Knight & Dey

Book Link

From Amazon:

Kathryn Knight has it all – a beautiful home, a loving husband, and a successful job as a theatre sister at St Anne’s hospital. Life is good. Finley Dey is a surgeon and the new hospital director. He’s tragically lost his family in an accident and has come to England to make a fresh start. He’s also stunningly attractive. Despite the guilt she feels for betraying her husband, Kathryn and Fin are thrown together, lust and desire grasping every clandestine opportunity. But a prediction from a psychic unnerves Kathryn and soon deceit, denial and ultimately death knock her world off its axis, turning her perfect life upside down.

My Review:

What a love story/hospital setting/probable murder and more.

Well, this novel was unique, for sure! Love comes in many forms, but with a great love one also has great loss, if a loved one dies, whether a natural death or a murder. Life can flip anytime, and what you thought was, never was at all. The psyche of the antagonists were interesting and to read their respective thoughts were bewildering. The protagonists also had bits of antagonistic traits and makes for a great read.

A Woman Scorned

Book Title:           A Woman Scorned

Series:                             The Hartford Manor Series

Author:                 Marcia Clayton

Publication Date:           18th October 2024

Publisher:             Sunhillow Publishing

Pages:                             334

Genre:                            Historical Fiction / Family Saga / Historical Romance

Twitter Handle:   @MarciaC89111861 @cathiedunn @MaryLSchmidt

Instagram Handle:    @marciaclayton97 @thecoffeepotbookclub

Bluesky Handle:   @marciaclayton.bsky.social @cathiedunn.bsky.social

Hashtags:   #HistoricalFiction #FamilySaga #Victorian #HistoricalRomance #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page :          https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2024/11/blog-tour-a-woman-scorned-by-marcia-clayton.html

Book Title and Author Name:

A Woman Scorned

By Marcia Clayton

Blurb:

1886 North Devon, England

Lady Lilliana Grantley has been seriously ill with typhoid, a disease that recently claimed her husband Edgar’s life and that of his long-time lover, Rosemary Gibbs. Now recovering at last, the lady wastes no tears on her husband but is determined to wreak revenge on his two illegitimate children.

Embarrassed for years by his affair with Rosemary, a childhood sweetheart living nearby, she has falsely accused Sir Edgar’s daughter, Millicent, of the theft of a precious brooch and wants to see her jailed or hung.

Fortunately for Millie and her little brother, Jonathan, their granny, Emily, insisted they leave home as soon as she heard of Sir Edgar’s death, for she knew his widow would seek revenge. The old lady was soon proved right, and Lady Lilliana, furious the two youngsters were nowhere to be found, evicted the old woman despite the fact she, too, was dangerously ill.

After a long and hazardous journey to North Devon, Millie and Jonathan were united with some long-lost family members who made them welcome and gave them a home. However, aware that Lady Lilliana has put a price on Millie’s head, they know they are not yet out of danger. Despite this, they are determined to find their granny, Emily, who seems to have disappeared.

Aided by her long-time lover, Sir Clive Robinson, Lady Lilliana is determined to find Millie and Jonnie and get them out of her life once and for all, but how far will the embittered woman go?

A Woman Scorned

Snippet 1

Excerpt from Chapter 2

Brampford Speke, a peaceful little village situated only a few miles from the bustling city of Exeter, would probably not have existed at all, but for the position of Grantley Manor, for farm labourers were always in demand on the large and prosperous estate. The village was surrounded by green rolling hills and picturesque scenery, and despite the bitter temperature that morning, the vicar was content with his lot.

Gregory Swann was an elderly man, born in the village some seventy years earlier and raised to follow in his father’s footsteps as a man of the cloth. Indeed, he still lived in the same house he had been born in and knew the only way he would ever want to leave would be carried out feet first. Kissing Edith, his wife of more than fifty years, goodbye, he crossed the icy yard to the stable, where he saddled his pony and set off to visit his parishioners.

Despite his warm hat, scarf, and gloves, the portly man shivered violently in the sub-zero temperatures, and his breath hung in the air. The grass and hedgerows glistened with a hard frost, and ice covered the village pond where a couple of ducks skidded on the surface, futilely seeking a morsel to eat.

