Narrator: Sebastian Lockwood
Series: The Briton and the Dane, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-02-16
Language: English
Purchase Links
Audiobook
https://books2read.com/u/mKwOOZ
Friday, March 21, 2025
Echoes of Valor: The Briton and the Dane Birthright by Mary Ann Bernal. Narrated by Sebastian Lockwood.
Narrator: Sebastian Lockwood
Series: The Briton and the Dane, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 11-02-16
Language: English
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Historical Epic Unveiled: The Briton and the Dane by Mary Ann Bernal. Narrated by Sebastian Lockwood.
Author: Mary Ann Bernal
Narrator: Sebastian Lockwood
Series: The Briton and the Dane, Book 1
Length:11 hrs and 30 mins
Release Date: August 21, 2014
Language: English
In a realm shadowed by the looming threat of Norse conquest, a young woman finds herself the linchpin in a perilous game of dominion. Her capture, far from being a mere twist of fate, casts her into the depths of a world rife with cunning and treachery. Amidst the echoes of a hundred scheming voices, truth becomes a chameleon, shifting its hues with each whispered plot. As the specter of the Norse menace draws ever nearer, she must navigate through a sea of deceit where allies are indistinguishable from foes. In this maelstrom of betrayal, her heart aches for the love of a prince from the ranks of her kingdom’s adversaries—a love that stands as her sole beacon amidst the encroaching darkness of war.
Listen to a sample on SoundCloud HERE
Purchase Links
Audiobook
Digital and Print Universal Link
Monday, March 17, 2025
Book Spotlight: The Rune Stone by Julia Ibbotson
A haunting
time-slip mystery of runes and romance
When Dr Viv DuLac, medievalist and academic, finds a mysterious runic inscription on a Rune Stone in the graveyard of her husband’s village church, she unwittingly sets off a chain of circumstances that disturb their quiet lives in ways she never expected.
She, once again, feels the echoes of the past resonate through time and into the present. Can she unlock the secrets of the runes in the life of the 6th century Lady Vivianne and in Viv’s own life?
Again, lives of the past and present intertwine alarmingly as Viv desperately tries to save them both, without changing the course of history.
For fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, Christina Courtenay.
Praise for Julia Ibbotson:
(for A Shape on the Air) “In the best Barbara Erskine tradition …I would highly
recommend this novel” -Historical Novel Society
(for the series) “Julia does an incredible job of setting up the idea of time-shift so that it’s believable and makes sense” – book tour reviewer
(for The Rune Stone) “beautifully written”, “absorbing and captivating”, “fully immersive”, “wonderfully written characters”, “a skilled story teller” – Amazon reviewers
“Dr Ibbotson has created living, breathing characters that will remain in the
reader’s mind long after the book is read … The characters are brought to life
beautifully with perfect economy of description … fabulous!” – Melissa
Morgan
“A rich and
evocative time-slip novel that beautifully and satisfyingly concludes this
superb trilogy. The story is woven seamlessly and skillfully between the past and the present, and the reader is drawn deeply into both worlds. Her portrayal of the 6th century
and its way of life are authoritative, vivid and memorable.” – Kate Sullivan
Buy Link:
Universal Buy Link: https://myBook.to/TRS
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and the concept of time. She is the author of historical mysteries with a frisson of romance. Her books are evocative of time and place, well-researched and uplifting page-turners. Her current series focuses on early medieval time-slip/dual-time mysteries.
Julia read English at Keele University, England, specialising in medieval language/ literature/ history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics.
After a turbulent time in Ghana, West Africa, she became a school teacher, then a university academic and researcher. Her break as an author came soon after she joined the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme in 2015, with a three-book deal from Lume Books for a trilogy (Drumbeats) set in Ghana in the 1960s.
She has published five other books, including A Shape on the Air, an Anglo-Saxon timeslip mystery, and its two sequels The Dragon Tree and The Rune Stone. Her work in progress is a new series of Anglo-Saxon mystery romances, beginning with Daughter of Mercia, where echoes of the past resonate across the centuries.
Julia’s novels will appeal to fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, and Christina Courtenay. Her readers say: ‘Julia’s books captured my imagination’, ‘beautiful story-telling’, ‘evocative and well-paced storylines’, ‘brilliant and fascinating’ and ‘I just couldn’t put it down’.
Author Links:
Amazon Author page: Author.to/JuliaIbbotsonauthor
Author website
& blog: www.juliaibbotsonauthor.com
Facebook
(author): https://www.facebook.com/JuliaIbbotsonauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuliaIbbotson
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia.ibbotson
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/juliai1/
Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/juliaibbotson
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/juliaibbotson.bsky.social
Saturday, March 15, 2025
3 Days Only! Grab "New Zealand: A Novel" for Free on Kindle (March 15-17)
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 March 15 - 17, 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.
