Let us Talk of Many Things; of Books and Queens and Pirates, of Mystery and Kings...: May 2025

Friday, 30 May 2025

The Coffee Pot Book Club Book Tour: Paul Bernardi - Uprising

Welcome to my Blog!
Wander through worlds
real and fictional,
meet interesting people,
visit exciting places
and find good books
to enjoy along the way!

About the Book

Book Title: Uprising

Series: Rebellion (Book 2 of 3)

Author: Paul Bernardi

Publication Date: 09 April 2025

Publisher: Sharpe Books

Pages: 284

Genre: Historical Fiction

Any Triggers: Strong, bloody violence. Some foul language (15+).

Summer 1067.

Northumbria.

Oslac, thegn of the village of Acum, feels cheated - having been robbed of the chance to kill his enemy by his own kinsman.

Instead, Gundulf, the erstwhile Lord of Hexham and murderer of Acum's villagers, is now awaiting justice for his crimes in Bebbanburh, Earl Oswulf’s fortress capital far to the north.

But when Oslac narrowly escapes death at the hands of Gundulf’s assassin, he realises he will never be safe while the Dane lives. Summoning his closest companions, Oslac heads north to demand Oswulf put an end to Gundulf’s life - only to find the prisoner has escaped.

Tracking the fugitive into the wild hills and dales of Northumbria – places far beyond the reach of Oswulf’s power – Oslac falls into Gundulf’s trap when the earl’s warband is ambushed with catastrophic consequences.

Elsewhere, unrest in the north of England is growing. Impotent in the face of Norman avaricious brutality, the Saxon nobility can do nothing to prevent their ancestral lands being passed to foreign invaders. It can only be endured for so long, and a reckoning is coming.

Once again, Oslac must put aside his personal vendetta to join with the few remaining great lords of Anglo-Saxon England in what may prove to be the final, climactic stand against their Norman overlords.

The song of swords will echo across the land once more.

Buy Links:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/31o26r

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Author Bio:

Paul Bernardi studied Anglo-Saxon and Medieval history at the University of Leeds more years ago than he cares to remember. He has been an author of historical fiction since his first novel (a second world war drama) was published in 2017. Since then, he has reverted to his favoured period, publishing six more novels (so far) set in 11th century England, mainly around the time of the Norman Conquest.

Paul Bernardi's books are published by Sharp Books.

Author Links:

Website:

https://paulbernardiauthor.com/

Twitter / X:

https://x.com/paul_bernardi

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PaulBernardiAuthor

Bluesky:

https://bsky.app/profile/paulbernardi.bsky.social

Amazon Author Page:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B00QMXM85Y

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/10943298.Paul_Bernardi

Follow the tour:

Bsky: @cathiedunn.bsky.social

Twitter Handles: @Paul_Bernardi @cathiedunn

Instagram Handles: @pvbernardi @thecoffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #Uprising #HistoricalFiction #AngloSaxon #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page:

https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2025/04/blog-tour-uprising-by-paul-bernardi.html

(note: Helen might not have read the featured title yet)

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books written by Helen Hollick

Website: https://helenhollick.net/

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THE SAXON SERIES

Harold the King

Coming Soon:

FATE Tales of History.Mystery and Magic

an anthology of short stories by various authors

https://mybook.to/FateAnthology (e-book available for pre-order)

The Jan Christopher Cosy Mysteries

set in the 1970s

available from Amazon
https://mybook.to/GhostEncounters

The SEA WITCH VOYAGES

nautical adventures set during the Golden Age of Piracy

KING ARTHUR

The Pendragon's Banner Trilogy

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

PLUS MORE!

anthologies (which include award-winning authors)

and non-fiction

Find More Information:

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

or website: www.helenhollick.net

my monthly ' essay' on an interesting topic

(plus a short newsletter)

https://thoughtsfromadevonshirefarmhouse.blogspot.com/
(subscription reminder available)

Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Rachel's Random Resources Book Tour: The Santorini Writing Retreat by Eva Glyn

Rachel's Random Resources
Book Tours

Welcome to my Blog!
Wander through worlds
real and fictional,
meet interesting people,
visit exciting places
and find good books
to enjoy along the way!

About the Book

The Santorini Writing Retreat

Secrets make the best stories…

Three women, one writing retreat, endless possibilities…

Bestselling author Jessica Rose needs to escape from a terrible secret that’s robbed her of her creativity. Could leading a retreat on a gorgeous Greek island be just what she needs?

Coming home to Santorini was never in Zina’s plans, but now she’s determined to make her new business a success.

And then there’s Karmela, who just wants to write her book and make her mother proud.

In the heat of their Greek island paradise, these new friends find the courage to shape their own stories, and write endings they can all be proud of…

Purchase Link -

https://mybook.to/SantoriniRetreat

read an extract

A few evenings into the retreat the main characters; Jessica Rose, the author leading the group, Zina who owns The Retreat House, and Karmela who’s working on her book, sit down with a glass of wine in the courtyard, after the others have gone to bed. But it seems to Karmela that the others might be hiding secrets.

