Historical Romance Novel Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:16:00 +0000

Visit Rosalind Laker at: http://www.rosalindlaker.com
In 18th century Holland, after the tulip trade boom, the Dutch people turn their interests and their hearts to artists such as Rembrandt and Franz Halls. Hendrick Visser is a student of art under Franz Hall. The sale of his paintings would earn him a comfortable living were it not for his compulsive gambling and incessant drinking. His vices continually force his family into a hand-to-mouth existence and always on the edge of devastation and financial ruin. Despite his failings, his wife Anna, and three daughters Francesca, Aletta, and Sybylla, love him and help him through his scrapes. When Hendrick’s wife dies in childbirth, his three daughters become even more vulnerable to their father’s vice-driven whims and desperate acts.
Francesca, Hendrick’s eldest daughter is a talented artist and she has been assigned to study with Johannes Vermeer, a master artist from Delft. Francesca falls in love with Pieter van Doorne, a tulip merchant. Meanwhile, Hendrick looses heavily at gambling. Desperate to pay off his gambling debts, he secretly enters into an arrangement and ransoms Francesca off to unscrupulous man named Ludolf van Deventer who has become obsessed with her, even to the point of committing murder. Not only is Francesca terrified of the man, but she is also repulsed by him.

Aletta is fearful of leaving her future in the hands of her father so she begins to paint, selling her work secretly to a lower class of society. When Hendrick discovers her sub-standard clandestine ventures into the art world, he destroys her paintings and banishes her from his home and his life.

Sybylla seeks escape through marriage into a rich family and is highly materialistic.

The Golden Tulip is a tale about the three sisters and their struggles to overcome the turmoil in their lives caused not only by societal mores and values, but by addiction. Rosalind Laker sweeps her reader into 18th century Holland, successfully bringing to life wonderful vividness and authenticity. She knows well the customs, history, and world of artists during that time. As always, her novels have wonderful three dimensional characters and extraordinary plot twists. Rosalind Laker’s novels never ever disappoint and always make for fascinating reads.

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The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:45:00 +0000

Visit Christopher Gortner at: http://www.cwgortner.com

In 15th century Spain, Juana 1 of Castile is born the second daughter of Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon whose marriage united the two kingdoms, but it was her mother who possessed the most power and greatest influence.
Beneath the intensity of her politically shrewd mother, the serious, introverted Juana grew into adolescence, well educated in Latin and music. At the age of 16, her parents betrothed her Juan to Philip of Flanders, the heir of Emperor Maximilian I. With a magnificent entourage in tow, Juana crossed the vast waters to Flanders, arriving sick and in a weakened state.

At first sight of her betrothed, Juana is bewitched by his handsomeness and succumbs to his attentive charms. Philip is also intrigued with his new wife. Soon, however, intertwined with the birth of their children, Philip’s infidelity tarnishes their marriage. His strong political ambitions clash powerfully with those of her parents and Spain. All her attempts to influence Philip otherwise are thwarted by Philip’s power-hungry advisors.

Juana is caught between the dreadful clashes of her mother and husband. Matters deteriorate when Philip enters into an alliance with France, historical enemies of Spain. Philip grows progressively more menacing towards Juana and her parents in his quest to rule Spain. His terrible conspiracies result in continual betrayals as Juana struggles to maintain a stance amidst a world of powerful, ruthless men. When a series of deaths strikes the royal heirs of Spain, Juana is forced to become queen with Philip as her royal consort. Before long, she is betrayed on all sides by callous, authoritative men, and Juana finds herself imprisoned for madness.

Christopher Gortner spins a grand tale of opulence and deception, privilege and destruction, madness and fragile love. His riveting prose grabs the reader’s emotions from the very start and twists and wrenches them until the very poignant ending. Inspired by his love for his Spanish heritage, Christopher Gortner paints a vivid picture of life in 15th century Europe. He writes in an evocative prose, rich in quality and simplicity.

Books like this happen rarely. The author is a skilful writer who artfully relays a rich story peppered with unpredictable twists and turns that keeps the reader enthralled upon every word to the very end.

Want to read more fascinating historical fiction book reviews and articles? Visit http://www.mirellapatzer.com and follow the links to her blogs.

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The Spiritualist by Megan Chance

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:43:00 +0000

On a cold night in January of 1957, at her husband Peter’s request, a highly sceptical Evelyn Atherton reluctantly attends a séance with him. Peter’s interest in spirit circles was born from the need to reach out to his dead mother. Evie wanted no part of the new craze where society’s elite paid great sums of money to commune with the dead through self-proclaimed mediums, or swindlers. Having been married for only three years, Evelyn had become unsettled over her husband’s apathy towards her. Was it because he married her even though she was far below his station?

During the séance, a gunshot resounds which barely missed Peter. Afterwards, Peter, departs in search of answers. Several days pass. Evie does not hear from Peter and she begins to worry. When Peter is found murdered, she learns that not only society, but her in-laws turn on her.

Her world takes on a nightmarish quality. Because she is of the lower classes, and because her marriage catapults her into the highest echelons of society, she becomes the primary suspect in his murder.

At the reading of the will, Evie learns Peter has left everything to her and has excluded his entire family. This, coupled with the knowledge of her estranged and dwindling relationship with her husband, convinces the police and his family she is responsible for his murder and is arrested.

Shunned by society, no one comes to her aid. To make matters worse, her entire inheritance is frozen pending trial. With no means, Evie struggles to find an attorney who will take her case. Peter’s law partner, Ben, comes to her aid and readily accepts the case. Dorothy Bennett, the wealthy socialite who arranged the ill-fated spirit circle posts bail and invites Evie to reside with her in the belief that the spiritualist who lives with her, Michael Jourdain, can contact Peter's spirit and learn the identity of the true murderer.

Convinced Michael is a fake, Evie comes to believe he is responsible for her husband’s demise. Only by living under the same roof with can she find her husband’s true murderer and prove her innocence. Soon after her arrival, Peter begins to appear in her nightmares and in visions. Each time, he warns her not to trust a man close to her. Evelyn is soon troubled by Michael Jourdain, whom she finds both intriguing and abhorrent. Confused by her burgeoning feelings, matters go from bad to worse when other members of the spiritualist community realize she is a true medium herself.

