Category: Blog Tour

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Becky Papworth and her new book #JanetJacksonSuperhost to the blog. #authorinterview #newrelease #blogtour

I’m always fascinated to discover the secrets of how authors write their stories. I asked Becky some questions about her writing routine. Read on to find out more.

Can you tell me about your writing process, please – do you have a set routine?

    Unfortunately not, I’m still balancing writing around work and family so it can a bit ad hoc…definitely prefer mornings if I can grab them though.

    Are you an earlier morning writer, or do you prefer writing late at night?

    See above – morning, that hazy phase where you can tune in to other worlds before the day’s obligations take hold.

    Do you have a writing drink/food of choice?

    Tea. Earl Grey. Strong, not a lot of milk.

    Do you write with a pen or on a laptop/desktop?

    Laptop. Though I will do desktop too if I’m not in bed.

    Where do you get your inspiration from?

    With Janet, it’s being a bit of a magpie, certain real life incidents that stick with me because they’re unusual or funny or tough, that I think others might relate too. Other bits are pure imagination once you get writing it’s surprising what arrives.

    Do you find the humour comes easily or is it more difficult? (I always worry that I have a very strange sense of humour)

    Humour is definitely subjective, however I’ve worked in comedy on Tv for a long time and you do learn to recognise jokes and ways of constructing stories that leads toward punchlines or reveals I suppose. I’m surprised by what people find funny sometimes, it’s all good, as long as people are enjoying it. 

    Do you have any advice for people wanting to write humour?

    Can you make the people around you laugh? That’s an indication that you can construct stories, one liners etc that will give you confidence about what works and watch great comedy – learn from the masters – how are they doing it?

    Perhaps most importantly, are you a pantser, a plotter or in between?

    I have loose direction and have scenarios/ notes that loosely plot out 3 chapters ahead – lots of room manoeuvre once the characters get chatting.

    What are you working on next?

    Something darker, set in Yorkshire with a fantastical element.

    Thank you so much for answering my questions. Good luck with the new book.

    Here’s the blurb

    Lavender Cottage, Yorkshire’s finest B&B, is owner Janet Jackson’s pride and joy. Now, after a year of running it and coming out alive, she’s set her heart on becoming a Superhost. For that Janet will need a bloomin great tsunami of 5 star reviews- despite the many obstacles that stand in her way.

    Number one, of course, is the guests themselves. Their strange requests, habits and lasting damage to her garden, the cottage and her sanity, are a non- stop challenge.

    Add in the piles of laundry, sleepless nights, scary spreadsheets, sneaky neighbours, and sex with no strings . . . and her goal seems far away. 

    Yet despite an endless run of dramas, and thanks to her passion for hospitality and home baking, Janet may find she is just a Lemon Drizzle cake or two away from a 5-star life.

    Purchase Link

     https://www.amazon.co.uk/Janet-Jackson-Superhost-gorgeous-reinvent-ebook/dp/B0CW1FS2W1/

    https://www.amazon.com/Janet-Jackson-Superhost-gorgeous-reinvent-ebook/dp/B0CW1FS2W1/

    Meet the author

    Becky Papworth has been writing since she was seven, when she won a prize for her Mother’s day poem from Bradford’s Telegraph & Argus. With further writing credits on CBBC and BBC Radio. Her play ‘Miscreant Mothers’ for BBC Radio 3 was nominated for the prestigious Tinniswood award. She has an MA with distinction in Scriptwriting from Salford University. Her career as a TV Exec has kept her busy over the last few years, working on shows like; ‘Citizen Khan’, ‘Rab C Nesbitt’, ‘Gavin & Stacey’, ‘The Royle Family’ and ‘I love the 80’s’.

    Rebecca was the first woman to produce ‘Have I Got News For You’ and is responsible for ‘Steph’s Packed Lunch’, Channel 4’s landmark daytime series.

    In her spare time Rebecca kills houseplants and attempts to control two teenage daughters.