Karmela watched as Iain disappeared into the blackness, Sybil straining at her lead, no doubt excited by the endless possibilities of her last walk of the night. Opposite her, Jessica was toying with her almost empty wine glass. It was just the two of them left, and Karmela wondered if, now they were alone, she would have an opportunity to try to bring her out of herself and begin to get to know her. Although Jessica smiled and nodded a lot, she seemed to have little to say outside the confines of the classroom.

The sweet night air drifted around them in an almost imperceptible breeze, the heavy scent of geraniums tickling Karmela’s nose. The sky was inky black, the moon no more than a silver ball perching on top of the hillside behind The Retreat House.

“It is so very peaceful here,” she said. “So calm.”

Jessica nodded. “I wondered how it would be. I didn’t dare to hope…”

“A top-up for either of you?” Zina emerged from the bar area, bottle in hand. Jessica held out her glass, but Karmela shook her head.

“I feel bad now,” Jessica faltered.

Zina sat down next to her. “It’s fine. I won’t let you drink alone.”

There was a moment of silence before Karmela resorted to the most obvious conversational gambit, asking what had made Zina decide to start the retreat.

“When I came back to the island, I wanted to do something different, something worthwhile. Despite all the talk of over-tourism on Santorini, here we are away from the crowds, and I wanted to capitalise on that. Show the other face, if you like. Support the rural economy with something that would work alongside the farm.”

“So do you use your own produce in the kitchen?” Karmela asked.

“Where we can, or we showcase other farmers. I want my guests to experience Santorini with all their senses. Our tomatoes, for example, are not grown anywhere other than the island. And the wild capers, we don’t even have to cultivate, just pick them. In authentic local cookery you will barely find a dish without them.”

“It must be wonderful to be able to follow your dream,” Jessica said.

“I’m privileged, that is for sure. But surely writing is a dream career too?”

“Oh, yes. I am lucky.” Jessica sipped her wine but to Karmela her face seemed closed. Suddenly she looked up. “Karmela, is writing where you see your future?”

“I do not think I would ever give up lecturing. I love my subject too much and I really enjoy the interaction with students, especially the ones who are as passionate about medieval history as I am. Sadly they are few and far between, but if I can inspire just a handful more, then my working life is already worthwhile. And anyway, I have barely started my book, let alone finished it.”

“So what is it really like, being a famous author?” Zina asked Jessica, leaning forwards eagerly. “I imagine you go to lots of events – launches, parties, that sort of thing.”

Jessica grimaced. “Some authors do, but mostly it’s sitting at a desk.” She played with the stem of her glass. “You may have noticed I’m pretty shy. I find the social side … difficult.”

“And yet you stand up in a classroom,” said Karmela.

“No, I couldn’t do that. Not in a million years. The five of you is about my limit and I was perfectly terrified before the first session. You see, I’ve never done this before.”

“It did not show.”

Jessica smiled. “Thank you, Karmela. I have seen how easy you find it to chat to people, and you too Zina, and I’m filled with admiration.”

“I can’t really imagine being any other way,” said Zina. “Before I came back here I worked in marketing in Athens so I was constantly putting myself out there, and I loved every minute.”

“So why did you come back?” Karmela asked.

Zina raised her hand to her mouth, as if pondering her answer, then shrugged. “The time felt right. My father died last year and my mother needed my support.”

“That is such a lovely thing to do,” said Jessica. “So selfless. You must be close to your mother to do that. I have to say, my mum is my absolute rock and I’d do anything for her too.”

“Then that’s something we have in common.” Zina beamed.

Author Bio –

Eva Glyn writes escapist relationship-driven fiction with a kernel of truth at its heart. She loves to travel and finds inspiration in beautiful places and the stories they hide.

Set mainly in Croatia, her contemporary stories are more about friendship than romance, the coming together of people through shared interests, and the opportunity to make fresh starts in their lives. Her latest book, The Santorini Writing Retreat, is her first set in Greece.

In addition Eva has written two Second World War dual timeline romances, An Island of Secrets and The Collaborator’s Daughter. All her books are published by One More Chapter, a division of Harper Collins.

Although she considers herself Welsh, Eva lives in Cornwall with the man she met and fell in love with more than thirty years ago. She also writes as Jane Cable.

Social Media Links –

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/EvaGlynAuthor

Twitter:

@JaneCable

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/evaglynauthor/

Bookbub:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/eva-glyn

My Thoughts

An ideal sea, sun and summer holiday read, with a plot and characters which will appeal to readers as well as many writers - we've all been there for some of the issues that happen in this enjoyable tale. Even if you're not a writer, but an avid reader, the characters will soon hook you into their varied lives anbd problems ... and the Greek Island itself will quite easily fill in any inadvertent gaps the story itself might leave.

The characters all had their own personalities and parts to play, some with secrets, some with issues of life which needed to be sorted. No spoilers, but the reader will easily become immersed into the story and very quickly forget that this is a story - fiction not fact.

Well written, enjoyable and recommended. (Even on a cold rainy day!)

