Tag Archives: Historical

Highland Honor (Wild Thistle Trilogy #3) by Madelyn Hill-Review and Guest Post

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HIGHLAND HONOR (Wild Thistle Trilogy #3) by Madelyn Hill-Review and Guest Post

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 16, 2018

The final book of the captivating Scottish Historical Wild Thistle Trilogy

Lady Honor MacAllister can heal everything but a broken heart . . .

Lady Honor does not believe in marriage. Her father’s death broke her mother’s spirit and took her from her daughters emotionally well before her own death. When Honor is attacked in the forest, she keeps the event to herself, lest her lairds search for the man and strike him down. As a healer, she’ll do anything it takes not to cause harm. Rumors of attacks in the Highlands forces the lairds to increase guards and security measures. When Bryce Calder is assigned to protect Lady Honor, she fights the burgeoning attraction for the man, knowing she’ll never risk her heart to love.

Warrior Bryce Calder trusts no woman. Women only strive to better themselves through cunning, as his father warned throughout his childhood. When he is asked to escort Lady Honor while she gathers healing herbs, he is vexed. Training the men and protecting the clan are his duties, not following the sharped-tongued lass about the wood. With each passing day, Bryce becomes enchanted by Lady Honor, despite his father’s words, but his unworthiness halts any proclamation of his desire.

An unlikely partnership develops during the frequent trips to the forest and work in the apothecary. The walls each has erected to protect their hearts and their future crumbles. Until a stranger arrives at the keep. Lady Honor’s secret is threatened to be revealed putting in jeopardy the growing romance between the ardent healer and the reluctant warrior-suitor.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: HIGHLAND HONOR is the third and final instalment in Madelyn Hill’s historical, Highland WILD THISTLE romance trilogy focusing on Faith, Hope and Honor of Clan MacAlister. This is Lady Honor MacAlister, and Highland warrior Bryce Calder’s story line. HIGHLAND HONOR can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Honor and Bryce HIGHLAND HONOR follows the building relationship between is Lady Honor MacAlister, and Highland warrior Bryce Calder. Someone is stalking the forests of the Highlands surrounding Wild Thistle Keep, taking aim at the women in horrific acts of assault. As the family healer Honor MacAlister needs access to the large assortment of herbs and plants growing in the forests surrounding their home but she is no longer allowed to leave the Keep unaccompanied. Enter Highland warrior Bryce Calder, assigned as protector and guardian of Honor MacAlister, and the man with whom Honor will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance between Honor and Bryce, as the members of Clan MacAlister continue to hunt for the person responsible for the attacks against the women surrounding Wild Thistle Keep.

The attraction between Honor and Bryce does not go unnoticed by the people at Wild Thistle Keep but Honor struggles with memories of the past: how her mother suffered following the brutal death of their father; as well as her own secret and shame. Bryce’s attraction to Honor is visceral but his duty is first and foremost as a warrior, and protector of the woman with whom he will fall in love.

All of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters including Lady Faith MacAlister, and Captain Graeme Ross (Highland Faith #2), and Lairds Hope MacAlister and her husband Aidan MacKerry, as well as the return of Nora and old man Connor, a former warrior battling wisdom and age.

Like the previous instalments HIGHLAND HONOR is a story of family, of honor, of hope and of faith. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is clean and sweet; the characters are heart warming and inspiring.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Highland Hope
Highland Faith
Highland Honor

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Creating Memorable Characters

By: Madelyn Hill

Creating memorable characters is the goal of all writers and we all have our favorites from books we treasure. Mine? I love Kit from The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Jane from Jane Eyre, Ave Marie from Big Stone Gap Series. And of course Harry from Harry Potter, in fact most of the characters from Harry Potter! Well-drawn characters stand the test of time, so the task is arduous.

As I create characters, I do a word sketch of their looks, habits, endearing traits, goals, motivation and conflict. If I am still uncertain about their singular focus as a character, I complete a poem called, I Am. This helps flesh out the true nature of the character. In my opinion, these facets must be known prior to writing. Of course there may be shifts along the way when your muse decides to skew the story in some manner, but having the background information completed can help with characterization consistency.

At the beginning of each novel, I add the character sketches before chapter 1 so I have quick access as I am writing. This is done for main and secondary characters. Then I create inspirations boards in Pinterest so I have a visual and can locate research content using an organized, easy to locate tool.

In the Wild Thistle Trilogy, the characters are driven by their father’s dying words: “Through Hope, Faith, and Honor, ye can rule.” These parting words truly direct the goals of each character as well as their conflict. For Hope of Highland Hope, the statement increases her loyalty to the clan and her need to lead them to the best of her ability. For Faith of Highland Faith, the pledge is conflicting. Faith loves adventure and hunting and doesn’t want to remain at the keep, she wants to explore. Both are strong, fierce women who do not let traditional conventions stand in their way. Lady Honor of Highland Honor, is the peacekeeper between her sisters and the clan healer. Her skill directs her thoughts and actions and while her father’s death inspired her position of healer, she does her duty quietly without the fiery spirit of her sisters. But there is surprising strength in the quiet Honor.

And for the men. Ah, the men who have captured the hearts of these heroines, who are strong, loyal, and determined to forge their way in the clan as well as in the heroines’ hearts. Aidan of Highland Hope is determined to take what is rightfully his—the Lairdship—no matter if it means taking it from the beautiful Hope. Graeme of Highland Faith is conflicted between his love of the sea and his need to prove himself to his father. When he stumbles upon Faith as she hunts, he knows her ransom may be the answer to all of his prayers. He is a rogue, to be sure and finds Faith’s strength of character to be one of her best characteristics. And Bryce of Highland Honor, he is a warrior who pledges to protect the clan and clansmen at all cost. He trains the men hard and doesn’t understand why Honor refuses to see the value of his position and skill within the clan.

