When Angels Fly Author Interview – Cryssa Bazos

Please welcome Cryssa Bazos to my blog. Hello Cryssa, please take a seat. Coffee or tea?

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Thank you for inviting me here today. I’m a seventeenth-century enthusiast with a particular interest in the War of the Three Kingdoms (English Civil War). I write romantic historical fiction set during turbulent times of war and social upheaval. You could say that I make my characters work for their happily ever after, one danger at a time. Rebel’s Knot is the third book in a standalone series, Quest for the Three Kingdoms.

Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?

I’ve been a bookworm all my life and even before I learned how to read, I remember making up my own stories, even when playing with my dolls. Barbie time did not involve an endless parade of costume changes. I gave them dramatic storylines with their suitors, Ken and GI Joe, who came courting.

There comes a time when readers transition from bookworm to writer, and for me that moment came following a long reading drought. After years of raising young children and working long hours in a demanding day job, I realized I couldn’t remember when I had last read for pleasure. When I changed jobs, I suddenly found time to catch up on my reading, and over the next year, I read voraciously, trying to fill a parched well. Then one day, I looked at my bookcase and wondered, “What do I want to read next?” A voice inside answered, “What I want is to write.” That was the start of this journey.

How difficult was it writing your first book?

I wrote most of Rebel’s Knot during a COVID lockdown, and I found it really a challenge. Initially, I took full advantage of the lockdown to write, but when it became apparent that this wasn’t a onetime-and-done proposition, I found it harder to concentrate on writing and felt challenged, creatively. It wasn’t only the dark psychological space that I found myself in, but I felt constrained by not being able to travel and visit the places that I was writing about. I never realized how reliant my writing process was on visiting the settings of my novels until I couldn’t. What helped me to break through the block was to get away as often as I could. Even though I was limited to short stays in local hotels (they were grateful for the booking), it still felt like I was freshening up my routine.

Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

I never wanted to give up, but I found ways to procrastinate and put off writing. Had it not been for my writing friends, this book would still be a work in progress. They encouraged me to keep going and stick with my writing and editing schedule. I was also blessed with an editor who I’ve worked with for years and who I implicitly trust with a very early draft. She, too, kept me moving forward even when I sent her pacesetter notes.

Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?

Were it not for my husband, I would never have been able to write. He is the one that holds the fort down while I’m traipsing around in the seventeenth-century. Even when I started writing, before I knew whether I could make anything of this profession, he was my first fan. He is still my foremost fan.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I’d like to thank my readers for their support, especially everyone who has reached out to ask when the next book will come out. That really did help keep me focused during this difficult time. I started writing for myself; I continue writing for them.

What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

Neil Gaiman is a font of writerly advice, and I’m a fan of his Masterclass. While he hasn’t personally given me advice (I live in hope), I’ve taken his words of wisdom to heart. He once said, “Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.” I’ve found that to be true every time. Often, when someone has flagged a problem, the solution isn’t always addressed at that point, which is usually the focus of the discussion. More often than not, the solution involves unravelling things to an earlier scene.

What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?

Marketing gurus would probably roll their eyes at any vague answer, but here goes. My readership skews towards women, but I’ve found quite a few men also enjoy my work. Historical fiction author Deborah Swift once paid me a great compliment, “Cryssa Bazos is equally at home writing battle scenes as writing romance, and the pace keeps the reader turning the pages. The book is chock-full of historical facts, and these are seamlessly woven into the plot.” I believe that the reason my work appeals to both has to do with this balance between historical fiction, action & adventure, and the central love story. There’s something truly for everyone.

Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

The talented Jenny Quinlan of Historical Editorial designed my cover, and she did a fabulous job in capturing the grit and strength of my main character, Áine. Jenny happens to also be my editor, so she knew everything about the characters and story before she designed the cover. I love working with Jenny because it’s a collaborative process. As a professional cover designer, she is in tune with the market and what readers are drawn to in this genre, so I trust her implicitly.

What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

I don’t have an excerpt to share yet, but I’ll be starting on my fourth book, which features one of my favourite characters, Nathaniel Lewis. Those who have read Traitor’s Knot and Severed Knot, will remember Nathaniel. He is a rather memorable character. Nathaniel is morally ambiguous and where he goes, intrigue follows. There will be spies and counterspies and secrets for sale. Nathaniel will have his world turned upside down when an old flame turns up to complicate his life. I’m really looking forward to working on this next project.

