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.

Social Media Links:

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • BookBub • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads

On tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club - read my #BookReview of Discerning Grace by Emma Lombard #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @LombardEmma @maryanneyarde

 

Aye aye Captain! We are setting off for the high seas with today's blog tour stop. It is with the greatest of pleasures that I introduce you to Emma Lombard and her fabulous debut novel, Discerning Grace.

Discerning Grace

By Emma Lombard

As the first full-length novel in The White Sails Series, DISCERNING GRACE captures the spirit of an independent woman whose feminine lens blows the ordered patriarchal decks of a 19th century tall ship to smithereens.

Wilful Grace Baxter, will not marry old Lord Silverton with his salivary incontinence and dead-mouse stink. Discovering she is a pawn in an arrangement between slobbery Silverton and her calculating father, Grace is devastated when Silverton reveals his true callous nature.

Refusing this fate, Grace resolves to stow away. Heading to the docks, disguised as a lad to ease her escape, she encounters smooth-talking naval recruiter, Gilly, who lures her aboard HMS Discerning with promises of freedom and exploration in South America.

When Grace's big mouth lands her bare-bottomed over a cannon for insubordination, her identity is exposed. The captain wants her back in London but his orders, to chart the icy archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, forbid it. Lieutenant Seamus Fitzwilliam gallantly offers to take Grace off the fretting captain's hands by placing her under his protection.

Grace must now win over the crew she betrayed with her secret, while managing her feelings towards her taciturn protector, whose obstinate chivalry stifles her new-found independence. But when Grace disregards Lieutenant Fitzwilliam's warnings about the dangers of the unexplored archipelago, it costs a friend his life and she realises she is not as free as she believes.

Grace’s first mistake was believing that her parents had good intentions towards her. Her second mistake was instead of running to her beloved uncle, who I am sure would have helped Grace avoid a condemned life with a man she loathes, she runs to her childhood friend, Billy who is in no position to help her, other than to offer her a warm drink. Her third mistake was trying to take control of the situation by cutting her hair and dressing in Billy’s clothes and, to an extent, stealing Billy’s identity. Her fourth mistake was running blindly into the night. Her fifth mistake was allowing Gilly to railroad her into becoming a cabin boy on the HMS Discerning. Her sixth mistake was thinking she could pretend to be a cabin boy for a very long voyage. Her seventh mistake… I am going to stop there because I think you get the idea.

I had so much advice to give to Grace, as you know, I am an expert on many things. Alas, Grace refused to listen to me because she is a fictional character, which is a very poor excuse if you cared for my opinion. And just because my husband said, “You know she isn’t real, don’t you?” doesn’t cut it. And while my husband left the room, muttering something about having to check the oil in my car, which he checked yesterday, I sipped at my tea and turned the page - well, I flipped it with my finger on a screen which isn’t quite the same, but that is how it rolls.

So, Grace - our devil may care heroine becomes a cabin boy. She enjoys the life, the comradeship and the opportunity that being a boy brings her. Unfortunately, she can not keep up the pretence forever. Already there are questions in some of the sailors' eyes. But it isn’t until she stands up for a friend that her true identity is revealed when shock horror, they disover a young woman has dupted them all. Woman and boats = bad luck, everyone knows that. Although I guess it was easy to forget women such as Mary Read and Anne Bonny, but that is another story completely unrelated to this one.

Nevertheless, when Grace’s identity is revealed, anything that goes wrong is blamed on her presence, despite the fact that nothing had gone wrong when they all thought she was a boy. Men - they are a strange breed. My husband certainly mystifies me.

