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Step into a world where the boundaries of time blur and ancient secrets stir beneath the surface of the present in A Shape on the Air , book 1 of the Dr DuLac series by Julia Ibbotson. “In the best Barbara Erskine tradition …I would highly recommend this novel.” -Historical Novel Society (for A Shape on the Air ) About A Shape on the Air by Julia Ibbotson Can echoes of the past threaten the present? They are 1500 years apart, but can they reach out to each other across the centuries? One woman faces a traumatic truth in the present day. The other is forced to marry the man she hates as the 'dark ages' unfold. How can Dr Viv DuLac, medievalist and academic, unlock the secrets of the past? Traumatised by betrayal, she slips into 499 AD and into the body of Lady Vivianne, who is also battling treachery. Viv must uncover the mystery of the key that she unwittingly brings back with her to the present day, as echoes of the past resonate through time. But little does Viv realise just how much both their lives across the centuries will become so intertwined. And in the end, how can they help each other across the ages without changing the course of history? Buy the Book Kindle Paperback At the time of this posting, this title is in Kindle Unlimited. (for the series) “Julia does an incredible job of setting up the idea of time-shift so that it’s believable and makes sense” – book tour reviewer “Dr Ibbotson has created living, breathing characters that will remain in the reader’s mind long after the book is read … The characters are brought to life beautifully with perfect economy of description … fabulous!” – Melissa Morgan “A rich and evocative time-slip novel that beautifully and satisfyingly concludes this superb trilogy. The story is woven seamlessly and skillfully between the past and the present and the reader is drawn deeply into both worlds. Her portrayal of the 6th century and its way of life are authoritative, vivid and memorable.” – Kate Sullivan Author Julia Ibbotson Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and the concept of time. She is the author of historical mysteries with a frisson of romance. Her books are evocative of time and place, well-researched and uplifting page-turners. Her current series focuses on early medieval time-slip/dual-time mysteries. Julia read English at Keele University, England, specialising in medieval language/ literature/ history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics. After a turbulent time in Ghana, West Africa, she became a school teacher, then a university academic and researcher. Her break as an author came soon after she joined the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme in 2015, with a three-book deal from Lume Books for a trilogy (Drumbeats) set in Ghana in the 1960s. She has published five other books, including A Shape on the Air , an Anglo-Saxon timeslip mystery, and its two sequels The Dragon Tree and The Rune Stone . Her work in progress is a new series of Anglo-Saxon mystery romances, beginning with Daughter of Mercia , where echoes of the past resonate across the centuries. Julia’s novels will appeal to fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, and Christina Courtenay. Her readers say: ‘Julia’s books captured my imagination’, ‘beautiful story-telling’, ‘evocative and well-paced storylines’, ‘brilliant and fascinating’ and ‘I just couldn’t put it down’. www.juliaibbotsonauthor.com Connect/Follow Online Amazon Author Page Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Goodreads BlueSky Name: Julia Ibbotson Book Title: A Shape on the Air Series: Dr DuLac series, Book 1 Publication Date: January 8th, 2022 Publisher: Archbury Books Pages:220 ebk, 366 pbk Genre: Medieval Timeslip Mystery Romance Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! Please consider helping the authors who write the books by sharing this post.

A Reader's Opinion: Christina Britton delivers a delightful blend of Regency romance and clever capers in To Heist and to Hold . With sparkling wit and sizzling chemistry, this book is a lot of fun. While not my usual preference due to the extremely spicy content (I did skip over these after the first spicy scene), the plot is entertaining, and the story is well-written. Their chemistry crackles from the first encounter, and the heist plot adds an extra layer of excitement. Expect stolen kisses, secrets, and a love story worth stealing your heart. This is a great book for readers who like their swoon-worthy romances with plenty of spice. About the Book To Heist and To Hold by Christina Britton (Retailer Description) A vigilante widow and a casino owner are both trying to bluff their way to a winning hand. Heloise Marlowe has always forged her own path. As a former blacksmith and fencing instructor, she wasn’t just going to sit around knitting after her husband died. The Wimpole Street Widows Society, a secret group dedicated to balancing the scales of justice, was a much better fit for her skills. Her newest mission: seduce the owner of the club Dionysus and gain access to the den’s inner workings. She didn’t mind putting her body on the line, but she wasn’t prepared to gamble her heart. Ethan Sinclaire has worked hard to clean up his club after the betrayal of his brother. But now, rumors are swirling that his club is just as crooked as before. He won’t let anyone destroy what he’s built, so when Heloise starts poking around, he decides to go all in, in hopes that she’ll show her hand. Enjoying her company is the easy part. Keeping himself from falling—that’s a whole different card game. Buy the Book Kindle Paperback Title: To Heist and to Hold Author: Christina Britton Publisher: ‎Forever Publication date: ‎ September 30, 2025 Language: ‎ English Print length: ‎ 352 pages Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Romance Language: ‎English    Content Rating: 5 Hearts - Pull out your fans and grab a glass of ice-cold water because this book is steaming hot! One or more graphic sex scenes. Read by: Lizzie Review Copy Source: NetGalley Disclaimers: The copy reviewed was provided by the author or publisher via NetGalley. This review is the opinion of the reviewer and does not necessarily represent the opinions of all other reviewers (past, present, future) who review for Books and Benches. Because we do not have a professional editor volunteer, this post was edited by the Books and Benches team with help from ProWritingAid, Grammarly, or Wix. The review, and all opinions/thoughts within, are the reader's. Affiliate links are in use on this post. If you click on an Amazon or Bookshop link, and make a purchase, this site will earn a small commission. It costs you nothing and helps us to maintain this website and pay for books to share.

