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When the wise woman Magda Digby is suspected of murder, Owen Archer sets out to prove her innocence in this intricately plotted medieval mystery. Go to: About the Book | Excerpt | The Author | Limited Time Giveaway The Riverwoman's Dragon May, 1375. Owen Archer returns from London to find York in chaos. While the citizens are living in terror of the pestilence which is spreading throughout the land, a new physician has arrived, whipping up fear and suspicion against traditional healers and midwives. With the backing of the new archbishop, he is especially hostile towards Magda Digby, the wise woman who has helped and healed the people of York for many years. At the same time, Magda is uneasy about the arrival of two long-lost kinsfolk. Though they say they are seeking her help, she senses a hidden agenda. Magda’s troubles deepen when she discovers a body in the river near her home – and finds herself under suspicion of murder. Days later, fire rips through a warehouse in the city. Amongst the charred debris lies the body of a man – not burned, but stabbed in the back. Could there be a connection to the corpse in the river? Determined to prove Magda’s innocence, Owen sets out to find answers – but the more he uncovers, the deeper the mystery becomes . . . AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND Enjoy an Excerpt from The Riverwoman's Dragon York, mid May 1375 Water was her element, despite the fiery reputation. In the liminal light of late evening she played in the River Ouse, leaving a trail of silver droplets as she arched and dove, reemerging from the peat-brown water, shaking her head, arching and diving once more, circling the rock that had been her home this long while. The ease, the grace, the joy of movement reminded Magda Digby of a time when her own body sliced through chilly waters alongside the most beautiful man she had ever known. She followed the happy memory as a scent on the wind and a taste of salt in the brown water signaled the turning of the tide in the loamy water of the Ouse. Until the gentle splash of an oar called her back to her seat in the doorway of her home on the rocky island in the Ouse. Slipping back onto the roof, the dragon gave one more shake, droplets raining down on Magda, and resumed her watch. A coracle emerged from the fog thrown up by the dragon play. Magda wondered whether it would be Sten. For why else the recent tidal wave of memories? But he had doubtless died of old age years ago. Their son? She walked to the edge of the rock, calling to the passenger to toss her the line. As she secured it on the stake driven into the rock she noted that the river lad’s companion was too short to be Sten. Their son? Grandson? There must be a reason Sten haunted her dreams. But as he turned to toss the line she saw that her visitor had nothing to do with her distant past. It was Sam Toller, Guthlac Wolcott’s factor, or agent for trade, his face creased with worry as he disembarked. She might guess that at last old Guthlac had let go the incompetent leech attending him and sent for her but that Sam pulsed with fear for himself, his family…and her. Perhaps the leech had stirred up more trouble? Or was she sensing Sam’s fear of the pestilence? Both, most likely. End of Excerpt. The Riverwoman’s Drago n ©2021 Candace Robb. Shared with permission. The Author I’m Candace Robb , a writer/historian engaged in creating fiction about the late middle ages with a large cast of characters with whom I enjoy spending my days. Two series, the Owen Archer mysteries and the Kate Clifford mysteries, are set in late medieval York. The Margaret Kerr trilogy is set in early 14th century Scotland, at the beginning of the Wars of Independence. Two standalone novels (published under pseudonym Emma Campion) expand on the lives of two women in the court of King Edward III who have fascinated me ever since I first encountered them in history and fiction. I am a dreamer. Writing, gardening, walking, dancing, reading, being with friends—there’s always a dreaming element. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB Genre: Historical Mystery Publisher: Severn House Series: (Book 13 in the Owen Archer series) Release: June 1, 2021 Type: Novel Content Rating: View our rating system Go to: About the Book | Excerpt | Top of Post Limited-Time Giveaway Enter to win a copy of The Riverwoman’s Dragon by Candace Robb! We have 1 copy available to the US and 1 to the UK. The giveaway ends November 1, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. 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!

