Book Review: Ultimatum by Simon Kernick

Posted on August 30, 2014 by layeredpages

Paperback, 352 pagesPublished September 9th 2014 by Atria Books

#1 bestselling author Simon Kernick will leave you breathless with his sheer storytelling power in this race-against-time thriller about a terrorist threat in London. An explosion blasts through a cafe in Central London. Minutes later, a call from an unknown terror group warns that a far greater attack will be launched in twelve hours’ time. William Garrett, nicknamed “Fox,” is awaiting trial for mass murder. He claims he can name the bombers—but only at a price. It’s a terrifying race against time for Detective Inspector Mike Bolt and Deputy Commissioner Tina Boyd as they chase their targets across the city in a desperate bid to prevent a major atrocity before it’s too late…

My thoughts:

It is not often I have a chance to read modern day thrillers and I’m so glad I chose this one to read next! I don’t know what made me decide this one. Maybe because I haven’t read anything from this author before….also, the premise sounded interesting…

This story packs a punch! I haven’t read a thriller quite like this one before. I was completely enthralled throughout the story. Fast-paced, at the edge of your seat read all the way. The opening scene was superbly done and sets up the story perfectly. I enjoyed the portrayals of all the characters, even the villains. I did find some of the content interesting in the book however. Like one in regards few thoughts on America and I was really amazed at the difference between the guns laws between the UK and America, police policy and the law dealing with criminals. The alternating point of views was a bit distracting for me but as I continued with the story, I became used to it and feel it works in this book. I highly recommend this read and I will definitely be reading more books from this author.

Stephanie M. Hopkins

My Guest, Author Anne Girard

Posted on August 30, 2014 by layeredpages

I would like to welcome back Author Anne Girard to Layered Pages. She is here to discuss her writing and research for her novel, Madame Picasso.

One of the best parts for me about the process of writing novels, especially those based on real figures from history, has always been going to, and experiencing, the places my characters lived their storied lives. Many years ago when I was just beginning to write my first novel, Courtesan, I had the amazing good fortune to speak with NY Times bestselling author and icon Irving Stone. Stone’s novel, The Agony and the Ecstasy, was already a classic, so I was pretty much in awe. The meeting became an even bigger factor through the twenty years of my career since it was Stone who gave me the advice that has completely changed the way I research and write. “The only true way to breathe life into your characters,” he said. “is to step into their shoes for a little while, in any way that you can. Walk the same streets, see the same buildings, see the same slice of sky, and hear the rhythm of the voices around you that they would have heard.”

Writing about true, epic love affairs has always been what inspires me, From Henri II and his Diane to William Tecumseh Sherman and Cecelia. Hopefully, if I do my job right, I give readers a story they thought they might have known but really didn’t. I like to believe that about Madame Picasso, and I hope readers agree.

Eva and Pablo’s story is one I found accidentally as I set out to write a novel about Picasso and his first significant love, Fernande Olivier, a woman who, curiously enough, still figures prominently in my book. But the fact that Picasso was pulled away so powerfully by his feelings for Eva made that romance not one worth pursuing for me. Eva was his heart when was young, when, in my opinion, he could still be open and vulnerable, and he needed her. He gave up many friends and an established life for her. After months of research, both here and abroad, I do believe with total conviction that was true, that their love affair defined Pablo the man, and Picasso the artist, for decades afterward. That sentiment is backed up by Picasso’s French biographer and friend, Pierre Daix who said that over fifty years later, the mention of her name still brought tears to his eyes.

Along with facts and in-depth research, certainly there must be elements of interpretation involved with the writing of any novel. Where the facts are unknown, a novelist must carefully weave in fictional elements in a plausible and respectful way to complete the tale. However, when I incorporate those elements, it is acknowledged in the author’s note.

In search of the factual portions of the story to include in Madame Picasso, so that I could get Eva’s voice right (the most essential thing), I received two enormous gifts. One was obtaining permission from Yale University to view her personal letters, some of which she wrote with Picasso, to Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas. Since I speak French, reading her thoughts, her sense of humor, and watching their story unfold through her words, and in her own lovely handwriting, was as close as I believe anyone will ever get to the essence of Eva. There were many playful examples, letters as well as post cards, where Eva would write and Pablo would add a note to it, or even sketch a little picture. And the way his orderly handwriting disintegrated into a wild scrawl by the end of their story, well, that told me more than any biography ever could about what they meant to one another. Those letters figured heavily in how I wrote the novel, and they have stayed with me long after I wrote the words, The End.