A Reader's Opinion: I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet novella. Golden Horizons  by Darlene Panzera sweeps readers into the heart of California’s Gold Rush, where dreams glitter like gold dust—and faith is the true treasure. Darlene Panzera crafts a tender, inspiring story of love, resilience, and spiritual growth, all set against a rugged and vividly drawn historical backdrop. The heroine is determined and brave, forging her path in a world full of uncertainty, while the hero brings strength and quiet devotion. Together, they face challenges, make sacrifices, and discover that sometimes the greatest riches aren’t what you dig from the earth, but what you carry in your heart. A heartwarming Christian historical romance full of hope, grit, and grace. I look forward to trying more from this author. About the Book Golden Horizons by Darlene Panzera (Retailer Description) Originally published in the Sew in Love Collection with Barbour Books as Hearts Sewn With Love In 1850, during the height of the California Gold Rush, a decent single young lady was rarer than gold itself… After a grueling seven-month journey to Gold Bar, California, Maggie McDermott and her mother arrive only to face a devastating loss—her cousin, their only connection in the West, has met an untimely end. With no male relatives to support them, the town assumes Maggie will marry. But Maggie has other plans. Determined to build a life on her own terms, she opens a seamstress shop—and soon earns more gold than the men clamoring for her hand. One man stands apart from the rest—Benjamin Freethy. A hardworking miner raising his orphaned nephew, Ben is captivated by Maggie’s kindness and beauty. But with gold growing scarce, he refuses to consider marriage until he can provide for a wife. Even if that wife is the one woman he longs for. Buy the Book Kindle Paperback Title: Golden Horizons Author: Darlene Panzera Publication date: ‎‎June 24, 2025 Language: ‎ English Print length: ‎152 pages Genres: Christian Historical Romance, American Historical Romance Language: ‎English    Read by: Lizzie Review Copy Source: NetGalley Disclaimers: The copy reviewed was provided by the author or publisher via NetGalley. This review is the opinion of the reviewer and does not necessarily represent the opinions of all other reviewers (past, present, future) who review for Books and Benches. Because we do not have a professional editor volunteer, this post was edited by the Books and Benches team with help from ProWritingAid, Grammarly, or Wix. The review, and all opinions/thoughts within, are the reader's. Affiliate links are in use on this post. If you click on an Amazon or Bookshop link, and make a purchase, this site will earn a small commission. It costs you nothing and helps us to maintain this website and pay for books to share.

Once - A site of gathering, ceremony, and sacrifice. Now - A marker, pointing the lost toward home. Author Allie Cresswell joins us from the UK to share a glimpse into her sixteenth novel, The Standing Stone on the Moor . About The Standing Stone on the Moor by Allie Cresswell Yorkshire, 1845. Folklore whispers that they used to burn witches at the standing stone on the moor. When the wind is easterly, it wails a strange lament. History declares it was placed as a marker, visible for miles—a signpost for the lost, directing them towards home. Forced from their homeland by the potato famine, a group of itinerant Irish refugees sets up camp by the stone. They are met with suspicion by the locals, branded as ‘thieves and ne’er-do-wells.’ Only Beth Harlish takes pity on them, and finds herself instantly attracted to Ruairi, their charismatic leader. Beth is the steward of nearby manor Tall Chimneys—a thankless task as the owners never visit. An educated young woman, Beth feels restless, like she doesn’t belong. But somehow ‘home’—the old house, the moor and the standing stone—exerts an uncanny magnetism. Thus Ruairi’s great sacrifice—deserting his beloved Irish homestead to save his family—resonates strongly with her. Could she leave her home to be with him? Will he even ask her to? Buy the Book Amazon US Amazon UK Author's Website As of this posting, this title is available in Kindle Unlimited. Enjoy an Excerpt from The Standing Stone on the Moor Two rooms opened from the large general office, separated from it by a glazed partition. One, considerably the smaller, was the office allocated to Herbert. Inside it, a clerk busied himself with correspondence and filing, having ascertained by a brief glance that Herbert was absent.   The other room was occupied by Mr Somersall himself when he was in attendance at the colliery, which was by no means every day since he had other mines as well as interests in Whitby docks, and must frequently be in York or even Leeds for the pursuance of his other mercantile affairs. The office door was always kept closed and a blind pulled down over the window to hide the activity of the colliery owner from view. So, whether he worked diligently reading reports, writing letters, perusing accounts and directing affairs until the sweat stood out on his brow and the fervour of his application rendered him into a blur of industry, no one knew. Likewise, if he spent his days with his feet upon the fender, a cigar between his lips and a romantic novel in his hand, no one knew that either.   On this morning, however, no visual confirmation was required to know what passed within. The glazing of the partition absolutely quivered and quaked with the sound of Mr Somersall’s voice as he dressed down some poor underling in a deep, gruff and altogether unmusical voice, like the barking of some rough dog half strangled by a chain. His accent was broad and unashamedly Yorkshire, his language unadorned by any nicety of expression, being plain, matter-of-fact and unarguable. Unarguable in one respect, in that his lengthy soliloquies allowed for no interruption or reply; he spoke indefatigably, loudly, on and on without taking breath. Unarguable also in that he spoke in statements, in declarations, in pronouncements and decrees that asserted his own indisputable authority on all matters. Nobody was better informed, more thoroughly master, had looked into and acquainted themselves to better effect than he had—he contended. Even when he was factually incorrect—as he not infrequently was—any suggestion to that effect was proved by a misapplication of mathematics, an invention of statistics, an on-the-spot conjuring of new laws of physics, the rearrangement or even the creation of historical facts, to be erroneous.   All the men in the outer office shifted uneasily as Mr Somersall’s rant continued, for they all knew that once commenced his ire was unlikely to be satisfied with the hors d'oeuvre of a single victim but would seek richer meat, and none wished to become the hapless entrée . One of the clerks left the office altogether, carrying a bundle of documents to some unspecified location. The remaining clerks spread out a file of correspondence and pored over it with exaggerated concentration.   