A Reader's Opinion His White Wager is an entertaining and exciting read! I loved the romanticism of Rebecca and Jacob’s fun story. The plot is full of wonderfully descriptive details that kept the book moving along at a great pace. The characters shared plenty of moments of both intensity and dry humor. The romance was charming and moved at a slow burn, which I really liked, and there’s even a touch of intrigue mixed in. With all these fantastic elements, the author has written an engaging story that will please readers of Regency romance. His White Wager She’s no lady… Rebecca White makes her own way. She’ll dress as a man to support her mother if she chooses, she’ll participate in illegal gaming if it pleases her, and she’ll even cheat a lord now and then if the idea catches her fancy. But what she didn’t count on was an entire family of White’s tracking her down and being just as stubborn and independent as—well—herself. Nor did she bet on their handsome lawyer, Jacob Veritas, stirring feelings that have no place in her life. He’s the perfect gentleman… Which is why he can’t understand his instant attraction to the delicate beauty, Rebecca White. Yes, she is strong, capable, smart as hell, and exciting beyond measure. But he’s a man who lives by the law and Rebecca, she’s never met a rule she didn’t wish to break. But as her world begins to crumble about her, Jacob can’t help himself, he has to rescue her. The law is a pillar after all and if it can hold up society, surely it can aid one woman in need? But his heart, there might be no saving that. BOOK INFO Genre: Regency Romance Release: November 9, 2021 Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewed by: Rainelle 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. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

Will Vaughan escape Morton Abbey with her sanity intact or be cursed by the secrets within? Enjoy a peek at Clarissa Harwood's "atmospheric gothic novel," The Curse of Morton Abbey . Go to: About the Book | In the Author's Words | Excerpt | The Author The Curse of Morton Abbey Solicitor Vaughan Springthorpe knows perfectly well that Sir Peter Spencer’s offer of employment seems too good to be true: he hires her sight unseen, offering a suspiciously large salary to prepare the sale of Morton Abbey, his crumbling Yorkshire estate. But few people in late-Victorian England will entrust their legal affairs to a woman, and Vaughan is desperate to prove herself. Once at Morton, Vaughan discovers that someone is determined to drive her away. An intruder tries to enter her bedroom at night, gunshots are fired outside her window, and an eerie crying echoes from the uninhabited second floor. Even Netherton, the nearest village, seems odd: the picturesque houses and perfect-looking families are haunted by dark secrets connected to Morton Abbey itself. To complete her work and solve the mystery at the heart of Morton, Vaughan needs the help of Joe Dixon, the handsome gardener, and Nicholas Spencer, her employer’s irascible invalid brother. But with her questions diverted, her progress thwarted, and her sleep disrupted by the crying, will Vaughan escape Morton Abbey with her sanity intact or be cursed by the secrets within? Amazon | Apple | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google | Goodreads “A pacey Victorian Gothic full of suspense, romance, and a refreshing amount of feminist sensibility. A resounding five stars!” —Terry Lynn Thomas, USA Today bestselling author In the author's words . . . The inspiration for this novel came to me many years ago in a most unlikely place: a stuffy campus classroom where my students were feverishly writing the final exam for my children’s literature course. I watched them fidget and stare into space or at the ceiling as if hoping the answers would magically appear there, likely dreaming of the summer and freedom awaiting them on the other side of the door. Some students finished early, unable to resist the siren song of freedom even though their answers would likely be incomplete and rushed. I started marking those. One essay answer was about Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden . In the middle of the essay I looked up and stared into space myself, arrested by an idea: What if the child protagonists of Burnett’s novel were adults? What would they be like? And my brain exploded with the first ideas for what became The Curse of Morton Abbey. Enjoy an Excerpt from The Curse of Morton Abbey I flung myself through the open doorway, shut the door, and with shaking fingers, locked myself inside. “Miss Springthorpe! Open the door at once!” Bedford demanded. I ignored him and took in my surroundings. The warmth was the first thing I noticed because every other part of the house, except the kitchen, was cold. There was a crackling fire on the hearth, and though it was daylight outside, the heavy floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains were firmly closed. A tray of untouched food was set on the night table by the bed. Sitting on the bed, propped up by pillows, was a man. Not much of him was visible. Despite the warm room, he was wearing a heavy dressing gown, a night-cap pulled low over his brow, and a thick muffler around his neck. Nevertheless, I believed his gaunt face was the same one I had seen looking out of the window the morning after I had arrived at Morton Abbey. “Good God,” he said. His voice was stronger than I would have expected from an invalid. I took a step closer to the bed. My feet sank into a thick carpet, and the firelight played on the polished mahogany furnishings. Instead of the sickroom smells of medication and unpleasant body odours I’d expected, the room smelled faintly of sandalwood. “I’m Miss Vaughan Springthorpe,” I said. “I’ll be damned if you are. Come closer so I can see you.” I limped towards him, stopping a few feet from the bed. Whether he was mad or just ill, he didn’t look strong enough to hurt me. “What’s the matter with your leg?” he demanded. “Nothing that need concern you.” To avoid his asking further unwelcome questions, I added quickly and unnecessarily, “I assume you’re Mr. Spencer.” Now that I was closer to him, I noticed that his eyes were unusually light-coloured and fringed with thick black lashes. It was impossible to determine his age. From Mrs. Wilson’s mention that she had known Nicholas and Peter Spencer when they were boys, I assumed they were both relatively young, but even in the dim light cast by the fire, I could see that this man’s skin looked strangely like old parchment, and his beard was streaked with grey. Perhaps Mrs. Wilson had been only a girl when she first came to work for the Spencer family. If that were the case, the brothers could be in their late fifties or even early sixties. “If you tell me your real name, I’ll tell you mine.” He looked towards the doorway, from whence the sounds of Bedford’s protests still issued, and shouted, “For God’s sake, Bedford, cease that racket! I’ll take care of this.” Bedford complied. “I told you my real name,” I said. “I’ve never heard anything so idiotic. Vaughan is a surname. Have you no Christian name?” “I don’t know why you should care one way or the other.” I did indeed have a Christian name, but nobody ever called me by it, and I wasn’t about to tell him what it was. “I don’t care. Perhaps you could suggest an appropriate subject for conversation between a sick man who is trying to get some rest and an intruder who has locked his trusted servant out of his room.” He coughed, then pointed to the glass of water on his bedside table. “Give me that.” Although I was irritated by his imperious manner, I handed him the glass, felt icy fingers brush mine, then stepped out of reach. I didn’t want to be caught off guard in case he lunged at me. “What’s your illness?” I asked. “It is none of your business. What are you doing here?” “By ‘here’ do you mean in this room or at Morton Abbey?” “In this room, of course. What sort of fool do you take me for? I know you are at Morton for my brother’s money. That’s why all the so-called solicitors come here. You’ll last no longer than the others. A few more days at most.” “You’re wrong,” I said firmly. “I’ll stay until I’ve completed the work, no matter what you or anyone else in this house does to try to frighten me away.” End of Excerpt. Excerpt Copyright © Clarissa Harwood. Shared with permission. "Clarissa Harwood proves herself to be a mistress of romantic suspense in The Curse of Morton Abbey , a delectably gothic page-turner. With echoes of The Secret Garden and the Brontës, The Curse of Morton Abbey will keep you reading late into the night to uncover its dark final twists. Fans of Hester Fox and Mimi Matthews will want to devour this one!”—Kris Waldherr, author of The Lost History of Dreams and Doomed Queens The Author Clarissa Harwood is the author of Impossible Saints and Bear No Malice . She “deftly blends social realism with fairytale lyricism,” according to the Historical Novels Review (Editor’s Choice). She holds a PhD in English Literature with a specialization in nineteenth-century British literature and lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and three neurotic cats. Find her at clarissaharwood.com . Genre: Historical Mystery Publisher: Thornfield Press Release: October 26, 2021 Type: Novel Content Rating: PG-13 (2): No Sex; Some Violence | 2 Hearts: Our hearts are aflutter. This author knows how to turn up the heat with some passionate kisses. Nothing graphic here! View our rating system Go to: About the Book | In the Author's Words | Excerpt | Top of Post 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!

A soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose in A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham. Go to: About the Book | Excerpt | The Author | Limited Time Giveaway A Lady in Attendance Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel’s real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts’s lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all. As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can’t help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities? Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man, a hardened woman, and the friends that stand by them as they work toward a common purpose–to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving–and perhaps find love along the way. “ A Lady in Attendance draws you in from the first page and leaves you captivated until the oh-so-romantic conclusion. A poignant and beautifully written story of faith, forgiveness, and the healing power of love.”–Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION Enjoy an Excerpt from A Lady in Attendance Amherst, New York, 1898 “Have you worked as a lady in attendance before?” Hazel forced her eyes to remain on the man opposite her and made herself appear confident and at ease. It was no easy task, considering how long it had been since she’d been in such close proximity to a man who wasn’t a guard. Nothing about Doctor Watts was overly intimidating, yet her heart raced as she searched for an adequate response. Her eyes betrayed her and darted away, landing on a painting above his head. A lush, green landscape. Peaceful, serene, calm. Something her life hadn’t been in a long time, not since before— “I wish I could tell you I had years of experience, but the truth is that I’ve never spent one day, not even one moment, as a lady in attendance. From what I understand, not many women have.” She sighed, worried her chances at a dignified job were over with the confession. Since leaving the reformatory, she’d already faced a slew of rejections and disappointments. Leaning forward, she said, “I have spent time in the medical field and know how to care for patients.” She winced, knowing she was stretching the truth—a habit she’d fought to leave behind. Her uncle was a doctor, and she had spent a summer in his home. That counted toward medical exposure, did it not? “You’re correct. It’s quite new.” His soft but steady voice interrupted her thoughts. “I try to keep up on what’s working in dentistry, and there has been much success found in hiring help. It will not be long before it is the normal way of doing things.” His words came slowly, as though speaking to her made him uneasy. Even his posture screamed of nervousness—­his long fingers wringing together in his lap and the way he shifted about in his seat. “You say you’ve been involved in the medical community. That will help.” He nodded his head, a small smile pulling at the corners of his mouth, and with it her hope grew. “I don’t see the need to interview anyone else. Nursing experience is better than nothing at all. You may begin tomorrow.” Thrilled by his words, she grinned. A real, legitimate job—­her first! “Thank you,” she said, rising from her seat so quickly the chair nearly overturned. “You won’t be sorry. I can learn quickly, and I’ll work hard. I’ll work so hard. Oh, thank you. To work here is more than I could have hoped for.” “Just one more thing.” His cheeks took on a slight pink hue similar to the shade of dress she’d often worn as a girl. The uneasiness she’d sensed in him multiplied tenfold. “Yes?” He shook his head and turned away. “Never mind. It’s nothing. I look forward to having your help.” “Do you have a concern?” “Well, yes. I suppose I do.” He stood on his long legs and paced behind his desk. “I’ve never worked with anyone other than my father before he died. Since then, it’s just been me and my patients. I . . . well, I’m not sure how exactly to go about it. We’ll be in close proximity and . . .” “Yes?” she said when he paused, unsure what it was he was afraid of. She’d given him no reason to suspect she had a shameful past, had she? “What is it?” “It’s just . . . I don’t want things to get uncomfortable. That’s all.” From the looks of it, he was already distressed over the matter. He cleared his throat. “I see the advantages of hiring help, but I’ve heard stories. I need not go into what I’ve heard, but . . . there are potential problems with having a woman in the office.” “Problems?” Sweat beaded on his forehead. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped it. “There will be no . . . no extra affection given to patients . . . you know what I’m saying, what I mean?” “I understand, and I assure you it won’t be a problem.” “And . . . and, well, my father told me that . . . he said I ought to always be honest from the start.” The pink in his cheeks deepened. “I feel it important to say that I have every intention of remaining unattached. We will be professional in our relationship, keeping firm boundaries. Never overstepping the lines of propriety.” He wiped again at his perspiring forehead. “I apologize for my bluntness.” Hazel bit hard on her bottom lip so she wouldn’t laugh. She needed this job and couldn’t lose it on account of one ill-­timed guffaw. Little did he know she was the last person he needed to worry about. All the romantic ambitions she’d held long ago had been put to rest and replaced by much simpler dreams. Now she craved a future unblemished by the past, enough bread to eat, and to be reconciled with her family. Beyond that, she dared not hope. She politely put her hand out to him. It dangled in the air only a moment before he took it, his large hand enveloping her much smaller one. “You needn’t worry on that account. I have no motives other than working.” He seemed to relax. “I’m sorry, it’s just I’ve had a whole slew of ladies stopping in about the position, and most of them are young. The way they spoke and giggled unnerved me. Some even had mothers with them asking after my personal affairs. It has left me with my guard up.” “Please, be at ease.” Hazel smiled, still delighted with the prospect of real work. “I’m