Book Title: The Tudor Queens’ Midwife 

Series: The Tudor Queens’ Midwife, Book 1

Author: Brigitte Barnard

Publication Date: January 3rd, 2025

Publisher: independently published

Pages: 299

Genre: Historical Fiction / Tudor Fiction

Any Triggers: Stillbirth

Twitter Handles: @thetudormidwife @cathiedunn @MaryLSchmidt

Instagram Handle: @thetudormidwife @thecoffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #TheTudorMidwife #HistoricalFiction #TudorFiction #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2025/02/blog-tour-the-tudor-queens-midwife-by-brigitte-barnard.html

Book Title and Author Name:

The Tudor Queens’ Midwife

Brigitte Barnard

Blurb:

In the glamorous, glittering and dangerous court of King Henry VIII and his queen Katherine of Aragon, the desperate desire for a healthy male heir overshadows all. Plagued by a series of miscarriages the queen is left grappling with the weight of her singular duty to provide a son for the Crown. Amidst this turmoil the queen turns to Sarah Menendez, the most highly skilled midwife in England. Sarah, exiled from her homeland and concealing her true identity must serve the queen and battle her deepest fears. As Sarah strives to save the queen from the perils of childbirth, the specter of her own past threatens to unravel the carefully crafted identity Sarah has created for herself and her young daughter.

In a world where power, politics and religion collide, Sarah finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue and deadly danger. The fate of the queen’s unborn child, the survival of the midwife and her daughter, and the stability of the kingdom hang in the balance. Sarah Menendez must employ all of her skills, cunning and courage to protect those she holds dear as well as the life of the queen and her unborn child.

The Tudor Queens’ Midwife is a gripping tale of secrecy, sacrifice and religious turmoil amongst the most opulent court the world has ever seen.

Excerpt 3:

“—push, push, push!” I encourage her. Finally, the head is birthed into my hands, and I have her pant while I help the shoulders emerge; I do not want her to tear. All is going beautifully, and the next pain sends the little boy shooting into my hands. I lift him up and place him in his mother’s arms.

Katherine is crying and saying, “Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Jesus!” over and over. Maria is crying, too, and all of the ladies come over to see the new little prince.

Emunah hands me the knife, and I tie the cord and make the cut that will separate the baby from his mother. The little boy is alert and looking up at Katherine. He does not cry; he is a perfect little king already.

While the brand-new prince is being admired, Emunah and I step away and go to examine the placenta. Everything looks perfect.

Maria de Salinas is selected to go and fetch the king.

“Your Majesty, we should clean you up and make you presentable for when the king comes,” I say.

The queen hands her precious bundle over to one of the ladies to hold and admire. Katherine takes my hand, looks deep into my eyes, and says, “Sarah, you have been an angel sent from heaven. I thank God you were my midwife on this day. We will never forget this,” she promises.

“I am ever your servant, Your Majesty, you know that,” I respond modestly, but I am deeply touched by her words.

I help her to stand up while Emunah places several linen towels upon the clean white sheets on the large tester bed, while two members of Katherine’s ladies-in-waiting help her to brush and arrange her hair and put on a beautiful black satin nightgown before Katherine is settled back into the big bed.

The little prince is handed over to me to clean and dress in swaddling bands and an exquisitely embroidered white linen gown and matching cap. The baby is placed into the queen’s arms, and the two of them together are beautiful beyond words. Many of the ladies have tears shining in their eyes when the door to Katherine’s chamber is opened, and the king, flanked by two of his gentlemen, steps into the room.

The king’s larger-than-life presence fills the room as if he is something more than a mortal man. He is dressed in scarlet velvet trimmed in white ermine fur, with gold tissue peeking through the slashings on his sleeves and doublet. A heavy gold and ruby chain is draped across his enormous chest and shoulders. He is at Katherine’s bedside in two long-legged strides. All of Katherine’s ladies immediately sink into deep curtsies.

The king removes his plumed velvet bonnet and hands it to Charles Brandon. There are tears streaming down his cheeks as he kneels beside the queen.

“You have made me the happiest man in all of Christendom on this day, my queen, my love,” he sobs. “Let me see this prince, our son!” Henry gathers the tiny infant into his arms as he stands up. Henry then addresses me, “Words cannot express our gratitude, Madame Midwife.”

