Guest Post: “Spotlight for ‘The Rune Stone’ by Julia Ibbotson”

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I am pleased to welcome Julia Ibbotson to my blog to share the blurb for her novel, “The Rune Stone.” I want to thank Julia Ibbotson and The Coffee Pot Book Club for allowing me to participate in this blog tour.

Blurb: 

A haunting time-slip mystery of runes and romance 

When Dr Viv DuLac, medievalist and academic, finds a mysterious runic inscription on a Rune Stone in the graveyard of her husband’s village church, she unwittingly sets off a chain of circumstances that disturb their quiet lives in ways she never expected. 

She, once again, feels the echoes of the past resonate through time and into the present. Can she unlock the secrets of the runes in the life of the 6th century Lady Vivianne and in Viv’s own life? 

Again, lives of the past and present intertwine alarmingly as Viv desperately tries to save them both without changing the course of history. 

For fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, and Christina Courtenay. 

Praise for Julia Ibbotson:

(for A Shape on the Air) “In the best Barbara Erskine tradition …I would highly recommend this novel” –Historical Novel Society 

(for the series) “Julia does an incredible job of setting up the idea of time-shift so that it’s believable and makes sense” – book tour reviewer 

(for The Rune Stone) “beautifully written”, “absorbing and captivating”, “fully immersive”, “wonderfully written characters”, “a skilled storyteller” – Amazon reviewers

“Dr Ibbotson has created living, breathing characters that will remain in the reader’s mind long after the book is read … The characters are brought to life beautifully with perfect economy of description … fabulous!” – Melissa Morgan. 
 

“A rich and evocative time-slip novel that beautifully and satisfyingly concludes this superb trilogy. The story is woven seamlessly and skillfully between the past and the present, and the reader is drawn deeply into both worlds.  Her portrayal of the 6th century and its way of life are authoritative, vivid and memorable.” – Kate Sullivan. 

Buy Link: 

Universal Buy Link:  https://myBook.to/TRS 

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited. 

Author Bio: 

Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and the concept of time. She is the author of historical mysteries with a frisson of romance. Her books are evocative of time and place, well-researched, and uplifting page-turners. Her current series focuses on early medieval time-slip/dual-time mysteries.  

Julia read English at Keele University, England, specializing in medieval language/ literature/ history, and has a PhD in sociolinguistics.  

After a turbulent time in Ghana, West Africa, she became a school teacher, then a university academic and researcher. Her break as an author came soon after she joined the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme in 2015, with a three-book deal from Lume Books for a trilogy (Drumbeats) set in Ghana in the 1960s.  

She has published five other books, including A Shape on the Air, an Anglo-Saxon timeslip mystery, and its two sequels, The Dragon Tree and The Rune Stone. Her work in progress is a new series of Anglo-Saxon mystery romances, beginning with Daughter of Mercia, where echoes of the past resonate across the centuries.  

Julia’s novels will appeal to fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, and Christina Courtenay. Her readers say: ‘Julia’s books captured my imagination’, ‘beautiful story-telling’, ‘evocative and well-paced storylines’, ‘brilliant and fascinating,’ and ‘I just couldn’t put it down’. 

Author Links: 

Amazon Author page:  Author.to/JuliaIbbotsonauthor 

Author website & blog: www.juliaibbotsonauthor.com 

Facebook (author):  https://www.facebook.com/JuliaIbbotsonauthor 

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/JuliaIbbotson 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julia.ibbotson 

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/juliai1/ 

Goodreads author page:  https://www.goodreads.com/juliaibbotson 

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

Book Review: “The Shadow on the Bridge” by Clare Marchant

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Have you ever had an incident that was so impactful that it defined your entire life from that moment on? For Anne Howard, Countess of Arundel, it was the death of her younger brother, George. She vows vengeance against those who were behind his untimely demise. In the present day, Sarah must return to her godmother’s home, which holds a lot of memories, mostly painful. It is in the halls of this ancient house that Sarah meets Anne through a book of poetry. Can these two women find peace or will the truths bring even more disasters? Clare Marchant tells the stories of these two women, the tragedies and the poetry that unite them, in her latest novel, “The Shadow on the Bridge.”

