Book Title: Traitor’s Knot

Series: Quest for Three Kingdoms

Author: Cryssa Bazos

Publication Date: 1st October 2021

Publisher: W.M. Jackson Publishing

Page Length: 450 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/ Historical Romance

Twitter Handle: @CryssaBazos @maryanneyarde

Instagram Handles: @cryssabazos @coffeepotbookclub

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

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

(Blurb)

England 1650: Civil War has given way to an uneasy peace . . . 

Royalist officer James Hart refuses to accept the tyranny of the new government after the execution of King Charles I, and to raise funds for the restoration of the king’s son, he takes to the road as a highwayman.

Elizabeth Seton has long been shunned for being a traitor’s daughter. In the midst of the new order, she risks her life by sheltering fugitives from Parliament in a garrison town. But her attempts to rebuild her life are threatened, first by her own sense of injustice, then by falling in love with an outlaw. 

The lovers’ loyalty is tested through war, defeat and separation. James must fight his way back to the woman he loves, while Elizabeth will do anything to save him, even if it means sacrificing herself.

Traitor’s Knot, by Cryssa Bazos

Excerpt #4 (735 words)

James raced along the highway under a dark moon, crouched over Sovereign’s bare back. The wind ripped through his hair, and his cloak snapped behind him. Barely touching the ground, the horse galloped in a fluid motion, muscles bunching then exploding as he devoured the road. A wildness had seized him, and he unleashed it on the strip of highway beneath Sovereign’s pounding hooves.

Outcast. Twice cursed. Hammond’s slurs pounded in his head. Elizabeth had heard it all.

James kept at this speed until Warwick Castle melted away into the horizon, a dark blur against a midnight sky. Blood coursed through his veins, and a thin sheen of sweat beaded his brow. He reined in Sovereign, slowing the horse to a brisk trot. They turned off the main road and struck for the river road.

Without a destination in mind, James set his course by the stars and kept the flowing river on his right. Though they had travelled down this path countless times, he kept a sharp eye on the road and a tight hand on the reins. A low overhang of branches snatched at his cloak, but he brushed past them. Underfoot, thick mulch muffled Sovereign’s hooves. They continued along the trail, and the farther they descended into the woods, the richer the scent of resin that filled the warm air.

The woods were alive under a dark moon. A small creature scurried across their path, and James checked Sovereign. Pausing, he heard the frantic clicking of nails scrambling up the bole of a tree and the enraged shriek of an owl missing its catch. James was in sympathy for the offended bird. Pressing the horse’s flanks, he urged Sovereign on his way.

When they reached the edge of the woods, James drew to a halt, reluctant to move forward yet unwilling to turn back. A wide swath of meadowland stretched before him, its grasses rippling in the night breeze. He recognised this pasture and knew where it led. If he were to cross the meadow, he would test the fine edge between recklessness and daring. If he were to proceed, there could be no retreat. A prudent man would return to Warwick and deal with his troubles another day.

James struggled against the raging conflict. A hard knot lodged in his chest. He could think of a million reasons to withdraw but only one to press forward. Finally, drawing a deep breath, he pressed his knees against Sovereign’s flanks and urged the horse onward.

He found Ellendale shuttered and dark and as daunting as a thirty-foot wall.

Pathetic fool.

Madness carried him here this night—what was he hoping for? Reassurance that she didn’t think less of him for what she heard, that against all odds she cared?

He rode to the guest wing, wondering which window was hers. One of the casements was slightly ajar. He couldn’t imagine Isabel or Jennet risking a chill—it had to be hers. He dismounted and tethered Sovereign to a birch tree.

James stared at her window with the intensity of one warring with his demons. He needed her, this night more than ever.

He scooped up a handful of pebbles and rolled the stones in his palm while he gauged the distance to the window. He selected one, took aim and threw. The pebble tapped the centre of the glass and bounced against the sill before dropping to the ground.

A light flickered, and a wavering shadow took shape in the candlelight. Then he saw her at the casement. Elizabeth leaned out, dark hair tumbling in heavy waves past her shoulders. James watched her in silence, his heart open and raw. Would she turn away?

Their eyes met. She didn’t raise her hand or call out, only stood there. In the next instant, she disappeared from the window, and the light was snuffed out.

Right, then. He had his answer.

James turned his back on the manor and returned to Sovereign. It’s better this way, he thought as he tightened the horse’s girth and prepared to leave.