    Connect with Becky

    www.beckypapworth.com

    https://twitter.com/beckypapworth1

    I’m delighted to welcome V P Felmlee and her new book, Autumn and The Silver Moon Stallion, to the blog #YoungAdultFiction #NewAdultFiction #Mustangs #WildHorses #AbandonedAnimals #TheCoffeePotBookClub #BlogTour

    I’m delighted to welcome V P Felmlee and her new book, Autumn and The Silver Moon Stallion, book 3 in The Abandoned Trilogy, to the blog with an excerpt.

    Excerpt

    As one, Becky, Autumn, and Silver Moon looked up just in time to see a tower of water coming over the top of the canyon, right towards them.

    Autumn turned to run.

    Becky turned to run.

    Silver Moon was still coming down the trail, watched as waves hit the ground, then rose up like a living thing several feet in the air before crashing down first on Autumn then on the girl.

    More water was coming from above, splashing and crashing, ramming its way from canyon wall to canyon wall, shoving anything in its way forward, relentless and unstoppable.

    Without thinking, Silver Moon jumped in.

    Becky looked back, trying to see Autumn, swallowing ice-cold water in the process. She spat it out, then saw the palomino struggling to get her footing. The water was too deep, and was forcing them along at an incomprehensible speed.

    Becky grasped a large boulder. She couldn’t hold on to it. Her body banged against an outcrop, driving the air from her lungs.

    I have to watch where I’m going, she thought, don’t look back, look forward.

    The filly was trying hard to get to Becky, who was just ahead of her. The water pushed her against the canyon walls, forcing her to one side, then another. Instinct took over, her legs began to move. I have to keep my head up.

    She was now whale-eyed, growing more terrified with each second. She couldn’t avoid the boulders and slammed into them time and again.

    She began to panic.

    Silver Moon was strong and big but he was almost no match for the churning maelstrom the canyon had become.

    Just ahead, he saw Autumn losing the fight to keep her head up. He saw her disappear, briefly emerge, then disappear.

    Here’s the Blurb

    An abused, neglected filly is abandoned on a remote country road, left to die.

    A young woman grieves the loss of her best friend, the champion horse she had built

    her life and future around.

    The heir to one of the largest ranches in Wyoming comes home to face the ire and

    disappointment of his grandfather.

    A world-renown scientist clashes with the U.S.government over a brutal,

    decades-long war to decide the fate of thousands of

    mustangs, a beloved icon of  the American West.

    Autumn and The Silver Moon Stallion is their story of love, hatred, and death.

    Will their struggles give them hope to fight for their beliefs, or tear them forever apart?

    Buy Link

    Universal Link:

    This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited

    Meet the Author

    V P Felmlee is the author of The Abandoned Trilogy: Price Tadpole & Princess Clara; Good Boy Ben; and the third book in the series, Autumn and the Silver Moon Stallion. A former newspaper reporter and editor, she has a degree in geology, and has been active in historic preservation and animal welfare issues. Her articles have appeared in several magazines and she has won numerous awards.

    She will be the 2025 president of Women Writing the West and lives in Grand Junction, Colorado, with her husband, two dogs, and six cats.

    Connect with the Author

    Website:

    Follow The Autumn and Silver Moon Stallion blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club

    Today, I’m reviewing Maggie In The Middle by Debbie Viggiano #blogtour #newrelease #bookreview

    Here’s the blurb

    WHEN LIFE FEELS LIKE…
    A TEST YOU DIDN’T STUDY FOR

    When Maggie King turned sixty, she thought her life complete.

    Now she’s sixty-one, and everything has gone horribly wrong.

    Husband Greg has abruptly upped and left leaving Maggie bewildered. But there’s no time to question his departure because her ancient parents are all-consuming.

    Once fondly referred to as the Golden Oldies, they’re now the BOBs – Bad-Tempered Old Buggers.

    Sister Freya is never available to help, and Maggie is rapidly reaching the end of her tether.

    She wants her life – and husband – back.

    Instead, she’s trapped in what has been coined the Sandwich Generation – supporting both children and parents – except this particular sarnie is in danger of falling apart.

