On tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club - ESSEX - Tudor Rebel (Book Two of the Elizabethan Series) by Tony Riches #Tudors #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @tonyriches @maryanneyarde

 Please join me in welcoming historical fiction author, Tony Riches, onto Oh look, another book. Tony is taking his book on tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club and I am so excited to be taking part in this tour. But that is enough from me. I think it is time to read an excerpt!

ESSEX - Tudor Rebel 

(Book Two of the Elizabethan Series)

By Tony Riches

Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, is one of the most intriguing men of the Elizabethan period. Tall and handsome, he soon becomes a ‘favourite’ at court, so close to the queen many wonder if they are lovers.

The truth is far more complex, as each has what the other yearns for. Robert Devereux longs for recognition, wealth and influence. His flamboyant naïveté amuses the ageing Queen Elizabeth, like the son she never had, and his vitality makes her feel young.

Robert Devereux’s remarkable true story continues the epic tale of the rise of the Tudors, which began with the best-selling Tudor trilogy and concludes with the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Richmond Palace, April 1588

Anthony Bagot shook Robert awake. ‘A royal messenger is here, my lord. He says it’s urgent.’

Robert rubbed his eyes and cursed at the sound of Bagot pouring cold water from his ewer into the wash bowl. For a moment it seemed he was back in his attic rooms at Cambridge. Then he realised something serious must have happened. 

‘What reason did the messenger give for waking me at such an ungodly hour?’

‘Only that Her Majesty requires your presence.’ Bagot looked at him, as if he were going to make some comment but thought better of it. ‘I’ll fetch a fresh shirt, my lord.’

Robert clambered from his comfortable bed and splashed cold water in his face. He could be in trouble. Since the incident at North Hall he no longer took the queen’s goodwill for granted. If he needed a reminder of how the queen could turn on her most devoted subjects, he need look no further than his own mother and stepfather.

Bagot helped him dress in his best doublet. Rich food and good living meant the gleaming silver buttons were harder to fasten each time. 

‘You’ve never been summoned so early in the morning, my lord. Do you think the Spanish war fleet have been sighted?’

‘If they have, I shall ask the queen’s permission to fight alongside my stepfather at Tilbury.’ He brightened at the prospect. ‘Her Majesty can’t refuse if the beacons burn along the coast.’

The dawn tide on the choppy River Thames was in their favour as the surly boatman rowed him upriver to Richmond Palace. Robert frowned as a dead rat floated past. The river had seemed cleaner when he was a boy, but now the rapidly growing population treated it as an open sewer. 

A red-liveried footman led Robert to the queen’s private apartments, and Elizabeth’s ladies made a discreet exit as he entered. The queen was dressed simply, in black embroidered with silver stars, with a necklace of glistening pearls. She looked up at Robert with tired eyes, and gestured for him to sit close to her.

‘A letter has been delivered from Lord Admiral Howard.’ She handed the square of unsealed parchment to Robert.

He unfolded the note, written in a confident hand. 

‘For the love of Jesus Christ, madam, awake thoroughly and see the treasons round about you against Your Majesty, and your realm, and draw your forces round about you, like a mighty Prince to defend you. Truly, madam, if you do so there is no cause to fear, if you do not there will be danger.’

‘I am plagued by vivid nightmares.’ She spoke softly, as if making a confession. ‘I dreamed the Spanish sailed up the Thames into the heart of London, and there was nothing we could do.’

Robert refolded the letter, and looked into her dark-brown eyes. ‘Your fleet guards our coast, and our militia is defending the estuary at Tilbury.’

She stared at him without speaking for a moment. ‘There is still hope of peace. Our ambassador in Paris has been sent to tell the Duke of Parma we might surrender Flushing, if he will agree terms.’ Her tone suggested she was beginning to have doubts.

‘I fear it is too late for diplomacy.’ Robert saw his chance. ‘Let me assemble my company, and join the Earl of Leicester.’ He held his breath, and stared into her dark eyes as she considered his request.

She took the Lord Admiral’s letter and read aloud. ‘Draw your forces round about you, like a mighty Prince.’ Her mood seemed to brighten at the thought. ‘We understand why you wish to fight. We shall accompany you, and your place is at our side.’

