THE BOOK Two great medieval dynasties come together. Le Veque’s De Wolfe Pack and Markland’s Montbryce~FitzRam family. The world will never be the same. A READER'S OPINION Romantic Contemporary with a touch of Medieval! Hungry Like de Wolfe , written by Anna Markland, is an excellent short novella to devour in an afternoon. It's a real page turner! Beware, because you won't be able to put it down. Anna Markland has done her magic again! I loved her two characters, Blaise Emery Quentin de Wolfe and Anne Smith. This novella starts as Anne, a young widow and professional Genealogical researcher, is asked to do a research on the de Wolfe heritage. Blaise needs confirmation of his de Wolfe ancestral roots in order to keep De Wolfe Hall, where he resides. Let's say that both have lost loved ones and wish to stay independent. However, as they start sharing memories and secrets, a beautiful friendship starts to bloom! As they spend more time researching about the Montbryce and de Wolfe ancestral roots, trust will come back and love will be in the air! Hungry Like de Wolfe is the beautiful short contemporary story of a knight and his lady! Anna Markland is an excellent storyteller, she never disappoints me! ​ Format Read: E-Book Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewer's Rating: 5 Stars | Content Rating: 4 1/2 Stars | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure Available 9/6/2016 | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM #AReadersOpinion #MedievalRomance

Please welcome author Constance Bretes who joins us as part of our Montana Author Month. Montana fiction written by authors who have lived in or spent a significant amount of time in the state. Constance answers the question . . . What is my most memorable Montana moment? My husband and I recently moved to Montana last year after I retired from my day job. Prior to moving here, we spent three weeks every summer here visiting this beautiful state of Montana. One of our favorite places to visit when we came here is Tizer Gardens, located in Jefferson. It is like a mini oasis with a beautiful creek that flows throughout the area, and beautiful flowers in bloom all summer long dotting the creek. If you have never been to Tizer Gardens, I suggest you add this place to your ‘places to visit’ list. Several years ago, we were on a mission and came out to Montana to finalize a deal for some property that we brought. My husband and I decided to stop to visit. As we entered the garden, off to the right, we came upon the creek, with flowers all around it, and it had a little wooden bench, next to the creek. I decided to sit down on the wooden bench and just enjoy the scenery and meditate a bit. As I was attempting to sit down on the bench, my foot slipped straight down on the wood chips, and I went head first into the creek. My husband, in an attempt to keep me from falling into the creek, grabbed my shirt, and the force of gravity brought him into the creek on top of me. We checked and made sure that we didn’t have any broken bones or external injuries, then got up. By this time, we were both soaked. We surveyed the area and could see no easy way to get out of the creek and onto the embankment. So, I said I’d try to climb the embankment where we took the nosedive and see if I could get up and out of the water. I was having difficulty trying to find something to grab to pull myself up and the wood chips were not helping any. My husband decided to get behind me and give me a push. After I finally got on the embankment, I turned around and got up, and was covered with wood chips from head to toe. We left immediately and headed back to the motel, where I picked off the wood chips and took off my clothes and took a shower. We didn’t go back there after that, until the next year when we came out to visit. The picture of the creek is where we had our misfortune. The second picture is one of many sceneries you would see at Tizer Gardens. Visit the author at http://constancebretes.com . THE LAST DIG Bones, Body and a Love Rekindled Paleontologist Caroline Priest is shocked when she finds a dead body at her dig site. When she calls it in to the sheriff's department, her former boyfriend, Rand Callahan, comes out to investigate. The evidence quickly starts to point to Caroline being the killer, and Rand has no choice but to arrest her. It's clear to Caroline that she's been set up, but by who and for what reason? While Caroline is out on bail, Rand rekindles his relationship with her as they try to solve the mystery before it's too late. Find the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble . BOOK OF LOVE A librarian, a mechanic, and a psychotic ex. What could go wrong? When her marriage came to a devastating end, Janice Meyers moved to Montana to try to escape her past and get a fresh start. She's sworn off men, but she didn't anticipate meeting Chris. After the death of his wife, Chris Jamisen