twenty-­five, well past my youthful years.” She swallowed, knowing she ought to say so much more about her past, but voicing it was not an option. Her past, her identity, and especially her years behind those iron gates could not be mentioned, not if she wanted to remain employed and off the streets. “I assure you, ours will be a most proper arrangement.” “I believe we’ll work well together,” he said in his soft way. “Let me show you around the office.” “What shall I call you?” she asked before they’d gotten very far. “Should I call you Doctor Watts at all times?” He ran a hand through his dark hair. “I suppose you could call me Gilbert when it’s just the two of us. First names wouldn’t be crossing any lines, considering we will be colleagues in a sense. But Doctor Watts would be more appropriate when we are working around patients. Does that suit you?” “Any name will do. I simply wondered what you would prefer.” Gilbert, she said in her mind. They were hardly acquainted, yet she already felt that his name fit him. It seemed like a gentle, friendly name. “And I will introduce you as my lady in attendance, Miss McDowell.” She flinched at the pseudonym, looked toward the door, and for a moment thought of running away from the shame she felt, hating herself for the lie. Regret once again swept over her, churning inside until she feared she would be sick. Life outside the reformatory walls was supposed to be fresh and new, but already she’d soiled it with a falsehood. She blinked quickly, trying to still the rush of emotion. She’d lied, it was true, but what options did she have? In two other towns she’d asked after work and been swiftly rejected when she told them her story. “Call me Hazel whenever you’d like. I prefer it.” “Very well, Hazel. Here is where our patients come in and wait if we are busy.” He motioned around the small front room that consisted of four wooden chairs set against a scuffed cream-­colored wall. In truth, the room would have been forgettable if not for the vibrant paintings that added luscious colors, warm and rich, to the small space. Without intending to, Hazel sighed. “I was so nervous waiting to meet with you that I didn’t notice the paintings before. They’re exquisite.” Gilbert looked from Hazel to the paintings. “Thank you. I’m glad you find them pleasing.” He motioned for her to follow. “You’ll greet our patients, and when I am ready, you’ll bring them back.” They stepped past the front counter and walked to the back of the office. “I have one chair here that reclines, and it’s where we do our actual work. In this next room, I have a cot, so if someone needs time to recover before leaving, they may rest there. Your job will be seeing to patients before and after they come to me. I like to help everyone be comfortable, but I’ll work faster if you can help me with that. You’ll also hand me instruments as necessary.” “I can do all that.” She pointed toward a door. “What’s down the hall?” “That’s the room where I make bridges and dentures. I call it my art room.” His gaze stayed on the door at the end of the hall, giving her a moment to study him. He reminded her of someone, but she couldn’t peg down who. She’d guess he was thirty, give or take a year or two. He was tall, much taller than she was, with a lean build and long arms and legs. His rich dark hair was in need of a cut and his clothes were in need of ironing, but even with him being slightly disheveled, she still found him a handsome man who was shy and unsuspecting. Why was he a dentist? Teeth and mouths were far from exciting. In her case, the work was a necessity, and being a woman, her options were limited, but he could have been anything. A commanding lawyer or a dashing doctor. She pushed the thought aside, realizing it was a tad early to judge his motives. “Is there anything else I should know?” Hazel asked, breaking the silence. “Most of it I’ll teach you as we go. But, well, I do want you to know that my patients—­ours, now—­matter a great deal to me. I want them to have the best care.” She stepped a little closer to him and with genuine conviction said, “Then that is what I will give them.” He held her gaze and nodded. “I believe you will. We discussed the particulars when you first arrived. I’ll show you tomorrow where we clean the instruments and how to keep notes. If you have no questions, then I think it is settled. I appreciate your help.” Glancing once more around the room, she admired other paintings that hung throughout the simple but comfortable building. Working with him did not seem daunting, and neither did filling her days attending to the patients’ needs. She could do this. There had been a time in her life when it would have been an ill fit, but now, she felt immense gratitude. The patients did not scare her, and the teeth, well, she’d manage. Perhaps Providence had led her down Front Street on the very day Gilbert Watts was interviewing for a reason. A pleasant warmth filled her heart, and for a moment she felt less alone and less afraid. Grinning, she said, “I’m very thankful. I’ll be here tomorrow.” End of Excerpt. Rachel Fordham, A Lady in Attendance . Revel, a division of Baker Publishing Group. June 1, 2021. Used by Permission. The Author Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”. Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children’s bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writing plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling she enjoys reading, being outdoors and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state. Learn more about current projects at rachelfordham.com . You can also follow Rachel on Facebook , Instagram , BookBub , and Goodreads . Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian/Romance Publisher: Revel Release: June 1, 2021 Type: Novel Content Rating: 2 Hearts View our rating system Go to: About the Book | Excerpt | Top of Post Limited-Time Giveaway Enter to win a copy of A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham! The giveaway is open to the US only and ends November 5, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. 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!

