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Tuesday 28 November 2023

My Coffee Pot Book Club guest: The Bastard Prince of Versailles by Will Bashor


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About the Book

Book Title:  The Bastard Prince of Versailles: A Novel Inspired by True Events

Series: The King’s Secret Children

Author: Will Bashor

Publication Date: August 18, 2023

Publisher: Will Bashor

Page Length: 338 pages

Genre: Historical LGBTQ Fiction / Historical Fiction

A historical novel inspired by real events, The Bastard Prince of Versailles, narrates the escapades of a misborn "prince" during the reign of Louis XIV in seventeenth-century France. Louis de Bourbon wasn't a real prince-even though his father was King Louis XIV.

The illegitimate son of the King and his mistress, Louise de La Vallière, young Louis has been kept far from the court's eyes until summoned to bid adieu to his mother. To atone for her adultery, she joins a convent, abandoning Louis to an uncertain future.

When Louis is humiliated by his father for his role in a secret gay society, he struggles to redeem himself through heroism and self-sacrifice in the king's army on the battlefield.

Praise for The Bastard Prince of Versailles:

“Will Bashor effortlessly weaves together the threads of fact and fiction, transporting us back to the opulence and intrigue of 17th century France. The author’s research and attention to detail are evident and well applied, never seeming like a dry history lesson but always a hook keeping you turning the pages.

Louis is brought to life with such authenticity that you can't help but empathize with his journey. As he navigates the treacherous waters of courtly politics and yearns for his father's approval, you'll feel a gripping connection to his struggles and triumphs. The rest of the characters are well-crafted as well, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story.

If you are looking for a unique historical novel that will transport you to another time and leave a lasting impression, this book is an absolute must-read.”

SHARING A SNIPPET....

Louis was escorted into the room by two young princes, who showed him where to take his place behind them. One held his fingers to his lips, reminding Louis not to make a sound.

After receiving the abbé’s blessing, the king rose to put on his socks and his morning robe. The valet removed his nightcap, and the barber combed his hair. He did not shave the king this morning because that only took place every other day. Now half-past eight, the grande levée began, and the king’s first valet of the wardrobe and his gentlemen-in-waiting entered the room.

As court protocol required, Count Louis stood behind his cousins, the Princes of the Blood, during the ceremony. His eyes were still sleepy, but they opened widely when the king proceeded to sit on his chaise percée for his bodily needs—in front of all to see. Louis held his hand over his mouth to keep from giggling aloud but when one of the king’s valets cast a foreboding frown at him, he straightened up.

Buy Links:

Universal Buy Link: 

https://books2read.com/u/38YDXd

Amazon UK: 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bastard-Prince-Versailles-Inspired-Events-ebook/dp/B0CGJ9B197

Amazon US: 

https://www.amazon.com/Bastard-Prince-Versailles-Inspired-Events-ebook/dp/B0CGJ9B197

Amazon CA: 

https://www.amazon.ca/Bastard-Prince-Versailles-Inspired-Events-ebook/dp/B0CGJ9B197

Amazon AU: 

https://www.amazon.com.au/Bastard-Prince-Versailles-Inspired-Events-ebook/dp/B0CGJ9B197

Barnes and Noble: 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bastard-prince-of-versailles-will-bashor/1143980077

Kobo: 

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-bastard-prince-of-versailles


 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

From Columbus, Ohio, Will earned his Ph.D. from the American Graduate School of Paris. In his spare time, he reads memoirs and researches the lives of royals and their courtiers. He hopes to share his fascination with the Bourbon dynasty and its quirky inhabitants and, at the same time, weave the historical record with creative fiction. He has written articles for the Huffington Post, Age of Revolutions, BBC History Magazine, and Carine Roitfeld’s CR Fashion Book.

