On tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club — Her Own War by Debra Borchert #HerOwnWar #DebraBorchert #ChateauDeVerzatSeries #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub @cathiedunn

Stop what you are doing and check out my review of Her Own War.

Her Own War

By Debra Borchert

As Napoleon Rises from the Ashes of The French Revolution, One Woman Dares to Spy Against Him.

Sentenced to eight months in an insane asylum for the crime of impersonating a man, Geneviève LaGarde fears giving birth in a filthy cell will mean certain death for her and her unborn child. Desperate for her release, her husband, Louis, trades his freedom for hers and must join Bonaparte’s army in Egypt.

As Geneviève wages her own war against the tyrannical general, she not only risks her own life but also those of her children and the four hundred families who depend on the Château de Verzat estate. Knowing her desperate actions could cause the government to confiscate the entire vineyard, she sacrifices everything to save her husband and protect the people who become her family. 

A captivating tale of the power of love, hope, and courage, and the strength of community.

Hold on to your hat as this book is going to completely blow you away. The story, set during the Napoleonic period in France, and follows one family as they navigate this rather dangerous era, where they must constantly strive to keep their heads upon their shoulders.

Geneviève LaGarde is my absolute favourite character in this book. She is unbelievably brave, and has to endure so much, but she holds on to her sense of humour, she is incredibly resourceful, and has a quick intelligence that holds her in good stead. As the story progresses, she has to balance her moral believes while trying to keep her family and her vineyard dependents safe. At times she does get herself into some rather sticky situations and there are a few moments when my stomach gave a little flip of apprehension!

Louis, Geneviève’s husband, is another character that I absolutely adored. He does everything he can to get his wife out of prison, even going with cap in hand to Joséphine Bonaparte. This desperation means he makes deals that will bring his wife home but will ultimately send him away to fight in a war he does not believe in. Louis fights for him men rather than Napoleon, and he does not always obey orders, in fact he is more likely not to! Who does not love a rebel?! 

This story is filled with memorable characters, and it has a great plot. I really did enjoy everything about this book. I will certainly be reading the first book in the series soon! It has everything a gripping historical fiction book should have.

You really need to add this book to your to-read list, right now! Better still, why not go and grab a copy over on Amazon, and get this, this title will be on #KindleUnlimited for the first 90 days.

Debra Borchert

Debra Borchert has had many careers: clothing designer, actress, TV show host, spokesperson for high-tech companies, marketing and public relations professional, and technical writer for Fortune 100 companies. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, The Christian Science Monitor, and The Writer, among others. Her short stories have been published in anthologies and independently. 

A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, she weaves her knowledge of textiles and clothing design throughout her historical French fiction. She has been honored with a Historical Novel Society Editors’ Choice, Publishers Weekly BookLife Editor’s Pick, and many other five-star reviews.

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Book Review - A Kingdom's Cost: A Historical Novel of Scotland (The Black Douglas Trilogy Book 1) By J.R. Tomlin

 Oh look, here is another book that you need to add to your to-read list! 

A Kingdom's Cost: A Historical Novel of Scotland 

(The Black Douglas Trilogy Book 1)
By J.R. Tomlin

They killed his father, stole his lands, and imprisoned the woman he loved. Now, he will become their darkest nightmare.

Voyage to Scotland in the year 1305, a nation ravaged by war and tyranny. Young James Douglas, returning from France, witnesses the execution of his hero, William Wallace, and the brutal subjugation of his homeland by the English. However, upon learning of Robert the Bruce's plan to resist and restore Scotland's freedom, James swears his fealty and joins the rebellion. As they confront treachery and defeats, he finds solace in the arms of a courageous noblewoman.

When she is captured by their enemies and James is unable to rescue her, he confronts a choice that shatters his soul. Soon, he is known as the fearsome Black Douglas, but will his ruthlessness in battle and his thirst for revenge consume him entirely?

Immerse yourself in the enthralling first part of the Black Douglas trilogy, 'A Kingdom's Cost.' With its spellbinding characters, heart-pounding battle scenes, and rich historical details, this narrative by JR Tomlin will keep you engrossed. If you enjoyed 'Ill-Made Knight' or 'The Winter King,' then this gripping historical saga is a must-read.