A sound like the scatter of leaves made him pause. He whirled around to find Elizabeth running to him. When she reached the birch grove, she stopped, breathless. Her expression was questioning; her lips parted, but she didn’t speak.

Some things were beyond words.

James held out his hand, and she stepped into his embrace. 

Trigger Warnings:

Violence, animal injury/death.

Buy Links:

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

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09J1SY8VD

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J1SY8VD

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09J1SY8VD

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09J1SY8VD

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/traitors-knot-cryssa-bazos/1140328380

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/traitor-s-knot

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, will be released 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/

Book Bub: 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

From Amazon:

Dreaming of a Highland Christmas? USA Today bestselling author Sue-Ellen Welfonder takes you there in this wondrous tale filled with Yuletide magic, passion, and legendary love. So grab a plaid and a cup of mead, and be swept away to medieval Scotland at Yule…

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“Delightful… pulls heartstrings, jerks a few tears.” ~ InD’tale Magazine

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My Review: I loved this book. The story took me back to a time when things were different, to say the least. I’d forgotten how much I loved reading stories from this time period and I knew the meaning of each antiquity terminology used. Castles at Christmas time has always been a fantasy of mine. Add in some mythical/mystical parts and touches of a wise old crone and a lot of Norse legend, and bam! One five star read!

Arthur Larkin, deceased, one of the honored pioneers of this great commonwealth, served faithfully and long in the West. He was one of the founders of the city of Ellsworth, and one of its most active and prominent builders. Mr. Larkin was born in Dublin, Ireland, August 20, 1832. When a mere lad of sixteen he landed in New York, a poor boy, determined to make his fortune in the new world. He landed in this country in 1848, and for a few months remained in New York, when he went to Fort Clark, Texas, and enlisted in the United States service in the Mexican war, in Captain Ford’s company of Texas Rangers, and at the close of that war he enlisted in the regular army service until 1861, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability at Fort Leavenworth. He was first sergeant of his company at the time. After leaving the army he engaged in freighting by team to Denver, Col., but in the fall of 1866 gave that up to open a restaurant in Junction City, Kan., at the same time freighting to Salina. In 1867 he located at Ellsworth and soon built the Larkinf[sic] House, the first hotel, which was one of the first buildings in the town. It was burned in 1869, and in 1872 Mr. Larkin erected the White House, which he operated until 1905. He also built the American House in 1878, known today as the Baker House, and the Rogers House. Mr. Larkin was one of the pioneer merchants of Ellsworth, opening a general store there in 1868; subsequently he established branch stores at Lincoln Center and Little River. All his life Mr. Larkin was imbued with the spirit of progress, and was one of the few men who had the courage of his convictions to carry out projects that seemed ahead of his time. An example of this spirit was his erection of the first flour mill at Ellsworth and the first elevator. In 1876 he erected the first fine store building on Douglas avenue. This was a two-story stone structure, where he conducted a mercantile business until 1895. His sons subsequently carried on business operations there under the firm name of Larkins’ Sons. Several other good pieces of business property were owned by Mr. Larkin, who operated his home farm of 200 acres south of the town; a 480-acre tract near Frederick and a 720-acre ranch southeast of Ellsworth. For many years he was a breeder of Hereford cattle and an extensive feeder. He kept a fine training stable for the high-bred driving horses which he raised, which had a wide reputation. In 1885 Mr. Larkin erected a large and elegant home on a raise of ground south of Ellsworth overlooking the town. It was fitted out with all modern conveniences, with private water plant, gas well, lighting and heating systems. In addition to the beautiful stone house there is a fine barn on the premises with every convenience for horses and automobiles. Mr. Larkin’s time was not devoted entirely to personal affairs, as he served as county commissioner and county treasurer of Ellsworth county. He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and contributed liberally to the Catholic church, of which he was a member.

In 1861 Mr. Larkin was married, at Fort Leavenworth, to Alice Beard, who was a native of Indiana. On November 4, 1911, Mr. Larkin passed away, being survived by his wife and two sons: Francis Larkin, born June 3, 1875, the manager of the American Woodwork Manufacturing Company, of Evansville, Ind., and Charles Larkin, who is the active manager of the estate. Arthur Larkin, the eldest son, born February 28, 1871, died in 1910. He married Miss Rose Pressney, and they had three children: Alice Verlin, born January 26, 1900, a student at Mt. Carmel Academy, Wichita; Lawrence Pressney and Arthur 3d at home. Thomas, Mary Ann, Edward and Hubert, children of Arthur Larkin and Alice Beard, all died in childhood. During his life Mr. Larkin built up a name for honesty, fair dealing and integrity, gaining for himself a place of honor and confidence in the minds and hearts of his friends. In the early days of frontier life he became the fast friend of William F. Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, and they had agreed that whenever one of them died, the survivor was to attend the funuarl[sic] of his friend, but Mr. Cody could not be located at the time Mr. Larkin was laid away, and the fact was deeply regretted.