He planned to visit several needy folk that day, some physically unwell, others depressed with their daily struggle for survival, and a few simply lonely and who would benefit from seeing a friendly face. He decided his first port of call would be to Ollie and Agnes Darch.  Shortly before Christmas, the Darches had suffered from typhoid, a disease which had carried many to their graves, causing him and the local undertaker much work over the festive period. Thankfully, the couple had recovered, and the epidemic appeared to be over, but he had heard that Ollie was now suffering from lumbago. 

Buy Link:

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

All the books in The Hartford Manor Series can be ordered from any bookshop.

Author Bio:

Marcia Clayton writes historical fiction with a sprinkling of romance and mystery in a heart-warming family saga that stretches from the Regency period through to Victorian times.

A farmer’s daughter, Marcia was born in North Devon, a rural and picturesque area in the far South West of England. When she left school at sixteen, Marcia worked in a bank for several years until she married her husband, Bryan, and then stayed at home for a few years to care for her three sons, Stuart, Paul and David.

As the children grew older, Marcia enrolled in a secretarial course, which led to an administrative post at the local college. Marcia progressed through various jobs at the college and, when working as a Transport Project Coordinator, was invited to 10 Downing Street to meet Tony Blair, the then Prime Minister. Marcia later worked for the local authority as the Education Transport Manager for Devon County Council and remained there until her retirement.

Now a grandmother, Marcia enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She’s a keen researcher of family history, and this hobby inspired some of the characters in her books. A keen gardener, Marcia grows many of her own vegetables. She is also an avid reader and enjoys historical fiction, romance, and crime books.

Marcia has written six books in the historical family saga, “The Hartford Manor Series”. You can also read her free short story, “Amelia”, a spin-off tale from the first book, “The Mazzard Tree”, by downloading the story here: https://marciaclayton.co.uk/amelia-free-download/

In addition to writing books, Marcia produces blogs to share with her readers in a monthly newsletter. If you would like to join Marcia’s mailing list, you can subscribe here: https://marciaclayton.co.uk/

Author Links:

Website:      https://marciaclayton.co.uk/

Twitter:      https://twitter.com/MarciaC89111861

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marciaclayton97/

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

Book Bub:            https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marcia-clayton

Amazon Author Page:   http://viewauthor.at/MarciaClayton

Goodreads:   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20429025.Marcia_Clayton

This entry was posted on December 3, 2024. 4 Comments

Madeline’s Boy

Book Title: Madeline’s Boy

Series:  Convict Birthstain Collection

Author:  Sara Powter

Publication Date:  November 13th 2024

Publisher: Pacific Wanderland Publications (through Amazon)

Pages: 224

Genre:  Historical Fiction / Christian Historical Fiction

Any Triggers: – There is domestic violence and attempted murder, but subtle.

Twitter Handles: @SaraPowter @cathiedunn @MaryLSchmidt

Instagram Handles:  sarapowter2251 @thecoffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #ChristianHistoricalRomance #HistoricalFiction #ConvictBirthstainCollection #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2024/11/blog-tour-madelines-boy-by-sara-powter.html

Book Title and Author Name:

Madeline’s Boy

By Sara Powter

Blurb:

England 1830s to New South Wales 1840  

The race to protect an orphaned Boy

All is not straightforward when money and titles are involved.

Orphaned, afraid and on the run, Chip must Flee.

Madeline was his mother’s best friend. Maddie now needs to keep her charge safe and alive. She must give up her life to protect the boy she has loved since birth.

Months after Chip’s parents’ demise, Maddie sets out to deliver Chip to his Uncle Humphrey, who lives in Sydney. Through him, she meets Chip’s friend Tim, who falls for Maddie— but will they find happiness?

The menacing presence soon finds Chip, and Maddie needs to hide him again. They are moved from hidden farms to secret valleys, ending up in an aboriginal encampment.

Can Tim find a way to be with Maddie? And if so… Will Chip ever be safe?

Buy Links:

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

Barnes and Nobel: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Sara%20powter

The Bookshop Org: https://bookshop.org/search?keywords=Sara+Powter

Author Bio:

Sara Powter lives on the NSW Central Coast. Her childhood was spent with her parents, mainly travelling up and down the East Coast of Australia, fishing, shell collecting, and doing some of her education through correspondence schooling.

