Books on my to-read list: Clash of Empires: A Novel of the French Indian War (The Mallory Saga Book 1) By Paul Bennett

 Paul Bennett is a new author for me, but his books, set during the French and Indian War has really Piqued my interest so I have added the series to my to-read list. 

Look out for my review in the not to distant future. 

Clash of Empires: A Novel of the French Indian War 
(The Mallory Saga Book 1)

By Paul Bennett

In 1756, Britain and France are on a collision course for control of the North American continent. The eventual result can be described as the first world war, known as the Seven Year’s War in Europe and the French and Indian War in the colonies. The Mallory family uproots from eastern Pennsylvania, and moves to the western frontier, where they find themselves in the middle of war. Daniel, Liam, and Liza (the three Mallory siblings) become involved in the conflict in ways that lead to emotional trauma for each. The story focuses on historical events and includes historical characters. Clash of Empires is an exciting look at the developments leading to the events of July 1776, which are chronicled in the sequel as we follow the exploits and fate of the Mallory clan.

Clash of Empires is available to buy on Amazon in Kindle, Paperback and audio.

Paul Bennett

Paul was born in Detroit when the Big Three ruled the automobile industry, and The Korean Conflict was in full swing. A lifelong interest in history and a love of reading eventually led him to Wayne State University where he majored in Ancient History, with a minor in Physical Anthropology. However, to make ends meet, those studies were left to the realm of dreams, and Paul found himself accidentally embarking on a 50 year career in computers. A career that he has recently retired from in order to spend more time with those dreams….7 grandchildren will help fill the time as well.

He now resides in the quaint New England town of Salem, Massachusetts with his wife Daryl, just a few minutes’ walk from the North River, and the site where the Revolution almost began.

The Mallory Saga is the culmination of Paul’s love of history, and his creative drive to write stories. With Nightwish and Bruce Cockburn coming through his headphones, and many cups of excellent coffee, Paul hopes to carry the Saga into the late 19th century, bringing American History to life through the eyes and actions of the Mallory family.

Books on my to-read list: The Shadow in the Glass by JJA Harwood

I can't remember the last time i have read a gothic story and this one has a rather wonderful Victorian background. I am really looking forward to reading this book as it has some really great reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

I will of course, be back with my review as soon as I have read it.

Once upon a time Ella had wished for more than her life as a lowly maid.

Now forced to work hard under the unforgiving, lecherous gaze of the man she once called stepfather, Ella’s only refuge is in the books she reads by candlelight, secreted away in the library she isn’t permitted to enter.

One night, among her beloved books of far-off lands, Ella’s wishes are answered. At the stroke of midnight, a fairy godmother makes her an offer that will change her life: seven wishes, hers to make as she pleases. But each wish comes at a price and Ella must decide whether it’s one she’s willing to pay…

 The Shadow in the Glass is available to buy on Amazon.

JJA Harwood

JJA Harwood is an author, editor and blogger. She grew up in Norfolk, read History at the University of Warwick and eventually found her way to London, which is still something of a shock for somebody used to so many fields.

When not writing, she can be found learning languages, cooking with more enthusiasm than skill, wandering off into clearly haunted houses and making friends with stray cats. THE SHADOW IN THE GLASS is her debut novel.

This week's new release - Operation Tulip by Deborah Swift

Today we are celebrating the release of Deborah Swift's book, Operation Tulip.

This book really caught my attention. The cover is beautiful and the blurb is really enticing. I have added this book to my to-read list. Look out for my review!  

Holland, 1944: Undercover British agent Nancy Callaghan has been given her toughest case yet. A key member of the Dutch resistance has been captured, and Nancy must play the role of a wealthy Nazi to win over a notorious SS officer, Detlef Keller, and gain crucial information.

England: Coding expert Tom Lockwood is devastated that the Allies have failed to push back the Nazis, leaving Northern Holland completely cut off from the rest of Europe, and him from his beloved Nancy. Desperate to rescue the love of his life, Tom devises Operation Tulip, a plan to bring Nancy home.

But as Nancy infiltrates the Dutch SS, she finds herself catching the eye of an even more senior member of the Party. Is Nancy in too deep, or can Tom reach her before she gets caught?

Inspired by the true events of occupied Holland during WW2, don't miss this utterly gripping story of love, bravery and sacrifice.