As a writer, creating memorable characters is a tough, but paramount. What may captivate one reader may annoy another. I feel consistency of characterization is key to ensure your characters are true to their goals, motivation, and conflict. Strong characterization and a compelling plot will create a story which may land your characters on someone’s favorite character list.

To see my inspiration, for each novel of the Wild Thistle Trilogy, click on the links below.

 

Pinterest Inspiration Boards:

Highland Hope: https://www.pinterest.com/madelynhill68/highland-hope-book-1-wild-thistle-trilogy/

Highland Faith: https://www.pinterest.com/madelynhill68/highland-faith-book-2-wild-thistle-trilogy/

Highland Honor: https://www.pinterest.com/madelynhill68/highland-honor-book-3-wild-thistle-trilogy/

Highland Hope: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

Highland Faith: Amazon. com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk /

Highland Honor: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Follow: Goodreads/ Website/ Twitter/ Facebook / Pinterest

Madelyn HillI’m a mom, wife, and writer just living life to the fullest. A Michigan native, I’ve moved from one Rochester to another Rochester to marry the love of my life. Life is exciting, exhausting, chaotic and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I love writing historical novels with a Celtic flair. Scotland and Ireland are my favorite locations to set my novels. Nothing is better than a hero in a kilt and a strong heroine to give him the run for his money!

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The Designs of Lord Randolph Cavanaugh (The Cavanaughs #1) by Stephanie Laurens-a review

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THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH ( The Cavanaughs #1) by Stephanie Laurens-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 24, 2018

#1 New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Laurens returns with a new series that captures the simmering desires and intrigues of early Victorians as only she can. Ryder Cavanaugh’s stepsiblings are determined to make their own marks in London society. Seeking fortune and passion, THE CAVANAUGHS will delight readers with their bold exploits.

An independent nobleman

Lord Randolph Cavanaugh is loyal and devoted—but only to family. To the rest of the world, he’s aloof and untouchable, a respected and driven entrepreneur. But Rand yearns for more in life, and when he travels to Buckinghamshire to review a recent investment, he discovers a passionate woman who will challenge his rigid self-control…

A determined lady

Felicia Throgmorton intends to keep her family afloat. For decades, her father was consumed by his inventions and now, months after his death, with their finances in ruins, her brother insists on continuing their father’s tinkering. Felicia is desperate to hold together what’s left of the estate. Then she discovers she must help persuade their latest investor that her father’s follies are a risk worth taking…

Together—the perfect team

Rand arrives at Throgmorton Hall to discover the invention on which he’s staked his reputation has exploded, the inventor is not who he expected and a fiercely intelligent woman now holds the key to his future success. But unflinching courage in the face of dismaying hurdles is a trait they share, and Rand and Felicia are forced to act together against ruthless foes to protect everything they hold dear.

•••••••••

REVIEW: THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH is the first instalment in Stephanie Laurens’ historical, romance THE CAVANAUGHS series. This is Lord Randolph Cavanaugh aka Rand, the younger half-brother of Ryder Cavanaugh, Marquess of Raventhorne (The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh), and Felicia Throgmorton’s story line. THE CAVANAUGHS is a spin off from the author’s Cynster / Cynster Sisters Duo where we met Ryder Cavanaugh and his wife Mary Cynster.

Told from several third person perspectives including Rand and Felicia THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH follows the building romance between Randolph Cavanaugh aka Rand, and Felicia Throgmorton. With the approach of Birmingham Exhibition only days away, Lord Randolph ‘Rand’ Cavanaugh sets out to check on Cavanaugh Investments current expenditure- an exclusive stake in the Throgmorton Steam-Powered Horseless Carriage. All too aware of the potential for sabotage from competing firms, Rand takes notice of a new stranger who appears to have designs on Felicia Throgmorton, a stranger with the gift of an artist but secrets to hide. What ensues is the building romance between Felicia and Rand; the preparations for the upcoming Exhibition; and the potential fall-out as the Throgmorton Steam-Powered Horseless Carriage is targeted.

The relationship between Rand and Felicia falls victim to a lack of palpable sexual attraction. The limited interaction between the couple squashes any chemistry that could have otherwise turned passionate and romantic leaving this reader neither intrigued nor interested in the couple’s growing love. The emotional build up is absent.

The Cavanaugh siblings play secondary and supporting characters including Christopher aka Kit, Eustacia aka Stacie, Godfrey and Ryder. We are introduced to Felicia’s brother William John, and Clive Mayhew, an artist who has found himself in a precarious situation.

THE DESIGNS OF LORD RANDOLPH CAVANAUGH is a well-written but slow building story line that gets caught up in the historical and technical information of building a steam-powered engine. As our trio struggle to perfect their entry into the upcoming Exhibition, the story line follows a path of industrial and mechanical jargon rife with bits and parts, and steam-powered details that deviated from the growing relationship between our leading couple, as well as the build up towards sabotage and ruination. The building romance falls victim to the constant return to the mechanization of the steam-powered, horseless carriage; the conflict resolution was quick and anti-climactic.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Other Lady Vanishes by Amanda Quick – a Review

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The Other Lady Vanishes by Amanda Quick – a Review

 

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Description:
After escaping from a private sanitarium, Adelaide Blake arrives in Burning Cove, California, desperate to start over.

Working at an herbal tea shop puts her on the radar of those who frequent the seaside resort town: Hollywood movers and shakers always in need of hangover cures and tonics. One such customer is Jake Truett, a recently widowed businessman in town for a therapeutic rest. But unbeknownst to Adelaide, his exhaustion is just a cover.