Robert Devereux’s remarkable true story continues in ESSEX- Tudor Rebel, the epic tale of loyalty and love and adventure follows Robert from his youth to his fateful rebellion.

If you are like me and would like to buy a copy of this book you can find it over on Amazon, and the best news ever, you can read it on #KindleUnlimited!

Tony Riches

Tony Riches is a full-time UK author of best-selling Tudor historical fiction. He lives in Pembrokeshire, West Wales and is a specialist in the history of the Wars of the Roses and the lives of the early Tudors. Tony’s other published historical fiction novels include: Owen – Book One Of The Tudor Trilogy, Jasper – Book Two Of The Tudor Trilogy, Henry – Book Three Of The Tudor Trilogy, Mary – Tudor Princess, Brandon – Tudor Knight and The Secret Diary Of Eleanor Cobham. 

Social Media Links:

website • Twitter • Facebook • LinkedIn • Instagram • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads.

On tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club - Read my #BookReview of The Cotillion Brigade by Glen Craney #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour @glencraney @maryanneyarde

We are heading back in time to the American Civil War today. It is with the greatest of pleasures that I introduce you to Glen Craney and his exceptionally great novel, The Cotillion Brigade (A Novel of the Civil War and the Most Famous Female Militia in American History).

The Cotillion Brigade 

(A Novel of the Civil War and the Most Famous Female Militia in American History)

By Glen Craney

Georgia burns.

Sherman’s Yankees are closing in.

Will the women of LaGrange run or fight?

Based on the true story of the celebrated Nancy Hart Rifles, The Cotillion Brigade is an epic novel of the Civil War’s ravages on family and love, the resilient bonds of sisterhood in devastation, and the miracle of reconciliation between bitter enemies.

“Gone With The Wind meets A League Of Their Own.”

-- John Jeter, The Plunder Room

1856. Sixteen-year-old Nannie Colquitt Hill makes her debut in the antebellum society of the Chattahoochee River plantations. A thousand miles north, a Wisconsin farm boy, Hugh LaGrange, joins an Abolitionist crusade to ban slavery in Bleeding Kansas.

Five years later, secession and war against the homefront hurl them toward a confrontation unrivaled in American history.

I have always been fascinated with historical fiction books that are based on the lives of real people. Yes, I am aware quite a few historical fiction books are like this, but just think of the amount of research that goes into these books! Therefore, when I realised that this book was based on the Nancy Harts, not that I had heard of them before, but they sounded interesting, I jumped to ask to read this book.

I must admit, for my History lessons at school, I am quickly learning that I did not cover many historical periods at all. Coming into this book, I did not know much about the Civil War at all, other than what I had learned when watching North and South, although I haven’t watched it for a long time and only really did so because I was in the Patrick Swayze phase of my late teens. That being said, it proves that you do not really need to know what is going on to understand this book. Everything is explained wonderfully!

I will tell you who the Nancy Harts were, considering it was their name that made me want to read this book. The Nancy Harts were a militia, consisting solely of the women left behind in the town of LaGrange when all the men went off to war. LaGrange was a railway town, which gave the Yankee’s a clear way in, practically a path to follow, and the Nancy Harts were determined to protect their town against Yankee invaders. Now, doesn’t a militia made up entirely of women sound wonderful? Imagine coming into a town, thinking you could pass right through, for all the men were away at war, and coming face to face with a bunch of angry women with guns, all trained to the same standard you are and prepared to fight and kill you to keep their town safe. If I had to face such a sight, I think I would turn around and go around the town instead. The Nancy Harts was set up by Nancy (surprise, surprise) and half of this book is focused on her, and her life as the Civil War started, and throughout the years it continued. 

The other half of this book is that of Hugh LaGrange (yes, he has the same surname as Nancy’s town is called – some might call that a bad omen.) Hugh’s life changes drastically throughout this novel. He is a farmer, then a teacher, then a Private, ending up as a General. His experiences with women was very entertaining, for he doesn’t seem to have much luck with any of them. They either break his heart or trick him, and I am not sure which of these he took worse. Something I found interesting is that he taught his Calvary unit infantry fighting styles, which I thought would have been common sense – what if they fell off their horse?! I had been blissfully unaware that the fighting styles were different. Obviously, one has a horse and one doesn’t, but even the orders are different, and infantry had different ways of moving than Calvary does. 