I would like to thank Boldwood Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. I liked the cover and when I read the description, it caught my eye. I have had Clare Marchant on my blog for a guest post, but I have yet to read her novels, so I decided to take a chance. I was not familiar with the story of Anne Howard, Countess of Arundel, so I was excited to read her story.

We begin with Anne Howard, born Anne Dacre, and her family at Barnhamcross Hall. She takes care of her young brother George, who is supposed to become the 5th Baron Greystoke. However, tragedy strikes when George falls from his rocking horse. It seems like a tragic accident, but Anne soon discovers that it was done deliberately. While Anne is married to Philip Howard, she secretly plans revenge against her father-in-law, the Duke of Norfolk. Anne Howard is known for her poetry, so she uses her skills with a quill to uncover a plot a bit closer to home.

Sarah, in the modern day, is a woman full of remorse and guilt. She has accepted to visit her godmother Cordelia at her home of Barnhamcross Hall, which holds many secrets and sorrows. Sarah knows what it means to lose a loved one as she lost her sister, Emily. Her parents blamed her, and they are no longer in her life. Cordelia is dying, and she wants to leave her home to Sarah. Sarah agrees to stay and help with organizing the estate, and while doing so, she finds a book of poetry from the past. It is through the story of Anne and George that Sarah finds the strength to confront her past.

This was a delightful read full of discovery, suspense, and healing. It was very well-balanced and gave a new perspective to the Howard family. It was such a gripping read that I want a sequel with the same characters because I became attached to them. I am looking forward to reading more novels by Clare Marchant. If you want a fun dual timeline escape that explores a lesser-known Tudor woman, I highly recommend you read, “The Shadow on the Bridge” by Clare Marchant.

Book Review: “Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws, and Kitties of Yore” by Catherine Nappington

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For centuries, man’s best friend has been the dog, but don’t tell your feline friends that. In ancient times, cats were revered as idols, but something changed during the medieval period. For a thousand years, from 500 to 1500, cats were vilified and believed to be working with witches and the devil—a harsh assessment for small, fluffy cats, which we consider pets nowadays. So how were cats portrayed in medieval art and literature? Catherine Nappington hopes to give her readers a glimpse of feline art and literature in her book, “Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws, and Kitties of Yore.”

I want to thank Ten Speed Press and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this book. I have been a cat owner most of my life; my current cat is an orange tabby named Colby, so when I saw this book title and subject, I thought it might be a light-hearted read.

Since this book is relatively short, I will keep this review short. In essence, this is a picture book full of illuminated manuscripts, witty sayings, and some interesting facts. While I did find the images interesting, the captions tended to be a bit distracting, and the fact that it was not in chronological order irked me (a personal pet peeve).

Overall, it was a fun read. I feel like it’s not really a nonfiction book that you are used to, but it would make a great gift for a medievalist who is a cat lover in your life. If this sounds like you or a loved one, I would suggest you read, “Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws, and Kitties of Yore” by Catherine Nappington.

Book Review: “Fools and Mortals” by Bernard Cornwell

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When we think about live theater, we often think about big actors, elaborate sets, and glittery costumes. The world of the Tudor theater, especially during the reign of Elizabeth I, was similar in some ways, but there was an element of danger. Richard Shakespeare, an actor in the Lord Chamberlain’s Men company and a former thief, knew the dangers of Tudor theater life better than anyone. When a manuscript is stolen, suspicion lands squarely on Richard’s shoulders. Can Richard clear his name, or will it be his final curtain call? Bernard Cornwell tells the story of Richard Shakespeare and the debut of A Midsummer’s Night Dream in his novel, “Fools and Mortals.”

This is one of those books that I found while going used book shopping. I did not know that Cornwell wrote a novel about Elizabethan England, so I knew I wanted to read it. I wanted to see how well Cornwell could write an Elizabethan novel.