As time runs out and the time for trial nears, Evie finds herself trapped amidst duplicity, suspicion, charlatans, murderers, and lies. She must unravel the web of mystery and deceit soon, lest her own sanity be at risk and she succumbs to madness like her mother before her.

Megan Chance has successfully recreated the time and feel of old New York. In this delicious novel, she serves up a tale of desperation and despair while maintaining historical accuracy to accurately depict societal norms and beliefs and the desperation of the living to maintain contact with loved ones who have passed. This mystery novel has many twists and turns to keep readers enthralled to the very shocking, but satisfying end.

If you want to read more interesting reviews or learn about fascinating historical persons, visit: http://www.mirellapatzer.com and follow the links to her other blogs.

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The Witch's Trinity by Erika Mailman

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:40:00 +0000

In the 16th century, a great famine ravages the town of Tierkinddorf, Germany. As the villagers slowly starve, a ruthless Dominican friar arrives. He has been on a mission, travelling from location to location to town to purge Germany of witches. The villagers are desperate to blame the famine on someone or something.

Gude, an old woman, lives with her only son, Jost the miller, his wife Irmeltrud, and their children Alke and Mattern. Irmeltrud deeply resents having to share what little food they have with her old mother-in-law and is cruel-hearted towards her behind Jost’s back.

Meanwhile, the witch hunt continues and Kunne, the village healer and herbalist and Gude’s dearest friends is accused of witchcraft. She is blamed for turning milk sour and for someone’s hen refusing to lay eggs. Gude can do nothing as she watches her friend burned at the stake on false accusations. And still, the famine continues.
While Jost is away hunting for food with several other men from the village, suspicion and hatred turn and point on Gude, fuelled by the false testimony of her own daughter-in-law, Irmeltrud. The accusation lands Gude in the witch’s tower to await trial. Soon, the witch hunt turns upon Irmeltrud when a barren neighbour blames her for witchery to claim the children as her own.

Sprinkled with elements of paganism, mystical dreams, dementia, and hatred, Erika Mailman explores the effect of starvation and fear upon the human spirit in this marvellous novel about witch trials in the late middle ages. Mailman’s passion for witches and witch trials is born from her own heritage where one of her own ancestors was accused of witchcraft during the early years of American history. A deeply moving book which churns the emotions and keeps you turning the pages.

If you want to read more about historical novels and persons, visit http://www.mirellapatzer.com and follow the links.

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Mozart's Sister by Rita Charbonnier

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:09:00 +0000

Maria Anna Mozart, beloved nicknamed Nannerl, was the elder and only sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. As children, both were considered gifted musical prodigies and their father, Leopold, arranged tours to display their talents to the masses in the grandest capitals of Europe. Both children could play the most challenging pieces and could compose into notes any song they heard.

They enjoyed a pleasant childhood, indulging their musical creativity and creating their own childish kingdom. As Nannerl and Wolfgang’s musical genius progressed into composition, her adoring younger brother greatly praised and encouraged her work. At a concert, when he announces that the piece he has just played was written by his sister, Leopold is incensed. He orders Nannerl to never compose music again because in the 18th century, women did not become composers.

Thereafter, Leopold focused all his attentions on Mozart, not Nannerl. He refused to allow her to study the violin and composition. Leopold announces Nannerl must remain at home when he takes Wolfgang on tour and obliges her to give piano lessons to wealthy students to finance her brother’s Italian tour. Her dreams shattered, Nannerl complies, but falls into a deep depression.

Victoria, one of her students, becomes her protégé. Through Victoria, Nannerl’s passion for music is re-awakened. When Victoria’s father becomes interested in her, he rekindles her spirit. Her relationship with Mozart, however, is plagued by years of separation and the preference of their father for his son and not his daughter. Nannerl struggles not only with the loss of her hopes and dreams, but also with the ever-growing estrangement with her brother and her father who refuses to recognize her talents because of the laws of society which will not allow a woman to enter the wold of musical composition.

Even her choice of suiters were one-by-one turned away by Leopold. In 1784, she married the magistrate Johann Baptist Franz von Berchtold zu Sonnenburg (1736-1801) and moved to St. Gilgen. Nannerl returned to Salzburg to give birth to her first son and left the newborn there in Leopold's care.

Nannerl grew ever more distant from Wolfgang, especially after his marriage to Constanze Weber. They resumed corresponding briefly after the death of their father, but by then, their affection for each other had all but disappeared and Mozart's brief letters to her dealt almost exclusively with the disposition of their father's estate.

When Wolfgang dies, Nannerl re-awakens to life and makes it her purpose to honor her brother by collecting and assembling all his compositions and erecting monuments to honor his life.

After her huband’s death, Maria Anna returned to Salzburg and supported herself once again by giving piano lessons. She died on October 29, 1829, and was buried in St. Peter’s cemetary.

Mozart’s Sister by Rita Charbonnier is a heartwrenching tale of great genius denied. It tells of great triumph and equally great descent and the strength of one woman, Nannerl, to overcome the pain of living her life in the shadow of her brother.

Rita Charbonnier brings to life the brilliance of the 18th century with its tight social expectations, sex scandals, and brilliant personages. Her well honed theatrical and musical background is evident in the spectacular descriptions of the music and composition characteristic of Wolfgang Mozart. It is a compelling read, not only for those who love classical music, but for those who love sweeping historical tales of strong women. Brava Rita! Encore! Encore!

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Nefertiti by Michelle Moran

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:28:00 +0000

Visit Michelle Moran at: http://www.michellemoran.com

In the eighteenth dynasty of ancient Egypt (1351 to 1331 B.C.) one woman, Nefertiti, rises to power and infamy in the annals of history. The story of Nefertiti’s life unfolds through the voice of her younger sister, Mutnodjmet.

Nefertiti is beautiful, ruthless and narcissistic who seeks affluence and supremacy. Mutnodjmet, the younger sister, is pretty, level-headed, and pragmatic and she has no desire other than to live a simple life surrounded by a loving family.