    Maggie needs to learn that when life is like a club sandwich, it needs the best ingredients – and that includes lashings of love and some knee-trembling romance!

    Purchase Links

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maggie-Middle-poignant-moving-romantic-ebook/dp/B0CXQ4WQK4

    https://www.amazon.com/Maggie-Middle-poignant-moving-romantic-ebook/dp/B0CXQ4WQK4

    My Review

    Wow. What a simply charming and delightful tale, not without some harrowing scenes. I’ve read a few of these sorts of novels recently, and this one is by far my favourite to date. Told with genuine warmth, just the right touch of ‘reality’ and real laugh-out-loud moments, I loved Maggie in the Middle.

    Our main character, Maggie, is at an unexpected crossroads. No matter what she does, she can’t seem to win the help of her sister or even the respect of her ageing parents. Her adult children are much more understanding. What Maggie needs is a companion of the four-legged variety, and what comes with it is very unexpected.

    I don’t want to spoil this delightful story. Instead, I will say that this takes quite a brutal look at the problems of caring for ageing parents, one with dementia and one who is also starting to struggle, leaving Maggie feeling helpless and worried. It very much addresses the guilt of caring for parents and not being able to do more for them, mostly because they won’t accept that assistance. As the author says, she’s embroiled in such a situation and the scenes feel vivid and real – there is, alas, no magic solution. However, interspersed with these difficult scenes are much warmer ones, offering readers hope that not all is as hopeless as we might think.

    This is such a genuinely uplifting story. It doesn’t shy away from the realities it describes, but it will still fill you with hope and joy, and the humour will make you giggle out loud. Go and read it.

    Meet the author

    Prior to turning her attention to writing, Debbie Viggiano was, for more years than she cares to remember, a legal secretary. She lives with her Italian husband, a rescued pooch from Crete, and a very disgruntled cat. Occasionally her adult children return home bringing her much joy… apart from when they want to raid the fridge or eat her secret stash of chocolate. Tweet @DebbieViggiano or follow her on Facebook!

    Connect with Debbie

    TWITTER:   @DebbieViggiano

    FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/debbie.viggiano.5/

    INSTAGRAM: debbieviggiano

    Posts

    Today, it’s time for something a little different, I’m reviewing The French Cookery School by Caroline James #fiction #newrelease #blogtour

    Here’s the blurb

    Mix together a group of mature students:

    A culinary Sloane, a take-away cook and a food journalist.

    Add in:

    A handsome host

    Season with:

    A celebrity chef

    Bring to the boil:

    At a luxurious cookery school in France!

    Waltho Williams has no idea what he’s letting himself in for when he opens the doors of La Maison du Paradis, his beautiful French home. But with dwindling funds, a cookery school seems like the ideal business plan. 

    Running away from an impending divorce, super-snob Caroline Carrington hopes a luxurious cookery holiday will put her back on her feet. Blackpool fish and chip café owner Fran Cartwright thinks she’s won the lottery when her husband Sid books her on a week working alongside a celebrity chef. Meanwhile, feeling she is fading at fifty, journalist Sally Parker-Brown hopes her press week covering the cookery course will enable her to boost her career.

    But will the eclectic group be a recipe for success, or will the mismatched relationships sink like a souffle? 

    Whip out an apron, grab a wooden spoon and take a culinary trip to La Maison du Paradis, then sit back and enjoy The French Cookery School!

    Purchase Link   

    https://mybook.to/TFCS

    My Review

    The French Cookery School is a life-affirming story of second chances for our cast of 50+ characters set in the heat of Franch in the mid-summer, as well as the heat of the kitchen. Our main characters, and there are really four of them (Fran, Sally, Caroline and Waltho), all have their own struggles to overcome or ambitions to achieve, which sets the scene for a story of facing grief and loss and moving beyond the comfort of how lives have been led for so many years.

    It is an engaging, quick read that is sure to appeal to fans of cookery, France, and second-chance stories who are looking for a more ‘serious’ take on the genre.

