Book Spotlight: The Lotus House by Ann Bennett

 

A gripping, emotional drama of love and courage set in the Philippines during WW2.

1960: Nancy Drayton, an American nurse living on Lake Sebu, is visited by a stranger who hands her some faded letters, given to her by a dying man. Reading them transports Nancy back to the terror of the war years.

1941: When Nancy’s world is blown apart by the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, she volunteers to travel to the Philippines to serve at the front. She soon finds herself working in a field hospital on the Bataan Peninsula in the thick of the fighting, experiencing the horrors of war first hand.

When tending to some wounded men, she meets Captain Robert Lambert, and they become close. But the Japanese are closing in on Bataan, and when the US surrenders, they are driven apart.

As Robert struggles to survive the horrors of the Bataan Death March and the brutality of captivity in a prison camp, Nancy too finds herself a captive, fighting for her life. Will they survive to find one another again or will the forces of war keep them apart?

If you enjoy compelling historical fiction, you’ll love this sweeping story of love and war.

Perfect for fans of Kristen Hannah, Dinah Jeffries and Victoria Hislop.

Praise for Ann Bennett:

‘What an amazing read!!! I didn't expect this to be a roller coaster of emotions, suspense, and mystery but it was everything!!… The characters were amazing, the story will keep you wanting more and more until the end.’

~ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘So captivating, I was on edge while flipping through the pages as fast as I could… Truly heartwarming… Emotional, heartbreaking … I loved this… A must read… Amazing.’

~ Page Turners, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Buy Links:

 *Reduced to 0.99 for a limited time!*

 Universal Buy Link: https://mybook.to/lotushouse

 This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

 

Ann Bennett is a British author of historical fiction. Her first book, Bamboo Heart: A Daughter's Quest, was inspired by researching her father's experience as a prisoner of war on the Thai-Burma Railway and by her own journey to uncover his story. It won the Asian Books Blog prize for fiction published in Asia in 2015, and was shortlisted for the best fiction title in the Singapore Book Awards 2016.

That initial inspiration led her to write more books about WWII in Southeast Asia – Bamboo Island: The Planter's Wife, A Daughter's Promise, Bamboo Road: The Homecoming, The Tea Planter's Club, The Amulet, and The Fortune Teller of Kathmandu. Along with The Lotus House, published in October 2024, they make up the Echoes of Empire Collection.

Ann is also the author of The Oriental Lake Collection - The Lake Pavilion and The Lake Palace, both set in British India during the 1930s and WWII, and The Lake Pagoda and The Lake Villa, set in French Indochina during the same period. A Rose in the Blitz – the first in the Sisters of War series and set in London during WWII, was published in March 2024.

The Lake Pagoda won a bronze medal for historical fiction in Asia in the Coffee Pot Book Club, Book of the Year awards 2022. The Fortune Teller of Kathmandu won a silver medal for dual-timeline historical fiction, and A Rose in the Blitz won bronze in the historical romance category in the Coffee Pot Book Club, Book of the Year awards 2024.

The Runaway Sisters, USA Today bestselling The Orphan House, The Child Without a Home and The Forgotten Children are set in Europe during the same era and are published by Bookouture. Her latest book, The Stolen Sisters, published on 29^th November 2024 is the follow-up to The Orphan List (published by Bookouture in August 2024) and is set in Poland and Germany during WWII.

A former lawyer, Ann is married with three grown up sons and a granddaughter and lives in Surrey, UK. For more details, please visit www.annbennettauthor.com.

Author Links:

Website: https://www.annbennettauthor.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/annbennett71

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annbennettauthor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-bennett-42092559/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annbennettauthor/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ann-bennett

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Ann-Bennett/author/B00D21SJ7A

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1951323.Ann_Bennett

 

AnaRose and Medusa's Curse by Mary Ann Bernal - Readers' Favorite 5-star Review

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse by Mary Ann Bernal is an adventure novel that combines mystery, history, and mythology woven into a thrilling narrative. The story follows the protagonist, AnaRose, a dedicated curator at a museum, who embarks on a daring journey that pushes her to the limits of her courage and wit. The book opens with AnaRose racing against time and weather to make it to her museum, setting the stage for a narrative filled with vivid descriptions and fast-paced action. As she reflects on her ambitious project to merge a planetarium with the museum, her passion for astronomy and history shines through, making her character both relatable and inspirational.

