In Susanna Calkins’ next richly drawn mystery set in 17th century England, Lucy Campion, formerly a ladies’ maid in the local magistrate’s household, has now found gainful employment as a printer’s apprentice. On a freezing winter afternoon in 1667, she accompanies the magistrate’s daughter, Sarah, to the home of a severely injured Quaker man to record his dying words, a common practice of the time. The man, having been trampled by a horse and cart the night before, only has a few hours left to live. Lucy scribbles down the Quaker man’s last utterances, but she’s unprepared for what he reveals to her—that someone deliberately pushed him into the path of the horse, because of a secret he had recently uncovered.

Fearful that Sarah might be traveling in the company of a murderer, Lucy feels compelled to seek the truth, with the help of the magistrate’s son, Adam, and the local constable. But delving into the dead man’s background might prove more dangerous than any of them had imagined.

In The Masque of a Murderer, Susanna Calkins has once again combined finely wrought characters, a richly detailed historical atmosphere, and a tightly-plotted mystery into a compelling read.

Praise for the Lucy Campion Mystery Series

“…the high-quality writing augurs well for future outings.” -Publisher’s Weekly

“Calkins makes Lucy’s efforts to find the real killer entirely plausible, leading to a nail-biter climax with London in flames. This history-mystery delivers a strong heroine making her way through the social labyrinth of Restoration London.” -Booklist

“Calkins’ debut mystery places her unusual detective in a world rich in carefully researched historical detail.” -Kirkus

“A historical mystery with originality and great attention to detail. Readers are transported to 17th century England, a time when social classes were just beginning to change. The characters are multi-dimensional–including the smart, adventurous Lucy Campion–and the mystery will keep readers turning the pages, and they’ll eagerly await the next book in the series.” RT Book Reviews (4 Stars)

“…an intricate tale of fraud and blackmail, leavened by a touch of romance. Calkins, who holds a doctorate in British history, puts her knowledge to sparkling use in this intriguing mystery, which combines a gripping plot with rich historical detail and one of the most admirable protagonists in the genre.” -The Richmond Times-Dispatch

“Calkins is able to seamlessly weave this romance into the story without making it the main plot line, and keeping the mystery the main focus of the story….The puzzles, anagrams, and many secrets combine to make intertwining plot twists that keep the pages turning. FROM THE CHARRED REMAINS is an exciting, secret filled, historical mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end.” –Fresh Fiction (Reviewer’s Pick)

“A good yarn and a fascinating look at life in England in a time when things began to change…social classes, positions, servants’ rights…all because of plague and fire.” -Book Babe Blog

“For me, this book was more than a mystery. It was an eye-opening look at what London was like in the mid-1660s, including the plague and fire that ravaged London, class struggle, the plight of women, and the laws of the time. The author’s engaging writing style made it easy to slip back into the past and experience these things with Lucy.” -Book of Secrets

“A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate is Susanna Calkins’ absorbing debut novel. Just a warning that time WILL easily slip away as you become engrossed in this historical fiction mystery.” -1776 Books: A Philadelphian’s Literary Journey

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About the Author

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Susanna Calkins lives in Highland Park, Illinois with her husband and two sons, where she is an educator at Northwestern University. With a PhD in history, her historical mysteries feature Lucy Campion, a 17th century chambermaid-turned-printer’s apprentice. Her first novel, A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate, was a finalist for the Sue Feder Historical Mystery Award (Macavity). The second in this series, From the Charred Remains, is currently a finalist for the Bruce Alexander Historical Mystery Award. Her third, The Masque of a Murderer, will be released in April 2015.

For more information and to subscribe to Susanna Calkins’ newsletter please visit her website. You can also follow her blog, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

A sweeping tale of ambition, treachery, and passion . . .

For generations Lady Diana de Vere’s family loyally served England’s crown. But after King Charles II’s untimely death, her father firmly opposes James II’s tyranny. Charles Beauclerk, Duke of St. Albans—the late king’s bastard son by actress Nell Gwyn—also rebels against his newly crowned uncle’s manipulation. Secretly pledging to wed Diana, he departs for the Continent to become a soldier.

Political and religious turmoil bring about revolution and yet another coronation before Charles returns to claim his promised bride. As companion to Queen Mary Stuart, Diana has followed her de Vere forbears into royal service. She expects Charles to abandon his military career after marriage, but he proves unwilling to join the ranks of the courtiers he despises and mistrusts.

In palace corridors and within their own household the young duke and duchess confront betrayals, scandals, and tragedies that threaten to divide them. And neither the privileges of birth nor proximity to the throne can ensure their security, their advancement—or their happiness.

Margaret Porter is the author of A Pledge of Better Times and eleven other British-set historical novels for multiple publishers, in both hardcover and paperback, including several bestsellers. Many foreign language editions have been published.

She studied British history in the U.K. and returned to the U.S. to complete her theatre training, and subsequently worked in film and television. After earning her M.A. in Radio-Television-Film, she was a freelance writer and producer for film and video projects. She worked on location for three feature films and a television series.