A lot of emphases is put on the different battles, and generals, that appear in this book. There are a lot of names that, if you know the era, would probably stick out to you, but to me, they were just characters. There was one name, James Buchanan, that popped out to me, and it wasn’t until I searched the name that I realised I wasn’t recognising the historical figure, but the character from Marvel, Bucky Barnes, The Winter Soldier. I had a bit of a giggle over that.

I absolutely loved reading about the battles, and Nancy’s formation of the Nancy Harts, and, although the chapters are very long, and it was difficult for me to sit down long enough to get through a chapter each time (children demand attention, time and someone to listen to them rabbit on about everything) this book thoroughly entranced me and I didn’t want to put it down.

  

I received my copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club, but you can grab yours from Amazon Uk, Amazon US, Amazon CA, Amazon AU, Kobo, iBooks, Barnes & Noble.

 

Glen Craney

A graduate of Indiana University School of Law and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Glen Craney practiced trial law before joining the Washington, D.C. press corps to write about national politics and the Iran-contra trial for Congressional Quarterly magazine. In 1996, the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences awarded him the Nicholl Fellowship prize for best new screenwriting. His debut historical novel, The Fire and the Light, was named Best New Fiction by the National Indie Excellence Awards. He is a three-time Finalist/Honorable Mention winner of Foreword Magazine’s Book-of-the-Year and a Chaucer Award winner for Historical Fiction. His books have taken readers to Occitania during the Albigensian Crusade, the Scotland of Robert Bruce, Portugal during the Age of Discovery, the trenches of France during World War I, the battlefields of the Civil War, and the American Hoovervilles of the Great Depression. He lives in Malibu, California.

Social Media Links: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, Amazon Author Page

Saving Grace: Deception. Obsession. Redemption. (The Ropewalk series, Book 2) by H D Coulter #BookReview #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @coulter_hd @maryanneyarde

 

I am so excited to share my review of Saving Grace: Deception. Obsession. Redemption. (The Ropewalk series, Book 2) by H D Coulter Thank you so much to The Coffee Pot Book Club for your invite to take part in this tour.

Saving Grace: Deception. Obsession. Redemption.

(The Ropewalk series, Book 2)

By H D Coulter

Beacon Hill, Boston. 1832.

“You are innocent. You are loved. You are mine.”

After surviving the brutal attack and barely escaping death at Lancaster Castle, Beatrice Mason attempts to build a new life with her husband Joshua across the Atlantic in Beacon Hill. But, as Beatrice struggles to cope with the pregnancy and vivid nightmares, she questions whether she is worthy of redemption.

Determined to put the past behind her after the birth of her daughter Grace, Bea embraces her newfound roles of motherhood and being a wife. Nevertheless, when she meets Sarah Bateman, their friendship draws Bea towards the underground railroad and the hidden abolitionist movement, despite the dangerous secrets it poses. Whilst concealed in the shadows, Captain Victor Hanley returns, obsessed with revenge and the desire to lay claim to what is his, exposes deceptions and doubts as he threatens their newly established happiness.

Now, Beatrice must find the strength to fight once more and save Grace, even if it costs her life.

I do so love series, and when I was offered the chance to read this book, after reading book 1, I was ecstatic. Book 1 ended on a cliff hanger, and when I finished reading it, this book was still only on Preorder. You can understand how upset I was. Nonetheless, I was asked if I wanted to read this one, I agreed with maybe a little too much enthusiasm, and as soon as I received my copy, I put on the kettle and sat down.

Once again, the cover is absolutely gorgeous. What else can I say? Anyway, let us get onto the story…

Bea suffered dreadfully in the last book, and she finally ended up with the good guy – the simply delightful Joshua Mason. That doesn’t mean everything is sunshine and daisies, though, as she has to deal with the repercussions of the trauma she experienced. On top of the nightmares and constant fear, she is also pregnant. This should be a wondrous occasion, but considering the circumstances of the pregnancy, Bea has to learn to love the child. She repeats the mantra “You are innocent. You are loved. You are mine.” to her child, for the baby has done nothing wrong and knows nothing of how she came to be. 

