Shades of Yellow by Wendy J. Dunn is for those readers who enjoy historical fiction with modern-day resonance, women's fiction, and stories that explore personal transformation with heart and depth. Scroll down to read an excerpt and note the triggers at the end of the post. Shades of Yellow by Wendy J. Dunn During her battle with illness, Lucy Ellis found solace in writing a novel about the mysterious death of Amy Robsart, the first wife of Robert Dudley, the man who came close to marrying Elizabeth I. As Lucy delves into Amy’s story, she also navigates the aftermath of her own experience that brought her close to death and the collapse of her marriage. After taking leave from her teaching job to complete her novel, Lucy falls ill again. Fearing she will die before she finishes her book, she flees to England to solve the mystery of Amy Robsart’s death. Can she find the strength to confront her past, forgive the man who broke her heart, and take control of her own destiny? Who better to write about a betrayed woman than a woman betrayed? Buy the Book Universal Buy Link At the time of this posting, this title is available to read on Kindle Unlimited. Enjoy an Excerpt from Shades of Yellow The short drive to Wytham took them through high, open country. Max parked right near All Saints’ Church. ‘I’ll stay put, if you don’t mind. These suede shoes are new. They like wet ground less than my runners. But please take your time. More than happy to phone Sarah before we head back to the motorway.’   ‘Don’t think I’ll be gone too long.’ Lucy laughed. ‘We have more than enough of close to two-hundred-year-old churches in Australia.’   Still, the church appeared just as old as the other two they had visited the day before. I shouldn’t be surprised they rebuilt All Saints by recycling parts from far more ancient buildings. The surrounding countryside also strengthened her sense of the long ago past. With notes in hand, she hurried to the church’s porch, avoiding all the puddles on the way. Halting inside, she looked at the stone entrance, trying to make sense of the weave of stone, and what belonged to two hundred years ago, what belonged to a time much older than that. She rested her hands on the stone. This entrance was once one of the four entrances to the Great Hall at Cumnor Place. During the last days of her life, Amy would have passed through this entrance to dine. How I wish the stones could speak to me.   With the door already open, she stepped inside the small church. Once more, she lit a candle and closed her eyes to pray. Dear God, let the doctor be wrong. Please don’t let it be cancer. It can’t be cancer. Not again.   Shutting down her thoughts, Lucy dashed towards the south nave, glancing at the carved heads of the corbels supporting the roof. The closest one was female. She remembered from her notes that no one could give a name to the woman, but they suspected she was a nun from her close-fitting wimple.   Folding her notes and placing them in her coat’s deep pocket, Lucy studied the other corbel on this side, almost laughing at the head’s carved hair. Unidentified too, the hatless, bearded man looked like he had used a curling wand to turn up the ends of his hair.       She walked up and down the aisle, taking photos and admiring the windows’ flowing tracery. She tried to imagine the three fourteenth-century windows in their original location. To imagine Amy at Cumnor Place, looking out of these very windows. Can they have come from her chamber? Lucy resisted drawing out her notes from her pocket. They would not tell her what she wanted to know. No one could. No one had thought to record the architectural features of Cumnor Place or the windows’ location when they pulled down the building in 1811. All she could do was to fill these vast gaps of unknowing with her imagination.    Excerpt © Wendy J. Dunn Author Wendy J. Dunn WENDY J. DUNN is a multi-award-winning Australian writer fascinated by Tudor history –so much so she was not surprised to discover a family connection to the Tudors, not long after the publication of Dear Heart, How Like You This, her first Anne Boleyn novel, which narrated the Anne Boleyn story through the eyes of Sir Thomas Wyatt, the elder. Her family tree reveals the intriguing fact that one of her ancestral families – possibly over three generations – had purchased land from both the Boleyn and Wyatt families to build up their holdings. It seems very likely Wendy’s ancestors knew the Wyatts and Boleyns personally. Wendy gained her PhD in 2014 and tutors in writing at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. She loves walking in the footsteps of the historical people she gives voice to in her books. www.wendyjdunn.com Connect/Follow Online Newsletter Amazon Author Page Facebook Instagram Bluesky BookBub Goodreads Book Title: Shades of Yellow Author: Wendy J. Dunn Series: n/a Publication Date: September 7th, 2025 Publisher: Other Terrain Press Pages: 350 Genre: Women’s Fiction/ Literary Fiction / Dual-Timeline Any Triggers (Provided by tour host): Adult themes, with a few well-deserved F words included. Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! Please consider helping the authors who write the books by sharing this post.