At an early age, Nefertiti marries Prince Akhenaten who becomes heir to the throne after the mysterious death of his more capable older brother. Mutnodjmet is assigned to be Nefertiti’s companion, eyes and ears, and voice of reason. Akhenaten is a youth bent on forcing his own religious views onto the people. It is his mother’s hope that Nefertiti be the sound of reason and restrain his impulsive, reckless actions and thoughts. Instead, his ego, and that of his new wife, Nefertiti, knows no bounds as together, they raise their status, create a new god named Aten for all to worship, and build an entire city to glorify.

Nefertiti’s obsessive dependence on Mutnodjmet is so extreme, that it threatens her own future happiness. While Nefertiti becomes more and more involved in building her and her husband’s fame, Mutnodjmet seeks to escape her sister’s clutches. Conspiracy and treachery abound throughout this novel.

Michelle Moran brings to life multi-dimensional characters through rich dialogue and intricate historical detail. Highly credible, the story captivated from start to finish. The level of research into this period and Nefertiti’s life is impressive. For all aficionados of ancient Egypt, this is a must have book that will not disappoint. It has my highest rating and I will be eagerly anticipating future books by Michelle Moran.

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Vengeance is Mine by Brandy Purdy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:37:00 +0000

Visit Brandy Purdy at: http://www.brandypurdy.com

In 16th century England, when Henry VIII reigns as king, Lady Jane (nee Rochford) Boleyn falls madly in love with her new husband, George Boleyn. But Jane becomes obsessively convinced that George carries a torch for another woman – his sister Anne Boleyn, second wife of the king. Anne Boleyn becomes the object of her scorn.

As the pressure builds for Anne to provide a male heir for the king, Jane’s frustration with her marriage and her hatred for her sister-in-law builds into treachery and betrayal by providing evidence that Anne and George indulged in an incestuous relationship. This is just the excuse the king needs to get out of his marriage to Anne and enter into a new marriage with the lovely Jane Seymour.

After sending her Anne, George, and three other male supporters of the queen to the gallows, Jane’s life spirals into a lonely, shunned existance which ultimately leads to her demise.

Once again, Brandy Purdy has written an excellent, fictional account of the life of this little known woman. Ms. Purdy’s dramatic style and flair for storytelling made this book a highly enjoyable read. She has an uncanny ability to highlight both the the faults and the good qualities of her characters. Where history is vague, Purdy entertains by filling in the blanks with intriguing plots, shocking behaviour, and unusual elements.

Historical fiction can be challenging at times. Information and resources can be vague or even contradictory at times. Some details are left to the author’s sole interpretation. Brandy Purdy filled in these blanks and enhanced her version of history with her own creative detail and imagination in order to spin a vivid, colorful tale of the horrors of the Tudor court. For those who long to read a story well-told and who are open minded enough to permit the introduction of colorful, rich, and vibrant fictionalized details, this is fiction at its best. A great book to snuggle up to which will keep you turning pages long into the night. Having read both of Brandy Purdy’s books, I am truly a fan, not only because of her lyrical prose and strong writing, but for the intriguing tales she weaves above and beyond similar novels of the genre.

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The Confession of Piers Gaveston by Brandy Purdy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 31 May 2008 04:58:00 +0000

Visit Brandy Purdy at: http://www.brandypurdy.com

The Confession of Piers Gaveston is the tale of a true person who died in the early 14th century. He was a very close companion to King Edward II. So close, in fact, rumors still abound that they were actual lovers. Piers Gaveston literally rises from the ashes into the highest realm of the English empire because his good looks, arrogance, flamboyant personality, and outrageous behavior attract the interest of the King. Subsequently, he is showered with gifts which include land grants, titles, and jewels. All this attention increases the ire of other nobles towards Gaveston resulting in years of disrespect, hatred, and painful accusations of Gaveston.

The novel is written in the format of a journal. It begins in Gaveston’s childhood with an impassioned retelling of the burning of his mother who was convicted as a witch. As a young child, alone, he must resort to prostitution to earn his way. But Piers is craft and he is a survivor. He gains acclaim as a soldier fighting in King Edward I’s army. Because of his reputation as a tough, successful soldier, he is assigned to become a companion to the lazy and weak Prince Edward as companion. A strong bond is formed, one that soon leads into Prince Edward seducing Piers. For Edward, the attraction is much more – Piers becomes his obsession, an ill-fated burden for Gaveston to carry.

From the very first sentence, Purdy managed to make me sit up and take a close look at the words on each page. Her prose is one of the most brilliant I have come across. Every scene, every word engaged me. The first person narration of Piers Gaveston was not only powerful, it evoked strong emotions throughout. Her “tell it like it is” style of writing brings the reader deep into the main character’s frame of mind, portraying him as both loveable and abhorrent. The scenes of homosexuality are written vividly but tastefully in an openly honest manner.

Brandy Purdy is an up and coming author one must watch carefully in the future for I have no doubt she will become a favorite for many readers of historical fiction.

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The Last Queen by C.W. Gortner

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:38:00 +0000

Visit Christopher Gortner at: http://www.cwgortner.com

In 15th century Spain, Juana 1 of Castile is born the second daughter of Queen Isabella of Castile and King Ferdinand of Aragon whose marriage united the two kingdoms, but it was her mother who possessed the most power and greatest influence.
Beneath the intensity of her politically shrewd mother, the serious, introverted Juana grew into adolescence, well educated in Latin and music. At the age of 16, her parents betrothed her Juan to Philip of Flanders, the heir of Emperor Maximilian I. With a magnificent entourage in tow, Juana crossed the vast waters to Flanders, arriving sick and in a weakened state.

At first sight of her betrothed, Juana is bewitched by his handsomeness and succumbs to his attentive charms. Philip is also intrigued with his new wife. Soon, however, intertwined with the birth of their children, Philip’s infidelity tarnishes their marriage. His strong political ambitions clash powerfully with those of her parents and Spain. All her attempts to influence Philip otherwise are thwarted by Philip’s power-hungry advisors.