(ARC copy provided in exchange for a review)

**** 4 stars

https://www.rachelsrandomresources.com/
@rararesources
#RachelsRandomResources

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(and I'm on Twitter @HelenHollick but for marketing only)

You might also like

books written by Helen Hollick

Website: https://helenhollick.net/

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Coming Soon:

FATE Tales of History.Mystery and Magic

an anthology of short stories by various authors

https://mybook.to/FateAnthology (e-book available for pre-order)

The Jan Christopher Cosy Mysteries

set in the 1970s

available from Amazon
https://mybook.to/GhostEncounters

The SEA WITCH VOYAGES

nautical adventures set during the Golden Age of Piracy

THE SAXON SERIES

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)
AND
1066 Turned Upside Down
an anthology of 'What If'' tales

KING ARTHUR

The Pendragon's Banner Trilogy

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

PLUS MORE!

anthologies (which include award-winning authors)

and non-fiction

Find More Information:

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

or website: www.helenhollick.net

my monthly ' essay' on an interesting topic

(plus a short newsletter)

https://thoughtsfromadevonshirefarmhouse.blogspot.com/
(subscription reminder available)

Tuesday, 27 May 2025

The Coffee Pot Book Club Book Tour: Janet Wortman - Nothing Proved

Welcome to my Blog!
Wander through worlds
real and fictional,
meet interesting people,
visit exciting places
and find good books
to enjoy along the way!

About the Book

Book Title: Nothing Proved

Series: Regina

Author: Janet Wertman

Publication Date: May 19, 2025

Publisher: Janet Wertman

Pages: 376

Genre: Historical Fiction

Danger lined her path, but destiny led her to glory…

Elizabeth Tudor learned resilience young. Declared illegitimate after the execution of her mother Anne Boleyn, she bore her precarious position with unshakable grace. But upon the death of her father, King Henry VIII, the vulnerable fourteen-year-old must learn to navigate a world of shifting loyalties, power plays, and betrayal.

After narrowly escaping entanglement in Thomas Seymour’s treason, Elizabeth rebuilds her reputation as the perfect Protestant princess – which puts her in mortal danger when her half-sister Mary becomes Queen and imposes Catholicism on a reluctant land. Elizabeth escapes execution, clawing her way from a Tower cell to exoneration. But even a semblance of favor comes with attempts to exclude her from the throne or steal her rights to it through a forced marriage.

Elizabeth must outwit her enemies time and again to prove herself worthy of power. The making of one of history’s most iconic monarchs is a gripping tale of survival, fortune, and triumph.

Buy Links:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/bM8Vrk

Additional Buy Links:

Barnes & Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/nothing-proved-janet-wertman/1146831389

Kobo:

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/nothing-proved

Apple:

https://books.apple.com/us/book/nothing-proved/id6740549129

Author Bio:

By day, Janet Wertman is a freelance grantwriter for impactful nonprofits. By night, she writes critically acclaimed, character-driven historical fiction – indulging a passion for the Tudor era she had harbored since she was eight years old and her parents let her stay up late to watch The Six Wives of Henry VIII and Elizabeth R.

Her Seymour Saga trilogy (Jane the Quene, The Path to Somerset, The Boy King) took her deep into one of the era’s central families – and now her follow-up Regina series explores Elizabeth’s journey from bastard to icon.

Janet also runs a blog (www.janetwertman.com) where she posts interesting takes on the Tudors and what it’s like to write about them.

Author Links:

Website:

https://janetwertman.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/janetwertmanauthor/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-ambrosi-wertman-b5531aa/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/janetwertman/

Bluesky:

https://bsky.app/profile/janetwertman.bsky.social

Pinterest:

https://www.pinterest.com/janetwertman

Book Bub:

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/janet-wertman

Amazon Author Page:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Janet-Wertman/author/B01CUSMWFA

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2028387.Janet_Ambrosi_Wertman

My Thoughts

I'm not a Tudor fan, but I have always been fascinated by Queen Elizabeth I, so agreed to read this one for The Coffee Pot Book Club, and I'm pleased that I did for it was an enjoyable read.

I must be honest: I found the story a little slow to get going (needed a little more 'giddy up'?) but I think this was because there are a lot of names to get to know, not helped when one changes from 'sir something' to a title, but that is my problem as a reader, not the author's fault (names and titles changed - that's history!) The problem is increased on Kindle as I'm sight impaired so I have to use an e-reader, where it isn't easy to flip back to see who was who. Again, not the author's fault.

Personally, I don't think this one needed a prologue, but then I often don't like them - start a story at the start. Once into who was who and what was what I found myself engrossed, even though, in this instance, I knew what the end would be, so for Nothing Proved, it is the journey that is interesting not what happened.

I found the author's portrayal of Mary Tudor to be very sympathetic, (I confess I can't stand Mary!) so it is applause for Ms Wortman that I did feel sorry for the poor lady in question.

I did find the American spelling slightly annoying, along with the use of 'gotten' (not a British word!) and 'fine' which sounded too modern - but again this is a British reader's perspective - it was only that 'honor' etc pulled me out of the illusion that I was back in Tudor England each time, which was otherwise, an illusion that the author had achieved very well.

So a good, engrossing read, with good characters.

**** 4 stars