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| Welcome to my Blog! Wander through wonderful worlds real and fictional, meet interesting people, visit exciting places and find a few good books to enjoy along the way! |
Loretta Livingstone is a dear friend of mine. She is a British author, who lives with her husband in a beautiful area of the Chilterns. She has written fiction and poetry collections. Her first foray into the world of fiction was her novelette, Where Angels Tread - a story about a young homeless girl. All proceeds from this book are donated to a charity for the homeless.
She never intended to write historical fiction. She stated that quite clearly on social media - only to find herself writing...historical fiction. Loretta's most recently published full-length book is Blossom on the Thorn, the third tale in her medieval timeslip series. Out of Time, her first novel, was shortlisted for the 2016 Historical Novel Society Indie Award. All her novels are stand-alone stories.
Loretta has a story included in the anthology Historical Stories of Exile, published in 2023
She is hoping to be able to work on books 4, 5 and 6 in the series again soon, although health problems have meant taking a break for a while. She suffers from M.E. which means she can't work as fast as she would like.
Loretta says of her work, "Above all, I want to leave my readers with smiles on their faces."
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| About the Books |
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| Awarded Editor's Choice and shortlisted for the 2016 Historical Novel Society Indie Award |
Book #1 of the Out of Time series - a time travel story, set in medieval England.
1191: Giles de Soutenay has never liked or trusted John, Count of Mortain, but when John is taken seriously ill, it falls to Giles to ensure his survival.
2006: Marion Hart, visiting the ruined Abbey of Sparnstow, could never have imagined she would be called upon to help save one of the most dangerous men of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Falling through a gap in time, she finds herself administering first aid to John, inadvertently endangering both herself and Giles.
'Ms Livingstone has proved her worth as a creditable, skilled, and entertaining writer.' Mary Chapple, Discovering Diamonds Blogspot.
Book #2 of the Out of Time serie
1197/2012
For the last five years, Marion has kept the promise she made to a medieval knight, one Giles de Soutenay, to deliver two Epipens every year at Whitsuntide via the mystical beech tree which once catapulted her back in time. As long as Giles is able to provide these devices for Prince John, he will be able to keep his lands...and his life.
But this year, Marion is in hospital. Desperate to keep her word, she entrusts the devices to Shannon, her daughter. Shannon only has to place the Epipens in a hollow in the roots of the old tree. However, she has recently been betrayed by the man she trusted. Still hurting and embarrassed by the pity she sees in the eyes of her friends, she just wants to get as far away as possible. And she can't get much further away than the twelfth century.
Hildegarde, Abbess of Sparnstow, is expecting a visit from Giles. She is not expecting a young woman from 2012. As Shannon stumbles her way through the social niceties of the twelfth century, she will discover that some things never change.
Although this is book 2 in the Out of Time series, it can be read as a standalone novel. It was published as second in the series, but chronologically, it comes after book 3, Blossom on the Thorn.
'The medieval world is nicely described, well researched and the characters, especially the abbess, are entirely believable. If you want an enjoyable romp with a modern take on medieval life, then read A Promise to Keep. It will not let you down.' Jen Black, Discovering Diamonds.
1195
"I should have had nothing to do with those accursed Angevins. I should have run like hell in the opposite direction."
Giles de Soutenay can scarcely be blamed for his disappointment. Promised an heiress by Queen Eleanor, he is dismayed to discover that, although young and attractive, his bride has all the warmth of a stone effigy.
For the newly widowed Isabella, the reality of a new husband is no cause for celebration. She will do her duty but no more. She will give de Soutenay no reason to complain but he will not have her heart, for any belief in love and tenderness died during those brief years of her first marriage. However, she has reckoned without Giles' perseverance.
After the snows of winter, spring brings hope, until the arrival of a stranger threatens Giles and Isabella’s blossoming happiness. A stranger who might tear them apart before they have truly found each other. Only if Giles can learn patience and Isabella can learn trust can they hope to find lasting love.
This is book 3 in the Out of Time series although chronologically it is set earlier than book 2 and can be read as a standalone novel. Although this is part of a time travel series, this story is not time travel and only mentions it very briefly.
"Goodness, what a vivid opening scene! I knew after that first page I could rely on this author. She has taken as a main character a young girl, brutalised by an older, uncaring man in a marriage arranged by a manipulative father. This was the late twelfth century when young women barely out of puberty were often used as political and economical pawns. When widowed as a teenager, Isabella knows she will literally be given to another man who is likely to accept her primarily because of the lands that come with her. But her new husband is a completely different sort of man…
Ms Livingstone draws her characters out very carefully, sometimes a little slowly, but in doing so explores the depth of her characters’ hurts and desires. Emotional but never soppy or over-sentimental, the story of Isabella’s journey is heartening and perhaps has lessons for our own time.
The period detail is very well conveyed, always in context of the characters’ actions and experiences; this reader never felt any leaden lump of information dumped on her as is the danger in historical fiction. A very enjoyable read." Alison Morton, author.
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Historical Stories of Exile by 13 popular authors buy on Amazon (universal link) Cryssa Bazos, Anna Belfrage, Elizabeth Chadwick, Cathie Dunn, J.G. Harlond, Helen Hollick, Loretta Livingstone, Amy Maroney Alison Morton, Charlene Newcomb, Elizabeth St.John, Marian L Thorpe, Annie Whitehead. 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.
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. Oppose 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 as an exclusive treat 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.
READERS' REVIEWS
"Each [story] conjures up the times and characters excellently, and they are also glimpses into the authors' other works. If you, like me, were drawn to this by a favourite name you will finish it with several more, and a much longer To Be Read List."
"I loved reading these stories, the standard of which is high throughout, though they are all so different, in subject matter and writing style."
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Loreta also has several novellets and poetry books
such as:
57 verses about love, life, laughter, seasons, and God. Serious, funny, romantic, spiritual. Smile, laugh, sigh, pray, maybe shed a tear.
and finally...
scroll down to bottom of page
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You might also like
books written by Helen Hollick
Website: https://helenhollick.net/
Amazon Author Page: https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick
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The Jan Christopher Cosy Mysteries set in the 1970s |
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The SEA WITCH VOYAGES
nautical adventures set during the Golden Age of Piracy
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THE SAXON SERIES
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| The story of the events that led to The Battle of Hastings in 1066 Harold the King (UK edition) I Am The Chosen King (US edition) 1066 Turned Upside Down an anthology of 'What If'' tales |
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| The Forever Queen (US edition) a USA TODAY BESTSELLER A Hollow Crown (UK edition) |
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KING ARTHUR
The Pendragon's Banner Trilogy
The Boy Who became a Man:
Who became a King:
Who became a Legend...
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THE PENDRAGON's BANNER TRILOGY |
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| US editions |
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Thank you so much much for having me as your guest, Helen. x
ReplyDeleteMy absolute pleasure!
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