"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! 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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.

Get ready to fall head over heels for book one of the Hearts of the West series, where hope, love, and longing come together in an irresistible package! Join us in welcoming Shanna Hatfield with In the Market for Love . Shanna joins us on a blog tour hosted by XpressoTours. There is also a limited-time giveaway at the end of this post. 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? In the Market for Love by Shanna Hatfield 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 Add to Goodreads Enjoy an Excerpt from In the Market for Love Nervous for reasons she couldn’t begin to explain, she rushed to answer the door. She pulled it open to find Ransom on the other side of the screen door holding a bag from the hardware store in one hand and a large bag of peanut M&Ms in the other. Kelly could have kissed him, and it had nothing to do with him bringing her favorite candy. He looked delectable in a pair of faded jeans, scuffed boots, and a blue plaid western shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, exposing tanned, corded forearms. His hair was tousled, like he’d forked his hands through it a few times. “I’m so sorry to bother you, Ransom. Were you doing something important?” she asked as she pushed open the door and filled her lungs with his incredible scent as he stepped past her into the house. “Vitally important. I was cheering on the Seahawks when I got Celia’s text.” Aware of how much he loved football, Kelly felt as though he’d made a big sacrifice by coming to help her. “I’m so sorry, Ransom. I told Celia I’d figure it out.” “I’m glad she reached out, and you called. I can catch up on the game later.” “You can at least listen to it.” She took a step toward the coffee table, where she’d left the remote to the television, but Ransom shook his head. “It’s fine, Kelly. I’d rather hang out with you.” She wasn’t sure what to make of that since Ransom lived and breathed football. He walked into the kitchen, and she followed. As he set the bag on the counter by the sink and began extracting parts, he glanced over at her. “Tell me what happened.” “I’m not sure, exactly. The dishwasher was mid-cycle. I came in to get a drink, and water was gushing out of the cabinet. I opened it up, and the pipe that connects to the drain had fallen completely off. What would make it do that?” “A few things could make it do that, but it shouldn’t. I’m sorry you had to deal with this today.” He knelt down on the floor and removed the plastic wrap she’d used to cover the ends of the pipes. “Whew. That is ripe,” he said, turning his nose into his shoulder and drawing in a deep breath. “I’ll try to work fast.” And he did. Less than fifteen minutes later, the pipe was once again fastened to the drain, and Kelly turned the dishwasher back on. Ransom washed his hands while Kelly poured two glasses of apple cider. She would have offered Ransom a root beer if she’d had one, aware it was his favorite beverage. However, the apple cider was from the local farmer’s market. Dave’s wife, Randi, had brought a jug to Kelly yesterday at the winery. Kelly filled a plate with cinnamon cookies that she had baked the night before, then tipped her head toward the living room. “If you aren’t in a rush to head back to your apartment, would you like to stay and watch the rest of the game?” she asked, hoping Ransom would say yes. End of Excerpt. © Shanna Hatfield. Shared with permission for this blog tour. Meet the Author Shanna Hatfield USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes sweet romances rich with relatable characters, small town settings that feel like home, humor, and hope. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.” When this farm girl isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. She also experiments with recipes, snaps photos of her adorable nephew, and caters to the whims of a cranky cat named Drooley. To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website shannahatfield.com or find out more about her here: linktr.ee/ShannaHatfield Connect/Follow BookBub Goodreads Facebook Pinterest Instagram Twitter/X Title: In the Market for Love Author: Shanna Hatfield Series: Hearts of the West, book 1 Release Date: March 6, 2025 Pages: 150 pages Categories: Contemporary Romance Limited-Time Giveaway $20 Amazon gift card – 1 winner WW Ends March 13, 2025. US Only   Direct Rafflecopter Link Boring Legal Jargon:  The giveaway is open to the country/countries designated by the sponsor only, and ends at the specified date. You must be 18 or older to enter/at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Xpresso Tours. The winner will be contacted directly by the author or blog tour host.