An occasional newspaper columnist and book reviewer, she has also written for lifestyle magazines. She contributes articles on British history and travel to numerous publications, and her photographs (travel, architectural, and nature) appear in a variety of print media and on websites. At national and regional writers’ conferences she presents workshops on historical research and writing techniques. Her poetry was featured in the literary magazine Granite Review and she spent a summer as Writer-in-Residence at Wesleyan College.

A member of the Authors Guild, Novelists, Inc., Historical Novel Society, London Historians, and other organizations, she is listed in Who’s Who in America; Who’s Who in Authors, Editors and Poets; and Who’s Who in Entertainment.

Margaret returns to Great Britain annually to research her books, and is an avid world traveler. She and her husband live in New England with their two lively dogs, dividing their time between a book-filled house in a small city and a waterfront cottage located on one of the region’s largest lakes.

More information is available at her website.

Category: Historical Fiction    

Publisher: Gallica Press

ISBN   978-0-9907420-4-3 (trade paperback) $14.95

ISBN  978-0-9907420-0-5 (ebook, all formats) $6.99

Pages: 411

On sale: 04/14/15

Marketing: Reviewer ARCs, print, web, and radio advertising; author appearances (New England, South, Rocky Mountain West); blog tour

Readers Group discussion guide

Links to buy, A Pledge of Better Times:

Print edition at Amazon

Kindle edition at Amazon

Print edition at Barnes & Noble

Nook edition at B&N

Kobo

I’m always intrigued with stories that blend the past and present….

In the present, a woman named Heather –who lives in the States- must return to England. Her parents have passed and their cottage needs tending to. She must decide if she is going to keep the cottage or sell it. Shortly after she arrives, she comes across secrets about her parents that change her situation to say the least. Not only that, she has secrets of her own.

In the past, a young girl named Libby- who is not quite like everyone else- finds herself drawn to the son of Lord Croft of Ladenbrooke Manor. Libby becomes pregnant and when her father kicks her out of the cottage, she finds herself in even more trouble. Not only that, Lord Crofts son drowns in the river on the property and no one was ever found responsible.

As the story weaves from the past to present, you become intrigued with the mystery surrounding these two families and as you learn more about them, you are fascinated with their extraordinary but tragic lives. I found this book to be atmospheric, true to the time and place. You really has a sense of the historical surroundings and the emotions the writer brings, leaves you longing to know more about these people’s lives.

Throughout reading the story I couldn’t help but wish I could explore the cottage and the Manor. So mysterious and full of charm. A lovely story.

I’ve rated this book four stars.

David Morrell’s MURDER AS A FINE ART was a publishing event. Acclaimed by critics, it made readers feel that they were actually on the fogbound streets of Victorian London. Now the harrowing journey continues in INSPECTOR OF THE DEAD.

Thomas De Quincey, infamous for his Confessions of an Opium-Eater, confronts London’s harrowing streets to thwart the assassination of Queen Victoria. The year is 1855. The Crimean War is raging. The incompetence of British commanders causes the fall of the English government. The Empire teeters.

Amid this crisis comes opium-eater Thomas De Quincey, one of the most notorious and brilliant personalities of Victorian England. Along with his irrepressible daughter, Emily, and their Scotland Yard companions, Ryan and Becker, De Quincey finds himself confronted by an adversary who threatens the heart of the nation.

This killer targets members of the upper echelons of British society, leaving with each corpse the name of someone who previously attempted to kill Queen Victoria. The evidence indicates that the ultimate victim will be Victoria herself. As De Quincey and Emily race to protect the queen, they uncover long-buried secrets and the heartbreaking past of a man whose lust for revenge has destroyed his soul.

**********

First off, Inspector of the Dead by David Morrell is pure genius. He is the master of building tension in all the right places. His characters are one of a kind. His plot leaves your heart racing long after putting the book down. Murder. Madness. Dark intrigue. Pure evil. You will not escape it.

After I read this book I could not pick up another book for days! For me that is just unheard of. I had no idea how I was going to write my review for this book. I felt my assessment of the story would pale in comparison and it still does. I really truly don’t know where to begin. I want to take you back to Murder As A Fine Art. That is where all this brilliance begins…but that would take too long and there is so much depth to both stories.

Morrell’s characters are truly extraordinary. Thomas De Quincey and his daughter, Emily are unforgettable! I was completely mesmerized by them. Not only that, you will be drawn deep into Victorian London and its lowest and highest of society. One of the many things I found fascinating about this story was how Morrell weaves in events based on actual  assassination attempts people made on Queen Victoria life.

Everything about this story impressed me to no end.

I’m rating this book five stars.