Website: 

https://www.willbashor.com/

Twitter: 

https://twitter.com/WBashorAuthor

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/harold.bashor.3/

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/will.bashor/

Amazon Author Page: 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Will-Bashor/author/B006RKLIJY

Goodreads: 

https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/6984989.Will_Bashor


Follow the Tour

Twitter Handle: @WBashorAuthor @cathiedunn

Instagram Handle: @will.bashor @thecoffeepotbookclub

Bluesky Handle: @cathiedunn.bsky.social

Hashtags: #HistoricalFiction #Versailles #LGBTBooks #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page: 

https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/11/blog-tour-the-bastard-prince-of-versailles-by-will-bashor.html


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You might also like 

books written by Helen Hollick 

Website: https://helenhollick.net/

Amazon Author Page: https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick 




The Jan Christopher Cosy Mysteries
set in the 1970s

Amazon Author Page: https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick 

* * *
KING ARTHUR
The Pendragon's Banner Trilogy

 The Boy Who became a Man:
Who became a King:
Who became a Legend... KING ARTHUR

There is no Merlin, no sword in the stone, and no Lancelot.
Instead, the man who became our most enduring hero.

THE PENDRAGON's BANNER TRILOGY 



www.helenhollick.net

~ ~  ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Have you ever thought of saying 'thank you'?

Amazon Author Page: 
https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick 



1 comment:

Sunday 26 November 2023

HISTORICAL STORIES of EXILE - with Cryssa Bazos

OUR FINAL FEATURE... 
BUY on AMAZON
(or order from any bookstore)

graphic by Marian L Thorpe

HISTORICAL STORIES 
of 
EXILE
A collection of short stories by thirteen (non-superstitious) 
award-winning authors

in order of appearance


Annie Whitehead, J.G. Harlond, Helen Hollick, Anna Belfrage, Elizabeth Chadwick, Loretta Livingstone, Elizabeth St.John, Alison Morton, Charlene Newcomb, 
Marian L Thorpe, Amy Maroney, Cathie Dunn, Cryssa Bazos
 with an introduction by Deborah Swift

Exile: a risky defiance, a perilous journey, a family’s tragic choice – or an individual’s final gamble to live. Exile: voluntary or enforced, a falling-out between friends, a lost first love, a prejudiced betrayal – or the only way to survive persecution?
In this historical fiction anthology thirteen authors (they are not superstitious!) have written exclusive short stories on the theme of exile.

Join an inspiring Anglo-Saxon Queen of Wales, a courageous Norwegian falconer, and a family fleeing back in time to escape the prospect of a ruthless future. Defy the law with the legendary Doones of Exmoor, or defy the odds with two brave WWII exiles. Meet a Roman apprehensively planning exile to preserve the 'old ways', and a real Swedish prince forcibly expelled in heart-wrenching circumstances. Thrill to a story based on the legend of Robin Hood, sail with a Queen of Cyprus determined to regain her rightful throne; escape religious persecution, discover the heart-rending truth behind the settlement of Massachusetts and experience the early years that would, eventually, lead to the founding of Normandy. Experience the stirring of first love, and special guest author, Elizabeth Chadwick, reveals a tale about the 12th century’s heiress, Isabelle de Clare, and the Greatest Knight of all time – William Marshal.

Enjoy these tales of exile across the ages. Some are hopeful, some sad, some romantic, some tragic, but all explore the indomitable spirit of resolute, unforgettable characters.

TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT

THE EXILED HEART
by Cryssa Bazos

Sixteen-year-old Susanne is to discover that a young man is to be a 'guest' at Linzer Schloss ...

read a snippet:

LINZ, AUSTRIA, 1639

Throughout Susanne’s early morning ride, a vague but persistent discontent niggled at her. It hadn’t been the fault of her horse, Freya, who was as sure-footed as ever on the hilly trails running between Linzer Schloss and Freinberg Mountain. Nor had she any complaints with her position in the imperial fortress, for although she had just reached her sixteenth year, she had her father’s complete trust to oversee the household management in her mother’s absence. As the emperor’s governor of Upper Austria, Papa held everyone to a very high standard, including herself, and she relished the challenge. And yet the restlessness persisted, a worrisome itch under her skin, impossible to dislodge or assuage in any manner. read the full story in HISTORICAL STORIES of  EXILE



