Book Spotlight: Rise of the Pale Moon by Patricia Brandon

 

Forced to navigate complex relationships with each other and the master’s family in colonial South Carolina, three young women (an indentured servant, a chattel slave, and a Catawba Indian) must choose between remaining in servitude or risk a dangerous escape that could change their lives – and the course of the Revolution.

Unlikely Allies: Three Diverse Women Navigate Tumultuous Times, Risking All Amidst Revolutionary Woes. A Tale of Hope, Love, and Triumph Over Adversity.

In the heart of coastal South Carolina, during the Revolutionary War era, a profound narrative unfolds in Rise of the Pale Moon. This captivating tale is set on a plantation, where three young women of strikingly different backgrounds are held captive - a humble indentured servant from London, a resilient chattel slave, and a resourceful Catawba Indian. Their lives are intertwined, bound by the chains of their circumstances, and deeply impacted by the Master and his family.

These women, each bearing a unique perspective, must learn to navigate their relationships with each other and their captors. As they grapple with their brutal reality, their courage is put to the ultimate test. Will they risk a daring escape, knowing full well that it could result in their demise? Or will they remain, hoping to influence their fate and possibly alter the course of the war in the American South?

Rise of the Pale Moon explores the intricacies of loyalty, sacrifice, and love amidst harsh adversity. The characters' relentless pursuit of hope is a testament to their determination and resilience, offering an inspiring portrayal of human spirit. As the birth of a new nation unfolds around them, their journey reveals the transformative power of unity and friendship.

This riveting narrative is more than just a historical fiction; it is a timeless exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of shared struggles, shared dreams, and the shared determination to survive. The characters' journey serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of hope, even in the darkest of times.

Rise of the Pale Moon is a captivating read, that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving you with a renewed perspective on life, love, and the power of resilience. The story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the courage to fight for freedom. A must-read for anyone who appreciates a compelling historical narrative laced with poignant life lessons.

 

 Buy Links:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3197yD

  

Patricia Brandon is a winner of a Carrie McCray Memorial Literary Award (South Carolina Writers’ Association).

Her first novel, THE CENTER OF GRAVITY, earned a Coffee Pot Book Club (UK) “Highly Recommended” 5-Star Award. It recently was awarded a bronze medal (fiction-mystery-historical category) in the Readers Favorite International Book Contest.

Her second novel, A RULE OF LIFE, was selected as a gold medal (YA, Historical Fiction category) 2021 Book of the Year by The Coffee Pot Book Club. It also was recently selected as a bronze medal (YA Mystery category) winner in the Readers Favorite International Book Contest.

RISE OF THE PALE MOON was selected as a finalist for the American Writing Awards 2025.

All novels have gleaned several excellent editorial reviews.

Check out Patricia’s interview at Meet The Author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7wk0myvCk0

Author Links:

Website:  https://patriciabrandon.com/

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

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

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

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/stores/Patricia-Brandon/author/B07DLGBJV4 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/17558288.Patricia_Brandon

 

 If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

Book Spotlight: The Queen’s Sister by Carol McGrath

 

A mother, a wife, a woman of substance...

 At nineteen, Elizabeth Seymour is already a mother, has been recently widowed, and seen her Queen, Anne Boleyn, lose her life. Against the wishes of her father, she heads North, away from Wulf Hall and the court in London to Yorkshire, determined to establish a new beginning as a landowner and business woman. As her family in Wiltshire curry favour with King Henry, aided by Thomas Cromwell, Elizabeth makes Kexby Manor her home, finding loyalty among her people there.

Soon, news comes to Elizabeth of the King's desires for her sister, Jane and while her brother, Edward, encourages her own betrothal to Gregory Cromwell, son of Thomas. It is a happy second marriage for Elizabeth, but it brings unwanted involvement in the dark plots and secrecy of the court, while in the wider country, changes in religious practice threaten to alter the traditions and values of all she has known...

THE QUEEN'S SISTER vividly imagines the story of the woman possibly portrayed in Hans Holbein's beautiful painting 'Portrait of a Lady,' and is a colourful, meticulously researched novel of Tudor life behind the scenes.