Mary Ann Bernal skillfully introduces various characters and settings, from the bustling streets of Cairo to the tranquil beauty of a newly constructed planetarium. Her detailed descriptions bring each scene to life, from the chaotic energy of a city in the rain to the serene calm of a museum at dawn. The plot thickens with the introduction of a historical puzzle involving none other than Medusa’s Curse. AnaRose’s quest to uncover the truth behind the legend takes her on a journey through ancient sites, where she encounters allies and adversaries. Her determination and intellect shine as she navigates complex challenges and unravels centuries-old secrets. The seamless integration of historical artifacts and mythological tales with a modern-day adventure makes it particularly compelling. Bernal’s research is evident in the details and historical context she provides, making the story educational and entertaining. AnaRose and Medusa's Curse is a captivating read that offers a perfect blend of adventure, suspense, and historical intrigue. This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy strong female protagonists, well-crafted historical settings, and stories that blend the past with the present in a quest for truth. I highly recommend it.

Universal Purchase Link

Mary Ann Bernal, a Mercy College alumna, is a versatile author whose works range from historical fiction to sci-fi and action novellas. Notable for her debut in “The Briton and the Dane” series, her recent works include “Crusader’s Path,” “Forgiving Nero,” and the “AnaRose” series. A staunch supporter of the US military, her advocacy efforts have been recognized on TV and in print. In Elkhorn, Nebraska, Mary Ann’s literary journey continues to captivate and inspire.

Author website

Book Spotlight: The World Turned Upside Down by Seth Irving Handaside (aka Neal Friedman)

 

"The World Turned Upside Down" takes readers on an exhilarating journey through one of history's most transformative periods.

​This masterful work of historical fiction follows the audacious British-American colonists, known as the Founders, as they boldly rise against the mightiest empire of their time: England. Their unprecedented struggle challenged the status quo and reshaped the foundation of global politics and human rights, ushering in the era of democracy. As the narrative unfolds with rich, immersive detail and dynamic characters, the story poses a profound question: after securing their hard-won liberty, could they preserve and nurture the fragile promise of a new world?

 

This compelling tale captures the spirit of revolution and the enduring quest for freedom.

Buy Links:

Universal Buy Link: https://geni.us/HkQfWs

 Historium Press Links:

 Paperback: https://geni.us/fEnY

Hardcover: https://geni.us/vfmydM

Growing up in Putnam County in the town of Putnam Valley, named after General Israel Putnam, Seth Irving Handaside walked its roads.

 He explored the hills and valleys that American rebels tread. But, he often thought, what would have done when the head of the state, King George III of England, ignored his rights and the rule of law?

Would he have marched to the tune of the revolution and been in a regiment commanded by General Putnam or sided with the loyalists?

Fascinated by American history since elementary school, politics runs in his veins. He has spent the last ten years researching and reading about the founding fathers and settled on six men, three boys not yet twenty, and three Virginians who risked having their necks stretched to make the American dream a reality.

Author Links:

Website: https://themenwhochooseliberty.com/

Publisher Website: https://www.historiumpress.com/seth-irving-handaside

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sethirvinghandaside

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themenwhochooseliberty/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Seth-Irving-Handaside/author/B0BN6HS9NB

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23050981.Seth_Irving_Handaside

Book Spotlight: The Fugitive’s Sword by Eleanor Swift-Hook

 Autumn 1624

Europe is deeply embroiled in what will become the Thirty Years' War.

A young Philip Lord, once favoured at King James' court, has vanished without a trace, under the shadow of treason.

Outside the besieged city of Breda, Captain Matthew Rider faces the brutal reality of wintering his cavalry in the siege lines, until he crosses paths with Filippo Schiavono, a young man whose courage and skill could change everything.