With historical depth and heartfelt romance, Catherine Kullmann delivers a tale of healing, rediscovery, and love that defies convention in Lord Frederick's Return , a Regency romance novel. Lord Frederick's Return by Catherine Kullmann An older hero, an enigmatic heroine and a delightfully outspoken four-year-old. Throw scandal into the mix for a gripping and tender Regency love story August 1816. Lord Frederick Danlow  returns to England after spending 18 years in India. He plans to make a home for himself and his motherless, four-year-old daughter, Ruperta. Unsure where to start, he accepts an invitation to stay at Ponsonby Place, home of Colonel Jack Ponsonby who made his fortune in India, and his daughter  Susannah , the mistress of the household. Soon Frederick finds himself in need of a governess—and a wife? The more time he spends with Susannah, the more his admiration of her deepens. Is she the woman with whom he will share his life? He is resolved to court her, but then his younger brother Henry engulfs his family in an appalling scandal that could prevent any lady from agreeing to a connection with it. Now Frederick must support his family during this ordeal. But what of Susannah? What will she say when she hears of the scandal? Should he, dare he offer her his heart and his hand? Buy the Book Universal Buy Link Enjoy an Excerpt from Lord Frederick's Return February 1816   His daughter in his arms, Lord Frederick Danlow stood on the deck of the East Indiaman, his gaze fixed on the receding coastline. Eighteen years away, far longer than he had expected, but the prolonged war with the French had played merry hell with the Company’s shipping between India and England. Besides, he had not envisaged becoming such a family man. He would have been content to grow old in India with Jiya but she had been cruelly taken from him and India had lost its savour. With their twin sons, now young men of fifteen, suitably placed with the help of their grandfather, they had been surprised but not displeased by the last, unexpected pregnancy and charmed by the gift of a daughter. But within hours of the birth, Jiya had developed a high fever and within a day it was all over. The infant, hastily baptised Ruperta Fredericka Jiya by one of the Company’s chaplains, would have followed as quickly were it not for the quick-witted midwife who seemed to conjure from nowhere a wetnurse to complement the ayahs  who had already been engaged in anticipation of the new arrival. He had numbly played his part in the funeral rites, aware that to his British compatriots the death of an Indian bibi was scarcely worthy of notice and that the survival of a motherless girl child was equally insignificant. For the first time, he thought of returning to Britain with the child. How old should she be before he braved a six-month voyage with her? Able to walk and talk, he thought, and heed instructions at least. That gave him a couple of years to plan; no harm, he supposed, when he considered the preparations needed for a voyage of several months, not to mention the task of unravelling the fabric of his life here. Ruperta wriggled frantically. “Down, Papa.” “Only if you hold my hand, sweeting.” Frederick carefully lowered the child to the deck. “Remember, you must never come out here without me or one of the ayahs, and always be careful not to get in the way of the officers or crew.” As he spoke, someone bellowed an order and seamen ran to the heavy ropes that controlled the sails. He took a last breath of the aromatic air that was already yielding its distinctive spice to the sharper scent of salt and headed for the great roundhouse cabin that he had reserved for the voyage. The exorbitant fee had provided him merely with the bare space, which he must then equip to his liking. Now the wooden floor was spread with soft rugs. The canvas partition that divided the room at night into women’s and men’s quarters had been drawn back but the observer could readily note the two distinct parts, one furnished in the English style, with a sea couch that converted into a sofa for daytime use, a bureau-bookcase and a table and chairs. The other half was scattered with low tables, cushions, and divans that supplied the ayahs with seating during the day and were put together to provide beds at night. Ruperta slept here too, protected by the two ayahs who had cared for her since her birth. Frederick had considered getting a bed for her, but the women had pointed out that in bad weather she would be safer cocooned between them. The servants were busy unpacking the chests that held the items they would need on the voyage. The bookcase was filled with the mixture of new books and old favourites that Frederick hoped would sustain him during the tedium ahead. Ruperta ran to the chest that contained her playthings. How long would they keep her entertained, he wondered. And what of his fellow-passengers whom he would meet for dinner at the captain’s table? Would he find congenial companions among them? He had heard horror stories of such voyages and hoped they were not the type of hard-drinking rakehell who judged an evening’s success by the number of bottles of wine drained by each reveller. He preferred intelligent, witty conversation in more abstemious company. ~~~ Six months later, Frederick stood again on deck, watching through the rain for the first glimpse