After we have risen, Charles Brandon then steps forward with a heavy leather purse and hands it to me. Emunah and I curtsy again to the king, with faces lowered and eyes firmly fixed on the floor in front of us.

I say, “You honour me, Your Highness. I only seek to do my very best for Your Majesties.”

Henry’s words echo his queen’s when he says, “We shall never forget this.”

Maria de Salinas is looking over at us with an expression in her hard, glittering black eyes which is difficult to discern. I lower my own eyes and look down at my feet.

Emunah and I stay frozen in place until the king turns away from us and addresses his two gentleman friends, “Is this not the fairest and most princely child you have ever seen in your life?”

“Verily, Your Majesty, I have never seen his like before,” says Charles Brandon in reply.

Emunah and I rise and silently walk backward and then turn to gather our things together from the sideboard on the opposite end of the room. Emunah holds the satchel of birthing supplies while I quietly approach the queen.

“Your Majesty, I will depart now and come again on the morrow to check on you,” I say.

“Sarah, I can never repay you for what you did today. Only God can reward you; for no gift on this earth can compare to the son you have delivered to us on this day.”

Katherine then takes off one of her jewelled rings and presses it into my palm. “Thank you, Sarah.”

I curtsy low to the queen, and my daughter and I back out of the room. 

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/4jzxyk

Author Bio:

Brigitte Barnard is an amateur historian of Renaissance English history and an author of the trilogy The Tudor Queens’ Midwife, of which the first book in the series is available. She is currently writing a non-fiction book about Tudor midwifery for Pen and Sword publishing house.

Brigitte is a former homebirth midwife, and she lives at home with her husband and four children. She also raises Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

Author Links:

Website: http://thetudormidwife.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/TheTudorMidwifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetudormidwife

Book Title: Ghost Encounters: The Lingering Spirits of North Devon

Author: Helen Hollick with Kathy Hollick

Publication Date: 27^th February 2025

Publisher: Taw River Press

Pages: 201

Genre: Non-Fiction (with a bonus of two short stories)

Twitter Handles: @HelenHollick @cathiedunn @marymichaelschmidt

Bluesky Handles: @helenhollick.bsky.social @cathiedunn.bsky.social

Instagram Handle: @thecoffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #GhostEncounters #Ghosts #NorthDevon #FriendlyGhosts #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2025/02/blog-tour-ghost-encounters-by-helen-hollick-and-kathy-hollick.html

Book Title & Author Names:

Ghost Encounters: The Lingering Spirits of North Devon

Helen Hollick with Kathy Hollick

Blurb:

Everyone assumes that ghosts are hostile. Actually, most of them are not.

You either believe in ghosts or you don’t. It depends on whether you’ve encountered something supernatural or not. But when you share a home with several companionable spirits, or discover benign ghosts in public places who appear as real as any living person, scepticism is abandoned and the myth that ghosts are to be feared is realised as nonsense.

It is a matter for individual consideration whether you believe in ghosts or not, but for those who have the gift to see, hear or be aware of people from the past, meeting with them in today’s environment can generate a connection to years gone by. Kathy and Helen Hollick have come across several such departed souls in and around North Devon and at their 18th-century home, which they share with several ‘past residents’.

In GHOST ENCOUNTERS: The Lingering Spirits Of North Devon, mother and daughter share their personal experiences, dispelling the belief that spirits are to be feared.

Ghost Encounters will fascinate all who enjoy this beautiful region of rural South-West England, as well as interest those who wish to discover more about its history… and a few of its ghosts.

(Includes a bonus of two short stories and photographs connected to North Devon)

cover design: Avalon Graphics
cover artwork: Chris Collingwood

Ghost Encounters

Excerpt 4:

Descriptions of a ghost or spirit can vary from an unseen but felt presence, a translucent, barely visible shape, or a lifelike form. Most docu-drama supernatural TV shows portray ghosts as anything from an unexplained noise – things that go bump in the night – to something terrifyingly paranormal. Many of these shows are, however, nothing more than excitement-catching pseudoscience-drama. Why are these investigations always conducted at night? Spirits are not confined to the hours of darkness. (Or do ghost Equity unions forbid daylight appearances on commercial TV?) Darkness, of course, magnifies the fear. What could be normal in daylight can be terrifying at night.