Any last words before we wrap things up?

Thank you very much for inviting me to your blog and giving me the opportunity to share my work with your readers. (Ah, you are most welcome.)

Book Title: Rebel’s Knot

Series: Quest for Three Kingdoms

Author: Cryssa Bazos

Publication Date: 8th November 2021

Publisher: W.M. Jackson Publishing

Page Length: 350 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/ Historical Romance

Twitter Handle: @CryssaBazos @maryanneyarde

Instagram Handles: @cryssabazos @coffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #HistoricalFiction #historicalsuspense #TheKnot #StuartAge #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule: https://www.coffeepotbookclub.com/post/blog-tour-rebel-s-knot-quest-for-three-kingdoms-by-cryssa-bazos-cryssabazos

Rebel’s Knot

(Quest for Three Kingdoms)

By Cryssa Bazos

Ireland 1652: In the desperate, final days of the English invasion of Ireland . . .

A fey young woman, Áine Callaghan, is the sole survivor of an attack by English marauders. When Irish soldier Niall O’Coneill discovers his own kin slaughtered in the same massacre, he vows to hunt down the men responsible. He takes Áine under his protection and together they reach the safety of an encampment held by the Irish forces in Tipperary. 

Hardly a safe haven, the camp is rife with danger and intrigue. Áine is a stranger with the old stories stirring on her tongue and rumours follow her everywhere. The English cut off support to the brigade, and a traitor undermines the Irish cause, turning Niall from hunter to hunted.

When someone from Áine’s past arrives, her secrets boil to the surface—and she must slay her demons once and for all.

As the web of violence and treachery grows, Áine and Niall find solace in each other’s arms—but can their love survive long-buried secrets and the darkness of vengeance?

Trigger Warnings:

Violence, references to sexual/physical abuse.

Buy Links:

Universal Amazon Links:  http://mybook.to/RebelsKnot

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/RebelsKnot

Author Bio:

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, a finalist for the 2018 EPIC eBook Awards for Historical Romance. Her second novel, Severed Knot, is a B.R.A.G Medallion Honoree and a finalist for the 2019 Chaucer Award. A forthcoming third book in the standalone series, Rebel’s Knot, was published November 2021.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://cryssabazos.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/CryssaBazos

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cbazos/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cryssabazos/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cryssa-bazos?list=about

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B072871QB3

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35489304-traitor-s-knot

Thank you for looking. All art can be found at this link.

From Amazon: In the wake of Jenna Hess’ sudden death, Jeremy Dillon is devastated. His only hope of easing the pain lies in alcohol…until he meets The Dollmaker. Meet CR1XY, the Dollmaker’s Elite doll, created especially for Jeremy. But is she?

My Review: This book is a refreshing take on sci-fi and unique in most ways. Losing the love of your life, then having a doll created to look like the one person you loved and lost, might sound ridiculous to most, until you read the whole story. Five stars for the unique take in a book of this genre.

From Amazon: A delightful new series from successful author R. A. Hutchins mixes humour and suspense with the charm of a quirky English village in this cosy page-turner. When the self-titled Lord of the Manor, Harold Baker, meets an untimely end, the residents of Baker’s Rise believe that he has simply died from choking. It is fair to say that they are certainly not sad to see him go! Former city dweller Flora Miller, new to the quaint English village and in charge of the recently restored Tearoom on the Rise, is the unlucky recipient of the late man’s parrot. Her new feathered companion has no filter and a vibrant personality that cannot be ignored! Witness to Harold’s murder, the bird won’t let the matter lie, and it’s not long before Flora becomes suspicious. A quest to bake the perfect scone is put on hold whilst Flora helps the charming Detective Bramble to investigate Harold’s death. She has set her hopes on writing the next bestseller, not on becoming an amateur sleuth, but life sometimes has surprises in store! Will they find the killer before they strike again, and can Flora find the acceptance and friendship she seeks amongst her new neighbours? Packed with twists and turns, colourful characters and a sprinkle of romance, this is the first book in the series of Baker’s Rise Mysteries. It will certainly leave you hungry for more! (Includes a traditional scone recipe!)