Explore Scotland, Fey, and the magical blending of worlds in The Factory Girl and the Fey . A Get a look 'behind the scenes' at this historical fantasy inspired by the author’s ancestors. The Factory Girl and the Fey Jane Thorburn straddles two worlds: her life as a “factory girl” in Scotland’s mills, and her birthright as fairy royalty. Abandoned by her parents as an infant, and uncertain about the true motives of the Fey, she learns to depend only on herself. All she wants is to be a great weaver and to maintain her independence. The Fair Folk, fighting for their very survival, have other plans for her, as does the handsome and charismatic Robert Stein. What life will she choose? And will she even have a choice? A historical fantasy inspired by the author’s ancestors, The Factory Girl and the Fey is an affectionate tribute to the women who helped fuel Scotland’s Industrial Age, from the workers to the poets…and to the Fey who remind us that magic is real when we believe in it. AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND Q&A with Author Nadine Galinsky Feldman What makes The Factory Girl and the Fey special or unique to you? This is the most personal book I’ve ever written. In 2014 I discovered, through a genealogical search, that my great-great grandmother was not who I thought she was. I had enough information to confirm I had found the right person. It broke my heart that she had “disappeared” from the family tree, and I wanted to write a story to welcome her back to the family. I tried to make it straight historical fiction, but the Fey insisted on being part of the story, so I let them stay. I like to think that the real Jane Thorburn wanted it that way. What can you tell us about your newest release? The Factory Girl and the Fey tells of a young Scottish weaver who happens to hear and see the Fey, not realizing she is heir to their queendom. Jane Thorburn has ambitions and dreams, but like all women, has a lot of outside forces vying for her attention. She must find the balance between duty, ambition, and love. In essence, it’s a story about making difficult choices. The term “Factory Girl” is a tribute to a Scottish poet of that time period, Ellen Johnston, worked in the mills and wrote poetry under that moniker. Throughout the book I include excerpts from other Scottish poets, using women’s voices wherever possible, to return them to visibility. Tell as a little about your main characters, Jane, Rabbie, and Beitris. Jane Thorburn is the main character. She’s independent, in large part because adults let her down a lot early in her life. She’s ambitious and wants nothing to do with love…she thinks. Jane loves the Fey but has a cautious relationship with them as well. Rabbie Stein is a mill supervisor with a light heart, a sweet spirit, and a bad habit of telling people what they want to hear to keep the peace. Beitris is a midwife, or “howdiewife,” as they were called in Scotland, who looks out for Jane throughout her life. She’s a wise woman who provides Jane a much-needed mother figure. Which character was most challenging to create? Coira, one of the Fey, wreaks havoc throughout the story. Initially she was almost cartoonish in her villainy, and I had to make her more nuanced. She does horrible things out of a distorted sense of loyalty. I love how she turned out and have a great deal of affection for her. Which scene was most difficult to write? There are two: the first is a scene about a mill accident involving a child. I sobbed like a baby every time I worked on it. The second is at the end, and I can’t really say more because it would be a big spoiler. That one was tough, though, and I was still working on it after multiple rounds of developmental edits and countless revisions. I FINALLY feel like I wrote what needed to be written, but it was tough because of the emotional component. What story are you working on next, and what inspired it? I’m working on an untitled manuscript about a 60-year-old woman, Elaine, who has taken care of hearth and home her whole adulthood, but now wants to pursue a career as an artist. She’s skilled, having studied art and painted ever since, but has always put the needs of others first. Just as she decides to take her turn, her husband decides to enter politics. Their conflicting ambitions put strain on the marriage. My late mother-in-law inspired this story. I noticed at her death how we all saw her through the role she played in our lives: wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, as opposed to the woman and artist she was. She left behind a lot of art and writings that I organized into a book, Patchwork and Ornament: A Woman’s Journey of Life, Love, and Art . This book is entirely fictional about a woman who makes different choices, but is based on my love and affection for Jenny Feldman, and my wish that I had seen her more as the woman, the individual, during her lifetime. Books & Benches: Thank you, Nadine, for a great Q&A. We're looking forward to reading the book. The Author Nadine Galinsky Feldman is an author of women’s and historical fiction. Her novel What She Knew was a finalist in the 2016 Next Generation Indie Book awards. The Foreign Language of Friends was a finalist in the 2012 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Chick Lit category. It was also named a Gold Medal Winner, Women’s Issues, in the 2011 eLit Book Awards. As an editor, Nadine produced Patchwork and Ornament: A Woman’s Journey of Life, Love, and Art by Jeanette Feldman, which won the 2010 Indie Excellence Award for Best Memoir. Her first book, When a Grandchild Dies: What to Do, What to Say, How to Cope , provided grief support to an underserved population. When not working on her many writing projects, Nadine loves traveling, gardening, genealogy, and yoga. She lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York state. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy Release: October 14, 2021 Pages: 360pp Type: Novel Content Rating: PG-13, with non-descriptive sex and some violence. View our rating system Tour Giveaway Enter to win a paperback copy of The Factory Girl and the Fey by Nadine Galinsky Feldman! The giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends October 28, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. 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!