Stephanie M. Hopkins

What the Victorian Experts Say:

“Even better than Murder as a Fine Art. A truly atmospheric and dynamic thriller. I was fascinated by how Morrell seamlessly blended elements from Thomas De Quincey’s life and work. The solution is a complete surprise.” —Grevel Lindop, The Opium-Eater: A Life of Thomas De Quincey

“The scope is remarkable. Florence Nightingale, the Crimean War, regicide, the railways, opium, the violence and despair of the London rookeries, medical and scientific innovations, arsenic in the food and clothing—all this makes the Victorian world vivid. The way Morrell depicts Thomas De Quincey places him in front of us, living and breathing. But his daughter Emily is in many ways the real star of the book.” —Robert Morrison, The English Opium-Eater: A Biography of Thomas De Quincey

“I absolutely raced through it and couldn’t bear to put it down. I particularly liked how the very horrible crimes are contrasted with the developing, fascinating relationship between Thomas De Quincey and his daughter, Emily, who come across as extremely real. It was altogether a pleasure.” —Judith Flanders, The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Reveled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime

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About the Author

David Morrell is an Edgar, Nero, Anthony, and Macavity nominee as well as a recipient of the prestigious career-achievement Thriller Master away from the International Thriller Writers. His numerous New York Times bestsellers include the classic espionage novel. The Brotherhood of the Rose, the basis for the only television mini-series to be broadcast after a Super Bowl. A former literature professor at the University of Iowa, Morrell has a PhD from Pennsylvania State University. His latest novel is INSPECTOR OF THE DEAD, a sequel to his highly acclaimed Victorian mystery/thriller, Murder as a Fine Art, which Publishers Weekly called ”one of the top ten mystery/thrillers of 2013.”

For more information visit David Morrell’s website. You can also connect with him on Facebook and Twitter.

Inspector of the Dead Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, March 24 Review at Unabridged Chick Excerpt at Boom Baby Reviews

Wednesday, March 25 Review at Back Porchervations Interview & Giveaway at Unabridged Chick

Thursday, March 26 Review at JulzReads

Friday, March 27 Review & Excerpt at Jorie Loves a Story Interview at JulzReads

Monday, March 30 Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book Spotlight at Tales of a Book Addict

Tuesday, March 31 Interview & Excerpt at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Wednesday, April 1 Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book Guest Post at Mina’s Bookshelf

Thursday, April 2 Review at Build a Bookshelf Review & Giveaway at Mina’s Bookshelf

Friday, April 3 Review at Peppermint, Ph.D.

Monday, April 6 Review & Giveaway at To Read, or Not to Read Excerpt & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books

Tuesday, April 7 Review at Book Lovers Paradise

Wednesday, April 8 Interview at Back Porchervations Spotlight & Giveaway at Words and Peace

Thursday, April 9 Review & Giveaway at 100 Pages a Day – Stephanie’s Book Reviews

Friday, April 10 Review at Layered Pages Review, Excerpt & Giveaway at Drey’s Library

Monday, April 13 Review at Flashlight Commentary

Tuesday, April 14 Interview at Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, April 15 Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Thursday, April 16 Review at Editing Pen Review at Luxury Reading Review at The Maiden’s Court

Friday, April 17 Guest Post & Giveaway at Editing Pen

Monday, April 20 Review & Giveaway at A Literary Vacation

Tuesday, April 21 Review at A Book Geek Review at Books and Benches

Wednesday, April 22 Spotlight at Historical Fiction Connection

Thursday, April 23 Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Friday, April 24 Review & Giveaway at The True Book Addict

In twelfth century Scotland, it took a half-Gael with a Viking name to restore the clans to their rightful lands. Once an exile, Somerled the Mighty now dominates the west. He’s making alliances, expanding his territory, and proposing marriage to the Manx princess.

It’s a bad time to fall for Breagha, a torc-wearing slave with a supernatural sense of smell.

Somerled resists the intense attraction to a woman who offers no political gain, and he won’t have a mistress making demands on him while he’s negotiating a marriage his people need. Besides, Breagha belongs to a rival king, one whose fresh alliance Somerled can’t afford to lose.

It’s when Breagha vanishes that Somerled realizes just how much he needs her. He abandons his marriage plans to search for her, unprepared for the evil lurking in the shadowy recesses of Ireland—a lustful demon who will stop at nothing to keep Breagha for himself.

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About the Author

Something magical happened in the musty basement of Julie Doherty’s local courthouse. She went there intending to research her ancestry, not lose herself in a wealth of stories, but the ghosts of yesteryear drew her into the past and would not let her go. The trail left by her ancestors in those yellowing documents led her from rural Pennsylvania to the Celtic countries, where her love of all things Irish/Scottish blossomed into outright passion.

She became particularly interested in Somerled, self-styled “King of Argyll” and progenitor of the Lords of the Isles. In 1164, he led a fleet of 164 galleys up the River Clyde in an all-or-nothing attempt to overthrow the Scottish crown. What would lead a man of his advanced years to do such a thing?

Of course, history records he did so because the king demanded forfeiture of his lands. But the writer in Julie wondered …what if he did it for the love of a woman?

Those early thoughts led to SCENT OF THE SOUL, Julie’s first novel, available now on Amazon.