Juana is caught between the dreadful clashes of her mother and husband. Matters deteriorate when Philip enters into an alliance with France, historical enemies of Spain. Philip grows progressively more menacing towards Juana and her parents in his quest to rule Spain. His terrible conspiracies result in continual betrayals as Juana struggles to maintain a stance amidst a world of powerful, ruthless men. When a series of deaths strikes the royal heirs of Spain, Juana is forced to become queen with Philip as her royal consort. Before long, she is betrayed on all sides by callous, authoritative men, and Juana finds herself imprisoned for madness.

Christopher Gortner spins a grand tale of opulence and deception, privilege and destruction, madness and fragile love. His riveting prose grabs the reader’s emotions from the very start and twists and wrenches them until the very poignant ending. Inspired by his love for his Spanish heritage, Christopher Gortner paints a vivid picture of life in 15th century Europe. He writes in an evocative prose, rich in quality and simplicity.

Books like this happen rarely. The author is a skilful writer who artfully relays a rich story peppered with unpredictable twists and turns that keeps the reader enthralled upon every word to the very end.

If you need to learn how to work at home as a freelance writer then this site will teach you how to get paid to write for free.

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Book Review - My Lady's Treasure by Catherine Kean

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:32:00 +0000

Visit Catherine Kean at: http://www.catherinekean.com

During the winter of 1192 in England, Lady Faye Rivellaux and her friend, Elayne Lorvais, married to Lord Torr Lorvais, and their eighteen month old daughter Angeline, often enjoyed picnics by the river. On an idyllic day, little Angeline discovers a valuable chalice buried beneath some mud and rocks. Recognizing its immense value, aye and Elayne keep the discovery a secret.

Elayne falls ill and on her deathbed, she extracts a promise from Faye to protect and care for little Angeline as if the child were her own. Faye takes this promise to heart and becomes a loving, substitute mother to the small child.

Then one day, Angeline is mysteriously kidnapped. Faye receives a demand for a large ransom of silver and is told of a location to make the exchange. An impoverished widow who survives on the charity of Lord Lorvais, Faye does not have the silver to pay the ransom, but she is in possession of the golden chalice and will gladly relinquish it to save Angeline. Dedicated to fulfilling her promise to her friend, Faye sets out to meet an unknown man at an arranged destination.

Sir Brant Meslarches’ past is inextricably tied to that of Lord Torr Lorvais, and he harbours a deep dislike for the man. Because of a dying request by Brant’s brother, Royce, Brant is compelled to obey Lorvais’ demands and recognize him as overlord. But it is Lorvais who orchestrated the kidnapping of his own daughter in order to win the affections of fair Faye. Lorvais knows Faye does not have the silver to pay for the ransom, so he orders Brant to only scare her. When Faye offers Brant the golden chalice, he is shocked. How did she acquire it? Rant believes it is part of King Arthur’s lost treasure that his brother Royce spent his life searching for.

This wonderfully rich medieval tale encompasses a little mystery, an abundance of love, an insidious sprinkling of evil, and enough adventure to keep the reader reading throughout the gripping climax to the very end.

Catherine Kean writes a rich medieval prose that draws you into this masterfully weaved tale. The novel’s flowing prose allows the reader to immerse themselves completely in the story. The plot is uncomplicated with not too many characters. It is an enjoyable read with a gripping climax that held my attention long into the night until I reached the very satisfying ending.

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Book Review - The Secret Magdalene by Ki Longfellow

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:22:00 +0000

In the 1st century A.D., 10 year old Mariamne recovers from a strange illness which has left her with the gift of prophecy. Whenever she sees the future, she is possessed of a voice not her own. Born into a life of priviledge, Mariamne and her sister Salome, develop an interest in the occult through a friend of their father, Josephus of Arimathaea. The two girls dream adventure and traveling the world as future sorceresses.

But their dreams soon dissolve when their illicit study is discovered by one of their father's friends who introduces them to a religious sect who await the discovery of the One who will come and save them. Mariamne and Salome visit regularly. Late one night, the two girls escape and while on their way to a meeting with these people, they are discovered. Enraged at their disobedience and fall from virtue, their father casts them out of his life.
A philosopher adopts the two girls and permits them to pursue their interests. The sisters are raised diverse religious ideas strongly influenced by their mentor's passion for Socrates.

From the first time she met him, Salome is taken by John the Baptist and she believes he is the promised Messiah, Mariamne becomes a follower and close friend of Yehoshua (Jesus) of Galilee, a cousin of the Baptist.

What makes this particular story unique, is that it is told through the point of view of a young innocent woman who searches to find joy and meaning in her life. It is a novel not to be taken lightly, but rather read carefully and at a leisurely pace to benefit from the deep emotion and powerful story contained within its pages. It is satisfying and moving, rich and thought provoking.

Mirella Patzer is the author of Bloodstone Castle by Enspiren Press. Visit her at www.mirellapatzer.com.

If you need to learn how to work at home as a freelance writer then this site will teach you how to get paid to write for free.

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Writing Contest For Everyone

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:44:00 +0000

Here is a writing contest that everyone should consider. The Robert A. HeinleinCentennial Short Story Contest

Three prizes will be given for the best original short storiesreflecting the spirit, ideas, and philosophies of Robert AnsonHeinlein.

$5,000 first prize$2,000 second prize$1,000 third prize

If you want a short declaration of who the man was and his works, then go to this link http://www.heinleinsociety.org/rah/thisibelieve.html

Do All Writers Have a Dark Side?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:56:00 +0000

I have a lot of people act shocked when they hear that I have a dark side. Others do not. They see beneath the veneer through my stories which always contain a war, abandonment, betrayal, pathogen epidemics. As sweet as my stories are, they are not fantasy.

I write horror stories for podcasts under a pseudonym. I keep this one private. I do not want my historical readers to lose their ideal of my stories as they sink deep into Poe style stories.

I love writing short stories. A bite size look at life which takes people through a life changing moment within 10 minutes. I don’t see fear in my horror stories. I see reality. It may not be reality through your eyes, but it is through someones.

I’ve had people ask where I get ideas for my stories. The answer is simple, ‘you.’ That’s right, my most macabre story was born in an event, a news story, or something that was told me. It may not have been dark when the story was told the first time. I have the ability to see beyond the surface of society and pick out those things we want to fear.