In Burning Cove, no one is who they seem. Behind facades of glamour and power hide drug dealers, gangsters, and grifters. Into this make-believe world comes psychic to the stars Madame Zolanda. Adelaide and Jake know better than to fall for her kind of con. But when the medium becomes a victim of her own dire prediction and is killed, they’ll be drawn into a murky world of duplicity and misdirection.

Neither Adelaide or Jake can predict that in the shadowy underground they’ll find connections to the woman Adelaide used to be–and uncover the specter of a killer who’s been real all along…

 

 

Review:

The Other Lady Vanishes by Amanda Quick is the 2nd book in her Burning Cove series.  This story takes place during the 1930’s in the small town of Burning Cove, California.  Some of the characters we met in the first book have secondary roles, as we return to Burning Cove.

We meet Adelaide Blake, our heroine, from the start where she is in the process of trying to escape from an insane asylum.  Adelaide knows she must run for her life, and someone is trying to kill her.  Adelaide was locked up by her “husband” and the evil people in charge at the asylum, who were doing experiments with her and others using a hallucinating drug.   Months later, Adelaide (now Brockton) is working as a waitress in a tea room in Burning Cove, where she help creates various types of herbal tea that has become popular, since it helps people with health issues, hangovers, tonics, etc.  Burning Cove has many well known visitors, who spend time in the seaside coast, and the tea room has become a place to meet famous people. 

Jake Truett, our hero, finds himself visiting the tea room, and becoming attracted to Adelaide.  Jake keeps to himself, but he knows some of the people we met in the first book, but Jake also has ulterior motive, trying to follow someone he suspects of stealing something from someone close to him. 

Madame Zoolander is a former actress who is now a famous physic, and she also visits the tea room for one of Adelaide’s famous brews.  When Adelaide is invited to Madame’s show, she ends up taking Jake with her; during the show Madame makes a bold prediction that will come true the following morning.

What follows is an exciting story that never lets up, with Jake and Adelaide in the middle of all the action.  When a number of deaths happen, the danger and risks escalate, as they will begin to discover that much of this will coincide with her false imprisonment at the asylum.  This intriguing story is filled with blackmail, drugs, quack doctors, & physics, not to mention the ‘husband’ whom Adelaide never married (he wanted her inheritance), who was determined to find her and bring her back to the asylum.  Almost at every turn, Jake and Adelaide found themselves in grave danger by those trying to kill them. I will not give spoilers, as so many things happen along the way, that saying anything more would ruin the book for you.

I loved Adelaide and Jake together, as they were a sweet couple, and they blended so well together.  The slow built romance was so well done by Quick, not taking anything away from the tense exciting storyline.  I really enjoyed seeing many of those we met in the first book, such as Luther, Raina, Irene & Oliver.

The Other Lady Vanishes was a wonderful intense suspenseful story, filled with secrets, betrayals, pulse pounding action, and a sweet romance. Amanda Quick once again gives us a complex mystery that had a bit of everything and the fun of being in the glamorous world of 1930’s.  I suggest you read the first book to enjoy the setting of this series, but The Other Vanishes reads very well as a standalone.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Derbfine Series 1-3 by Ashley York-Series Review & Giveaway

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The Derbfine Series 1-3 by Ashley York-a series review and giveaway

CURSE OF THE HEALER
The Derbfine Series #1
by Ashley York
Release Date: March 31, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, medieval, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: After the death of Brian Boru in 1014, a legend arose of a healer so great she could raise a man from the dead, with a power so strong it could make any warrior the next high king of Éire…and to steal it away from her, he need only possess her.

Fated to be a healer…

Aednat has spent her entire life training to be the great healer, knowing she must remain alone. When she meets Diarmuid, the intense attraction she feels toward him shakes her resolve to believe in such a legend. If she gives in to the passion he ignites in her, can she settle for being less?

Destined to be his…

Diarmuid of Clonascra is renowned for his bravery in battle. Only one thing daunts him: the prospect of taking a wife. The safest course would be to keep his distance from Aednat, the bold, headstrong healer who’s far too tempting for his peace of mind. But his overking orders him to protect her from a group of craven warriors intent on kidnapping her to steal her power.

What starts as duty for Diarmuid quickly transforms into something more. Aednat’s power might be at risk, but so is his closed-off heart

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Curse of the Healer is book one of the Derbfine series. This is the story of Aednat and Diarmuid. The story begins in Clan Meic Lochlainn, Eire 1095.

This story is very well written with lots of action and building romance. Aednat is a wonderfully kind and lovely woman who has been told all her life that her club foot would make her undesirable to all men. Her won grandfather had her thrown out as an outcast, where she and her grandmother and others had to hide in a cave to survive. She’s settled herself on a life of being a healer for her clan now under the direction of her cousin Sean, the over-king of smaller territories.
Dairmuid is a king of a small area and one of Sean’s dearest friends. He’s come to Sean’s home at his request for a meeting of several of the larger clans, the reason a bit vague to him.

Author Ashley York has entwined misunderstanding of motives and insecurities well, in the meeting of the main characters, making their chemistry a very interesting mix.

An old myth has been spread around that says if a warrior takes the maidenhead of a great healer, her power will become his, making him a great king. This leads a band of horrible men led by an aging and unscrupulous ragtag king to hunt down healer women. Sean is afraid for Aednat, as her reputation as a great healer has spread. During an attack during the meeting, he asks Diarmuid to protect her by taking her away to safety. Failing to lose the followers, Sean asks Dairmuid to take her to wife as protection against this group.