Organised ghost tours are popular and are good fun as the guides know their history, are excellent storytellers and provide an evening of interesting entertainment, usually ending at a local hostelry. Devon has several such tours, as do most major towns – London, York, Bath etc. But most ghost tours merely recount exciting stories, and cannot always be taken as legitimate supernatural occurrences.

For most pseudo-encounters, the pleading of, “Is there anyone there?” is a clichéd remnant from the Victorian era when paranormal amusements were popular. Any genuine Medium or Spiritualist are automatically aware of a presence and do not need to ask!

We moved from London to Devon in 2013. It was not long before we realised we were not alone. There are other residents from previous years dwelling in our 18th-century farmhouse, or encountered around the farm. All of them are friendly and welcoming, and are regarded by us as our extended family.

Find out more – and meet a few ghosts – in Ghost Encounters: The Lingering Spirits of North Devon

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://mybook.to/GhostEncounters

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Author Bios:

ABOUT HELEN HOLLICK

Known for her captivating storytelling and rich attention to historical detail, Helen might not see ghosts herself, but her nautical adventure series, and some of her short stories, skilfully blend the past with the supernatural, inviting readers to step into worlds where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur.

In addition to her historical fiction, Helen has written several short stories, further exploring themes of historical adventure or the supernatural with her signature style. Whether dealing with the echoes of the past or the weight of lost souls, her stories are as compelling as they are convincing. Through her work, she invites readers into a world where the past never truly lets us go.

Helen started writing as a teenager, but after discovering a passion for history, was published in the UK with her Arthurian Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy and two Anglo-Saxon novels about the events that led to the 1066 Battle of Hastings, one of which, The Forever Queen (USA title – A Hollow Crown in the UK) became a USA Today best-seller. Her Sea Witch Voyages are nautical-based adventures inspired by the Golden Age of Piracy. She also writes the Jan Christopher cosy mystery series set during the 1970s, and based around her, sometimes hilarious, years of working as a North London library assistant.

Helen, husband Ron and daughter Kathy moved from London to Devon in January 2013 after a Lottery win on the opening night of the London Olympics, 2012. She spends her time glowering at the overgrown garden and orchard, fending off the geese, helping with the horses and, when she gets a moment, writing the next book…

ABOUT KATHY HOLLICK

Diagnosed as severely dyslexic when she was ten, Helen pulled Kathy out of school at fifteen to concentrate on everything equine.

When not encountering friendly ghosts, Kathy’s passion is horses and mental well-being. She started riding at the age of three, had her own Welsh pony at thirteen, and discovered showjumping soon after. Kathy now runs her own Taw River Equine Events, and coaches riders of any age or experience, specialising in positive mindset and overcoming confidence issues via her Centre10 accreditation and Emotional Freedom Technique training. EFT, or ‘tapping’, uses the body’s pressure points to aid calm relaxation and to promote gentle healing around emotional, mental or physical issues.

Kathy lives with her farmer partner, Andrew, in their flat adjoining the main farmhouse. She regularly competes at affiliated British Showjumping, and rides side-saddle (‘aside’) when she has the opportunity. She produces her own horses, several from home-bred foals.

She also has a fun diploma in Dragons and Dragon Energy, which was something amusing to study during the Covid lockdown.

Authors’ Links:

Helen:

Website: https://helenhollick.net/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenHollick

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/helen.hollick

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/helenhollick.bsky.social

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/helenhollick

Blog: supporting authors & their books https://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com/

Monthly ‘newsletter’: Thoughts from a Devonshire Farmhouse.

https://thoughtsfromadevonshirefarmhouse.blogspot.com/

Kathy:

Website: https://www.white-owl.co.uk/

Facebook: North Devon – Taw River Equine Events https://www.facebook.com/groups/1491518561152309

I just found out my interview is live with The Bookish Magazine! The link is below. Thank you!