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.
Friday, March 14, 2025
Book Spotlight: Muldoon’s Misfortunes by E.V. Sparrow
A cursed widower forsakes his faith
to ensure his hope.
On a verdant island beset by poverty and death, Mick Muldoon dares to escape his misfortunes. Is working a farm and raising a family such an impossible thing to ask? Wasn’t God supposed to answer prayers—not turn a deaf ear?
After surviving the treacherous voyage to America, Mick discovers the rumors of ample opportunity aren't exactly true. His defective body hampers employment and keeps him dependent upon his peculiar sister. However, an unexpected invitation to move to the heartland guarantees his dreams.
Mick’s own dreadful choices hamper his hopes when he accepts work as a widow’s farmhand. Unbeknownst to him, there’s deception afoot. Mick’s inattention to love causes catastrophe as single fatherhood cruelly shatters his family. Will God miraculously hear his prayers this time?
In Book 1 of Those Resilient Muldoons series, this misguided, wayward widower
encounters God’s unexpected presence.
Fall 2024, The BookFest Awards, First Place: Historical Fiction,
General
Buy Links:
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/m20D6R
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
A short story writer turned novelist Sparrow published a prequel Historical Fiction eBook novella, Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling in May 2023, and Muldoon’s Misfortunes, Historical Fiction Book 1 in Those Resilient Muldoons series in July 2024. Sparrow and enjoys leading readers to Encounter God’s Unexpected Presence through her broken characters.
Before writing, Sparrow travelled extensively overseas and worked in two countries. She married, had a family, and worked for a nonprofit program for older, homeless mentally ill in California. She also volunteered in many community services, including the Divorce Care program. After a divorce, she remarried, and together they have eleven grandchildren that enrich life immensely.
Author Links:
Website: https://evsparrowworld.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/evSparrow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparrowwriter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-e-v-s-3438918/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.sparrow.world/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/evsparrow/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/e-v-sparrow
https://www.bookbub.com/books/muldoon-s-misfortunes-those-resilient-muldoons-book-1-by-e-v-sparrow
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/E.-V.-Sparrow/author/B084F45QJ2
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/29663267.E_V_Sparrow
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210630737-muldoon-s-misfortunes
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Book Spotlight: Strait Lace by Rosemary Hayward
It is 1905. Edwardian England. Harriet Loxley, the daughter of a
vicar and niece to a prominent Nottingham lace manufacturer, spends her days
playing cricket with her brother, scouring the countryside for botanical
specimens, and never missing an opportunity to argue the case for political
power for women. Given the chance to visit the House of Commons, Harriet
witnesses the failure of a historic bill for women’s voting rights. She also
meets the formidable Pankhurst women.
When Harriet gets the chance to study biology at Bedford College, London, she finds her opportunity to be at the heart of the fight. From marching in the street, to speaking to hostile crowds, to hurling stones through windows, just how far will Harriet go?
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mKkLMP
Rosemary Hayward is the author of Margaret Leaving, a historical mystery uncovering little known events that occurred in the immediate aftermath to World War II. She is also the creator of Your Next Book, a deeply nerdy monthly newsletter describing a book picked from her bookshelf, or Kindle.
She is British by birth but now lives part of the year in California and part in southern Spain.
Author Links:
Website: www.rosemaryhayward.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rosemary-Hayward-1460369174026124
LinkedIn: https//www.linkedin.com/in/rosemary-hayward-6544ba60
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretleaving/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@margaretleaving
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hayward0738/_saved/
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rosemary-hayward
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rosemary-Hayward/author/B06XR7GZR4
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16658743.Rosemary_Hayward
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Set Sail for Adventure: "Cider's Revenge" by Johnny Pearson – FREE Kindle eBook March 11-12, 2025
Ahoy, book lovers! Kindred Media Press is excited to unveil
Cider's Revenge: Mutiny on the High Seas, a thrilling middle-grade chapter book
that promises to ignite imaginations and whisk readers away on an epic journey.
And here's the best part—the eBook is completely FREE for a limited time until
March 12, 2025.
Meet the daring and clever Gilly O’Sullivan, a fiery-haired orphan who dreams of life beyond the orphanage walls. Alongside his mischievous and loyal pet rat, Cider, Gilly hatches a bold plan to escape and join the notorious world of pirates. His journey brings him aboard the infamous pirate ship, the Sea Chant, where the ruthless Captain Claude Lamont rules with an iron fist.