The Venetian Mask by Rosalind Laker

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:52:00 +0000

Eighteenth century Venice is an era of decadence and sin, intrigue and corruption, illicit romance and dark secrets. Carnivale and the wearing of opulent masks make hiding while in public easy. Trysts and illicit encounters abound. Danger and violence lurk around any chosen corner. Under this magnificent and glamorous backdrop, the lives of three young girls, Adrianna, Elena, and Marietta, intertwine at the “Ospedale della Pieta” a renowned music conservatory for orphaned girls.
Adrianna, the most famous and most highly revered singer of the Pieta gives up the opportunity for a sensational career in the opera to marry a talented Venetian mask- maker whom she has fallen deeply in love with.

The beautiful blonde and blue-eyed Elena catches the attention of Marco and Fillipo Celano, two brothers from a very rich and powerful family. She is in love with and betrothed to Marco, but when he suddenly dies before their wedding, she must become the wife of his brother, Filipo, a man who is ambitious as well as dangerous. To maintain his lofty position within the Celano family, Filipo must sire an heir, but Elena remains barren. The more desperate he becomes for an heir, the more he turns to violence towards the gentle Elena.

The rich voice and beauty catapults Marietta into top spot at the Pieta. She becomes one of the most famed singers of Venice. Her notoriety draws the notice and love of a handsome Frenchman named Alix Desgrange. Their plans to elope are ruined when Alix’s guardian learns of the tryst. The two lovers are forever separated when Alix must marry someone else in his homeland of France.

Several years pass. Marietta receives a marriage proposal from Domenico Torrisi. The Torrisi and Celano families have been mortal enemies for many years. Once she marries into the Torrisi family, she will never be allowed to see Elena again. Both husbands forbid the two women to maintain their friendship. With the aid of Adrianna, Elena and Marietta begin to meet discreetly. Their friendship continues under these clandestine conditions. Further, they develop a repertoire of secret hand and eye signals to communicate with each other whenever in public.

Clandestine meetings, secret births, murder, vengeance, vendetta, betrayal, and political intrigue decorate this intricate plot. I was easily drawn into the story as the simplicity and joy of life for the three “Pieta” girls deteriorate.
Rosalind Laker vividly recreates the mystique of the “golden age” of Venice where sin can hide behind the mask of the wearer. She has wonderfully portrayed the decadence of Venice. The reader will be swept away on a heart-wrenching journey of violence, trickery, and dark secrets. The story’s realistic sub-plots of hatred and obsession draw the reader deeper into the tale. The rich decadence of Venetian life of centuries past, unforgettable characters, and the roller-coaster of twists and turns sprinkled throughout the story, make this an unforgettable novel. The stories of the three girls and the hardships they must overcome is endearing. The ending does not disappoint. I recommend this unique novel for anyone who wants to vividly experience the rich culture of the ancient city of Venice.

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Her Shadowed Heart by Anne Whitfield

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:26:00 +0000

In Yorkshire England in the year 1864, Anna Thornton is the eldest child of wealthy parents. She is wildly independent, empathetic and kind to the servants, and much beloved by all – except for her own mother. Anna does not understand why her mother is so cold and indifferent towards her. Anna believes her mother hates her.

Matt Cowan is a man of means who owns and operates rich mines in South America. The instant they meet, both are inexplicably drawn to each other. Because Anna’s mother does not approve of the dashing Matt Cowan, Anna and Matt begin to meet in secret. Before long, their trysts cause a strong attraction to blossom. Soon, they find themselves deeply in love with each other.

Matt must return to South America to tend to his business and mines. He proposes marriage to Anna, but wishes to wed when he returns from abroad in two years. Anna, however, wishes to wed immediately and travel to South America with him. Matt refuses, citing the land is too wild. They reach an impasse where the only solution is to part ways.

After a heart-wrenching day of lovemaking, Anna and Matt separate. Anna is devastated and falls into the depths of despair. When she discovers she is carrying Matt’s child, her mother banishes her from the family home. Anna finally learns the terrible secret which is the cause of her mother’s bitter aloofness towards her.
With all her possessions, her trusted maidservant, and a broken heart, Anna turns her back on her family and home, determined to start a new life. Before long, she acquires a dilapidated farm in Yorkshire and gathers a bevy of helpers she has either come upon accidentally or rescued from some mishap. A handsome, penniless, Irish laborer seeking work is added to the small makeshift family. The gratitude of those she aided turns into fierce loyalty and together, the small group begins to rebuild the farm and make it profitable.

Life is not easy, however, and Anna must surmount numerous misfortunes that test her resolve. Soon, Anna finds herself attracted to the hard-working Irishman – something she deeply resents because of the pain of her severed romance with Matt Cowan and his lies. She fights her attraction to him. Just as her life begins to turn around, however, secrets from the past come to the forefront and threaten to destroy everything she has built.

From start to finish, Anne Whitfield draws the reader intensely into this well written, hard-luck tale. The primary and secondary characters are colorfully realistic. They draw on the reader’s emotions and their memory will linger long after the book is finished. I have read several of Anne Whitfield’s novels and they are all of exceptional quality and very well written. There is no doubt she is a talented writer and one to continue to watch in the future. This is a wonderful tale about the power of one woman to overcome the hardships of life. I highly recommend it.

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A Tarnished Heart by Leslie Dicken

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:45:00 +0000

In Victorian England, Lizzie Parker wants to keep her life simple and uncomplicated. She loves the people of her village, tending her garden, and caring for her aging father, the local pastor. She falls in love with her father’s curate, but her father has grander hopes for his only daughter. He arranges for her to go to London to participate in the decadent Season with the man who broke her heart years before.

The Earl of Markham is a man of mystery. He harbours a dark secret and guards it well. He remains aloof not only from London’s society, but also from his young son, even though he loves the boy. He will do anything to protect his son’s inheritance. One day, he receives a letter of blackmail from the pastor of the nearby village. The pastor demands the Earl court his only daughter, Lizzie. If he fails to comply, the pastor will expose the Earl’s secret and place his son’s inheritance at risk. Reluctantly, the Earl accepts the challenge and takes responsibility for his new charge. He takes her to his home in London.