This sets up the romance and building love and understanding of the two. This tale is well plotted and told with loving care of traditions of the times. I found it entertaining and exciting, well worth the read. I’m looking forward to the next installments.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

_____________

EYES OF THE SEER
The Derbfine Series #2
by Ashley York
Release Date: July 31, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, medieval, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: In ancient Ireland, men and women take to the legends for answers. Different-colored eyes are the mark of a Seer, it is said, and those who can see the future are in league with the devil. They cannot be suffered to live.

He wishes to prove himself…

Marcán of Clonascra bears the bloodline of Brian Boru, the legendary high king, and his prowess as a warrior has earned him great respect. But he was born with different-colored eyes, and there are some who would have him suffer a Seer’s fate. His fiercest adversary is Beibhinn, mother to Diarmuid, his close friend and king, and Astrid, the woman who holds his heart. If Astrid ever showed him any interest, he would fight Beibhinn and any army to wed her.

She is desperate to escape…

Astrid is sick of her mother’s belittling, but her brother is in no hurry see her married, so she decides to see to her own match-making. The man she approaches quickly reveals his lack of honor, but her overbearing mother pushes her to wed him anyway. When Astrid discovers Marcán’s love for her, she realizes that what she wants has been in front of her all along. True happiness awaits them, but only if they can put a stop to her mother’s plans.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Eyes of the Seer is book two of the Derbfine series by Ashley York. This is the story of characters introduced in book one of this series Curse of the Healer. This is the story of Astrid (sister of Dairmuid) and Marcan (Dairmuid’s second in command). While it can be read as a stand-alone, it is better enjoyed if you read the stories in order.

This story begins with scenes that happened in book one, with more vision and explanation seen from Astrid and Marcan’s point of view.

This story gives much deeper information on Astrid and Dairmuid’s father and mother. An intriguing look at how they came to be man and wife. The motives of marriage between clans is always interesting, as are the differences between the rules and traditions of each clan.

Astrid has been led astray by her own mother (Beibhinn). She plays at enticing the son of the current king of the clan MeicMurchadha, Padraig into taking her to wife (her mother’s wish). She is naïve and thinks he’s handsome and a gentleman. She finds out quite differently.

I don’t do spoilers, so I’ll leave out how she finds out. She finds that the strong and handsome warrior that has been protecting her is the love of her life. Maran has loved Astrid for a long time but thought her out of his reach.
They commit to loving each other and want to be married, but the things happening with Dairmuid and Aednat.

Author Ashley York has done a magnificent job of detailing parts of this story with more details not yet disclosed to make Astrid and Marcan’s story an exciting and intriguing one filled with legends, old wrongs and plans. This story gives so much depth and understanding to the series and the characters. It is well written and entertaining. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Georgianna S

___________

DAUGHTER OF THE KING
The Derbfine Series #3
by Ashley York
Release Date: March 17,2018
Genre: adult, historical, medieval, romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK: A mistaken identity. A gruesome murder. Was it defense? Or Regicide?

Brighit is a trained warrior who hates the trappings and demands of womanhood…

Selfish dreams need to be set aside for the good of the clan, but revealing the murderer can only cause more turmoil. With no one to turn to, can Brighit find escape in the arms of her new husband or will he require she reveal her inner most secrets?

Darragh is expected to follow his father into kingship with little desire for the coveted title…

But his willful wife is another matter, he has great desire for her. Despite her denial, he sees her womanly virtues, as well as her hidden passion, and it sets him aflame to know her both body and soul. Will she resist his overwhelming need to possess all of her?

••••••••••

REVIEW: Daughter of the King is the third book in the Derbfine series by Ashley York. This is the story of Brighit and Darragh. It takes place in Ireland about 1095 or so.

Brighit is the daughter of the over-king Sean and has been raised with riding, hunting and arms training. This is pretty much unheard of for a female. However, she’s her father’s pride and joy and he allows her to do all this until she finally begins her menses, then he expects her to put this all aside and take to what was commonly thought the womanly arts of cooking, sewing, being sweet…you know, like all the other girls (reviewer is laughing at this point). I love this wonderful girl, even if she’s a bit naïve and spoiled. I like her spirit and the things she likes to do, but then again, I don’t live in 1095.

Darragh is the son of the king Tadhg and his healer wife Tisa, lifelong friends of Brighit’s parents. He’s very tall dark and handsome, she doesn’t dispute this at all. But she thinks he’s too reserved and needs his father’s approval. Darragh is, in fact, a wonderful young man and is intrigued by her beauty and spirit.

Brighit and Darragh have been betrothed since birth and she’s accepted it will happen but has spent much of her youth irritating him or staying away from him. She often dresses in boys clothing and rides out to adventure with her brothers and friends. Darragh has caught her at this as they got closer to their wedding and made her promise to stop. In exchange he gives her a fortnight to delay the wedding if she behaves.

Everything was going fine, then the night before the wedding, Brighit being Brighit, is invited to join her uncle and her brothers in a mock night raid. She sneaks out, despite her assurances to Darragh for one last bit of freedom. Then all hell breaks loose.

I don’t do spoilers, but just know this is probably my favorite book in this series. Author Ashley York has written this with so many plot twists and a great deal of excitement. I love the characters and the storyline. It’s a wonderful romance, with threads of learning about each other, betrayal, misunderstanding, and deception. If you like historical romance, this is a definite must read.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Georgianna

Copied from the author’s website:

Goodreads /Website / Facebook / Twitter /

Two things you should know about me right up front. I’m a hard-core romantic! And I love history!

I believe true love does exist and once found, can transform your life from a solitary journey into a passionate adventure. Easier said than done sometimes but writing about the infinite number of possibilities, working out the exact when and where, and developing the character’s personal journey to get there, thrills me to no end.