But Gilly’s story is far from ordinary. Forced to perform grueling chores and care for neglected prisoners, he discovers his own courage and tenacity. As he befriends the ship's mistreated captives, Gilly concocts a daring mutiny to overthrow the heartless captain.
With bravery and friendship as their guiding compass, Gilly, Cider, and their newfound allies embark on a high-seas adventure that includes rescuing the oppressed and battling devious pirate schemes. This swashbuckling tale is perfect for readers of all ages who crave excitement, heroism, and heart.
Don't let this ship sail without you! Download your free
copy of Cider's Revenge: Mutiny on the High Seas and let Gilly and Cider take
you on the adventure of a lifetime.
Book Spotlight: Sword Brethren by Jon Byrne
1242. After being wounded in the Battle on
the Ice, Richard Fitz Simon becomes a prisoner of Prince Alexander Nevsky of
Novgorod. Alexander, intrigued by his captive’s story, instructs his scholar to
assist Richard in writing about his life.
Richard’s chronicle begins in 1203, when his training to be a knight is disrupted by treachery. He is forced to flee England for Lübeck, where he begins work for a greedy salt merchant. After an illicit love affair, his new life is thrown into turmoil, and he joins the Livonian Brothers of the Sword as they embark on imposing the will of God on the pagans of the eastern Baltic. Here, he must reconcile with his new life of prayer, danger and duty – despite his own religious doubts, with as many enemies within the fortified commandery as the wilderness outside. However, when their small outpost in Riga is threatened by a large pagan army, Richard is compelled to make a crucial decision and fight like never before.
Universal Ebook Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/boVKlV
Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sword-brethren-jon-byrne/1146519606?ean=2940184429601
Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/sword-brethren/jon-byrne/9781835740798
Jon Byrne, originally from London, now lives with his
German family by a lake in Bavaria with stunning views of the Alps. As well as
writing, he works as a translator for a local IT company and occasionally as a
lumberjack.
He has always been fascinated by history and has studied the Medieval world for over twenty years, building up a comprehensive library of books. In his research, he has travelled to all of the locations mentioned in the book (East Anglia, Bremen, Lübeck, Latvia, etc).
Sword Brethren (formerly Brothers of the Sword) made it to the shortlist of the Yeovil Literary Prize 2022 and the longlist of the prestigious Grindstone International Novel Prize 2022. It is the first book in The Northern Crusader Chronicles.
Author Links:
Website: https://www.jonbyrnewriter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonByrneAuthor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Jon-Byrne/author/B0DJC6PL8D
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/52458339.Jon_Byrne
Monday, March 10, 2025
Book Spotlight: The Absolution of Mars by T.F. Troy
Politics, Friendship,
or Greed? Which of these was the true author of the Confederate conspiracy to
decapitate the Union?
The Absolution of Mars by
T.F. Troy is a masterful blend of historical fiction, human drama and moral exploration.
Set against the backdrop of a racially fraught period in American history, the
story does not back away from the harsh realities or racial biases of the
day.
The narrative introduces Jemm Pender, a former slave with
a superior intellect, who rises to become a key agent in the National Detective
Police Force. Jemm is tasked to trace the movements of J. W. Boyd, a
Confederate spy working out of Canada.
From its intriguing opening scene, where playful dialogue
among children hints at deeper mysteries, the story captivates with a blend of
vivid detail and emotional depth. Jemm's quest intertwines with his wife Marnie
and Aunt Cordelia, both blessed with remarkable capabilities that are being
lost to the scientific thought of the day.
Troy tackles difficult topics with honesty and precision,
creating moments that are as painful as they are profound. The prose is rich
and evocative, with dialogue that breathes life into the characters and their
struggles. The Absolution of Mars is
a poignant, thought-provoking exploration of history, identity, and humanity,
recommended for readers seeking depth and nuance.
Paperback - https://geni.us/2mZBsc
Hardcover - https://geni.us/SwELJ
Ebook - https://geni.us/K5DUX
A student of the American Civil War, T.F. Troy has an
award-winning journalism career spanning more than 40 years. He currently
serves as Executive Editor of Cleveland Magazine’s Community Leader as well as
the Editor of Ohio Business Magazine. He also writes features for Northern
Kentucky Magazine and Dayton Magazine, among other regional publications. His
work with those publications has won him numerous awards, taking first, second
and third place in Ohio for Magazine Feature Writing. Troy’s work has appeared
in major metropolitan daily newspapers including the Cleveland Plain Dealer and
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
In addition to the previously mentioned publications, Troy also held positions as a Senior Editor for both ABC/Capital Cities and ICD Publications in New York. His work has appeared in numerous national consumer and trade periodicals throughout his career. In his first book Cleveland Classics: Great Tales from the North Coast, Troy interviewed local and national Cleveland celebrities such as: Jim Brown, Bob Feller, Patricia Heaton and Arsenio Hall among others. The Absolution of Mars, set just after the Civil War, is his first novel, but third book.