Readers will notice a common theme throughout Julie’s books: star-crossed lovers. This is something she knows a bit about, since during one of her trips to Ireland, she fell in love with an Irishman. The ensuing immigration battle took four long years to win. With only fleeting visits, Skype chats, and emails to sustain her love, Julie poured her heartache into her writing, where it nourished the emotional depth of her characters.

Julie is a member of Pennwriters, Romance Writers of America, Central PA Romance Writers, The Longship Company, Perry County Council of the Arts, and Clan Donald USA. When not writing, she enjoys antiquing, shooting longbow, traveling, and cooking over an open fire at her cabin. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, who sounds a lot like her characters.

For more information please visit Julie Doherty’s Website and Blog. You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

Scent of the Soul Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, March 23 Review & Giveaway at Unshelfish Spotlight at Literary Chanteuse

Tuesday, March 24 Review at The Mad Reviewer Excerpt & Giveaway at Sexy Siren Book Blog Spotlight at I Heart Reading

Wednesday, March 25 Spotlight at Genre Queen

Thursday, March 26 Interview at Mythical Books Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Friday, March 27 Spotlight & Giveaway at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

Monday, March 39 Spotlight & Giveaway at Cheryl’s Book Book

Thursday, April 2 Spotlight & Giveaway at Griperang’s Bookmarks

Sunday, April 5 Review at Carole’s Ramblings

Monday, April 6 Review at Book Nerd

Wednesday, April 8 Review at The Lit Bitch Interview at Sizzling Hot Books Spotlight at Layered Pages

Thursday, April 9 Spotlight at Deal Sharing Aunt

Friday, April 10 Spotlight at Romance Book Junkies

Wednesday, April 15 Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Thursday, April 16 Review at Dreams Come True Through Reading

Friday, April 17 Review at The True Book Addict Spotlight & Giveaway at Boom Baby Reviews

On a bright July morning in 1948, a B-29 Superfortress flying a top-secret research mission over Nevada crashes into the calm waters of Lake Mead and sinks, remaining lost for half a century.

It has been nearly a year since five friends—Jag, Kody, Mariah, Tegan and Aari—mysteriously reappeared in a small town in Yukon several weeks after their small plane went down in Northern Canada. All were found in good health but with no recollection of what happened to them after the crash.

A baffling contagion is spreading across the bread-basket of North America destroying vital crops. As this dark shadow marches across the globe, widespread famine and riots bring desperate nations to the brink of war.

These seemingly unrelated events set the stage for a battle between the forces of darkness and those destined to become the ‘bearers of light’. From ravaged fields in the Great Plains to clandestine installations around the world, the Aegis League must race against time to save humanity.

Praise for The Aegis League Series

“Five Stars! Unique and compelling. Delivers on every level… ”

~ Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews ~

“Unique and compelling! With non-stop action, adventure and intrigue,

Aegis Incursion will appeal to fans of Maze Runner, Percy Jackson and Hunger Games.”

~ Michael Beas – Bestselling Author of ‘Strump: A World of Shadows’ ~

“Astonishingly Imaginative and thoughtful…the book should be read both quickly and slowly – quickly in order to enjoy the rapid sledding of the plot and slowly to mull characters and ideas. Aegis Rising sets a festive narrative table and makes the reader eagerly anticipate a sequel.”

~ Samuel F. Pickering – Professor Emeritus of English, University of Connecticut

& Inspiration for the film Dead Poets Society ~

“S.S. Segran wields a skillful pen that transcends her youth by crafting haunting prose, vivid imagery,

and a well thought out plot to cast herself into a mix of young authors to watch.”

~ Christopher Gill – Amazon Reviews ~

“What a blast! A roller coaster ride filled with twists and turns that leaves the

reader devouring every page right up to the last word in the epilogue.”

“S.S.Segran brings us a worthy sequel to her best-selling debut novel, Aegis Rising. Relentless action and gravity defying twists and turns hold the reader in a tight grip till the last page.”

~ Honore Gbedze – The SAGE Foundation ~

“An extraordinary effort… all the more amazing given the author’s age. I was especially gratified by the way she used the teen protagonists’ close knit relationships as the backdrop against which the dramatic events in Aegis Rising unfolded, without having “love interest” or other typical teen story devices hijack the underlying theme of the book. She’s a real talent!”

~ Red Grammer – Grammy Nominated, Award Winning Producer ~

“Recommended! Screaming for adaptation as a successful film…”

~ The US Review of Books ~

S.S. Segran spent a good chunk of her childhood exploring the enchanted forest of a million tales in the mystical land of books. In her early teens, she began crafting intriguing new worlds and conjuring up characters who came alive with the flick of her wand… err… pen. With the publication of Aegis Rising in her senior year of high school, she was surprised by the abundance of time that magically appeared right after graduation. She plans to use this newfound resource to expand the arc of the Aegis Series. Her future plans include studying Cognitive Science at university and helping youths in developing countries realize their potential through her non-profit organization, Aegis League  

When not devouring a book or writing one, S.S. Segran can be found standing behind the cauldron of life, stirring a potion made up of chores, parkour, gaming, drawing, horseback riding and—having recently jumped off a perfectly fine airplane at fifteen thousand feet – perhaps skydiving.