Mr Somersall’s diatribe sawed relentlessly on. Another five minutes, then five more ticked by on the clock.   The colliery manager made a show of consulting his pocket watch before hurriedly shrugging his coat on and walking purposefully from the room as though late for an important appointment, and the man of business was quick to follow his example when, at last, Mr Somersall’s invective seemed on the point of conclusion. The man of business succeeded in exiting the office just as Mr Somersall’s door opened and what remained of his interlocutor limped out.   It was the colliery foreman. He was white-gilled, barely able to put one foot in front of the other. One hand clenched his hat so tightly that it was a thing unrecognisable; his hand, even through its deeply ingrained grime, was white and bloodless. He reached out the other hand—trembling as though palsied—to close the door of Mr Somersall’s office and began to navigate his way between the desks, faltering here and there, dizzied and dazed by the eviscerating interview he had just endured. Stephen threw him a look loaded with sympathy and crossed the room to open the outer door, stooping as the foreman passed to murmur that he should drink some coffee and eat breakfast to restore himself before returning to the pit.   The two remaining clerks shrank even closer to their task, but it was Stephen’s name that Mr Somersall shouted from his office, so loudly that the finely-wrought instruments on Stephen’s desk shook.   ‘Mr Milton!’   Stephen sighed and pulled on his coat before crossing the office and entering the sanctum of his employer. End of Excerpt. © Allie Cresswell. Don't miss the other books in The Talbot Saga Meet Allie Cresswell Allie has been writing fiction since she could hold a pencil. She has a BA and an MA in English Literature, specialising in the classics of the nineteenth century. She has been a print-buyer, a pub landlady, a bookkeeper, and the owner of a group of boutique holiday cottages, but nowadays she writes full time. She has two grown-up children, five grandchildren, and two cockapoos but just one husband, Tim. They live in the remote northwest of the UK. The Standing Stone on the Moor is her sixteenth novel. Website: https://www.allie-cresswell.com/ Connect/Follow Online Facebook Instagram Threads BookBub Amazon Author Page Goodreads Tour Page Book Title: The Standing Stone on the Moor Series: Talbot Saga Book 3 (can be read as a standalone) Author: Allie Cresswell Publication Date: 20th June 2025 Publisher: Allie Cresswell Limited Pages: 531 Genre: Historical Romance Any Triggers: n/a Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! Please consider helping the authors who write the books by sharing this post.

An archaeologist, a mysterious Celt unearthed in Ireland, and a simmering attraction. Join author Andrea Matthews and unravel the mystery of The Cross of Ciaran . About The Cross of Ciaran by Andrew Matthews When a fifth century pagan priest is unearthed in Ireland fifteen hundred years after being entombed, archaeologist Caitlin O’Connell is convinced it’s the find of the century. The body is in perfect condition, right down to the intricate tattoos adorning the Celt’s skin. In fact, if scientific data hadn’t proved otherwise, she would swear he hadn’t been interred more than a few hours. Eager to discover more about the mysterious Celt, Caitlin accompanies the body back to the New York museum where she’s employed, but before she has time to study him, the priest disappears without a trace. Rumors surrounding the event begin to circulate and result in the excavation’s benefactor pulling the plug on the entire expedition. The rumors are not far off the mark though. After being buried alive for betraying his goddess and his priesthood in the dawning age of Christianity, Ciarán wakes to a strange new world. Alone and frightened in an unforgiving city, he stumbles upon the only thing familiar to him and seeks sanctuary within the church walls. With the help of the parish’s pastor, Father Mike, Ciarán slowly grows accustomed to his surroundings, though he’s plagued by dark dreams and the disturbing sensation that an evil from his past has followed him into the future. But a more immediate danger lurks on his doorstep. Caitlin is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery concerning her missing Celt, and when she meets her Uncle Mike’s new handyman, Ciarán Donnelly, she’s convinced the handsome Irishman knows more about the theft than he’s letting on. Yet, even she can’t deny the attraction between them, simmering below the surface and blurring the lines between her personal and professional life. But will Ciarán’s secrets draw them together or shatter their future forever. Buy the Book Universal Buy Link As of this posting, this title is available in Kindle Unlimited. "Andrea Matthews' novel, "The Cross of Ciarán: A Celtic Romance," captivates and holds your attention until the very end. This is an incredibly impressive start to the series, and the open ending of the novel leaves you yearning for additional content. Prepare to be enthralled by Ciarán's story, as it unfolds over five books and threatens to become something of an obsession as you binge-read the entire series." - Yarde Book Promotions Meet Andrea Matthews Andrea Matthews is the pseudonym for Inez Foster, a historian and librarian who loves to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogical speaking. She has a BA in History and an MLS in Library Science, and enjoys the research almost as much asshe does writing the story. In fact, many of her ideas come to her while doing casual research or digging into her family history. She is the author of the Thunder on the Moor series set on the 16th century Anglo-Scottish Border, and the Cross of Ciaran series, where a fifteen hundred year old Celt finds himself in the twentieth century. Andrea also writes historical mysteries under the pen name I. M. Foster. Her series A South Shore Mystery is set in the early 1900s on Long Island. She is a member of the Long Island Romance Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. Website: www.andrea-matthews.com Connect/Follow Online Twitter/X Facebook Instagram Threads BookBub Amazon Author Page Goodreads Tour Page Title: The Cross of Ciarán Series: The Cross of Ciarán series–Book 1 Author: Andrea Matthews Publication Date: June 18, 2020 Publisher: Inez M. Foster –self-published Pages:362 Genre: Time Slip Romance Any Triggers: Sex scenes Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! Consider helping the authors who write the books by sharing this post.