I have to admit, that I have a fiendish fascinating with pirates of the 18th Century, and a ravenous appetite for all things nautical, therfore, I was really excited to read this book because, from the blurb, I thought this was a novel that I was really going to enjoy. And I am more than happy to report that I did thoroughly enjoy this novel. Grace’s is reckless, and at times a rather a selfish character. Did I understand her desperate desire to escape? Yes, I most certainly did. No woman should be forced to marry a man, and no man has the right to force himself upon anyone. But there was also a tiny part of me that could not condone the way she chose to escape. I honestly thought Billy was done for because Grace leaves her bloodstained clothes and most of her hair in Billy’s room. Maybe it is her naivety, but I did feel rather angry with her for her callous treatment of a friend who was only trying to help. However, the story continues, and Billy is the last thing on Grace’s mind as she tries her best to fit in with the crew. I have often wondered how easy such a thing would be. How would she have hidden her monthly? How can she use the necessities without giving away who she was? And how can she disguise herself as a man when her voice and body suggest she is anything but? Alas, there is no answer to this, which I thought was slightly odd. For the life of me, I cannot fathom how Grace stayed undetected for so long.

Nevertheless, she is a fighter, and she is not some weak and whimpering woman, although she has every right to be. Instead, she is determined to make the most of her newfound freedom, and enjoys a chance to show herself and others that she can work as hard and learn as quickly as any other cabin boy. I really did enjoy reading Grace’s story, and although she makes some terrible choices, she is at the very heart of it, a young woman trying to escape an abusive relationship.

There is a tender love story between the pages of this book, which I thought brought some light refreshment to the story, but it also added to its intensity. With Graces’ betrothed determined to find his bride, and Grace determined to remain hidden, means that Lieutenant Seamus Fitzwilliam ends up wth some difficult decisions to make. He has to put his personal wants and desires aside to do his duty, which would have consequences for not only himself and his men but also Grace. I really liked Seamus. There was something of Horatio Hornblower about him - he is very honourable, very loyal, and above everything else, he is honest in his feelings. Seamus was a character I really enjoyed reading about.

The antagonist in this novel is one of those men who will not be thwarted, nor will he give up what he believes is his by right. He treats Grace as if she were his property, and perhaps through his blinkered and narcissistic narrow tunnelled vision, he believes that his property she most certainly is. He harassed her, even across the sea, and wherever she is, he will find her. Lord Silverton certainly sent a shiver down my spine. He is a deplorable villain who is vile in actions, thoughts and deeds.

Discerning Grace (The White Sails) was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end, and even though there were a few little things that niggled me (how does Grace dupe everyone into believing she is a boy for so long) the story itself was very compelling. I think the cliff-hanger ending worked really well - the book seemingly came to an end, and then the reader is left with a hint of a danger still lurking.

If you like your novels to be set upon the high seas, and in particular women’s historical fiction, then I think this is a book that you will really enjoy.

I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club but you can grab yours over on your favourite online bookstore: Universal Link.

Emma Lombard

Emma Lombard was born in Pontefract in the UK. She grew up in Africa—calling Zimbabwe and South Africa home for a few years—before finally settling in Brisbane Australia, and raising four boys. Before she started writing historical fiction, she was a freelance editor in the corporate world, which was definitely not half as exciting as writing rollicking romantic adventures. Her characters are fearless seafarers, even though in real life Emma gets disastrously sea sick. Discerning Grace, is the first book in The White Sails Series.

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Tour Schedule

On tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club - Under the Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton #BookReview #HistoricalFiction #Italywwii @boldwomanwrites @maryanneyarde

 

Is there such a thing as too many books? My to-read list seems to get longer every single day, not that I am complaining to much. I am once again taking part in a book tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club. The book on tour is Under the Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton and it is brilliant!!

A promise keeps them apart until WW2 threatens to destroy their love forever

Fonzaso Italy, between two wars

Nina Argenta doesn’t want the traditional life of a rural Italian woman. The daughter of a strong-willed midwife, she is determined to define her own destiny. But when her brother emigrates to America, she promises her mother to never leave.

When childhood friend Pietro Pante briefly returns to their mountain town, passion between them ignites while Mussolini forces political tensions to rise. Just as their romance deepens, Pietro must leave again for work in the coal mines of America. Nina is torn between joining him and her commitment to Italy and her mother.

As Mussolini’s fascists throw the country into chaos and Hitler’s Nazis terrorise their town, each day becomes a struggle to survive greater atrocities. A future with Pietro seems impossible when they lose contact and Nina’s dreams of a life together are threatened by Nazi occupation and an enemy she must face alone…

A gripping historical fiction novel, based on a true story and heartbreaking real events.