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My Review: I loved this story. For one, “happily-ever-after’s” appeal to me as does a shorter length novel. The best part of this book is reading about each character and feeling the way they feel internally. Being able to connect in such a personal manner speaks highly of the writer’s story telling ability. Happiness isn’t having a perfect life, it’s about the ups and downs and loving regardless. Five stars.

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My Review: The author gifted me with a hard bound trade edition. Anna has a unique writing style and she weaves intricate threads throughout. Love is something everyone wants, and something most search for. As much as a man and woman can love each other, that love is tempered with suffering. Such is the case with Nunzio and and Mariella. One married to his church, the other to her husband.

From Amazon: Gluskabe comes back home after a long journey just to be told by his grandmother that the Penobscot River had dried out and that his people needed his help. Gluskabe takes his canoe back in the water and departs for a new adventure to find out what was going on. He is troubled by the news and worries for his people. This Abenaki legend is thousands of years old. Nevertheless, it is very relevant to our world of today where greed is winning over morality and decency.

My Review: Learning about what is right and culture. I just finished this book for children. I think that it fits older children better as they can more easily grasp the new language words use in the story. Above all, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of one – a Star Trek notion that rings true still today.

Thank you for viewing and gallery found here.

From Amazon: Praise for Old Mountain Cassie: The Three Lessons “Prepare to fall in love with Cassie and be forever changed by her teachings.” “The novel is a treasure and delight.” “The story takes you on a journey and invites you to explore the secret to having your own amazing life. “I felt joy and excitement building inside me as I turned each page.” In the quaint Appalachian village of Divine, brooms sweep shop owners outside to trade tales of the latest Old Mountain Cassie sighting. Local lore claims Cassie holds the secret to a prosperous and joyous life…but only for seekers so destined. Lacey Jordan’s fascination to meet the mountain sage intensifies as she eavesdrops on the latest Cassie chatter swirling around her outside Holsom’s Market. And a mystified Lacey believes if she can spend time with Old Mountain Cassie, the confusion and chaos that have plagued her life will lift. What are these sacred and mystical lessons of Cassie’s that offer the keys to “living life amazing?” How will Lacey ever find the mountain recluse tucked away in the woods? Old Mountain Cassie: The Three Lessons is an inspiring, tell-all-your-friends celebration to read. Cassie and the folks of Divine offer a special recipe for an extraordinary life. A generous portion of humor, an extra helping of insight, and a taste of mystery and romance will leave readers both fulfilled and hungry for the next story served up Mountain Cassie style.

My Review: Astounding plus more! This book has been a truly astounding read for me. Honestly, if you need a good dose of faith in humanity, this book nails it. I believe this is the forth book I’ve read by this author and I must say it’s unique. I could write about the characters and such, but I want to convey more. If you don’t know what being in the “Now” is, you must add this book to your list. If you have doubts in life, read this book. If you need a dose of clarity, read this book. Five stars.

Barb the Bird of Hope by Zowie Norris

From Amazon: A story of friendship, acceptance and hope. In a laburnum tree in the Centre of Bretton Park, lives a unique bird called Barb. Her beauty and originality attract the attention of the other birds and park visitors, who see her as a symbol of hope, bringing them much comfort and happiness. She is loved by many and in return is grateful for her life and her friends. When things take a turn for the worst, Barb’s instinct is to fly away from her troubles … Will things get better? Can hope be restored?

My Review: Fauna, Flora, and Humanity Wrapped into One Book! The perfect book to help both children and adults during this time of coronavirus. Beautifully written and illustrated, Barb is a bird full of hope and she goes to a nearby hospital to investigate why people stopped visiting the park and wildlife. While there, she sees a doctor, who gives her pumpkin seeds and talks to her, and she learns about the virus. Barb witness the hope of staff and patients. Barb returns to the park to let the other wildlife know what’s going on. Storms happen in the park, and in real life. Barb is a brilliant light of hope to all people, animals, birds, and trees, and flora and fauna.