The second gift I was given while writing this book being granted an interview, at his atelier in France, with famed French photographer, Lucien Clergue, who was a personal friend of Picasso’s for over thirty years. Once he trusted that I meant to cast his friend in a respectful light, rather than to perpetuate the narrative

In the end, it is a story of two young people living in the inspiring daring and romantic Paris of the early 1900’s, with a great cast of supporting characters. But what I took away was the theme of enduring love. Picasso was clearly pushed out of his comfort zone with Eva throughout their relationship. However, for love of her, he rose to the occasion. No expense was spared. It’s a special thing to see what true love can make or allow people to do. I believe Eva made him a better man…. At least he was for a time, with her. That was enough for me to want to tell their story and I can only hope that in Madame Picasso I did it justice.

“Diane Haeger, who currently writes under the pen name Anne Girard, holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and is the award-winning author of 14 novels, both historical and contemporary. She has moved back and forth through time, from writing about the lost love of William Tecumseh Sherman, to crafting a series set in Tudor England, entitled “In The Court of Henry VIII”. Visit her at: www.dianehaeger.com and www.annegirardauthor.com

In loving memory to the kindest loveliest of women, Author M.M. Bennetts

Posted on August 28, 2014 by layeredpages

I learned this week that a friend of mine passed away in her sleep Monday night. I had the honor of meeting M.M Bennetts through social media and it has be a real delight to get to know her and her work. Last time we spoke together we were talking about my coming over to England to visit her. She talked of showing me around and going riding with her….she loves horses. For a few years now she had been battling cancer but she did not let it be known to a lot of people. She was always so positive and high-spirited. She had such a love for life that was catching….whenever I chatted with her, I always had a smile on my face and she could make me laugh like no one else.

I was deeply touched. M.M was an incredible giving, loving, witty, classy, encouraging, supportive, talented, and Intelligent. She touched so many people’s lives and her memory will be cherish forever. Not only was she all these things I have described but much, much more….she spoke often to me of her family and history was one of her great passions. Particularly Napoleon, Napoleonic France and her love for cakey. I will never forget all our conversations we had together and her unfailing friendship and support. M.M. Bennetts, you will be missed.

A few places you will find M.M. and her work on social media:

My interview with her, here

M.M. Bennetts Website

Beth Von Staats Interview with M.M.

Madame Glilfurt’s Tribute to M.M.

Maria Grace’s Interview with M.M.

Amazon

Guest Post with, Janet Stafford

Posted on August 27, 2014 by layeredpages

It is a pleasure and honor to have Author Janet Stafford as my guest today. I met Janet through social media and she has won the B.R.A.G. Medallion for her book, Saint Maggie. Today I have asked her to talk about her writing and I have asked her some questions….

Why Do You Write?

I write because I have to. It’s that simple. It’s been a part of me ever since I can remember.

I loved stories when I was a child. My parents read to me and when I could read I got books from the library and through the book club at school. Childhood was also when I started telling stories to my friends. When I was eight or nine I realized that I could put my stories down on paper. So I wrote and illustrated my own book (in pencil!) about the Wizard of Oz. At the same time I began to imagine that someday my books would be published. As a teen I wrote stories that featured my favorite pop stars. I also shared a continuing story in the oral tradition with a good friend, and I learned to make up storylines and create character on the fly.

Over the years I attempted to get published and find an agent or producer interested in a couple of film scripts, but to no avail. During that time I focused on my other calling as a religious educator and I worked in various United Methodist churches. But even in the church I was still writing sermons, skits, one-act monologues, and tons of copy to publicize classes, groups, and activities.

In 2009, I finally owned up to being a story teller and – true to form – didn’t do anything about it until 2011, when I pulled out a manuscript written nine years earlier. The manuscript became SAINT MAGGIE, my first published novel. Just getting it out was a huge affirmation, but that was confirmed a small group of fans who wanted to know “what happens next.” And a series was born.

Writing is a gift for me. I enjoy it. It is a form of meditation, deep thinking, immense enjoyment, therapy, play, and even prayer. I write because it is part of who I am.