With a passion for science, she worked as a Scientific Assistant in the Entomology Department of the Department of Agriculture. She married Stephen soon after leaving there, and they spent 30 years in Ministry in the Newcastle Anglican Diocese in NSW, only retiring at the end of 2020.

When ‘Covid 19’ hit, time was available to pen some of the stories she’d wanted to write for some time. Within twelve months, eight stories were finished, and ideas for more were coming (after four years, she had recently completed her twenty-eighth book). These stem from her passion for Colonial Australia, her convict ancestors, and the fantastic country’s remarkable history!

Sara wrote these as she wished to complete one of her mother’s unfinished manuscripts. The series prequel, “Dancing to Her Own Tune,” is now completed and ties in Sheila Hunter’s Australian Trilogy with Sara’s Lockley series and many others. All are Clean Australian Historical Fiction.

But… Watch for more in The Hunter to Macquarie Collection and The Convict Birthstain Collection.

Author Links:

Website: www.sarapowter.com.au

Twitter:  https://x.com/SaraPowter

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063887262514

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-powter-450b6b145/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarapowter2251/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sara-powter

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sara-Powter/author/B08X4K9VM1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13548072.Sara_Powter

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRC4aFyyiVAMy5ZLTTQUEw

This entry was posted on December 2, 2024. 2 Comments

Miami 2024!

One week later and I finally write this blog post. Last Friday through Sunday was spent in Miami. The book awards was special. No doubt about that. This was also my final visit to Miami as my health dictates what I can do. But, I walked that stage to honor my step-dad in his untimely death in winter 1982 and for his three children who were robbed of their father since 1982. They needed closure! The only way for that to happen was to write this shout 76 page book full of insanity that led up to his death – all in real life.

I was used as Her Aibi for real. Disgusting, sad, vicious, my mother’s infamy and jealous psychological issues remained until her death. Book is .99 cents. Is it shocking? Yes. Truth? Yes. Untreated mental illness? Yes? Did she use me as Her Alibi? Definately! Sad? Yes. Did she shoot him? Yes. Did she get away with it? Yes. Justice was NOT served at all. Everywhere I went while down there, I gave honor to my step-dad. I wanted his story told, and he needed his story told and for his children to finally have some closure on their dad’s death.

Was it crazy last weekend? Yes. But the closure desparately needed was obtained. If you would like a free copy and learn Harold’s story, let me know at this link. Thank you! Have a blessed weekend.

This entry was posted on November 29, 2024. 1 Comment

The Paris Portrait

Media Kit

Book Title: The Paris Portrait

Series: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery

Author: Heidi Eljarbo

Publication Date: 12th November 2024

Publisher: independently published

Pages: about 200, but it has not been formatted yet

Genre: Historical Mystery, Dual-timeline, Historical Fiction,

Twitter Handles: @HeidiEljarbo @cathiedunn

Instagram Handles: @authorheidieljarbo @thecoffeepotbookclub @MaryLSchmidt

Hashtags: #HistoricalMystery #ArtHistory #DualTimeline #CozyMystery #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2024/10/blog-tour-the-paris-portrait-by-heidi-eljarbo.html

Book Title and Author Name:

The Paris Portrait

by Heidi Eljarbo

Blurb:

Fabiola stumbles upon a clue that indicates a royal portrait went missing almost two hundred years ago. Is this true, or is there substance to the rumor?

Paris, France, 1973.
After an enjoyable but dusty road trip, Fabiola and her friends, Pippa and Cary, arrive in a small village on the outskirts of Paris to spend a few days with Fabiola’s brother Eivind and his family.

On their first evening there, Eivind shows Fabiola an ancient recipe book he bought at an auction. The book is filled with old writing, and he asks Fabiola to decipher the pages. After the others have gone to bed, she spends hours reading and is gripped by the last pages that have nothing to do with recipes for baked goods and stews. Certain the author was a famous portrait artist at the time of the French Revolution, Fabiola and her friends set out on a treacherous investigation, dodging murderers and thieves to learn the truth.