    Meet the author

    Caroline James always wanted to write, but instead of taking a literary route, followed a career in the hospitality industry, which included owning a pub and a beautiful country house hotel. She was also a media agent representing celebrity chefs. When she finally glued her rear to a chair and began to write, the words flowed, and several novels later, she has gained many bestseller badges for her books.

    The French Cookery School is Caroline’s tenth novel. Previously, The Cruise, described as: ‘Girl power for the over sixties!’ was an Amazon Top Ten Best Seller. Caroline’s hilarious novels include The Spa Break and The Best Boomerville Hotel, depicted as ‘Britain’s answer to the Best Marigold Hotel’.

    She likes to write in Venus, her holiday home on wheels and in her spare time, walks with Fred, her Westie, or swims in a local lake. Caroline is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, the SOA, ARRA and the Society of Women’s Writers & Journalists. She is also a speaker with many amusing talks heard by a variety of audiences, including cruise ship guests.

    Books by Caroline James:

    The French Cookery School

    The Cruise

    The Spa Break

    Hattie Goes to Hollywood

    Boomerville at Ballymegille

    The Best Boomerville Hotel

    Coffee Tea the Gypsy & Me

    Coffee Tea the Chef & Me

    Coffee Tea the Caribbean & Me

    Jungle Rock

    Connect with the author

    www.carolinejamesauthor.co.uk

    Twitter: @CarolineJames12

    Facebook: Caroline James Author

    Insta: Caroline James Author

    I’m delighted to welcome back David Fitz-Gerald and his new book, Snarling Wolf, to the blog #WesternAdventure #AmericanWest #WildWest #HistoricalWestern #NewRelease #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

    I’m delighted to welcome back David Fitz-Gerald and his new book, Snarling Wolf, book 4 in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series, to the blog with a series trailer.

    Series Trailer

    Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series trailer

    Here’s the blurb

    Dive back into the gripping, frontier chaos. Snarling Wolf is the fourth adventurous installment in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series.

    The famed Snake River marks the point the wagon master claims that all the greenhorns turn loco. After twelve hundred grueling miles and four relentless months on the trail, the expedition teeters on the brink. Frayed nerves, exhausted patience, and the specter of doom cast a dark cloud over the travelers.

    At every turn, new dangers emerge. A young man who is like a brother to Dorcas Moon is ravaged in a mountain lion attack. A heat wave grips the dusty, barren plains and spreads sickness. The wolves that lurk in the shadows edge closer. Even the rattlesnakes seem emboldened.

    Dorcas’ daughter, Rose’s descent into madness can no longer be ignored. What began as an eerie preoccupation with death takes a shocking turn when Rose reveals her truths. Dorcas is thrust into a realm of disbelief, and her worst fears about Rose’s mysterious suitor become a stark reality.

    As weary emigrants yearn for respite, tales of murderous outlaws spread like wildfire across the prairie. Passing strangers share the latest terrifying news. It’s only a matter of when, not if, the notorious highwaymen will strike. Which bend of the mighty snake shelters the feared outlaws?

    Grab your copy of Snarling Wolf now and unveil the next chapter in Dorcas Moon’s relentless saga. Sink your teeth into this tale of survival, madness, and the unyielding spirit of those who brave the treacherous migration.

    Buy Link

    Universal Link:

    This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited

    Meet the Author

    David Fitz-Gerald writes westerns and historical fiction. He is the author of twelve books, including the brand-new series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail set in 1850. Dave is a multiple Laramie Award, first place, best in category winner; a Blue Ribbon Chanticleerian; a member of Western Writers of America; and a member of the Historical Novel Society.

    Alpine landscapes and flashy horses always catch Dave’s eye and turn his head. He is also an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has hiked to the summit of the range’s highest peaks. As a mountaineer, he’s happiest at an elevation of over four thousand feet above sea level.

    Dave is a lifelong fan of western fiction, landscapes, movies, and music. It should be no surprise that Dave delights in placing memorable characters on treacherous trails, mountain tops, and on the backs of wild horses.