In the last book, I sang Joshua’s name to the skies in praise. He was the perfect gentleman, he loved Bea with all his heart and would do almost anything to keep her safe. In this one, however, it seems his patience has started to run thin. Not only does he have to contend with the baby (I don’t want to spoil anything, so read it and you’ll understand), but he wants his wife to be the woman he fell in love with. Instead, she has changed and, after all this time, it seems that it is not her that doesn’t want to show affection, but him instead. The Joshua in this book is not the young man I fell in love with in the last book, but a grown man in charge of a household, with responsibilities. Maybe it’s just that he didn’t have these responsibilities in the last book, but in this one, he has grown what I would call short, and his patience is waning. In case you could not tell, I did not like Joshua as much in this book as I did in the last.

With a new book comes a new set of characters and, since Bea and Joshua have moved to Boston, we get many interesting characters to read about. I absolutely loved Sarah. She is employed as a servant in Bea and Joshua’s house, but she becomes more like Bea’s sister. She is such a nice woman, always wanting to do as much good as she can. She was an absolute delight to read about, although reading her backstory almost made me cry.

One big theme in this book is Bea’s child, Grace. I have a child myself, so I will relate her experiences to mine as best I can. Grace is born via a cesarian because Bea was bleeding - why she is bleeding is never explained, but one can assume it was because of an intrapartum haemorrhage caused by a low lying placenta or quite possibly the placenta had ruptured - we are not given any details, (only that the cord was wrapped around the baby's neck,) but if this were the case Bea would most certainly have died. Neither did she die of shock which was the leading cause of C-section fatalities. Then there was the small issue, of stitching Bea up. I did a quick Google search and I discovered that until the 1870s they did not use stitches to close the open womb up, so goodness knows how anyone survived such an operation. If Bea was bleeding so heavily, and by the way, it was described she was, then surely she would have had her womb removed - how else would the bleeding have been stopped? I think a little more research was needed for this scene to make it more viable. Also, when Grace is a couple of months old, she looks at Bea in a lovely new dress in awe. I don’t know about other people’s children, but my child never cared about what I was wearing, but rather if they could get access to my breasts for dinner!

I really enjoyed reading this book, if I overlook the birth of Grace, and, much like Book 1, it ends with a cliff hanger. Except this cliff hanger is in the middle of an extremely intense scene, wherein someone might be dead, or they might not be. I don’t know. Book 3 isn’t out for ages. What am I supposed to do as I wait?!

I received my copy from The Coffee Pot Book Club, but you can grab yours from Amazon UK, Amazon US and a host of other online bookshops via this universal link!

Ropewalk; Rebellion. Love. Survival (The Ropewalk Series, Book 1) will be on offer at 0.99 on ebook during the tour. Pick up your copy on Amazon UK, Amazon US and this universal link!

H D Coulter

Hayley was born and raised in the lake district and across Cumbria. From a young age, Hayley loved learning about history, visiting castles and discovering local stories from the past. Hayley and her partner lived in Ulverston for three years and spent her weekends walking along the Ropewalk and down by the old harbour. She became inspired by the spirit of the area and stories that had taken place along the historic streets.

As a teacher, Hayley had loved the art of storytelling by studying drama and theatre. The power of the written word, how it can transport the reader to another world or even another time in history. But it wasn't until living in Ulverston did she discover a story worth telling. From that point, the characters became alive and she fell in love with the story.

Social Media Links: Website • Twitter • Instagram • Facebook Sign up to Hayley’s newsletter for a chance to win a BookBox filled with reading treats and a signed copy of Ropewalk and Saving Grace.

The Assassins by Alan Bardos, Audiobook narrated by Jack Bennett #HistoricalFiciton #Thriller #BlogTour @bardosAlan @maryanneyarde

 You have to check out this audio excerpt from The Assassins by Alan Bardos, Audiobook narrated by Jack Bennett. Thank you so much to The Coffee Pot Book Club for your invite to take part in this tour.

The Assassins

By Alan Bardos, 

Audiobook narrated by Jack Bennett

1914.

Tensions are reaching boiling point in Europe and the threat of war is imminent. 

Johnny Swift, a young and brash diplomatic clerk employed by the British embassy is sent to infiltrate the ‘Young Bosnians’, a group of idealistic conspirators planning to murder Franz Ferdinand. The heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, in a bid to liberate their country from the monarchy’s grip.