Operation Tulip is available to purchase on Amazon

Deborah Swift

Deborah Swift is a USA TODAY bestselling author of twenty books who is passionate about the past. Deborah used to be a costume designer for the BBC, before becoming a writer. Now she lives in an old English school house in a village full of 17th Century houses, near the glorious Lake District. After taking a Masters Degree in Creative Writing, she enjoys mentoring aspiring novelists and has an award-winning historical fiction blog at her website www.deborahswift.com.

Deborah loves to write about how extraordinary events in history have transformed the lives of ordinary people, and how the events of the past can live on in her books and still resonate today. 

Recent books include The Poison Keeper, about the Renaissance poisoner Giulia Tofana, which was a winner of the Wishing Shelf Book of the Decade Award, and a Coffee Pot Book Club Gold Medal. Her most recent books are The Silk Code and The Shadow Network both set in the Second World War.

Books on my to-read list: Blue Line to Richmond by Thomas J. Berry.

I thought I would start a new feature by telling you a little about the books I have on my to-read list. 

I am going to start of by telling you about Blue Line to Richmond by Thomas J. Berry. I absolutely love books set in this era, (American Civil War) and I saw a pre-release review of this book from one of my favourite bloggers. 

What really has drawn me to this book is that if follows actual historical people who lived through this era. I am really looking forward to reading this book. I shall let you know when the book is out on Kindle, and of course, what I thought of it!

The bloody War of Revolution sparks a new democracy in the British colonies and makes household names of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. As the century comes to a close, legendary rider Paul Revere forges a unique medallion in the fires of Boston. Decades later, another rebellion grips the land, splitting the fledgling country asunder. As the North and South collide in a devastating civil war, the Revere medallion rises from the ashes to spark a new generation of American heroes.

When patriotic fever sweeps the country, Paul's grandson marches into battle with the famed Harvard regiment but he finds the horrors of war a steep price to pay for glory. A Southern belle must decide where her true loyalties lie when faced with the ultimate choice. A young officer struggles to maintain his principles as Robert E. Lee pushes toward Gettysburg, and he must wrestle with the true meaning of freedom. As the battles rage around them, the three must learn to adapt as politics and prejudice undermine Lincoln's hope for salvation.

Uniting the trio in the greatest conflict America has ever faced is the famed Revere medallion and the special strength it gives to those who possess it. Three men and women are tested to their breaking points as they must learn to face their fears and find a way to save their beloved country against insurmountable odds.

★★★★★★★★

Book Review - A Court of Betrayal by Anne O'Brien

A Court of Betrayal

By Anne O'Brien

ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR...

The Welsh Marches, 1301

Strong-willed heiress Johane de Geneville is married to Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, at just fifteen years old.

Soon Johane finds herself swept up in a world of treacherous court politics and dangerous secrets as her husband deposes Edward II and rules England alongside Queen Isabella.

Yet when Roger is accused of treason, she is robbed of her freedom and must survive catastrophic events in her fight for justice - with her life, and her children's, hanging in the balance...

Will she pay for her husband's mistakes, or will she manage to escape from a terrible fate?

 Review

Once again, Anne O’Brien presents her readers with an inside look into the life of a woman who played a pivotal role in historical events. In the case of A Court of Betrayal, O’Brien introduces us to Johane de Geneville, wife of Roger Mortimer, Earl of March. 

This story had me gripped from the opening chapter. Johane’s life is a narrative of courage, love, and treachery that deserves to be remembered beyond the confines of history. The way Johane was depicted in the novel was done masterfully, and it left me feeling a strong connection with her. I won’t be able to forget her story anytime soon.  This novel’s historical accuracy is also unmatched, and the captivating storyline kept me engrossed until the early hours.

If you like reading books about the woman’s perspective during historical events then you really need to check out Anne’s books. I cannot recommend them enough.

A Court of Betrayal is available to 

purchase on Amazon!

Anne O’Brien

Sunday Times Bestselling author Anne O’Brien was born in West Yorkshire. After gaining a BA Honours degree in History at Manchester University and a Master’s in Education at Hull, she lived in East Yorkshire for many years as a teacher of history.

Today she has sold over a million copies of her books in the UK and internationally. She lives with her husband in an eighteenth-century timber-framed cottage in the depths of the Welsh Marches in Herefordshire. The area provides endless inspiration for her novels about the forgotten women of medieval history.

Anne's new book, A Marriage of Fortune, the sequel to The Royal Game, the exciting story of the women of the famous letter- wrting Paston family, will be published on 28th September 2023 in paperback.