 S.S. Segran B.R.A.G. Medallion for Aegis Rising

North America & UK Publication Date: March 24, 2015

Touchstone Publishing

Formats: eBook, Hardcover

Pages: 390

Series: Joanna Stafford, Book Three Genre: Historical Mystery

In THE CROWN, Sister Joanna Stafford searched for a Dark Ages relic that could save her priory from Cromwell’s advancing army of destruction. In THE CHALICE, Joanna was drawn into an international conspiracy against Henry VIII himself as she struggled to learn the truth behind a prophecy of his destruction.

Now, in THE TAPESTRY, Joanna Stafford finally chooses her own destiny.

After her Dominican priory in Dartford closed forever—collateral damage in tyrannical King Henry VIII’s quest to overthrow the Catholic Church—Joanna resolves to live a quiet and honorable life weaving tapestries, shunning dangerous quests and conspiracies. Until she is summoned to Whitehall Palace, where her tapestry weaving has drawn the King’s attention.

Joanna is uncomfortable serving the King, and fears for her life in a court bursting with hidden agendas and a casual disregard for the virtues she holds dear. Her suspicions are confirmed when an assassin attempts to kill her moments after arriving at Whitehall.

Struggling to stay ahead of her most formidable enemy yet, an unknown one, she becomes entangled in dangerous court politics. Her dear friend Catherine Howard is rumored to be the King’s mistress. Joanna is determined to protect young, beautiful, naïve Catherine from becoming the King’s next wife and, possibly, victim.

Set in a world of royal banquets and feasts, tournament jousts, ship voyages, and Tower Hill executions, this thrilling tale finds Joanna in her most dangerous situation yet, as she attempts to decide the life she wants to live: nun or wife, spy or subject, rebel or courtier. Joanna Stafford must finally choose.

*********

In this third book of what is one of my all-time favorite series, Joanna Stafford is summoned to Henry VIII’s court. She’d rather stay in Dartford with her loom to weave tapestries and be with her friends. She has had quite enough of the dangers out there. However, Joanna tapestry making has caught the attention of King Henry VIII. She knows she must go and fears for her life because of her involvement in tempting to over thrown the King. Not only that, she has made a few enemies along the way…Almost the moment she gets there her life is in danger and then starts the peril and yet-exciting- journey to find out who this time is trying to take her life….what do I mean by exciting? Just that. This story was a page turner from the start until the very end. I did not want the story to end. I wanted more. Joanna is the perfect heroine and she leads such a thrilling life. She is intelligent, courageous, a woman of unfailing faith and just an all-around true lady.

There are a few things that really stood out to me. The momentum of the narrative (thrilling), how Joanna is describing Henry’s court and how she notices details around her. For example, how she describes the chamber where the King receives ambassadors or presides over certain court functions. She gives you such a clear picture. I felt I was there standing next to her taking it all in. There are so many examples like that in the story and they are all fascinating. What I have imagined the life of the Tudor court to be is just how Bilyeau describes it.

Another thing about this story is that there is many notable historical figures…several really stood out to me. Hans Holbein-the court painter-is someone who I am highly interested in and I think that has a lot to do with my profound interest in the arts. I admire Bilyeau portrayal of him in the story. He is a famous painter who is from Augsburg, Germany. A few of the portraits he painted were of Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, Thomas Cromwell and Henry VIII-to name a few. In this story there was one person’s portrait he painted that I would like to find out from Bilyeau if he actually did….if historically he didn’t, it certainly was a great addition to the story-line.

Catherine Howard is another one that stood out to me. My heart went out to her and I wanted there to be another outcome of her fate so bad in this story but we all know the history of what happen to her and Bilyeau portrays that splendidly. I was also impressed with the themes of the Reformation, Martin Luther and some of the occult dealings in the story and Henry VIII personality and behavior. Well researched and brilliantly written.

Since having read this book there are a few other history events that was included I look forward to exploring more. I want there to be another story about Joanna Stafford from Bilyeau. That is my wish. When finished reading, The Tapestry, I already missed her…sigh. What a fantastic story.

I’ve rated this book five stars.

Stephanie M. Hopkins

Pre-Order/Buy The Tapestry

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Nancy Bilyeau has worked on the staffs of InStyle, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and Ladies Home Journal. She is currently the executive editor of DuJour magazine. Her screenplays have placed in several prominent industry competitions. Two scripts reached the semi-finalist round of the Nicholl Fellowships of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Her screenplay “Zenobia” placed with the American Zoetrope competition, and “Loving Marys” reached the finalist stage of Scriptapalooza. A native of the Midwest, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. THE CROWN, her first novel, was published in 2012; the sequel, THE CHALICE, followed in 2013. THE TAPESTRY will be released in March 2015.

