Virginia grew up in Orkney, using the breath-taking scenery to fuel her imagination and the writing fire within her. Her favourite genres to write are fantasy and historical fiction, sometimes mixing the two together such as her newly-published book "Caledon". She enjoys swashbuckling stories such as the Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and is still waiting for a screen adaption that lives up to the book! When she's not writing, Virginia is usually to be found teaching music, and obtained her MLitt in "History of the Highlands and Islands" last year. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of music, especially as a tool of inspiration. She also helps out with the John O'Groats Book Festival which is celebrating its 3rd year this April. She now lives in the far flung corner of Scotland, soaking in inspiration from the rugged cliffs and miles of sandy beaches. She loves cheese, music and films, but hates mushrooms.
Candlelight Reading...
Friday, January 15, 2021
My review of Beneath Black Clouds and White By Virginia Crow @DaysDyingGlory @maryanneyarde
Virginia grew up in Orkney, using the breath-taking scenery to fuel her imagination and the writing fire within her. Her favourite genres to write are fantasy and historical fiction, sometimes mixing the two together such as her newly-published book "Caledon". She enjoys swashbuckling stories such as the Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas and is still waiting for a screen adaption that lives up to the book! When she's not writing, Virginia is usually to be found teaching music, and obtained her MLitt in "History of the Highlands and Islands" last year. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of music, especially as a tool of inspiration. She also helps out with the John O'Groats Book Festival which is celebrating its 3rd year this April. She now lives in the far flung corner of Scotland, soaking in inspiration from the rugged cliffs and miles of sandy beaches. She loves cheese, music and films, but hates mushrooms.
Thursday, January 14, 2021
My review of A Rooster for Asklepios (A Slave's Story Trilogy, Book 1) By Christopher D. Stanley #HistoricalFiction #BookReview #CoffeePotBookClub @aslavesstory @maryanneyarde
(A Slave's Story Trilogy, Book 1)
By Christopher D. Stanley
I don’t think I have ever read a book that was so meticulously researched. I really got a sense of what life must have been like during this era. It is very obvious, from the very beginning of this novel, that the author, Christopher D. Stanley, has a clear understanding of the history - I guess being a professor at St. Bonaventure University who studies the social and religious history of the Greco-Roman world must help! The story itself was utterly engrossing. This is one of those books where I seemed to forget I was actually reading. Instead, it felt as if I was witnessing the events - watching as the plot plays out. It really is quite an extraordinary book.
Marcus was a character that really intrigued me. He is a slave, but he holds a significant position in his master’s household—and he is undoubtedly more dependable than his master’s heir. The complicated dynamics between master and slave during this era is portrayed with a great deal of skill and knowledge. The author has also taken great pains to demonstrate the different social structure in this era, and I was surprised to learn that the stigma of being a slave did not leave once the said slave was free. They were still regarded as second-class citizens.
I thought the depiction of Lucius Coelius Felix was fabulous. Lucious has a mysterious illness, in which the physicians can seemingly find no cure for. It is his seek for a cure that really drives this story forward. His illness also demonstrates that superstition and the belief in the Gods were an extremely important part of the culture and how they really did dictate the lives of not only those who believed, but their neighbours as well.
I was also interested in reading about the treatment of the Jewish community during this era. I thought the insight into this community was fascinating.
A Rooster for Asklepios (A Slave’s Story Trilogy, Book 1) is a book that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. If you like your stories to be set in the Ancient World, then I think this is a book that you will enjoy.
CHRISTOPHER D. STANLEY
CHRISTOPHER D. STANLEY is a professor at St. Bonaventure University who studies the social and religious history of the Greco-Roman world, with special attention to early Christianity and Judaism. He has written or edited six books and dozens of professional articles on the subject and presents papers regularly at conferences around the world. The trilogy A Slave’s Story, which grew out of his historical research on first-century Asia Minor, is his first work of fiction. He is currently working on an academic book that explores healing practices in the Greco-Roman world, a subject that plays a vital role in this series.
Connect with Christopher:
Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Goodreads
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
My review of A Painter in Penang (Penang Series, Book 3) by Clare Flynn #HistoricalFiction #APainterinPenang #CoffeePotBookClub @clarefly @maryanneyarde
Malaya seems a world away for sixteen-year-old Jasmine, and try as she might, she just cannot seem to settle in Nairobi. With a sympathetic step-mother, Jasmine is allowed to return to her beloved Penang, where she will stay on Mary and Reggie Hyde-Underwood rubber plantation—little did any of them know what the future had install.
Oh, this book. There are some books, as I am sure you are aware of, that can sweep you away and take you back in time to a place that is beautiful, yet foreign. Add to this magnificent landscape the dreams of a young sixteen-year-old girl and a politically unstable climate. I guess it is no surprise if I say that this book enthralled me. This is a novel that once started cannot be turned away from. It is utterly engrossing from start to finish—the characterisation, the setting, and the story enchanted me.
The historical setting of this novel has been thoroughly researched, and I thought the author has really captured the rising political tensions and the nervousness of the plantation owners. But not only that, Flynn has given her readers a very honest account of a young woman’s take upon the situation. I thought the setting, the historical context, and the characters were wonderfully portrayed.
