Monday, 27 September 2021

BOOK SPOTLIGHT! Over the Hedge by Paulette Mahurin #Historical Fiction #WW2 #CoffeePotBookClub @MahurinPaulette @maryanneyarde

 

 

Over the Hedge

By Paulette Mahurin

 


During one of the darkest times in history, at the height of the German occupation of the Netherlands in 1943, members of the Dutch resistance began a mission to rescue Jewish children from the deportation center in Amsterdam. Heading the mission were Walter Süskind, a German Jew living in the Netherlands, Henriëtte Pimentel, a Sephardic Jew, and Johan van Hulst, principal of a Christian college. As Nazis rounded up Jewish families at gunpoint, the three discreetly moved children from the deportation center to the daycare across the street and over the backyard hedge to the college next door. From the college, the children were transported to live with Dutch families. Working against irate orders from Hitler to rid the Netherlands of all Jews and increasing Nazi hostilities on the Resistance, the trio worked tirelessly to overcome barriers. Ingenious plans were implemented to remove children’s names from the registry of captured Jews. To sneak them out of the college undetected past guards patrolling the deportation center. To meld them in with their new families to avoid detection. Based on actual events, Over the Hedge is the story of how against escalating Nazi brutality when millions of Jews were disposed of in camps, Walter Süskind, Henriëtte Pimentel, and Johan van Hulst worked heroically with the Dutch resistance to save Jewish children. But it is not just a story of their courageous endeavors. It is a story of the resilience of the human spirit. Of friendship and selfless love. The love that continues on in the hearts of over six hundred Dutch Jewish children.

 

If you would like to read this book you can you find it on Amazon This novel is available to read on #KindleUnlimited

 

Paulette Mahurin is an international bestselling literary fiction and historical fiction novelist. She lives with her husband Terry and two dogs, Max and Bella, in Ventura County, California. She grew up in West Los Angeles and attended UCLA, where she received a Master’s Degree in Science. 

Her first novel, The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, made it to Amazon bestseller lists and won awards, including best historical fiction 2012 in Turning the Pages Magazine. Her second novel, His Name Was Ben, originally written as an award winning short story while she was in college and later expanded into a novel, rose to bestseller lists its second week out. Her third novel, To Live Out Loud, won international critical acclaim and made it to multiple sites as favorite read book of 2015. Her fourth book, The Seven Year Dress, made it to the bestseller lists for literary fiction and historical fiction on Amazon U.S., Amazon U.K. and Amazon Australia. Her fifth book, The Day I Saw The Hummingbird, was released in 2017 to rave reviews. Her sixth book, A Different Kind of Angel, was released in the summer of 2018 also to rave reviews. Her last four books: Irma’s Endgame, The Old Gilt Clock, Where Irises Never Grow, and Over the Hedge all made it to bestselling lists on Amazon. Her new release, Over the Hedge, was #1 in Hot New Release Amazon U.K. it’s second day out.

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Wednesday, 15 September 2021

BOOK REVIEW! The Wisdom of the Flock: Franklin and Mesmer in Paris by Steve M. Gnatz #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @maryanneyarde

 


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Benjamin Franklin – everyone knows his name, but not everyone has had the pleasure of reading about his life in-depth as much as those who have read this book. This novel focuses on Ben later in his life, when he is in his 70s and has travelled to Paris to gain the support of France (we are in the American Revolution era). With the rise of popularity of Dr Mesmer’s magnétisme animale, Ben is determined to find out the truth behind Mesmer’s methods.

This novel is certainly an interesting one, and I learnt a great deal while reading this book. Benjamin Franklin was a scientist, so of course, a book about him deals with science and discoveries. I loved reading about an era wherein science was often disregarded in favour of religion, and how simple the science was, by modern standards. The discovery of electricity led to a big leap in science but knowing how to harness and use it was a different thing altogether. This book was fascinating as it tackles many of these themes, and reading it with a modern perspective really puts into place how far science and medicine has come, and how these renowned scientists were only scratching the surface of possibility.