ABOUT CRYSSA BAZOS
Cryssa Bazos is an award-winning historical fiction author and a seventeenth-century enthusiast. Her debut novel, Traitor's Knot is the Medalist winner of the 2017 New Apple Award for Historical Fiction and a finalist for the 2018 EPIC eBook Awards for Historical Romance.
Her second novel, https://books2read.com/SeveredKnot (in which Prince Rupert makes an appearance) is a B.R.A.G Medallion Honoree and a finalist for the 2019 Chaucer Award. Rebel's Knot, the third instalment of the standalone series, Quest for the Three Kingdoms, is a B.R.A.G Medallion Honoree and 2021 Discovering Diamonds Book of the Year. For historical articles about her research, visit her website https://cryssabazos.com

"Severed Knot is an exciting thriller that takes readers on a wild ride! ... a truly unforgettable gem of a historic novel." InD'tale Magazine

Buy Cryssa’s books on Amazon:
(Also available from other online stores or order from any bookshop.)


https://books2read.com/SeveredKnot

Barbados 1652. 

In the aftermath of the English Civil War, the vanquished are uprooted and scattered to the ends of the earth.

When marauding English soldiers descend on Mairead O'Coneill's family farm, she is sold into indentured servitude. After surviving a harrowing voyage, the young Irish woman is auctioned off to a Barbados sugar plantation where she is thrust into a hostile world of depravation and heartbreak. Though stripped of her freedom, Mairead refuses to surrender her dignity.

Scottish prisoner of war Iain Johnstone has descended into hell. Under a blazing sun thousands of miles from home, he endures forced indentured labour in the unforgiving cane fields. As Iain plots his escape to save his men, his loyalties are tested by his yearning for Mairead and his desire to protect her.

With their future stolen, Mairead and Iain discover passion and freedom in each other's arms. Until one fateful night, a dramatic chain of events turns them into fugitives.
BUY on AMAZON
(or order from any bookstore)

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11 comments:

Saturday 25 November 2023

HISTORICAL STORIES of EXILE - with Cathie Dunn

BUY on AMAZON
(or order from any bookstore)


graphic by Marian L Thorpe

HISTORICAL STORIES 
of 
EXILE
A collection of short stories by thirteen (non-superstitious) 
award-winning authors

in order of appearance

Annie Whitehead, J.G. Harlond, Helen Hollick, Anna Belfrage, Elizabeth Chadwick, Loretta Livingstone, Elizabeth St.John, Alison Morton, Charlene Newcomb, 
Marian L Thorpe, Amy Maroney, Cathie Dunn, Cryssa Bazos
 with an introduction by Deborah Swift



Exile:  In this historical fiction anthology thirteen authors (they are not superstitious!) have written exclusive short stories on the theme of exile. Some are based on true history, others are speculative fiction. All mine the depths of human emotions – fear, hope, love, and the fortitude to survive.

TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT
 
BETRAYAL
by Cathie Dunn

Pregnant, Poppa is content with her life as Hrólfr's wife -
 but that contentment is soon to change...

read a snippet:

ROUEN, NEUSTRIA, EARLY JUNE AD 900

The hall was buzzing with the sound of dozens of male voices. Night had fallen, and the air in the yard still held a chill that was well kept outside by the set of sturdy oak doors. Yet another kind of chill permeated the air in the usually comfortable hall. An outcry of rage, swiftly followed by calls for revenge.

Leaning back into her cushioned chair, Poppa sighed. Why did the constant disputes between Hrólfr and the pompous Robert, Margrave of Neustria – and newly rewarded with the ridiculous title, Dux Franconum by the Frankish king – have to ruin a day that had begun so peacefully?