Jasmine is a protagonist that I really came to adore—she is so young, in some cases naively so, but she knows what she wants and her heart beats for Penang.
This is a novel that kept me up well into the night, and although I have not read the first two books in this series, I did not feel at all lost. Saying that, however, I do feel a desperate desire to read the first two books in the series.
I thought this book was brilliant—and I think you will too.
Amazon UK • Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon AU
Clare Flynn
Clare Flynn is the author of twelve historical novels and a collection of short stories. A former International Marketing Director and strategic management consultant, she is now a full-time writer.
Having lived and worked in London, Paris, Brussels, Milan and Sydney, home is now on the coast, in Sussex, England, where she can watch the sea from her windows. An avid traveller, her books are often set in exotic locations.
Clare is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of The Society of Authors, Novelists Inc (NINC), ALLi, the Historical Novel Society and the Romantic Novelists Association, where she serves on the committee as the Member Services Officer. When not writing, she loves to read, quilt, paint and play the piano. She continues to travel as widely and as far as possible all over the world.
Website • Blog • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
She Sees Ghosts―The Story of a Woman Who Rescues Lost Souls (Part of the Adirondack Spirit Series) By David Fitz-Gerald is free on #Kindle for a limited time @AuthorDAVIDFG @maryanneyarde
(Part of the Adirondack Spirit Series)
By David Fitz-Gerald
Sunday, December 27, 2020
Read an excerpt from Lady Estrid: A Novel of Eleventh Century Denmark by MJ Porter @coloursofunison @maryanneyarde
I so love being a host for The Coffee Pot Book Club! Today I bring you an excerpt from MJ Porter book! But first, let's check out the blurb:
Lady Estrid: A Novel of Eleventh Century Denmark
By MJ Porter
EXCEPT
While I eat, I study him. When I last saw him, he and Harald argued so fiercely that Cnut was forced to leave Denmark with his ship-men, and no means of supporting them. I know that they found and forged a settlement in Norway. I also know that he left his pregnant wife behind, in Gainsborough. But, I don’t expect to see Lady Ælfgifu and her sons here. My brother has, like my father before him, found a second wife, while his first one still lives. That sits ill with me, as it did when I understood what my father had done.
I’ve never met my nephews. I should like to. Not that Lady Ælfgifu ever responded to my letter to her. I can only hope that it was received. I’ll probably never meet her to find out, and I don’t want to ask Cnut. He would accuse me of meddling.
And then a shape materialises before me, and I look upwards and realise, even in the shadows and flickering flames, that Edward, Alfred and Godgifu don’t take after their mother after all.
Yet, I examine her all the same. Her features are sharp, no sense of softness to her, her eyes piercing, even in the dim lighting. I expected my brother to have a beautiful wife, but she is not, to my eyes at least, a beauty. Striking, yes, with her long blond hair, and rich adornings, I can see where Cnut gets the fashion from, but not a woman to arouse a man to desire.
“Cnut?” the voice is stringent, a demand, and I notice the curve of her belly and realise that she’s already ensuring her position as the mother of the Danish king’s heir. Cnut must find her in some small way appealing to have accomplished such a task. Was the child in her belly one of the bowed heads of my vision? I wish I knew, I truly did. It would help me understand what to do now.
“Emma?” Cnut only slowly rouses from his introspection. “Ah, Emma, yes, I would introduce you to Lady Estrid.”
Her gaze cuts deeper than any blade, and her lips immediately purse as she recognises the name.
“What are you doing here?” It’s hardly a welcome between sisters.
“I’ve escaped from your brother’s court. He had no intention of marrying me. It seems he was already contracted to marry another.” I voice the words in an echo of her tone. I need her to know that while she might be my brother’s wife, I’m his sister.
“No, that’s not right. My brother will abide by his oaths. Return to Normandy, seal the marriage.” She might as well just add, ‘you’re not welcome here,’ to her complaints.
“No, no, my sister will not beg a man to marry her. She’s far more valuable than that. Your brother has made it clear that he doesn’t wish to pursue a further alliance between my family and his own.”
Lady Emma dresses in a loose-fitting dress, and yet it’s easy to see how fine the fabric is, draped over her growing pregnancy. It’s as though it’s alive, as it slithers over her. I know her age, but if I didn’t, I would think her younger. Certainly, she’s young to have children as old as Edward, Alfred and Godgifu.
For all that, her face is tight with rage, and it makes her unappealing, even as she rubs her hand over her belly, as though to ensure Cnut realises she’s to be the mother of his child.
“Return to Normandy,” Lady Emma continues, her tone almost wheedling. “I’ll send word with you, one of my loyal retainers will escort you. My brother will soon appreciate that he erred, and the marriage will take place and be consummated.” As she speaks, Lady Emma runs her left hand over Cnut’s back, as though to soothe a babe and once more, I consider just what has happened to my brother. I hope he’s not about to be made a fool of by his new wife.