Our main character is Richard Shakespeare (based on the historical figure), the estranged younger brother of William Shakespeare. He is an actor himself, primarily with small roles and women roles, but as he gets older, he wants more prominent male roles. Richard is not exactly thrilled about his brother William’s rising star as William is kind of a jerk in this novel. The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are given a grand opportunity to perform at the wedding of Lord Hundson’s daughter. William has decided to premiere a brand new play called A Midsummer’s Night Dream, which means this novel is full of actors trying to figure out this new production in time.

To top it off, one of William’s newer plays was taken by a disgruntled player to curry favor with another playhouse. William thinks that Richard stole his manuscript, so Richard must do everything in his power to get the play back and restore some semblance of a relationship with his brother. Along the way, he encounters a maid named Silvia, who he falls in love with, and hardcore Protestants who believe that players are sinners in the eyes of the Lord. To top it all off, it seems like William has a book in his possession that is considered dangerous and makes the thugs think he is Catholic. Richard has to focus on getting the manuscript back and rehearsing the new play and try not to get killed.

Richard Shakespeare is one of those characters that is a little rough around the edges, but once you get to know him, he is a loveable person. Cornwell created such a colorful world of the Elizabethan theater that any Tudor or Shakespearean nerd will love. If you want a delightfully unique take on Elizabethan England and the life of the players in the early stages of the English theater, I would suggest you read “Fools and Mortals” by Bernard Cornwell.

Guest Post: “Book Blast for ‘The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance’ by Arianwen Nunn”

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Today, I am pleased to welcome Arianwen Nunn to my blog to share the blurb for her book “The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance.” I want to thank The Coffee Pot Book Club and Arianwen Nunn for allowing me to participate in this book tour. 

Blurb: 

It is 1109, and the Welsh warrior and firebrand Owain ap Cadwgan abducts Princess Nest from the castle she shares with her children and her husband, Gerald of Windsor. King Henry of England, furious that Nest, also his lover and mother of his son, begins a manhunt to find Owain and return Nest to her husband. In Gwynydd, King Gruffydd ap Cynan and his wife risk everything to hide them and get them to safety in Ireland despite the efforts of Gronwy ap Owain, Angharad’s vicious brother, who would like to see Gruffydd and Owain dead. 

King Henry uses Bishop Richard to start kinship warfare in Wales, then declares war against the Welsh, determining to exterminate them all. Can Gruffydd and his family survive the greatest army ever led against Wales? 

Buy Link: 

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/bWkZq7  

Author Bio: 

Arianwen Nunn was born in Wales but now lives in Australia and writes historical fiction based on the Welsh kingdoms in the Middle Ages.  

Arianwen has written a series of three books, ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’, ‘The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance’, and ‘Bards Sing of Love and War’, which follow the lives of King Gruffydd ap Cynan, his wife Angharad, and their family.  

She has also written two children’s books, ‘The Welsh Warrior’s Wonder’ and ‘Where Dragons Still Roar’. 

 

Author Links: 

Website: www.arianwennunn.com 

Twitter: https://x.com/Arianwen_Nunn  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091729185630  

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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Arianwen-Nunn/author/B0C69H8RFN  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/35601482.Arianwen_Nunn  

Book Review: “The Queen and the Countess” by Anne O’Brien

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Medieval wars were not just fought on the battlefield. They also fought in court through marriage alliances and politics. While we often think about wars and men, we should also consider the women who played their parts either in exile or glistening palaces. We often think about medieval queens like Margaret of Anjou as these strong women who fought in their ways, but we have to consider the wife of Richard Neville Earl of Warwick, known as the Kingmaker; her name was Anne Beauchamp Countess of Warwick. The relationship between Margaret of Anjou and Anne Beauchamp has not been discussed much until now. Anne O’Brien tells the stories of these two women and the wars that bound them together in her latest novel, “The Queen and the Countess.”