What readers say about Carol McGrath's novels:

'Another beautifully crafted, well-researched work of historical fiction from Carol McGrath'

'Brimming with intrigue, tension and adventure, The Lost Queen is a powerful Medieval tale full of atmosphere, danger and emotion and transports the reader to another world'

 Buy Links:

 Universal Ebook Link: https://books2read.com/u/bzExAq

 Universal Paperback Link: https://geni.us/queenssister

Following a first degree in English and History at QUB, Carol McGrath completed an MA in Creative Writing from The Seamus Heaney Centre, Queens University Belfast, followed by an MPhil in English from University of London. She is published by Headline.

The Handfasted Wife, first in a trilogy about the royal women of 1066 was shortlisted for the RoNAs in 2014. The Swan-Daughter and The Betrothed Sister complete this highly acclaimed trilogy. Mistress Cromwell, a best-selling historical novel about Elizabeth Cromwell, wife of Henry VIII’s statesman, Thomas Cromwell, was republished by Headline in 2020. The Silken Rose, first in a Medieval She-Wolf Queens Trilogy, featuring Ailenor of Provence, saw publication in April 2020. This was followed by The Damask Rose. The Stone Rose was published April 2022. The Stolen Crown 2023 and July 2024 The Lost Queen about Berengaria of Navarre and The Third Crusade. The Queen’s Sister, sequel to Mistress Cromwell sees publication in June 2026.

Carol writes historical non-fiction as well as fiction. Sex and Sexuality in Tudor England was published in February 2022 by Pen & Sword. She speaks at Conferences and gives interviews.

Find Carol on her website: www.carolcmcgrath.co.uk.

Subscribe to her newsletter via her website (use the drop down on her web-site Home Page).

Author Links:

Website: www.carolcmcgrath.co.uk

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarolMcGrathAuthor1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carol.mcgrath.58/

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

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carol-mcgrath

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Carol-McGrath/author/B00D0K5YI0

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6942793.Carol_McGrath

If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

Book Spotlight: Daughter of Mercia by Julia Ibbotson

 

Echoes of the past resonate across the centuries as Dr Anna Petersen, a medievalist and runologist, is struggling with past trauma and allowing herself to trust again. When archaeologist (and Anna's old adversary) Professor Matt Beacham unearths a 6^th century seax with a mysterious runic inscription, and reluctantly approaches Anna for help, a chain of events brings the past firmly back into her present. And why does the burial site also contain two sets of bones, one 6^th century and the other modern?

 

As the past and present intermingle alarmingly, Anna and Matt need to work together to solve the mystery of the seax runes and the seemingly impossible burial, and to discover the truth about the past. Tensions rise and sparks fly between Anna and Matt. But how is 6^th century Lady Mildryth of Mercia connected to Anna? Can they both be the Daughter of Mercia?

 

For fans of Barbara Erskine, Elena Collins, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley and Christina Courtenay.

 

Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://myBook.to/DOMercia

 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 latest novel is the first of a new series of Anglo-Saxon dual-time mysteries, Daughter of Mercia, where echoes of the past resonate across the centuries.

 Her books 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:

 Website: https://juliaibbotsonauthor.com

Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/@juliaibbotson

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia.ibbotson

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/juliai1

Amazon Author Page: https://Author.to/JuliaIbbotsonauthor

Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/juliaibbotson

 

 If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

 

Audiobook Spotlight: The Agincourt King by Mercedes Rochelle. Narrated by Kevin E. Green.

 

From the day he was crowned, Henry V was determined to prove the legitimacy of his house.

His father's usurpation weighed heavily on his mind. Only a grand gesture would capture the respect of his own countrymen and the rest of Europe. He would follow in his great-grandfather Edward III's footsteps, and recover lost territory in France. Better yet, why not go for the crown?

Poor, deranged Charles VI couldn't manage his own barons. The civil war between the Burgundians and Armagnacs was more of a threat to his country than the English, even after Henry laid siege to Harfleur.

But once Harfleur had fallen, the French came to their senses and determined to block his path to Calais and destroy him. By the time the English reached Agincourt, they were starving, exhausted, and easy pickings. Or so the French thought.

Little did they reckon on Henry's leadership and the stout-hearted English archers who proved, once again, that numbers didn't matter when God was on their side.

