Publication Date: May 19, 2015
MadeGlobal Publishing
eBook; ASIN: B00X806742
Genre: Historical Fiction
The last hour of Anne Boleyn's life...
Court intrigue, revenge and all the secrets of the last hour are revealed as one queen falls and another rises to take her place on destiny's stage.
A young Anne Boleyn arrives at the court of King Henry VIII. She is to be presented at the Shrovetide pageant, le Château Vert. The young and ambitious Anne has no idea that a chance encounter before the pageant will lead to her capturing the heart of the king. What begins as a distraction becomes his obsession and leads to her destruction.
Love, hate, loyalty and betrayal come together in a single dramatic moment... the execution of a queen. The history of England will be changed for ever.
Praise for Phoenix Rising
"Compelling, captivating and moving." Claire Ridgway, The Anne Boleyn Files
"Thought provoking, esoteric and heart wrenching." - R.J.Askew, blogger, reviewer, author and journalist
Deb Hunter publishes as Hunter S. Jones. Her best-selling novel, "September Ends" won awards for Best Independently Published Novel and Best Romance, based on its unique blending of poetry and prose. Her story "The Fortune Series" received best-selling status on Amazon in the Cultural Heritage and Historical Fiction categories. She has been published by H3O Eco mag, LuxeCrush, Chattanooga Times-Free Press, and is now a freelance contributor for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. She has recently been accepted into the prestigious Rivendell Writers Colony. Her arts, music and culture blogs on ExpatsPost.com are filled with eclectic stories regarding music, writing, the arts and climate awareness. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her Scottish born husband. Her undergrad degree is in History with an emphasis on the English Renaissance and Reformation.
Three Stars
I really enjoyed this story and it was a worthwhile.
It took me a while to read and get into it but once I started to become interested it flew by.
In the early 1890s, a group of brothers discovered iron ore in the dense pine woods of northern Minnesota. Mesabi Pioneers tells the story of the immigrants who dug that ore out of the ground, who carved towns from trees, and who built new lives for themselves and their families.
Arthur Maki, a Finnish immigrant known for his carpentry skills, has been hired by the persuasive and poetic Leonidas “Lon” Merritt to join a crew of explorers in the forest. From this remote and formidable locale, Arthur must construct a camp and foster a community into which he can bring his wife and son.
The camp, which the Merritts call Mountain Iron, sits on what Lon believes to be a huge lode of iron ore. However, the rest of the world thinks the Merritts are crazy. While Arthur builds a camp with a Chippewa Indian everyone calls Charlie and a French-Chippewa fur trader named Richardson, the other members of the team explore the surrounding woods for more caches of iron. When a second lode is discovered at Biwabik, Arthur and the rest of the crew know the finding is real. And the iron mining world knows it, too.
As the mine gets deeper and mining operations expand, the camp crowds with a diversity of ethnic and cultural groups. Tragedy strikes in ways large and small. And it is from the ashes of destruction that Arthur finds the community he has been seeking.
Four Stars
Copy received for an honest review from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
There were certain things that made this story so enjoyable and an impact for me. First, I loved the emotion behind the story. The sentimentality made me emotionally invested in the story. I also learned so much about Northern Minnesota and the iron range. I never knew about the impact that the pioneers had and the way their actions have affected us today. The writing drew me in from the beginning and held my interest until the end.
I highly recommend this story to anyone that is looking for a hearty story and at the same time learn about the importance of blue collar workers and their contributions to our society. Not to be overshadowed, there is an array of wonderful characters.
