Book Review – Sea of Shadows by Amy Maroney

With the first few paragraphs of Sea of Shadows by Amy Maroney the reader steps into the reality of fifteenth century Rhodes – the heat and shadows, the swirl of myriad scents and colours, the bustle of the city and the port, the people drawn from countless nations, all under the control of the of … Continue reading Book Review – Sea of Shadows by Amy Maroney

Mothers and Mother Figures – Jean Margaret McGrath (1926 – 2017)

On Mothers Day we celebrate not just our mothers and grandmothers but all those women who take on the role of mothers for us. One such woman was Jean Margaret McGrath, my mother Mary’s younger sister - Aunty Jean to me. Jean and Mary, around 1930/31.Mary hugging the cat. Jean was born just over twelve … Continue reading Mothers and Mother Figures – Jean Margaret McGrath (1926 – 2017)

Muskets and Masquerades by Lindsey S Fera

Today I’m delighted to be sharing an excerpt from Lindsey S. Fera’s newly released novel, Muskets and Masquerades, as part of a blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club. Muskets and Masquerades is set against the backdrop of America's war with Britain. Annalisa awoke. The giant sea thundered upon the deck of their … Continue reading Muskets and Masquerades by Lindsey S Fera

A Matter of Faith: Henry VIII, the Days of the Phoenix by Judith Arnopp

Today I’m delighted to be introducing Judith Arnopp’s newly released novel A Matter of Faith: Henry VIII, the Days of the Phoenix as part of a blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club. A Matter of Faith is the second book of Judith’s series, The Henrician Chronicle. Finally free of Catherine of Aragon, … Continue reading A Matter of Faith: Henry VIII, the Days of the Phoenix by Judith Arnopp

Cold Blows the Wind – Streets and Lanes of Hobart Town

Hobart Town 1879 At the Australian census of 1881, Tasmania was recorded as having a population of 115,705. Of these, 21,118 people lived in Hobart. Hobart was by this time an established city, the capital of the island state, with elegant sandstone buildings and the same well functioning institutions found in Britain: Parliament, Courts and … Continue reading Cold Blows the Wind – Streets and Lanes of Hobart Town

The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick

Today I’m delighted to be taking part in the blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the publication of Helen Hollick’s Arthurian novel, The Kingmaking, as well as Helen’s 70th birthday. The Kingmaking is the first book in The Pendragon’s Banner trilogy. Congratulations and best wishes, … Continue reading The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick

Close Your Eyes: A Fairy Tale by Chris Tomasini

Today I’m delighted to be sharing an excerpt from Chris Tomasini’s novel set in early fifteenth century Europe, Close Your Eyes, as part of a blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club. Bishop TonnelliFebruary 1431 letter to Odo Colonna (Pope Martin V) Colonna:In Gora, when people gossip about the city’s luminaries, they discuss … Continue reading Close Your Eyes: A Fairy Tale by Chris Tomasini