Wall of Stone
By Heather Robinson
In AD121 the Twentieth Legion of Rome stands at the northern frontier of Britannia. Forgotten, neglected and dour in spirit, they must still do their duty for an Empire whose meaning is becoming lost to them.
As the lives of the local Teviot family intertwine with the legion, relationships of love and bitter anguish unfurl. Will the invading army push north? Will the disputing native tribes unite in an uprising? Can Marcus be with Jolinda?
When peace is fragile, friendships count for everything...
Publication Date: 23rd August 2014
Publisher: Independently Published
Page Length: 366 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
This book is available on #KindleUnlimited
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INTERVIEW
Why did you choose to write your book in this era?
A family holiday to Hadrian's Wall sealed this decision. What an interesting trip that was. We made great use of our English Heritage tickets by visiting Housesteads fort, the bathhouse at Chesters, milecastles, museums and all things Roman in the area, with the Wall featuring in every day of our fortnight there. It not only provided me with an era to write in, but also a geographical setting.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while you were researching this era?
That lavender came across to the UK with the Romans. Not an earth-shattering surprise as such but it was the timing of this little nugget of information that resonated with me as I'd been helping my friend plant and establish her lavender farm and just didn't know this fact. Lavender was used by Romans on the battlefield as it has antiseptic qualities, as well as in food for flavour and to aid digestion. It's perfume was highly prized too and blossoms demanded a high price in Rome. My friend should be thanking the Romans.
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
It's not all set in northern England. We do venture down to the south west with a visit to Aquae Sulis (Bath) with its wonderful spa complex that is being extended at that time.
If you had to describe your protagonist, in three words, what would those three words be?
A loyal soldier.
What are you currently working on?
I'm in the research phase of a sequel to Wall of Stone and very excited about it, not least because I'm revisiting Hadrian's Wall...a research trip is a perfect excuse to spend time up there!
Personal Interview Questions
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I volunteer at Warminster Community Radio Station, producing and presenting my own show. Two hours of playing the music I enjoy and chatting to listeners who have become friends. It's very therapeutic and aptly titled 'The Radio Therapy Show'. You can listen online from anywhere with internet on www.wcrfm.org.uk, should love you to join me!
Hiking is another passion and I play table tennis in our local league.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A teacher, then a linguist, then an Olympian...the ambition was always evolving but my young self never thought to be an author.
What’s your favourite food?
Roast lamb with crispy, roast potatoes, honey roast parsnip, mashed swede, carrot, cabbage, gravy and mint sauce. That's a lot to pile on to a plate but it is undoubtedly my favourite.
Either or!
Tea or coffee?
Coffee
Hot or cold?
Cold
Movie or book?
Book
Morning person or Night owl?
Morning person
City or country?
Country
Social Media or book?
Book
Heather Robinson
Thank you for hosting today's blog tour stop!
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