 Buy Links:

 Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mq70Ze

 Audiobook Buy Links:

Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0Cg66ye2wFqfteVEYMZXUE

Chirp: https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/the-agincourt-king-by-mercedes-rochelle

 This series is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

 

Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channeled this interest into fiction writing.

Her first four books cover eleventh-century Britain and events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. The next series is called The Plantagenet Legacy about the struggles and abdication of Richard II, leading to the troubled reigns of the Lancastrian Kings. 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 Univ. 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 / X:  https://x.com/authorrochelle

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

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

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

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

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

 

 If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

 

Book Spotlight: What the Ocean Brings by Tonya Ulynn Brown

Quebec, Canada, 1847.

While trying to escape the Potato Famine, shipwrecked Irish immigrant Breanna Clarey awakens injured and alone on an unfamiliar beach. To make matters worse, she has been separated from her family, and her friend, Crow, is lying dead at her feet. But when Dawson Roberts, a reclusive fisherman with a guarded past and big dreams for his future, finds Breanna, he puts his plans on hold to offer her shelter and help find her family.

But life for an Irish immigrant isn't easy. Facing a deadly quarantine station, dangerous immigration officials, and grief over her missing family, Breanna struggles to exert her independence and navigate her new world. While Breanna confronts an unknown future, Dawson is plagued by a painful past. They each must determine their own course, even if it means ignoring the pull they have on each other.

When the future takes an unexpected turn, only the ocean that has brought them so much devastation can help them find their way back to where they belong.

Buy Link:

 Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mYjg2G 

Tonya Ulynn Brown is an award-winning historical romance author who writes emotionally rich tales of ancient castles, treacherous plots, and forbidden love. With a deep passion for the turbulent histories of England and Scotland, she brings the past vividly to life through stories where danger and desire walk hand in hand.

Tonya holds a master’s degree and teaches Reading and Writing at the elementary level. Fueled by iced coffees, beautiful books, and an enduring obsession with Mary, Queen of Scots, she fills her days writing, teaching, and researching the lives of long-dead monarchs and other historical figures. Most of all, she loves spending time with her husband, two sons, and one very spoiled French bulldog.

Author Links:

Website: www.tonyaubrown.com

Twitter / X: www.twitter.com/MrsBrownee2U

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tonyaubrown

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonyaubrown

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tonyaulynnbrown/what-the-ocean-brings/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tonya-ulynn-brown

Threads: www.threads.com/tonyaubrown

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tonyaubrown

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tonya-Ulynn-Brown/author/B08B6C9VFD

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20396608.Tonya_Ulynn_Brown

 If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

 

AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest by Mary Ann Bernal — Cinematic Trailer (Vertical Edition)

 

For centuries, the secrets of the Templars have slept beneath dust, stone, and silence. But when AnaRose uncovers an artifact that was never meant to be found, she is thrust into a race against time — and into the crosshairs of those who would kill to keep the past buried.

This cinematic trailer brings her discovery to life with tension, mystery, and the pulse of an ancient conspiracy awakening once more.

Watch the full trailer below and step into the world of AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest.

Behind the Legend: Where History Ends, and Faith Begins

Before the chase, there was silence. Before the relic, a vow. AnaRose Preston, antiquities expert and reluctant seeker, is drawn into a centuries‑old mystery buried beneath medieval stone and sacred bloodlines. In the shadows of ruined chapels and forgotten maps, a silent brotherhood is watching. And the dagger’s secret waits to be unearthed.

This quiet moment, where faith meets fear and history whispers its final clue, captures the soul of AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest. It’s a story of pursuit. Of how devotion can be distorted, and how truth, once buried, demands sacrifice to be revealed.

A Note from the Author

I wrote AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest to explore the tension between legend and legacy. What do we risk when we chase the truth? And what do we preserve when we choose silence? This book invites you to follow AnaRose’s journey and decide what’s worth uncovering.

About the Book

When a nobleman’s ring surfaces in modern‑day France, renowned antiquities expert AnaRose Preston is summoned to authenticate its origin. Her examination reveals a long‑whispered legend: hidden within the hilt of a dagger lies a Holy Nail, one of the crucifixion nails said to pierce Christ’s body.