Kate, Lady Catherine de Bouqulement, arrives in London prepared to navigate the dangerous politics of King James' court to ensure troops are sent to her mistress, the exiled Queen of Bohemia.

Within Breda’s walls, a foundling named Jorrit unwittingly stumbles into a lethal conspiracy when Schiavono hires him, supposedly to help sell smuggled tobacco. But Schiavono’s plans go awry and they are compelled to flee the city, only to be captured at sea.

If Schiavono is unable to prove his loyalty and ruthlessness to a savage Dunkirker privateer captain, both he and Jorrit will face certain death.

Meanwhile, in London, Kate is forced to fight her own battle against those seeking to coerce her into their schemes and finds herself trapped in a terrifying and deadly power struggle.

Driven by violence, treachery, and the sea's merciless tides, their fates collide.

 Buy Links:

 This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

 Universal Buy Link: https://mybook.to/TheFugitivesSword

Eleanor Swift-Hook enjoys the mysteries of history and fell in love with the early Stuart era at university when she re-enacted battles and living history events with the English Civil War Society. Since then, she has had an ongoing fascination with the social, military and political events that unfolded during the Thirty Years’ War and the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

The Soldier's Stand, book two in Lord's Learning and the sequel to The Fugitive's Sword, is now available for preorder and will be released on 25 February, 2025.

She lives in County Durham and loves writing stories woven into the historical backdrop of those dramatic times.

Author Links:

Website:          www.eleanorswifthook.com

Twitter:           www.twitter.com/emswifthook/

Facebook:       www.facebook.com/LordsLegacySeries

Bluesky:          http://bsky.app/profile/emswifthook.bsky.social

Book Bub:       www.bookbub.com/profile/eleanor-swift-hook

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Eleanor-Swift-Hook/author/B0BKTP1CMG

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/22989983.Eleanor_Swift_Hook

New Release: AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse by Mary Ann Bernal - Live the Adventure of a Lifetime!

 

In the heart of Athens, an ancient curse is about to be unleashed…

Museum curator AnaRose Preston is in the midst of unveiling the newly renovated annex and its crown jewel—a state-of-the-art planetarium. But her routine is shattered by an urgent message from relic hunter Miles Bordel. Bordel, infamous for his ruthless methods, has unearthed Alexander the Great’s drinking cup, triggering a chain of events that could awaken an ancient curse.

Bordel’s discovery sets off alarm bells. He navigates the treacherous waters of the Siwa Oasis and the ruins of Ammon, where he encounters Alekos Chloros, the sinister leader of a terrorist faction known as The Macedonians. Chloros is on a relentless quest for the Medusa amulet, a legendary artifact with the power to petrify anyone who dares to look upon it. The discovery of Medusa relics by underwater archaeologists near Alonissos only heightens the urgency.

AnaRose and her assistant Jo are thrust into a world of hidden relics and dark secrets. From the bustling streets of Athens to the serene yet perilous waters of Alonissos, they navigate a labyrinth of danger above and below the sea. Their journey is fraught with peril—underwater battles, secret war rooms, and the ever-present threat of the amulet’s curse loom large.

With each chapter, AnaRose and Bordel edge closer to the truth, unraveling a conspiracy that spans continents and centuries. As they face their adversaries and confront their own pasts, they must stay one step ahead to prevent the amulet from falling into the wrong hands.

AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse is a pulse-pounding adventure that weaves history, mythology, and suspense into a gripping tale of intrigue. Join AnaRose as she battles the shadows of the past to secure a future free from ancient curses.

The wait is over. Dive into the adventure. Order AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse today!

 Universal Purchase Link

AnaRose and Pharaoh's Gold by Mary Ann Bernal: Winner of the 2025 Independent Press Award in the category of Novella

 

We are thrilled to announce that AnaRose and Pharaoh's Gold by Mary Ann Bernal has won the prestigious Independent Press Award 2025 in the category of Novella!

 In AnaRose and Pharaoh's Gold, Mary Ann Bernal takes readers on an unforgettable journey through time and mystery. AnaRose, a young archaeologist, stumbles upon an ancient artifact that holds the key to a long-lost treasure. As she unravels the secrets of Pharaoh's Gold, she faces danger, intrigue, and a race against time. Will AnaRose unlock the treasure's secrets before it's too late?