Versailles, France, 1789.
Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun— portraitist and close friend of the extravagant queen of France, Marie Antoinette—has already painted thirty portraits of the queen. Her contemporaries compare her to the old Dutch masters, calling her one of the greatest portrait painters of her time.

But outside on the streets, Paris is becoming more perilous with every day that passes. Madame Le Brun would be a fool to think the rumors of a revolution will pass, and aristocratic life will continue as before.

Amid the turmoil, she paints one final portrait of Marie Antoinette, knowing well her association with the queen could cause her to be arrested or executed. As chaos and riots in Paris turn to violence, Madame Le Brun flees with her young daughter, hoping her royal friend and the portrait will be safe.

This is Heidi Eljarbo’s third dual timeline novel about Norwegian art historian Fabiola Bennett—a captivating spin-off from her much-loved Soli Hansen Mysteries.

Buy Links:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/3nPAjB

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Author Bio:

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking their Wheaten Terrier in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history.

Author Links:

Website: https://www.heidieljarbo.com/

Twitter: @HeidiEljarbo

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

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

Pinterest: https://no.pinterest.com/heidieljarbo/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/heidi-eljarbo

Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/heidieljarbo

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16984270.Heidi_Eljarbo

Newsletter: https://www.heidieljarbo.com/newsletter

This entry was posted on November 28, 2024. 2 Comments

Impact Books Awards

Dear Mary,

I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you for being selected as a winner at the International Impact Book Awards! Your exceptional talent, dedication, and creativity have set you apart in a competitive field, and it is an honor to recognize your remarkable achievement.

This award is a testament to the impact your work has made in the literary world. Your story, your voice, and your commitment to excellence have resonated with readers and judges alike, and we are proud to celebrate your success. Winning this award is not just a moment of recognition but a significant milestone in your journey as an author—a reflection of the countless hours, passion, and perseverance you’ve invested in your craft.

Your success is truly remarkable, and we are honored to have your work as part of our award-winning collection. Whether in person or from afar, we look forward to celebrating your achievement and supporting you as you continue to make an impact in the literary world.

Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. We are excited to celebrate with you and to help you seize the opportunities that come with this prestigious award.

Warm regards,

Nim Stant

CEO and Founder
International Impact Book Awards 

Book Link Only 99 cents!

This entry was posted on November 26, 2024. 2 Comments

The Literary Hedgehog

Book Link

From Amazon:

In The Literary Hedgehog, the charming sequel to The Poetry Mouse, readers follow the inspiring story of Miss Evie Mouse, a talented poet who defies societal norms to have her voice heard. When Mr. Hedgehog, editor of the prestigious City Magazine, receives her bold submission, he is initially skeptical. How could a small female mouse contribute something worthy of publication? But after a change of heart, driven by the wise words of those around him, Mr. Hedgehog realizes the true power of Evie’s poetry. With support from her friend Brayden Fox, Evie faces the excitement and anxiety of seeing her work in print for the first time.

This delightful tale teaches children the importance of believing in themselves, challenging outdated assumptions, and the value of friendship and encouragement. Evie Mouse’s journey shows that determination, courage, and the support of others can make dreams come true.

What this book can teach young children:

  • The importance of self-belief and following your passions.
  • Challenging stereotypes and societal expectations.
  • The value of encouragement and support from friends.
  • Courage in seizing opportunities and taking risks.

Introduce your young readers to The Literary Hedgehog, and let them discover how far self-confidence and the support of friends can take them. Spark their imaginations and inspire them to find their voice—just like Evie did. Add The Literary Hedgehog to your library today and join Evie on her literary adventure!

My Review:

Top reviews from the United States

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet story

Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024

Verified Purchase

Children will love this sweet story about a mouse who writes beautiful poetry. Evie didn’t believe in herself and her abilities until it was pointed out to her by other characters. The publisher didn’t think women in general, let alone a girl mouse, could write. The publisher finally realized how valuable his secretary truly was, not just for pouring tea, but the business couldn’t run without her. Evie challenged the forces against her and became a hero in the process.