I love history with larger than life heroes, chivalrous knights, lords and ladies, castles, manors, battles and conquests. These are the foundations for passionate, historical romance novels. That’s what I write.  There is nothing like the intense emotions sparked between a driven, hard-working medieval warrior and a feisty damsel in  a quandary, often not of her own making.

It only makes sense that I use my MA in History and all those research techniques to create romantic characters from the past. Although I’m writing fiction, I like to incorporate authentic places, events, and people, embellishing the past. I use real history but with an artistic flare.  I love research, especially from primary documents, and could get lost in them! You’ll discover a world of fiction wrapped around historical people and events in my stories. Some events you may recognize, some you may recognize but a little different than you remember, and some are just from my imagination.

I’m fascinated by the High Middle Ages in Scotland, England, and Ireland. There are so many world-changing events taking place here from their participation in the Crusades to the Battle of Hastings that permanently connected the islands to the continent. Before the Declaration of Arbroath, before William Wallace,  before the Doomsday Book, the area was ripe for great events and they never failed to deliver. It is on this combustible backdrop that I create characters with the same desires and motivations as we have today.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy cooking. It’s relaxing and I always like to find something new and easy. On Fridays I occasionally share simple recipes with Foody Friday. Sometimes entrees. Sometimes desserts. Sometimes snacks. Always delicious.

Check out my Website. Sign up for my Newsletter .

Ashley York is graciously offering a paper copy of all three books in the DERBFINE series to ONE (1) lucky commenter

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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*** IMPORTANT *** 3. Follow Ashley York on BOOKBUB 

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9. Giveaway runs from May 5-10, 2018

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Bound For Eden by Tess LeSue – Review, Q&A and Giveaway

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Bound For Eden by Tess LeSue – Review, Q&A and Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Alexandra Barratt has found the perfect man – it’s a shame he thinks she’s a boy.

Fleeing from the murderous Grady brothers with a stolen fortune hidden in her luggage and her younger brother and sister in tow, Alex disguises herself as a boy to join a wagon train headed West … a wagon train captained by the irresistible Luke Slater.

At first, Alex can’t believe the way every woman in town falls at Luke’s feet, including her suddenly flirtatious sister. But when she sees him naked in the bathtub, she finds herself swooning over him too. If only she could wash the muck of her face and show him who she really is…

As for Luke, he has no idea that the ragtag boy in his care is none other than the woman of his dreams. But when circumstances connive to throw Luke and Alex into each other’s arms, their relationship becomes very complicated indeed. In fact, with the brutal Silas Grady in pursuit, keeping their secret becomes a matter of life and death…

 

 

Review:

Bound for Eden by Tess LeSue is the first book in her new Frontiers of the Heart series. Bound for Eden is a western historical romance that was an enjoyable, fun story with some witty humor.   Alexandra Barratt, our heroine, is on the run with her two younger siblings; Victoria and Adam. Having survived the death of their parents, Alex has been pressured by the bad neighboring brothers, who are trying to force her to marry one of them; but they are evil, and bad to the bone.  Alex manages to steal some money from those Grady brothers, and escapes with her siblings to join a wagon train.   She knows the Grady brothers are looking for two girls and boy, so Alex disguises herself as a boy to throw them off.

Luke Slater, who is ready to go home, after a long trek to buy an Arab horse, he meets the boy (Alex) and willingly takes him under his wing, advising him to purchase a wagon and horse to move west.  Before they go, Alex gets to see more then she bargained for in Luke Slater, as it seems that every woman throws themselves at him, as he is a known womanizer.  Luke enjoys the attention, especially in the whore house he visits, where he meets the woman of his dreams (Alex after she cleans up, and calls herself another name), but she manages to run away before he can find out who she is.  Alex finds herself falling for the hot gorgeous Luke, but unfortunately, so does her sister, Victoria.   Alex must keep her disguise and secret, as Victoria throws herself at Luke.

When the Grady Brothers come close to finding them, Luke will step in and help them, thinking that it is Victoria who they want.  They all manage to escape and the wagon train moves west. 

What follows is a sweet adventure with some danger, excitement and the humorous banter between Alex and Luke.   The battle with the Gradys escalates, as they attack the wagon train.   When they are caught and arrested, Alex, Victoria, Adam and Luke feel safe, but the danger will rise again. 

I really liked them together, but this went on a bit too long & I found myself anxious for Luke to wake up and see what others could see; the woman who calls to his heart.  When his brothers find the pretty Alex very attractive, Luke’s anger keeps him at a distance from Alex, who truly does love him; but Luke was blinded by his anger.   The exciting climax, where both lives are in danger and hanging a thread, had me holding my breath to see if they would survive. 

It was a very intense finish, but satisfying finish.  Bound for Eden was a sweet fun historical western that was exciting, suspenseful and humorous, with a great couple and perfect blend of romance.  I suggest you read Bound for Eden, which was very well written by Tess LeSue.    I look forward to the next book by Tess LeSue.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Hi Tess. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today.We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book. 

 

Tess: Thank you so much for inviting me along!

 

 

 

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about yourself? 

Tess: I’m a book-addict and working mum who lives in Adelaide, which is the capital of South Australia. I teach Creative Writing and Literature at Flinders University and I write fiction and non-fiction. For fun I like anything to do with food and wine. South Australia is magnificent wine country; we have wineries in the Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, the Barossa Valley, and the Adelaide Hills, and I can’t think of anything better to do on a day off than to go on a winery tour. I love swimming at the beach in summer and skiing in the Australian Snowy Mountains in winter, and I’m a total Zumba-tragic year-round.