A Reader's Opinion Oh, my gosh! This book was on fire. The blissfully sinful moments when Octavia is wrapped in Jasper's arms are exquisite, delightful, and oh-so-wicked. Scarlett Scott, thank you for allowing me to live out my fantasies in this book. I couldn’t get enough of these two, plus there’s a great story along with the romance. I found the struggle as a single independent woman during the period difficult for one and all, and the author did a nice job showing the struggle. Octavia fought for what she wanted, and when pushed to a wall, she outwitted and outplayed her opponents. The characters are so captivating. The twins were my favorite, along with Hugh. I surprised myself by not getting frustrated from reading the characters' dialects, and credit goes to the author for how easily she weaved the readers into the language. Now, let’s discuss our leading man, Jasper. Think of him as a smooth, illustrious, dominating male lion on the prowl for his lioness. The many moments he thought about playing between the sheets were a lot of fun. Let’s sum him up with this: Jasper is a very naughty; naughty boy. I give this book my personal two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers… read on! Sutton's Spinster Jasper Sutton, London’s most dedicated scoundrel, needs a wife. He needs one quickly. He needs one yesterday, in fact. His requirements are precise. She has to be capable of mothering the wild twin daughters who have unexpectedly appeared in his life. She must also possess the patience of a saint and the understanding of an angel. Better still if she is plain and has no expectation of a true marriage. He is not about to reform his ways. But how is he to find such a paragon of womanly virtue when a troublesome, maddening baggage keeps haunting his gaming hell and getting herself into scrapes? Lady Octavia Alexander, the ton’s most dedicated spinster, has no need of a husband. She is quite firmly and happily on the shelf, a devoted aunt to her beloved nieces and nephews. But she does harbor one illicit dream: she wants to start her own newspaper devoted solely to scandal and gossip. What better way to do so than to immerse herself in the sordid underworld of the East End? There is just one problem standing in the way of her plans, and his name is Jasper Sutton. But Octavia won’t abandon her independence and her future for an unscrupulous rogue. No matter how handsome he is, and regardless of how irresistible his kisses. Between running his family’s gaming hell, chasing after his wayward daughters, and keeping Lady Octavia from being robbed, spirited away by some enterprising criminal, or worse, Jasper is losing his patience. Even more concerning? He’s beginning to fear the only woman he truly wants to marry is the vexing lady who has sworn she will never wed. All he has to do is change her mind and win her heart. Heat level: Scorching HOT! BOOK INFO Genre: Historical Romance Release: October 7, 2021 Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewed by: Rainelle 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. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion A fantastic Gothic suspense filled with mystery, a dash of romance, and a touch of darkness! I'm always fascinated by Victorian Gothic suspense! When choosing a book by a new author, I never know what to expect. Readers will love Clarissa Harwood's novel The Curse of Morton Abbey ! It had everything to please me, and I couldn't put it down! There are so many twists and turns in this story, you will not be able to guess the mystery! Discover the intriguing story of Vaughan Springthorpe, a unique woman for that period in time. Our heroine is courageous and self-confident when it comes to legal matters. The author merged the main character into the story so that she has a powerful impact on the plot, raises intense suspense, and generates strong emotions. Vaughan is hired to prepare the sale of Morton Abbey, owned by Sir Peter Spencer. As she arrives, she is met by the servants and Nicholas, Peter's invalid brother. Working in an isolated manor scares her a little, but living there is worse. She hears a child crying and gunshots, but where are they coming from? Things aren't always what they seem. Will she follow her instincts and discover the shattering and dark secrets that lie within the heart of Morton Abbey? Will Nicholas intervene and obstruct her work? Is she safe from danger? Find out in The Curse of Morton Abbey . I loved the surprise near the end of the story! The Curse of Morton Abbey Solicitor Vaughan Springthorpe knows perfectly well that Sir Peter Spencer’s offer of employment seems too good to be true: he hires her sight unseen, offering a suspiciously large salary to prepare the sale of Morton Abbey, his crumbling Yorkshire estate. But few people in late-Victorian England will entrust their legal affairs to a woman, and Vaughan is desperate to prove herself. Once at Morton, Vaughan discovers that someone is determined to drive her away. An intruder tries to enter her bedroom at night, gunshots are fired outside her window, and an eerie crying echoes from the uninhabited second floor. Even Netherton, the nearest village, seems odd: the picturesque houses and perfect-looking families are haunted by dark secrets connected to Morton Abbey itself. To complete her work and solve the mystery at the heart of Morton, Vaughan needs the help of Joe Dixon, the handsome gardener, and Nicholas Spencer, her employer’s irascible invalid brother. But with her questions diverted, her progress thwarted, and her sleep disrupted by the crying, will Vaughan escape Morton Abbey with her sanity intact or be cursed by the secrets within? BOOK INFO Genre: Gothic Romance Release: October 26, 2021 Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher via BookSirens Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure Content Rating: 2 Hearts—Our hearts are aflutter. This author knows how to turn up the heat with some passionate kisses. Nothing graphic here! NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A gripping story of loyalty and betrayal, set