Lizzie harbours a painful memory about the Earl of Markham who shattered her dreams when she was a young girl. She tries to thwart the Earl’s every act so that she may return to the curate she is in love with.

A Tarnished Heart was a finalist in the Romancing the Tome Contest. It is a story worth reading. Leslie Dicken has written a truly heart-warming novel about love that blossoms despite the circumstances that threaten to keep a young couple apart. The story is rich in detail, vivid in description, and historically accurate to the times. This is a romance that you can instantly escape into the story with its believable characters and plot. Leslie Dicken is one author to watch and follow if you are a fan of historical fiction.

Visit Leslie Dicken's Home page at: http://www.lesliedicken.com

Mirella Patzer is a multi-published author who enjoys helping others learn about writing, book reviewing, editing, and promotion. Visit my site to learn more and ask questions: http://www.mirellapatzer.com

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Is Victorian Erotica Making a Come Back?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:42:00 +0000

Many people think that this is a new genre -wrong. The Gothic genre blended with French Erotica and grew into Victoria Erotica. In fact, we are still on the 'light' side of what constituted Victorian erotica. I am not sure many of today's writers want to delve into the psychotic states of the human mind to explore what happens when madness melds with passion.

Today's dark genres, such as vampire, are still lighter than many of the Victorian Erotica stories - some of which are so dark and evil that you won't find them in public domain. They are stored on dusty bookshelves in ancient libraries - probably never to be read again.

If you want to 'taste' a light version of Victorian Erotica then read an old French Gothic story.

Pearls in the Raw, Victorian Erotica Rediscovered

Interesting word - voluptuous. It suggests ample or full, and in the broader sense, given over to the satisfaction of sensual desires. That is no doubt why "The Pearl" is described as "A Journal of Faceteia and Voluptuous Reading." "The Pearl," an underground journal published in Victorian England from July 1879 to December 1880, is an erotic treasure chest.

It is one of many such treasures I discovered while writing my erotic novel set in Victorian London.

The research for this erotic novel took me into the shadow of the Victorian libido. Not only did I have to study the Victorian household, the functioning of gas lights, the complex hierarchy of the British peerage and the many layers of clothing (which had to be frequently removed), I also had to delve into the darker side of the Victorian psyche.

The sexual repression of the Victorian age did not repress sexual desire. Quite the contrary. The popularity of erotic literature, the glut of prostitutes and the proliferation of brothels are historical testament to the sexual appetites of the time. Publicly denouncing sexual behavior did not stop the private exploration of intimate cravings.

Such activities as canings, voyeurism, exhibitionism and illicit sex were commonplace, but always hidden. No one spoke of it, but most found partners to indulge their favorite fetish.

Another Victorian classic, "My Secret Life," first published between 1888 and 1894, was banned for a hundred years because of its explicit content. A Victorian gentleman chronicled his lascivious exploits, using the pseudonym Walter.

Walter's erotic stories are still considered perverse and often pornographic, even with its reissue as part of the Wordsworth Classic Erotica series.

The most interesting aspect of my immersion into Victorian sexuality is discovering the similarity to today's avarice and taboos. Here we are, in the 21st century, still struggling with the same desires and the same denial that those desires exist.

Even with the overt use of sexual images in advertising and with the seeming sexual freedom we are said to enjoy, there still exists an air of repression surrounding sexual activity. It is permissible to be titillated by pictures and innuendo, but when the libido demands more, society says uh-uh, shaking their puritanical finger under our noses.

With the current popularity of erotic romance and the explicit nature of the work, we are once again expressing our desire in words. We really want to be doing it. Much like the Victorians, we find our pleasure where we can. Sometimes that is actual experience and other times it is solely within our imaginations. Erotic literature, be it Victorian or contemporary, serves the same purpose. It provides an outlet for sexual feelings which certainly exist, but often cannot be overtly expressed.

We all crave the thrill of a licentious tryst. The danger, the excitement and the titillation of such encounters, be it now or in Victorian London, are the same. Victorian erotica speaks to the modern libido just as surely as it enticed the nineteenth century reader. The intoxicating agitation of sexual excitement is timeless.

P.F. Kozak is the author of the erotic romance novels Passion, and Sins and Secrets. Visit her Web site to learn more, http://www.pfkozak.com/

Book Review - Thief's Desire by Isabo Kelly

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 21:22:00 +0000

Thief’s Desire by Isabo Kelly

In the mystical kingdom of Karasnia, Victoria Flash, abandoned in childhood, is a street smart thief and a gambler of exceptional talent. When she wins a large amount of money at a card game against Big Charlie, the leader of a rival gang, his wrath forces her into hiding.

By accident, she encounters the handsome and intriguing Jacob Marin, a general of the King’s Own guards. He is so impressed with her many crafty talents, he hires her to spy for him. This catapults the unsuspecting Vic and Jacob into a world of dark and evil.

Together, Vic and Jacob find themselves trying to overcome a very evil villain bent on becoming more powerful. They must overcome powerful magic spells, fight off terrible forest beasts, face goblins, and save a small baby who can influence the destiny of the entire world. The danger and adventure result in an inextricable bond and abounding love to blossom between them.

The author, Isabo Kelly, sweeps us into a very realistic romantic fantasy adventure. Victoria and Jacob are believable characters - strong, charismatic, and intriguing. Both are vulnerable not only to each other but to their own strengths and weaknesses. The romance unfolds gradually and very realistically. I especially enjoyed some of the unique and humorous situations the two characters often found themselves immersed in.

Jacob and Vic are powerful and sly and very much draw the reader into the tale. I especially enjoyed the realistic settinga and circumstances of the story. If you want to get lost in a real romp through the annals of time, then this medieval fantasy is a great one to do just that.

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Book Review - The Reluctant Queen by Jean Plaidy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:01:00 +0000

In 15th century England, Lady Anne Neville is the daughter of the Earl of Warwick, a wealthy, ambition man with the influence to determine kingship. The War of the Roses, a war between the houses of Lancaster and York for the throne of England has ended. The Lancastrians demand to reinstate the elderly and insane King Henry VI lost. Anne’s father’s support won the throne for the young, charismatic King Edward IV, a man the Earl of Warwick is confident he can influence.