Author Mary L. Schmidt on Helping Children Tackle Grief

Book Link

From Amazon:

The Cat Court Judge represents parents with children who may do something naughty. Cat Court helps parents and preschool teachers reinforce positive behaviors in children through the cats that the Judge sees. As children grow, they learn how to manage their emotions and conform to the expectations of the world around them. Sometimes, children can do something naughty to express their feelings or to achieve their goals. Often, children don’t understand the impact of their actions and the effect they have on other adults and children. Children can learn social and behavioral skills with other children and adults in an imaginative court setting where cats are on trial for doing naughty things like playing without using the bathroom, playing rough, eating too many treats, breaking things, and starting fights. This book teaches children in a friendly manner that they can still have fun if they do the right thing.

My Review:

Cat Court is a truly adorable and enchanting read for both children and adults. The theme is unique and the story is enchanting. Children will love the rhyming and the antics the cute cats get into. Parents will find themselves laughing along with children. Lessons are learned along the way, and each cat is judged fairly by Judge Cat. Children will learn that the consequences happen if you do something wrong. A story for the entire family.

Book Link

From Amazon:

In the quiet town of Wormwood, life moves slowly—until mysterious newcomers arrive, unearthing buried secrets and igniting tensions among the townsfolk. Jordy, grappling with prophetic warnings he can’t explain, senses an ominous force brewing beneath the surface. As relationships fray and suspicion rises, Wormwood becomes the stage for a supernatural storm that threatens to unravel the community.

This gripping tale weaves elements of small-town intrigue, spine-tingling suspense, and the supernatural, delivering a narrative that keeps readers hooked until the final page. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and paranormal mysteries, Wormwood invites readers into a world where every shadow hides a secret, and every secret has a price.

My Review:

First and foremost, I loved the Christianity found within the townsfolk of the community in which this novel is set. The small town camaraderie that can exist is awesome. Sometimes, bad things happen in a small town. They are shocking when it happens, and reasons why are never truly understood. These types of things hit the entire town hard, the family more so. That said, supernatural phenomena occur throughout this story and it good ways. With good, comes bad. Some quite bad. Faith is the cure whenever anything bad happens or people move in and become terrorists. Four stars due to grammar and need of serious editing.

Book Link

From Amazon:

Sometimes the Devil you know is worse than the Devil you don’t. That’s how Astrid Clarke views her family, especially her father, Richard Clarke. She knew her family was different. She heard her friends telling stories full of hugs, kisses, and encouraging words. That’s a far cry from Astrid’s world, and one she could only dream of. Growing tired of the constant abuse, Astrid decided to fight back. Determined to make a better life for herself, she rebels against her abusive parents, braving their punishments and threats. In doing so, she found a wellspring of inner strength she never thought she had and realized she would walk away from them unbroken.

My Review:

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Warning: Abuse Triggers

Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2025

Verified Purchase

Now that you have read my warning about Abuse Triggers, read my review. Sadly, much of this story reads as my own, except I was never rape as a child. If I was, then those are repressed memories, and at my age, I have no desire to remember them. The author writes of her myriad experiences growing up in abusive bad dysfunctional family settings. Her story is heartbreaking at best. The worst is unimaginable. I truly don’t understand how she lived through those years but happy she did. Her life changed with a good man for a husband and children and grandchildren. It comes full circle when they become foster parents to other kids who lived in broken, abusive homes.

Book Link

From Amazon:

A short horror story by the multi-award-winning author of Arcadia Falls, The Stage 3 Series, and Gaia’s Game.

The Branchards are a perfectly ordinary family living a perfectly ordinary rural life.
Things aren’t always easy, but they get by.

Young Andy Branchard wishes his older brother and sister wouldn’t pick on him so much, but he does his best to ignore them. He has his forest friends, and he has his creek where he can watch the fish swim up and down all day, so he’s happy enough.

Really, the only part about growing up in the Branchard house he hates are Friday nights, when the family dinner is over and his mother asks the same horrifying question she asks every week.

The question that puts a name to his greatest fear, and to the Branchard family’s deep, dark secret.

My Review:

Top reviews from the United States

• Mary Schmidt5.0 out of 5 stars Scary Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2025 Verified Purchase
• This was a short story filled with more and deeper sadness and anguish that y ou can imagine. Not all families are normal, whatever a normal family is, and this one is utterly terrifying.