    Connect with the Author

    Website: BookBub: Linktree:

    Follow the Snarling Wolf blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club

    I’m delighted to welcome Stella Riley and her new book, A Splendid Defiance, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance #EnglishCivilWar #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

    I’m delighted to welcome Stella Riley and her new book, A Splendid Defiance, a Roundheads & Cavaliers book, to the blog with an excerpt from Chapter 2: Bargaining with the enemy.

    Chapter 2: Bargaining with the enemy

    Jonas did not know if he was irritated or relieved to hear that Captain Ambrose awaited him in the shop.  He loathed the garrison but a review of the last quarter’s figures had revealed a far from satisfactory state of affairs which meant he needed the Captain’s business.  This, however, did not make him any less uncivil than usual and he said, ‘I begin to find your persistence annoying.’

    ‘I’m sure,’ agreed Justin.  ‘But the remedy is in your own hands.  And you won’t be the first to sacrifice your principles in exchange for hard cash.’

    Jonas’s gaze sharpened.

    ‘Is that how you would pay?  No promissory notes?’

    ‘No.  We have the money.  What we don’t have is endless time to discuss the matter.  If the men are to have decent coats this winter, we need the cloth – and sooner rather than later. If you won’t supply it, I’ll apply to Oxford.  Your choice … but if you can’t make it, then I must.  Well?’

    Jonas stared at the worldly elegance before him and longed for the satisfaction of refusing.  Bitter rage burned in his breast and his frustration channelled itself into hatred for the man in front of him.

    ‘Very well.  Broadcloth or worsted?’

    The Captain expressed a preference for broadcloth.  Jonas named his price and the Captain laughed.

    ‘Oh no, Mr. Radford.  I realise that the damage done to your finer feelings will require compensation – but I’m not willing to be robbed.  Try again.’

    ‘Robbed?’ echoed Jonas.  ‘Do you think I can’t guess where you get the ‘hard cash’ you boast of?’

    ‘On the contrary, I’m very sure that you can.  But I am equally sure that you will find our transaction less painful if you avoid thinking of it.’

    Jonas’s answer was a diatribe against Cavalier lawlessness and vice.  Captain Ambrose waited until he paused for breath and then said, ‘This is war, Mr. Radford.  The  Parliament attacks our convoys and we theirs.  It is unfortunate but necessary.  I doubt any of us takes any pleasure in it.’

    ‘Pleasure is all your kind ever think about!’ spat Jonas.  ‘But God sees all and is not deceived.  And you might remember that, if war makes thieves –’

    ‘Peace hangs them.  Quite.’  Bored grey eyes met smouldering black ones. ‘But I’m not here to justify either myself or my cause – and I don’t have all day to waste while you preach. Fifteen shillings the yard and not a farthing more.’

    Here’s the blurb

    For two years England has been in the grip of Civil War.  In Banbury, Oxfordshire, the Cavaliers hold the Castle, the Roundheads want it back and the town is full of zealous Puritans.

    Consequently, the gulf between Captain Justin Ambrose and Abigail Radford, the sister of a fanatically religious shopkeeper, ought to be unbridgeable.

    The key to both the fate of the Castle and that of Justin and Abigail lies in defiance.  But will it be enough?

    A Splendid Defiance is a dramatic and enchanting story of forbidden love, set against the turmoil and anguish of the English Civil War.

    Buy Link

    Universal Link:

    Special Tour Price: Ebook £1.95/ US $1.95 (and equivalent) for the duration of the tour

    Meet the Author

    Winner of four gold medals for historical romance and sixteen Book Readers’ Appreciation Medallions, Stella Riley lives in the beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.

    She is fascinated by the English Civil Wars and has written six books set in that period. These, like the 7 book Rockliffe series, the Brandon Brothers trilogy and, most recently The Shadow Earl, are all available in audio, performed by Alex Wyndham.

    Stella enjoys travel, reading, theatre, Baroque music and playing the harpsichord.  She also has a fondness for men with long hair – hence her 17th and 18th century heroes.

    Connect with the Author

    Website: BookBub:

    Follow the A Splendid Defiance blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Cub

    I’m delighted to welcome Malve von Hassel and her new book, The Falconer’s Apprentice, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #HolyRomanEmpire #FrederickII #CasteldelMonte #falconry #MedievalMedicine #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

    I’m delighted to welcome Malve von Hassel and her new book, The Falconer’s Apprentice, to the blog.

    Here’s the blurb

    THE FALCONER’S APPRENTICE is a story of adventure and intrigue set in the intense social and political unrest of the Holy Roman Empire in the thirteenth century.

    “That bird should be destroyed!”

    Andreas stared at Ethelbert in shock. Blood from an angry-looking gash on the young lord’s cheek dripped onto his embroidered tunic. Andreas clutched the handles of the basket containing the young peregrine. Perhaps this was a dream—

    Andreas, an apprentice falconer at Castle Kragenberg, cannot bear the thought of killing the young female falcon and smuggles her out of the castle. Soon he realizes that his own time there has come to an end, and he stows away, with the bird, in the cart of an itinerant trader, Richard of Brugge.

    So begins a series of adventures that lead him from an obscure castle in northern Germany to the farthest reaches of Frederick von Hohenstaufen’s Holy Roman Empire, following a path dictated by the wily trader’s mysterious mission. Andreas continues to improve his falconry skills, but he also learns to pay attention to what is happening around him as he travels through areas fraught with political unrest.

    Eventually, Richard confides in Andreas, and they conspire to free Enzio, the eldest of the emperor’s illegitimate sons, from imprisonment in Bologna.

    Buy Link

    Universal Link:

    This title is also available to read on #KindleUnlimited

    Barnes & Noble:

    Meet the Author

    Malve von Hassell is a freelance writer, researcher, and translator. She holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from the New School for Social Research. Working as an independent scholar, she published The Struggle for Eden: Community Gardens in New York City (Bergin & Garvey 2002) and Homesteading in New York City 1978-1993: The Divided Heart of Loisaida (Bergin & Garvey 1996). She has also edited her grandfather Ulrich von Hassell’s memoirs written in prison in 1944, Der Kreis schließt sich – Aufzeichnungen aus der Haft 1944 (Propylaen Verlag 1994).

    She has taught at Queens College, Baruch College, Pace University, and Suffolk County Community College, while continuing her work as a translator and writer.

    Malve has published two children’s picture books, Tooth Fairy (Amazon KDP 2012/2020), and Turtle Crossing (Amazon KDP 2023), and her translation and annotation of a German children’s classic by Tamara Ramsay, Rennefarre: Dott’s Wonderful Travels and Adventures (Two Harbors Press, 2012).

    The Falconer’s Apprentice (2015/KDP 2024) was her first historical fiction novel for young adults. She has published Alina: A Song for the Telling (BHC Press, 2020), set in Jerusalem in the time of the crusades, and The Amber Crane (Odyssey Books, 2021), set in Germany in 1645 and 1945, as well as a biographical work about a woman coming of age in Nazi Germany, Tapestry of My Mother’s Life: Stories, Fragments, and Silences (Next Chapter Publishing, 2021), also available in German, Bildteppich Eines Lebens: Erzählungen Meiner Mutter, Fragmente Und Schweigen (Next Chapter Publishing, 2022), and is working on a historical fiction trilogy featuring Adela of Blois.

    Connect with the Author

    Website: BlueSky: BookBub:

    Follow The Falconer’s Apprentice blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club

    Today, I’m sharing my review for The Maiden of Florence by Katherine Mezzacappa #blogtour #histfic #newrelease And there’s a competition too

    Here’s the blurb

    ‘My defloration was talked about in all the courts of Europe. The Prince boasted of his prowess, even as preparations were being made for his wedding, as boldly as if he had ridden across that causeway with bloodstained sheet tied to his lance.’
    1584, Italy: Twenty-year-old Giulia expects she will live and die incarcerated as a silk weaver within the walls of her Florentine orphanage, where she has never so much as glimpsed her own face. This all changes with the visit of the Medici family’s most trusted advisor, promising her a generous dowry and a husband if she agrees to a small sacrifice that will bring honour and glory to her native city. 
    Vincenzo Gonzaga, libertine heir to the dukedom of Mantua, wants to marry the Grand-Duke of Tuscany’s eldest daughter, but the rumours around his unconsummated first marriage must be silenced first. Eager for a dynastic alliance that will be a bulwark against the threat of Protestant heresy beyond the Alps, the Pope and his cardinals turn a blind eye to a mortal sin. 
    A powerful #MeToo story of the Renaissance, based on true events.

    Purchase Links 

    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maiden-Florence-Katherine-Mezzacappa/dp/1914148509

    https://www.amazon.com/Maiden-Florence-Katherine-Mezzacappa/dp/1914148509

    My Review

    Told with the benefit of hindsight by our maiden of Florence, Giulia, The Maiden of Florence is the story of this astounding event and the consequences of it for our fair maiden. The first third of the book is a retelling of what might have befallen Giulia, and events then move on to tell the story of what occurred afterwards, including her eventual marriage. However, the reach of the man behind her involvement is never very far away, despite her resentment of it.

    The narrative allows Giulia to have her happily ever after ‘for now’, but events quickly move on, and she finds herself caught up in the battle to protect her oldest son, seeking aid where she would never have thought to do so until desperate.

    The story is told with compassion and some insight from her husband. The recreation of Florence and Venice in the late 1500s/early 1600s is intriguing while also reflecting her restricted world view—we see only a small area of Florence and Venice. Giulia is rarely, if ever, not subject to some external force, whether it is the benign influence of her husband or other malevolent forces.

    An engaging read, somewhat slower in pace, and sure to delight readers of this era and also narratives featuring strong women who are constrained by the society they live in.

    Meet the author

    Katherine Mezzacappa is an Irish writer of mainly historical fiction, currently living in Italy. She has published several novels under pen names with publishers Bonnier Zaffre and eXtasy. She works as a manuscript assessor for The Literary Consultancy. Katherine reviews for Historical Novel Society’s quarterly journal and is one of the organisers of the Society’s 2022 UK conference. In her spare time she volunteers with a used book charity of which she is a founder member.

    Connect with the author

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/katmezzacappa

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katherinemezzacappafiction/

    https://katherinemezzacappa.ie

    Giveaway to Win a vintage postcard, early 1900s, of the babies from the façade of the Innocenti orphanage. (Open INT)

    *Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

    http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494586/?

    Today, I’m taking part in the #blogtour for Shadow of the Witch, a 1670s era #horror

    Here’s the blurb

    London, 1677. A house with a dark secret. A lawyer in pursuit of magick. A witch, dead for fifty years.

    Israel Cutler, dealer in second-hand goods, discovers the journals of Doctor Winter. Detailing the doctor’s relationship with a hanged witch, he recognises an opportunity. Seeking out a lawyer he knows with an interest in the occult, Cutler tries to sell the journals, but soon finds himself involved in a terrifying ritual—one that could bring black witch Lizzie Pickin back from the dead. Again.

    Forced into a dangerous partnership, the witch leads Cutler on a trail of murder and revenge.

    In this horror series set in London, Shadow of the Witch is book #2 in the Black Witch Saga.

    Purchase Links

    AMAZON https://geni.us/r4kqMtb

    SMASHWORDS https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1480253

    My Review

    Shadow of the Witch takes us to 1677 London – a London rebuilding in the aftermath of the Great Fire, and to a suitably spooky story.

    Our main character is out to make some money when he takes some books he’s found at an auction to a local lawyer known for being involved in some otherworldly doings. Little does he know what he’s letting himself in for.