My Review: This is a nice and clean mystery romance set in England. Chapter titles are unique in that if followed in succession, one will end up with tasty warm scones fresh from your own oven. I had wanted to see Flora get together with a great looking, via author description, detective but maybe that will happen in the next book in this series. Romance and mystery for all. Five stars.

From Amazon: After surviving the cruel rage of tyranny from her mother and ex-husband, Sarah Jackson traveled a new path; a journey of loss, heartbreak, and ultimately strength. How do we survive the unthinkable, our child suffering from a terminal illness? They say there is no greater loss than that of a child; I say losing a child is the king of loss. Sometimes the thing that helps us survive it, is knowing we are not alone. Bestselling author, Sarah Jackson, will take you on her journey of hope and strength as she provides an intimate raw look at her life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Life-affirming! So touching and down to earth… It has changed my way of viewing life forever! Beautifully written, deeply touching, spiritually blessed through God!” Grant Leischman, Author

“Excellent read. Tragic story of a woman and the abuse she suffered growing up and later in marriage. This
book shows the struggles she faced while in an abusive marriage, losing two children, and one child’s battle
with cancer. She tells of hospital life while sitting by her son’s bed and having to be 230 miles away from
her other child. And how she finds true love and a man to love, cherish, help her through, and spend the rest
of her life with. Janese Base, RN, BSN

“When Angels Fly” covers a very difficult and painful subject, but being written in diary form made it an easier process for me to read. This memoir shows not only the tragedy of a sick child, but abuse. I read the words of an amazingly strong woman who advocates for her children. Some parts of the book, I couldn’t believe what I was reading, but Sarah had a support system in place in the middle of that chaos. I learned a lot about hospital procedures, tests, and being a patient advocate. I felt every emotion reading this. My heart went out to the authors, but I was inspired by Sarah’s strength, and above all love. This is a book for those going through difficult times, but it is also for those who aren’t– so they can understand.” D.L. Finn, Author

“This is a powerful and moving story! I laughed a few times, got angry more than once, cringed a lot, and my eyes
got sweaty quite a few times.” Mark Schultz, Word Refiner

“This was a heart-wrenching story! The protagonist suffered abuse first, from her mother – a mother from hell, and then her husband, who was a maniac, a sociopath, a psychopath and any other “path” I could find to throw at him! Life threw Sarah an ugly curve with the scourge of cancer that ravaged her son Eli for several months. I wanted to know what happened with Eli, and how things ended between Sarah and Henry. I also wanted to know what happened to her mother. I was glued to the story until the end.” Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko, Author

“For me, this book encapsulates the human spirit. Everyone should read it! When Angels Fly does exactly what it sets out to do I believe – it reminds us that “There but for the grace of God, go I.”

“This story is one of hope and triumph, not defeat!”

“So touching and down to earth… It has changed my way of viewing life forever! Beautifully written, deeply touching, spiritually blessed through God!”

“It takes a certain amount of strength to live the sort of life Jackson has and not only overcome that life, but write it
down in detail to share with the world. That may be inspirational to some, but to me it’s heroic.”

From Amazon: On the cusp of the twentieth century, Manhattan is a lively metropolis buzzing with talent. But after a young soprano meets an untimely end on stage, can one go-getting leading lady hit the right notes in a case of murder? New York City, 1899. When it comes to show business, Gilded Age opera singer Ella Shane wears the pants. The unconventional diva breaks the mold by assuming “trouser roles”—male characters played by women—and captivating audiences far and wide with her travelling theatre company. But Ella’s flair for the dramatic takes a terrifying turn when an overacting Juliet to her Romeo drinks real poison during the final act of Bellini’s I Capuleti e i Montecchi. Weeks after the woman’s death is ruled a tragic accident, a mysterious English duke arrives in Greenwich Village on a mission. He’s certain someone is getting away with murder, and the refined aristocrat won’t travel back across the Atlantic until Ella helps him expose the truth. As Ella finds herself caught between her craft and a growing infatuation with her dashing new acquaintance, she’s determined to decode the dark secrets surrounding her co-star’s fatale finale—before the lights go dark and the culprit appears for an encore . . .