"There were two specific events that defined the tumultuous Elizabethan era more than any others; one was the circumnavigation from 1577-1580 and the second was repulse of the Spanish Armada in 1588." Author Justin Newland joins us with a look at what inspired him to write The Midnight of Eights . Scroll down to read the full of his interesting post. In 1588, the Spanish Armada threatens England’s shores. About The Midnight of Eights by Justin Newland 1580. Nelan Michaels docks at Plymouth after sailing around the world aboard the Golden Hind. He seeks only to master his mystical powers – the mark of the salamander, that mysterious spirit of fire – and reunite with his beloved Eleanor. After delivering a message to Francis Walsingham, he’s recruited into the service of the Queen’s spymaster, where his astral abilities help him to predict and thwart future plots against the realm. But in 1588, the Spanish Armada threatens England’s shores. So how could the fledgling navy of a small, misty isle on the edge of mainland Europe repulse the greatest fleet in the world? Was the Queen right when she claimed it was divine intervention, saying, ‘He blew with His winds, and they were scattered!’? Or was it an entirely different intervention – the extraordinary conjunction of coincidences that Nelan’s astral powers brought to bear on that fateful Midnight of Eights? Buy the Book Kindle Paperback Kindle (UK) Author's Website Wordery (free UK delivery) Barnes & Noble Waterstones (UK) Kobo What inspired me to write The Midnight of Eights ? A Guest Post by Justin Newland The main reason was to explore England’s coming of age during the Elizabethan era. Because before that time, England was a remote, misty Isle on the edge of mainland Europe and European affairs. After the Tudor era, England set its feet into its early adulthood towards becoming a player on the world stage. There were two specific events that defined the tumultuous Elizabethan era more than any others; one was the circumnavigation from 1577-1580 and the second was repulse of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Spanish Armada Galleass, i.e. with rowers, courtesy of Wikipedia I was inspired to write about both of these events in a two part series; the first, The Mark of the Salamander, follows Drake’s epic journey around the globe, and the second, The Midnight of Eights , culminates in the defeat of the Armada. Although written as a stand-alone, Book two continues the storyline of Book one, and begins when Nelan returns to Plymouth from the sailing the Seven Seas with Drake. From a cursory glance, you would think that Spanish Armada should have achieved its objective. This was to sail with an army and supplies from Spain to the Netherlands to pick up more Spanish soldiers, who were fighting there against the Dutch, sail across the English Channel and invade England. The ultimate purpose of the Armada – and the invasion of England - was to depose Queen Elizabeth, who had already been excommunicated by the Pope, who called her a heretic and pretender to the throne. If the invasion had succeeded, we would now all speak Spanish and you’d be reading this in Spanish, because that would have been its effect on our world today. King Philip of Spain, courtesy of Wikipedia In those days, King Philip of Spain governed a huge Empire that stretched from South America to Mexico and Panama to the spice Isles in the Far East. England’s ‘empire’ composed of England, Wales and Ireland. Calais, England’s last foothold on mainland Europe, had been lost early in Elizabeth’s reign. The comparison is stark. Why did the Armada fail? Was it to do with the leadership of the Armada? Early in 1588, the Armada’s experienced Admiral Santa Cruz died and was replaced by the Duke of Medina Sidonia, a land-based military commander who had no experience of naval warfare. Was it the outdated tactics used by the Spanish, who used their 150 vessels as a cargo fleet, and not as a naval instrument to attack the English fleet? Was it related to the fact that the Spanish ships, galleons and galleasses (with rowers), often had high castles at the stern of the ships, and because of their bulk, were slow to manoeuvre, and could only sail when the wind was behind? The English ships were more streamlined and smaller, and so faster and even their cannon were better made, lighter and so more easily moved around on deck, while the Spanish cannon was fixed to the deck, limiting their firing range. Was it Spanish seamanship, who had sent ships around the world for decades (e.g. with Ferdinand Magellan) decades before Drake achieved the same feat in the Golden Hind? Did these factors result coalesce into an overriding arrogance that expected victory? And was compounded by their firm belief that God was on their side? After all, the Pope had blessed the Armada flag. Victory was assured, wasn’t it? Did that make the Spanish disdainful of the English, who, as Protestants, and heretics, were seen as lesser, and therefore easily defeated? Yet, the English prevailed. Why? Was it, as Queen Elizabeth said afterwards, that God’s will prevailed and He sent the winds that dispersed the Armada? Or was it, as I discovered in the research, a completely different set of extraordinary circumstances related to the number 8 that conspired to aid England’s attempt to retain its sovereignty? Read The Midnight of Eights and decide for yourself. Justin Newland 18th March 2025 Author Justin Newland JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism. Undeterred by the award of a Maths Doctorate, he conceived his debut novel, The Genes of Isis (ISBN 9781789014860, Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies. His second book, The Old Dragon’s Head (ISBN 9781789015829, Matador, 2018), and is set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall. Set during the Great Enlightenment, The Coronation (ISBN 9781838591885, Matador, 2019) speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution. The Abdication (ISBN 9781800463950, Matador, 2021) is a mystery thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith. The Mark of the Salamander (ISBN 9781915853271, Book Guild, 2023), is the first in a two-book series, The Island of Angels. Set in the Elizabethan era, it tells the epic tale of England’s coming of age. The latest is The Midnight of Eights (ISBN 9781835740 330, Book Guild, 2024), the second in The Island of Angels series, which charts the uncanny coincidences of time and tide that culminated in the repulse of the Spanish Armada. His work in progress is The Spirit of the Times which explores the events of the 14th Century featuring an unlikely cast of the Silk Road, Genghis Khan, the Black Plague, and a nursery rhyme that begins ‘Ring a-ring a-roses’. Author, speaker and broadcaster, Justin gives talks to historical associations and libraries, appears on LitFest panels, and enjoys giving radio interviews. He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England. www.justinnewland.com Connect/Follow Online Amazon Author Page BookBub Facebook Goodreads Twitter/X LinkedIn Instagram Follow the Tour Book Title: The Midnight of Eights Series: The Island of Angels (This is book 2 of 2. The first book is called The Mark of the Salamander . Book 2 is written as a stand-alone, or can be read after reading book 1.) Author: Justin Newland Publication Date: 28th October 2024 Publisher: The Book Guild Page Length: 288 Genre: Historical Fiction Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! Please consider helping the authors who write the books by sharing this post.