In the early afternoon, she’d had spring flowers set out in vases across the hall, and even the floor rushes were fresh. Poppa delighted in making this hall as comfortable as her own in Bayeux.

read the full story in HISTORICAL STORIES of  EXILE


and read more about Poppa and Hrólfr in ASCENT


ABOUT CATHIE DUNN
Cathie Dunn writes historical fiction, mystery, and romance. The focus of her novels is on strong women through time. She has garnered awards and praise from reviewers and readers for her authentic description of the past. A keen Medievalist, she enjoys visiting castles and ruins, and reading about battles and political shenanigans of the times.

Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She also now runs https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/ promoting historical fiction authors and their books.

Buy Cathie’s books on Amazon: https://author.to/CathieDunn     
(Also available from other online stores or order from any bookshop)


ASCENT

A brutal Viking raid heralds the dawn of a new, powerful dynasty – the House of Normandy
Neustria, Kingdom of the West Franks
AD 890

Fourteen-year-old Poppa’s life changes when Northmen land near Bayeux. Count Bérengar, her father, submits to them, and she is handfasted to Hrólfr, the Northmen’s heathen leader, as part of their agreement.

To her relief, Hrólfr leaves immediately in search of further conquest, only returning to claim her years later. In the face of retaliating Franks, they flee to East Anglia, where she gives birth to their son and daughter.

When Hrólfr and Poppa return to reclaim Bayeux, his new campaign strikes at the heart of Frankish power, and King Charles of the West Franks offers him a pact he cannot refuse. In exchange for vast tracts of land in Neustria, Hrólfr must convert to Christianity and accept marriage to Gisela, the king’s illegitimate daughter.

Poppa’s world shatters. She remains in Bayeux, with her daughter, Adela. When Gisela arrives one day, demanding she hand over Adela, to be raised in Rouen, Poppa’s patience is at an end. But Gisela makes for a dangerous enemy, and only one woman will survive their confrontation high up on the cliffs.

Will Poppa live to witness the dawn of a new era?

ASCENT is the first in a new series about the early women of the House of Normandy – women whose stories have been forgotten through time.

BUY on AMAZON
(or order from any bookstore)




all graphics, unless otherwise stated 



3 comments:

Friday 24 November 2023

HISTORICAL STORIES of EXILE - with Amy Maroney

graphic by Marian L Thorpe

BUY on AMAZON
(or order from any bookstore)


HISTORICAL STORIES 
of 
EXILE
A collection of short stories by thirteen (non-superstitious) 
award-winning authors

in order of appearance

Annie Whitehead, J.G. Harlond, Helen Hollick, Anna Belfrage, Elizabeth Chadwick, Loretta Livingstone, Elizabeth St.John, Alison Morton, Charlene Newcomb, 
Marian L Thorpe, Amy Maroney, Cathie Dunn, Cryssa Bazos
 with an introduction by Deborah Swift

Join an inspiring Anglo-Saxon Queen of Wales, a courageous Norwegian falconer, and a family fleeing back in time to escape the prospect of a ruthless future. Defy the law with the legendary Doones of Exmoor, or defy the odds with two brave WWII exiles. Meet a Roman apprehensively planning exile to preserve the 'old ways', and a real Swedish prince forcibly expelled in heart-wrenching circumstances. Thrill to a story based on the legend of Robin Hood, sail with a Queen of Cyprus determined to regain her rightful throne; escape religious persecution, discover the heart-rending truth behind the settlement of Massachusetts and experience the early years that would, eventually, lead to the founding of Normandy. Experience the stirring of first love, and special guest author, Elizabeth Chadwick, reveals a tale about the 12th century’s heiress, Isabelle de Clare, and the Greatest Knight of all time – William Marshal.

With an introduction by multi-award-winning author Deborah Swift, enjoy these tales of exile across the ages. Some are hopeful, some sad, some romantic, some tragic, but all explore the indomitable spirit of resolute, unforgettable characters.

TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT

LAST HOPE FOR A QUEEN
by Amy Maroney

Exiled from her homeland of Cyprus, all Queen Charlotta wants is the aid to get her crown back...

read a snippet:

ISLAND OF RHODES, GREECE, AUTUMN 1461

Queen Charlotta strode down the broad corridor leading to the grand master’s great receiving hall, sweeping past guards and other attendants with barely a glance, her mind fixed on the challenge ahead.

No matter what happens, you’re here to save your crown.

She halted in front of the double doors and drew in a long breath. Her translator, Estelle de Montavon, leaned close.

“You are the queen of Cyprus.” The Frenchwoman’s calm voice was reassuring, as always. “The knights will give you the respect you’re due.”

“I must have the truth. Don’t try to protect me.”

Estelle held her gaze. “Never. I always give you the words as I hear them, not as I wish them to be."

read the full story in HISTORICAL STORIES of  EXILE





ABOUT AMY MARONEY
Amy Maroney studied English Literature at Boston University and worked for many years as a writer and editor of nonfiction. She lives in Oregon, U.S.A. with her family. When she’s not diving down research rabbit holes, she enjoys hiking, dancing, traveling, and reading. Amy is the author of The Miramonde Series, a bestselling historical mystery trilogy about a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern-day scholar on her trail.
Amy’s award-winning historical adventure/romance series, Sea And Stone Chronicles, is set in medieval Rhodes and Cyprus.

An enthusiastic advocate for independent publishing, Amy is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and the Historical Novel Society.

“Amy Maroney has a gift of making the past come to life in a way that is relatable and engaging.” Historical Novel Society Review

Buy Amy’s books on Amazon:
Amy Maroney

(Also available from other online stores or order from any bookshop)

https://www.amymaroney.com/

A broken promise. A bitter conflict. And a woman’s elusive chance to love or die.

1458. Young Frenchwoman Estelle de Montavon sails to Cyprus imagining a bright future as tutor to a princess. Instead, she is betrayed by those she loves most—and forced into a dangerous new world of scheming courtiers, vicious power struggles, and the terrifying threat of war.

Determined to flee, Estelle enlists the help of an attractive and mysterious falconer. But on the eve of her escape, fortune’s wheel turns again. She gains entry to Queen Charlotta’s inner circle as a trusted scribe and interpreter, fighting her way to dizzying heights of influence.

Enemies old and new rise from the shadows as Estelle navigates a royal game of cat and mouse between the queen and her powerful half-brother, who wants the throne for himself.

When war comes to the island, she faces a brutal reckoning for her loyalty to the queen. Will the impossible choice looming ahead be Estelle’s doom—or her salvation?
BUY on AMAZON
(or order from any bookstore)


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all graphics, unless otherwise stated 
5 comments:

Thursday 23 November 2023

HISTORICAL STORIES of EXILE - HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY with Marian L Thorpe

BUY on AMAZON
(or order from any bookstore)


graphic by Marian L Thorpe
Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a USA celebration, but we all have something to be thankful for, whether it be small or large, personal or wider-spread. For myself, I am thankful for the ability to read - and the abundance of books available from the local library, a bookstore or at the touch of a one-click button.

Fiction and the characters within novels were my friends during the years of growing up, those years when I had few real friends or the confidence to find them. Stories took me to new lands, new adventures, new worlds, new eras - and rarely let me down... they still do these things, of course, except now I am also discovering my own characters and their worlds.

I am thankful for the joy of writing - and reading. Thankful for the readers who delve into the stories I write, and thankful for the expanse of imagination that has been gifted to me me - and to all writers of fiction. Where would we be without stories and wonderful readers or listeners to share them with?