“My sister will do no such thing,” Cnut’s voice is firm, for all he reaches out and holds Emma’s hand still over the bulge of her belly. “It will be necessary to find a different husband for Estrid, someone who appreciates the honour, as opposed to someone who either fears it or simply dismisses it as unimportant.” Emma’s eyes flash with vehemence, and yet she holds her tongue.
Maybe I only imagined who had the greater hold over the other.
I don’t much like talk of another marriage.
“I would sooner return to Denmark,” I interject, but Cnut is shaking his head, and the rest of my words remain unspoken.
“No, no, a husband for you can be found in England. It would be a waste to offer you to one of the few Danish jarls loyal to Harald.”
I think to argue, but in my heart, I knew that by coming to England, I would place my future in Cnut’s hands. I must be more furious with Harald than I’d realised. Not that many jarls in Denmark remain unmarried. My sisters got the best of the men, and I don’t wish to be tied to one of the jarls sons. It would be beneath me.
“I saw your children,” I say, instead of continuing to argue, perversely pleased to see Lady Emma startle at the announcement. Perhaps she didn’t expect it, or maybe she’s forgotten that she’s birthed three children already.
“My brother will assist them in claiming land that’s mine,” Lady Emma states, the words staccato, a worry behind them that I can’t interpret. “My father gifted me with several estates on his death, and my brother will honour my wishes when he’s able.”
I note that she doesn’t ask how they fare. An unfeeling woman then. But Cnut is watching me, caution in his eyes, and I stop any further taunts from escaping my mouth. I can already tell that Lady Emma is as callous as Edward, Alfred, and Godgifu made me believe. She’s all about ambition. I recognise it. Lady Gunnhild is the same.
A servant materialises from behind me, taking my bowl away, and bringing me a goblet of wine, rather than warm wine. I sip the fluid delicately, pottage and a hot drink, finally thawing me, the thick furs making my skin lose the cold, clammy feel of the sea, which has lingered because I’ve refused to wait before seeking out my brother in Winchester. I didn’t enjoy the sea crossing in winter. I would advise against it to any who asked.
Cnut also takes wine, but Lady Emma is offered nothing. I think she’ll linger, but abruptly, she turns to leave.
“It’s a cold night,” Lady Emma announces, the words reaching me even though her back is to me. “I’ll be waiting for you,” and the statement is strangely ominous, and yet Cnut makes no attempt to follow her, but instead sips his wine appreciatively.
“What of your sons?” I hiss, the words angry because I’m not sure that Lady Emma is the right wife for my brother, not at all, and I decry her lack of interest in her older children.
“They are well, in Northampton, with their mother, and her brothers. They’ll come to no harm.”
His lack of concern surprises me. They are his father’s grandchildren, their claim to Denmark is as strong as his own. I would have expected him to care more. And more, I think he’s wrong to be so passive about them. I might have gained his agreement that Lady Emma’s children in Normandy will remain free from his concern, but I’m not at all convinced that Lady Emma will offer his older children the same protection.
M J Porter
I’m an author of fantasy (Viking age/dragon-themed) and historical fiction (Early English, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest), born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since AD1066.
I write A LOT. You’ve been warned!
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Sherry A. Burton is talking about the inspiration behind The Orphan Train Saga #amwriting #HistoricalFiction @SherryABurton @maryanneyarde
The Orphan Train Saga, Book 1
By Sherry A. Burton
Mr Charles Loring Brace was instrumental in helping the children. Brace helped found the Children's Aid Society, with the soul mission to get the orphans off the street. They took children in although they soon became overwhelmed by the number of children needing their help.
Monday, December 21, 2020
My Reviews of Betrayal by various authors #histfictioneers #Betrayal #HistoricalFiction #CoffeePotBookClub @HistFictioneers @maryanneyarde
Betrayal, treachery, treason, deceit, perfidy—all names for the calculated violation of trust. And it’s been rife since humans trod the earth.
A promise broken
A mission betrayed
A lover’s desertion
A parent’s deception
An unwitting act of treason
Betrayal by comrades
Betrayal by friends
Could you resist the forces of misplaced loyalty, power hunger, emotional blackmail, or plain greed? Is there ever redemption, or will the destruction visit future generations and even alter history? These questions are still with us today.
Read twelve tales by twelve accomplished writers who explore these historical yet timeless challenges from post Roman Britain to the present day.
Publication Date: November 17, 2020
Publisher: Historical Fictioneers
Page Length: 486
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Title: Betrayal
Authors: Judith Arnopp, Cryssa Bazos, Anna Belfrage, Derek Birks,
Helen Hollick, Amy Maroney, Alison Morton, Charlene Newcomb, Tony Riches, Mercedes Rochelle, Elizabeth St. John, Annie Whitehead
- My review of A Thin Porridge by Benjamin J. Goh @BenGohs @maryanneyarde
- My review of Drake - Tudor Corsair: 1 (The Elizabethan Series) by Tony Riches @tonyriches @maryanneyarde
- My Reviews of Betrayal by various authors #histfictioneers #Betrayal #HistoricalFiction #CoffeePotBookClub @HistFictioneers @maryanneyarde