TRC:  When and how did you first become interested in writing? 

Tess:  I’ve always written, even before I could technically write. The first book I ever ‘wrote’ was a re-telling of Cinderella. My mum wrote the words out for me, we stapled the pages together and I illustrated it. Even then, romance was my favorite genre. I wrote stories all through school, and then branched out into writing plays in high school and short film scripts at film school. When I was a teenager I wrote a serial story about a girl named TJ Walker, and my entire class passed it around. It was like a soap opera – it used to end on cliffhangers – and the girls in my class used to pressure me for new installments. I remember writing until I got a callous (this was in the pre-computer days). It was nice to have readers and it taught me early on that even if you’re not published, you can always find readers. Because I’ve always read widely (I used to read everything from Alexander Solzhenitsyn to Johanna Lindsey) I wrote widely too. I wrote fantasy and historical fiction, horror and romance. But always more romance than anything else. Writing is a lot like reading to me, only slower. I fall into a whole different world, and it’s just magical.

TRC:   How did you come up with the idea of writing a Western Historical Romance, and your Frontiers of the Heart series.

Tess:  Historical Romance is my drug of choice. I adore it. And it’s my favorite thing to write in the entire world. When I first started writing, I tried out lots of different time periods – including Regencies, obviously, because they’re so popular (and I love them as much as anyone). But it wasn’t until I started writing Bound for Eden that I really fell in love. The heroine, Alex, just popped into my head one day, and she was so sassy and feisty that I was dying to tell her story. And what I loved about Westerns when I started writing them was that they’re so rough and ready and the characters could be so quirky. These are people who don’t fit (for one reason or another) and so strike out for new places, to build new lives. Best of all, the heroines can do everything the heroes do! There are fewer social constraints. There are no ballrooms and fancy gowns and fine manners. The women on the frontier had to be physically able and mentally strong. They were brave and bold and they got down in the muck with the boys. Which can be so sexy. And I love the wide open spaces and the grand sense of adventure.

TRC:  With Bound for Eden released yesterday, can you please give us a brief description of this book?

Tess:  Alexandra Barratt is responsible for her foster brother and sister and when they find themselves targeted by the Grady brothers,  she takes them West, where she assumes they’ll be safe. Unfortunately the Gradys follow. That’s where the fun really begins as, to hide, Alex disguises herself as a boy and signs her family up on a wagon train to Oregon, captained by the irresistible Luke Slater. Luke is tall, dark and too flirtatious for his own good, in Alex’s opinion. As they travel across the country, Alex is the first woman to get to know the man behind the flirt – only because Luke doesn’t know she is a woman. Bound for Eden is a rollicking adventure of mistaken identities and raunchy good fun.

TRC:  You also write as Amy T. Matthews.  What genre do you write under this name?

Tess:  I write historical fiction under Amy T Matthews too, but it’s darker and grittier and more confronting. My novel End of the Night Girl is about a woman who is haunted by the ghost of a murdered Polish Jew. It shifts back in time between the present and the Holocaust, in the 1940s. I also write non-fiction and scholarly articles under the name Amy T Matthews.

TRC:  Can you please tell us what you are working on now, and what you have upcoming in 2018/2019?

Tess: The rest of 2018 is all about the Slater brothers. Bound for Sin is out in September and is about Luke’s not-so-little brother Matt and how he gets tangled up with a widow looking for a mail order groom. And in December 2018 Bound for Temptation will be released, which features the middle Slater brother, Tom, and his adventures with a nun (who might just be a whore in disguise). In 2019 I’m hoping you’ll get to meet the mysterious Deathrider again, and the woman who makes his life an unholy misery (before she gives him a happily ever after!).

TRC:  What is your writing process?  Do you like to outline your story before you start? Do you have a specific place you like to write?  Is there a special time of day that works best for you? 

Tess: My writing process is a mix of utter drudgery and moments of joy. When I’m working on a book I try to write every day; I force myself to sit in the chair until something happens. Generally, I do a bit of pre-writing planning but I’m mostly an organic writer. I know the characters’ names and a bit of backstory when I start and generally I’ll have an idea of one or two big plot points, but otherwise I just follow along behind the characters, watching what they do. I don’t have a set place to write, I move around. I like to sit at the kitchen table if I’m writing during the day, as we have big windows to the garden and it’s nice to sit in the sun, but I also have a study (which is cosy and dim and nice when I’m writing an intense scene) and sometimes I also write in bed (usually when things aren’t going well!). I work full time and have kids so my routine is pretty busy; it’s hard to section off regular times to write. I tend to just write when I can. Right after the kids go to school in the morning is a productive time if I can do it, but generally I get the most done at night, when everyone is in bed and the house is quiet.  

TRC:  When you are not writing, what other interests or hobbies do you have?

Tess: I don’t get much free time, to be honest. If I’m not working, I’m writing. Aside from food, wine, and Zumba, I read a lot and I love film. My second degree was in film (my first – surprise, surprise – was in history and literature). I find it hard to sit still, so I’m usually doing something while I watch. I make patchwork quilts by hand (that sounds crazy, I know, doing the whole thing by hand, but I find it’s a Zen experience). I just finished a quilt for my daughter, made from tiny squares in shades of blue and green, and it took me eleven years from start to finish (Zen…). Now I’m starting one for my partner in Matisse colors. This all makes it sound like I’m indoors all the time… but I love nature and love my garden and try to get out in the world as much as I can to watch the sunsets and enjoy the seasons.

TRC:   Would you like to add anything else? 

Tess: Just that it’s been an absolute pleasure – thank you so much for having me along!
TRC:  Thank you, Tess for answering our questions. We wish you the best of luck with Bound for Eden.