My Review: I totally loved this book! Set in the gilded age and year 1899, the glittering world of opera in New York City, and being on the road performing, all while in the midst one diva is murdered, and a romance slowly develops between another diva and a real Duke from England. As you can see, the combination is unique, and readers learn how opera singers must both use and protect their voices, the gifts, and remain safe from those who are jealous or envious of another. Then, the murdering type is ever present, yet unknown until the end. Five stars.

The Book Boyfriend by Jeanna Louise Skinner

Blurb
“Let us find solace in the quiet…”

Emmeline always dreamed of being an author, finding comfort in words and between the pages of her beloved romance novels, but a mental health diagnosis leaves her blocked and unable to write. Then she inherits a crumbling, second-hand bookshop from a mysterious old friend and Emmy discovers that magic is real and maybe her fantasies about the heroes in her favourite historical romances aren’t so far-fetched after all.

A handsome stranger–wielding a sword as dangerous as his Tudor past–appears in Emmy’s bookshop asking for help. Together they must race against time itself to lift the curse imprisoning him in an ancient book. But when growing threats to her safety are proved real and not another symptom of her illness, Emmy must learn to trust her own voice again. Can she find the words to save Jonathan and her shop before tragedy strikes on the fateful final page? 

Romance-addict Emmy may be, but this damsel is about to kick distress into the Ever After.

Trigger Warnings: Mental health issues, panic attacks, grief, references to abuse, references to cheating, character taking medication, references to therapy, references to suicide, references to section, references to body image references, misogyny.

Excerpt:

The stranger turned, and the book Emmy had just picked up almost slipped from her grasp again. It was yesterday’s knight-in-less-than-shining-armour, this time sporting a frilled collar, a kind of ruby coloured velvet blouson, and what appeared to be matching tights. This guy is weird, she thought without charity, hissing at the tiny, treacherous part of her that was delighted to see him again.

“Allow me, my lady.” He knelt to help, and in the scramble to pick up the books, their fingers brushed. Emmy jumped as a crackle of static bounced between them; dust motes sizzling and swirling in tiny eddies. Emmy shook her head sure she was imagining things. She allowed herself a rueful smile. It wouldn’t be the first time.

“Thank you. Now you’ve left the sword at home, is there something I can help you with?” The whispers in her head were growing and her big toe throbbed. She wasn’t in the mood for chivalry.

“I would take great pleasure in accepting your kindness, my lady. Your tone, however, suggests I hath offended again. I should leave you in peace. I will not risk your ire further by rolling the dice today.”

He rose and headed for the door.

“What? Wait! You can’t keep barging into my shop like this, looking like you do, talking in riddles, and then flouncing off! How do you know my name? What do you want?” Emmy was on her feet too, anxiety now piqued with anger. She balled her fists at her sides and stood up as tall and straight as her six feet two inches allowed, but it was more a self-defense mechanism than the action of an aggressor.

The stranger faced her again, blue eyes blazing with an emotion that cut through Emmy’s temper, weakening her resolve. I just want to understand him, that’s all. Nothing more than that.

“What do I want? My freedom. Good day, my lady.”

Then he was gone. Again. Stymied, Emmy watched as he strode past the window and out of sight. She uncurled her hands, wincing at the nail marks she’d dug into her palms, which were now red and sweaty. What on earth? Why does he need my help, no, my assistance? ‘I would take great pleasure in accepting your kindness’, yeah and I would take great pleasure in…in –

Her eyes widened at the preposterous turn her thoughts were taking. “It couldn’t be,” she breathed. “‘I would take great pleasure in licking the sweat from your bosom, as I lay your delectable body across my table.”’ Then she remembered his comment about not rolling the dice and, with her heart hammering a piano concerto, quickly locked the shop door before tearing up the stairs. Her hands trembled and the skin on the nape of her neck prickled. She tried to tell herself to stop, that she was over-imagining things, she needed to start her relaxation techniques: You’re stressed. You’re taking too much on. You’re grieving about Maggie. And you stupidly didn’t take your meds again last night!