amidst the violence and peril of the Albigensian Crusades. Enjoy an excerpt from Susanne Dunlap's Voices in the Mist . Go to: About the Book | Excerpt | The Author | Limited Time Giveaway Voices in the Mist Marry a Catholic stranger, or flee the only world she’s ever known: Headstrong Bruna de Gansard must choose one or the other to protect her Cathar family from the inquisitors. Toulouse, 1229. The inquisitors have arrived to rid the city of Cathar heretics once and for all, and are putting all unmarried girls over the age of 12 to the question. After an incident in the town calls unwanted attention to 14-year-old Bruna, a young Catholic stranger who is sympathetic to the heretics warns her family about the looming danger, and volunteers to marry their daughter to save her from being questioned. But Bruna doesn’t want to be forced into marriage, so she chooses flight—which lands her unexpectedly in the midst of a Catholic pilgrimage to Compostela, thrusting her into a life of deceit. When her beauty and her voice bring her to the attention of the powerful Baron de Belascon, who owes fealty to the king of France, Bruna earns the enmity of the baron’s bitter and imperious mother and finds herself caught between her allegiance to her own people and the dangerous secret of her origins—a secret that can be revealed at any time after the arrival of a French knight who recognizes her. The Orphans of Tolosa Trilogy comes to a dramatic end in this gripping story of loyalty and betrayal, set amidst the violence and peril of the Albigensian Crusades. Amazon | Barnes & Noble Enjoy an Excerpt from Voices in the Mist When I reached the top of the gentle slope, though, I came to a crossroads I had never seen before. There were indeed merchants on the corners here, but as they sold leather and armor, we never had any reason to go to that part of town. Our beliefs forbade us to wear the skins of animals except for our shoes, which my father fashioned from the hides of our own livestock when they had outlived their ability to provide fleece. Besides, only knights were entitled to wear armor for any purpose. On that hill, at that crossroads, a crowd of unfamiliar men and boys loitered in that way peculiar to them, untroubled, confident, yet wary. My heart began to pound. One rough older man called out using a word I had never heard before, but which made the other men laugh. My cheeks warmed, and I turned in a circle, trying quickly to spy a way I could go that would get me away from that place without having to pass too close by the throng of strangers. I stepped toward an alleyway I could see just beyond them, intending to calmly walk past as though I was not frightened. But two of the bigger fellows sauntered in front of me and stood, arms folded, legs spread wide. I would have had to ask them to move out of the way, or turn and take a path I was certain would lead me astray. I stood rooted there, about an arm’s length in front of them, panic flooding my body. “Eh, une jolye petite fille! C’est pour moy.” The man’s accent was so thick I couldn’t understand what he said. One word sounded very like filha, daughter, but the look he had in his eye was in no manner fatherly. I cast my eyes around and noted another alley that led between two buildings and calculated how long it would take me to dash toward it and run away. No sooner had I turned in that direction, though, than another man moved to block my path. “Elle ne porte pas un bliau. Elle est hérétique!” “No!” I exclaimed, “Je ne suis pas hérétique! I am a true believer!” Those were the words my parents had taught me to say if ever I was accused in just such a way, a phrase that could contradict the accusation without being an outright lie. Although I did not understand all their words, “heretic” was plain enough. Rather than discourage the men, my outburst drew even more attention to me, and others joined them and closed in upon me until I could smell their sweat and their wine-soaked breath. Some of them smiled with an expression I did not like, running their eyes up and down my body so freely that it felt like spiders under my clothes. Tears formed in the corners of my eyes, but something told me it would be a mistake to cry, and so I forced them back, a pain like a knife in my throat as I did. Just as the biggest of the men reached out to take hold of my arm, my knees started to buckle, and the world began to spin. A moment later, a broad blade caught the sun as it flashed in front of me, smashing away the man’s arm. The group of men around me dispersed like the fluff of a blown flower. The man whose arm had received the blow clutched it and grimaced, glaring at me as if he would murder me if he could. I was so stunned that at first, I hardly noticed who had intervened. End of Excerpt. Excerpt Copyright © Susanne Dunlap. Shared with permission. The Author Susanne Dunlap is the author of nine works of historical fiction. A graduate of Smith College with a PhD in Music History from Yale University, Susanne grew up in Buffalo, New York and has lived in London, Brooklyn and Northampton, MA. She now lives in Northampton with her long-time partner, Charles, has two grown daughters, three granddaughters, a grandson, a stepson and a stepdaughter, five step-grandsons and one step-granddaughter—that’s a total of four children and eleven grandchildren! In her spare time, she cycles in the beautiful Pioneer Valley. For more information, please visit Susanne Dunlap’s website . You can follow author Susanne Dunlap on Facebook , Twitter , Goodreads , Instagram , Pinterest , and BookBub . Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Bellastoria Press Series: The Orphans of Tolosa, Book 3 Release: September 21, 2021 Type: Novel Content Rating: PG View our rating system Go to: About the Book | Excerpt | Top of Post Limited-Time Giveaway Enter to win a paperback set of The Orphans of Tolosa Trilogy! 3 sets are up for grabs! The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on October 15, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. 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!