Are you a fan of heartwarming love stories or intrigued by cowboys in Montana? If so, this novel promises to captivate your heart and imagination! Join us in welcoming Elsa Winckler with A Family with the Cowboy . Elsa joins us on a blog tour hosted by Silver Dagger Book Tours. There is also a limited-time giveaway at the end of this post. A Family with the Cowboy by Elsa Winckler Widowed rancher Hayden Weston knows what it means to be responsible for his siblings, his eight-year-old son, and the running of the huge family cattle ranch. Some even call him a stern and grumpy taskmaster and they’re not exactly wrong. So when Hayden discovers his son reading a storybook instead of doing chores, he calls on Luke’s teacher to talk about priorities. School teacher Laura Anderson is new to Marietta, Montana, and has never—until now—been reprimanded for encouraging a child to read. It doesn’t help that sweet Luke’s father is the handsome cowboy with the amber eyes that she met in Grey’s Saloon, or that she’s wildly attracted to him. Sparks keep flying as their paths keep crossing, but Hayden is determined not to give in to his incomprehensible need to have, hold, and protect Laura from any type of harm. He’s the one who’ll hurt her if he lets her stray too close. He’s not ready to admit his feelings or commit to sharing his life with her. Even if love comes tumbling in. Buy the Book Kindle B&N Nook Apple Books Kobo Google Play Enjoy an Excerpt at Tule Publishing Add to Bookbub   Add to Goodreads Enjoy an Excerpt from A Family with the Cowboy Getting tingles down her back because a cowboy was looking at her was so not something she had time for right now. Squaring her shoulders, she opened the bathroom door. As she stepped out, she bumped into a solid body. Earthy tones of man and musk swirled around her. Immediately, all her senses jumped to attention. “Sorry,” she muttered, and tried to escape, but the person in front of her wasn’t moving. “Excuse me,” she tried again and, irritated, she pushed against him. Big mistake. Her hands landed on a warm, muscled torso. They both froze. She looked up. It was the same cowboy she’d caught staring at her minutes earlier. Those whiskey-colored eyes didn’t blink. “You passing through town?” a deep voice rumbled. She shook her head. One side of his mouth lifted ever so slightly. “Pity.” His head dropped. “Something tells me you may not be so averse to sweaty cowboys as you think.” Before she could catch her breath, he’d turned away and was walking through the swinging doors into the night. Blinking, she steadied herself against the wall. Oh, my. If the first cowboy she met in town had this effect on her, it was a good thing she was living and working in town and would hopefully not run into any on a daily basis. End of Excerpt © Elsa Winckler. Shared with permission on the blog tour. Meet the Author Elsa Winckler I have been reading love stories for as long as I can remember and when I ‘met’ the classic authors like Jane Austen, Elizabeth Gaskell, Henry James The Brontë sisters, etc. during my Honours studies, I was hooked for life. I married my college boyfriend and soul mate and after 43 years, 3 interesting and wonderful children and 3 beautiful grandchildren, he still makes me weak in the knees. We are fortunate to live in the picturesque little seaside village of Betty’s Bay, South Africa with the ocean a block away and a beautiful mountain right behind us. And although life so far has not always been an easy ride, it has always been an exciting and interesting one! I like the heroines in my stories to be beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong.  And the heroes must be strong but possess a generous amount of sensitivity. They are of course, also gorgeous!  My stories typically incorporate the family background of the characters to better understand where they come from and who they are when we meet them in the story. Website : elsawinckler.com Connect/Follow BookBub Facebook Twitter/X Instagram Newsletter Title: A Family with the Cowboy Author: Elsa Winckler Series: The Westons of Montana, book one Release Date: Feb 18, 2025 Published by: Tule Publishing Pages: 197 Limited-Time Giveaway $10 Amazon gift card or E-book of My Montana Valentine by Elsa Winckler -1 winner each! Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway! Boring Legal Jargon:  The giveaway is open to the country/countries designated by the sponsor only and ends on March 4, 2025 (or end of tour). You must be 18 or older to enter/at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Silver Dagger Book Tours. The winner will be contacted directly by the author or blog tour host.