 Live the adventure and discover why this story has captured the hearts of readers and critics alike.

 

Purchase Links:

https://books2read.com/u/bw91eY

About the Author

Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in Business Administration. Her journey into the literary world reached a milestone with the 2009 publication of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series. Mary Ann’s repertoire extends beyond historical fiction, encompassing diverse genres, including a collection of contemporary short stories, a science fiction/fantasy novel, and thrilling action and adventure novellas.

 Her latest literary contributions include “Crusader’s Path,” a poignant redemption tale amidst the tumult of the First Crusade; “Forgiving Nero,” a compelling exploration of familial dynamics in Ancient Rome; and the “AnaRose” adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a museum curator turned relic hunter.

 A fervent advocate for the United States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively participated in letter-writing campaigns and various support initiatives. Her dedication to the military community garnered attention on “The Morning Blend” show on KMTV, Omaha’s CBS affiliate, and an interview with the Omaha World-Herald. As a celebrated author, she has graced numerous reader blogs and promotional platforms with her presence. Mary Ann cherishes her life in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she continues to inspire through her written works.

Kindly visit:

https://maryannbernal.com

https://whisperinglegendspress.com

 

Book Spotlight: Diomedes in Kyprios by Gregory Michael Nixon

 

This is a historically-based novel with authentic, mythic, and fictional characters interacting across the extraordinary panorama after the Fall of Troy and the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age Collapse. Diomedes leads his Akhaians (Achaeans) to the Isle of Kyprios (now Cyprus) to meet his lost love, Lieia, the ex-queen of the Hittites. Kyprios is where the Peoples of the Sea have gathered before their final assaults on Canaan and Aigyptos (Egypt).

But Diomedes unexpectedly meets the avatar of the Goddess Aphrodite at her Temple in Paphos, the city of her birth. Will she take him from Lieia? Will his wanderings end, or will he head back to sea to seek redemption from the past in the further unknown? Aphrodite must also deal with the beautiful, impetuous youth, Adonis, who swears he would die for her.

The Bronze Age Collapse was a time of such chaos that empires fell, royalty was overthrown, palaces and temples were destroyed, and the hierarchy of the gods was doubted, yet people's self-reliance emerged like never before, and the ancient Great Goddess of the Cycles of Time, who had been suppressed, began to regain her former dominance.

 Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://geni.us/BEGKASr

 Links to Historium Press 2^nd Edition:

 Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/Diomedes-Kyprios-Gregory-Michael-Nixon/dp/1962465713

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Diomedes-Kyprios-Gregory-Michael-Nixon/dp/1962465705

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/Diomedes-Kyprios-Gregory-Michael-Nixon-ebook/dp/B0DM2QWNL6

Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/Diomedes-Kyprios-Diomedeia-Book-2/dp/B0DHLR8YN4

 

 

Gregory M. Nixon is a retired university professor who, after spending his professional years publishing academic papers, was pleased to discover he still had an active imagination. He moved alone to a nice cottage overlooking magnificent Okanagan Lake in western Canada to create his mythico-historical novels set after the Trojan War and the fall of the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age Collapse. Nigel, an outdoor cat, also sometimes lives with him.

 Author Links:

 LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/doknyx

Website: https://authorgregorynixon.com/

Twitter / X: https://x.com/doknyx73

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGregoryNixon

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doknyx86/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gregory-michael-nixon

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0B8YCWGLV/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22640377.Gregory_Michael_Nixon

New Zealand: A Novel by Lance Morcan - Free Kindle Promotion January 12 and 13, 2025

 

Exciting News from Sterling Gate Books!

We're thrilled to announce a special Kindle promotion for the captivating novel, New Zealand: A Novel, by Lance Morcan. Mark your calendars for January 12 and 13, 2025, and don't miss this chance to grab your copy for free. Dive into an unforgettable adventure and experience the magic of New Zealand from the comfort of your home. Get your copy today and join the celebration!