focused all his time and energy on running his auto repair shop and raising his children. He's not looking for love, and when he first meets Janice, the town's new librarian, he never imagines they might embark on a relationship. Sure, he'll admit he finds the smart, sexy blonde attractive, but the frustrating woman expects miracles from him. Her vehicle is practically beyond repair, but she insists he has to keep it running. As Chris gets to know Janice, he begins to develop feelings for her, but he's reluctant to pursue a relationship. He's Native American, and he worries about the complications of a biracial relationship. He's experienced prejudice first hand, so he knows how difficult it can be. When Janice's ex-husband shows up seeking revenge, things could reach a horrible end. Will Chris save Janice in time? And will he and Janice be able to set aside their painful pasts and give their relationship a chance? Find the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble . DELAYED JUSTICE Can two former lovers set aside their differences and work together to bring a criminal to justice? Five years ago, Sami Parker's life was changed forever when she was injured in a bombing incident which left another young woman dead—a woman who happened to be the fiancée of Sheriff Makeeta Robertson, Sami's former lover. Initially, Sami was a suspect in the crime, but the sheriff was forced to release her due to a lack of evidence. The town, convinced that she got away with murder, turned against her. At last an arrest has been made and the sheriff needs Sami's help to get a conviction, but can she trust him? Although wary and cautious, she wants to see this man brought to justice and wants to clear her own name once and for all. But the awakening feelings she has for Makeeta bring yet another problem. Then there's the secret she's kept for the last five years—one she may not be able to keep any longer, and one that may change the outcome of the trial. Find the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble . #MontanaAuthor #GuestAuthor

Vikings evoke images of strong men who allow nothing to stand in their way. They're not normally associated with tender feelings. Wildflowers conjure more personal and sentimental images. In BANISHED, a handful of bluebells picked from a meadow by childhood sweethearts becomes a symbol and eventually an acknowledgement of a love long denied. Audra longs to leave behind the life of an elite mercenary, a role forced on her after her father’s banishment from the Viking brotherhood. A journey from exile to the court of King Canute offers a new life, though she fears few men will want her once her history is known. The bloody feud that precipitated her father’s banishment resurfaces when she is unexpectedly reunited with a childhood sweetheart. Sigmar has always held her heart, but he is the son of her father’s enemy. Sigmar’s hopes for advancement in Canute’s service will be dashed if he obeys the dictates of family honor. Can Audra and Sigmar lay the hatreds of the past to rest, or will the Viking code of vengeance triumph? This novella first appeared in the anthology SIRENS OF THE NORTHERN SEAS. A READER'S OPINION Another great Viking adventure! BANISHED by Anna Markland, is the tale of a simple handful of Bluebells picked by Audra, the heroine and Sygmar, the hero, who both need to forget their pasts in order to move on with their lives. This short novella appeared in the anthology SIRENS OF THE NORTHERN SEAS. It's a beautiful Viking story filled with hope, passion and adventure. Who doesn't love Medieval romances? Banished is Audra and Sigmar's journey, which is filled with twists and turns! Audra only wants to forget her dark past as a mercenary and start a fresh new life. But she fears that men won't accept her with her secret past! Enters back in her life a long time sweetheart, Sigmar, the enemy's son. Their relationship is complicated, and almost impossible because both their families are feuding. Can Laura and Sigmar's love for each other bring back peace and harmony to these Viking families? Will destiny reunite these two beautiful souls? Anna Markland is an excellent storyteller and a talented writer of historical romances. This novella is action packed, very well written and documented with historical details that make this story simply fascinating to read. Lovers of Viking romances will love this short but captivating novella! ​​ Format Read: E-Book Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewer's Rating: 5 Stars | Content Rating: 5 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance

THE BOOK An unorthodox woman with a restless spirit… In her youth, Evarette D’Auvrecher was nicknamed the “restless fire” child. Now a woman grown, she retains that fiery nature. Many men seek her hand in marriage. They want her beauty, generous dower and an alliance with her influential family. They expect from her a meek spirit and implicit obedience - the hallmarks of a proper noblewoman - but she hungers for a man who desires her for herself. Meets a warrior with a sense of inadequacy - and a slightly misplaced sense of humor. Sir Javain d’Olgeanc is a powerful knight whose strength lies in battle strategy and the leadership of warriors. Then his father falls ill and he is called home to care for and protect hearth, home - and heaven forbid, helpless, defenseless innocents - a task for which he has little training. To make matters worse, he must manage this feat while falling in love with an unconventional beauty and staying one step ahead of a murderer. Fate brings them together. Sensual attraction binds them. But they might well kill each other before love can claim them. A READER'S OPINION Enjoyable Read! This is the first time that I read a book written by Màiri Norris ! The Trouble with Roses is a short novel filled with intrigue, adventure and romance. I liked the characters Evarette and Javain. The plot is well developed and filled twists & turns, treachery and betrayal. The Trouble with Roses is the third story in the Ballads of the Roses series. Since I love historical romances with a touch of Medieval, I decided to give this author a chance to discover her style of writing. This author has a very descriptive way with details, which makes this tale more fascinating. Evarette is a feisty woman in search of a man who will desire her for herself and soon, Javain, warrior knight, enters her life. Will destiny reunite these two against all odds? Just follow their journey! Reviewer's Rating: 4 Stars | Content Rating: 3 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance

Please welcome author Christi Corbett who joins us as part of our Montana Author Month. Montana fiction written by authors who have lived in or spent a significant amount of time in the state. Christi answers the question . . . What do you love most about the time you’ve spent in Montana? My husband and I and our twins lived in Great Falls, Montana. It's an amazing city. There were so many things to do with our twins—we especially loved the Charles Russell museum, specifically seeing his actual painting studio—as well as even more areas to explore once we left the city limits. Montana is a huge state filled with things to do and see, and during our time there we managed to show our twins a lot! Our favorite experience was visiting the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park in Ulm and then driving by the field filled with prairie dogs as far as the eye could see. We made some great family memories at that park! I've included a photo from one of our visits to the buffalo jump. I took this picture as I followed my husband (on the right), his brother, and our twins as we all walked along the jump's ridgeline. Our twins are between them, enjoying the sights and sounds of the day. I enjoyed living in Great Falls so much that I set my third book, A Mountain Man's Redemption , in and around the city. The above image is from the author of her family at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. Visit the author at https://christicorbett.wordpress.com . A MOUNTAIN MAN'S REDEMPTION by Award-Winning Author Christi Corbett Eighteen years ago, Philip Grant—overcome with regret for what he couldn’t foresee and memories of what he couldn’t prevent—abandoned all to live the solitary life of a fur trapper. Years spent roaming ridgelines and riverbanks in Montana Territory left his body weary and his confidence weak, so he decides to turn in his last bundle of furs and await the inevitable in a cabin. Alone. Then a body-shaped lump wrapped in a quilt changes everything. Philip discovers a battered woman and her infant son, on the run from a ruthless abuser with a penchant for whiskey. Seventy miles of snow-covered mountain peaks and windswept flatlands stand between them and safety—the woman’s aunt’s house. Can Philip trust in his newfound faith to lead the way? Fin A Mountain Man's Redemption on Amazon . #GuestAuthor #MontanaAuthor

Please join us in welcoming historical romance author Kara Griffin to Books & Benches for a 5 Question Q&A. “WOW! Fast paced, well written with well-developed, strong-willed, engaging and dangerous characters.” —Amazon Customer 5 QUESTIONS FOR KARA GRIFFIN In 250 words or less, what can you tell us about your newest release? My latest book release, Conquered Heart, tells the story of a Highlander sent in service to Robert the Bruce. Graeme’s life hasn’t always been easy, but then he meets Kerrigan who affects his heart and brings about a sense of peace to him. Together they must abide by the promises they’ve made, but in a perilous time, it is not so easy. Woes abound and their love is tested by events that force them to concede to their hearts. What story are you working on next, and what inspired it? I’m working on book 2 of the Legend of the King’s Guard series. This is Liam and Makenna’s story. It’s a darker story than the first book and full of heart-wrenching events. Makenna must get through to Liam’s Unbreakable Heart or lose him forever. Do you consider your books plot-driven or character-driven? Is that how you naturally write, or do is there a purpose for what you chose? My books are definitely character-driven. When I visualize the story, it’s always the characters who speak their will to me. I usually write a sentence or two for each chapter and then write from the cuff. Sometimes it’s not easy because the characters can be uninspiring. What type of hero do you like best? I adore heroes who are tough, but sentimental, yet aren’t afraid to give their heart. The warriors I write are often war-wearied men who are affected by uncontrolled events. I cannot help but give them a partner who will help and gives/shows them how to love. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far? Patience. Which is extremely rough for me. I’m very impatient and want success, much like many authors out there. I write because of the joy, primarily, but I would love to have success as an author. So each day, I take a deep breath, cross my fingers, and go forth. THE AUTHOR Kara Griffin is the author of the highly acclaimed Pith Trilogy and The Gunn Guardsman series. Both series has received tremendous praise from reviewers and readers. She has been writing for over 17 years, publishing over 15 novels, and has a true passion for writing historical stories filled with love, friendship, and honor. She's been married for over 27 years and has raised 3 daughters, who are on their own paths to love. Her first grandchild arrived early this summer, a wee hero who is the joy of her life. Family is extremely important to her. Visit the author's website . FEATURED BOOK Conquered Heart "Kara Griffin has done a superb job researching the Scottish time period and has a way of bringing you instantly right into the story." — Amazon Customer In protecting the King of Scotland, Graeme Cameron will do whatever it takes to ensure Robert the Bruce’s safety. He and his comrades become the victim of circumstance and are now exiled. As they hide, they realize others are worse off than they and hire themselves out as mercenaries. Kerrigan Campbell is desperate to find her laird and protector’s son. Then she hears of the legendary king’s guard and seeks them out. She runs across their leader in the midst of a battle, but he’s not what she expects. When she and Graeme find an abandoned bairn, he bids her to help him locate its mother and in return he’ll recapture her laird’s son. Graeme has many a challenge before him – how to keep he and his friends from being executed for doing their duty, aiding the sweet lass in recovering her charge, finding the bairn’s mother, helping their king defeat England’s army, and gaining a pardon for their involvement in the king’s misdoings. There’s one challenge that thwarts him and that’s Kerrigan. She’s conquered his heart and more . . . ​ Date Published: August 6, 2016 Series: Legend of the King's Guard series, book 1 #AuthorInterview

From the author of The Poland Trilogy and winner of a gold medal awarded by The American Institute of Polish Culture, James Conroyd Martin delivers an "alternately romantic and brutal love story" set in 1683 and seeped in European history. THE BOOK On the eve of September 11, 1683, a massive Muslim Ottoman horde was besieging the gates of the imperial city of Vienna and had been doing so since the previous July. Now, however, they were just hours from capturing this capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The Turks’ intent was to bring Islam to all of Europe, and this city was seen by East and West alike as the gateway. With the window of time closing for Vienna, the walls were about to be breached on September 12 when the vastly outnumbered Christian coalition, led by Polish King Jan III Sobieski and his famous winged hussars, descended Kahlenberg Mountain to engage the Turks in an attempt to lift the siege. As crucial and consequential as the 1066 Battle of Hastings, the ensuing battle changed the course of European history. (Was it the first 9/11? Some people believe that the date for the September 11th attack in 2001 was chosen to symbolically resume the effort that began in 1683.) Aleksy, a dark-complected Tatar raised by a Polish peasant family, holds in his heart the wish is to become a Polish hussar, a lancer who carries into battle a device attached to his back that holds dozens of eagle feathers. As a Tatar and as a peasant, this is an unlikely quest. When he meets Krystyna, the daughter of the noble who owns the land that his parents work, he falls hopelessly in love. But even though she returns his love, race and class differences make this quest as impossible as that of becoming a hussar. Under the most harrowing and unlikely circumstances, one day Aleksy must choose between his dreams. Publication Date: September 1, 2016 Paperback; 358 Pages ISBN13: 9780997894509 Genre: Historical Fiction BUY AT AMAZON | ADD TO GOODREADS Praise for The Boy Who Wanted Wings “A poor archer in medieval Poland takes aim at the love of his life in this epic novel from Martin. The anxious Aleksy Gazdecki, a young farmhand, embodies the ethnic and political tensions of Europe during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. The believability of this novel, which is sprinkled with period-specific details, is never in question. Martin sets the stage so tidily that the plight of Aleksy and Krystyna, who desire to move beyond the social classes that keep them apart, transcends the historical moment. Sprawling but never slow, the plot moves naturally from battle to intimacy and back again. A gripping, transporting story of self-determination set against fate.” ~ Kirkus Reviews “Amidst class and religious warfare, this alternately romantic and brutal love story is also a reminder that the struggle between Christianity and Islam is a great deal older than 2001. Culminating in the re-creation of the Siege of Vienna in 1683, where monstrous killing was perpetrated in the name of God and power, this is a meticulously researched and convincingly written tale of love’s triumph that will surprise historical fiction readers with its little known historical backdrop. In an ethnically diverse Poland that is now long gone, the main characters struggle with loyalties to family, race, and country as they come to understand that no fear or evil is unchangeable.” ~Leonard Kniffel, Past Editor in Chief of American Libraries Director, Polish American Librarians Association ABOUT THE AUTHOR James Conroyd Martin is the award-winning author of The Poland Trilogy ( Push Not the River, Against a Crimson Sky , & The Warsaw Conspiracy ), a saga inspired by the diary of a countess in 1790s Poland. Hologram: A Haunting was inspired by a house he lived in in Hammond, Indiana. He currently resides in Portland, Oregon. For more information please visit James Conroyd Martin’s website . You can also connect with him on Facebook , Twitter , and Goodreads . This release day blast is hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours . #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #GuestAuthor

Believing he is cursed, Tristram, Lord Trevena, the Earl of Longstone, agrees to do just one favor for a friend, to dance with the man’s sister, but the beautiful and headstrong Isabel Albryght will settle for no less than claiming his lonely heart. A PROPHECY FORETOLD Raised by her doting older brother, Isabel Albryght grew up cosseted and protected. She enjoyed her life in the country, her books and her freedom. Then Weston married. Within months Isabel's best friend married. It seemed it was time for Isabel to marry, too, except, socially awkward and a bit too keen for most of the ton, she proceeded to have the most horrible season on record…until she was approached by Tristram, the Earl of Longstone. Two dances. That was all Tristram could offer anyone when considering his family curse, which had taken all he loved in the last ten years, so his promise to the beautiful Miss Albryght’s brother was simply that. The ton would soon see she was a desirable partner, her awkwardness would fade and other young swains would beat feet to her doorstep. But then he held her in his arms, and the delightful Isabel became his beating heart. Headstrong and full of passion, she believed she might waltz them away from Death. She alone could tempt him to try. A READER'S OPINION Tristram, Lord Traverna is the Earl of Longstone, and the last living member of his family. A curse and a waltz has Tristram cursing the fates. Believing that anyone he loves will come to a tragic death has him running away from what could be the love of his life. Lady Isabel Albright is beautiful, kind-hearted, and loves the country and her books. She longs for love and family—the kind her brother and her best friends have found. Accepting a wager with her brother, Weston, that if she loses, she has a season. Wager lost, she has to endure the ton. Poor Isabel is socially awkward and nervous, not one of the ton's darlings, and she suffers through humiliating events. Her brother, being the overprotective type, asks his best friend Lord Traverna to help. Only two dances should help and maybe change her luck. Lord Traverna is a lost man . . . that's all it took to loose his heart! Can he walk away from the woman of his dreams? Will Isabel let the only man that makes her heart come alive like the best book in the world? Can true love break the bonds of the curse? Alanna Lucas pulls the heartstrings in this love story! Truly an enjoyable read. This is what true romance is—falling in love with love! Reviewer's Rating: 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating: 2 Hearts | Reviewed by: Maria Rose Dariotis #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRoma

THE BOOK In a town ruled by sin, will he earn her love or her lies? Dodge City, Kansas – 1877 A READER'S OPINION A fun western romance! Between Love and Lies is a beautiful tale written by Jacqui Nelson, and set in Dodge, Kansas in 1876-1877. This story is a fun read filled with suspense and packed with action—a real Old West adventure. The heroine is a survivor and a brave young woman for that period of time. This tale tells the story of Sadie Sullivan and Noah Ballantyne during the days of Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. On May 1st, 1876, Sadie's whole world came crumbling down when Noah's herd of longhorns destroyed her home. She is devastated of losing her independence but still has the will to survive! Now a year later, living in Dodge, this man re-appears in her life, but what will happen? He feels so responsible, and only wishes to help and protect her. Let's say that Dodge city is a wild place for a young woman like Sadie, where anything can happen. When Noah discovers where Sadie works, he'll feel even more responsible. Will Sadie forgive him? There is beautiful chemistry between Noah and Sadie. Will they get the chance to know each other better? Can they find love in a sin city like Dodge? Jacqui Nelson is a very descriptive author. Lovers of western romances are in for a treat with Between Love and Lies ! If you loved it, don’t forget to watch for Between Home and Heartbreak ! Reviewer's Rating: 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating: 4 1/2 Stars | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS In a town ruled by sin, will he earn her love or her lies? Dodge City, Kansas – 1877 Sadie Sullivan lost everything when a herd of longhorn cattle bound for Dodge City trampled and destroyed her farm. Now she works in Dodge—one of the most wicked and lawless towns in the West—at the Northern Star saloon. But her survival in this new world of sin and violence depends on maintaining a lie so deadly it could end her life before the town of Dodge can. The one man capable of unraveling all of Sadie's secrets is Noah Ballantyne, the Texan rancher whose herd destroyed her home. Back in town and taking up the role of deputy alongside legendary lawman Bat Masterson, Noah vows he won't leave until he's made things right. But with the saloon’s madam unwilling to release Sadie and a rich cattle baron wanting her as well, the odds aren’t in favor of finding love…or leaving town alive. #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalWesternRomance

From Mary Frances Fisher comes her debut novel, Paradox Forged in Blood , a book based on true events and stories passed down from the author’s family. Comments Mary Frances, “Writing Paradox Forged in Blood was cathartic for me following the death of my mother—a wonderfully compassionate and caring woman who possessed the soul and spirit of a true Irish lass. It enabled me to cast her in a wonderful murder mystery at a time when the world was reeling from the Great Depression before being thrust into World War II. In spite of a world gone seemingly mad, she discovers that love, family, and a sense of humor brought much-needed sanity to an otherwise chaotic time.” A murder on Millionaire's Row. A killer's chilling words, "Shh. I know where you live." A woman tormented by her guilt-ridden past. A historical murder mystery, Paradox Forged in Blood is set in Cleveland, Ohio, during the late 1930s. Four decades after the murder of socialite Louis Sheridan, the cold case is resurrected with receipt of new evidence that transports detectives back to Nazi Germany. The only living witness, Ellen O'Malley, must confront a haunting secret and her complicit actions. Print Length: 377 pages Publication Date: August 24, 2016 Excerpt from Paradox Forged in Blood [On June 7, 1986], Ellen O’Malley Szabo thought to herself, for perhaps the hundredth time today, why couldn’t the past stay where it belonged? … Ellen knew her well-kept secret of more than 40 years would soon come to light and, with it, her complicit actions leading to murder . . . The Cleveland NorthShore Post ___________________________________________________ Saturday June 7, 1986 60¢ ___________________________________________________ Cold Case Unit Reopens 1939 Murder of Cleveland Socialite with Receipt of Missing Evidence Cleveland, Ohio.—Forty-seven years ago on December 23, 1939, socialites Louis and Marianne Sheridan attended a party leaving three people at home: Alice Webber, the housekeeper; Bridget, the Sheridan’s seven-month-old daughter; and Ellen O’Malley, the nanny. A neighbor [on Millionaire’s Row] heard a loud scream about 9 p.m. and called the police. Cleveland detectives Frank Szabo and Kevin Collins found the Sheridans’ front door open and two bodies lying in a heap just inside the foyer. Although Marianne was alive, her husband had sustained a fatal gunshot wound . . . Two days ago, Cleveland police received a package wrapped in the 1939 newspaper account of the murder. The anonymous submission contained a small handgun covered with a dried substance (believed to be blood), a black mask, and a sheet of paper with the cryptic hand-written message Forgive Me . . . READ MORE >>> Meet the Author Mary Frances Fisher, a lifelong resident of Cleveland OH, has spent the majority of her career as a legal nurse consultant and signed with Taxi Modeling and Talent Agency as a commercial print model in 2012. With Germaine Moody and writer contributions from over 100 countries, she co-authored her first published work in 2013, 50 Seeds of Greatness (www.50seedsofgreatness.com). Her additional writing experiences include several short stories published by Transcendent Publishing: "Earning My Wings" in Touched by an Angel: A Collection of Divinely Inspired Stories and Poems, October 2013; "Mercy's Legacy" in Best of Spiritual Writers Network 2013, December 2013; "Be Careful What You Wish For" in The Best of Spiritual Writers Network 2014, January 2015; and "The Gift" in Finding Our Wings: A Collection of Angelic Stories and Poems, March 2016. She has written a screenplay based on "Mercy's Legacy" and is working on a Paradox Forged in Blood companion novel, Growing Up O’Malley. Mary Frances lives in a suburb of Cleveland with her family. Connect with the author at www.maryfrancesfisher.com . #NewReleasePost #HistoricalFiction #GuestAuthor

THE BOOK The Regent's Revenge, Book Two A READER'S OPINION A romantic adventure on the high seas . . . Lady Chloe Walsingham and the Earl of Markwick have no idea what kind of trouble and adventures they're about to face! Katherine Bone has a nice and easy-to-read writing style, and it's clear she enjoyed writing this story. Basil Halford is a dashing hero with an interesting past. I didn't think Lady Chloe was worthy of him as I found her a bit fainthearted for someone like Basil, but their love was not to be denied and the romance is tender and evident. The many emphasized words in unnecessary italics were distracting, but I liked the balance of dialogue and description throughout the story. I do wish I read the first book because I felt like I'd come in the middle of a story. The author did a nice job of summing things up in the beginning though it read more like a prologue. The author provides great adventure from start to finish for readers who enjoy a pirate tale with a nice dash of romance. Reviewer's Rating: 3 1/2 Stars | Content Rating: 3 Hearts | Reviewed by: Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Lady Chloe Walsingham is an enthusiastic gothic romance reader and hopeless romantic focused solely on finding her perfect hero. She also happens to have a penchant for getting into trouble. So when the man she loves disappears after a scandalous duel, she decides to follow him to the ends of the Earth. To do so, however, Chloe must evade her brother, an infamous revenue man, and board a ship bound for Penzance. And nothing in her beloved books can prepare her for the harsh realities of wreckers who ply the coast. After his father destroyed the lives of countless innocent people, Basil Halford, Earl of Markwick is willing to do anything to earn back his honor. Betrayed by his blood and his reputation ruined, Markwick answers the request of a well-heeled duke and dons the Black Regent’s mask to repay the debt. His task? Rescuing a young woman who is chasing down a ghost of a man. But a pirate has plenty of enemies, and Markwick isn’t any different. No matter how diligent a captain he may be, sailing to Lady Chloe’s rescue involves risking not only the Regent’s legacy but the last thing he can afford to lose…his heart. Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance

Please join us in welcoming author AnneMarie Brear to Books & Benches for a 5 Question Q&A. Where Dragonflies Hover is the latest novel from Anne, a prolific writer of sixteen novels and short stories. "The book is written in such a way it made me feel as if I was in both time periods and could relate to the characters in more ways than one. I could not put this book down and love reading stories which pull me in so deeply. I did not want the story to end. " — Amazon reviewer, UK 5 QUESTIONS FOR ANNEMARIE BREAR In 250 words or less, what can you tell us about your newest release? My latest release, Where Dragonflies Hover , is a split era story set in modern day England and World War I France. In modern day, Lexi is unhappy with her marriage and seeks to change the rut she has developed in her life. She goes against her husband’s wishes and buys an old house. Within the grounds of the house she finds a diary written by an Australian WWI nurse, Allie. As Lexi’s marriage crumbles she finds comfort in reading the diary which journals Allie’s love affair with a Captain of the British Army and the horrendous conditions she suffers while nursing soldiers at the war front. The story slips between Lexi’s modern problems and Allie’s anguish as she copes of being in love and serving her country during the war. Where Dragonflies Hover has received some wonderful reviews. What story are you working on next, and what inspired it? I’ve just started writing a new story new set in the WWI era again. It is about the grandchildren of one of my previous books, Kitty McKenzie. Kitty’s grandsons join the war from Australia, and her granddaughter joins as a nurse, they travel from the quiet countryside of Australia and are thrust into the middle of the mayhem and carnage that is the First World War. I am often asked by readers who have read Kitty McKenzie , and the sequel, Kitty McKenzie’s Land , as to whether I would write any more about the family, but I’ve had other stories I’ve wanted to write. Now, ten years later, I thought I’d give it a go. I’m hoping to have it finished by next year. How much research do you do? I do a lot of research as I enjoy it. However, the key is to not bog the story down with too much detail that slows the enjoyment of the reader. Novelists are story-tellers. We tell a story and we should try to get it as correct as possible, but, that said, we will make mistakes. We aren’t writing factual documentaries. I write historical novels, so I will research the era I’m writing in to the best of my ability, but I’m not an historian and I don’t claim to be. However, I do enjoy writing about my favourite eras such as Victorian, Edwardian and WWI so I will spend a lot of time researching to get the flavour of those times into my stories. Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you? My writing develops through the characters. I find it tough going to write to an outline or a plot written in advance. I have tried it in the past and not liked it. My characters tend to go off and do their own thing, I just go along for the ride. It is far more enjoyable for me as a writer to see where the story goes. I’m usually always surprised by the twists and turns my characters insist on happening. What else have you written? Kitty McKenzie - historical novel Kitty McKenizie's Land - historical novel To Gain What's Lost - historical novel Broken Hero - historical novel Where Dragonflies Hover - spilt era novel To Take Her Pride - historical novel The Gentle Winds Caress - historical novel The House of Women - historical novel The Day Embroidered - historical novel Long Distance Love - contemporary novel Hooked On You - contemporary novel "What He Taught Her"- short story "Art of Desire"- short story "A New Dawn" - short story "The Right Man" - short story New Beginnings: short story anthology "I absolutely loved this book and spent two days of my holiday doing nothing else but reading it. The timeslip, along with the modern day story gave the book a distinct difference. I loved the way the diary brought the past to life, the descriptions of life during the war were amazing and the author brought both stories together at the end, in a very clever conclusion. Loved it." — Amazon reader, UK THE AUTHOR Annemarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances. Her passions, apart from writing, are reading, researching, genealogy, roaming historical sites, buying books and gardening. She is an author of historical women's fiction, contemporary romance and several short stories. http://annemariebrear.blogspot.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear Twitter @annemariebrear FEATURED BOOK "This was a beautifully written novel, with an emotional thread that tugged at my heart-strings while I read. The dual timeline and voices were interwoven seamlessly by the author to create a wonderfully romantic plot tinged with some sadness. The protagonists, Allie and Lexi, were well-drawn, strong women whose lives did not follow the path they had hoped for and yet rallied against what others would perceive as unfairness of life. Recommended." —Amazon reviewer, UK Sometimes a glimpse into the past can help make sense of the future … Everyone thinks Lexi is crazy when she falls in love with Hollingsworth House – a crumbling old Georgian mansion in Yorkshire – and nobody more so than her husband, Dylan. But there’s something very special about the place, and Lexi can sense it. Whilst exploring the grounds she stumbles across an old diary and, within its pages, she meets Allie – an Australian nurse working in France during the First World War. Lexi finally realises her dream of buying Hollingsworth but her obsession with the house leaves her marriage in tatters. In the lonely nights that follow, Allie’s diary becomes Lexi’s companion, comforting her in moments of darkness and pain. And as Lexi reads, the nurse’s scandalous connection to the house is revealed … Genre: Contemporary (split era) Romance Publisher: Choc Lit Format: E-Book (198 pages) BUY AT AMAZON #AuthorInterview