Nancy lives in New York City with her husband and two children. Stay in touch with her on Twitter at @tudorscribe. For more information or to sign up for Nancy’s Newsletter please visit her official website.

The Tapestry Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, March 16 Review at Peeking Between the Pages Review & Interview at Words and Peace

Tuesday, March 17 Review at A Bookish Affair Review at The Eclectic Reader Review at Let Them Read Books

Wednesday, March 18 Review at Writing the Renaissance Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Thursday, March 19 Review at A Book Geek Review & Interview at Tea at Trianon Interview at Writing the Renaissance

Friday, March 20 Review at Impressions in Ink

Monday, March 23 Review at CelticLady’s Reviews Review at Flashlight Commentary

Tuesday, March 24 Review at The Lit Bitch Review at Broken Teepee

Wednesday, March 25 Review at Luxury Reading Guest Post at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Thursday, March 26 Review at She Reads Novels

Friday, March 27 Review at 100 Pages a Day – Stephanie’s Book Reviews

Monday, March 30 Review at Bibliophilia, Please

Tuesday, March 31 Review at The True Book Addict Guest Post at Bibliophilia, Please

Wednesday, April 1 Review at Library of Clean Reads Interview at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Thursday, April 2 Review at Ageless Pages Reviews

Friday, April 3 Review at Layered Pages Review & Guest Post at Always With a Book

Publication Date: November 1, 2014

CreateSpace

Formats: eBook, Paperback

Pages: 470

Series: Daniel Cheswis Mystery

Genre: Historical Mystery

1644. The smoke of parliamentary musket, cannon, and mortar fire is in the air around the royalist stronghold of Lathom House. Though guards still stand atop its walls, it is besieged on all sides, and it is only a matter of time until the house, along with its embittered and unwavering countess, Lady Charlotte de Tremouille, falls to Parliament’s might. Yet somehow, a royalist spy still creeps, unseen, through its gates, and brings the countess Parliament’s secrets.

Barely recovered from the trials of the last few months, Daniel Cheswis is torn from his family and sent north, to uncover the identity of the traitor; though before he can even begin, Cheswis finds himself embroiled in a murder. A woman has been garrotted with cheese wire in her Chester home, suggesting there is more than just the usual hatreds of war at play.

As lives are lost and coats are turned on both sides, Cheswis is tasked with finding the murderer, uncovering the traitor, and surviving his soldierly duty long enough to see Lathom House fall.

Buy the Book

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Amazon UK

D.W. Bradbridge was born in 1960 and grew up in Bolton. He has lived in Crewe, Cheshire since 2000, where he and his wife run a small magazine publishing business for the automotive industry.

“The inspiration for The Winter Siege came from a long-standing interest in genealogy and local history. My research led me to the realisation that the experience endured by the people of Nantwich during December and January 1643-44 was a story worth telling. I also realised that the closed, tension-filled environment of the month-long siege provided the ideal setting for a crime novel.

“History is a fascinating tool for the novelist. It consists only of what is remembered and written down, and contemporary accounts are often written by those who have their own stories to tell. But what about those stories which were forgotten and became lost in the mists of time?

“In writing The Winter Siege, my aim was to take the framework of real history and fill in the gaps with a story of what could, or might have happened. Is it history or fiction? It’s for the reader to decide.”

For more information please visit D.W. Bradbridge’s website. You can also find him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

A Soldier of Substance Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, March 19 Guest Post at What Is That Book About

Saturday, March 21 Review at Book Nerd

Monday, March 23 Spotlight at I’d So Rather Be Reading

Tuesday, March 24 Guest Post at Just One More Chapter

Monday, March 30 Guest Post at Mythical Books

Thursday, April 3 Spotlight at Unshelfish Spotlight at Layered Pages

Friday, April 3 Review at Genre Queen

Publication Date: February 20, 2015

Booktrope Formats: eBook, Paperback

270 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Ponce, Puerto Rico, at the turn of the century: Ana Belén Opaku, an Afro-Cuban born into slavery, is a proud midwife with a tempestuous past. After testifying at an infanticide trial, Ana is forced to reveal a dark secret from her past, but continues to hide an even more sinister one. Pitted against the parish priest, Padre Vicénte, and young Doctór Héctor Rivera, Ana must battle to preserve her twenty-five year career as the only midwife in La Playa.

Serafina is a respectable young widow with two small children, who marries an older, wealthy merchant from a distinguished family. A crime against Serafina during her last pregnancy forever bonds her to Ana in an ill-conceived plan to avoid a scandal and preserve Serafina’s honor.

Set against the combustive backdrop of a chauvinistic society, where women are treated as possessions, A Decent Woman is the provocative story of these two women as they battle for their dignity and for love against the pain of betrayal and social change.