***

New Zealand: A Novel by Lance Morcan

In 1768, medical student Nicholas Young is recruited as Surgeon’s Boy under Captain James Cook aboard the Endeavour. His journey takes him to uncharted lands, including New Zealand, discovered by Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. Nearly five centuries earlier, in 1301 AD, villagers from Hawaiki flee their homeland and discover Aotearoa, the land of the long, white cloud.

As Nicholas and his crewmates arrive in Tahiti, he becomes a man through trials and tribulations. He forms a bond with Tahiti’s queen, Obadia, and learns about the Maori people and their history. In 1769, Nicholas spots New Zealand, leading to the first encounter between Cook’s crew and the indigenous Maori, marked by conflict and cultural exchange.

The Endeavour’s circumnavigation of New Zealand challenges Nicholas and his crewmates, but they emerge stronger, ready to face the unknown.

What Readers Are Saying About New Zealand: A Novel by Lance Morcan

Riveting and Unputdownable: Readers are captivated by the blend of historical facts and well-crafted narratives, making the story of New Zealand's formation compelling and exciting.

 A Page-Turner: The novel spans centuries and continents, offering a fascinating fictionalized account of Captain Cook's voyages and the Maori's arrival in New Zealand. It's a must-read for lovers of adventure, exotic locales, and history.

 Amazing Storytelling: Lance Morcan's talent for vivid storytelling pulls readers into the struggles and triumphs of the Indigenous people and explorers, making it a fantastic and immersive read.

Fascinating Historical Journey: The novel brings New Zealand's history to life, blending fictional characters with real historical figures and offering a deep understanding of the land's development.

  Purchase Links:

https://www.amazon.com/New-Zealand-Novel-Lance-Morcan-ebook/dp/B0DPTJTDCQ

Book's Landing Page:

 https://morcanbooksandfilms.com/category/new-zealand-a-novel/   

New Zealand novelist and screenwriter Lance Morcan is a prolific author with more than 35 published fiction and non-fiction books to his credit as well as several screenplay adaptations of his work. A former journalist and newspaper editor, he regularly writes in collaboration with his son James Morcan, and their books are published by Sterling Gate Books.

The father-and-son team's published books include the new release horror Silent Fear (A novel inspired by true crimes) and the bestselling historical adventures White Spirit, Fiji: A Novel and Into the Americas. They also have several series including The Orphan Trilogy, an international thriller series, the globetrotting action-romance series The World Duology, and the controversial non-fiction franchise The Underground Knowledge Series, which includes Genius Intelligence and The Catcher in the Rye Enigma.

Several of their books have been regular visitors to Amazon's bestseller lists over the years.

An additional non-fiction title they're especially proud of is Debunking Holocaust Denial Theories, which was written in collaboration with Holocaust survivors to document the genocide.

Lance's first solo-authored novel, a historical adventure-romance titled New Zealand: A Novel, was published late 2024. Spanning almost 500 years, this novel covers the respective discoveries of New Zealand by Pacific Islanders and Europeans. From the outset the two stories are interposed. It starts in the 1300’s with the departure of Islanders from Hawaiki in search of land far to the south. Researching and writing this epic was literally half a century in the making for Lance who described the task as "A labour of love that spanned 50 years.”

The Morcans’ production entity, Morcan Motion Pictures, has a number of feature films in early development, including adaptations of Silent Fear, Into the Americas, and White Spirit.

 

Book Spotlight: THE USURPER KING by Mercedes Rochelle - Book 4 of The Plantagenet Legacy

 

From Outlaw to Usurper, Henry Bolingbroke fought one rebellion after another.

First, he led his own uprising. Then he captured a forsaken king. Henry had no intention of taking the crown for himself; it was given to him by popular acclaim. Alas, it didn't take long to realize that that having the kingship was much less rewarding than striving for it. Only three months after his coronation, Henry IV had to face a rebellion led by Richard's disgruntled favorites. Repressive measures led to more discontent. His own supporters turned against him, demanding more than he could give. The haughty Percies precipitated the Battle of Shrewsbury which nearly cost him the throne—and his life.