Do you enjoy a new book as much as we do? We love rereading our favorite books over and over, but there is something about discovering a fabulous new book we can't resist . . . so we won't try. We're delighted to share great reads you'll want to add to your TBR pile. Check out Lori Benton's second installment in her Kindred series. Shiloh Award-winning author Lori Benton delivers a rich historical novel of faith, hope, and second chances. December 1795 A year has passed since Ian Cameron reluctantly sent his uncle’s former slave Seona and their son, Gabriel, north to his kin in Boston. Determined to fully release them, Ian strives to make a life at Mountain Laurel, his inherited plantation, along with Judith, the wife he’s vowed to love and cherish. But when tragedy leaves him alone with his daughter, Mandy, and his three remaining slaves, he decides to return north. An act of kindness on the journey provides Ian the chance to obtain land near the frontier settlement of Shiloh, New York. Perhaps even the hope for a new life with those he still holds dear. In Boston, Seona has taken her first tentative steps as a free woman, while trying to banish Ian from her heart. The Cameron family thinks she and Gabriel should remain under their protection. Seona’s mother, Lily, thinks it’s time they strike out on their own. Then Ian arrives, offering a second chance Seona hadn’t dared imagine. But the wide-open frontier of Shiloh feels as boundless and terrifying as her newfound freedom—a place of new friends and new enemies, where deep bonds are renewed but old hurts stand ready to rear their heads. It will take every ounce of faith and courage Ian and Seona can muster to fight for their family and their future . . . together. Get Your Copy Meet the Author Lori Benton was born and raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American and family history going back to the 1600s. Her novels transport readers to the 18th century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history, creating a melting pot of characters drawn from both sides of a turbulent and shifting frontier, brought together in the bonds of God's transforming grace. Lori's debut novel, Burning Sky , earned the 2014 Christy Award for First Novel, Historical, and Book of the Year. Website: loribenton.com Genre: Historical Christian Romance Type: Novel Series: Kindred, book 2 Publication date: October 5, 2021 Content Rating: 2 Hearts View rating system

A Reader's Opinion Don't miss this charming Regency romance for the holiday season. Marian Wynswich is determined to have a wonderful Christmas, because it just might be her last in the home she's always known. I delighted in this book! It did start off just a few paces slower for me, but then pulled me at about page four and I was hooked. Marian Wynswich is an intelligent and outspoken sixteen year old young lady (almost seventeen as she likes to tell us). Over Christmas pudding, she makes a Christmas wish. Though she has vowed never to fall in love or marry, her plans turn in another direction when she meets Lord Ingraham. I delighted in Lord Ingraham (Gilbert or Gil to Marian) as well. He's damaged with a few scars, but when in Marian's company, he becomes a dashing and charming man I fell a little in love with more than once during the story. Marian isn't the only one with a Christmas wish, and Gilbert spends most of the book hoping and dreaming for his, and yet at the same time, he treads carefully—out of fear perhaps? You'll have to read it to find out. The setting is wonderful and the secondary characters are marvelous. Alistair made me laugh on numerous occasion and the other family members added just enough to the story to make the family seem like a genuine, and delightfully fun, family. The author did an excellent job with the main characters. Marian is written true to her age, but also has an air of maturity about her, the kind of maturity that comes from the weight of responsibility to one's family and the desire to see and experience more of life and the world. Gilbert's relationship with Marian is a charming development and my mind kept urging them onward to the only inevitable conclusion—lasting love. I would recommend this book to anyone. It's a wonderful read and clean. Marian's Christmas Wish Miss Marian Wynswich is a rather unconventional young lady. She plays chess, reads Greek, and is as educated as any young man. And she’s certain falling in love is a ridiculous endeavor and vows never to do such a thing. But everything changes when she receives a Christmas visit from someone unexpected—a young and handsome English lord. BOOK INFO Genre: Historical Regency Romance Release: September 1, 2011 Publisher: Sweetwater Books (Cedar Fort, Inc.) Pages: 304pp Format Read: Paperback Source: Reader's personal library Reviewed by: MK Content Rating: 1 Heart—Aww! This is a clean read appropriate for all audiences. May have sweet, clean kisses. Suitable for all audiences NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more . This book was reviewed on the original Books & Benches site, and has been reposted on the new blog for indexing purposes, and to give new life to an older book. Star ratings are removed from reposted reviews.

A Reader's Opinion I am just pleased as punch after reading this western romance novel. I absolutely loved it. The different storylines in the book provided entertainment, excitement, some gunfights, and a few surprises. The well-written action and emotion kept me turning the pages, eager to see what would happen next. Honestly, I could have read this book in one sitting, but I was afraid of being a book zombie by morning. The story is an easy read and offered plenty of engaging and clear dialogue between the various characters. I also appreciated that the writer didn’t fill the pages with useless information or storylines that didn’t pertain to the plot. The writer kept to the storyline/plot and by doing that, the book kept me in a trance to the end. The characters are all fantastic. Their personalities and outstanding performances gave the book a lot of realism. The author did a wonderful job writing an entertaining western story. The Texan's Favor Ambushed, Texas Ranger Jake Fontaine's a dead man until a Kansas spinster raises her shotgun in his defense. Despite the rogue lawman's obsession to bring in his brother's killer, duty demands he escort her to the next town. Kat Collins is a thief, though an honorable one. She's on the run from controlling kin and aims to escape her past. Traveling with Jake offers the perfect cover—until her uncle finds them sharing a campfire and imposes his own kind of justice—a wedding. Marriage will cost Jake his freedom, but refusing may cost him his life. Kat figures he's bound to recognize her on a wanted poster. Would sharing passionate nights in his arms be worth the peril? BOOK INFO Genre: Historical Western Romance Release: October 6, 2021 Type: Novel Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewed by: Rainelle Barrett Content Rating: 2 Hearts—Our hearts are aflutter. This author knows how to turn up the heat with some passionate kisses. Nothing graphic here! NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

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