Author Links:
Author Page on Publisher Website: https://www.historiumpress.com/t-f-troy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.troy2
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/terence-troy-2648a110
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troy.tf/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tftroy.bsky.social
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/T-F-Troy/author/B0DT4P4C16
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/187283019-tf-troy
Friday, March 7, 2025
Pre-order alert! The AnaRose Chronicles Featuring: AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest, AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold, AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse
The AnaRose Chronicles
AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest, AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold, AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse
AnaRose and Medusa’s Curse: In her latest adventure, AnaRose
faces the chilling legend of Medusa. As she delves into the myth’s origins, she
discovers a pendant that holds the key to unimaginable power. Battling against
time and dark forces, AnaRose must prevent the curse from being released upon
the world.
Don’t miss out on these thrilling adventures! Order your copy of The AnaRose Chronicles today and dive into a world of mystery, danger, and excitement.
Universal Purchase Link
https://books2read.com/u/3197kv
Book Spotlight: The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance by Arianwen Nunn
It is 1109
and the Welsh warrior and firebrand, Owain ap Cadwgan abducts Princess Nest
from the castle she shares with her children and her husband, Gerald of Windsor.
King Henry of England, furious that Nest, who is also his lover and mother of his
son, begins a manhunt to find Owain and return Nest to her husband. In Gwynydd King
Gruffydd ap Cynan and his wife risk everything to hide them and get them to safety
in Ireland despite the efforts of Gronwy ap Owain, Angharad's vicious brother who
would like to see Gruffydd and Owain dead.
King Henry uses Bishop Richard to start kinship warfare in Wales then declares war against the Welsh determining to exterminate them all. Can Gruffydd and his family survive the greatest army ever led against Wales?
Buy Link:
Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/bWkZq7
Arianwen Nunn was born in Wales but now lives in Australia and writes historical fiction based on the Welsh kingdoms in the Middle Ages.
Arianwen has written a series of three books, 'The Welsh Traitor's Daughter', 'The Welsh Warrior's Inheritance' and 'Bards Sing of Love and War' which follow the lives of King Gruffydd ap Cynan and his wife Angharad and their family.
She has also written two children's books, 'The Welsh Warrior's Wonder' and 'Where Dragons Still Roar'.
Author Links:
Website: www.arianwennunn.com
Twitter: https://x.com/Arianwen_Nunn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091729185630
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/arianwen_nunn
Amazon
Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arianwen-Nunn/author/B0C69H8RFN
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/35601482.Arianwen_Nunn
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Celebrating Creativity: The Artistry of Maria Jones-Phillips
With almost half a century of artistic practice, Maria Jones-Phillips
has cultivated a diverse range of styles and skills that grant her remarkable
freedom in her work. Over the years, she has explored various mediums and
processes, though her current focus is on traditional two-dimensional art. Her
expansive knowledge and skillset continue to enrich her contemporary creations.
Maria’s journey in art began at the tender age of two when her father, a jobbing artist, introduced her to the magic of mixing paint colors. This moment ignited a lifelong passion for art in all its forms. She lives and breathes art, constantly creating and appreciating it in myriad ways.
Her academic background in Fine Art, 3D Art and Design, and Visual Semiotics, combined with her distinct sensibilities and vision, allows Maria to create works that evoke deep emotional connections. Every piece she crafts tells a compelling story.
Specializing in realism and portraiture, Maria primarily works with oil, water-media, and graphite. However, her broader body of work spans a range of styles and mediums, from abstracts to high-realism. She believes in embracing her full creative potential without being confined to a single style.
Beyond painting, Maria is a photographer, costume and jewelry designer, certified silversmith, musician, writer, and polyglot. She occasionally ventures into sculpture on small-scale projects.
Currently residing in the USA, Maria boasts a rich heritage of British and Afro-Judeo-Iberian origins. Her diverse racial background inspires her to celebrate and reflect it in her work. She is committed to promoting equality and equity through her art, championing the unsung heroes of history and everyday life. In-depth research into her subjects and their histories is a crucial aspect of her creative process.
Explore Maria’s website, where she shares articles on her artistic journey and subjects of interest. Discover the stories behind her captivating works and gain insight into her creative process.