Are you ready for a rousing medieval romance where temptation reigns and convenience is a matter of opinion? Join us in welcoming Denise Lynn with The Warrior's Bride Alliance . Denise joins us on a blog tour hosted by Silver Dagger Book Tours. There is also a limited-time giveaway at the end of this post. The Roul brothers are King David's Warrior Wolves - each finds their (true love/mate) with a little push from the king... The Warrior's Bride Alliance by Denise Lynn Denise Lynn returns to Harlequin Historical with an explosive medieval marriage-of-convenience story! She needs a husband… So she captures one! Lady Gillian of Rockskill desperately needs a husband—one strong and wealthy enough to protect her castle. So she has warrior Rory of Roul captured and blackmails him into marrying her! Awaking in a dungeon to a marriage proposal, Rory stuns his beguiling captor with a counteroffer: to free his men and complete his mission for the king, he agrees to a temporary chaste marriage. One that can be annulled when his quest is over. But despite their stormy beginning, their attraction grows, and so does the temptation to claim their wedding night! From Harlequin Historical: Your romantic escape to the past. Buy the Book Kindle Bookshop Mass Market Paperback Barnes & Noble Apple Books Kobo Google Play Harlequin Add to Bookbub Add to Goodreads Enjoy an Excerpt from The Warrior's Bride Alliance Chapter One Rockskill Keep, Scotland—spring 1146 ‘I have need of a husband.’ Rory of Roul shook his head to clear the thick fog muddling his mind and making his head pound. Where was he? He tried desperately to dredge up his last memory, but failed. Was it fog clouding his memory, or was it smoke from the fires set after the battle to lay waste to the land? Land now covered by dead bodies. Bodies not of men, but of smooth-faced boys who’d only recently sparred with wooden swords in mock battles. His stomach rolled at the horrors he’d committed. No. The battle was over. Without his liege’s permission or knowledge, he’d gathered his men and left. He was no longer in Normandy. He’d run like a traitorous dog with his tail between his legs back to King David begging for a mission—a wolf’s mission—any mission. He shook his head again. Slowly clearing the murkiness of his mind. He and two of his men had been heading for Rockskill Keep on the King’s orders. Rory jerked his head back, only to wince at the contact with the stone wall behind him. She needed a what? The bite of iron manacles securing his wrists and ankles to the cold wall at his naked back kept him from laughing at her statement. Why was there a woman on the battlefield? He blinked, then stared at the woman standing before him, not on a field of battle, but in a dimly lit cell, and asked, ‘Where are my men?’ ‘They are secure.’ ‘Secure?’ ‘In a better state than you.’ She shrugged, adding, ‘For now.’ She stepped closer. The top of her head barely reached his shoulder. ‘You worry about your men for naught. You should be concerned for your own well-being.’ He snorted. His well-being had been forfeited the moment he’d deserted his post and walked off the battlefield. The penalty for desertion—treason—would be death. The best he could hope for was that his liege the Count of Roul—his brother Elrik—would use a sharp blade and make it a quick, clean end. ‘Where am I?’ ‘Rockskill Keep.’ At least he’d arrived at the location of his mission for King David. ‘I demand an audience with the Lord of this Keep.’ ‘That would be impossible, as he is dead.’ A piece of information King David either didn’t know or had forgot to mention when he sent him here to bring the shipwrecks, smuggling, murders and other happenings at Rockskill to heel. ‘Then who is in charge here?’ ‘I am.’ ‘And you are?’ ‘The Lady of Rockskill.’ Rory wrenched hard against the restraints, angry at the knowledge that he was at this vixen’s mercy. He pulled harder on the chains, his chest nearly hitting her nose. She didn’t move, didn’t as much as flinch, simply looked up at him, warning, ‘If you harm me, you will die. But if you hurt yourself, I will send in the midwife. Trust me when I say you will not like her attention. She enjoys making her charges cry.’ He ignored her threat to send a woman’s healer instead of a surgeon to attend him. The slanted tilt of her lips and arching of her brows let him know she’d insulted him on purpose. And while he highly doubted a woman could make him cry, he was in no position to test that theory. She reached out, stopping just before her palm touched his chest. Her hand was so close that a breeze would not have passed between them. He looked down, wondering if her touch would burn, and suddenly was grateful that he only lacked clothing from the waist up. The woman paused, frowning. As if uncertain of her next move. Rory lifted a brow. If he didn’t know better, he would guess this woman had never been alone with a man before. Yet she had just claimed her husband had died. He watched the play of emotions cross her face as she stared at his chest, as if the sight was unfamiliar. Her curiosity while studying his shoulders, chest, then stomach blinked to hesitancy before she quickly flashed her gaze back up. But the raising of her finely arched brows and the slight widening of those blue eyes silently spoke of interest. She jerked her hand away, produced a dagger from behind her back and held the tip towards the tie of his braies. ‘It would be an easy thing to strip you completely. Perhaps I should see if the rest of you will suffice as husband material.’ Was she that witless, or truly that bold?  Rory doubted if she’d be bold enough to do so, but he had no desire to discover the answer, at least not while chained to a wall. ‘Do you know who I am?’ She tucked the dagger back behind her. ‘You are Rory of Roul, the youngest of King David’s wolves.’ She knew who he was and yet still saw fit to capture him? He frowned, unable to remember how this had happened. End of Excerpt. © Denise Lynn. Shared with permission for this blog tour. Click to view on Bookshop The Warrior’s Runaway Wife Warrior Wolves, book two The notorious Lord of Roul… …must take her as his bride! Lady Avelyn flees an unwanted betrothal to an elderly warlord only to be hunted down and returned to King David’s court by fearsome Elrik, Lord of Roul, a legendary warrior with a heart of ice—and a kiss of fire. And now Avelyn is bound to Elrik—and his bed—when Elrik is commanded to wed her instead! “Another sensual, action packed tale” — RT Book Reviews on At the Warrior’s Mercy Click to View on Bookshop At the Warrior’s Mercy Warrior Wolves, book one In twelfth-century Scotland, a woman is trapped into marriage with a warrior—by order of the king! Deceived and alone, Beatrice of Warehaven is forced to flee—straight into the powerful arms of feared warrior Gregor of Roul. He escorts her home, though not before a kiss ignites true passion between them. If Gregor is to gain his freedom, he must obey one last royal order—overthrow Warehaven and marry Beatrice. His betrayal will earn Beatrice’s hatred, but Gregor is prepared to go into battle with this stubborn beauty—and finish what he started with his innocent bride! Meet the Author Denise Lynn Denise Lynn lives in NW Ohio with her husband, son and slew of 4-legged "kids". She has been an avid reader of romance novels for many years, travelling to lands and times filled with brave knights, courageous ladies and never-ending love between the pages of those wonderful books. She writes medieval romances set in England, Ireland, Normandy, France and a few fictitious islands in the waters surrounding Great Britain. When not writing historical romances, she's likely working on paranormal romances with dragons, wizards and other assorted praeternatural beings – some set on the same fictitious islands created for her medievals. When Denise isn't writing, she can be found hiking, baking, sitting in front of a sewing machine, or snipping herbs for various edible and not-so-edible recipes. Website : www.denise-lynn.com Connect/Follow Goodreads Facebook Pinterest Instagram Twitter/X Title: The Warrior's Bride Alliance Author: Denise Lynn Series: Warrior Wolves, book three (Gillian of Rockskill and Rory of Roul) Release Date: February 25, 2025 (March 2025) Published by: Harlequin Historical Pages: 272 Categories: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Viking Historical Fiction, Medieval Romance Limited-Time Giveaway First Prize $30 Amazon gift card – 1 winner WW Second Prize Print copy of winner’s choice from Warrior Wolves 1-3 – 5 winners, US only!   Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway! Boring Legal Jargon:  The giveaway is open to the country/countries designated by the sponsor only, and ends at the specified date. You must be 18 or older to enter/at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Silver Dagger Book Tours. The winner will be contacted directly by the author or blog tour host.