One word, three letter and an exclamation mark - WOW! What a book and what a story. There is nothing quite like a novel that starts with an execution. I mean, what could be worse? Living like outlaws with your king and fighting not only a superior army but also bickering clans! 

The story follows a young James Douglas. He may be young in years but he is a patriot and a loyal supporter of Robert the Bruce - he will literally follow the Bruce through hell and back again. He is a character that really captured my attention and I quickly became full invested in his story. This book is a very emotional read, so I did find myself reaching for the tissues several times. It is also pretty violent, which should come as no surprise considering the era.

I listened to this book on audio and I thought the narrator did a fabulous job of bring this story and these characters to life. 

This book is the first in a series and I cannot wait to read book 2.

This is one of those books that really deserves your undivided attention. If you would like to read/listen to this book then you can find it over on Amazon.

J R Tomlin

J R Tomlin is the author of nineteen historical novels. 

Her historical novels are mainly set in Scotland. You can trace her love of that nation to the stories her grandmother read her when she was small and to her hillwalking through the Cairngorms where the granite mountains have a gorgeous red glow under the setting sun. 

In addition to spending time in Scotland, she has traveled in the US, mainland Europe and the Pacific Rim. She now lives in Oregon.

On tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club — The Agincourt King by Mercedes Rochelle #TheAgincourtKing #HenryV #Agincourt, #HistoricalFiction #Plantagenet #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub @authorRochelle @cathiedunn

 

Oh look, here is another book that you need to add to your to-read list! Scroll down to read my five star review!

The Agincourt King

By Mercedes Rochelle

From the day he was crowned, Henry V was determined to prove the legitimacy of his house. His father's usurpation weighed heavily on his mind. Only a grand gesture would capture the respect of his own countrymen and the rest of Europe. He would follow in his great-grandfather Edward III's footsteps, and recover lost territory in France.

Better yet, why not go for the crown? Poor, deranged Charles VI couldn't manage his own barons. The civil war between the Burgundians and Armagnacs was more of a threat to his country than the English, even after Henry laid siege to Harfleur. But once Harfleur had fallen, the French came to their senses and determined to block his path to Calais and destroy him.

By the time the English reached Agincourt, they were starving, exhausted, and easy pickings. Or so the French thought. Little did they reckon on Henry's leadership and the stout-hearted English archers who proved, once again, that numbers didn't matter when God was on their side.

Ah, yes, the valiant and gallant King Henry V - the man whose name is not forgotten after his decisive victory over the French at Agincourt. If you have never heard of him or his achievements before then you lucked out at school. My first introduction to this charismatic character was when I was doing my GCSE and Henry V was the prescribed Shakespearean text. Ever since then, I have been a little obsessed with all things Harry. But I digress. Henry's victory has inspired generations, but what was it like in the lead-up to one of the most famous battles in history? Well, this question is thoroughly explored in Mercedes Rochelle's, The Agincourt King.

This story is told, for the most part, by Humphrey, Henry's younger brother and it is certainly no romantic depiction of events. It is gritty, brutal and rather bloody, and, quite a few people die. The Siege of Harfleur did as much damage to Henry's army as it did to those under siege and yet Henry is steadfast in his commitment even if it does mean sacrificing some of his dearest friends to the bloody flux. Henry's dream of glory is overshadowed by the cruelty which he deems necessary to achieve his goals. At times I found it very difficult to like Henry, even though on the whole he is extremely likable, but he is so obsessed with making a name for himself that he forgoes his humanity to achieve his goals.

I did enjoy reading about the complete incompetence of the French who had enough issues to deal with, without the complications of Henry's army. The Dauphin certainly had my sympathy for he is unprepared for what lies ahead. And with his father's illness, it falls to him to make the decisions and with a court full of vipers the poor man doesn't stand much of a chance. The author reminds the readers that it was not just Henry's shrewdness that meant he won at Agincourt but it was also the inability of the French to get their act together.

I think the author has written a very truthful story, rich in historical facts and with some unforgettable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and I am looking forward to the next book in the series and to finding out what mischief Henry is going to get up to next.

I loved this book and I know you will too. You can grab your copy on Amazon. And get this, if you have #KindleUnlimited subscription you can read for free.

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” and begins with the reign of Richard II. 