How Has Writing Impacted Your Life?

I think writing has made me more empathetic. It requires me to imagine how people feel and why they act the way they do. It also makes me a more curious person. I wonder “what if” and “why is that” and “how could that change” on a regular basis. I store away the quirks, characteristics, attitudes, and flaws of people that I know or meet in passing. Being a writer definitely has contributed to the way that I see and encounter the world.

My love of stories ties in with my love of history because history is made up of stories rather than just dates and facts. It inspires me and I find myself asking questions. What was it like to be an ordinary person in a specific time and place? How did that person live? How did she or he face difficulties and triumphs? Why did leaders make the decisions they did? History is fascinating to me. Doing research is hard work but I would love to spent hours burrowed in various archives if only I had the money and time. Feeling a connection to someone who lived hundreds of years ago or seeing an event through the eyes of the participants is an amazing rush.

One thing writing hasn’t done is make me rich! But, hey, I’ll settle for it eventually giving me enough to live on.

What Advice Would You Give to Beginner Writers?

1) Read. It teaches you how (and how not) to tell a story, develop a character, and use language.

2) Write. Like anything else, if you want to become proficient you must practice, practice, practice. Write a little every day if you can. It doesn’t matter what you write, just write.

3) Be brave. Let others read what you’ve written. Start with someone with whom you have a sturdy relationship and who will not lie to you, but someone who will not completely trash you either. All writers make mistakes, screw up plots and character, and write amazingly bad sentences, not to mention entire stories. There is nothing that you can’t fix or rewrite or throw away. But sometimes you can’t see it on your own. Helpful criticism will make you a better writer.

4) Finally, as a grizzled old screenwriter once told me, “Don’t be precious with your writing.” Don’t be afraid to change something, even if you absolutely love it. If it doesn’t work, get rid of it. If you can’t let it go then save it in a file for another day. You might find a place for it in something you write later.

Biography

Janet R. Stafford was born in Albany, NY, but spent most of her childhood and all of her teen years in Parsippany, NJ – so she is a Jersey Girl! She went to Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ) where she received a B.A. degree in Asian Studies. Janet also has an M.Div. degree and a Ph.D. in North American Religion and Culture, both from Drew University (Madison, NJ). She has served six United Methodist churches over the past 20+ years, working predominantly in the area of spiritual formation and ministries with children and youth. Additionally, she worked as an adjunct professor for a total of 8 years teaching classes in interdisciplinary studies and history. Janet makes her home in NJ with an energetic Miniature Australian Shepherd named Tippy and enjoys spending her free time with her significant other, Dan, his daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons; and with her awesome sister Diane and her partner Sarah.

Links

https://www.facebook.com/janetrstafford

www.squeakingpips.com

www.janetrstafford.com

https://twitter.com/JanetRStafford

Madam Picasso by Anne Girard

Posted on August 23, 2014 by layeredpages

Paperback, 432 pages

Publication: August 26th 2014 by Harlequin MIRA

The mesmerizing and untold story of Eva Gouel, the unforgettable woman who stole the heart of the greatest artist of our time.

When Eva Gouel moves to Paris from the countryside, she is full of ambition and dreams of stardom. Though young and inexperienced, she manages to find work as a costumer at the famous Moulin Rouge, and it is here that she first catches the attention of Pablo Picasso, a rising star in the art world. A brilliant but eccentric artist, Picasso sets his sights on Eva, and Eva can’t help but be drawn into his web. But what starts as a torrid affair soon evolves into what will become the first great love of Picasso’s life. With sparkling insight and passion, Madame Picasso introduces us to a dazzling heroine, taking us from the salon of Gertrude Stein to the glamorous Moulin Rouge and inside the studio and heart of one of the most enigmatic and iconic artists of the twentieth century.

I have the honor to announce a guest post coming up with the author herself-Diane Haeger (pen name, Anne Girard)-on August 31^st and my review for her fascinating story on September 15^th. Mark your calendars!