Tess:  Thank YOU!

 

Tess’s publisher is offering a paper copy of BOUND FOR EDEN to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Someone to Care by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Someone to Care by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Once the Countess of Riverdale, Viola Kingsley throws all caution to the wind when adventure calls in the form of a handsome aristocrat. . . .

Two years after the death of the Earl of Riverdale, his family has overcome the shame of being stripped of their titles and fortune–except for his onetime countess, Viola. With her children grown and herself no longer part of the social whirl of the ton, she is uncertain where to look for happiness–until quite by accident her path crosses once again with that of the Marquess of Dorchester, Marcel Lamarr.

Marcel Lamarr has been a notorious womanizer since the death of his wife nearly twenty years earlier. Viola caught his eye when she herself was a young mother, but she evaded his seduction at the time. A prize that eluded him before, she is all the more irresistible to him now although he is surprised to discover that she is as eager now for the excitement he offers as he is himself.

When the two defy convention and run away together, they discover that the ties of respectability are not so easily severed, and pleasure can ensnare you when you least expect it.

 

 

Review

Someone to Care by Mary Balogh is the 4th book in her wonderful regency Westcott series.  I do not read a lot of historical romances, but I will read every book in this series, which is very well written by Balogh and the wonderful characters she has created from the Westcott family.  Someone to Care is different as instead of the children finding happiness, the heroine and hero in this one are an older couple around 40.

Viola Kingsley, the former Countess of Riverdale, is attending another gathering of the large Westcott family.  Viola and her three children lost their inheritance when her deceased husband was found to be a bigamist. Two years has passed, and though her children have adjusted (Camille found happiness in the 2nd book, her other daughter and son seem to be content in their lives), Viola is still embarrassed and feels tainted from the scandal, even though everyone in the family treats her well and cares about her and her three children.  Watching everyone in the party enjoying themselves, Viola decides to leave early.

Marcel (Marguess of Dorchester) is considered a womanizer, and a man that puts the fear in others.  When Marcel lost his wife years before, he changed and became more of a loner.  He had put his son and daughter in the care of his sister in law, and rarely sees his children.  When his carriage breaks down, Marcel is stuck at an inn overnight.  While leaving the restaurant, he notices a familiar face; he remembers the woman he was beginning to fall for 14 years ago and was rejected, since she was married at the time.  Viola also staying overnight at the same inn, recognizes Marcel looking at her.  Marcel approaches Viola, and they reminisce about the old days, and her embarrassment over losing the title and fortune in her now defunct marriage. Since they are stuck over night, they decide to take a walk around the town, join some festivities. A slow build romance between former friends will begin. 

What follows is sweet romance between two people who are basically quiet lonely life.  They decide to run away and have some fun, eventually becoming lovers.  It was nice and fun to see how they were both enjoying each other’s company, as well as their hot chemistry.  After a couple of weeks, both Viola and Marcel’s family begin to worry, and each begins to look for them.   Just when Viola decides she needs to go home, so her daughters don’t worry, they are found.  Marcel will automatically go on the defensive and protect Viola, as he tells the family members that they are betrothed, which shocks Viola.  Unfortunately, this will slowly cause Viola and Marcel unhappiness to be in a situation they never intended.

When they are home with both families coming together for a betrothed party, both Viola and Marcel are at odds, each thinking the other doesn’t care.  The wedding will be called off, and the two go back to their lives.   Marcel came off as a rake, causing the Westcott family to dislike him.   Will Marcel and Viola find a way to be happy again?

 It was wonderful to see all the Westcott’s again.  This is a big family, and we get to see many of them in each book.  Marcel’s son and daughter were very nice too.

The romance between  Viola & Marcel was wonderful to watch, with so many emotions, both sad and sweet.  I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as the Westcott series is a ‘do not miss’.  If you enjoy regency romance with an adult couple, you should be reading this one.  Someone to Care a  heartwarming story, great characters, and a wonderful couple.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy Provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of SOMEONE TO CARE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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9.. Giveaway runs from May 1 to 6, 2018

 

 

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Betting the Scot by Jennifer Trethewey – a Review

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Betting the Scot by Jennifer Trethewey – a Review

 

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Description:
Declan Sinclair is a Highlander who believes his dreams never lie. When he spots Caya at a public house, he knows instantly she is the woman in his dreams—his future wife. Though her brother had promised never to gamble again, he engages Declan in a card game—and the prize is the lovely Caya.

Caya Pendarvis has no time for childish things like dreams or fairy-tales or love. She’s the sacrificial lamb on her way to the far north of Scotland to wed a wealthy merchant in exchange for settling her brother’s gambling debts.

Winning at cards is one of the many things Declan Sinclair does well. Unfortunately, the ability to court a woman—a talent he lacks—is the only skill he desperately needs to win Caya’s heart

 

Review:

“Declan Sinclair would have called to his wife, but he didn’t know her name. They hadn’t met. Not yet. Nevertheless, the pretty blonde seated on the far side of the tavern was his wife. Or would be. Soon. She was the wife in his dreams, and his dreams never lied.”

As crazy a premonition as that may be, it’s far less toxic than the impetus behind Caya’s decision to marry Declan. It may have even surprised Caya to be so willing. But it’s not all Bluebells and heather from the jump. Caya is a proper lady from Cornwall, England, and this arrangement to marry Declan, “a soldier by trade, a man of blood” is far from conventional. The bumps and stops, “false starts and misunderstandings”, apply nevertheless. This is when you know what really matters! Betting the Scot by Jennifer Trethewey is an enchanting journey to discover a home is truly where the heart is.