She also writes a blog: www.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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On tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club — Under A Cloud by Luv Lubker #HistoricalFiction #VictorianFiction #VictorianEra #GermanHistory #UnderACloud #LuvLubker #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub @LubkerLuv @cathiedunn

Scroll down and read an excerpt from Luv Lubker's novel, Under A Cloud.

Under A Cloud
By Luv Lubker
Audiobook will be narrated by Ella McNish, Jamie Collette and a full cast.

Vicky's father, Albert, the Prince Consort, has just died, leaving her and her family under a heavy cloud of grief, without their dearest friend and advisor, at a most critical time: The political horizon grows dark with storm clouds at the entry of Bismarck to Germany's political stage in 1862.

Will Fritz's courage stand the test as he confronts the spider in its web? Is Prussia really fighting for the rights of the Schleswig people, or is so much blood being shed for the sake of Prussia's aggrandizement?

Join Vicky and Fritz on their journeys under the blue cloudless skies of the Mediterranean to the peaceful heather-clad hills of the Highlands of Scotland; to the burning heat of the North African desert to the raging blizzards of a winter war in Denmark.

When Vicky's closest friend disappears, will she be able to keep the secret? Will old enemies prove to be friends, and old friends prove to be enemies?

Excerpt

Karl stared at Bismarck for a moment, and then nodded. “Settle it with him. Let him know what he must do to be kept in touch with the affairs of the Crown, as he wishes.” He turned to his brother. “Farewell, your Majesty.” He spat the words out. “I must get back to Berlin. One can’t stay away too long from the capital when one has charge of the country. One never knows what might happen.” He left the room, laughing to himself.

Karl stepped into his carriage, and the door was shut. He vaguely heard the coachman speak to the horses, but he was far away in thought.

If Fritzch was freed, and the marriage had been put an end to in Prussia, what would he do? Would he stay at his post like a true Hohenzollern soldier? Would he attempt to keep the image he obviously treasured so highly as the Liberal Crown Prince, the people’s darling?

If he would, he might actually be worth something. If he could stand his ground in this matter, he could be convinced to do so about other things, especially without her there to meddle. He would be heartbroken, of course, to be separated from his precious “Frauchen”. At least he would be at first. But what is heartbreak? Karl thought. The end of love and happiness, that was what heartbreak was. However, love, when it came to an end, turned to hatred very quickly. He knew that all too well.

But all of these musings were probably useless. None of this would happen, Karl suspected. Fritzch was far too weak a character to stand on his own two feet. He had already written that he would, if he was pressed to join the Kreutzzeitungpartei, resign his military and government positions, and retire to the country. He would crawl back to England and tie himself again to his wife’s apron-strings.

Of course, that meant Germany would be free of their meddling, but did it really? He shook his head. He couldn’t leave them together to plot behind his back from the safety of England, as her father had done for so many years.

Viktoria. It was such a good German name; it was a shame that it should have been turned into an English name by popular association.

Doesn't this book sounds amazing! If you want to read on you grab your copy over on Amazon

Viktoria. He remembered the first sight he had caught of her, running up the stairs outside the Schloss, her manner and voice so free and childlike. He had been curious to see what she was like, this Lieblingstochter of Louise’s son. So this was the “stupid, useless girl”, as he had called her when he first heard of her birth. She was not stupid – she was clever, and she was attractive – far too clever and attractive for her own good – and Fritzch was clearly under her spell. She thought herself intelligent – well, so had her mother-in-law, and what good had that done her? Intelligent women never learned their lessons. Helmkin himself had admitted that.

If you want to read on your can grab your copy over on Amazon!

Luv Lubker

Luv Lubker has lived in the Victorian era half her life, making friends with the Brontë sisters and the extended family of Queen Victoria. Now she knows them quite as well as her own family.

Born in a cattle trough in the Appalachian mountains, Luv lives in Texas – when she comes to the modern world.

When she isn't living in the Victorian era, she enjoys being with her family; making and eating delicious raw food, riding her bike (which she only learned to ride at 25, though she has ridden a unicycle since she was 7), and watching animals – the passion of her childhood.

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Book Review - Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor by Alan Gratz

 Oh look, here is another book that you need to add to your to-read list!

Heroes: A Novel of Pearl Harbor
By Alan Gratz

December 6, 1941: Best friends Frank and Stanley pretty much live in paradise. Their dads are Navy officers stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and the boys have a front-row view of the huge battleships and the sparkling water. But on December 7th, 1941, everything explodes. Over the course of the day, as the boys fight to make their way home, it's clear that everything has changed.