As AnaRose traces the knight’s unfinished journey through medieval ruins, she unravels ancient clues while evading a secret sect sworn to protect the relic’s sanctity. But the truth is more elusive than legend, and her pursuit may preserve history or conceal it forever.

The dagger may resurface. The Nail’s fate remains hidden. Some treasures are not meant to be found.

AnaRose and the Templar’s Quest is a historical thriller that explores faith, obsession, and the fragile line between myth and reality.

Ready to Read?

Begin the chase. Uncover the past before it vanishes forever.

Buy the Book

Amazon Global Link:

https://mybook.to/AnaRose

Universal Link:

https://books2read.com/u/bp2Gzg

Learn more at https://maryannbernal.com

If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

Book Spotlight: HEROICA: Three women, three centuries, three reckonings by Alison Morton

 

Even the strongest state is vulnerable to its past

2020, Roma Nova. Carina Mitela investigates a potential rebellion but discovers the long-buried secret that ignited the attempted uprising links directly to her own powerful family.

1683, Vienna. As Europe struggles against the Ottoman onslaught, Honoria Mitela leads her troops into the desperate battle to save besieged Vienna. The fate of Europe – and of Roma Nova itself – hangs in the balance.

1849, Central Italy. Statia Mitela’s impulsive act saves one life but jeopardises Roma Nova’s very existence and threatens her descendants with public disgrace, financial ruin and permanent exile.

-----------

Three stories of the women of the Mitela family, descendants of the founders of Roma Nova, bound by blood and courage.

 

Praise for HEROICA:

 

“All three stories in this collection deal with honour and the question of being true to oneself, especially if this entails running the risk of coming into conflict with the state and the status quo. All three central women are physically and morally brave, even rash. Their strength of spirit is never in doubt.”
~ Lorna Fergusson, Fictionfire

 

“For anyone who has read and enjoyed the Roma Nova stories before, this collection of novellas is a must. And if you haven’t, then please start from the beginning with INCEPTIO – you’ll be hooked!”

~ Christina Courtenay 

Buy Links:

 Amazon Universal Link: https://mybook.to/HEROICA_RomaNova

 Other retailers Universal Link: https://books2read/HEROICA

 

 

Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. Her twelve-book Roma Nova series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the Roman Empire has survived into the 21^st century and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but use a sharp line in dialogue.

She blends her fascination for Ancient Rome with six years’ military service and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history. 

Alison lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her three contemporary thrillers, Double Identity, Double Pursuit and Double Stakes.

For the latest news, subscribe to her newsletter at https://www.alison-morton.com/newsletter/ and receive 'Welcome to Alison Morton’s Thriller Worlds’ as a thank you gift.

Author Links:

Connect with Alison on her World of Thrillers site: https://alison-morton.com

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AlisonMortonAuthor

Alison’s writing blog: https://alisonmortonauthor.com

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

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5783095.Alison_Morton

Alison’s Amazon page: https://Author.to/AlisonMortonAmazon

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/alisonmorton.bsky.social

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/alison_morton 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/alison-morton

Newsletter sign-up: https://www.alison-morton.com/newsletter/

If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

Book Spotlight: Some Starry Night by Irene Latham

 

Under the pale glow of a Parisian spring in 1886, two restless souls move toward the same horizon-unaware that their meeting will ignite a love as luminous and fleeting as the stars themselves.

 

Vincent van Gogh arrives in Paris with little more than paint-stained hands and an aching determination to create something worthy of the world. Living in the cramped apartment of his brother Theo, he struggles against poverty, doubt, and the relentless pull of his own restless mind.

 

Across the ocean in Amherst, Emily Dickinson receives news that changes everything. Faced with the nearness of death, the reclusive poet does the unthinkable: she leaves the quiet safety of the Homestead and sails for Paris, determined to taste life before it slips beyond her reach.

When Emily agrees to sit for Vincent's portrait, their worlds collide in a blaze of color, poetry, and dangerous intimacy. Through letters, poems, and whispered confessions, the two artists discover in one another a fierce, unguarded understanding-one that will shape their art, their faith, and the fragile hours they have left.

 

But love between stars is never simple. As time grows short and darkness gathers, Vincent and Emily must decide whether beauty is meant to last...or simply to burn bright enough to change the night forever.