Swift has been having an affair with his employer’s wife, Lady Elizabeth Smyth. Sir George Smyth dispatches the agent on the dangerous mission, believing that it will be the last he will see of his young rival.

The agent manages to infiltrate the Young Bosnian conspirators’ cell, helped by Lazlo Breitner, a Hungarian Civil Servant.

However, Swift soon realises that he may be in over his head. His gambling debts and taste for beautiful women prove the least of his problems as he struggles to survive on his wits in the increasingly complex - and perilous - world of politics and espionage.

Desperate to advance himself and with the lives of a royal couple unexpectedly in his hands, Swift tries to avert catastrophe.

Head over to YouTube to check out a fabulous audio excerpt of The Assassins.

YouTube

Praise for The Assassins

‘A cracking read, highly recommended’ - Roger A Price 

‘Written with polished panache, it kept me gripped from the first to last. Five stars from me!’ - A.A. Chaudhuri

‘Part historical fiction, part thriller and part love story, this is a compelling and entertaining read’ - Gary Haynes

You can grab your copy over on Amazon UK or Amazon US, depending where you live! And of course, you can pick up your copy on Audio.

Alan Bardos is a graduate of the MA in TV Script Writing at De Montfort University, he also has a degree in Politics and History from Brunel University. Writing historical fiction combines the first great love of his life, making up stories, with the second, researching historical events and characters. Alan currently live in Oxfordshire with his wife… the other great love of his life.

Despite the amount of material that has been written about the twentieth century there is still a great deal of mystery and debate surrounding many of its events, which Alan explores in his historical fiction series using a certain amount of artistic license to fill in the gaps, while remaining historically accurate. The series will chronicle the first half of the twentieth century from the perspective of Johnny Swift, a disgraced and degenerate diplomat and soldier; starting with the pivotal event of the twentieth century, the Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, in ‘The Assassins’.

Social Media Links: Instagram • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads • BookBub • Amazon Author Page

The Shadows of Versailles - An Affair of the Poisons Book One - By Cathie Dunn #BookReview #HistoricalMystery #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @cathiedunn @maryanneyarde

 

I am so excited to share my review of Shadows of Versailles by Cathie Dunn. Thank you so much to The Coffee Pot Book Club for your invite to take part in this tour.

The Shadows of Versailles

An Affair of the Poisons Book One

By Cathie Dunn

Dazzled by Versailles. Broken by tragedy. Consumed by revenge.

When Fleur de La Fontaine attends the court of King Louis XIV for the first time, she is soon besotted with handsome courtier, Philippe de Mortain. She dreams of married life away from her uncaring mother, but Philippe keeps a secret from her.

Nine months later, after the boy she has given birth to in a convent is whisked away, she flees to Paris where she mends gowns in the brothel of Madame Claudette, a woman who helps ‘fallen’ girls back on their feet.

Jacques de Montagnac investigates a spate of abducted children when his path crosses Fleur’s. He searches for her son, but the trail leads to a dead end – and a dreadful realisation.

Her boy’s suspected fate too much to bear, Fleur decides to avenge him. She visits the famous midwife, La Voisin, but it’s not the woman’s skills in childbirth that Fleur seeks.

La Voisin dabbles in poisons.

Will Fleur see her plan through? Or can she save herself from a tragic fate?

Delve into The Shadows of Versailles and enter the sinister world of potions, poisoners and black masses during the Affairs of the Poisons, a real event that stunned the court of the Sun King!

I know my reviews are usually a little jokey, and sarcastic, (sarcastic? Me? Never...) but this novel left no room for my usual jests. Let me start first by saying that The Shadows of Versailles is one of the most depressing books that I have ever read which, before the author's mouth drops to her stomach, isn't actually a bad thing. This novel is dark, and I mean really dark, the protagonist goes from one despairing situation to the next. It is as if her story came out of the pages of a classic Russian novel rather than one set in France. I know France has a bloody history, but there is always an element of hope. There is no hope in this novel.