Stanley's mother is Japanese American and he is suddenly facing a terrible prejudice that he's never known before - and Frank, who's white, cannot begin to understand. Can their friendship survive this watershed moment?

Heroes is a story of two thirteen-year-old boys, whose fathers have been deployed at Pearl Harbour. The boys are obsessed with comic book heroes and they spend much of their time making up their own stories. Frank is a nervous child who can imagine a thousand and one things for reasons that something might go wrong. He is a big old ball of anxiety that no one seems to understand, but he is really good at coming up with stories. Stanley is the complete opposite. He is a very confident boy who also happens to be exceptionally good at drawing.

This book took me totally by surprised. I was planning (and still am) of giving it as a gift for my nephew who is 11, but I wanted to make sure it was a suitable book first. Honestly, I spent a lot of the time reading through tears. The boys’ experience of the attack on Pearl Harbour is horrendous, but they somehow manage to face each challenge together, while trying to keep a hold on reality by talking about what their comic book heroes would do if they were there. They are no longer pretending to be superheroes; they are the superheroes now.

This book was a really great read, and it comes with my five star approval. I know my nephew is going to love every minute of it. 

I really did enjoy every minute of this novel. You can grab your copy over on Amazon I bought the paperback copy, and yes, I was careful I didn't break the spine, so my nephew will never know I have read it!

Alan Gratz

I'm the author of a number of books for young readers, including Refugee, Allies, Grenade, Projekt 1065, Prisoner B-3087, and Ban This Book. I live in the mountains of western North Carolina with my family, where I enjoy reading, playing games, and eating pizza. Follow me on Twitter: @alangratz

On tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club — Courage of the Conquered by Anna Chant #HistoricalFiction #medieval #BlogTour #BookBlast #TheCoffeePotBookClub @anna_chant @cathiedunn

Head back to  Constantinople in Anna Chant's fabulous novel. Scroll down to find out more!

Courage of the Conquered 

By Anna Chant

All the wonders of the Mediterranean have not prepared the English for the splendours of Constantinople. As Siward of Gloucester settles into the city, he is grateful to have finally found what he was looking for: A fine, god-fearing lord he is proud to serve and a safe place where he and Oswyth can await the birth of their child.

But as the months pass, doubts creep in. Emperor Michael proves to be a weak ruler, continually threatened with rebellion. Determined to keep the English army close, his promises of reward grow increasingly vague.

With tension in the city rising, Siward and his friends are caught up in the power struggle. While Bridwin maintains his loyalty to the emperor and Siward continues to trust in the friendship of the cunning Alexios Komnenos, Frebern grows close to John Bryennios, a man whose ambitions may include the imperial throne itself. With the friends drawn in different directions, Siward fears they could find themselves fighting on opposing sides.

Desperate to escape, he renews his efforts to find the home the English have so long craved. But the beauty of Constantinople conceals dangers that go far beyond Siward’s fears as sordid secrets and ruthless betrayal stalk the lives of those he holds dear.

As the English prepare for battle yet again, will Siward’s quest for New England end in heart-breaking tragedy?

Doesn't this book sounds amazing. You can find it over on Amazon, and get this, if you have #KindleUnlimited you can read for free! 

Anna Chant 

Anna Chant grew up in Essex, with her first home a tiny medieval cottage. Aged 18 she moved to Yorkshire to study history at the University of Sheffield. In 2015, inspired by her love of medieval history and her Scottish ancestry, Anna started writing her first book with Kenneth’s Queen, the tale of the unknown wife of Kenneth Mac Alpin, published the following year. Taking inspiration from both history and legend, she particularly enjoys bringing to life the lesser known people, events and folklore of the past. When not writing, Anna enjoys walking the coast and countryside of Devon where she lives with her husband, three sons (if they’re home) and a rather cheeky bearded dragon.

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On tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club — The Virgins of Venice by Gina Buonaguro. Audiobook narrator: Carlotta Brentan. #TheVirginsofVenice #HistoricalFiction #Venice #Renaissance #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub @cathiedunn

 

The Virgins of Venice 
By Gina Buonaguro 
Audiobook narrator: Carlotta Brentan

In sixteenth-century Venice, one young noblewoman dares to resist the choices made for her.