Thinking about Maggie was a sobering slap to the face, and she paused, resting her riotous head on a low beam and panting as if winded. But Maggie reminded her of the letter, and the letter reminded her of Jonathan and The Book, and round and round her thoughts went until, with a deep breath, she looked down at the old volume and opened it. The familiar smell of lignin drifted up to meet her nostrils and she inhaled it like smelling salts, allowing its comforting scent to strengthen her spine and bind her resolve. The Book was heavy, but her hands were now steady, and she remembered childhood swimming lessons, diving to the bottom of the pool to lift the dead weight. She shivered, sweat beading on her top lip and trickling down her back. ‘A clean and natural sweat’. With fevered eyes, she read the random page she’d opened the book at:

I remove my doublet and shirt, affording me small, sweet relief from the stifling heat.

With creeping foolishness spreading through her veins and heating her cheeks, Emmy closed her eyes and waited. When nothing happened, one eyelid crept up like a roller blind. Nothing. She threw The Book back on the bed, as if its surface scalded, dashing away the treacherous sting of tears on the back of her hand. Jesus, Emmeline! What did you think was going to happen? Your mystery man was going to pop up out of a book as if by magic? Keep taking the tablets, Em.

Laughing through her tears, she made her way down to the shop, glancing over her shoulder as a familiar voice called her name. Maggie?! She was halfway up the stairs again, heart almost exploding with relief before reality kicked her hard in the shins. Another hallucination. She sank on to the cold metal steps, one hand gripping the railing, the other at her chest. After several minutes, she stood, straightening her clothes, her face set. She kept her eyes on each step as she headed back down the spiral staircase, daring herself not to cry. Then the wind was knocked clean out of her and she almost went sprawling as she collided with something as hard as oak.

Her head snapped up and Emmy found herself face to face with the very real – and very near-naked – handsome stranger!

What the???

Ignoring voices and visions was difficult, but rationally she knew they weren’t real, even if sometimes they got the better of her. She could cope with them most of the time. This was different. Reasoning with herself that it wasn’t possible, that things like this couldn’t happen, Emmy couldn’t deny the very solidity of him in the air; the way his ribcage rose and fell; the sound of his shallow breathing; his spicy scent spiked with old vanilla and musk. Swallowing her fear along with the key to an imaginary chastity belt, Emmy didn’t step away. Instead, she lifted her chin and spoke clear and strong.

“Okay, Mister. I’ve had enough!  You’re going to tell me what the hell’s going on. Right now!” She punctuated with precise jabs of one pointed finger in the centre of the dense, dark hair on the man’s torso. Her breathing quickened, indignation sending tiny thrills pulsing between her chest and belly. This would be so much easier if he didn’t have a marble chest, alabaster abs, and eyes like lost galaxies. Emmy scrambled to pull herself together, imaging how Lizzie would scoff at how easily Emmy’s mind had run to typical romance hero descriptors. Scrambling for neutral territory, she cast her eyes downwards and started when she saw he was still wearing the ruby tights. Or were they called hose? Either way, they were very tight tights.

Book Title: The Book Boyfriend

Author: Jeanna Louise Skinner

Publication Date: 27^th October 2021

Publisher: Violet Gaze Press/Saga Egmont

Page Length: 340 Pages

Genre: Paranormal/Time-Travel Romance

Twitter Handle: @jeannalstars @UKRomChat @maryanneyarde

Instagram Handles: @jeannalstars @coffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #TheBookBoyfriend #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub

Buy Links:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09DGGDKCY

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DGGDKCY

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Book-Boyfriend-Jeanna-Louise-Skinner-ebook/dp/B09DGGDKCY

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Book-Boyfriend-Jeanna-Louise-Skinner-ebook/dp/B09DGGDKCY

Author Bio:

Jeanna Louise Skinner writes romance with a sprinkling of magic. The Book Boyfriend is her debut novel and she is currently working on a prequel. She has ADHD and CRPS, a rare neuro-inflammatory disorder, and she is passionate about writing about people underrepresented in Romance, especially those with disabilities and chronic health conditions. She’s also the co-creator of UKRomChat, a much-lauded, Romance-centric live Twitter chat. She lives in Devon with her husband, their two children and a cat who sounds like a goat.

Social Media Links:

Website: http://jeannalouiseskinner.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeannaLStars?s=09

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ukromchat?s=09

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeannalouiseskinner/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannalstars/