Tag: Historical Romance

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book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Squadpod Squadpod Featured Books

SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: The Last Princess by Ellen Alpsten

Published November 7th, 2024 by Sunbird Stories
Historical Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Historical Romance, Historical Fantasy, Adventure Fiction

The Last Princess is out today! Thanks to Ellen Alspten and Sunbird Stories for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. And don’t miss our chat with the author on November 13th on the SquadPods’s Instagram.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Young and beautiful Gytha Godwinson is the envy of England when her father Harold seizes the country’s crown in early 1066. But soon, treachery tears her house apart, and triumph turns to terror. An evil star appears, heralding the end of an era and a new beginning for Britain. Her family and the country seem cursed. Yet even as she suffers loss, betrayal and humiliation, Gytha is determined to regain what is rightfully hers.

In a stunning re-telling of 1066, international bestselling author Ellen Alpsten has created a captivating new heroine in Gytha Godwinson. Witness the end of England’s ancient house, the demise of a cursed kingdom and the emergence of a new empire: ‘The Last Princess’ bridges between myth and modernity.

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MY REVIEW:

1066. A date we all know. But until now we’ve only heard one side of the story. The Last Princess captures that famous year through the eyes of Gytha Godwinson, the daughter of King Harold II. It is a story of princes and princesses, kings and queens, warriors, sorceresses, fairies, magic, mythology and religion. It is the story of the battle for a kingdom that tears a family apart and the young girl grieving those she’s lost. And it’s a story of survival, strength and resilience. 

Ellen Alpsten’s books are always an auto-read for me and I’ve been a fan of her writing ever since I read her debut, Tsarina. So I was excited when the SquadPod were offered the chance to read The Last Princess as one of our featured books this month.

While I’ve obviously heard of 1066 and the Battle of Hastings, I’ve never gone beyond the basics I was taught in school so I was looking forward to learning more about that time, especially from a lesser-known point of view. I’ll be honest, I’d never heard of Gytha, but I am so glad to have met her through this book. Alpsten captures her essence perfectly, balancing her royalty with someone who is also deeply human and relatable. She’s determined, brave and resilient, but also scared and naive. I felt like I’d stepped into her shoes, feeling every emotion alongside her: her confusion as her father took the throne, her worry as he went to battle, her gut-wrenching grief at his death, her terror as she wondered what her family’s fate might be and her determination to survive against the odds. I loved reading her. 

From the moment I read the author’s note at the beginning of the book I was captivated by this story. Exquisitely written and meticulously researched, Alpsten transported me back almost one thousand years and immersed me in Gytha’s world, flawlessly educating while also entertaining me. I was so completely immersed that the ending snuck up on me. And what a cliffhanger! I’m going to need book two as soon as possible. 

Historical fiction fans, don’t miss this book!

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ellen Alpsten was born and raised in the Kenyan highlands, where she dressed up her many pets and forced them to listen to her stories.

Upon graduating from the ‘Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris’, she worked as a news-anchor for Bloomberg TV London. While working gruesome night shifts on breakfast TV, she started to write in earnest, every day, after work, a nap and a run. So much for burning midnight oil!

Today, Ellen works as an author and as a journalist for international publications such as Vogue, Standpoint, and CN Traveller. She lives in London with her husband, three sons, and a moody fox red Labrador.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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book reviews

HISTORICAL FICTION BOOK CLUB: Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

Published August 30th, 2001 by Viking
Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Historical Romance

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of ‘March’ and ‘People of the Book’.

A young woman’s struggle to save her family and her soul during the extraordinary year of 1666, when plague suddenly struck a small Derbyshire village.

In 1666, plague swept through London, driving the King and his court to Oxford, and Samuel Pepys to Greenwich, in an attempt to escape contagion. The north of England remained untouched until, in a small community of leadminers and hill farmers, a bolt of cloth arrived from the capital. The tailor who cut the cloth had no way of knowing that the damp fabric carried with it bubonic infection.

So begins the Year of Wonders, in which a Pennine village of 350 souls confronts a scourge beyond remedy or understanding. Desperate, the villagers turn to sorcery, herb lore, and murderous witch-hunting. Then, led by a young and charismatic preacher, they elect to isolate themselves in a fatal quarantine. The story is told through the eyes of Anna Frith who, at only 18, must contend with the death of her family, the disintegration of her society, and the lure of a dangerous and illicit attraction.

Geraldine Brooks’s novel explores love and learning, fear and fanaticism, and the struggle of 17th century science and religion to deal with a seemingly diabolical pestilence. ‘Year of Wonders’ is also an eloquent memorial to the real-life Derbyshire villagers who chose to suffer alone during England’s last great plague.

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MY REVIEW:

“This plague will make heroes of us all, whether we will or no.”

I first read Year of Wonders about twenty years ago and it has stayed with me. It instantly became one of my all-time favourite books and I have recommended it to other readers many times over the years. So when the Historical Fiction Book Club picked it as their July read, I was excited to revisit this story. But would I love it as much this time around?

Spring, 1966. A bolt of infected fabric carries the plague from London to the quiet Derbyshire village of Eyam. As the plague starts to spread among them, the villagers isolate themselves to avoid spreading the infection further. A fateful decision that will see most of their small village wiped out by the disease. Year of Wonders tells the story of that fateful quarantine through the eyes of Anna, a young widowed mother, as she tries to save herself and her family. But, as the sickness skulks from household to household and the death tally rises and her community crumbles around her, Anna must confront loss, suspicion, and the temptation of an illicit attraction. 

“The plague had come upon us like a thief in the night, stealing our breath, our strength, our loves and lives.”

I’ve been fascinated with the history of Eyam ever since studying it and taking a trip there in primary school. I was fascinated by the idea that these people willingly quarantined themselves knowing it was a death sentence in order to save others. Living close to Eyam helped it feel more personal, too. So as soon as I saw the synopsis for this book I knew I had to read it. And going into this second time around it held the heavy expectations of being one of my favourite books. Did it live up to them? It certainly did! Atmospheric, haunting and alluring, it was every bit as mesmerising the second time around and I was lost for words when it was over.

“I fear the line between myself and madness is as fine these days as a cobweb, and I have seen what it means when a soul crosses over into that dim and wretched place.”

A few years ago, a Collins Modern Classic version of the book was released, and it certainly deserves that status. Exquisitely written, meticulously researched, and evocatively told, Geraldine Brooks transported me back to 17th Century Derbyshire threading gossamer layers of storylines together with a chorus of detailed characters to immerse me in the lives of these villagers. Their fierce resolve is palpable and I am in awe at their bravery and sacrifice. There is something so potent and intimately tragic about the characters going about their everyday lives or worrying about whether a love affair is appropriate juxtaposed with the extraordinary circumstances of a village quickly being wiped out by a deadly plague. A sense of creeping dread and unfolding horror that lingers on these pages and it’s a powerful and emotional read, filled with awful anticipation as we know their terrible fate but desperately hope that a different ending might await them. 

Harrowing, dark, disquieting, affecting and deeply human, Year of Wonders is an absolute masterpiece. Add this to your TBR now. And if you’ve already read it, then read it again because it is every bit as enthralling when re-read. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Australian-born Geraldine Brooks is an author and journalist who grew up in the Western suburbs of Sydney, attending Bethlehem College Ashfield and the University of Sydney. She worked as a reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald for three years as a feature writer with a special interest in environmental issues.

In 1982 she won the Greg Shackleton Australian News Correspondents scholarship to the journalism master’s program at Columbia University in New York City. Later she worked forThe Wall Street Journal, where she covered crises in the the Middle East, Africa, and the Balkans. In 1990, with her husband Tony Horwitz, she won the Overseas Press Club Award for best coverage of the Gulf War. The following year they received a citation for excellence for their series, “War and Peace.”  In 2006 she was a fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Studies at Harvard University. She returned to Harvard as a Visiting Lecturer in 2021.

She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in fiction in 2006 for her novel March. Her novels People of the Book, Caleb’s Crossing and The Secret Chord all were New York Times Bestsellers. Her first novel, Year of Wonders is an an international bestseller, translated into more than 25 languages and currently optioned for a limited series by Olivia Coleman’s production company. She is also the author of the nonfiction works Nine Parts of Desire, Foreign Correspondence and The Idea of Home.

Brooks married fellow journalist and author Tony Horwitz in Tourette-sur-Loup France in 1984 and were together until his sudden death in 2019.  They have two sons, Nathaniel and Bizu, She now lives with a dog named Bear and a mare named Valentine by an old mill pond on Martha’s Vineyard and spends as much time as she can in Australia.  In 2016, she was named an Officer in the Order of Australia.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: A Girl’s Guide To Winning the War

Published July 25th, 2024 by Headline
Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Military Romance

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this heartwarming and uplifting novel. Thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and to Headline for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘A heart-warming tale about resilience, friendships and family, and the inestimable power of the written word’ RUTH HOGAN

‘A heart-warming depiction of strong female friendships tested by suffering – Annie Lyons really is the queen of the wartime saga’ CLARE CHAMBERS
___________

Can two young women and one book change the course of war?

1940. Whip-smart librarian Peggy Sparks is determined to make sure that her brother Joe returns from the frontline to their London home, which they share with their beloved mother and grandmother. So when she is offered a once-in-a-lifetime job at the heart of the war effort, Peggy jumps at the prospect of making a real contribution to her country.

But when she finds herself working under the fanciful socialite Lady Marigold Cecily, Peggy discovers that those around her are more keen on dancing at the Café de Paris than on ending the war. Writing accounts of her daily life is the only thing keeping Peggy’s hopes alive. But when she finds her inner-most thoughts accidentally published by the Ministry of Information, Peggy realises she needs Marigold’s help to save her job, and to bring her brother home . . .

From the author of The Air Raid Book Club comes a powerful tale of unexpected friendship, community and two remarkable women who change the course of the war. Full of heart, emotion and drama, it is the perfect uplifting story for fans of Kate Thompson and Natasha Lester.

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MY REVIEW:

“This wasn’t an unusual story. In fact, it was the story of millions of women living through the war along the length and breadth of the country… This was about women fighting and surviving , not on the battlefields but in their own back yards.”

Heartwarming, compelling and uplifting, A Girl’s Guide To War is a glorious tale of courage, strength, friendship, and family. Of finding light in the darkest times. And of the power of books.

London, 1940. Librarian Peggy Sparks lives with her mum, Alice, grandmother, Emily, pregnant sister-in-law, Flo, and young niece, Nancy. Her twin brother, Joe, is serving on the frontline and she is determined to see that he returns home safely. So, when she is offered a job as a proof-reader at The Ministry of Information, she jumps at the chance, recognising this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only make a contribution to her country, but fulfil her promise to bring Joe home. It is there she meets Lady Marigold Cecily, a workshy aristocrat. But the pair slowly become friends before working together to publish books that are a vital part of the war effort. 

As a bookworm who loves reading historical fiction set in World War II this book was made for me. From its opening line I knew I’d found a book and character I’d street and from its opening lines I knew I’d found a book and character I’d love. Annie Lyons shows us the realities of war through the eyes of women and has filled the book with strong female characters of all ages, their bonds of community strengthened by the struggles and heartache of war. Their bravery is evident in the small things they do while living their lives each day. It is humbling, honest and raw, but also written with deep compassion and sensitivity and I was glued to the pages.

Peggy Sparks is a fantastic protagonist. Smart, determined and kind, I felt an immediate connection to this family-orientated, lifelong bookworm. When we meet her, Peggy is keeping a written account of how the war affects her daily life but her job at the Ministry offers the chance to do this, and more, on a greater scale. It is at the Ministry she meets Lady Marigold, and the pair could not be more different. Peggy is a homebody and hard worker, while Marigold is always late and prefers nights out at the Cafe de Paris. But the pair slowly form a friendship and work together to create and publish books that are an important part of the Ministry’s war effort. I loved their friendship and how they taught each other so much about life from another perspective. Central to the story is the close relationship between Peggy and her family. They may not have a lot financially, but they have things that money can’t buy, such as love and togetherness, and the bond between them radiates from the pages. I loved reading their scenes together and had a real soft spot for little Nancy who is a real firecracker that often dropped pearls of wisdom. Another brilliant character was Emily, Peggy’s grandmother and matriarch of the family. I loved this no-nonsense woman and she often had me laughing with her quips. Peggy’s twin brother may have been away at war but he is made flesh and blood through the letters he writes to Peggy. I thought this was a clever way to make him real while also displaying the power of writing. 

Books are an integral part of this story and both they and the written word are woven into every facet of the story. All book lovers know the power, magic and joy of books, but it felt extra special seeing the power they had during the war not only as a tool for information, but also in boosting morale. I enjoyed reading about the pamphlets and books that were published by the Ministry during the war and how they were seen as a vital way of boosting morale. It was fascinating to read about the publishing process and I enjoyed learning through historical fiction once again. Despite knowing quite a lot about this era I had somehow never considered or come across paper rationing so I enjoyed learning more about that and the difficulties faced by the publishing industry at the time. I also enjoyed reliving the connection we get through letters, a format that isn’t often used in today’s age but was vital at a time when there was no other way of communicating with loved ones serving on the frontline.

Delightful, moving and hopeful, this is a must-read for book lovers and fans of historical fiction.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

After a career in bookselling and publishing, Annie Lyons published numerous books in the U.K. and The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett in the U.S. When not working on her novels, she teaches creative writing. She lives in south-east London with her husband and two children.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the tour.

Categories
book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2024 Squadpod Squadpod Book Club Squadpod Reviews

SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB: The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst by Katie Lumsden

Published July 18th, 2024 by Michael Joseph
Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

Welcome to my review for this charming, witty and sassy novel, which was the SquadPod Book Club book for July. Thank you Michael Joseph for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:


‘Romance and scandal abound in this compelling period drama . . . Recommended for all lovers of Regency historical fiction’ LAURA SHEPPERSON, author of The Heroines

‘Warm and witty, with a wonderful cast of quirky characters whose company I found irresistible’ JESSICA BULL, author of Miss Austen Investigates

‘A glittering comedy with spiky wit, an eye for social critique, and (of course) a terrific sense of irony’ TOM MEAD, author of Death and the Conjuror and The Murder Wheel

‘Rich with scandal, romance and social mores . . . a total delight!’ ANITA FRANK, author of The Lost Ones and The Good Liars

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A single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife…
But why would he choose her?

Summer 1841. It is marriage season in the county of Wickenshire, and Miss Amelia Ashpoint isn’t sure she can face yet another ball. But now that she has reached the grand age of three-and-twenty, time is (apparently) running out. Her father is anxious to secure her a husband and has set his sights on Mr Montgomery Hurst of Radcliffe Park.

Only, Mr Hurst has just announced his engagement to somebody else.

To the great consternation of Wickenshire, a community that thrives on gossip, the county’s most eligible bachelor is about to marry not only an unknown stranger – but a widow with three children, odd manners and no ancestry to speak of. Society is appalled and intrigued.

Meanwhile, Amelia Ashpoint has no interest in marriage at all. But in this town, it is clear that nobody’s business is their own. And while society has high expectations for Amelia, her heart is drawing her in a very different direction . . .

A love letter to Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell, The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst is a witty novel of manners and gossip, class and family, scandal and romance.

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MY REVIEW:

Witty, fun, gossipy and addictive, The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst is a glorious Regency comedy of manners. Katie Lumsden’s sensational debut, The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, was one of my top reads of last year so I was excited to dive into her sophomore novel. I went into it blind, expecting another Victorian gothic mystery, and was pleasantly surprised by this piece of Victorian uplit.

Set in the fictional county of Wickenshire in 1841, this is a story of family, romance, society, gossip and scandal. It follows Amelia, the eldest daughter of the wealthy Ashpoint family. Amelia is not your average 19th century heroine and has vowed never to take a husband. Despite this, her father hopes to secure her marriage to Mr. Montgomery Hurst, but his hopes are quashed when Mr. Hurst announces his engagement at the first ball of the marriage season. The gossip fires are ablaze as all of Society wonders who his mystery bride-to-be could be. Tongues wag further when it is revealed that not only is the new Mrs. Hurst a stranger, but also a widow and mother of three young children. The scandal! How could a gentleman choose such an unsuitable bride? And what will become of Miss Ashpoint now? 

Katie Lumsden has knocked it out of the park once again with this magnificent tale. She brings her fictional world to life in vivid technicolour with her exquisite period prose, cleverly choreographed plots and ebullient characters. I lost myself completely in this book, captivated by the people and their lives. It is lively and upbeat, but also touches on serious topics from that time such as  sexuality, gender and illegitimacy. These are all handled sensitively but honestly, woven into the narrative seamlessly alongside the secrets, drama, romance and laughter. It gave me wholesome Bridgerton vibes and feels ripe for a sequel.

I was captivated by the book’s cast of quirky, compelling characters. Its heroine, Amelia Ashpoint, is not your average 19th century heroine, and that is why I loved her so much. Spiky, headstrong and plain-speaking, she prefers reading books to dancing, doesn’t fit into the strict gender roles available to her, vows never to take a husband, and is struggling to find her place. But she is kind hearted, likeable, and so fun to read. The eponymous Mrs. Hurst was another fascinating character. Only we know very little about her and are given only breadcrumbs of information about her history and character, keeping us guessing what she might be hiding. I also really liked Diggory, Amelia’s older brother. There were also some great stuck up and unlikeable characters who added to the drama and authenticity. 

So if you’re looking for a different kind of lighthearted and escapist read this summer, then look no further than this charming, elegant and sassy novel. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

From Katie’s Website:
Right, so, hello!

Hi, I’m Katie and I like books. I like to read books, write books and talk about books on the internet. When I am not speaking rapidly about Victorian literature and historical fiction on YouTube, I also write novels and work as a freelance editor.

I chiefly write historical fiction, both novels and short stories. My debut novel, The Secrets of Hartwood Hall, was published in spring 2023, by Penguin Michael Joseph in the UK and by Dutton in the US.

My second novel, The Trouble with Mrs Montgomery Hurst, will be published by Penguin Michael Joseph in the UK in July 2024

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*
*These links are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Categories
Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2024

BLOG TOUR: Murder Ballad by Lucy Ribchester

Published June 20th, 2024 by Black & White Publishing
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Alternative History

Today is my stop on the blog tour for this hauting and alluring lullaby of historical fiction. Thank you to Black & White Publishing for the invitation to take part and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘A beautiful sensory overload . . . I didn’t want it to end.’ – Kirstin Innes, bestselling author of Scabby Queen

Three women. A deadly score to settle.

EDINBURGH, 1791. Isobel Duguid and her friend, the famous castrato Clessidro, are stars of the Edinburgh Musical Society. Despite her cavalier attitude towards holding a tune, Clessidro’s friendship and her own shocking murder ballads keep Isobel on stage and enjoying an opulent lifestyle in Auld Reekie.

Yet one night a note arrives from the mysterious Mrs Abercorn, regarding Isobel’s most notorious song, The Fiddler’s Wrath. It’s the tale of a prima donna who died of heartbreak after her husband committed murder and
was sent to the gallows. Isobel is intrigued.

But Mrs Abercorn’s curiosity is far more than a fickle interest and the truth is more complicated than anyone could have imagined. As Isobel recounts rising through the social classes, her role in this ill-fated tune is brought to light, awakening the chilling retribution of a once buried secret.

A story of betrayal, mystery, and the secrets some would die to protect. Perfect for fans of Patrick Süskind Perfume and Kate Foster’s The Maiden.

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MY REVIEW:

“Come all false-hearted women and your jealous husbands near, 
For in my song about a foul murder you shall hear.”

Edinburgh, 1791. Isobel Duguid, is famous for singing macabre murder ballads. She and her friend, Clessidro, are stars of the Edinburgh Musical Society and in high demand. One evening, Isobel receives a note from the mysterious Mrs. Abercorn, saying that her husband, Percy, is  creating a collection of Scotland’s finest ballads and would like to include Isobels’s most notorious ballad, The Fiddler’s Wrath. Isobel is intrigued by their interest in the tale of a prima donna who died of heartbreak following her husband committing murder and being sent to the gallows. But when the full story of Mrs. Abercorn’s curiosity is revealed, it brings long-buried secrets to light. 

Murder Ballad is a gloriously gothic, bloody and alluring serenade. A tale of friendship, love, secrets, betrayal and murder that I got lost in. With dark, atmospheric prose Lucy Ribchester crafted a gorgeous lullaby that transported me to the cobbled streets of 18th-Century Auld Reekie as she tells a tale rich with the fascinating history of Edinburgh, its theatres and the ballads themselves. She makes the music of its time leap from the pages and the audiobook was a treat for the ears as the narrator sang the ballads, immersing me completely in this melodic world. But there is a danger here, too, as peril lurks in the shadows and murder is scattered throughout the story. 

“We are the hidden architects, the secret sulphurous sounds that weave their way into your thoughts. We build morals, climb into your bones through your ears and hand you your history and yet you will never know our names.”

The plot is convoluted and labyrinthine, a cleverly choreographed trail of music, secrets and death strewn through the streets of Edinburgh that is filled with fascinating and vivid characters. It is a journey that spans the  entirety of Isobel’s career, starting with her humble  beginnings as an orange seller and following as she recounts her rise to fame and the origin of the famous ballad that is woven intricately into every facet of this tale. It kept me guessing and I was on tenterhooks as I searched the story for clues and tried to predict where this curious tale would lead. But I was unprepared for the shocking truths that were finally revealed as the full picture emerged.

Evocative, original and surprising, Murder Ballad is a haunting piece of historical fiction that is not to be missed. 

Rating: 🎭🎭🎭🎭

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

I was born in Edinburgh and have a first-class degree in English from the University of St Andrews. After gaining a Masters in Shakespeare Studies from Kings College London, I worked in various jobs, and lived in Spain for a short while, before settling in Edinburgh and beginning to write full time.

I’ve been awarded a Scottish Book Trust New Writers’ Award (2013), a Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship (2016) and a Creative Scotland Open Project Award (2017). My short stories have been shortlisted for the Costa Short Story Award (2014) and Manchester Fiction Prize (2016) and broadcast on BBC Radio 4 (2018). The Hourglass Factory was also longlisted for the Historical Writers Association Debut Crown (2015).

As a tutor and workshop leader, I’ve worked in schools, prisons and community groups. My particular area of interest is developing the confidence and skills of emerging readers and writers.

I also write contemporary thrillers under the name Elle Connel. Down by the Water, and You Can Stay are both published by Wildfire.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour

Categories
Blog Tours Book Features

BLOG TOUR FEATURE: Secrets of Malta by Cecily Blench

Published February 29th, 2024 by Zaffre
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Romance, Saga, War Story

Today I’m featuring Secrets of Malta by Cecily Blench. Thank you to Tracy at Compulsive Readers Tours for the invitation to take part.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Malta, 1943. The war in the air above Malta is over, but the battle for Europe is about to begin.

Margarita, a young singer in a Valletta nightclub, has seen her former lover Henry Dunn only once since breaking off their affair. His wife Vera, an enigmatic archaeologist, arrives at the club to tell her that Henry has disappeared, presumed dead. While investigating, Margarita stumbles upon the hunt for a notorious and dangerous spy: Nero.

As an unlikely bond develops between the two women, and strange secrets emerge, an urgent quest to unmask Nero starts – before he can enact a deadly plan that may threaten the course of the war.

‘An atmospheric tale of adventure and espionage’ Sunday Times of Malta

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Cecily Blench grew up in Herefordshire and studied at the University of York. She worked for an independent publisher before her debut novel The Long Journey Home was published in 2021. She now lives in Bristol and is a freelance writer and editor.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour.

Categories
book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: The Temple of Fortuna (The Wolf Den Trilogy Book 3) by Elodie Harper

Published November 9th, 2023 by Head of Zeus
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Romance, Ancient World History

Welcome to my review of The Temple of Fortuna, the final instalment in the mesmerising series, The Wolf Den Trilogy. Thank you to Head of Zeus for the proof copy of the book.

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SYNOPSIS:

The final instalment in Elodie Harper’s Sunday Times bestselling Wolf Den Trilogy

A courtesan in Rome. Playing for power. Haunted by her past. Her name is Amara. How will her fortunes fall?

Amara’s journey has taken her far, from a lowly slave in Pompeii’s brothel to a high-powered courtesan in Rome. She is now a freedwoman with wealth and influence, yet she is still drawn back to her past.

For while Amara is caught up in the political scheming of the Imperial palace, her daughter remains in Pompeii, raised by the only man she ever truly loved. Although she longs for her family, Amara knows they are safest while she is far away. Perhaps, with enough cunning and courage, she will manage to turn Fortuna’s wheel in their favour.

But the year is ad 79, and Mount Vesuvius is preparing to make itself known…

The Temple of Fortuna is the dramatic final instalment in Elodie Harper’s Sunday Times-bestselling Wolf Den trilogy, which reimagines the lives of women who have long been overlooked.

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MY REVIEW:

“Even the most powerful woman can be broken by love.”

The Temple of Fortuna was my most anticipated book this autumn, but picking it up felt bittersweet as it meant reaching the end of what has become one of my favourite series ever. But I needed to know how things concluded for Amara and if she or any of the others survived the catastrophic eruption.

Amara is now a high-powered courtesan living in Rome. It’s a far cry from her time as a slave at Pomepeii’s brothel alongside the other she-wolves. But her past continues to haunt her and secrets that could destroy everything she’s built still hover over her. Her heart also remains in Pompeii as her young daughter is still living there and being raised by Amara’s true love. She heads back for a visit, trying to find a solution that will free her from the shackles of her past and reunite her family for good, never suspecting that there is an even greater threat to their lives. It’s October 79, and Mount Versuvius is about to erupt…

“Then the light starts to fade, as if dusk is falling with supernatural speed. Amara looks up. Above the mountain, a black column has risedn is still rising, piercing the sky like a spear thrown from the kingdom of Vulcan, god of fire. Dark fingers spread out from its summit, reaching for the city of Pompeii… Amara realizes people are screaming.”

Once again, Elodie Harper has delivered a masterpiece. Lush, vibrant and alluring, The Temple of Fortuna is an extraordinary ending to a magnificent series. Intricately woven, gorgeously written and transportive, this gloriously rich tapestry of a novel brings ancient Rome to life in three-dimensional technicolour. As Mount Vesuvius rumbles in the background, slowly building to its violent destruction, Harper takes the reader on an emotional journey alongside the characters as they go about their ordinary lives in blissful oblivion of what is to come. Harper humansies the catastrophic destruction of an entire city, reminding us that those lost were people with lives, family, love, hopes and dreams, and brings to life the horror and fear experienced by those in Pompeii that fateful day; the terrible reality of fleeing for your life as the world turns dark and ash rains down on your city. 

The novel is meticulously researched with great attention paid to even the smallest of details and I loved how she wove historical fact with fiction to create a book that feels so real it was like I was walking in the characters’ footsteps. Having visited both Rome and Pompeii this past summer the story felt especially visceral to me. I could see things even more clearly and had imagined Amara on the cobbled streets when I visited the broken remains of Pompeii. I read the first ⅔ of the book in one sitting but as I arrived at the third part at 1am –  Vesuvius, 24th October 79AD – I had to put the book down until the next day. The anticipation had reached fever pitch, my heart racing as I wished I could reach into the book and rescue them all.

“All the layers of respectability that Amara has wrapped around herself with as much painstaking care as the folds of her expensive robes, fall away. She is back in the Wolf Den, enraged by any attempt to confine her.”

Amara is one of my favourite characters of all time. Despite the fact that she lived a life nothing like anything I’ll experience in a time so long ago, everything about her feels so relatable and I was rooting for her at every step of her journey. I love her feistiness and determination, and how she’s so rich with nuance. In this book we feel her anguish, heartache, longing and determination radiating from the pages as she wrestles with complex situations and emotions. Amara’s daughter, Rufina, was a joy to read and stole my heart completely, tugging on my heart strings one moment and making me laugh the next. She was a great addition to the cast and I also loved seeing this side of Amara and the complexities of all the emotions it stirred in her. Harper has created a rich and compelling cast of characters that you can really connect with and villains you will love to hate. There are some genuine friendships, beautiful love stories and terrible feuds, but will all have you hooked. Harper also explores sensitive subjects such as abusive relationships and the effects of trauma which made them feel even more relatable. There’s a feeling of sisterhood through survival that can be felt whoever you are and whenever you lived. When the volcano erupts I nervously awaited the fate of the characters I’d grown to love. Would any of them get out alive?

Atmospheric, moving, illuminating and unforgettable, The Temple of Fortuna is a masterpiece of historical fiction. I lived every moment while reading and am utterly bereft that this series is over. But it’s certainly ended on the highest of notes. This is one not to be missed.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

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Elodie Harper is a journalist and author whose bestselling Wolf Den trilogy has won wide acclaim. The first book The Wolf Den, won the Glass Bell Award and was shortlisted for Page turner of the year at the British Book Awards. The second in the series, The House with the Golden Door, was a Sunday Times top 10 bestseller.

The Wolf Den trilogy has sold into 20 territories worldwide and has been optioned for TV. The third and final instalment, The Temple of Fortuna, will be published in the UK and the US in November 2023. Elodie is currently a reporter at ITV News Anglia, and before that worked as a producer at Channel 4 News.

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BLOG TOUR: The Figurine by Victoria Hislop

Published September 28th, 2023 by Headline
Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Historical Romance

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for The Figurine, the enthralling new book from Victoria Hislop. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and to Headline for the copy of the book.

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SYNOPSIS:

In her irresistible new novel, Sunday Times No 1 bestselling author Victoria Hislop shines a light on the questionable acquisition of cultural treasures and the price people – and countries – will pay to cling on to them.

Of all the ancient art that captures the imagination, none is more appealing than the Cycladic figurine. An air of mystery swirls around these statuettes from the Bronze Age and they are highly sought after by collectors – and looters – alike.

When Helena inherits her grandparents’ apartment in Athens, she is overwhelmed with memories of the summers she spent there as a child, when Greece was under a brutal military dictatorship. Her remote, cruel grandfather was one of the regime’s generals and as she sifts through the dusty rooms, Helena discovers an array of valuable objects and antiquities. How did her grandfather amass such a trove? What human price was paid for them?

Helena’s desire to find answers about her heritage dovetails with a growing curiosity for archaeology, ignited by a summer spent with volunteers on a dig on an Aegean island. Their finds fuel her determination to protect the precious fragments recovered from the baked earth – and to understand the origins of her grandfather’s collection.

Helena’s attempt to make amends for some of her grandfather’s actions sees her wrestle with the meaning of ‘home’, both in relation to looted objects of antiquity … and herself.

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MY REVIEW:

“Beauty has always cast its spell, but down the ages has always driven some to crime.”

Smooth, comforting and utterly glorious, The Figurine is a rich tapestry of a novel. Part historical fiction, part love story, part criminal caper, and part wanderlust adventure, this is an absolute masterpiece. It has a bit of everything: love, lies, family, friendship, secrets, betrayal, greed, corruption, death, and vengeance. Plus some history, Greek mythology and nostalgia is thrown in there too. There’s no denying that at 528 pages this book is a chonker, and I’ll admit,I found it intimidating at first. But I needn’t have worried and flew through it quickly, every page holding my attention hostage as I was educated and enthralled by this epic tale.

“They say Greece was created by the gods. But it’s been ruled by devil’s for the past few years.””

When she is eight-years-old Helena goes to visit her grandparents in their Athens apartment for the first time. It is 1968 and Greece is still under a brutal dictatorship so it is a very different place than she is used to. While her grandmother, Eleni, is kind, Helena finds her grandfather, Stamatis, to be severe and cruel. He is also one of the regime’s generals, and over the course of multiple summer visits, Helena witnesses things her young mind doesn’t yet understand. As she gets older, Helena becomes increasingly inquisitive about her heritage, even spending time volunteering on archeological digs on small Greek islands to connect with her mother’s home country. 

But it is when Helena inherits her grandparents apartment years later that the truth about her family’s past will be revealed. While sorting through her grandparents’ possessions she makes a startling discovery that calls into question how her grandfather amassed the vast array of treasures in his home. Determined to do the right thing, she sets out to discover the true origins of these items and make amends for the sins her grandfather and others have committed. 

“Every object, whether it’s old, new, beautiful or even ugly, has a life. A starting point, a journey, a story. Whatever you want to call it. Some have places where they really belong, which is different from the location where they find themselves.”

This book was literary heaven from beginning to end. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by this author but it has reignited my love of her writing and reminded me why she is still one of my auto-buy authors. Victoria Hislop’s writing is beautiful and evocative, bringing the culture, history and landscape of Greece to life in vivid, meticulously researched detail. The stunning imagery made me feel like I could feel the sun beating down on my skin, see the Acropolis, and taste the bitter coffee. It made me want to immediately book a flight and experience it all for myself – if only my bank account would allow it – *sighs* 

“She found Stamatis Papagiannis quietly sinister, like a dormant volcano. If and when he was going to erupt was unknowable, but the threat felt constant.”

The book contains a cast of detailed and compelling characters that draw you into their lives and make you care about them. Our main character is Helena, and I enjoyed following her for so many years as she grew from little girl to young woman, watching as she faced familiar challenges and experiences such as going to university, falling in love, having your heart broken, and choosing the path you want to take in life. But Helena faces all of these alongside an extraordinary family history that made my heart break for her and her mother. It was a reminder that people who do terrible things have ordinary families who are also affected by their behaviour in many ways. But there were also some really beautiful observations and moments about family relationships in the story. Helena’s parents were great characters and I loved their relationship with Helena. The family trip to Greece was my favourite part of the book and I could have read twice as much of these three together. I also loved Dina, her grandparents’ maid, and the sweet bond she formed with Helena during her summers in Greece. On the opposite end of the spectrum there were some truly vile and evil villains such as Stamis and Arsenis, who turned my stomach every time they were on the page. And then there’s Nick. I couldn’t stand that slimy dirtbag and wanted to shout at Helena to run away from him as she ignored every single red flag he was sending. 

One of the things I love most about reading historical fiction is learning while I read, and I learned a lot while reading this book. I will readily admit that while Greece has long been a country I’m fascinated by and long to visit, I knew nothing about its post-war struggles, civil war and the brutal regime that its people were forced to live under for many years. And while I’d seen Cycladic figurines, I knew very little about them or the illegal trade of priceless artefacts. It is also here that Ms. Hislop’s extensive research shines through, expertly weaving historical fact with fiction to create a truly remarkable story. I was so mesmerised by the topics explored in this book that I’ve been going down rabbit holes googling Greek history, and its ancient artefacts. And after reading small fragments of Medea’s myth, I am bumping up the novel I have about her up my TBR. 

Ambitious, emotional, and utterly gorgeous, The Figurine is a story you won’t be able to put down once you start reading. A must for the TBR of any historical fiction lover.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Victoria Hislop is the international bestselling author of The Island and The Return. In the United Kingdom, she writes travel features for The Sunday Telegraph, The Mail on Sunday, House & Garden, and Woman & Home. The Island sold over a million copies in the UK and has been translated into 24 languages. Victoria’s second novel, The Return, has been published in more than a dozen languages. She lives in Kent, with her husband Ian and their two children.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstone* | Bookshop.org* | Amazon*

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Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour.

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BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara

Published May 25th, 2023 by Orion
Mythology, Fantasy Fiction, Greek Mythology, Fairy Tales, Hiistorical Romance, Ancient History, Literary Fiction

Today I’m finally sharing my full review for Psyche and Eros. Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part and to Orion for the copy of the book.

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SYNOPSIS:

‘A riotous adventure, populated by a cast of vivid, glittering characters. An absolute joy!’ JENNIFER SAINT

‘A fabulously entertaining retelling, full of magic, humour and heart’ ELODIE HARPER

A stunning, exciting and hotly-anticipated feminist retelling of one of the greatest love stories in Greek mythology!

The greatest love story ever told…

Born into an era of heroes, a prophecy claims that Psyche – Princess of Mycenae – will defeat a monster feared even by the gods themselves. Rebelling against society’s traditions, she spends her youth mastering blade and bow, preparing to fulfil her destiny.

But she is soon caught up in powers beyond her control, when the jealous Aphrodite sends the God of Desire, Eros, to deliver a fatal love-curse. The last thing Eros wants is to become involved in the chaos of the mortal world, but when he is pricked by the very arrow intended for Psyche, he is doomed to love a woman who will be torn from him the moment their eyes meet.

Thrown together by fate, headstrong Psyche and world-weary Eros will face challenges greater than they could have ever imagined. And as the Trojan War begins and the whole of the heavens try to keep them apart, will they find their way back to each other… before it’s too late?

Luna McNamara’s exquisitely written debut will appeal to fans of Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint and Susan Stokes-Chapman.

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MY REVIEW:

“There is something powerful in this, I think. We were not in thrall to destiny or fate, but merely the weight of our own choices. When we turned towards each other like flowers facing the sun, we were not fulfilling some prophecy or old story. We were writing our own.”

Alluring, evocative and exhilarating, Psyche and Eros is a feisty feminist retelling of one of Greek Mythology’s greatest love stories. Psyche – Princess of Mycenae – is prophesied to slay a monster even the gods fear. She rebels societal traditions to train as a warrior in preparation for fulfilling her destiny. Eros – God of Desire – is sent by Aphrodite to deliver a fatal love-curse to Psyche in an act of revenge. But when he is pricked by the arrow meant for her, he falls madly in love. Cursed to be torn from each other should their eyes ever meet, their love seems doomed from the start. Can they   overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their way to find a happy ending together?

As a fan of Greek mythology retellings and a sucker for a gorgeous cover, I was excited to read this one. I went into this one blind and was unfamiliar with Psyche and Eros’ story. But I was soon transfixed as debut author Luna McNamara’s gorgeous storytelling transported me across the ocean and back in time to their world. These vividly drawn, star-crossed lovers are fascinating characters, and by telling the story from both perspectives, McNamara allows us to really get inside the hearts and minds of both characters as well as allowing us to see the broader picture, rather than a skewed, one-sided version of the tale. Psyche is  fiery, gutsy, headstrong and determined while Eros is disenchanted, jaded and often seems melancholy, especially before meeting Psyche. I felt for Eros as he grappled with how he could be with her without the curse taking hold but I had even more empathy for this girl who was taken away from all she knew without warning. The tension escalated as they became closer and I was on tenterhooks as I waited to discover if they could overcome the obstacles in their path.

“I had long noticed that the stories of heroes were mainly about men, Atalanta being one of the rare exceptions. Women when they had roles to play at all, appeared only as mothers or lovers or sometimes monsters.”

McNamara also explores how women were second class citizens and the lack of agency they had at this time. Not only were girls not educated or trained to be heroes like their boys were, but they were viewed as best silent and only useful for sex, bearing children, and cleaning. Psyche recognises this as an obstacle in fulfilling the prophecy and is also concerned that she will soon be expected to become a meek and obedient wife to a stranger rather than the hero she dreams of becoming. I am loving the current trend of feminist retellings of mythology as it is finally giving these women their time to shine and ensuring their place in legend just like their male counterparts.

Intoxicating, fierce, and enthralling, Psyche and Eros is a sensational debut and must-have addition for your Greek Mythology shelf. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:


Luna McNamara is a social worker by day, and by night she writes about historical women and forgotten gods.

Luna holds a master’s degree from Harvard University in the study of women and gender in world religions; she has also studied ancient Greek language and philosophy. She lives in Boston with her faithful lop rabbit, Leo. 

Her first novel, Psyche & Eros, will be released May 25th 2023 by Orion Books in the UK, and June 13th 2023 by HarperCollins in the US.

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BUY THE BOOK:

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BLOG TOUR: The Black Crescent by Jane Johnson

Published August 3rd, 2023 by Head of Zeus
Historical Fiction, Historical Thriller, Historical Romance

Today I’m delighted to be finishing off the blog tour for The Black Crescent. Thank you to Sophie at Sophie Ransom PR for the invitation to take part, and to Sophie Ransom PR and Head of Zeus for the gifted ARC.

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SYNOPSIS:

Bringing 1950s Morocco vividly to life, Jane Johnson’s masterful new novel, The Black Crescent, is a gripping story of murder, magic and divided loyalties…

Hamou Badi is born in a mountain village with the magical signs of the zouhry on his hands. In Morocco, the zouhry is a figure of legend, a child of both humans and djinns, capable of finding all manner of treasure: lost objects, hidden water.

But instead, Hamou finds a body.

This unsolved murder instils in Hamou a deep desire for order and justice: he trains as an officer of the law, working for the French in Casablanca. But the city is trapped in the turmoil of the nationalist uprising, and soon he will be forced to choose between all he knows and all he loves…

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MY REVIEW:

“You know, Hamou, you stand with a foot in two worlds that are moving further apart by the day. Sooner or later you’ll have to come down on one side or the other or you’ll find yourself falling between them.”

When he is eleven-years-old, Hamou Badi discovers a corpse while on  his way home from collecting milk. The unsolved murder changes how Hamou sees the world and alters his life forever. Determined to help make a difference in his country, Hamou trains as a police officer, only to find himself caught up in the political unrest sweeping Morocco as its people fight the French for independence. As things spiral further out of control, Hamou is forced to choose a side in a war he doesn’t want to fight.

Murder, magic and political turmoil are at the heart of this compelling piece of historical fiction. Jane Johnson expertly combines history, religion, social issues, complex moral dilemmas, mystery, suspense, and folklore to create an intricately woven tale set during the French occupation of Morocco. I knew nothing about this piece of history, but Johnson’s meticulous attention to historical, cultural and religious detail, combined with her evocative writing, brought it to life so vividly that I could feel the blazing sun on my skin, smell the spices, and hear the bells ringing for prayer. 

“He had known, deep down, that this was what went on here, hidden in the bowels of the chic, modern building with the pots of jasmine at the entrance, amid the smart uniforms and the smothering layers of bureaucracy, all the rules and regulations and pretence at carrying on civilised governance, by the book, according to the training manual, in the correct fashion. It was all a facade, a smokescreen. A smart suit on a rotting corpse. 

And he – Hamou Badi – was paid to be part of this pretence. “

There are some dark, gritty, and quite brutal scenes that take place, particularly as dissident group the Black Crescent takes increasingly violent action to try and win back their country. There is a sense of unease and of tensions that are about to reach boiling point that lingers over every page. But Johnson balances that heaviness with humour, romance, Moroccan legends, and the gentle nature of Hamou himself. Hamou is a wonderful character that I absolutely loved reading. He is someone who is motivated by wanting to do good and change things for the better that finds himself in an impossible situation. Will he choose loyalty to his family and his country or his job as a police officer? The author really puts Hamou through it, giving him many difficult decisions to make that really test his moral compass and loyalty before she finally brings it all to a head in a shocking scene that I know will stay with me. What does he choose? You’ll have to read to find out. 

Gripping, clever, complex and beautiful, this is a story that will make you despair of humanity and then restore your hope. It will tug at your heart strings and then tie them back together. Highly recommended. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Jane Johnson is from Cornwall and has worked in the book industry for 30 years as a bookseller, publisher and writer.

For many years she was responsible for publishing the works of JRR Tolkien, and later worked on Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, spending many months in New Zealand with cast and crew (she wrote the official visual companions to the films). The authors she publishes include George RR Martin (creator of A Game of Thrones), Dean Koontz, Robin Hobb, Stuart MacBride, Mark Lawrence, Raymond E Feist and SK Tremayne.

While she was in Morocco in 2005 to research The Tenth Gift she met her soon-to-be husband Abdellatif, a Berber tribesman from a village in the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Returning home, she gave up her office job in London, sold her flat and shipped the contents to Morocco and they were married later that year. They now split their time between Cornwall and Morocco, and Jane still works remotely as a Fiction Publishing Director for HarperCollins.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Waterstones* | Amazon* | Bookshop.org*

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Thanks for reading Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the reveiws from the other bloggers taking part in the tour.

*All purchase links are affiliate links