Praise for Mesabi Pioneers
“…a refreshingly enjoyable read… Hill and Smith kindle complicated emotions, important questions and a driving curiosity about Northern Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range…The novel give(s) us a remarkable point of view, a vision of the Iron Range before it was anything like our modern understanding of the place. The size of the forest, the difficulty of travel, the majesty of the Missabe hills before they were opened up and moved like chess pieces: we see all of this in fresh prose." -Aaron Brown, Hibbing Daily Tribune and minnesotabrown.com
“Hill and Smith pepper their story with some very good character development, plenty of sarcastic humor, and a good deal of research into a period never before explored in historical fiction. In their handling, the enterprising and occasionally cutthroat, bygone world of iron mining comes vividly alive. A strong debut installment.” -Charlotte Kirsch, Historical Novel Society
“A wonderful book. I’d recommend it to anyone.” -Scott Hall, KAXE, Northern Community Radio
“In Mesabi Pioneers, Jeffrey Smith has skillfully crafted a wonderful story that respects the historical facts while bringing the experience of these pioneers to life. This book is a steeped in the social history and physical geography of this region in Minnesota that played such a significant role in the economic rise of the United States. In a few words, this is good creative writing with an enjoyable style.” -James Dilisio, author Maryland Geography
“What a fascinating story, with finely drawn characters and compelling subject matter. The authors take us inside the hearts and souls of newly arrived immigrant pioneers, full of hope and promise, who accomplished extraordinary feats under dire circumstances; and the Native Americans who watched their homeland undergo such dramatic and irrevocable change. I highly recommend it.” -Kathryn Leigh Scott, actress and author, Down and Out in Beverly Heels
Dr. Russell Hill was born and raised on Minnesota's Iron Range. During World War II he served in Naval Intelligence, receiving several prestigious medals for his service. After the War he received his doctorate from the University of Minnesota and began a long and successful teaching career. Hill passed away peacefully in 2011, surrounded by his beloved family. He was 85-years-old.
Jeffrey Smith began his love of letters at fourteen on a Smith-Corona
electric typewriter borrowed from his father. He is a full-time writer,
homemaker and stay-at-home parent in Berlin, Maryland. Also an
accomplished distance runner, Jeffrey has completed 16 marathons, seven
24-hour relay races, and multiple ultra-runs, including several 100-mile
races. He blogs about writing, running, and parenting at
rustlingreed.com/blog.
Publication Date: April 30, 2015
Madison Street Publishing
Paperback; 300p
Genre: Historical/Romantic Suspense
Haro Emison, thrust into his new role as Earl of Anglesford, discovers that his late father has left the family teetering on the edge of financial ruin. Intent on rescuing the estate, Haro abandons his long-held interest in his cousin Eda and searches instead for a wealthy heiress. But when pride and jealousy cause his plan to spiral out of control, he begins to wonder if he has made a dreadful mistake….
Eda Swanycke is enjoying her first season in London when her debut comes to a crashing halt. Jilted by her cousin, she suffers the indignity of watching Haro’s new intended lay claim to his person and position. But when a brutal murder upends the household with Haro as chief suspect, Eda must put her wounded pride aside, match wits with the investigator from London, and try, at all costs, to save Haro Emison’s neck from the gallows….
Five Stars
Copy received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for an honest review
I love historical romance so this was an easy five stars. Haro and Eda were a fantastic hero and heroine. I also loved the tension between them. I love the Regency era and I thought that Lortz was able to make it come alive and transport me to it. Since I read a lot of romance I've been jaded by some stories but I find Ms. Lortz's to be refreshing and engaging. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
About the Author
Rosanne E. Lortz ("Rose") is a history lover, a book addict, a mom to four boys, and a native of Portland, Oregon. When she's not writing, she teaches Latin and English composition and works as an editor at Madison Street Publishing.
Please join M.K. McClintock as she tours the blogosphere for her British Agent Series, from May 18-28, and enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card or a Blarney Lambswool Throw!
Book One: Alaina Claiborne
Publication Date: January 8th, 2013
Trappers Peak Publishing
ISBN: 978-0615742502
Series: British Agent Novels, Book One
Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery
How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.
Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan.
Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don’t want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer.
On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they'll stop at nothing to survive.
Praise for Alaina Claiborne
"This one is a winner. It broke my heart several times, the poignant moments she describes are so real." -Deborah from The Bookish Dame Reviews
"Ms. McClintock succeeds in masterfully weaving both genres meticulously together until mystery lovers are sold on romance and romance lovers love the mystery!" -InD'Tale Magazine
"With a strong female lead and a nice mix of both action and romance, this novel tops my list." -Judge, Writer's Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards
Publication Date: June 2, 2014
Trappers Peak Publishing
ISBN: 978-0991330607
Series: British Agent Novels, Book Two
Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery
If you had to make a choice, would it be loyalty or love?
Torn between loyalty to her family and refusal to marry a laird she despises, Rhona Davidson accepts a dangerous proposal from a man she knows only as Blackwood.
Leaving behind a life of leisure, Charles Blackwood bravely serves his country with honor and the skill of a trained British agent. When his newest case returns him to the wild Highlands of Scotland, he is faced with a choice between killing a man and saving the only woman he has ever loved.
Charles and Rhona join their lives, only to discover that their choices will result in bloodshed, unless they can uncover a truth long buried, deep in the Highland soil.
