip of puritan fever, and suspicious eyes are turned on Rose Driver.

Rose’s mother, brother and grandmother were all put to death by the Scottish witchfinder, John Sharpe.

Almost quarter of a century after the Newcastle witch trials, Sharpe is no longer a threat. Rose should be safe in her quiet village, but is history about to repeat itself?

Find out in Solstice, the powerful conclusion to the trilogy, which tells the story of one woman’s struggle for survival in a hostile and superstitious world.

The Newcastle Witch Trials trilogy was inspired by the little-known 1650 witch trials, where fifteen women and one man were hanged for witchcraft on a single day.

Praise


"Solstice (The Newcastle Witch Trials Trilogy, Book 3)" by Helen Steadman sharply draws a line between good and evil, centring on Rose’s struggle for hope amid threats of witchcraft and persecution. As the series continues, hope emerges that the accusations may finally end, offering Rose and her family a chance at peace—an explicit contrast to the darkness aiming to silence the innocent. 

Yarde Book Promotions

Pick up your copy of
Solstice
(The Newcastle Witch Trials Trilogy, Book 3)
Read with #KindleUnlimited

Helen Steadman


Helen Steadman mostly writes biographical historical fiction (think herbs, healing, witch trials, swords, shipwrecks and lighthouses) set in the north east of England. So far, she’s written the Newcastle Witch Trials trilogy (Widdershins, Sunwise and Solstice), The Running Wolf (about the Shotley Bridge swordmakers) and Grace (about Grace Darling, the heroic lighthouse keeper’s daughter).

And then — because why not — there’s God of Fire set on Mount Olympus, which is absolutely nowhere near the north east of England. A sequel featuring Aphrodite is planned. Probably. At some point. (Helen is a slow writer. Deadlines tend to pass her by.)

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The Perfect Valentine’s Gift Starts with a Book



Valentine’s Day calls for a story that sweeps you off your feet and pulls you into another world. If you’re craving romance with a touch of danger, longing, and history woven through every page, today’s book promises an unforgettable escape.

Let me introduce you to The Last Plantagenet—a “giddily romantic” time-slip tale set within the treacherous and tantalising court of King Richard III, written by Jennifer C. Wilson.


💘 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Story

✔️ A swoon-worthy time-slip romance where modern life collides with medieval passion
✔️ A brave heroine caught between two worlds—and one dangerously compelling king
✔️ Courtly intrigue, stormy secrets, and a love story set on the eve of history’s most decisive battle
✔️ A richly atmospheric setting that pulls you straight into the court of Richard III
✔️ Perfect for readers who love romance with drama, destiny, and a touch of danger

If you’re searching for a Valentine’s read that blends history, heart, and a little bit of magic, this story promises a journey you won’t want to leave behind.

Check out the blurb:


The fireplace hadn’t looked like a time portal.

Nottingham, 2011

All Kate wanted was a fun, relaxing day out—watching knights joust at Nottingham Castle. What she gets instead is something far more unexpected.

Nottingham, 1485

Storm clouds are gathering over the court of Richard III.

Transported from one world to another in a heartbeat, Kate must learn how to survive life at the Ricardian court. But how will she cope when she catches the eye of the king himself?

Discover this “highly recommended” time-slip romance, set just before the decisive Battle of Bosworth

💖

Available on #KindleUnlimited — meaning you can fall into this romantic, time-crossing adventure at no extra cost if you’re a subscriber.

Read The Last Plantagenet today on Amazon and let this “highly recommended” story transport you straight into history—and straight into romance.

💖


Jennifer has been stalking dead monarchs since she was a child. It started with Mary, Queen of Scots, then moved onto Richard III. At least now it results in a story!

She won North Tyneside Libraries' Story Tyne short story competition in 2014 (no dead monarchs, but still not a cheerful read), and has been filling notebooks and hard-drives ever since. Her Kindred Spirits series, following the 'lives' of some very interesting ghostly communities, is published by Darkstroke, and her historical romances by Ocelot Press.

Jennifer is currently exploring some new ideas for historical romance, and hoping to visit Kindred Spirit friends old and new, north of the border...

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Saturday, 31 January 2026

Hope on Hope (Blossoming of Truth, Book 2) by Susan Gray



Hope on Hope: 

a heartwarming, uplifting family drama of wartime romance, secrets and hope against the odds. 

(Blossoming of Truth Book 2)

By Susan Gray



Publication Date: 14th February 2025
Publisher: UK Book Publishing
Page Length: 379 Pages
Genre: Historical Romance

Love, secrets and hope against the odds.

Can hope become…a lifeline…a defining attitude…a powerful reality?

In WW2 as her homeland France is occupied by enemy forces, Chantal receives a letter with a missing page – what wartime secret did her beloved Sam want to divulge? She is drawn into the French Resistance network and when the war ends, she embarks on her quest to trace her lost love.

On the cusp of womanhood, Darcy is headstrong, impulsive and outspoken. It’s 1946 and reuniting with her aunt, Chantal, the two strong women form a tight bond. But soon conflicting opinions force a wedge in their relationship.

Can secrets from the past and life altering circumstances, refine Darcy’s attitudes?

Sadness has blighted Henri’s young life, but a chance encounter heralds a brighter future. Moving to northeast England he begins a new career and finds romance – only for his hopes to be dashed with an unexpected discovery.

From war-torn France to post war northeast England, engage in this romantic drama as Chantal, Darcy and Henri discover how the presence of hope can transform their lives.

Pick up your copy of
Hope on Hope

Susan Gray


'Never to old to follow your dreams' has become Susan Gray's mantra since beginning to write novels after celebrating a significant birthday. Susan endeavours to entwine the genres of mystery and romance and sets her novels in the early Twentieth Century. She lives with her husband in northeast England, setting her books in this picturesque area. She has a son and daughter, both married, two granddaughters and a grand dog. When not writing she loves to spend time reading, puzzling, walking and catching up with friends over a coffee. She enjoys travelling and tries to include many of the places she has visited in her books. Her plots are inspired by 'life' and how her characters navigate the waters. She loves to 'people watch' and creates her characters based on the many strangers she has observed. She has written six novels. SPANISH HOUSE SECRETS was her debut novel and is now joined by another standalone novel BLOSSOMING OF TRUTH. 

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