of England. The memory of India had faded; the weeks and months at sea forming a strange hiatus between east and west, elusive time spent in an idiosyncratic realm without physical boundaries other than the floating wooden construction which housed several hundred people in close proximity, and which knew neither before nor after, just a shifting now. It had been a dull, wet voyage but, judging by dinner-table conversation, they had been spared the worst terrors of such crossings, encountering storms but not hurricanes and never running out of supplies. Illness and accidents there had been, and he would not forget the barren simplicity of the committal of the dead to the deep. His worst fears in travelling with a young child had not been realised. In this, he was indebted to Mrs Captain Duggan, a resolute lady returning to England with her three children and her husband. In all there were thirteen English and Anglo-Indian children on board, ranging in age from three to twelve and Mrs Duggan had decreed that they should not lack education. “If we combine our resources,” she had declared that first evening, “we can keep them instructed and out of mischief for some of the time each day which will allow the ayahs attend to other matters.” “Is Ruperta not too young for school?” Frederick had asked. “Nonsense. It will do her good to sit with others and speak English. She’ll never learn if she spends all her time with the ayahs. She can practise her ABC. I have a copy of Mother Goose and perhaps others have some books suitable for children.” Two other mothers had agreed, and Mrs Duggan had then suggested that the gentlemen be responsible for four older boys who should not forget anything they ever knew while at sea. “They all are to go to school in England and should not be too far behind their classmates.” The next day, a curriculum was drawn up and students paired with teachers. Frederick found himself taking the two oldest boys in Latin, and starting them in Greek. Lessons were held in the morning. The captain dined in state with the passengers at two o’clock, and the usual post-prandial pursuits of cards, reading, and music-making occupied the time until supper at nine. On the captain’s instructions, all candles were to be snuffed by ten o’clock to cut down the risk of fire. It was a humdrum existence, he supposed, but restful, and he had got to know his daughter in a way he had never known his sons. Mindful of Mrs Duggan’s comment about the need for her to learn English, and concerned as to how she would adapt to English society after spending her life so far in the Zenana  or women’s quarters of his home, he had made a point of spending time with her each day, reading to her and telling her stories. Now he wondered had he done enough. What would his sister-in-law, the Marchioness of Rickersby, make of her? When he left England, his father had still been alive and his elder brother a newly betrothed twenty-two. Now George was the marquess, and father of two sons and two daughters. Their sister, Elizabeth, had been married out of the schoolroom to a peer twice her age while Frederick was at Oxford; as a result, he hardly knew her. There were twelve years between him and the youngest child, Henry; they had shared neither nursery nor schoolroom. Well, time enough to get to know him now, he supposed. He mentally listed his priorities for the next month: ensure that his belongings were landed safely, reacquaint himself with his brothers and sister, make his bow to his sister-in-law, and decide where to establish himself. He must purchase an estate, but had not yet decided where. Come to think of it, England was as foreign to him now as India had been eighteen years ago. © Catherine Kullmann 2025 Author Catherine Kullmann Catherine Kullmann was born and educated in Dublin. Following a three-year courtship conducted mostly by letter, she moved to Germany where she lived for twenty-five years before returning to Ireland. She has worked in the Irish and New Zealand public services and in the private sector. Widowed, she has three adult sons and two grandchildren. She has always been interested in the extended Regency period, a time when the foundations of our modern world were laid. She loves writing and is particularly interested in what happens after the first happy end—how life goes on for the protagonists and sometimes catches up with them. Her books are set against a background of the offstage, Napoleonic wars and consider in particular the situation of women trapped in a patriarchal society. She is the author of The Murmur of Masks , Perception & Illusion , A Suggestion of Scandal , The Duke’s Regret , The Potential for Love  , A Comfortable Alliance  ,   Lady Loring’s Dilemma  , and The Husband Criteria . She also blogs about historical facts and trivia related to this era. You can find out more about Catherine’s books and read the blog (My Scrap Album) at her website , where you can also subscribe to her newsletter. www.catherinekullmann.com Connect/Follow Online Amazon Author Page Facebook Twitter/X BookBub Goodreads Name: Catherine Kullmann Book Title: Lord Frederick’s Return Series: n/a Publication Date: 22nd July 2025 Publisher: Willow Books Pages: 269 Genre: Regency Romance Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! Please consider helping the authors who write the books by sharing this post.