I loved reading about Marianne, and I think she was one of my favourite characters. Marianne is a character who connects Ben and Mesmer, for she had an affair with Ben, and she grows close to Mesmer as she undergoes treatment for melancholia. The view of a woman who shows both of these men from a different perspective was a wonderful addition to this novel, and I loved seeing her story unfold.

The author has clearly put a lot of work into this book, and I cannot do anything but commend the author on creating such a clear image of a time long gone. I loved reading this book, and it has certainly given me an insight into the lives of Franklin and Mesmer. 

 


A WORLD OF ENLIGHTENMENT, REVOLUTION, AND INTRIGUE  

 

1776: Benjamin Franklin sails to Paris, carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence, freshly signed. His charge: gain the support of France for the unfolding American Revolution. Yet Paris is a city of distractions. Ben’s lover, Marianne Davies, will soon arrive, and he yearns to rekindle his affair with the beautiful musician.

Dr. Franz Mesmer has plans for Marianne too. He has taken Parisian nobility by storm with his discovery of magnétisme animale, a mysterious force claimed to heal the sick. Marianne’s ability to channel Mesmer’s phenomena is key to his success.

 

A skeptical King Louis XVI appoints Ben to head a commission investigating the astonishing magnétisme animale. By nature, Ben requires proof. Can he scientifically prove that it does not exist? Mesmer will stop at nothing to protect his profitable claim.

 

The Wisdom of The Flock explores the conflict between science and mysticism in a time rife with revolution, love, spies, and passion.

 

Trigger Warnings:

Mild sexual content

 

If you would like to read this novel you can find it at the follow bookstores:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Amazon CA

Amazon AU

Barnes and Noble

Waterstones

This novel is available on #KindleUnlimited

 

Steve Gnatz is a writer, physician, bicyclist, photographer, traveler, and aspiring ukulele player. The son of a history professor and a nurse, it seems that both medicine and history are in his blood. Writing historical fiction came naturally. An undergraduate degree in biology was complemented by a minor in classics. After completing medical school, he embarked on an academic medical career specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. There was little time for writing during those years, other than research papers and a technical primer on electromyography. Now retired from the practice of medicine, he devotes himself to the craft of fiction. The history of science is of particular interest, but also the dynamics of human relationships. People want to be good scientists, but sometimes human nature gets in the way. That makes for interesting stories. When not writing or traveling, he enjoys restoring Italian racing bicycles at home in Chicago with his wife and daughters.

 

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Sunday, 12 September 2021

SPOTLIGHT: In a Grove of Maples (Sheltering Trees: Book 1) By Jenny Knipfer #HistoricalFiction #ChristianHistoricalFiction #BlogTour @JennyKnipfer @maryanneyarde

 How does a Historical novel of the perils of newlywed life and all that comes to divide lovers sound?

Intrigued? 

Read on!! 
 

In a Grove of Maples

(Sheltering Trees: Book 1)

By Jenny Knipfer 

 

 

"... a heartfelt tale of the struggles of married life on a nineteenth-century farm. Edward and Beryl are both relatable and sympathetic. Knipfer expertly captures the emotion and stress of their lives and relationship. It’s a touching and realistic portrayal of love, loss, and friendship." Heather Stockard for Readers’ Favorite five-star review

 

In 1897 newly married Beryl and Edward Massart travel more than one thousand miles from Quebec to farm a plot of land in Wisconsin that they bought sight-unseen. An almost magical grove of maples on their property inspires them to dream of a real home built within the grove, not the tiny log cabin they’ve come to live in. 

 

Misunderstandings and tempers get the better of them when difficulties and troubles arise. Just months after they wed, Edward leaves pregnant Beryl in the midst of the coming winter to tend the farm and animals while he goes to be a teamster at a northern Wisconsin logging camp. 