Stephanie M. Hopkins

Author Bio:

Book Review: The Winter Guest by Pam Jenoff

Posted on August 23, 2014 by layeredpages

The Winter Guest by Pam Jenoff

Harlequin MIRA

Pub Date Aug 26 2014

My thoughts:

Two eighteen year old twin sisters-Helena and Ruth-are living in the mist of war and the Nazi occupation in Poland. Their father dead and their mother in the hospital, they struggle to take care of their younger siblings. Food is sparse and they are in fear of the constant threat of the Nazi’s arresting them or worse. Helena and Ruth couldn’t be more different in personalities. Helena has a daring, and courageous spirit-ventures out to the local village almost every day, to buy food. (A village where children grew up and married and the sons worked the same jobs their fathers did….no one left until the war…. For the daughters, marriage was the best option.) Every time she ventures out it becomes more and more dangerous and she can trust no one….

One day Helena discovers an American Soldier stranded and helps him. He is wounded, needs food and in the constant threat of the Nazis discovering him, she continues to help him. And even more dangerous is that he is a Jew. As she helps him, their relationship grows and her resolve to not abandon him even though she is keeping him a secret from her sister makes their situation more dangerous as Helena and the soldier make plans to flee, taking her family with them.

Ruth taking the role of care-giver to her younger siblings in her mother’s place, clothes them, makes sure they are clean and feeds them with what little they have, all the while longing for a husband and a home of her own (She was the sister that expected to marry). As Ruth discovers Helena’s secret of helping the soldier and sees how her sister feels for this soldier, Ruth becomes jealous and makes an unwise choice and betrays Helena that could put all their lives in danger. The choices that the two sisters make forever changes their lives and changes the course of their families’ future. Without giving too much detail away, I couldn’t help thinking throughout the story if that only Ruth would have realized the importance of her role to her siblings and their survival….would the outcome have been different then it was.

This story touches on several themes that really made an emotional impact. Betrayal and the effects of that, the importance of family, survival, the realities of war, persecution, and love. The author gives vivid and realistic details throughout the story and her flow of speech has you hanging on to every word. This book is one you won’t want to put down and when you are finished reading, you will remember for a long time after.

Stephanie Moore Hopkins

Review: Maggie’s Wars by Phil Pisani

Posted on August 20, 2014 by layeredpages

Publication Date: November 6, 2013

American Book Incorporated Formats: eBook, Paperback

Genre: Historical Fiction

Combatting wars on two fronts – one of fame and the other love – Maggie Hogan never wavers as a rare woman reporter on the battlefields of World War II, the Nuremburg Trials and the beginnings of the cold war. But she makes the mistake of falling for an officer, complicating her ambitions. Learn of what one woman feels she must do in order to make it in a man’s world, no matter what. Maggie’s Wars is a story about the ultimate battle between love and prestige, and how you can’t win them both.

Review:

I’m going to have to admit when I first started reading this story, I wasn’t sure if it was the right fit for me. I had trouble with Maggie’s personality and was wondering if the author was going to show a softer side to her-she is a bit rough around the edges, so to speak. So for a few days I put the book aside and then picked it up again with a different outlook. Sure enough I did, as I read on. Maggie comes up against a tough crowd. It is a man’s world and she does some not so-ahem-appropriate things-in my opinion- to get what she wants.

As she goes across the sea to the battlefields of World War II to report what was going on over there….my opinion of her changes somewhat. She is outraged of the atrocities she is seeing around her, even by Americans themselves. She is learning the price of war and it is ugly. She is also comes up prejudices against her sex. She goes through a lot of prove her worth as a woman and a reporter.

I found this story to be unique and filled with vivid description of the war and the human conditions of that era. The author certainly has my attention now.

Stephanie Moore Hopkins

Praise for Maggie’s Wars

“Maggie’s Wars is a highly charged story, with power politics on a grand scale…the frighteningly realistic descriptions and technical know-how is right on the mark and Phil Pisani’s skill at painting a vivid scene in the mind’s eye of the reader is excellent and packs a wallop.” -William H. LaBarge, author of Sweetwater Gunslinger 201, Hornet’s Nest, Road to Gold and Desert Voices

Buy the Book

Amazon Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Phil Pisani grew up on the north side of the railroad tracks in an upstate New York blue-collar industrial town in a rough neighborhood filled with the most colorful characters in the world. Factory and tannery workers mingled with bar and restaurant owners, gamblers and gangsters, good people and bad people, brash rogues and weak loudmouths, all spawned by the early immigrant movement to America. Italians, Russians, Slovacks, Irish, and Germans formed a rough and tough section of town where few from the south side dared to venture. He learned to fight at a very young age, both in the ring and on the streets. Fights became badges of honor. He also was a voracious reader. His mother worked in the village’s library. After school, or fights or sandlot football games he would curl away into the adult reading section. Enjoying the polished blonde oak bookshelves, tables and chairs, he would choose a book from the stacks and delve into its smells and contents. Reading soothed him.