Author Jon Byrne joins us today for an interview as we delve into his evocatively titled novel, Sword Brethren . Jon shares some interesting behind-the-scene tidbits into the writing of Sword Brethren . Bound by faith. Forged in battle. Haunted by doubt. About Sword Brethren by Jon Byrne 1242. After being wounded in the Battle on the Ice, Richard Fitz Simon becomes a prisoner of Prince Alexander Nevsky of Novgorod. Alexander, intrigued by his captive’s story, instructs his scholar to assist Richard in writing about his life. Richard’s chronicle begins in 1203, when his training to be a knight is disrupted by treachery. He is forced to flee England for Lübeck, where he begins work for a greedy salt merchant. After an illicit love affair, his new life is thrown into turmoil, and he joins the Livonian Brothers of the Sword as they embark on imposing the will of God on the pagans of the eastern Baltic. Here, he must reconcile with his new life of prayer, danger and duty – despite his own religious doubts, with as many enemies within the fortified commandery as the wilderness outside. However, when their small outpost in Riga is threatened by a large pagan army, Richard is compelled to make a crucial decision and fight like never before. Buy the Book Kindle Paperback Barnes & Noble Waterstones Apple Books Kobo Google Play Add to Goodreads Read an Excerpt Get to Know the Author An Interview with Jon Byrne What do you think readers will love about your book? Sword Brethren should interest anyone interested in historical adventure – especially novels set during the medieval period. The book is the first instalment of The Northern Crusader Chronicles, and the action begins in England, before moving on to the early Hanseatic city of Lübeck, and finally ending in Livonia (Latvia and Estonia). Many books have been written about the Crusades in the Holy Land, but the Northern Crusades have been largely forgotten, despite being just as fascinating and rich in drama and violent conflict. Sword Brethren is an epic adventure that culminates in the first of many battles against an elusive enemy in this undiscovered wilderness of forest and swamp. The book seeks to explore this neglected legacy, and I hope it might appeal to readers who enjoy the bestselling authors Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden, or Ben Kane. Which writer(s) have or do inspire you? I generally read books in the same genre as I write (historical action/adventure), and in my opinion, Bernard Cornwell is the master storyteller and probably the best author in this category. I have virtually all of his books – most of the Sharpe series as well as The Last Kingdom and all of the subsequent books detailing the history of King Alfred the Great and Uhtred of Bebbanburg’s many battles against the Danes (Vikings) in the Dark Ages. I cannot recommend these books enough, along with his trilogy about King Arthur starting with The Winter King. No one can quite describe a battle like Cornwell, and he really makes you feel like you are in the middle of the fighting. His attention to detail is exceptionally good without overburdening the reader with too many historical ‘facts’. Other great writers in the historical action genre include Ken Follett, of course, whose masterpiece Pillars of the Earth , details the fictional building of a cathedral in 12th century England. It is an epic book that deserves to be on everyone’s bookshelf, but with over 400,000 words and over 1000 pages, it’s not for the faint-hearted. Another good author who I enjoy is Robert Harris, who writes historical fiction set in many different periods of history – the amount of research he must undertake for each novel is truly impressive. Did this book require extensive research? If so, what did you find most interesting? Sword Brethren required thorough research that took many years to complete. I have built up a small library of books on the crusades in the Baltic and medieval life in general. Additionally, my book was kindly read for any historical errors by Prof. William Urban, a medieval historian from Monmouth College, IL, and the preeminent English-speaking expert on the Northern Crusades. Despite being retired and in his eighties, he also took time to read and comment on the next book in the series, Soldier of Christ , for which I am very grateful. However, the principal first-hand source I used is The Chronicle of Henry of Livonia , which was written by a priest, Henricus des Lettis. The chronicle deals with events in the eastern Baltic between 1180 and 1226. Written from the German point of view, it describes the role of the Latin Church in colonising and spreading Christianity to the local pagan tribes. It is a detailed account, rich in human history, and Henry provides eyewitness testimony of events. This is particularly valuable as there is practically no other first-hand evidence of the early Christian settlement of what is now Latvia and Estonia. However, the part of the research that I probably enjoyed the most was visiting all of the places in the novel: East Anglia in England, Lübeck in Germany, and Latvia. To see these settings in real life really helped to get a better feel of how they might have been nearly 800 years ago. (B&B: Impressive!) Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just to see where an idea takes you? When I am writing, I have an approximate idea of where I want the book to go, but there is no detailed outline or plot. One of the things I enjoy most is the journey into the unknown, sometimes seeing the plotline getting dragged in different directions – to places I had never even considered when I started. Only afterwards do I write a chapter breakdown to better see where the story is lagging and to help improve the pacing. Having said that, I do make extensive notes, sometimes drawing certain buildings or scenes in order to better visualise them. A lot is left to the imagination because there are very few buildings remaining from medieval times – mostly churches and castles that have been extended or rebuilt so extensively, until there is only a fraction remaining of what would have stood in the early 13th century. And many of the buildings and even castles at this time were made of wood, so obviously there is nothing left to accurately show how it really would have been. What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft? The name of the book has changed three times. During most of the writing process it was called Brothers of the Sword , a title I liked a lot, but due to two other books with the same name coming out in 2023 – both in the same genre by far more famous authors than me, caused me to finally change it to Sword Brethren . Like most books that are published, Sword Brethren underwent many drafts during the editing process. One of the biggest changes came at the suggestion of a professional editor who advised that the book should end at the end of Part 2. I took his advice, and it cut the book by over 25,000 words. However, as the story then ended just before Richard, the protagonist, actually joined the Order of Swordbrothers and embarked on the crusade, this was against the whole premise of the book. After initially taking his advice, I was never really happy and felt the book had lost its appeal. As it was always intended to be the first in a series, I realised that writing about a crusade that few people knew about was what made the book different. Otherwise, it was just another adventure novel set during medieval times. So, working with another editor, I reinserted the final third of the book again, heavily revising and improving the end to make it more satisfying, even though the story was incomplete. Now the book is more in line with what I originally intended. B&B: One can really feel the passion you have for this book and the research behind it. It sounds fascinating! Thank you for sharing an extra glimpse into the writing of it. Author Jon Byrne Jon Byrne, originally from London, now lives with his German family by a lake in Bavaria with stunning views of the Alps. As well as writing, he works as a translator for a local IT company and occasionally as a lumberjack. He has always been fascinated by history and has studied the Medieval world for over twenty years, building up a comprehensive library of books. In his research, he has travelled to all of the locations mentioned in the book (East Anglia, Bremen, Lübeck, Latvia, etc). Sword Brethren (formerly Brothers of the Sword ) made it to the shortlist of the Yeovil Literary Prize 2022 and the longlist of the prestigious Grindstone International Novel Prize 2022. It is the first book in The Northern Crusader Chronicles. www.jonbyrnewriter.com Connect/Follow Online Amazon Author Page Facebook Goodreads Book Title: Sword Brethren Series: The Northern Crusader Chronicles Author: Jon Byrne Publication Date: 28th November 2024 Publisher: The Book Guild Pages: 416 Genre: Historical Fiction (Action/Adventure) Any Triggers: There are several mild profanities, a non-graphic rape scene, and several descriptions of battle and death. Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! 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Uncovering the secrets of The Rune Stone , a haunting tale of time-slip mystery and romance. Check out book 3 of the Dr DuLac series by Julia Ibbotson. “In the best Barbara Erskine tradition …I would highly recommend this novel.” -Historical Novel Society (for A Shape on the Air ) About The Rune Stone by Julia Ibbotson A haunting time-slip mystery of runes and romance When Dr Viv DuLac, medievalist and academic, finds a mysterious runic inscription on a Rune Stone in the graveyard of her husband’s village church, she unwittingly sets off a chain of circumstances that disturb their quiet lives in ways she never expected. She, once again, feels the echoes of the past resonate through time and into the present. Can she unlock the secrets of the runes in the life of the 6th century Lady Vivianne and in Viv’s own life? Again, lives of the past and present intertwine alarmingly as Viv desperately tries to save them both, without changing the course of history. Buy the Book Kindle Paperback At the time of this posting, this title is in Kindle Unlimited. (for the series) “Julia does an incredible job of setting up the idea of time-shift so that it’s believable and makes sense” – book tour reviewer (for The Rune Stone) “beautifully written”, “absorbing and captivating”, “fully immersive”, “wonderfully written characters”, “a skilled story teller” – Amazon reviewers “Dr Ibbotson has created living, breathing characters that will remain in the reader’s mind long after the book is read … The characters are brought to life beautifully with perfect economy of description … fabulous!” – Melissa Morgan “A rich and evocative time-slip novel that beautifully and satisfyingly concludes this superb trilogy. The story is woven seamlessly and skillfully between the past and the present and the reader is drawn deeply into both worlds. Her portrayal of the 6th century and its way of life are authoritative, vivid and memorable.” – Kate Sullivan Author Julia Ibbotson Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and the concept of time. She is the author of historical mysteries with a frisson of romance. Her books are evocative of time and place, well-researched and uplifting page-turners. Her current series focuses on early medieval time-slip/dual-time mysteries. Julia read English at Keele University, England, specialising in medieval language/ literature/ history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics. After a turbulent time in Ghana, West Africa, she became a school teacher, then a university academic and researcher. Her break as an author came soon after she joined the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme in 2015, with a three-book deal from Lume Books for a trilogy (Drumbeats) set in Ghana in the 1960s. She has published five other books, including A Shape on the Air , an Anglo-Saxon timeslip mystery, and its two sequels The Dragon Tree and The Rune Stone . Her work in progress is a new series of Anglo-Saxon mystery romances, beginning with Daughter of Mercia , where echoes of the past resonate across the centuries. Julia’s novels will appeal to fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, and Christina Courtenay. Her readers say: ‘Julia’s books captured my imagination’, ‘beautiful story-telling’, ‘evocative and well-paced storylines’, ‘brilliant and fascinating’ and ‘I just couldn’t put it down’. www.juliaibbotsonauthor.com Connect/Follow Online Amazon Author Page Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Goodreads BlueSky Book Title: The Rune Stone Series: Dr DuLac series, book 3 Author: Julia Ibbotson Publication Date: December 8th, 2021 Publisher: Archbury Books Pages: 294 (ebook) / 376 (paperback) Genre: historical romance (timeslip mystery) Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! Please consider helping the authors who write the books by sharing this post.

In Book 1 of Those Resilient Muldoons series, a misguided, wayward widower encounters God’s unexpected presence. Check out Muldoon's Misfortunes by E.V. Sparrow! Will God miraculously hear his prayers this time? About Muldoon's Misfortunes by E.V. Sparrow A cursed widower forsakes his faith to ensure his hope. On a verdant island beset by poverty and death, Mick Muldoon dares to escape his misfortunes. Is working a farm and raising a family such an impossible thing to ask? Wasn’t God supposed to answer prayers—not turn a deaf ear? After surviving the treacherous voyage to America, Mick discovers the rumors of ample opportunity aren't exactly true. His defective body hampers employment and keeps him dependent upon his peculiar sister. However, an unexpected invitation to move to the heartland guarantees his dreams. Mick’s own dreadful choices hamper his hopes when he accepts work as a widow’s farmhand. Unbeknownst to him, there’s deception afoot. Mick’s inattention to love causes catastrophe as single fatherhood cruelly shatters his family. Will God miraculously hear his prayers this time? In Book 1 of Those Resilient Muldoons series, this misguided, wayward widower encounters God’s unexpected presence. Fall 2024, The BookFest Awards, First Place: Historical Fiction, General Buy the Book Kindle Paperback At the time of this posting, this title is in Kindle Unlimited. Add to BookBub Add to Goodreads Author E.V. Sparrow A short story writer turned novelist Sparrow published a prequel Historical Fiction eBook novella, Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling in May 2023, and Muldoon’s Misfortunes , Historical Fiction Book 1 in Those Resilient Muldoons series in July 2024. Sparrow and enjoys leading readers to Encounter God’s Unexpected Presence through her broken characters. Before writing, Sparrow travelled extensively overseas and worked in two countries. She married, had a family, and worked for a nonprofit program for older, homeless mentally ill in California. She also volunteered in many community services, including the Divorce Care program. After a divorce, she remarried, and together they have eleven grandchildren that enrich life immensely. evsparrowworld.wordpress.com Connect/Follow Online Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest BookBub Amazon Author Page Goodreads Book Title: Muldoon’s Misfortunes Series: Those Resilient Muldoons, book 1 Author: E.V. Sparrow Publication Date: 7/16/24 Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing Group Pages: 351 Genre: Historical Fiction / Christian Historical Fiction Any Triggers: Alcoholism, grief from deaths of infant, children, spouse, emotional health, relationship issues. Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! Please consider helping the authors who write the books by sharing this post.