Daughter of Mercia by Julia Ibbotson is for readers who enjoy tales woven with history, romance, and the spirit of strong women standing against the odds. This is a journey worth taking. Daughter of Mercia by Julia Ibbotson Echoes of the past resonate across the centuries as Dr Anna Petersen, a medievalist and runologist, is struggling with past trauma and allowing herself to trust again. When archaeologist (and Anna's old adversary) Professor Matt Beacham unearths a 6th century seax with a mysterious runic inscription, and reluctantly approaches Anna for help, a chain of events brings the past firmly back into her present. And why does the burial site also contain two sets of bones, one 6th century and the other modern? As the past and present intermingle alarmingly, Anna and Matt need to work together to solve the mystery of the seax runes and the seemingly impossible burial, and to discover the truth about the past. Tensions rise and sparks fly between Anna and Matt. But how is 6th century Lady Mildryth of Mercia connected to Anna? Can they both be the Daughter of Mercia? Buy the Book Kindle Paperback At the time of this posting, this title is in Kindle Unlimited. 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: Daughter of Mercia Series: Dr Anna Petersen Mysteries, book 1 Publication Date: June 6th, 2025 Publisher: Archbury Books Pages: 301 ebk, 392pbk Genre: medieval dual-time mystery romance Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! Please consider helping the authors who write the books by sharing this post.

The Herb Knot  by Jane Loftus is a gripping medieval historical fiction novel that weaves a powerful tale of betrayal, conspiracy, and survival. About The Herb Knot A Medieval Historical Fiction Novel by Jane Loftus The Hundred Years’ War comes to life in this spellbinding tale of love, betrayal and conspiracy…   A quest born on the battlefield will change a young boy’s destiny…   Rafi Dubois is five years old when his mother is murdered after the Battle of Crecy in 1346. Alone and lost, Rafi is given a token by the dying Englishman who tried to save his mother’s life: a half-broken family seal which he urges Rafi to return one day to Winchester.   Years later, when Rafi saves a wealthy merchant’s wife from a brutal robbery, he is rewarded with the chance to travel to England, taking the seal with him.   But when he reaches Winchester, Rafi finds himself in a turbulent world full of long-held allegiances, secrets and treachery. His path is fraught with danger and with powerful enemies working against him, Rafi falls in love with Edith, a market apothecary. But in doing so, Rafi unleashes a deadly chain of events which threatens to overwhelm them both…   The Herb Knot  is a sweeping and passionate novel set in one of the most tumultuous times in English history, from a powerful new voice. Buy the Book Kindle Paperback Barnes & Noble Apple Books Google Play Read an Excerpt from The Herb Knot The branches folded over them, crackling like a dog biting on chicken bones. Raphael and his mother wriggled beneath low shrubs and coils of fern. Even in moonlight they would be difficult to see, but it was not the place of safety his mother would have chosen. It was his mistake that had forced them to stop here.   His first mistake.   ‘When did you last see Christophe?’ His mother pulled him close.   ‘By the big oak.’   ‘Tch!’   ‘I’m sorry, Maman.’   The big oak was where they’d entered the forest. It was where enemy soldiers roamed, blood-soaked after a day of battle. There would be looting too, and worse. It was why a woman and two children had left a cottage that was no longer safe. And now one of the children was missing.   ‘He told me not to wait. He said he’d catch up.’ Raphael’s tears could be heard in his voice. He’d ruined everything. He should never have let go of Christophe’s hand. Now, they had been forced to stop where Christophe might still find them. They should be further towards the heart of the forest, not here.   It was all his fault.   ‘Don’t cry, mon petit . He’ll know where we are.’ Raphael’s mother, Marianne, reached for his hand. ‘I should have paid more heed.’   She’d been calling gently as they walked, to make sure the children were still following. Raphael had answered. But he’d spoken only for himself. Christophe had fallen behind long before she’d become aware of it. They were supposed to hold hands, but Christophe had kept stumbling, dragging Raphael down with him. In the end he’d told Raphael to go ahead, that he’d catch up.   I should have waited.   