To make matters worse, even after Richard II's funeral, the deposed monarch was rumored to be in Scotland, planning his return. The king just wouldn't stay down and malcontents wanted him back.

 

THE ACCURSED KING by Mercedes Rochelle

Book 5 of The Plantagenet Legacy

What happens when a king loses his prowess?

The day Henry IV could finally declare he had vanquished his enemies, he threw it all away with an infamous deed. No English king had executed an archbishop before. And divine judgment was quick to follow. Many thought he was struck with leprosy—God's greatest punishment for sinners. From that point on, Henry's health was cursed and he fought doggedly on as his body continued to betray him—reducing this once great warrior to an invalid.

Fortunately for England, his heir was ready and eager to take over. But Henry wasn't willing to relinquish what he had worked so hard to preserve. No one was going to take away his royal prerogative—not even Prince Hal. But Henry didn't count on Hal's dauntless nature, which threatened to tear the royal family apart.

 

Buy Links:

 

Universal Buy Links:

The Usurper King: https://books2read.com/u/3nkRJ9

 The Accursed King: https://books2read.com/u/b5KpnG

 The Plantagenet Legacy Series Links:

 Amazon US Series Link

 Amazon UK Series Link

 All titles in the series are available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

 

 

Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channeled this interest into fiction writing. She believes that good Historical Fiction, or Faction as it's coming to be known, is an excellent way to introduce the subject to curious readers.

Her first four books cover eleventh-century Britain and events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Her new project is called “The Plantagenet Legacy” taking us through the reigns of the last true Plantagenet King, Richard II and his successors, Henry IV, Henry V and Henry VI. She also writes a blog: HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story.

Born in St. Louis, MO, she received by BA in Literature at the University of Missouri St.Louis in 1979 then moved to New York in 1982 while in her mid-20s to "see the world". The search hasn't ended!

Today she lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.

Author Links:

Website: https://mercedesrochelle.com/ 

Twitter: https://x.com/authorrochelle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercedesrochelle.net

Book Bub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mercedes-rochelle

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mercedes-Rochelle/author/B001KMG5P6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1696491.Mercedes_Rochelle

 

 

Book Spotlight: Harold The King (UK) / I Am The Chosen King (USA/Canada) (same book – different titles) by Helen Hollick

 

First published in 2000 – Celebrating a Silver Anniversary!

The events that led to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 - told from the English point of view.

Two men. One crown.

England, 1044. Harold Godwinesson, a young, respected earl, falls in love with an ordinary but beautiful woman. In Normandy, William, the bastard son of a duke, falls in love with power.

In 1066 England falls vulnerable to the fate of these two men: one, chosen to be a king, the other, determined to take, by force, what he desires. Risking his life to defend his kingdom from foreign invasion, Harold II led his army into the great Battle of Hastings in October 1066 with all the honour and dignity that history remembers of its fallen heroes.

In this beautifully crafted tale, USA Today bestselling author Helen Hollick sets aside the propaganda of the Norman Conquest and brings to life the English version of the story of the man who was the last Anglo-Saxon king, revealing his tender love, determination and proud loyalty, all to be shattered by the desire for a crown – by one who had no right to wear it.

 Praise for Helen Hollick:

 “Helen Hollick has it all! She tells a great story, gets her history right, and writes consistently readable books”

~ Bernard Cornwell

“A novel of enormous emotional power”

~ Elizabeth Chadwick

“Thanks to Hollick’s masterful storytelling, Harold’s nobility and heroism enthral to the point of engendering hope for a different ending…Joggles a cast of characters and a bloody, tangled plot with great skill”

~ Publisher’s Weekly

“Don’t miss Helen Hollick’s colourful recreation of the events leading up to the Norman Conquest.”

~ Daily Mail

“An epic re-telling of the Norman Conquest”

~ The Lady

“If only all historical fiction could be this good”

~ Historical Novel Society Review

Buy Links:

Universal eBook Link, Harold The King: https://books2read.com/u/4jOdYj

Harold the King (UK): https://viewbook.at/HaroldTheKing

I Am the Chosen King (US): https://viewBook.at/ChosenKing

This title is available on #KindleUnlimited, excerpt in US & Canada.