A Woman's Lot by Carolyn Hughes 🎧 Audiobook 🎧 Meonbridge Chronicles, Book 2 How can mere women resist the misogyny of men? 1352. In Meonbridge, a resentful peasant rages against Eleanor Titherige’s efforts to build up her flock of sheep. Susanna Miller’s husband, grown melancholy and ill-tempered, succumbs to idle gossip that his wife’s a scold. Agnes Sawyer’s yearning to be a craftsman is met with scorn. And the village priest, fearful of what he considers women’s “unnatural” ambitions, is determined to keep them firmly in their place. Many men hold fast to the teachings of the Church and fear the havoc the “daughters of Eve” might wreak if they’re allowed to usurp men’s roles and gain control over their own lives. Not all men in Meonbridge resist the women’s desire for change – indeed, they want it for themselves. Yet it takes only one or two misogynists to unleash the hounds of hostility and hatred… If you enjoy immersive historical fiction with a strong authentic feel, set in a time of change and challenge, especially for women, you’ll love A Woman’s Lot , the second MEONBRIDGE CHRONICLE. Find out for yourself if Meonbridge’s “unnatural” women stand up to their abusers. Listen! Buy the Audiobook Amazon Audible Audiobook Narrator: Alex Lee Also available in e-book and paperback At the time of this posting, this title is available to read on Kindle Unlimited. Discover the Series Praise for A Woman’s Lot “This book exceeded all my expectations. I did not read this story. I lived it!” ~ Mary Anne Yarde, The Coffee Pot Book Club “A treat for all the senses…totally true to its time and setting…” ~ Being Anne “I didn’t so much feel as if I were reading about medieval England as experiencing it first hand.” ~ Linda’s Book Bag “An absorbing account of the times.” ~ Historical Novel Society Meet Carolyn Hughes Carolyn Hughes has lived much of her life in Hampshire. With a first degree in Classics and English, she started working life as a computer programmer, then a very new profession. But it was technical authoring that later proved her vocation, word-smithing for many different clients, including banks, an international hotel group and medical instruments manufacturers. Although she wrote creatively on and off for most of her adult life, it was not until her children flew the nest that writing historical fiction took centre stage. But why historical fiction? Serendipity! Seeking inspiration for what to write for her Creative Writing Masters, she discovered the handwritten draft, begun in her twenties, of a novel, set in 14th century rural England… Intrigued by the period and setting, she realised that, by writing a novel set in the period, she’d be able to both learn more about the medieval past and  interpret it, which seemed like a thrilling thing to do. A few days later, the first Meonbridge Chronicle, Fortune’s Wheel , was under way. Six published books later (with more to come), Carolyn does now think of herself as an Historical Novelist. And she wouldn’t have it any other way… You can connect with Carolyn through her website www.carolynhughesauthor.com  and social media. Connect with Carolyn Twitter Facebook BlueSky BookBub Amazon Author Page Goodreads Book Title: A Woman's Lot Series: The Meonbridge Chronicles Author: Carolyn Hughes Publication Date: January 30th, 2025 (audiobook) Unabridged Listening Length: 12 hours and 15 minutes Publication Date: November 12th, 2018 Publisher: Riverdown Books Pages: 342 Genre: Historical Fiction

We are pleased to welcome Elizabeth de Veer to Books & Benches as she gives us a sneak peek at The Ocean in Winter . ''This tale of love, loss, grief, and connections is one that could shatter your heartstrings. It is a saga of family turmoil that hints of the supernatural—a world of spirits that try to alert of danger, the past, and the way forward.'' — Mystery & Suspense Enjoy an excerpt from The Ocean in Winter After a four-and-a-half-hour drive, I arrive in Manhattan, thrilled but terrified to be someplace new. The GPS takes me directly to the hotel, and shortly after eleven p.m., I check in. The room is tiny and cramped with a double bed and a reading chair that I need to squeeze past to get to the bathroom. The view isn’t much, just a row of brick buildings with layers of buildings beyond it, and more buildings beyond those. I sit down in the soft chair and stare out the window at the city for a while. I wonder if she’s out there in the darkness; maybe I am looking straight at her now but can’t see her. Then I notice, beside the chair, a stack of glossy magazines in a basket. A while ago, Today investigated hotel rooms and used ultraviolet light to show all the body fluids that never get cleaned from the bedspreads and walls, but I defy Savannah Guthrie and pick up a magazine—I don’t really want to touch the TV remote, but I probably will even- tually. It’s a couple of years old. I flip through pages and stop on a shiny perfume ad featuring a young woman dressed in brightly colored feathers, with darkness behind her. She holds a mask on a stick away from her face and gives a coy, mischievous smile. The line of cleavage from her breasts peeks out from behind the feath- ers. I look at the picture for several moments before I realize: this is my sister. And that is how Riley works: she appears where I do not expect her, in a place where I was not looking for her. And when I do find her, I barely recognize her. I wake up early in my hotel bed, then brave the remote to switch on the news; temperatures today will be relatively mild, midforties with low wind. After the winter we’ve been having up north, that sounds like spring. I lose myself again staring out the window as light rises to shine on the adjacent brick buildings. If she were dead, I would know it in my body; I am sure I would. I pour water from the sink into the coffee brewer and push the on button. Riley. She’s changed her address, phone number, and email address, all without tell- ing me or Alex or Dad. But why? Did she have a bad breakup? A stalker? A problem with work? Taxes? People don’t just fall off the face of the earth. Do they? I sit on the edge of the bed and drink my coffee. She could be hurt, alone, scared. Or, then again, maybe her boyfriend is a member of the Saudi royal family and she’s with him on his yacht right now, lying on a beach chair off the coast of Dubai. Maybe she needs to keep quiet about it because he’s married. Maybe she’s in the witness protection program. Maybe she’s a spy. I think about these things, and there is a pull on my insides, a sour kind of ache of something I half know but don’t want to admit. Maybe Riley started using opioids again. And if that’s happening, we really need to be worried. Riley, where are you? End of Excerpt Excerpt Copyright © Elizabeth de Veer. Shared with permission. About the Book The Ocean in Winter The lives of the three Emery sisters were changed forever when Alex, eleven at the time, found their mother drowned in the bathtub of their home. After their mother's suicide, the girls' father shut down emotionally, leaving Alex responsible for caring for Colleen, then eight, and little Riley, just four. Now the girls are grown and navigating different directions. Alex, a nurse, has been traveling in India and grieving her struggle to have a child; Colleen is the devoted mother of preteens in denial that her marriage is ending; and Riley has been leading what her sisters imagine to be the dream life of a successful model in New York City. Decades may have passed, but the unresolved trauma of their mother's death still looms over them creating distance between the sisters. Then on a March night, a storm rages near the coast of northeastern Massachusetts. Alex sits alone in an old farmhouse she inherited from a stranger. The lights are out because of the storm; then, an unexpected knock at the door. When Alex opens it, her beautiful younger sister stands before her. Riley has long been estranged from their family, prompting Colleen to hire the private investigator from whom they'd been awaiting news. Comforted by her unexpected presence, Alex holds back her nagging questions: How had Riley found her? Wouldn't the dirt roads have been impassable in the storm? Why did Riley insist on disappearing back into the night? After her mysterious visitation, Alex and Colleen are determined to reconcile with Riley and to face their painful past, but the closer they come to finding their missing sister, the more they fear they'll only be left with Riley's secrets. An unforgettable story about grief, love, and what it means to be haunted, The Ocean in Winter marks the debut of a remarkable new voice in fiction. Blackstone Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble ''Do we choose our memories, or do our memories choose us? That's the central question for the three sisters in Elizabeth de Veer's emotionally rich, incandescent debut novel. The Ocean in Winter is a page-turner of a book with a family mystery at its core, and profoundly explores the ways in which women struggle to rebuild their lives after grief and trauma. You won't want to put it down once you start.'' — Holly Robinson, author of Beach Plum Island and Chance Harbor The Author Elizabeth de Veer has a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School and has been admitted to writing residencies at the Jentel Artist Residency, the Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. She is a member of several writing groups, including Grub Street Writers’ Collective of Boston, the Newburyport Writers’ Group, Sisters in Crime New England, and the New Hampshire Writers’ Project. She lives in a small town in Northeast Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, and labradoodle. To learn more, check out her web site at elizabethdeveer.com . Connect with Elizabeth on Facebook and Instagram . Genre: Women's Fiction Type: Novel Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Publication Date: July 6, 2021 Content Rating: View our rating system Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? We hope you'll support this author by sharing with your friends. Have you read the book? Let us know your thoughts!