Spanning over two decades, Under the Light of the Italian Moon is an epic, emotional and triumphant tale of one woman’s incredible resilience during the rise of fascism and Italy’s collapse into WWII.

If you’ve read practically any of my reviews before, you will know that I tend to agree to read books because of the covers. I know, I know, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. But, come on, look at the cover – can you blame me?!

While I have bragged before about my secondary school level knowledge of WWII history, I never studied Italian history. This means that I actually had no idea about what would happen in this book. I was going in blind – not that I minded that too much. 

Let’s talk a little about the story. Nina is ten years old when this book starts, and her brother is leaving for America. Her mother takes this difficultly, as is expected, and Nina makes her mother a promise – that she would never leave. Now, as a parent, I know never to take the promises of children as truth. The amount of times I have heard promises that toys will be put away in a minute, or that the reason there is one less cookie all of a sudden is definitely not because my child took one is uncountable. When parents expect their children to keep their childhood promises is where problems occur. For example, when Nina falls in love with a childhood friend who emigrated to America, her mother still expects her to stay in Italy, to stay with her. See the issue? 

I don’t know how I would fare if my husband lived so far away from me and if our only form of communication was by written letter. With my bad handwriting and his wonderful ability to forget that he needed to text back, we would never actually keep in touch properly. Nina and Pietro manage it a lot better than we would. The one thing I definitely couldn’t do is be away from my husband throughout an entire pregnancy and for him to not meet the child for ages. Nina is a very strong woman, and Pietro’s absence in her life, despite her so desperately wanting him to return, or for her to join him, just further proves how independent she is, and how capable. 

As I read, I learned more about Italy in the build-up to WWII. I knew, of course, who Mussolini was, but I never knew about the more intricate details. For example, he gave out rewards for big families as an incentive for people to have more children. This meant that a lot of women who had finished with their families were getting pregnant again, and many women who knew that it was dangerous for them to be pregnant couldn’t avoid it. There were also times when there were soldiers everywhere, forcing their ways into homes and demanding food, or stealing eggs from gardens. I felt Nina’s fear at these times, fear for her family as these soldiers forced her to cook for them, and sat hoping that all the soldiers wanted was a home-cooked meal.

I have always wanted to go to Italy, and this book transported me there without me needing to update my passport, pack, or deal with airports. Also, it was a much cheaper option. I made my husband make me what I would call an "Italian meal" while I was in the midst of reading this book, which ramped up the feeling of being in Italy from my sofa. Yes, I am fully aware that frozen pizza and cheesy pasta does not really count as an Italian meal, but it was the closest I could get him to do on such short notice and it is also something that I know for sure my child will eat. No matter how unauthentic it was, it was pretty tasty.

So to conclude, a great book, deserving of such a fabulous cover!

I received my copy from The Coffee Pot Book Club, but you can grab yours at your favourite book shop, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Waterstones, Bookshop.org (U.S. Only) - sorry, rest of the world. And not forgetting, I am Books Boston - who I have never heard of but you can get free shipping on orders over $50. Bargain!!

Jennifer Anton

Jennifer Anton is an American/Italian dual citizen born in Joliet, Illinois and now lives between London and Lake Como, Italy. A proud advocate for women's rights and equality, she hopes to rescue women's stories from history, starting with her Italian family.

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The Queen's Rival by Anne O'Brien #HistoricalFiction #Medieval #BlogTour #BookReview @anne_obrien @maryanneyarde

If you are like me and love historical fiction then this book has to be on your to-read list. Thank you so much to The Coffee Pot Book Club for your invite to take part in this tour.

The Queen's Rival

Anne O'Brien

England, 1459. 

One family united by blood. Torn apart by war…

The Wars of the Roses storm through the country, and Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, plots to topple the weak-minded King Henry VI from the throne.

But when the Yorkists are defeated at the battle of Ludford Bridge, Cecily’s family flee and abandon her to face a marauding Lancastrian army on her own.