 

Will Beryl and Edward walk into the future together to build their house of dreams in the grove of maples, or will their plans topple like a house of sticks when the winds of misunderstanding and disaster strike?

 

Readers of Christian historical fiction, Historical fiction, Women’s fiction, and Christian historical romance will be endeared to this slice of late 19th century farm life.

 

If you would like to read this book then you can find it on Amazon where you can also read it for free with #KindleUnlimited subscription.

 

Jenny lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken, and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling.

 

Spending many years as a librarian in a local public library, Jenny recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability. Her education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions.

 

She holds membership in the: Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, Wisconsin Writers Association, Christian Indie Publishing Association, and Independent Book Publishers Association.

 

Jenny’s favorite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set. A new historical fiction, four-part series entitled, Sheltering Trees, will be released in 2021 and 2022. Jenny is currently writing a novella series entitled, Botanical Seasons.

 

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Monday, 6 September 2021

Read my #BookReview of Clement: The Green Ship (Clement, Book 2) by Craig R. Hipkins #YoungAdult #HistoricalFiction @CraigHipkins @maryanneyarde

 

 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I wanted to start this review by congratulating author, Craig R. Hipkins, for his fabulous young adult medieval adventure. This novel, aimed at a 12+ audience, is wonderfully written. Hipkins has created a believable world with a mixture of history and legends. I thought the characterisation of both the protagonists and the antagonist were fabulously portrayed, and there is enough menace in this novel to keep the pages turning, without terrifying the attended audience. At times this novel reminded me of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series, but of course, this novel is set in the 12th Century and not the modern-day.

I had not read book one of this series, but it really was not necessary as it was very easy to catch up with the plot. I thought Clement was a really likeable protagonist that, despite many desperate situations, manages to survive and thrive as the story progresses. He is a very honourable character who faces many tempests, be that either the sea-monster kind or the more terrifying humankind, and not once does he stray from the honourable path. Even when assassins try to murder him, he gives them clemency. His relationship with Adam was also really well-drawn and demonstrated how lovely Clement was.

I thought this was a great book. It is certainly the kind of book that I can envisage a young adult reading again and again.
 
If you would like to read this click on the book's name - Clement: The Green Ship and it will take you to your nearest Amazon store for your country. This book is also free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscrption. 
 


Craig R. Hipkins grew up in Hubbardston Massachusetts. He is the author of medieval and gothic fiction. His novel, Adalbert is the sequel to Astrolabe written by his late twin brother Jay S. Hipkins (1968-2018)

He is an avid long-distance runner and enjoys astronomy in his spare time.

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Sunday, 5 September 2021

BOOK SPOTLIGHT! Steampunk Cleopatra by Thaddeus Thomas #HistoricalFantasy #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @thaddeusbooks @maryanneyarde

 


Steampunk Cleopatra

By Thaddeus Thomas

 


Amani, a companion of Cleopatra, seeks to rediscover Egypt's suppressed science and history. She is the beloved of her princess become queen, but that may not be enough to overcome the system they've inherited. If she fails, her country and Cleopatra, both, could fall. History meets fantasy, and together, they create something new. Experience an intelligent thriller about star-crossed lovers and an ancient science that might have been.

 

 

If you would like to read this book can you find it on Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon CA and Amazon AU.

This book is also avaliable to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription.

 

Thaddeus Thomas lives on the Mississippi River with his wife and three cats. Steampunk Cleopatra is his first novel, but he has a short story collection available at his website, ThaddeusThomas.com. There he also runs a book club where readers can receive indie book reviews and recommendation. His second book—Detective, 26 AD—releases July 9th and follows Doubting Thomas as he is conscripted to be an investigator for Pontius Pilate.

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#BlogTour - The Yanks are Starving: A Novel of the Bonus Army by Glen Craney @glencraney @cathiedunn

  The Yanks are Starving: A Novel of the Bonus Army By Glen Craney Two armies. One flag. No honor. The most shocking day in American history...