Advanced Praise for A Decent Woman

“A Decent Woman brings vividly to life the world of early twentieth-century Puerto Rico through the struggles of Ana Belén, an Afro-Cuban midwife, as she attempts to live a meaningful life. Spanning almost thirty years, the story encompasses Ana’s unusual friendship with Serafina, a white woman of humble origins who marries into a wealthy, upper class family. Race, class, the lingering legacy of slavery, and a woman’s role in this neo colonial society are all effectively illustrated through the intimate depiction of these two intersecting lives.

Author Eleanor Parker Sapia lovingly evokes old Puerto Rico: the graceful colonial city of Ponce, the mixture of African and Catholic traditions, the tropical lushness of the land, and the devastating force of a Caribbean hurricane.

Overall, A Decent Woman is a powerful and moving tale; well worth reading.”

-Alina García-Lapuerta, biographer and author of La Belle Creole: The Cuban Countess Who Captivated Havana, Madrid, and Paris

“A Decent Woman opens with a birth and a hurricane and doesn’t let up. Deep with delicious detail, scrumptious characters, and full of folklore, this is a unique debut novel from Eleanor Parker Sapia, one that will win her readers over. Written in a clean style that lets the historical ambience seep through into our consciousness, this book is a tale of wonder, of life and death, of love and life and not a few twists and turns. Ana and Serafina are, indeed, decent women living in a hard time. Buy it, read it, love it.”

-Jack Remick, short story writer, poet, and author of award-winning, Gabriela and the Widow

“A Decent Woman takes the reader on a journey into the heat and steam of Puerto Rico in the early 1900s. The writing is so visceral and evocative that you almost feel the rain on your face, the pain of childbirth, fear, betrayal and redemption along with the women in this story of midwives and mothers.”

-Claudia H Long, author of The Duel for Consuelo and Josefina’s Sin

“A Decent Woman takes the reader on an unforgettable journey of friendship between two strong women set against the backdrop of colonial Puerto Rico of the early 1900s. When former Cuban slave and midwife Ana Belén delivers Serafina Martínez’ first child, an unbreakable bond is formed despite the hurricanes nature and politics thrown in their paths. A striking first novel from Eleanor Parker Sapia.”

-Arleen Williams, writer and author of The Alki Trilogy

“It’s not only that I enjoyed A Decent Woman as much as Alice Walker’s work, there is a quality to her prose. I went back and read an excerpt of The Color Purple to really identify the similarity. The only way I can describe it is that I wanted to read it in gulps. Like when you’re really thirsty. I found myself sucked into the world in three or four lines, and galloping through the prose, because reading more made me want to read more.

A Decent Woman embodies the genre of women’s fiction in the most complete sense of the word exploring the lives of women – young and old, dark- and light-skinned, poor and rich. This is an outstanding read and an important book about a little known corner of women’s history.”

-Yma Johnson, short story writer and journalist

“Eleanor Parker Sapia’s historical fiction novel, A Decent Woman, steeped in friendship, romance, politics, and mysticism, is the captivating story of Ana Belén’s struggle and perseverance to become a Certified Midwife in turn of the century Puerto Rico. Ana’s passions, joys, and plight are shared by midwives everywhere and throughout herstory.

Reading this book was inspiring. I’m sure readers will enjoy A Decent Woman as much as I did.”

-Sarahn Henderson, Midwife and Educator at Birth in the Tradition

“I really enjoyed this novel and particularly enjoyed the characters who I could visualize clearly as I moved along with the story. Eleanor’s descriptions really created such a vivid image in my mind, bringing them to life as I read. I was moved by the various events and was even brought to tears at times. I suspect it will be a huge success and certainly one that I will recommend to my circle of family and friends.”

-Gina Tsiapalis, Registered Midwife

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Puerto Rican-born novelist and painter, Eleanor Parker Sapia, was raised in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Europe. Her passion for travel and adventure combined with her compassion for those in need have led to her careers as a counselor, alternative health practitioner, and a Spanish language social worker and refugee case worker. These life experiences inspire her writing. She facilitates The Artist’s Way creativity groups, and teaches creative writing to children and adults. Eleanor shares her passion for telling stories on her blog, The Writing Life. A Decent Woman is her debut novel. Eleanor has two adventurous and loving grown children, and currently lives in wild and wonderful West Virginia.

For more information please visit Eleanor Parker Sapia’s website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

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A Decent Woman Book Blast Schedule

Monday, March 16 To Read, Or Not to Read

Tuesday, March 17 Unshelfish

So Many Books, So Little Time

Wednesday, March 18 The Maiden’s Court

Thursday, March 19 A Literary Vacation

Flashlight Commentary

Friday, March 20 A Bookish Girl

CelticLady’s Reviews

Saturday, March 21 Griperang’s Bookmarks

Monday, March 23 History From a Woman’s Perspective

Tuesday, March 24 100 Pages a Day

Back Porchervations

Wednesday, March 25 Book Lovers Paradise

What Is That Book About

Friday, March 27 Book Babe

Saturday, March 28 Book Nerd

Monday, March 30 Let Them Read Books

Tuesday, March 31 Passages to the Past

Wednesday, April 1 Layered Pages

With Her Nose Stuck In A Book

Thursday, April 2 Svetlana’s Reads and Views

Monday, April 6 Historical Fiction Connection

Giveaway

To enter to win one of the following four prizes, please complete the giveaway form below.