 

Some Starry Night is a sweeping, lyrical imagining of the hidden story behind Vincent van Gogh's most iconic painting-an unforgettable tale of love, creativity, and the courage to live fiercely, even in the shadow of the end.

 

 Buy Links:

 Universal Buy Link:  https://books2read.com/u/bMLBev

 Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/some-starry-night-irene-latham/b91a9af2bd9a9e10?ean=9781964700847&next=t   

 

Irene Latham writes poems and stories from the Purple Horse Poetry Studio & Music Room in Blount County, Alabama. She is the author or co-author of many books for young people, including African Town, winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Outstanding Historical Fiction.

This is her first novel for adults. Learn more at irenelatham.com.

 Author Links:

 Website:                     https://www.irenelatham.com/

HP Author Page:         https://www.historiumpress.com/irene-latham

Substack / Blog:         https://irenelatham.blogspot.com/

Pinterest:                    https://www.pinterest.com/irenelatham/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002CQPNLQ/

Goodreads:                 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1083084.Irene_Latham

Youtube:                     https://www.youtube.com/c/IreneLatham

 

 If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

Book Spotlight: Escape of the Grand Duchess by Susan Appleyard

 

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.

Praise:

“Escape of the Grand Duchess” is not merely a tale of survival; it is an emotional and gripping exploration of Olga’s unwavering desire to seek solace amidst the ruins of her past. The novel beautifully captures her internal struggles and the relentless hope that drives her onward, making it a poignant and vivid narrative of resilience. This book comes highly recommended.

Yarde Book Promotions

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/mlJGEW

 Amazon US Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Grand-Duchess-Susan-Appleyard/dp/1990688462

Amazon UK Paperback: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Escape-Grand-Duchess-Susan-Appleyard/dp/1990688462

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.

Social Media Links:

 Website: https://susanappleyardwriter.wordpress.com

Blog: https://susanappleyardwriter.wordpress.com/blog/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appleyard.susan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.appleyard.9

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan-appleyard

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Susan-Appleyard/author/B00UTVMT5Y

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1283266.Susan_Appleyard

 

If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas. https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY

 

 

Prison of the Serpent: A Snippet from AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold by Mary Ann Bernal

 

Snippet

Jo awakened in a small room filled with Ancient Egyptian furnishings. She had hazy memories of how she got there in the first place. Jo recalled declining Khepri’s offer to ride back to Cairo. While waiting to board the bus, she felt a sting in her neck and felt lightheaded. Out of nowhere, Khepri appeared, held her upright, and brought her to his Jeep. He strapped her into the passenger seat, where she rested her head. With blurry vision, she saw his tattoo before blacking out.

Looking for an exit, Jo ran toward a solitary door. When it wouldn’t open, she hit it with the palm of her hand and shouted, “Let me out of here.”

Exhausted after several minutes of incessant pounding, Jo sat on a chair and tried to calm down. She had to think. Hysterics would hamper her survival until AnaRose rescued her. Jo suppressed the urge to scream when she realized she wore a white gown, gold bracelets, and a serpent pendant hanging from a layered gold necklace covering her chest. Her hair and skin smelled of perfume, causing Jo to gag at its intensity.

Wall paintings and hieroglyphs depicted scenes of horror and violence with images of Apophis devouring the sun, the sky turning red, and people slaughtered by his minions. Jo felt a surge of fear and panic, unsure if AnaRose would find her in time.

Resolved temporarily to her fate, Jo searched the room, looking for her clothes and phone. Obviously, they’re gone! Do you think they’re stupid? These guys are killers and leave no trace of their victims.

Overwhelmed, tears welled in Jo’s eyes. She felt claustrophobic, terrorized of being buried alive in a sarcophagus, and freaking out when they shut the lid.

Stop it, or you’ll die of fright. Have faith in AnaRose’s abilities. It will be okay.

Resigned for the moment of accepting the situation at hand, Jo closed her eyes, her thoughts chaotic as she counted down the hours to her rescue or death.

Watch the Cinematic Trailer

Where to Buy

AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold

https://books2read.com/u/380DQ6

Connect with the Author

https://maryannbernal.com

Discover More Stories

If you enjoy discovering new stories, you may also like The AnaRose Chronicles—a trilogy of award‑winning adventure novellas.

https://books2read.com/u/4jzKAY