Thank you, therefore, to you all!
Helen Hollick

HISTORICAL STORIES 
of 
EXILE
A collection of short stories by thirteen (non-superstitious) 
award-winning authors

in order of appearance

Annie Whitehead, J.G. Harlond, Helen Hollick, Anna Belfrage, Elizabeth Chadwick, Loretta Livingstone, Elizabeth St.John, Alison Morton, Charlene Newcomb, 
Marian L Thorpe, Amy Maroney, Cathie Dunn, Cryssa Bazos
 with an introduction by Deborah Swift

Exile: a risky defiance, a perilous journey, a family’s tragic choice – or an individual’s final gamble to live. Exile: voluntary or enforced, a falling-out between friends, a lost first love, a prejudiced betrayal – or the only way to survive persecution?
In this historical fiction anthology thirteen authors (they are not superstitious!) have written exclusive short stories on the theme of exile.

Some are based on true history, others are speculative fiction. All mine the depths of human emotions – fear, hope, love, and the fortitude to survive.

TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT

ON SHINING WINGS
by Marian L Thorpe

A grandfather is reminiscing with his grandchildren about his younger days and the time when he found a special falcon... 

read a snippet:

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, 1265

“Tell us again,” my oldest grandchild begs. Outside, the snow is falling, but it is tolerably warm close to the hearth. Winters are for stories, and while they’ve heard this one many a time, I’ll do as he asks. He is English, this boy and his brothers and sisters. I am too, I suppose, but once I wasn’t.
“The voyage came first,” I begin. “Cold it was, and dangerous. Waves that drenched us, and wind so strong the oarsmen couldn’t keep us on course.”
“Were there sea monsters?” The middle boy’s eyes are huge in the firelight. 
“Ja, of a sort. Hvalir. Whales. Bigger than the ship.” I spread my arms wide. “Enormous! And when they surfaced beside us, ahh, the smell of their breath!”
The children giggle as I pretend to gag. Across the hearth, my son smiles, but at his children’s amusement. He’s heard this story so many times he could tell it himself. 
“It took us five days to reach Iceland.” I resume the story. “And more to travel along the coast to the north, where the falcons are.”
In my mind I am there again, seventeen, thinking myself a man. My father chose me to accompany him on this task for King Haakon...

read the full story in HISTORICAL STORIES of  EXILE

AUTHOR’S NOTE

The title On Shining Wings is taken from the song King of Rome by Dave Sudbury. If you don’t know it, it’s about another working man and the bird he loves – in his case a homing pigeon. A true story, while it didn’t inspire my story here, it shaped how it was told, and it’s well worth listening to.


On Shining Wings - The King of Rome


ABOUT MARIAN L THORPE
Taught to read at the age of three, words have been central to Marian’s life for as long as she can remember. A novelist, poet, and essayist, Marian has several degrees, none of which are related to writing. After two careers as a research scientist and an educator, she retired from salaried work and returned to writing things that weren’t research papers or reports.
Marian’s first published work was poetry, in small journals; her first novel was released in 2015. Her award-winning Empire’s Legacy series is historical fiction of another world, based to some extent on northern Europe after the decline of Rome.
In addition to her novels, Marian has read poetry, short stories, and non-fiction work at writers’ festivals and other juried venues.
Her other two passions in life are birding and landscape history, both of which are reflected in her books. Birding has taken her and her husband to all seven continents, but these days she's mostly content to move between Canada and the UK.

This is (alternative) historical fiction at its best; a credible story, believable characters and a superb consistency of setting and action.' Northern Reader Reviews


Buy Marian’s books on Amazon: https://relinks.me/MarianLThorpe
 
(Also available from other online stores or order from any bookshop.)

https://marianlthorpe.com

Lena of Tirvan has a choice to make: in the face of invasion, does she help defend her country, or choose banishment with her lover? Women have never fought in Lena's world: they farm and fish, make cheese and wine, and raise children. All men and boys, from the age of seven, are part of the military. But when the Emperor asks women to defend their villages against the catboats of Leste, Lena must decide where her loyalties lie. A unique blend of historical and speculative fiction, Empire's Daughter can be read as a standalone, or as an introduction to the epic saga of Empire's Legacy.
BUY on AMAZON
(or order from any bookstore)


all graphics, unless otherwise stated 


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