Georgia’s Folly

Media Kit

Book Title: Georgia’s Folly

Series: n/a

Author: Deborah Chase

Publication Date: September 2024

Pages: 322 manuscript pages

Genre: Dual-Timeline / Split Time Historical Romance

Twitter handle: @cathiedunn @MaryLSchmidt

Instagram handles: @thewritinglife2 @cathiedunn

Hashtags: #HistoricalRomance #AmericanCivilWar #SplitTimeRomance #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2024/10/blog-tour-georgias-folly-by-deborah-chase.html

Book Title and Author name: 

Georgia’s Folly

by Deborah Chase

Blurb: 

For fans of “Antiques Roadshow” and “American Pickers” – this is the one for you!

Beginning at a cluttered flea market and ending at a glittering art auction, Georgia’s Folly tells the compelling story that blends past and present and the search for a valuable and elusive antique. Chloe Bishop grew up in foster care. She loves shopping at flea markets, picking up family heirlooms like old pottery or vintage furniture to fill in for the family and home she never had.

As Chloe walks through the Brooklyn Flea Market, she stumbles upon the diary of Miss Georgia Potter, a young woman who had lived in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during the Civil War. The yellowed pages reveal the impact of the war on daily life and spotlights the role of women including Harriet Tubman, Clara Barton and Louisa May Alcott. 

Like Chloe, Georgia Potter was a passionate collector and her diary lists her collection of valuable antiques—including the Holy Grail of 18th century furniture—a Chippendale settee. Well versed in antiques, Chloe is aware that there are only five known examples and a sixth settee would be worth more than $4 million.

Chloe immediately contacts Ben Thompson, the man who sold her the diary. Ben is a picker who drives his RV across America, searching for collectibles to sell to dealers. He is estranged from his wealthy, prominent family who cringe at his chosen career. Ben agrees to take her along to search for the valuable and iconic settee. As Ben and Chloe head to Gettysburg, they are unaware that Gregor Petrov, a shady antiques dealer and Harrison Kent, a respected but unscrupulous art expert are trailing them.

The search for the settee takes Chloe and Ben on fast paced journey from the Gettysburg battlefields to the 18th century street of artisans in Philadelphia to a historic mansion on the banks of the Hudson River. Traveling together in the small RV, Ben and Chloe draw closer. In the confines of the RV, embroiled in an unimaginable quest, Chloe confides that she is also in search for the father she never knew while Ben struggles to explain his complicated family to a woman who never had one.

In a thrilling ending, the rare Chippendale settee is not Chloe’s only valuable discovery.

Buy Link: 

Universal buy link: https://books2read.com/u/4DkY0g

Author bio: 

Deborah Chase grew up in a family filled with art and antiques.  On the high end, her uncle, William Lincer, lead violist at the New York Philharmonic, was an art lover whose collection was sold at Sotheby’s. On the low end, her father, writer Allen Chase took her to flea markets and estate sales.  He sparked a lifelong fascination with tales of lost treasures that ranged from plundered Egyptian tombs to trainloads of art stolen by the Nazis.  It was this love of history and antiques that inspired her first novel, Georgia’s Folly

She was a founding editor of the Berkeley Wellness Newsletter and the author of 12 books including The Medically Based No-Nonsense Beauty Book (Alfred Knopf), Extend Your Life Diet (Pocket Books), Fruit Acids for Fabulous Skin (St Martin’s Press), Every Bride is Beautiful (Morrow), and with her husband Dr Neil Schachter co-author of Life and Breath (Doubleday) and The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds and Flu (Harper).  The books have been a selection of the Book of the Month Club and her articles have appeared in Ladies Home Journal, Self, Glamour, Redbook, Family Circle, Parents and Good Housekeeping.

She is a graduate of Bronx High School of Science and a winner of the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. A graduate of New York University she earned a degree with a duel major in journalism and history. 

A native New Yorker, Deborah like to spend her weekends at an upstate home where a big kitchen and an endless supply of estate sales indulge her duel passions for cooking and collecting.

Author Links:

Website: Deborahchase.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborah.chase.5

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewritinglife2/

AmazonAuthor Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deborah-Chase/author/B0DHHK95KV

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/536062.Deborah_Chase

This entry was posted on November 21, 2024. 1 Comment