Praise for Blackwood Crossing
"Historical Romance readers will be delighted with the author's style and veritable plot line in this clean romance. "Blackwood Crossing" is a wonderful book for the reader to begin their lifelong Historical Romance adventure or continue their HR journey! Bravo Ms. McClintock!" -InD'Tale Magazine, 4 1/2 stars and a Crowned Heart
"MK McClintock has spun an enchanting tale deeply entrenched in the lands of Scotland and England that will leave you riveted to your chair until you turn the last page." -Donna McBroom-Theriot, mylifeonstoryatatime.com
“This is a wonderful book with suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat and surprises to keep me guessing . . . a feisty heroine and a strong, gentle hero . . . My poetic soul is fed by the beautiful descriptions of nature.” -Verna Mitchell, poet and author of Somewhere Beyond the Blue
My Review:
Four Stars
Copy received for an honest review
I really enjoyed "Blackwood Crossing" by MK Mc Clintock. I thought that the author really balanced the romance and the mystery. Charles and Rhona were great characters. I thought their dynamic was very good. Althought "Blackwood Crossing" is the second book in the "British Agent" series I did not feel like I out and it was easily a stand alone novel. I thought the pacing of the story was excellent. I thought the writing and the plot engaging. Overall, very enjoyable read.
Publication Date: April 29, 2015
Trappers Peak Publishing
ISBN: 978-0991330652
Series: British Agent Novels, Book Three
Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery
How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.
Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan.
Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don’t want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer.
On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they'll stop at nothing to survive.
MK McClintock spins tales of romance, mystery, and adventure inspired by the heather-covered hills of Scotland and the majestic mountains of home. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, she lives and writes in Montana.
-2014 RONE Award-Nominee for "Alaina Claiborne"
-2014 Crowned Heart for Excellence from InD'Tale Magazine for "Blackwood Crossing" and "The Montana Gallagher Collection"
-2015 Crowned Heart Heart for Excellent from InD'Tale Magazine for "A Home for Christmas"
Bianca Corrotti's vineyard is more than a piece of mouth-watering real estate in Tuscany. It's an inheritance; a storehouse harboring the secrets of her Uncle Egisto, a world-class sculptor, and his troubled wife -- a woman whose destiny converges with Mussolini's when WWII overtakes them all. Based on a true story, Bianca's Vineyard follows a devoted family of strong-willed men and lion-hearted women waging an epic battle against a gathering storm intent on destroying their lives.
My Review:
Copy received from Italy Book Tours
Four Stars
I really enjoyed this story. There were many different elements that made this story a worthwhile read. First, I loved the historical information. I had a very vivid idea of Italy during Mussolini's dictatorship. I also loved the love story between Egisto and Armida. I wouldn't label this a love story because it was a lot about the family saga as well. The writing was engaging and the characters felt real.
Author's Bio:
Teresa Neumann and her musician husband live in Oregon's beautiful Willamette Valley near their three children. As well as being an author and journalist, Teresa loves to fiddle on her violin and live "la dolce vita" in Italy whenever she can talk her family into going with her.
Connect with Teresa: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Giveaway:
Prizes: Win one of 6 copies of Bianca's Vineyard . One winner will also get a $25 Amazon gift card (Open to USA & Canada ) Ends May 30
Kate Mitchell has never forgiven herself for breaking Nick
Lavigne’s heart. Now he’s back and he’s moved on, and it’s affecting
Kate’s life more than she’s willing to admit.
Kate Mitchell has everything. She's the head of a crazy
successful publishing house, engaged to the traffic-stopping sexy Mac
Ellis and she's about to sign one of the biggest authors of her career.
And that's when everything falls apart.
Everything is perfect…until it’s not.
In a city of 8 million people Kate manages to run into someone she never expected to see again.
Nick is handsome, impossibly kind, every girl’s dream, and
Kate’s former fiancé. He’s also the brother of the rising star author
she’s trying to sign. Now that Nick’s back in town and has moved on he
insists he’s over Kate, but part of him still can’t get past how amazing
they were, and his sister won’t let anyone forget how brutally it
ended.
When Mac is dealt a life-changing blow, it forces Kate to question every single choice she’s made.
Follow Kate as she embarks on a journey of life and love, navigating through the decisions that will change it all forever.