I want to thank Orion Publishing and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this novel. What attracted me to this novel was the cover at first and then the description. I love reading novels about the Wars of the Roses, so when I saw it was a novel featuring both Margaret of Anjou and Anne Beauchamp Countess of Warwick, it was a must read for me.

We begin in the year 1480 as both Margaret and Anne reflect on their lives while they are in exile. Then, we get a flashback to the famous Love Day “celebration” of 1458, when members of the Lancaster and York families joined hands as a way to try to mend the rift that was bound to tear the country apart. It is the idea of King Henry VI that his wife, Margaret of Anjou, joins hands with the Duke of York. It is a complete and utter failure as the Wars of the Roses kick off in full force. Since the King is very weak, it is Margaret who must take the reigns of government to protect the Lancaster family and the throne for not only her husband but also for their only son, Prince Edward.

On the other side of the conflict is Anne Beauchamp Countess of Warwick, the wife of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, also known as the King Maker. She is the mother of two daughters, Isabel and Anne, but she desires a son. Being on the rebellious Yorkist side means that Anne is directly an enemy of Margaret of Anjou, but something remarkable happens: the two women form a thorny friendship. For over twenty years, the relationship between Anne and Margaret ebbs and flows as the crown passes from Henry VI to Edward IV like a ping-pong ball. Both Anne and Margaret understand what it means to lose their husbands and children whom they love; they know the glory of victory, the terror of defeat, and the uncertainty of being in exile.

I enjoyed this novel very much. It gave more depth and heart to the conflict as a whole, as well as a better understanding of both women. Anne O’Brien was able to create such dynamic characters and a thrilling novel that any fan of medieval novels will enjoy. If you are a fan of novels set during the Wars of the Roses featuring strong women, I highly suggest you read, “The Queen and the Countess” by Anne O’Brien.

Guest Post: “New Release Book Blast for ‘Ghost Encounters: The Lingering Spirits of North Devon’ by Helen Hollick with Kathy Hollick”

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I am pleased to welcome Helen and Kathy Hollick to my blog today to share a blurb for their book Ghost Encounters: The Lingering Spirits of North Devon. I want to thank The Coffee Pot Book Club and Helen and Kathy Hollick for allowing me to participate in this blog tour.

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, skepticism is abandoned and the myth that ghosts are to be feared is realized 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 

Buy Link:  

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

This title will be 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, skillfully 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 cozy mystery series set during the 1970s, and based around her, sometimes hilarious, years of working as a North London library assistant. 

Helen, her 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 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, specializing in a 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 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 

Book Review: “Boy” by Nicole Galland

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Have you ever had a dream for your life that seemed so impossible that you would do anything to make sure it happened? Whether the matter of age or gender or even circumstances of one’s birth, there is always that one dream that keeps you going even during the most difficult times. Sander Cooke and his best friend Joan Buckler have dreams that seem impossible, especially living in Elizabethan England. Sander wants to stay young so he can continue to act in female roles in plays whereas Joan wants to be a natural philosopher even though she is a woman. Can they achieve their dreams or will they be doomed to fall to greater powers? The story of Sander and Joan is told in Nicole Galland’s latest novel, “Boy.”

I want to thank William Morrow and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this novel. The cover caught my eye first, and I was impressed by its simplicity. Then, I read the description, and I knew it was right up my alley. I don’t read a lot of novels about Elizabethan theater life or natural philosophy, so I was excited to see how she could incorporate these ideas into one cohesive novel.

We begin with Alexander ‘Sander” Cooke who is one of the best boy players in the Chamberlain’s Men. He can get any female part that he wants that is written by William Shakespeare. Sander is renowned for his beauty and his acting skills, but he knows that his youth will not last forever so he is working feverishly to create connections at court. Meanwhile, Sander’s friend Joan just wants an opportunity to show that she can study just like a man can. She has no formal education, but she wants to study in the halls of the Barber-Surgeons and with natural philosophers.