He studied history and humanities in Pisa, Italy, and Oswego State in New York and later earned a MA in Political Science from Binghamton University.

He worked as a labor investigator for NY and rose in the ranks through the years but never stopped writing or reading. He currently lives in Albany NY, with his wife Joanne.

For more information please visit Phil Pisani’s website. You can also connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.

Maggie’s Wars Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, August 18 Review at JulzReads

Tuesday, August 19 Review & Interview at Oh, For the Hook of a Book Interview at The Maiden’s Court

Wednesday, August 20 Review at Book Nerd Review at Layered Pages Spotlight at Flashlight Commentary

Thursday, August 21 Review at Man of la Book Spotlight & Giveaway at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

Friday, August 22 Review at Jorie Loves a Story Review & Giveaway at Historical Tapestry Interview at Closed the Cover

Spotlight: The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee

Posted on August 19, 2014 by layeredpages

About The Typewriter Girl

Audible Audio Book Edition Audible.com Release Date: April 4, 2014 Listening Length: 12 hours and 39 minutes Publisher: Audible Studios Language: English ASIN: B00JH0L9HW

Genre: Historical Fiction

A Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year pick: The Typewriter Girl is a “spectacular debut, set in a perfectly realized Victorian England.”

When Betsey Dobson disembarks from the London train in the seaside resort of Idensea, all she owns is a small valise and a canary in a cage. After an attempt to forge a letter of reference she knew would be denied her, Betsey has been fired from the typing pool of her previous employer. Her vigorous protest left one man wounded, another jilted, and her character permanently besmirched.

Now, without money or a reference for a new job, the future looks even bleaker than the debacle she left behind her.

But her life is about to change … because a young Welshman on the railroad quay, waiting for another woman, is the one finally willing to believe in her.

Mr. Jones is inept in matters of love, but a genius at things mechanical. In Idensea, he has constructed a glittering pier that astounds the wealthy tourists. And in Betsey, he recognizes the ideal tour manager for the Idensea Pier & Pleasure Building Company.

After a lifetime of guarding her secrets and breaking the rules, Betsey becomes a force to be reckoned with. Together, she and Mr. Jones must find a way for her to succeed in a society that would reject her, and figure the price of surrendering to the tides of love.

Praise for The Typewriter Girl

“Atlee’s out¬standing debut unflinchingly explores … the unforgiving man’s world of Victorian England.” –PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)

“Easily one of the most romantic books I’ll read all year … John and Betsey are compelling and worth rooting for.” –DEAR AUTHOR (a Recommended Read)

“Sweeps readers to a satisfying conclusion.” –LIBRARY JOURNAL

Buy the AudioBook

Amazon UK Amazon US Audible.com

About the Author

Alison Atlee spent her childhood re-enacting Little Women and trying to fashion nineteenth century wardrobes for her Barbie dolls. Happily, these activities turned out to be good preparation for writing historical novels. She now lives in Kentucky.

For more information please visit Alison Atlee’s website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads and Pinterest.

The Typewriter Girl Blog Tour & Book Blast Schedule

Monday, August 4 Review at Peeking Between the Pages (Audio Book) Book Blast at Mina’s Bookshelf Book Blast at Princess of Eboli Book Blast at Literary Chanteuse Book Blast at What Is That Book About

Tuesday, August 5 Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews (Print) Book Blast at So Many Books, So Little Time

Wednesday, August 6 Book Blast at Let Them Read Books

Thursday, August 7 Book Blast at Mari Reads Book Blast at Book Lovers Paradise

Friday, August 8 Book Blast at Book Blast Central

Saturday, August 9 Book Blast at Caroline Wilson Writes

Sunday, August 10 Book Blast at Book Nerd

Monday, August 11 Review at Just One More Chapter (Audio Book) Book Blast at Gobs and Gobs of Books

