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)
My Reading – April 2023
The Convent Girl by Tania CrosseHow had it all begun? It was a question Maisie O’Sullivan had asked herself so many times, but could never answer. The House Children by Heidi DanieleMy birth was a sin and a crime. The Sum of our Sorrows by Lisette BrodeyLily Sheppard twisted her torso as she sat in … Continue reading My Reading – April 2023
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
My Reading – March 2023
Sea of Shadows by Amy Maroney Anica Foscolo hurried through a crowd gathering in the marketplace, under the blazing sun, trailed by her slave, Maria. The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth ‘Someone is out there.’I’m standing a the kitchen sink, my hands plunged in warm soapy water.
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
Betsey by Marcia Clayton
Today I’m delighted to be sharing an excerpt from Marcia Clayton’s novel Betsey as part of a blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club. Betsey is the prequel to the much-loved Hartford Manor Series. Back at the gypsy camp, Betsey was happily tucking into a hearty bowl of rabbit stew. It was too … Continue reading Betsey by Marcia Clayton
Catherine Meyrick 