    Shadow of the Witch packs a lot of punch in very few pages – as we encounter the witch, Lizzie Pinkin, and her nefarious deeds. She has one thing on her mind, revenge, and our poor main character finds himself helping, whether he wants to or not.

    The author takes the reader on a journey through 1670s London, with an eye for what’s happening after the Great Fire. As a historical fiction reader and author, I really enjoyed this aspect of the story.

    I’ve read quite a few of Colin Garrow’s books now – they’re never fail to disappoint and he seems able to conquer all the genres he writes – from thrilling thrillers, to Geordie crime to Sherlock Holmes-esque tales.

    A really enjoyable and atmospheric tale sure to delight readers.

    Check out my reviews for Colin’s other stories.

    Sherlock Holmes

    Geordie Crime -Blood on the Tyne

    Terminal Black

    Meet the author

    Colin Garrow grew up in a former mining town in Northumberland. He has worked in a plethora of professions including taxi driver, antiques dealer, drama facilitator, theatre director and fish processor, and has occasionally masqueraded as a pirate. 

    His short stories have appeared in several literary mags, including SN Review, Flash Fiction Magazine, Word Bohemia, Every Day Fiction, The Grind, A3 Review, 1,000 Words, Inkapture and Scribble Magazine. He currently lives in a humble cottage in Northeast Scotland where he writes novels, stories, poems and the occasional song.

    He also makes rather nice vegan cakes.

    Connect with the author

    Twitter https://twitter.com/colingarrow

    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/colinngarrow/

    Website https://colingarrow.co.uk/ 

    Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/colin-garrow

    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/colingarrowthewriter

    TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@colingarrowauthor

    I’m delighted to welcome Sheridan Brown and her new book, The Viola Factor, to the blog #ViolaKnappRuffner #HistoricalFiction #BiographicalHistoricalFiction #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

    I’m delighted to welcome Sheridan Brown and her new book, The Viola Factor, to the blog, with a book trailer.

    The Viola Factor Book Trailer

    The Viola Factor Book Trailer

    Here’s the blurb

    “The Viola Factor” takes place at a time when the country faced division and growth after the American Civil War. Viola Knapp Ruffner (1812-1903) struggled with what was just and fair, becoming a little-known confidant for a young black scholar from Virginia. But Viola was much more than a teacher; she was a mother, wife, game-changer, and friend. With her mother’s dying wish, a young woman alone, she left her New England roots. This is a story of trauma and love in the South while battling for justice and the rightful education of the enslaved and once enslaved. African American leader Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) called her his friend and model for life.

    The Viola Factor is in many ways a journey of life done in baby steps, tentatively stumbling, until a galloping stride is achieved. Viola Knapp wears different shoes on different days. Heavy, mud-trekking boots to allow for aggressive steps, and daintier shoes for more rhythmic and assertive ones. She was a diligent daughter, an outspoken protector, and a progressive teacher.

    Like many women in her situation, alone at seventeen, Viola must realize her own principles to fulfill her future goals. With every stride, Viola Knapp Ruffner marches around surprises, over potholes, and dodges folly after folly on her journey to be fulfilled. After ambling in one direction, plodding along in another, and wandering to find herself, a sudden halt pushes her forward until a factor of fate places her in the path of a newly freed slave with a desire to read and penchant to lead. After years of post-traumatic stress and mental uncoupling, she finds herself a woman who followed her mother’s dying wish to fight for what is fair and just.

    Buy Link

    Universal Link:

    Meet the Author

    Sheridan Brown holds advanced degrees in school leadership and is a certified teacher, principal, and educational leader. The arts have always been a central force in her life, since performing in piano recitals, school band, plays, and singing in choirs her whole life.

    Ms. Brown was born in Tennessee and raised in small towns of southwest Virginia. She practiced her profession in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Florida. Upon retirement, she began volunteering, painting, writing, researching, and traveling with her husband, attorney John Crawford. She has one son, Tony Hume. She is GiGi to Aiden and Lucy. She has returned to the Blue Ridge to live and explore.

    Connect with the Author

    Follow The Viola Factor blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club