 

First accepted for traditional publication in 1993, Helen became a USA Today Bestseller with her historical novel, The Forever Queen (titled A Hollow Crown in the UK) with the sequel, Harold the King (US: I Am The Chosen King) being novels that explore the events that led to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Her Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy is a fifth-century version of the Arthurian legend, and she writes a nautical adventure/supernatural series, The Sea Witch Voyages. She has also branched out into the quick read novella, 'Cosy Mystery' genre with her Jan Christopher Mysteries, set in the 1970s, with the first in the series, A Mirror Murder incorporating her, often hilarious, memories of working as a library assistant. The fifth in the series, A Memory Of Murder, was published in May 2024.

Her non-fiction books are Pirates: Truth and Tales and Life of A Smuggler. She is currently writing about the ghosts of North Devon, and Jamaica Gold for her Sea Witch Voyages.

Recognised by her stylish hats, Helen tries to attend book-related events as a chance to meet her readers and social-media followers, but her ‘wonky eyesight’ as she describes her condition of Glaucoma, and severe arthritis is now a little prohibitive for travel.

 She lives with her family in an eighteenth-century farmhouse in North Devon with their dogs and cats, while on the farm there are showjumper horses, fat Exmoor ponies, an elderly Welsh pony, geese, ducks and hens. And several resident ghosts.

 Author Links:

 Website: https://helenhollick.net/

Amazon Author Page: https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helen.hollick

Blog, supporting authors & their books: https://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/helenhollick.bsky.social

Twitter / X: https://x.com/HelenHollick

Monthly newsletter: Thoughts from a Devonshire Farmhouse:

Start Here: January 2024 https://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com/2024/01/thoughts-from-devonshire-farmhouse.html (posted on her blog)

 

Book Spotlight: No Good Deeds by E.J. McKenna

 

Annie Schaeffer is no stranger to violence. Born of an outlaw father, she was sold to a traveling show at the age of six, now finally escaping as an adult.

On the run and wounded, she finds an unlikely ally In Nathan Healey - a member of the Needham Boys gang.

As she earns her place among the outlaws, Annie’s survival hinges on her lethal skills and growing bond with Nathan.

Nate's moral compass shifts with his circumstances, especially when those he loves are involved. Upon meeting Annie, he finds himself drawn to a woman determined to live differently to the expectations others place upon her; to live freely and fairly. The way he has always wanted.

Annie's quest for independence takes a dark turn as the gang begins to collapse. Betrayal runs deep, and the cost of trust is high.

No Good Deeds is a gripping tale of resilience and retribution in the untamed West, where loyalty is fleeting and justice is won at the barrel of a gun. Annie Schaeffer's story is one of fierce determination, as she battles her past and the outlaws who seek to control her fate.

 Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://geni.us/X6XQ8i

 

E.J. McKenna is a freelance writer in the UK with a great interest in American History, and a degree in English and American Literature with Creative Writing from the University of Kent.

At the end of 2023, she co-created a creative writing app for people of all ages to improve their writing skills in a fun, relaxed environment.

Born and raised in the UK, but a lover of traveling, she has a fascination with all social history across different countries and cultures. One of her favourite historical periods is the Victorian era, especially with United States history.

"The juxtaposition between the established countries of Europe, and the new world of America is fascinating to me. So many people trying to survive harsh frontier life, while trying to continue the uptight decorum of Victorian society."

A huge advocate for feminism and human equity, her writing centres around determined female protagonists in traditionally male roles, tackling the perceptions of women in history. Her strong female protagonists go out of their way to change their society's expectations for the fairer.

Author Links:

Website: https://www.historiumpress.com/e-j-mckenna

Twitter: https://x.com/EJMcKennaWrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ejmcreates

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-jm-mckenna/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejmckennawrites/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ejmckennawrites

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/E.-J.-McKenna/author/B0DN1BSL99

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52291760.E_J_McKenna