In Amanda Flower's latest installment of the Emily Dickinson mystery series, I Died for Beauty , transports readers to Amherst, Massachusetts in January 1857. I should note that I have not read the previous installments, yet did not feel lost jumping into the series (I plan to start from book one.). The realistic setting will immediately draw the reader into the story. Record-setting low temperatures and relentless snow set the stage in Amherst, while some families grapple with dwindling resources, fire safety concerns, and a desperation to stay warm. Willa, Emily Dickinson's fictional maid, is an interesting character, and I like her camaraderie with Emily. While uncommon, though not entirely unheard of, this friendship helps form the foundation for their sleuthing adventures. The author skillfully handles the sleuthing, maintaining reader engagement as Emily, Willa, and her dog track down a killer (read book description for the plot). I Died for Beauty artfully combines an engaging mystery and interesting characters with historical realism. Thought-provoking and filled with compassion, faith, and forgiveness, I Died for Beauty is a historical mystery worth reading. About the Book I Died for Beauty by Amanda Flower (Retailer Description) When a blaze takes both a neighbor’s home and his life, Emily Dickinson and her maid Willa have a burning desire to crack the case in this new historical mystery from Agatha Award–winning author Amanda Flower. Amherst, 1857. The Dickinson family braves one of the worst winters in New England’s history. Trains are snowbound and boats are frozen in the harbor. Emily Dickinson and her maid, Willa Noble, have never witnessed anything like it. As Amherst families attempt to keep their homes warm, fears of fire abound. These worries prove not to be unfounded as a blaze breaks out just down the street from the Dickinson in Kelley Square, the Irish community in Amherst, and a young couple is killed, leaving behind their young child. Their deaths appear to be a tragic accident, but Emily finds herself harboring suspicions there may be more to the fire than meets the eye. Emily and Willa must withstand the frigid temperatures and discover a killer lurking among the deadly frost.    Buy the Book Amazon Kindle Bookshop Amazon Paperback Audiobook Barnes & Noble Title: I Died for Beauty Author: Amanda Flower Genres: Mystery, Historical mystery, Fiction Originally published: February 25, 2025 Language: ‎English    Read by: Lizzie Review Copy Source: NetGalley Disclaimers: The copy reviewed was provided by the author or publisher via NetGalley. This review is the opinion of the reviewer and does not necessarily represent the opinions of all other reviewers (past, present, future) who review for Books and Benches. Because we do not have a professional editor volunteer, this post was edited by the Books and Benches team with help from ProWritingAid or Grammarly or Wix. The review, and all opinions/thoughts within, are the reader's. Affiliate links are in use on this post. If you click on an Amazon or Bookshop link, and make a purchase, this site will earn a small commission. It costs you nothing and helps us to maintain this website and pay for books to share.

A Reader's Opinion: In the Market for Love stands out as a refreshing and sincere romance. This sweet contemporary romance follows Ransom and Kelly as they navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey of forgiveness, love, and faith. It’s a tale that resonates with anyone who has ever sought redemption or a second chance. The apparent chemistry between Ransom and Kelly shows that love, faith, and support can help individuals overcome significant obstacles. If you're in need of a sweet, uplifting read that nourishes your spirit, this book is an ideal choice. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of contemporary Christian romance, leaving a lasting impact that remains long after the final page. In the Market for Love encourages readers to not only fall in love with its characters but also to consider their own paths toward faith and love. About the Book In the Market for Love by Shanna Hatfield (Retailer Description) He’s never opened his heart to anyone. She wears her emotions on her sleeve. When romance blooms, will they realize love is what they both need? Ransom Kressley possesses the gift of gab, striking good looks, and a blistering disdain for his family’s Idaho ranch where he resides with his father and identical twin brother. His genuine passion is football, but a knee injury shattered his dreams of an NFL career. After years of channeling his frustration and anger toward those who care about him most, Ransom resolves to change. He accepts a job in Portland as a promotions manager for an arena football team and eagerly steps into his new life. As he makes a fresh start, his past continues to plague him, interfering with his chance to get to know the woman who lingers in his thoughts. Despite her sunny smile and tender spirit, Kelly Truman isn’t in the market for love or even a relationship when she agrees to have lunch with her best friend’s soon-to-be brother-in-law. Familiar only with Ransom Kressley’s notorious reputation, Kelly is determined to keep her guard up around him. However, Ransom proves to be nothing like she expected. Soon, she realizes she cherishes time spent with the man, but fears trusting him with her heart. When their friendship evolves into something more, will Ransom’s charm and silver tongue split them apart or bind them together? A sweet romance full of warmth and humor, In the Market for Love is a story of hope, forgiveness, and redemption. Buy the Book Kindle Paperback Title: In the Market for Love Author: Shanna Hatfield Series: Hearts of the West, book 1 Genres: Contemporary Romance, Christian Romance, Christian Western Originally published: March 6, 2025 Language: ‎English    Read by: Lizzie Review Copy Source: NetGalley Disclaimers: The copy reviewed was provided by the author or publisher via NetGalley. This review is the opinion of the reviewer and does not necessarily represent the opinions of all other reviewers (past, present, future) who review for Books and Benches. Because we do not have a professional editor volunteer, this post was edited by the Books and Benches team with help from ProWritingAid or Grammarly or Wix. The review, and all opinions/thoughts within, are the reader's. Affiliate links are in use on this post. If you click on an Amazon or Bookshop link, and make a purchase, this site will earn a small commission. It costs you nothing and helps us to maintain this website and pay for books to share.