Christophe would surely find his way here. He had Raphael’s precious St Joseph scapular with him. Raphael wore it always, but Christophe had been afraid so Raphael had given it to him. It would guide him here; it had to.   Raphael and his mother lay for a while on their stomachs, the leaves above them gently shedding raindrops from the earlier storm. The damp earth smelled rich and strong and caught the back of Raphael’s throat. His ribs began to hurt and he tried to move, but there were footsteps now. Marianne pressed her fingers to his lips.   The footsteps came faster and louder. A man entered the clearing, his outline bulky as if he were wearing armour. There was a shadow of something in his hand, something that glinted for a brief moment as a dull beam of moonlight caught the edge of it. Raphael felt his mother’s hand tighten on his again.   Who was this man? A mercenary? Genoese? There was more moonlight now but it still wasn’t enough to see for sure.   ‘ Anglais ,’ Marianne whispered.   When Christophe crashed into the clearing like a hunted deer, the mercenary had already begun to walk away. Had Christophe arrived but one minute later, his and Raphael’s lives would have taken different paths. But at the sight of the child, soiled and trembling, the mercenary turned on his heel. He had his arm wrapped around Christophe’s neck in an instant, pulling tight until his feet barely reached the ground. Christophe’s hands pulled at the mercenary’s arm but to no avail. Raphael wanted to cry. End of Excerpt. © Jane Loftus Meet the Author Jane Loftus gained a degree in 16th Century European and British history from Surrey before taking a postgraduate degree in modern political history. As a lone parent, she worked in Winchester Waterstones before returning to IT once her son was older. Hugely passionate about the Middle Ages, she drew inspiration for this novel from the medieval layout of Winchester which has been painstakingly documented. Jane is originally from London but has lived in Winchester for over twenty years. When not writing, she is usually out walking or watching costume dramas on Netflix - the more medieval the better. She also plays far too many rpgs. Visit Jane at janeloftus.com . Connect with the author online: Facebook Bluesky Instagram Amazon Author Page Goodreads Book Title: The Herb Knot Author: Jane Loftus Publication Date: May 8th, 2025 Publisher: HQ Digital Print length: ‎349 pages Genre: Medieval Historical Fiction Any Triggers: Domestic abuse/violence (not much, but two short depictions), implied sexual assault, attempted murder, actual murder. Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! Please consider helping the authors who write the books by sharing this post.

Meet four remarkable women ready to build new lives in the rugged Montana Territory after the Civil War. The Women of Crooked Creek brings together adventure, courage, and romance—perfect for readers who love strong heroines and the men they love. At-a-Glance Tone: Courageous, heartfelt, and adventurous Setting: Post-Civil War Montana Territory Genre: Historical Western romance Focus: Brave women forging new lives, resilience, love, and frontier challenges Best for readers of:  Historical Westerns, character-driven stories, women’s adventures, and romance set on the American frontier About the Book The Women of Crooked Creek by MK McClintock Four courageous women, an untamed land, and the daring to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Meet the remarkable women willing to forge new lives in post-Civil War Montana Territory. "Emma of Crooked Creek" Emma Hawkins is a dedicated doctor in the little town of Crooked Creek, Montana Territory. Casey Latimer is a wounded soldier in search of a new home and a new beginning. When Casey, battered and bruised, quite literally falls at Emma's feet, she is bound by duty to help him. What happens next is something Emma never expected. "Hattie of Crooked Creek" Married three months before the war and now a widow, Harriett McBride can either give up and sell her ranch or fight for the life she and her husband came west to build. With the help of a friend and a stranger, she must stop the one who threatens all she holds dear. When Hattie is faced with an unexpected choice, will she bury her heart on the battlefield forever or find a way to love again? "Briley of Crooked Creek" Far from home and with no family left, Briley Donaghue answers an advertisement from a rancher seeking a wife in Montana Territory. She arrives in Crooked Creek to find an empty cabin, a letter from her fiancé, and too many unanswered questions. Alone and uncertain, Briley forges a new life in an unfamiliar land. "Clara of Crooked Creek" No longer willing to