* Autographed Copy of A Decent Woman * A Decent Woman eBooks (2) * $25 Amazon Gift Card

RULES

Giveaway starts on March 16th at 12:01am EST and ends at 11:59pm EST on April 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Winners will be chosen via GLEAM on April 7th and notified via email. Winners have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

Direct Link to book giveaway

Book Blurb:

Edinburgh November 1745 As the nights grow longer in the depths of a Scottish winter, Robert Young, Captain Travers, their families and friends, chase the darkness away as they gather to celebrate a joyful engagement. But grim news casts a pall over the happy atmosphere. A sobbing woman has carried the body of a child into the headquarters of Edinburgh’s Town Guard. In her hand she still clutches a bloody dagger. What at first was thought to be no more than a domestic tragedy soon becomes a hunt for a cold blooded killer who runs the worst possible sort of brothel. Robert Young faces a race against time to find the guilty and save other children from the same fate. His investigation will bring him face to face with his deadliest and most ruthless adversary to date and leave him fighting for his life!

 Excerpt:

“A murder is it?” the man said with no flicker of emotion on his face. “You had best explain further captain”.

As quickly as he could Charles outlined what he knew of the crime. From when the woman had entered the Guardhouse covered in blood bearing the body of Kirsty MacDonald, through to her assertion of other children being held in a brothel. Point by point he went through every detail while the councilors listened in a stony silence without questions or interruptions. Only when he asked again that the woman be turned over to him was there was any display of interest. One man to his right sat forward to look towards him as he said, “do you think there is any truth to her claims captain?”

Charles quickly nodded in response. To reveal he himself thought it more than likely that the prisoner was lying to try and save her own neck was not something he wished to share with these men. “It seems possible sir. We know that several dozen women and children were left behind when the rebels departed the city. Most exist by begging but I believe some of them may have turned to prostitution to get by. If some of these children have been lured from the streets and forced to work in a brothel I think it would be worthwhile to investigate and if possible free them from such a cruel fate…”

“A cruel fate!” another man suddenly laughed. As every face turned towards him he continued with bitterness clear in his voice, “These damn rebels invaded our homes! They took what they wanted and made us thank them for the privilege of being robbed! They strutted the streets like cockerels with their blue bonnets and swords and stinking tartan! Why in the name of God should we concern ourselves if some of the bitches and whelps left in their wake are starving now? I think the Town Guard would be of more use to the city if they rooted these vagabonds out and sent them back to the wilderness they call home!”

Several heads nodded and there was a murmur of agreement at this sentiment. Emboldened by this show of support he added with a sneer, “and what will become of these children supposedly held in a brothel sir? You rescue them – hurrah! – and then what? I’ll tell you what captain! They’ll end up being placed in the work-house where we shall be expected to feed and clothe them! Can you explain why we should pay for the upkeep of these stinking caterans that blight out streets?”

Charles was struggling to contain his irritation at this man but forced his voice to remain calm as he replied carefully, “sir, it is children being forced to work in a brothel that I am talking about. Surely as Christians we cannot allow small children to be used for so foul a purpose?”

The man scowled and spat out “Papists!” He then shook his head but said no more as he studied the papers on the table before him. Another man now raised a finger to attract Charles’ attention. “While we can all share your feelings towards the cruel fate of these children it has to be admitted that they are not the only children who find themselves in such a predicament are they? Why sir, only last year I recall your men closing down just such an establishment and the city found itself responsible for…five children if I recall correctly? Five children sir who must be fed, watered, clothed and cared for and these were children of Edinburgh sir! They were not some flotsam washed down from the Highlands in the wake of the invaders!” He shook his head. “No sir, I can fully understand your concern but really, is it worth the bother and the risk of allowing a murderer free rein to roam our streets? I can see no benefit to the city in this. What if she, the prisoner I refer to here, were to be rescued from your custody by confederates and accomplices sir? What then indeed? From what you have told us, you have the guilty party safely locked away in the Tollbooth where she can get up to no further mischief and I for one think it best that is just where she should remain!”

Born and raised on the east coast of Scotland in the ancient Pictish Kingdom of Fife Stuart grew up looking across the Firth of Forth towards the spires and turrets of the city of Edinburgh and its castle atop its volcanic eyrie.

He has always been fascinated by the history of Auld Reekie and has spent most of his life studying Scottish history in all its aspects whenever he finds the time between family, work and the thousand and one other things that seek to distract him.

Despite the vast panorama of Scotland’s history he always find himself being drawn back to the cobbled streets of the Old Town. Those streets have provided the inspiration for his stories and characters.

He would urge all visitors to Scotland’s ancient capital to (briefly) venture into one of the narrow closes running down from the Royal Mile to get a flavour of how alive with mischief, mayhem, love and laughter these streets once were.

Author Website