The Civil War era was marked by a complex web of motivations and ambitions, and for those fascinated by the history of this era, check out The Absolution of Mars by T.F. Troy! From its intriguing opening scene, where playful dialogue among children hints at deeper mysteries, the story captivates with a blend of vivid detail and emotional depth. About The Absolution of Mars by T.F. Troy Politics, Friendship, or Greed? Which of these was the true author of the Confederate conspiracy to decapitate the Union? The Absolution of Mars by T.F. Troy is a masterful blend of historical fiction, human drama and moral exploration. Set against the backdrop of a racially fraught period in American history, the story does not back away from the harsh realities or racial biases of the day. The narrative introduces Jemm Pender, a former slave with a superior intellect, who rises to become a key agent in the National Detective Police Force. Jemm is tasked to trace the movements of J. W. Boyd, a Confederate spy working out of Canada. From its intriguing opening scene, where playful dialogue among children hints at deeper mysteries, the story captivates with a blend of vivid detail and emotional depth. Jemm's quest intertwines with his wife Marnie and Aunt Cordelia, both blessed with remarkable capabilities that are being lost to the scientific thought of the day. Troy tackles difficult topics with honesty and precision, creating moments that are as painful as they are profound. The prose is rich and evocative, with dialogue that breathes life into the characters and their struggles. The Absolution of Mars is a poignant, thought-provoking exploration of history, identity, and humanity, recommended for readers seeking depth and nuance. Buy the Book Kindle Paperback Hardcover Enjoy an Excerpt from The Absolution of Mars Before the men could even grab Boyd, the sergeant is on him, searching his pockets, pulling out a billfold with more than $1,000 dollars in it, a red journal, and three newspaper clippings. The other two soldiers grab Boyd by the armpits, his legs dangling and dragging behind him, unconcerned about favoring the leg in the splint. Boyd sees red, then white. As they lift him up, he comes to and feels his neck bend awkwardly to one side. Nothing is working. Boyd sees red then white. As the soldiers pull him up the steps to Garrett’s porch, he comes back once again. He tries to spit up the blood and phlegm gurgling in his throat, but is unsuccessful. He starts to choke. Boyd sees red then white. He coughs up blood and wakes. His breath gurgles, as he continues to spit blood and phlegm from his mouth. The lieutenant stands over him. “The wound looks fatal,” he says to Boyd. “Do you wish to make a last statement.” Boyd looks at him, realizing his situation, and tries to nod head but is not successful. “Smith, Smith is, paid...paid companion,” Boyd says, as blood flowed from the corners of his mouth. His eyes roll back in his head. “Not a part of this.” Boyd sees red, then white. One of the two soldiers who had carried him, speaks up. “Corbett grabbed some personal belongings,” he says. “True,” says the sergeant. “Lookey here, what we got. More than $1,000 in U.S bills, plus some clippings here.” “Garrett, I need some brandy, a sponge,” the lieutenant says. “I want a final confession.” Richard Garrett dutifully steps inside the house, his frightened family and man servant still on the porch as the first pink and grey slivers of dawn can be seen on the horizon. Boyd sees red, then white. “Anything else?” the lieutenant asks the sergeant as Garrett steps inside, but the sergeant ignores him. “I said anything else sergeant!” lieutenant shouts louder, bringing Boyd back to consciousness. “Journal. My journal,” Boyd says, passing out again. He comes to as Garrett applied the brandy to his lips. “Journal explains,” he says, as his eyes rolled back in his head. “Bell, Bell.” “Ask Not for Whom the Bell tolls,” the lieutenant says, quoting John Donne’s immortal poem and hoping to give a man he saw as an actor a great last line. “He musta dropped that journal in the barn,” the sergeant says. Boyd tries to shake his head and coughs. Blood begins flowing freely from the corners of both lips. Boyd sees red, then white. His brother comes down the steps of his home in Maryland and smiles at him. His mother comes out from the kitchen, a concerned look on her face. “Why?” she asks, as Boyd is jolted back to consciousness. Boyd sees red, then white. A sharp pain comes from the base of his neck, as he opens his eyes and sees the lieutenant. “Tell my mother I died for my country,” Boyd says. “Raise my hands. Please raise my hands, that I may see them one last time” he pleads. The soldier that helped carry him to the porch raises his hands up to Boyd’s gaze, and Boyd shakes his head slightly. “Other, other side,” he gasps. The soldier turns Boyd’s palms toward him, and the man known to the Garrett family as Captain Boyd whispers his last words on earth. Words that would be later used to confirm his identity. End of Excerpt © T.F. Troy. Shared with permission for the tour. Author T.F. Troy A student of the American Civil War, T.F. Troy has an award-winning journalism career spanning more than 40 years. He currently serves as Executive Editor of Cleveland Magazine’s Community Leader as well as the Editor of Ohio Business Magazine. He also writes features for Northern Kentucky Magazine and Dayton Magazine, among other regional publications. His work with those publications has won him numerous awards, taking first, second and third place in Ohio for Magazine Feature Writing. Troy’s work has appeared in major metropolitan daily newspapers including the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In addition to the previously mentioned publications, Troy also held positions as a Senior Editor for both ABC/Capital Cities and ICD Publications in New York. His work has appeared in numerous national consumer and trade periodicals throughout his career. In his first book Cleveland Classics: Great Tales from the North Coast , Troy interviewed local and national Cleveland celebrities such as: Jim Brown, Bob Feller, Patricia Heaton and Arsenio Hall among others. The Absolution of Mars , set just after the Civil War, is his first novel, but third book. Author page on publisher website: https://www.historiumpress.com/t-f-troy   Connect/Follow Online Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Bluesky Amazon Author Page Goodreads Book Title: The Absolution of Mars Author: T.F. Troy Publication Date: January 21st, 2025 Publisher: Historium Press Pages: 302 Genre: Historical Fiction, American Civil War Spy Novel Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! Please consider helping the authors who write the books by sharing this post.