To secure his power over King Edward, Warwick marries his eldest daughter Isabel to King Edward’s brother, George, the Duke of Clarence. When King Edward’s younger, more serious brother, Richard, is sent to Middleham, Warwick’s family home, to train, Anne falls in love with him and he with her.

King Edward is an independent man and he proves to be uncontrollable by the wily Warwick. The entire country is aghast when Edward marries Elizabeth Woodville, a commoner and widow with two young children. Rumours abound that Elizabeth bewitched the king in a wood. As queen, she is anxious to raise the status of her family and ambitiously arranges political marriages and secures positions and estates for them. Before long, the Woodvilles are in power, not King Edward and certainly not the Earl of Warwick.

Angered, Warwick shifts his loyalties to the Lancastrians and betroths his youngest daughter Anne to the son of the insane Henry VI, also named Edward. Anne, who has only ever known the Lancastrians as the enemy is now sent to France with her future mother-in-law, Henry's wife, the strident and voracious Margaret. Together, the two women wait as Warwick and the Lancastrians battle to overcome King Edward and reinstate Anne’s betrothed as the rightful king.

The Lancastrian’s lose the battle and Anne’s betrothed is killed. King Edward places her under the guardianship of her brother-in-law, Clarence, and she is returned to England.

Misfortune strikes again however. Clarence is ruthless and has always wanted to usurp the crown from his elder brother, King Edward. Anne and Richard are reunited and they pledge their hearts to each other and await approval for marriage. Clarence is determined to keep his hands on Isabel’s and Anne's fortune and does not wish Anne to marry Richard. He is behind a treacherous plot that not only rips the two lovers from each, but removes Anne from all that she has known and loved. Poor Anne, all she wants from life is to live quietly with her family. Instead, circumstance after circumstance plunge her into turmoil until ultimately she is adorned as queen, a position she never desired.

Jean Plaidy has successfully recreated a highly complex period in English history. The author did an excellent job of explaining the complicated inter-relationships between the characters which made the story easy to follow. She made it easy to understand how the Lancastrians came to be enemies of the house of York and how their different claims came about.

Jean Plaidy manages to keep readers' interest throughout while bringing this rich story to life. The novel highlights a very critical era in English history and Jean Plaidy made it fun to learn.

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Free 2 Hour Chat: How To Become a Famous Author

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:40:00 +0000

We are doing a few major workshops for Small Press Month. We are hosting one of our biggest workshops this week.

Place: www.inspiredauthor.com (click the chat-room button at the top of the page.
Time: 7 - 9 eastern (come when you can)
Membership: none needed - just enter your screen name and enter

Katie Adams

Katie Adams is a highly successful grant writer. In fact, she obtained over $12 million in grants for her clients in only 3 months! She can help you learn how to get free publicity, money to promote your writing, and much more! If you want to become famous overnight, then be at the Inspired Authors chat on Friday night.

Katie has offered to host a 2 hour workshop to help authors promote themselves and their work, build winning PR campaigns, and launch their careers. Have your questions ready! She is also looking for cream of the crop writers for her new business venture. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime chance.

Authors must be well known even before releasing their first book. This takes a “presence” that is only accomplished by proactive marketing. If you miss this one, you will regret it.

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Small Press Month: All Authors Need a Fan Base

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:33:00 +0000

Attracting visitors to a website can be difficult. It goes far beyond putting your name out and giving people an invitation to visit your main website. They will not visit to join a newsletter or read your website.

There are several ways to get people to visit a website:

1. Share your space with Visitors. Let them tell stories, write a scene for your characters, join in a 'continued story' by adding a scene. Then, publish their work on your website.

This works, but only if you talk with the visitors. The web owner needs to chat with their members. This is not the business where 'if you make it, they will come.'

2. Offer Something Free. I have heard dozens of writers rail against the idea of writing for free. But, most of them never had a good fan base. I also know two authors who write 'extra' chapters for their books, extra stories about their characters, and other free stories. They offer these as 'read by author' for audio feeds and download, and in PDF form.

Most of these stories can be short, 5 pages long will equal a 5 minute feed. Then, ask the audience for feedback, to offer suggestions.

3. Help Me Write. This is another tool that will attract die hard book lovers. They love to offer advice and suggestions about the characters and settings. Many of them have situations that might flesh out the book. Even if their ideas are not used, story lovers enjoy sharing their thoughts and being part of the writing experience.

4. Let visitors post reviews, comment in a guest book, or participate in a forum.

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Share Your Grandfather's Story With the World

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:15:00 +0000

The inspiration for The Pledge came from stories my grandfather told me. His stories went far beyond life lessons and relating family history. They inspired me. They made me the person I am today. I have read a lot of stories, but for some reason, the stories that grandfathers tell us are the best.

Tell me your story. I will publish some of them into my newsletter. Others will be published into my blog. I’ll share your grandfather’s story with other people. Let me know what made the story so special. Share your pictures. Pictures of where your family came from. Pictures of you with your grandfather. But - no pictures that include people who have not given their permission - or children.

How to Submit: Submit your stories, no longer than 500 words as a comment on this post. I will chose stories to appear in my newsletter and post on some of my sites. Selected stories may include pictures and a link to your website. I will contact you via the contact form on your website. Submit Your Grandfather Story at www.writer-writer.com

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Small Press Month:

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:15:00 +0000

March is PMA's small press month. I've been writing a series of posts designed to help readers find authors and 'stay in touch' so they are notified of new books when they are released. For more information, visit my website at www.writer-writer.com or to read the whole series of articles, then visit www.enspirenpress.blogspot.com

The secret to building a fan base is to entice visitors to your website to chat in a forum and/or join a newsletter. It has never been easier to create newsletters. There are dozens of free templates on the web, and a few free tools. For those who have invested in Word Suite, everything you need is in the suite. However, I do not suggest keeping a mailing list in Outlook unless you save it to a backup disk or a third party backup service.