So the story is set at the very beginning of l'affaire des poisons. The novel opens with the execution of Marie-Madeleine d'Aubray, Marquise de Brinvilliers. After torture, she confessed to poisoning her father and two of her brothers because she wants to inherit their estates. But this is not her story. It is a story of a young woman whose life is destroyed by the two people who should have had her best interest at heart - her mother and her lover. Unfortunately, as with all tragedies, when she is dropped by the lover, she turns to her mother for help. It would have been better for everyone if Fleur had made her escape, become a seamstress and put the whole messy affair behind her. But how was she to know, as young as she was, the lengths her mother was willing to go to cover up a scandal.

Sophie, Sophie, Sophie, was the hell was wrong with that woman? I kinda get the whole, I am bitter and therefore my daughter must pay, but who in their right mind would do something so wicked and take pleasure in doing it? Fleur is certainly justified in her grievance with her mother, but I am not sure that the path she chooses is necessarily the right one because, at the end of the day, Sophie still wins. You will have to read this novel to find out what I am talking about. 

Running alongside the story of Fleur is that of Jacques de Montagnac: spy for La Reynie who is an investigator in l'affaire des poisons. Due to certain events, he ends up rescuing Fleur from a dreadful situation, but he cannot save her, although he tries. If only, if only, if only... But Fleur must choose her own destiny and it does not include Jacques, although how I wished it had.

As I have said, Jacques rescues Fleur from a despicable situation but it is Claudette Arnauld and owner of a brothel that nurses her back to health. I thought the care and attention Fleur received from a woman who would have been looked down upon by those who had abused the tortured Fleur both physically and mentally (the nuns in The convent of the Carmelites), was very telling. But Claudette's actions, her care and her compassion made her far closer to God than the nuns could ever hope to be. 

This novel also deals with something called the black masses. I had no idea what this was so I had to Google it and then wished I had not. Although from the story, I understood that babies were being stolen for sacrifice, the fact that it was holy men and women that were involved was truly horrifying. I felt physically sick to my stomach when I realised exactly what the black mass was. 

The story is intensely gripping, but sometimes I did find myself rather befuddled. I couldn't understand why so many wanted to help Fleur seek revenge. It seemed like they listened to her story and said, okay we will risk our lives to help you. We will get you close to the king so you will be above suspicion. I was left wondering why? Why would anyone do such a thing for a stranger? The other little niggle I had with this book was the ending. It was really rushed as if the author had run out of time or was reaching her word count and did not want to go over.

As I have said, this novel is depressing, but the characters were very real in the telling and the story was gripping. I thought the author did a marvellous job of portraying what life must have been like at Versailles, and I also thought she contrasted Versailles with the poorest parts of Paris very well, showing exactly how differently the rich and the poor lived and behaved. This is a novel that I certainly enjoyed but I think it is one of those books that I will only read once. Saying that however, I am looking forward to reading book 2. I know, I am a mass of contradictions.

I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club but you can find yours at Amazon. It is also available on #KindleUnlimited

Cathie Dunn

Cathie Dunn writes historical fiction, mystery, and romance.

Cathie has been writing for over twenty years. She studied Creative Writing, with a focus on novel writing, which she now teaches in the south of France. She loves researching for her novels, delving into history books, and visiting castles and historic sites.

Her stories have garnered awards and praise from reviewers and readers for their authentic description of the past.

Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

After nearly two decades in Scotland, she now lives in the historic city of Carcassonne in the south of France with her husband, two cats and a rescue dog. 

Social Media Links: Website • Twitter  • Facebook • Instagram • Pinterest • BookBub • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads.

 

On tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club - The Usurper King (The Plantagenet Legacy, Book 3) by Mercedes Rochelle #HistoricalFiction #Plantagenet #HenryIV #BlogTour @authorRochelle @maryanneyarde

Please join me in welcoming historical fiction author, Mercedes Rochelle, onto Oh look, another book. Mercedes is taking her book on tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club and I am so excited to be taking part in this tour. But that is enough from me. I think it is time to read an excerpt!

The Usurper King

(The Plantagenet Legacy, Book 3)

By Mercedes Rochelle

From Outlaw to Usurper, Henry Bolingbroke fought one rebellion after another.