Four Stars
Copy received from iTours for an honest review
I am really happy with how Christina George wrapped up Kate's journey. I really liked Kate. I thought she was a great heroine. I was happy with Kate's story unraveled. At first I thought that I would not be able to handle the series but it was worth it. I really enjoyed the pace of the story and the chemistry between Kate, Mac and Nik. I really enjoyed this story and recommend it to any one that enjoys contemporary romance and a strong heroine.
Author's Bio:
Christina George has worked in publishing for twenty years
(give or take). Here’s what this book isn't. It’s not a slam against
publishing (though it is broken) and it’s not a slam against authors
(though some of them are crazy). This book is not autobiographical
though many of the stories are true. No you won’t know which ones, cause
it’s more fun to guess, right? George continues to work in publicity
and helps authors because at the end of the day she does love books, she
loves publishing, and she loves authors. She hopes you’ll enjoy this
romp through Kate’s world as much as she enjoyed creating it.
Late 1960s Roma Nova, the last Roman colony that has survived into the 21st century. Aurelia Mitela is alone – her partner gone, her child sickly and her mother dead. Forced in her mid-twenties to give up her beloved career as a Praetorian officer, she is struggling to manage an extended family tribe, businesses and senatorial political life.
But her country needs her unique skills. Somebody is smuggling silver – Roma Nova’s lifeblood – on an industrial scale. Sent to Berlin to investigate, she encounters the mysterious and attractive Miklós, a suspected smuggler, and Caius Tellus, a Roma Novan she has despised, and feared, since childhood.
Aurelia suspects that the silver smuggling hides a deeper conspiracy and follows a lead into the Berlin criminal underworld. Barely escaping a trap set by a gang boss intent on terminating her, she realises that her old enemy is at the heart of all her troubles and pursues him back home to Roma Nova...
Even before she pulled on her first set of combats, Alison Morton was fascinated by the idea of women soldiers. Brought up by a feminist mother and an ex-military father, it never occurred to her that women couldn’t serve their country in the armed forces. Everybody in her family had done time in uniform and in theatre – regular and reserve Army, RAF, WRNS, WRAF – all over the globe.
So busy in her day job, Alison joined the Territorial Army in a special communications regiment and left as a captain, having done all sorts of interesting and exciting things no civilian would ever know or see. Or that she can talk about, even now…
But something else fuels her writing… Fascinated by the mosaics at Ampurias (Spain), at their creation by the complex, power and value-driven Roman civilisation started her wondering what a modern Roman society would be like if run by strong women…
Now, she lives in France and writes Roman-themed alternate history thrillers with tough heroines:
INCEPTIO, the first in the Roma Nova series
– shortlisted for the 2013 International Rubery Book Award
– B.R.A.G. Medallion
– finalist in 2014 Writing Magazine Self-Published Book of the Year
PERFIDITAS, second in series
– B.R.A.G. Medallion
– finalist in 2014 Writing Magazine Self-Published Book of the Year
SUCCESSIO, third in series
– Historical Novel Society’s indie Editor’s Choice for Autumn 2014
– B.R.A.G. Medallion
– Editor’s choice, The Bookseller’s inaugural Indie Preview, December 2014
Fact file
Education: BA French, German & Economics, MA History
Memberships: International Thriller Writers, Historical Novel Society, Alliance of Independent Authors, Society of Authors
Represented by Annette Crossland of A for Authors Literary Agency for subsidiary and foreign rights.
When her father falls into a coma, Indian American photographer Sonya reluctantly returns to the family she’d fled years before. Since she left home, Sonya has lived on the run, free of any ties, while her soft-spoken sister, Trisha, has created a perfect suburban life, and her ambitious sister, Marin, has built her own successful career. But as these women come together, their various methods of coping with a terrifying history can no longer hold their memories at bay.
Buried secrets rise to the surface as their father—the victim of humiliating racism and perpetrator of horrible violence—remains unconscious. As his condition worsens, the daughters and their mother wrestle with private hopes for his survival or death, as well as their own demons and buried secrets.
Told with forceful honesty, Trail of Broken Wings reveals the burden of shame and secrets, the toxicity of cruelty and aggression, and the exquisite, liberating power of speaking and owning truth.
My Review:
Four star
It's been a while since I read such a satisfying book. I absolutely loved the mystery and the secrets that the family had. The writing was engaging and the characters well well developed. The pacing of the story was also well done. Marin was a wonderful heroine. She was fragile and strong at the same time.
Publication Date: May 19, 2015
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