Tuesday, August 12 Book Blast at Queen of All She Reads

Wednesday, August 13 Review at Historical Tapestry (Audio Book) Book Blast at The Lit Bitch Book Blast at CelticLady’s Reviews

Thursday, August 14 Review at A Bookish Affair (Print) Guest Post at Historical Tapestry

Friday, August 15 Review at Brooke Blogs (Audio Book) Guest Post at A Bookish Affair

Saturday, August 16 Book Blast at Broken Teepee

Sunday, August 17 Interview at Closed the Cover

Monday, August 18 Review at The Maiden’s Court (Audio Book)

Tuesday, August 19 Book Blast at Layered Pages Book Blast at Always with a Book

Wednesday, August 20 Book Blast at Literary, Etc.

Thursday, August 21 Review at Books in the Burbs (Print) Book Blast at Bibliotica

Friday, August 22 Review at Bibliophilia, Please (Audio Book)

Saturday, August 23 Book Blast at Reading Lark Book Blast at Ageless Pages Reviews

Sunday, August 24 Book Blast at Passages to the Past

Monday, August 25 Review at Flashlight Commentary (Audio Book) Book Blast at Historical Fiction Connection

Tuesday, August 26 Interview at Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, August 27 Book Blast at Susan Heim on Writing

Thursday, August 28 Review at Luxury Reading (Print) Review at The True Book Addict (Audio Book) Review at Jorie Loves a Story (Print)

Friday, August 29 Interview at Jorie Loves a Story

The Typewriter Girl Swag Giveaway

One copy of The Typewriter Girl (Audio Book or Print) Set of earbuds in a cute typewriter print pouch A Typewriter Girl Happily-Ever-After t-shirt (features last lines from famous novels) A vintage style postcard “from” Idensea, the setting of The Typewriter Girl A “dream wildly” ribbon bookmark with typewriter key charms

To enter, please click here. Giveaway is open to residents in the US, Canada, and the UK.

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on August 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on August 30th and notified via email. Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

Book Review: The Queen’s Rival by Diane Haeger

Posted on August 9, 2014 by layeredpages

The Queen’s Rival is a story of a young girl name Elizabeth “Bessie” Blount whose father was injured in one of Henry VIII’s war with a neighboring country. Her mother, a lady in Katherine of Argon’s household comes home to take care of her husband and Bessie, dreaming of court life, takes her place. She is a beautiful and intelligent girl who captures many at Henry VII’s court and eventually Henry himself. Bessie becomes his mistress and rival to the Queen. As the story is told Katherine of Argon-Henry’s wife-is having one miss-carriage after another and Henry grows restless and the queen begins to worry about her position. Henry wants a son, an heir to the throne and to continue the Tudor line.

We all know that Henry had many mistresses and lovers and as Bessie’s light fades in his eyes she turns to the one person she can trust the most at court-a ward of Cardinal Wolsey. But there is much more to this story than meets the eye. I have not read a rendition of Henry’s court quite like this one. Nor of a side to him that we see in stories…..I found this refreshing and with this story, I wondered if there was possibly a softer side of Henry than portrayed today. Not excusing his treatments of his wives, of course, or with women of his court in general. In this story I even thought about what his relationship was really like with his brother Arthur and if Henry truly mourned Arthurs death-even years later after it happen. Also, his friendships with the men at court was really intriguing to follow in this story. Especially with his friendship with Charles Brandon.

This is a beautiful and truly a unique story and I look forward to reading more of Haeger’s books. The over- all layout impressed me and the story flowed really well and captured my interest right from the start to the very end. Two thumbs up for this Tudor story!

Stephanie Hopkins

Book Blast: Lies Told In Silence by M.K. Tod

Posted on August 5, 2014 by layeredpages

In 1914 Paris half the city expects war while the other half scoffs at the possibility.

With knowledge gained from his role at the War Department, Henri Noisette fears that Germany may soon attack Paris. He therefore sends his wife, mother and two younger children to Beaufort, a small village in northern France. By late 1914, instead of a safe haven, Beaufort is less than twenty miles from the front.

As war unfolds, Henri’s daughter, Helene, grows up quickly and in 1917 falls in love with Edward Jamieson, a young Canadian soldier.

The novel examines love and loss, duty and sacrifice and the unexpected consequence of lies.