Thrust together by foul deed (you’ll rue the day you meet Caya’s brother, Jack), Declan and Caya are kept at arm’s length. While it allowed them to contemplate the enormity of marriage, it also fueled their desires. It felt as if Caya’s ruminations, which developed into realizations, went undeclared for far too long. She chastised herself for engaging in heated fantasies when she could have acted upon them with an all too willing Declan. Before you go thinking less of my man, “I’m no’ a heathen”, Declan wanted to give Caya a real future, a true happiness as his wife. Feelings and avoidance are bound to collide. And to make matters more tense, Ms. Trethewey inserts the most hurtful of words uttered by Caya that both ramps up the drama and has you changing sides, lol! Having said that, restoring feelings and/or mending fences sounds so much sexier with a trilling burr.

The Highlands of Scotland are the perfect setting for this romance. The writing and language were authentic to the culture — I looked up so many Gaelic words to hear them in their native tongue. Humor was lovingly imbued with words and thoughts. Take a bet on this book! True love was achieved, you’ll swoon alongside it, but there will be hateful, vengeful action to keep you in suspense!

Lucky me just discovered this is book 2 of the series. I’ll rewind to the courtship of Alex and Lucy…and await the romance that is sure to sweep big Magnus off his feet in book three!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher

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From Unseen Fire by Cass Morris – Review & Giveaway

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From Unseen Fire by Cass Morris – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
The Dictator is dead; long live the Republic.

But whose Republic will it be? Senators, generals, and elemental mages vie for the power to shape the future of the city of Aven. Latona of the Vitelliae, a mage of Spirit and Fire, has suppressed her phenomenal talents for fear they would draw unwanted attention from unscrupulous men. Now that the Dictator who threatened her family is gone, she may have an opportunity to seize a greater destiny as a protector of the people — if only she can find the courage to try.

Her siblings—a widow who conceals a canny political mind in the guise of a frivolous socialite, a young prophetess learning to navigate a treacherous world, and a military tribune leading a dangerous expedition in the province of Iberia—will be her allies as she builds a place for herself in this new world, against the objections of their father, her husband, and the strictures of Aventan society.

Latona’s path intersects with that of Sempronius Tarren, an ambitious senator harboring a dangerous secret. Sacred law dictates that no mage may hold high office, but Sempronius, a Shadow mage who has kept his abilities a life-long secret, intends to do just that. As rebellion brews in the provinces, Sempronius must outwit the ruthless leader of the opposing Senate faction to claim the political and military power he needs to secure a glorious future for Aven and his own place in history.

As politics draw them together and romance blossoms between them, Latona and Sempronius will use wit, charm, and magic to shape Aven’s fate. But when their foes resort to brutal violence and foul sorcery, will their efforts be enough to save the Republic they love?

 

 

Review:

From Unseen Fire by Cass Morris is the 1st book in her Aven Cycle fantasy series.  This is an epic fantasy that takes place in Aven, with an Ancient Rome background, where they worship the Roman Deity.  The story is filled with magic, intrigue, history and romance.  From Unseen Fire was a very good story, but I did have some mixed feelings, which I will note later in my review.

Latona, our heroine, is the middle sister of the Vitelliae family that is highly respected in Aven.  With the Dictator now dead, Latona finds herself free to learn more about her hidden ability as a mage of spirit and fire.  Latona is in a loveless marriage forced by her father, but she is loyal very close to her sisters.  I really loved Latona, and her two sisters, Aula and Alhena, and how strong all three women truly were.

Sempronius Tarren, our hero, is a senator who has kept himself in the background because of the evil dictator.  He is a very powerful shadow mage, who also has hidden abilities that he keeps secret that allows him to also see prophecy. Tarren is determined to run for political office to become their leader, and bring Aven to a better world for all citizens. 

Tarren begins to notice how powerful Latona is, and how she tries to hide it.  She is able to secretly calm people with her spirit ability and fight or stop fire with that ability.  Tarren will be the one who will give Latona confidence in harnessing and controlling her powers.

Latona and her family all support Tarren, and she begins to feel an attraction to him.  When trouble arises, Latona will find a way to help Tarren.  Their attraction for each other grows, but they both know since she is married, even in name only, it is best to leave it as friendship.

There are a number of villains in this story, one being the deceased dictator’s 2nd in command, who wants to take over everything, including kill Tarren.  The other main villain comes from another area, who murders people along the way to destroy Aven and become the power. 

What follows is an exciting adventure that will put both Tarren and Latona in dangerous situations a few times.   There slow build romance is kept loosely in the background, as we know how they feel and we root for them, but Latona is tied to a marriage with a husband who is becoming more difficult and anti anything she wants to do to help others. Latona is a strong woman, but can she find a way to utilize her ability to help Tarren and the good people of Aven?

As much as I enjoyed the story revolving around Aven, Latona, her family, Tarren, his sister & his supporters, I did have some feelings about the rest.   The villain who was trying to stop Tarren was bad, but it did blend in with that part of the story, which was exciting.  I did not like the story around the other villain murdering villages and innocent people to gain control (though this does happen in many fantasy novels), as well as the story about Latona’s brother, who was in the army battling this villain.  It was slow, and I lost interest, pushing along to get back to Latona and Tarren’s story. There is a lot of history in the background, and perhaps that is where I got lost. 

Overall, From the Unseen Fire was a very good story, well written by Morris, with some very good characters.   I want to see what happens in the next book; how will Latona’s strength grow; will Tarren be able to fight off his enemies; will Latona’ s youngest sister control her powers; and the people of Aven survive. 
Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Cass Morris’s publisher is graciously offering a hardcover copy of FROM UNSEEN FIRE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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