Stripped of her lands and imprisoned in Tonbridge Castle, the Duchess begins to spin a web of deceit. One that will eventually lead to treason, to the fall of King Henry VI, and to her eldest son being crowned King Edward IV.

Any serious historical fiction addict will have one or two novels by Anne O’Brien on their bookcase, and I am no exception. However, although I have a copy of Queen of the North on my bookshelf, I have never gotten around to reading it. Don’t get me wrong, I have every intention of reading it, just not yet (my to-read list is not as long as my arm, it is as long as the street I live on)!! When I was offered the chance to read Anne O’Brien's upcoming new release, I did feel a little flutter of butterflies in my stomach because I never thought I would have the privilege of reading an ARC from such a distinguished author. So naturally, I said yes! In fact, I went a little mental and texted all my friends to tell them, thank goodness they know how to humour me!!

So, what did I think? Was Anne O’Brien’s writing everything I had thought it would be? Hell, yes!! It was bloody brilliant, and I stayed up reading it until two in the morning because there was no way I was putting this baby down.

The Queen’s Rival is the story of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York’s life. For those who had no idea who she was, let me give you a quick history lesson! During the War of the Roses, or The Cousins War as it was known back then, the Plantagenet dynasty had the mother of all family arguments. I am not talking about the kind of argument one gets into with your cousin over a family dinner because they ate the last roast potato and you had your eye on it and he knew that I did (I am not at all bitter about the roast potato incident), no, this was about power, and an insatiable greed. Their war was the ultimate Game of Thrones, in fact George R. R. Martin’s series is based on this period of history. But fantasy cannot even come close to capturing the historical truth of the time. The country, well the family, split and unless you were a Stanley, you had to choose a side (the Stanleys liked to have a foot in both camps). So, imagine this era, you are either with York or Lancaster. Obviously, Cecily was a Yorkist, her title kind of gives it away, and her family were right in the thick of the action. In fact, two of her sons became king. You may have heard of them - Edward IV and Richard III. If not, where have you been? Did you miss the whole king under the carpark thing?

The Queen’s Rival is an intimate exploration of Cecily’s life. Reading this novel felt as if I had been granted a special privilege. I felt like I should be wearing white gloves as I read it - you know the kind historians wear when they handing hundreds of year old documents. I know that sounds silly, but that is how I felt. This story, Cecily’s story, is played out through letters. The letters really brought her story to life, and I thought the delivery was brilliant.

Cecily’s story is one of heartbreak and loss. It is a truly tragic story, but she is brave. So very, very brave. If you are like me and are a bit of watering pot (as my granny used to call me - she is still alive, but now she calls me Maddie because that is my name and I am no longer a child who cries because her cousin ate the last roast potato), have some tissues close to hand because you are going to need them. You are really going to need them.

The letters are fictional in the telling, but I thought Anne O’Brien demonstrated a clear understanding of the historical period. She also brought Cecily gloriously back to life. I think Cecily would have been very pleased with the way she was depicted.

I really enjoyed this novel. It was certainty a great introduction to Anne O’Brien’s writing, but it does mean that my bank account is really going to take a hint because as soon as I have finished reading Queen of the North I will be treating myself to more of Anne O’Brien’s books - just don’t tell my husband, or my Granny because she will tell me to get down the local library, and stop wasting my money. But she was never much of a reader, so she does not understand!!!

I received a copy from the publisher, but there are so many places where you can buy this book. Hold your breath, here comes the bookshops:

Amazon UK • Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon AU • Barnes and Noble • Waterstones • Kobo • Audio • Blackwells •  WHSmith (that old favourite)!

Sunday Times Bestselling author Anne O’Brien was born in West Yorkshire. After gaining a BA Honours degree in History at Manchester University and a Master’s in Education at Hull, she lived in East Yorkshire for many years as a teacher of history.

Today she has sold over 700,000 copies of her books medieval history novels in the UK and internationally. She lives with her husband in an eighteenth-century timber-framed cottage in the depths of the Welsh Marches in Herefordshire. The area provides endless inspiration for her novels which breathe life into the forgotten women of medieval history.

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