allow society’s opinion to influence her life, Clara Stowe sought a change, and what better place than the frontier. With her young daughter by her side, she embarks on an unexpected undertaking to the Montana Territory. With grit and determination, they arrive in Crooked Creek to shape the life Clara had always dreamed of and honor the memory of the one they lost. If you love stories of bravery and courage with unforgettable women and the men they love, you'll enjoy The Women of Crooked Creek . Get the Book Kindle Unlimited | Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Large Print "MK McClintock knows what readers want. A good collection of short stories." — Readers' Favorite Book Information Genre: Historical Western Romance Type: Short Story Collection Publisher: Trappers Peak Publishing Original Release Date: 2016; new cover released July 2021 Series: Crooked Creek Content Rating: 1 Heart/PG Author's note on genre and content: This book is a clean romance, but also contains some elements of western-style action and violence. Read an Excerpt from The Women of Crooked Creek by MK McClintock From "Hattie of Crooked Creek" Crooked Creek, Montana Territory October 1865 HATTIE STARED UP at the early morning rays as they glistened through her watery grave. She should have known better than to ride out before the sun rose above the craggy peaks, but she had to prove herself day after day, if to no one else but herself. Glen Meek, her foreman, scolded her two mornings ago when he learned that she’d been heading out on her own in the mornings before he and young John, his nephew, had even put their heads on the pillow from the night before. Hattie had waved off Glen’s concern with a distracting grin and a load of grit. The McBride Ranch was Hattie’s responsibility, her late husband’s legacy, and no one would take it away from her. Lights swam through the sky above her. If she reached out far enough, her fingers might be able to skim the surface of a star before the sun’s light washed them all away. She must have fallen into the river. Her shift clung to her body as though wet, but she knew how to swim. Why, then, did the black waters of unconsciousness seem determined to carry her away? The raging fire burned within as her lungs expanded. The pounding on her chest surely couldn’t be good for her ribs. “Don’t do this. Stay with me.” Her lungs exhaled, but instead of air, water escaped from her mouth in a frenzy of coughs. “That’s right, let it all out.” Twigs and small rocks dug into her back, but she lay flat and ignored them. Sunlight threatened her eyes to open. “You’re going to make it.” What was he talking about? The words didn’t make it past her thoughts. Her lips still scorched from the heat, of what she didn’t know. Her body no longer lay upon the hard earth, and her mind began to wake to greater awareness. “Put me down.” Of course, the man couldn’t hear her. She barely heard the scratchy whisper. “I said—” “I heard you, Mrs. McBride, but I’m not putting you down.” Hattie’s arm disobeyed her when she tried to reach for the colt strapped to her hip. Her captor, though apparently strong, handled her with great care, but Hattie knew the worst of what could happen to her awaited. “So this must be Hell.” End of Excerpt. Excerpt Copyright ©MK McClintock. Get the Book Kindle Unlimited  | Amazon  | Bookshop  | Barnes & Noble  | Large Print   "I LOVE this book! Each story is captivating. I read the whole book within 24 hours. I am now a fan of MK McClintock. I can’t wait to get more of her books!"— Goodreads review, 5 stars Meet the Author MK McClintock is an award-winning author of historical romantic fiction about chivalrous men and strong women who appreciate chivalry. Her stories of romance, mystery, and adventure sweep across the American West to the Victorian British Isles with places and times between and beyond. She also writes contemporary when she's in the mood. MK enjoys a quiet life in the northern Rocky Mountains. You can find her online at www.mkmcclintock.com .​ ••• Her works include the Montana Gallagher, Crooked Creek, British Agent, and Whitcomb Springs series. She has also written A Home for Christmas, a heartwarming collection set in 1800s Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, and The Case of the Copper King , a romantic and adventurous western mystery set in 1899 Colorado. She is always writing her next book. Thank you for reading and visiting Books & Benches. If The Women of Crooked Creek sparks your interest, consider sharing it with a friend who enjoys historical western romances. Explore more western romances  and clean reads in our archives.