First, he led his own uprising. Gathering support the day he returned from exile, Henry marched across the country and vanquished the forsaken Richard II. Little did he realize that his problems were only just beginning. How does a usurper prove his legitimacy? What to do with the deposed king? Only three months after he took the crown, Henry IV had to face a rebellion led by Richard's disgruntled favorites. Worse yet, he was harassed by rumors of Richard's return to claim the throne. His own supporters were turning against him. How to control the overweening Percies, who were already demanding more than he could give? What to do with the rebellious Welsh? After only three years, the horrific Battle of Shrewsbury nearly cost him the throne—and his life. It didn't take long for Henry to discover that that having the kingship was much less rewarding than striving for it.

The Day after Henry Bolingbroke returned from exile

"My lord, a small band of warriors are approaching bearing Percy arms."

"Percy?" Henry whirled around, touching Erpingham who was distracted by the ship's captain. "Thomas, why would Percy be here?"

"Which Percy?" Erpingham asked.

"The younger, I believe," said the knight.

"Hotspur," Henry said to himself. "He's Warden of the East March of Scotland if I'm not mistaken." He glanced at the knight. "You say he has only a small group?"

"I counted six men."

"Not enough to attack us, unless more are in hiding."

"Let us greet him," Erpingham said. "Best to deal with him directly."

Both Henry and Thomas knew Harry Hotspur well, so-named by the Scots because he was always ready to dash into battle. Just a few years older than Henry, he had also distinguished himself at the St. Inglevert tournament. They had spent many long evenings drinking and feasting together in those heady days, but once the festivities were over they had not crossed paths since. Hotspur and his father, Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland had their hands full keeping peace in the Marches, and their experience with the restive Scots was invaluable. 

Henry was well aware that the Percies were pivotal in his upcoming struggle. They were the most powerful force in the North, by far. Their only rival was Ralph Neville, the Earl of Westmorland—a new earl, one of King Richard's derisively named duketti. He was given his new title after the Revenge Parliament that condemned the Appellants. Bolingbroke was counting on Westmorland as a potential ally because Ralph had recently married his half-sister Joan Beaufort. At the same time, Henry knew that the Percies weren't going to let Neville get ahead of them when there was a chance to grab more power. So he was relatively certain he could induce them to support him as well.

But he wasn't prepared to face them so soon! At least he only had to confront the son; the father would ride roughshod over any perceived threat. Still, Henry wasn't sure how to manage Harry yet. He was well aware that by law, Percy could use his office to arrest him as a declared outlaw. Or at least he could try.

As Hotspur and his followers entered through the gates of the priory, Henry, Arundel, and Erpingham were waiting for them in the courtyard. "My lord, what a surprise to see you here," said Henry, holding the reins of Hotspur's horse. 

Dismounting, Harry brushed his hands across his legs. "Dusty out there," he said amiably. "One of your messengers rode across my land and naturally I questioned him. I was at my manor of Seamer, which is only about twelve miles away."

"What brings you so far south?" Henry asked, pretending not to be concerned. As Warden of the East March of Scotland, Hotspur spent most of his time in Northumberland—not here, in Yorkshire. Putting on his most amiable expression, Henry led the others into the priory where the good friars laid out food and drink for them.

"I came to collect payment from the exchequer for my services as warden." Hotspur accepted a mug of ale from a servant. "I think it would be more appropriate to ask what you are doing here?" He softened the remark with a smile.  

It was hard to resist his grin. Harry had a certain openness about him that invited trust. Tall, bearded, brown-haired, sincere, and intense, Percy's son was well-known for his honesty and chivalry. He was the opposite of his brusque father.

Henry was not immune to Hotspur's charm. "I have come back to reclaim my patrimony, which was unjustly taken from me," he answered softly. For a moment there was silence around the table. 

"I think my father received a letter from you last month."

Henry grunted. He had sent letters to both of them. "What happened to me concerns us all," he said in earnest.

Young Thomas FitzAlan walked into the room. Henry pointed to him. "Harry, this is Thomas Arundel, son of the late Earl Richard. Like me, he comes to reclaim his earldom. Thomas, meet Sir Harry Percy, son of the Earl of Northumberland." The lad came forward and bowed. 

"And this is his uncle Thomas, the Archbishop of Canterbury," Henry continued. "I don't believe you ever met."

Arundel nodded. Hotspur gave him a long look; he knew the archbishop had also been outlawed. "I don't think we have," he said finally. "Well met, your Grace. I see you all have the same purpose in returning to England."

