Monday, 8 June 2026

Rise of the Pale Moon by Patricia Brandon


Rise of the Pale Moon

By Patricia Brandon


Publication Date: October 15th, 2024
Publisher: Palmetto Publishers
Pages: 262
Genre: Historical Fiction


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.

Praise for Rise of the Pale Moon:

"... 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."
~ Yarde Book Promotion, 5* Editorial Review

"Set in Charleston, South Carolina during the Revolutionary war, this novel takes the reader on a journey through the past while teaching about history and friendship in a way that readers, especially middle grade readers, will surely connect. As a teacher, I was hooked at the beginning when the main character, and indentured servant, faces unbelievable hardship on the passage to America. Readers will learn about the history of that era while being entertained with the story."
~ Sophia, 5* Amazon Review


Buy Link:


Patricia Brandon


 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 Live, 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.

Connect with Patricia:


 

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Sunday, 7 June 2026

The Queen’s Sister by Carol McGrath


The Queen’s Sister

By Carol McGrath


Publication Date: Jun 4th, 2026
Publisher: Headline Accent
Pages: 300
Genre: Historical Fiction


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, 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'

Excerpt


We ride into the courtyard, myself, my lady called Madeleine, two female servants and my six guardsmen. Stable boys come racing over the slippery cobbles to help with our horses. I had ridden most of the way north, sheltering from bitterly cold, harsh winds wrapped within my canvas cape and fur-lined gown, my underdress the warmest wool kirtle I could find in my travelling box.  My lady-in-waiting, at nineteen only a few years older than I, sat for most of the journey in a wagon, with two servants and my travelling chests.
A tall woman, wearing a sensible plain gown and coif covering a glimpse of grey hair on her brow, hurries from the porch to greet us. She is followed by a bustling, rotund man of a similar age, his kindly crinkly face creasing into smiles. My lady attendant drops a curtsey to her and the middle-aged woman does the same to me. There is a rattling, noisy activity behind me as my luggage is unloaded from the wagon and my guard dismounts, their horses neighing and stamping the ground, puffs of steam billowing from nostrils.
I assume the woman is the housekeeper. A ring of keys hangs from her belt. Seeing my glance at these she speaks. ‘I am Mistress Eugenia Buxton, your housekeeper and my husband is Master William Buxton, steward of Kexby.’

Master William steps forward and bows. Rising, he glances up and sniffs the bitter air. ‘My lady, welcome. Come away inside out of the bite.’

‘Hurry, Lady Elizabeth,’ his wife says. ‘Your messenger came in good time. There’s been a hot supper ready since he told us of your imminent arrival, and a warm chamber too. The manor has not had a mistress for many years and the Cardinal, though much-loved here in the countryside, only visited Kexby on an odd occasion.’ She crossed herself, presumably because Cardinal Wolsey had died disgraced, on his way to London from York many years before. Hurrying me towards the door she adds, ‘But rest assured we have done our best to look after it all.’
‘I thank you.’ I turn to her husband. ‘Do you have accommodation for my household guard, Master Buxton?’
‘The manor has a substantial guard house beside the stables. It’s warm and comfortable. We can send meals over to them unless you prefer otherwise.’
‘They will eat in the hall with the rest of the household,’ I say at once. Master Buxton calls instructions to the boys minding the horses and we all process through the enormous porch into the hall. The first thing I notice is the crackling, spluttering fire blazing in the hearth. A cloth-covered table is placed at the upper end. Another solid oak table is placed lengthwise. On either side benches are squeezed against it.  I observe that a door along the wall opposite the fireplace must open into a screen passageway.  
Mistress Eugenia ushers myself and Madeleine to the top table which is set with silver and generously laden with food - crisped small fishes, winter salads, pies, cheeses, meats and mountains of bread rolls on platters. As I take my seat, as if from nowhere, the manor’s population appear in the hall to take up places along the board. They appear awed by my presence and are quiet as they squeeze along benches to make room for the six soldiers who will remain with me for my stay in Kexby. Master William Buxton, I see, is already conversing with my sergeant and draws him to sit at the high table with us. A white-robed priest, who I am told is Father Adolphus, blesses the supper. Warmed wine smelling of spices is poured for those of us seated along the top board. Napkins are placed over our shoulders by servants and we break bread. Determined not to appear greedy, I manage to avoid falling upon the food before me, though I am hungry as a half-starved beggar. I force myself to eat daintily as I politely converse with the housekeeper.
‘I expect you observed a quiet Christmastide, my lady,’ Mistress Eugenia says.




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Carol McGrath


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.

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

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Thursday, 4 June 2026

Daughter of Mercia (Dr Anna Petersen Mysteries #1) by Julia Ibbotson


⭐ First Book Anniversary Blog Tour ⭐

Daughter of Mercia

Dr Anna Petersen Mysteries #1
by Julia Ibbotson


Publication Date: June 6th, 2025
Series: Dr Anna Petersen Mysteries
Publisher: Archbury Books
Pages: 301 ebook / 392 pb
Genre: Medieval Dual-Timeline Mystery Romance


A brand-new Anglo-Saxon time-slip full of mystery and romance.

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 6th 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 6th 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 6th 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.