I decided to use my publisher to make this post. Publisher is a part of the word suite. I am currently using WordSuite2007. I made this email letter in 10 minutes, and launched it through Outlook from my publisher account.

I wanted to offer the post this way to show people how easy it is to release a newsletter to your members. You do not need a any expertise as a web designer, or mailing list compiler expert. All you need is MSOutlook, or PHPlist.com. You can even run a good program through Hotmail if you want to manually insert email addresses.

Marketing isn’t about putting your name ‘out’ to the world, it is about getting people to come ‘in’ to you. This is why a mailing list is so important.

When using Outlook or Hotmail, people can join your mailing list by emailing you. I do not suggest using yahoo as I've faced a lot of spam problems with yahoo.

How to Create a Mailing List with Windows Live Hotmail

To set up a group of recipients in Windows Live Hotmail:

Select Contacts from Windows Live Hotmail's left-hand navigation bar.
Click on the down arrow of the New button.
Select Group....
Type the desired group name.
This name acts as a nickname when addressing messages.
The nickname must be unique in your address book (a group cannot have the same name as another group or another address book entry's nickname).
Press Enter.
Drag and drop existing contacts from All contacts to the new group to add them.
You can also go to the group and select New Contact... to add a new member.

With this tool, everyone who emails your ‘mailing list’ account can be automatically added to your mailing list.

PHPlist.com is free with many good webhosts today with a click of the button. I have used this service for years, and never once faced a problem. It is simple to add names, delete names, post a template and send an email.

There is a plug in for wordpress that installs PHPlist and sets a 'sign in' box that can easily be put on your template. There is no widget at this time, but the single line of code can be added to a template without risk of ruining something important or throwing out the formatting. I have installed this tool on a 3 and 4 column template, widget ready.

However, if you are totally new to internet marketing, and cannot FTP a file into your host (very easy) then you might want to try bravenet.com. They have a mailing list feature that is free for the first 500 members. I used bravenet for the first two years. I paid $5 a month to avoid the advertising.

Free Author Promotion Workshop: Three Famous Speakers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:56:00 +0000

We had a great chat on promotion last night. There were a lot of things covered, and we had the author of one of the top SELLING BOOKS book on Amazon (3 days on Amazon and in the top 50 000). Nikki gave us some excellent tips and advice.

We also explained the difference between promotion by spamming your name, and promotion by Branding.

After 2 hours, there were still questions, so I decided to devote tonight's chat on 'becoming famous' without spending money.

I have invited a PR person, Katherine Adams who works with businesses and CEOs. She is writing a book on landing six figure jobs. If she comes, she can tell us more about 'branding' yourself. She won her clients 12million last year - so she is no 'small fish' when it comes to PR.

Mirella Patzer will tell how she became a popular speaker and was invited to speak (paid) in Italy, the setting of her book - all within less than 2 months.

Nikki Leigh will be there. Her current book on promotion has only been on amazon for 3 days and is in the top 50 000 (out of 3 million) selling books.

We also have Lori Chance, a book coach, and a few other tentative speakers.

I am also saving transcripts. So if you were one of the people who felt you just didn't know that you 'could' become famous without a lot of hassle - and you wanted to know more - come to the IA chat tonight.

http://www.inspiredauthor.com/ - Click Chat. You do not need to become a member.

Chat is Every Friday 7PM Eastern

Tonight's event will have the chat room at www.inspiredauthor.com open from 6 - 9+ You do not need to become a member, or enter any personal information. Just type in a screen name and you are in the chat.

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Regency Debutantes: a Feast of Fictional Heroines

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 21:07:00 +0000

The Regency debutante comes in very handy for authors like me, even though she is as individual as the writers who create her. She can appear in just about all shapes and sizes--within a framework of having the ability to attract "Mr. Right," of course. (In other words, she can be anything as long as it's attractive enough for the purposes of a romance.)

Half the fun of a Regency (or any romance) is being able to understand and relate to the heroine; therefore, she must be wonderful in some ways and definitely lacking in others; she must be attractive but not so perfect that you can't believe in her; she must strike a chord in every female reader who picks up your book, and any writer can create such a character simply by making her human. That is the one thing we ALL have in common, our humanity, with all its foibles and faults.

But what is a Regency debutante? How is she different from other fictional heroines?

A dictionary will tell you that a debutante is “a young woman making a formal debut into society.” In our case, it is Regency society, which is the other half of the fun of a Regency novel. No other time period was quite like the Regency; Jane Austen taught us how to poke gentle fun at it while also caring about those who were part of it; and Georgette Heyer showed us ways to really turn up the volume (of fun), concocting plots full of characters plucked from many layers of that society.

The interesting thing about the debutante of the Regency, is that she could be most anyone, from anywhere. Families came from abroad for the 'season' to debut their favored young ladies among the English rich. Most of the time, they, too, had money and therefore were supremely 'qualified' to join the “marriage mart.” But they might also be hiding a bankruptcy—it wasn't always easy to discover the truth in those days of slow travel and communication (by today's standards).

Likewise, any country miss and her mama might aspire to a London “season” and there was always the chance of making an astounding success. (You see how it easily makes for the stuff of romance novels?)

So the Regency Debutante was any young lady of gentle birth making her "come out" into the wider society of adults of her community; If she were wealthy or could gather enough financial backing, (or had good connections) she could make that debut into London or Bath society, circles where the possibility of making a good match (marriage) were greater.

Not all Regency novels use debutantes as their heroines, but to understand what "the season" was about, one must recognize this formal female creature! She often was not in for fun and games, despite the whirl of social entertainments on her schedule, but if she happened to be pretty, and even more important, wealthy, then upper class society was sure to welcome her in.

Another aspect that makes Regencies so enjoyable is the clothing needed for the debutante's season. The quantity AND the quality--it all counted, and it all makes for fun reading. That, along with descriptions of social customs and manners, makes delving into the era an experience you will likely want to do again and again.

The Regency? You've got to love it!

Linore Rose Burkard writes Inspirational Romance with a special interest in the Regency. She also writes articles on Regency Life, Parenting, and Self-Improvement. Get her FREE monthly eZine "Upon My Word!"

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