History often remembers queens as pawns in the power games of men—but Judith Arnopp’s Marguerite: Hell Hath No Fury!  shatters that mold with a fiery retelling of one of the most formidable women of the Wars of the Roses. If you’re ready to witness history from the eyes of a woman scorned and strengthened, check out Marguerite: Hell Hath No Fury! by Judith Arnopp! Scroll down for an excerpt. About Marguerite: Hell Hath No Fury! by Judith Arnopp Marguerite: Queen of England From the moment Henry VI's new queen, Marguerite of Anjou, sets foot on English soil she is despised by the English as a foreigner, and blamed for the failures of the hundred years war in France. Her enemies impede her role as the king’s consort and when Henry sinks into apparent madness, her bid to become regent is rejected. Marguerite must fight, not only for her own position but to maintain Henry’s possession of the crown. The ambitious Duke, Richard of York, seizes control of the country, thrusting Marguerite aside and inflating the mutual hatred between the houses of York and Lancaster. But the queen refuses to relinquish power and fights determinedly for the rights of her son, Edward of Lancaster. The long and bitter civil conflict, that has come to be known as the War of the Roses, commences. Buy the Book Kindle Paperback As of this posting, this title is available in Kindle Unlimited. Enjoy an Excerpt from Marguerite: Hell Hath No Fury! Marguerite is in exile and has reluctantly agreed to an alliance with her old enemy the Earl of Warwick against Edward of March, who is now wearing her husband’s stolen crown.   July 1470   I know what is required of me. I must welcome the Earl of Warwick and forgive the numerous injuries he has inflicted on me and mine. To gain my heart’s desires I must embrace him as a friend and ally. It sounds a simple cure. Just one small spoonful of vile medicine to relieve years of discomfort but, by God, the pain of the remedy almost supersedes any other I have felt. I am not sure I can swallow it.   I try to refuse, find another way, but all my advisers urge me to conceal my pride and look beyond this moment and concentrate on the image of my son, his handsome face topped with the crown of England.   My glory.   Reluctantly, I agree to try. Jasper and Exeter wait with me for the earl to arrive. My stomach is full of snakes that writhe and burn. I want to run. I want to vomit up this idea of a union between my son and the earl’s daughter. Oh, how I wish we had impaled Warwick’s head alongside York’s on the Micklegate Bar when we had the chance.   We can only do what we can do.   The world outside the chamber stirs, I hear footsteps, confident and masculine – determined. My determination quails as the doors are thrown open and I hear the sound of heels on marble. I raise my head and open my eyes, steeled for the sight of Satan as he comes slithering into my presence.   And there he is.   He swirls his cloak behind him, his hand on his sword hilt as he makes an overly extravagant bow. Does he mock me?  I do not move. I keep my eyes fixed on the far wall. Long moments pass before the arrogant swine realises he should be on his knees. As I hear him lower himself to the ground, I cannot resist looking as he bows his disgusting head in fealty to me. It is something I never thought to see.   “Your Grace. I am honoured and gratified that you agreed to discuss this matter.”   He is indeed a prince of falsehoods. For all my faults, I have never been less than honest. I would trust him more were he to admit his detestation for me. I can work to the same ends with a man who hates me. I see no need for lies.   Unable to bring my lips to form amiable words, I merely stare at the back of his lowered head.   If I had a sword, I would use it.   Edward stirs beside me, nudges me to respond, but it is as if I am trapped in this moment. I should speak, I should bid him rise, allow him to kiss my fingers, and let the negotiations begin, but I cannot.   The faces of all those I have lost, those Warwick killed, rise like smoke before my eyes. Somerset, and his son Harry, are at the head. This man before me has stolen not just my friends but my peace of mind too. Because of him, I will never now be the woman I could have been, should have been.   Jasper clears his throat. I glance up and discover Exeter is also urging me to speak. I turn back to the toad of Warwick and hope his knees are aching.   I wait. They wait, in awkward silence while the all-powerful scourge of England kneels in supplication to me, his queen. I want to kill him. I want to watch him suffer agonies, but I need him. I am in a cleft stick and since I cannot have his head, I will use him to my own ends.   This time, Warwick will be the puppet and I will work his strings.   Less than two weeks later, at the Chateau d’Amboise, my son pledges to marry Anne Neville, but the union is not to be sealed until Warwick has performed his part and restored my husband to the English throne.   End of Excerpt. © Judith Arnopp. About Judith Arnopp A lifelong history enthusiast and avid reader, Judith holds a BA in English / Creative Writing and a Masters in Medieval Studies. She lives on the coast of West Wales where she writes both fiction and non-fiction. She is best known for her novels set in the Medieval and Tudor period, focusing on the perspective of historical women but recently she has written a trilogy from the perspective of Henry VIII himself.   