Praise for Daughter of Mercia:

“Ibbotson’s prose immerses you in the vivid world of the Anglo-Saxon era, richly layered with sensory detail that brings both the past and present timelines to life. I could feel the atmosphere—the cold stone and the wind on the hills. Her writing weaves the two eras seamlessly, connecting people across time and creating a mysterious, slow-building tension that keeps you turning the pages.”
~ Alis Page, Reviewer, 5*

“... an atmospheric, and wonderfully immersive, novel that has it all: characters with their own conflicts, both in the past and the present; a mystery that links the eras; the intrigue of Mildryth's fate and Anna's secrets; and all within the fascinating setting of archaeology.”
~ Ruins & Reading, 5* Review



Buy Link:
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.


Julia Ibbotson


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’.

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Wednesday, 3 June 2026

The Agincourt King – Audiobook (Plantagenet Legacy Series) by Mercedes Rochelle


The Agincourt King – Audiobook

Plantagenet Legacy Series
By Mercedes Rochelle



Publication Date: April 8th, 2024
Publisher: Sergeant Press
Pages: 260
Genre: Historical Fiction

Audiobook :
Publication Date: May 4th, 2026
Publisher: Sergeant Press
Narrator: Kevin E. Green
Listening Length: 8 hours 36 minutes

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.



Universal Buy Link (Paperback and #Kindle):
Available to read on #KindleUnlimited.



Mercedes Rochelle


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 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.

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Sunday, 31 May 2026

What the Ocean Brings by Tonya Ulynn Brown


What the Ocean Brings

by Tonya Ulynn Brown


Publication Date: June 4th, 2026
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Pages: 393
Genre: Historical Romance

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.



Excerpt

Louis was still spewing obscenities when the bell rang again. Charlie threw a punch but missed, and Breanna reckoned it had something to do with him not being able to see very well. When he swung a second time and missed, Louis took advantage of the opportunity and punched him in his ribs. Charlie bent over trying to catch his breath, and Louis hit him again in the same spot.  

Charlie fell to the ground with a thud. Breanna thought for sure that was all the man would be able to take, but he scrambled to get up again. However, before his feet could gain purchase, Louis kicked him in the ribs. 

“That’s dirty!” Dawson shouted, pointing his finger and grabbing the rope. He would have climbed back in the ring if Ames hadn’t caught him and pushed him back. By this time, half the audience was shouting so loudly in protest that she couldn’t hear the count. 

Breanna knew they had reached 30 when Louis stumbled over to his corner and grabbed his shirt. Charlie was still lying on the floor, and Clarice was at his side trying to help him up. Everyone was shouting, and there was great confusion. She looked to Dawson for an explanation, but he had climbed into the ring and was shouting at the referee.  

“Double or nothing!” he parlayed as he pulled his suspenders off his shoulders and began unbuttoning his shirt. “Let me fight him,” Dawson haggled. 

More shouting followed, and Breanna watched in horror as Dawson removed his shirt and stepped up to the line. 

“What is happening?” she cried to no one in particular, but a woman standing next to her with a long cigarette hanging out of her mouth said, “Honey, it looks like your man is about to fight King Louis.” 

When others started realizing there would be another fight, they began passing money back and forth, and everyone placed their bets. Clarice helped Charlie to the side of the ring, but he could barely stand.

“Oh, Charlie, I am really sorry. Will ye be needing a doctor?” 

Charlie didn’t answer for a moment. When he had finally caught his breath, he said, “I can’t leave now. Dawson is going to fight.” 

“But why? I don’t understand what is happening.”  

“I’d venture to say, he bet money on my fight. It must have been a pretty penny for him to go after Louis like that.” 

Breanna gasped in disbelief. “His boat money.” 

Charlie looked at her through his one good eye and shrugged. She felt tears stinging her eyes as she turned back to the ring.  

Suddenly, Dawson was there in front of her. He grabbed her by her upper arms and pulled her toward him. Placing a quick kiss on her lips, he shouted, “Wish me luck.” 

Breanna reeled from the contact. Rocking back on her heels, she steadied herself with the ropes that squared off the fighting ring. She watched as Dawson stepped up to the line again, stretching and flexing his arms to loosen up. That is when she finally noticed him.  

She had never seen Dawson without his shirt on. In all the weeks that she had lived in his house and worked alongside him on his boat, he had always been fully clothed. His chest and arms were just as big as Charlie’s, but instead of the thick patch of ginger-colored hair on his chest, Dawson’s hair was dark, matching that on his head. He sported two tattoos, one on each side of his chest, but they were obscured by his suspenders, and she couldn’t make out what they were. She stared in fascination. 

When the bell rang, it was obvious that Dawson had a clear advantage. Louis was tired, and Breanna was surprised that he had even agreed to this second fight. Yet, he still put up a good fight, and by the time it was over, Dawson had a split brow, two broken ribs, and his money back. Louis went home with a broken nose and humiliation.  

Buy Link:

Tonya Ulynn Brown


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.


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Wednesday, 20 May 2026

HEROICA: Three women, three centuries, three reckonings Roma Nova by Alison Morton


HEROICA:

Three women, three centuries, three reckonings
Roma Nova
By Alison Morton


Publication Date: May 14th, 2026
Publisher: Pulcheria Press
Pages: 162
Genre: Collection of alternative history short(ish) stories


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, bestselling author of romantic time-travel fiction


Buy Links:


Alison Morton


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 21st 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.

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Rise of the Pale Moon by Patricia Brandon

Rise of the Pale Moon By Patricia Brandon Publication Date: October 15th, 2024 Publisher: Palmetto Publishers Pages: 262 Genre: Historical F...