"There are injustices that need to be put to right," Henry said. "I hope to gather enough support to convince King Richard he must reverse his unlawful decisions."

"I see." Harry looked around the room. "It appears you have made a modest start."

Despite himself, Henry blushed. "I came with my closest companions, who accompanied me to France. I have faith my Lancastrian affinity will swell my ranks."

Percy nodded. Again his smile rescued an uncomfortable situation. "I have no doubt. King Richard's policies have even disturbed our stability in the North."

Was that an invitation? "You must know I have great respect for your family. Between your lordship and Lancaster—and the Nevilles, secondarily—the North is a force to be reckoned with."

Hotspur nodded, uncommitted. 

"I would have you with me, Harry."

Taking a sip of his ale, Hotspur looked at the table. "You're asking for much, my lord."

"Duke Henry speaks for all the nobles in the land," interjected the archbishop. "If Richard could take away the great Lancastrian patrimony with a strike of his quill, what's to stop him from doing the same to everyone else?"

"Or declaring a loyal subject a traitor?" added Henry, unable to suppress his bitterness. "We are all at the mercy of his impulses." He sensed Hotspur's resistance was half-hearted, and his heart pounded in response.

"We've considered that, ourselves," Harry said. He turned his whole body, facing Henry. "What are your real intentions?"

Blinking, Henry drew himself up. "I have stated them. I came here to reclaim my own."

"Nothing more?"

Henry didn't know whether to be surprised or offended. But, he admitted to himself, that question was going to be asked again and again. There was no easy way to put this. "Are you wondering if I covet the throne?" 

There. It was said. For the first time.

"It crossed my mind." Hotspur stared at him, trying to measure his honesty. Henry shook his head.

"I have no interest in Richard's crown. The Lancastrian inheritance is more than enough."

"How do you intend to convince the king, as you say?"

Henry pursed his lips. It was a fair question. "It won't be easy. I think, as in the past, a group of magnates," he said slowly, "if united by a common goal, can force an obstinate king to rule more wisely, with their help."

"We don't have to look any farther back than 1387," Arundel asserted. "The parliamentary Continual Council was only established for one year. It would need to be permanent this time."

"There were other examples," Percy mused. "The Council of Fifteen under Simon de Montfort. Or more lately, the Lords Ordainers against Edward II. Both ended badly for the barons if I'm not mistaken. We don't even need to talk about the Lords Appellant."

Henry squirmed uncomfortably. Percy was right. But he had to try again. "This time around, the king has no powerful supporters. Richard's new appointees have no teeth. Besides, they are with him in Ireland."

"Perhaps." Hotspur turned his cup in his hand. 

"Between the Lancastrian affinity and the North, I trust, we will prove an irresistible force." Henry leaned forward. "I am prepared to pay the wages of any men who choose to follow me."

"Ah, that will be a great benefit." Percy cocked his head. "You have no intention of usurping the king?"

"None."

"Are you prepared to swear an oath?"

Without hesitation, Henry put a hand on Percy's arm. "My lord, I will do so at once."

Getting up and gesturing for everyone in the room to follow, Henry called for a monk to meet them in the chapel. They approached the altar and waited while the brother reverently unlocked a casket and produced a bible. Henry knelt, putting his hand on the precious volume.

"I swear, before this room full of witnesses and God himself, my only intent in returning to England is to reclaim my inheritance. By the grace of God, I will recover my patrimony and serve the king as a loyal subject."

He held his hand on the bible as every man crossed himself. Then he stood, a reverential glow on his face. "Are you with me, Harry?"

Percy was suitably impressed by his sincerity. Only hesitating for a moment, he extended his hand. "You may count on me. I will go at once to my father so we can gather our resources."

If you are like me and would like to buy a copy of this book you can find it over on Amazon UK or Amazon US, depending on where you live!!

Mercedes Rochelle

Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channeled this interest into fiction writing. Her first four books cover eleventh-century Britain and events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. The next series is called The Plantagenet Legacy about the struggles and abdication of Richard II, leading to the troubled reigns of the Lancastrian Kings. She also writes a blog: HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story. Born in St. Louis, MO, she received by BA in Literature at the Univ. of Missouri St.Louis in 1979 then moved to New York in 1982 while in her mid-20s to “see the world”. The search hasn’t ended! Today she lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.

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