Venice in 1509 is on the brink of war. The displeasure of Pope Julius II is a continuing threat to the republic, as is the barely contained fighting in the countryside. Amid this turmoil, noblewoman Justina Soranzo, just sixteen, hopes to make a rare love marriage with her sweetheart, Luca Cicogna. Her hopes are dashed when her father decides her younger sister, Rosa, will marry in a strategic alliance and Justina will be sent to the San Zaccaria convent, in the tradition of aristocratic daughters. Lord Soranzo is not acting only to protect his family. It’s well known that he is in debt to both his trading partners and the most infamous courtesan in the city, La Diamante, and the pressure is closing in.

After arriving at the convent, Justina takes solace in her aunt Livia, one of the nuns, and in the growing knowledge that all is not strictly devout at San Zaccaria. Justina is shocked to discover how the women of the convent find their own freedom in what seems to her like a prison. But secrets and scandals breach the convent walls, and Justina learns there may be even worse fates for her than the veil, if La Diamante makes good on her threats.

Desperate to protect herself and the ones she loves, Justina turns to Luca for help. She finds she must trust her own heart to make the impossible decisions that may save or ruin them all.

Doesn't this book sounds amazing?! If you want to grab your own copy of this book then head over to Amazon.

Gina Buonaguro 

Gina Buonaguro is the co-author of The Wolves of St. Peters, Ciao Bella and The Sidewalk Artist, as well as several romance titles under the name Meadow Taylor. The Virgins of Venice is her first solo novel.

She has a BA in English from Villanova University in Pennsylvania and earned an MA in English from the University of British Columbia while on a Fulbright Scholarship. Born in New Jersey, Gina Buonaguro lives in Toronto.

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On tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club — The Dream Collector: Sabrine & Vincent van Gogh by R.w. Meek #HistoricalFiction #LiteraryFiction #VincentVanGogh #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub @cathiedunn

Are you ready for your next favourite read? If that is a resounding "yes" then scroll down and check out The Dream Collector!

The Dream Collector: Sabrine & Vincent van Gogh
By R.w. Meek

Sabrine, hospitalized for five years at the infamous Salpêtrière Asylum for Women, gains her release due to intervention of her sister Julie Forette and a young Sigmund Freud. The reunited sisters are introduced to the dazzling art milieu of 1886 Paris, and soon become close friends to the leading Impressionists. Sabrine attracts a cult following as a poetess, the enigmatic "Haiku Princess." Seemingly cured by Freud of her Grand Hysteria, Sabrine soon enters into a tumultuous relationship with Vincent van Gogh.

Julie and Sigmund Freud, alarmed by the eerie parallels between the emotionally volatile couple and their self-destructive impulses, begin an urgent search to discover the root causes for Sabrine and Vincent's growing psychoses. Julie, 'The Dream Collector' seeks their most unforgettable dream for Freud's interpretation and revelations occur.

The Dream Collector is an exploration of the psychological consequences of betrayal, abandonment--and the redemptive power of art.

Excerpt

“Chiaroscuro”

THE MAN who sat on the stone bench seemed merely one of the many impoverished wanderers, those without homes, the lost and bedraggled, who sneaked into the Louvre for furtive naps. But this particular man, costumed like a pathetic clown, wearing an unduly large overcoat and battered shoes without tie-strings, this beggarly looking man—Theo realized—was his brother, his brother Vincent!  Oh mercy and dread! Shocked, he saw what was written on the haggard, sunken face. He saw the struggles, privations, recent illnesses, and even the stubborn single-mindedness. Theo, so saddened, wanted to cry. Then added horror, Vincent’s  smile: missing teeth, and others blackened with decay. His brother, at thirty-three, appeared a decade older. 

Doesn't this book sound amazing?! You can grab your copy over on Amazon.

R.w. Meek

R.w. Meek has a Master’s degree in Art History from the American University in Washington, D.C., his areas of expertise are Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, with a particular interest in Vincent van Gogh. 

His first novel The Dream Collector “Sabrine & Sigmund Freud” was voted runner-up by the Historical Fiction Company for best novel of 2022.

Born in Baltimore, he currently resides with his wife Pamela in Santa Clarita, California. He’s passionate about art, cinema, literature and jazz. His two dogs, Reve and Banjo, were awarded angelic status in heaven.

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