Praise for Lies Told in Silence

‘Dramatically depicts the horror and heartbreak of war, while also celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.’ – SHARON KAY PENMAN author of A King’s Ransom

‘An intricate, well-researched novel of life forever changed by WWI yet still sweet with the tender innocence of the age.’ – DONNA RUSSO MORIN author of The King’s Agent

‘M.K. Tod is a powerful new voice in the historical fiction genre.’ – AMY BRUNO Historical fiction blogger at Passages to the Past

‘An absorbing and rewarding historical read…depicting the ruinous impact of war on human lives across the generations.’ – MARGARET EVANS PORTER author of The Proposal

‘A compelling read right up to its taut page-turning ending.’ – RICHARD LEE founder of the Historical Novel Society

Buy the Book

Amazon US Amazon UK

About the Author

M.K. Tod has enjoyed a passion for historical novels that began in her early teenage years immersed in the stories of Rosemary Sutcliff, Jean Plaidy and Georgette Heyer. During her twenties, armed with Mathematics and Computer Science degrees, she embarked on a career in technology and consulting continuing to read historical fiction in the tiny snippets of time available to working women with children to raise.

In 2004, she moved to Hong Kong with her husband and no job. To keep busy Mary decided to research her grandfather’s part in the Great War. What began as an effort to understand her grandparents’ lives blossomed into a full time occupation as a writer. Her debut novel is UNRAVELLED: Two wars, Two affairs. One Marriage. LIES TOLD IN SILENCE, her second novel, is set in WWI France and tells the story of Helene Noisette who featured in Unravelled. Mary has an active blog – www.awriterofhistory.com – which discusses all aspects of historical fiction and includes author and reader interviews. Additionally, she is a book reviewer for the Historical Novel Society. Mary lives in Toronto where she is happily married with two adult children.

Connect with M.K. Tod on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Lies Told in Silence Blog Tour & Book Blast Schedule

Monday, July 28 Review at Unshelfish Review at Flashlight Commentary Book Blast at Our Wolves Den

Tuesday, July 29 Review at Just One More Chapter Book Blast at Book Babe Book Blast at A Book Geek Book Blast at Mel’s Shelves

Wednesday, July 30 Review at Bookish Guest Post at Just One More Chapter Book Blast at Passages to the Past

Thursday, July 31 Book Blast at Royalty Free Fiction

Friday, August 1 Book Blast at Back Porchervations Book Blast at So Many Books, So Little Time

Saturday, August 2 Book Blast at Mythical Books

Monday, August 4 Review & Guest Post at A Bookish Affair Book Blast at Historical Tapestry

Tuesday, August 5 Book Blast at Layered Pages Book Blast at Princess of Eboli Book Blast at What Is That Book About

Wednesday, August 6 Book Blast at Literary Chanteuse Book Blast at Caroline Wilson Writes

Thursday, August 7 Review at The Book Binder’s Daughter Book Blast at Kinx’s Book Nook

Friday, August 8 Book Blast at The Maiden’s Court

Monday, August 11 Review at Dianne Ascroft Blog Book Blast at Svetlana’s Reads and Views

Tuesday, August 12 Book Blast at Book Nerd Book Blast at The Bookworm

Wednesday, August 13 Review at The Writing Desk

Thursday, August 14 Book Blast at Words and Peace Book Blast at CelticLady’s Reviews

Friday, August 15 Review at Lost in Books Book Blast at The Mad Reviewer

Sunday, August 17 Book Blast at Brooke Blogs

Monday, August 18 Review at The Librarian Fatale Review at Historical Fiction Notebook

Giveaway

To win a copy of M.K. Tod’s Lies Told In Silence please complete the Rafflecopter giveaway form below. Giveaway is open internationally!

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on August 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on August 19th and notified via email. Winner have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

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Artist by Day, Book Nerd by Night

Monthly Archives: August 2014

Book Review: Ultimatum by Simon Kernick

My Guest, Author Anne Girard

In loving memory to the kindest loveliest of women, Author M.M. Bennetts

Guest Post with, Janet Stafford

Madam Picasso by Anne Girard

Book Review: The Winter Guest by Pam Jenoff

Review: Maggie’s Wars by Phil Pisani

Spotlight: The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee

Book Review: The Queen’s Rival by Diane Haeger

Book Blast: Lies Told In Silence by M.K. Tod

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