Judith is also a founder member of a re-enactment group called The Fyne Companye of Cambria which is when and why she began to experiment with sewing historical garments. She now makes clothes and accessories both for the group and others. She is not a professionally trained sewer but through trial, error and determination has learned how to make authentic looking, if not strictly historically accurate clothing. A non-fiction book about Tudor clothing, How to Dress like a Tudor , was published in 2023 by Pen and Sword.   She runs a small seaside holiday let in Aberporth and when she has time for fun, likes to garden and restore antique doll’s houses. You can find her on most social media platforms.   Her novels include: A Song of Sixpence: the story of Elizabeth of York The Beaufort Chronicle: the life of Lady Margaret Beaufort (three book series) The Henrician Chronicle: comprising of: A Matter of Conscience: Henry VIII, the Aragon Years ( Book One of The Henrician Chronicle ) A Matter of Faith: Henry VIII, the Days of the Phoenix ( Book Two of The Henrician Chronicle ) A Matter of Time: Henry VIII, the Dying of the Light ( Book Three of The Henrician Chronicle ) The Kiss of the Concubine: a story of Anne Boleyn The Winchester Goose: at the court of Henry VIII Intractable Heart: the story of Katheryn Parr Sisters of Arden: on the Pilgrimage of Grace The Heretic Wind: the life of Mary Tudor, Queen of England Peaceweaver The Forest Dwellers The Song of Heledd The Book of Thornhold A Daughter of Warwick: the story of Anne Neville, Queen of Richard III Marguerite: Hell Hath no Fury! Website: www.judithmarnopp.com and Blog Connect/Follow Online Twitter / X Facebook Instagram Pinterest Book Bub Amazon Author Page Goodreads Name: Judith Arnopp Book Title: Marguerite: Hell Hath No Fury! Series: n/a Publication Date: June 21st, 2025 Publisher: Independently Published Pages: 342 Genre: Historical Fiction / Biographical Fiction Thank you for visiting Books & Benches! Please consider helping the authors who write the books by sharing this post.

A Reader's Opinion: Set in Oxford in 1901, The Bookbinder’s Secret  introduces Lilian (“Lily”) Delaney, an apprentice bookbinder stifled by the rigid expectations placed on women in the profession, and with a few quirks that make her an interesting character. The author does a beautiful job with the bookbinding details, drawing you in until you feel like you're there in the bookshop with the leather bindings and dusty shelves. The descriptions of bookbinding were quite interesting, though some may find the focus a bit weighty at times. Lily is a convincing heroine, filled with determination and spirit. After a start, the pacing picked up with twists and intrigue that combined the mystery with a somewhat contemporary feel, which could appeal to modern readers. The romance definitely took a back seat to the mystery and bookbinding, and it would have been nice to have a little more something there, but for a historical mystery, it kept me engaged. This is definitely one of those books where the reader should go in filled with curiosity and not expectations for how they think the book should turn out. Just allow yourself to become immersed. The Bookbinder’s Secret  is a nicely written debut: atmospheric, intelligent, and driven by a heroine who refuses to stay bound by convention. For historical mystery fans—especially those with a love of old books (as so many of us book lovers do)—it’s an enjoyable read. About the Book The Bookbinder's Secret by A.D. Bell (Retailer Description)   Every book tells a story. This one tells a secret. A young bookbinder begins a hunt for the truth when a confession hidden beneath the binding of a burned book reveals a story of forbidden love, lost fortune, and murder. Lilian ("Lily") Delaney, apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901, chafes at the confines of her life. She is trapped between the oppressiveness of her father’s failing bookshop and still being an apprentice in a man’s profession. But when she’s given a burned book during a visit to a collector, she finds, hidden beneath the binding, a fifty-year-old letter speaking of love, fortune, and murder. Lily is pulled into the mystery of the young lovers, a story of forbidden love, and discovers there are more books and more hidden pages telling their story. Lilian becomes obsessed with the story but she is not the only one looking for the remaining books and what began as a diverting intrigue quickly becomes a very dangerous pursuit. Lily's search leads her from the eccentric booksellers of London to the private libraries of unscrupulous collectors and the dusty archives of society papers, deep into the heart of the mystery. But with sinister forces closing in, willing to do anything for the books, Lilian’s world begins to fall apart and she must decide if uncovering the truth is worth the risk to her own life.    Buy the Book Bookshop E-book Bookshop Hardcover Kindle Hardcover Audiobook Title: The Bookbinder's Secret Author: A.D. Bell Publication date: ‎‎January 13, 2026 Language: ‎ English Print length: ‎400 pages Publisher: St. Martin's Press Genres: Historical Fiction / Historical Mystery 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.

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.