It seems that both Sander and Joan’s problems are solved when Sander is introduced to Sir Francis Bacon, a natural philosopher. Sander comes up with a scheme for Joan to converse with Bacon, but Joan must dress as a male servant. While Joan has to deal with masquerading as a man, Sander has his issues as he is close to Robert Devereux Earl of Essex, and his sister Lady Penelope Rich. While there are areas of love, danger, and intrigue, what grabbed my attention was how revolutionary some of the scientific and philosophical experiments made me think about their discussions in depth. It was refreshing and innovative in its approach with the historical figures we all know from this period of the past taking more of a back seat.

This was an evocative novel that gave even more depth to an already rich period of the past. It shows the lives of the common people striving for better lives and how to better the world around them through the arts or scientific discoveries. I did not know what to expect when I first selected this book, but I am so glad I read it. If you want a novel with a fresh take on Elizabethan England, I highly suggest you read “Boy” by Nicole Galland.

Book Review: “Preparing Tudor Kings and Princes to Rule: The Men and Women Who Trained the Royals” by Julia A. Hickey

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In life, when it comes to a new skill or job, you must be trained to become good at it. The same can be said for the monarchy, which in a sense is a job that encompasses one’s entire life. You have to understand different languages, rhetoric, the arts of dancing, and music, as well as diplomacy and physical activities if you want to rule a nation. It may seem like a lot for one person to handle, but from the moment of their birth, a prince or princess has a team of people behind them to make sure that they are ready to either rule their home country or create an alliance with other nations. The Tudors knew how important educating their future monarchs was for the survival of the dynasty. Julia A. Hickey examines the people behind the teams raising the future Tudor monarchs in her book, “Preparing Tudor Kings and Princes to Rule: The Men and Women Who Trained the Royals.”

I want to thank Pen and Sword Books and Net Galley for sending me a copy of this book. The premise of this book was fascinating to me and I wanted to see if Hickey would introduce any new people from the Tudor dynasty in this book.

Hickey begins her book by exploring the origins of the Tudor family, starting with the matriarch herself Margaret Beaufort, followed by Owen, Edmund, and Jasper Tudor, and concluding with how Henry Tudor’s education and his lifestyle shaped him to become the first Tudor king. While I do enjoy a review section about the Wars of the Roses, I felt like this section went a bit too long.

Once we see Henry Tudor on the throne, we get to see how the Tudor dynasty grew with the children of Henry Tudor and Elizabeth of York. We get to see how Arthur Tudor as the heir had a much different education than his brother Henry, who was deemed a spare. The education of the princes was vastly different than the education allocated to the princesses even though it was based on humanism. With the death of Prince Arthur, Henry had to go through a crash course on how to rule a country before his father died in 1509. Hickey also shows her audience how the children of Henry VIII, Mary I, Henry Fitzroy, Elizabeth I, and Edward VI, were raised and educated. She also takes the time to show what happens to his children after Henry VIII’s death. Finally, we do get appendixes that feature mini-biographies for all the men and women who are featured in this book to show a different aspect of the Tudor court.

Overall, I found this a rather nifty little book about the Tudor court. Hickey does a decent job of telling the stories of these men and women who trained the Tudor rulers, both male and female. If you want a book that explores what it takes to rule England during the Tudor dynasty, you should check out “Preparing Tudor Kings and Princes to Rule: The Men and Women Who Trained the Royals” by Julia A. Hickey.

Guest Post: “Audiobook Extract from ‘A Woman’s Lot’ by Carolyn Hughes

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I am pleased to welcome Carolyn Hughes back to my blog to share an audiobook extract from her novel, “A Woman’s Lot.” I want to thank The Coffee Pot Book Club and Carolyn Hughes for allowing me to be part of this blog tour.

Audiobook Extract

The following link is the extract for the audiobook for “A Woman’s Lot” by Carolyn Hughes, narrated by Alex Lee. 

https://soundcloud.com/cathie-dunn/a-womans-lot-agnes-by-carolyn-hughes

Blurb: 

How can mere women resist the misogyny of men?

1352. In Meonbridge, a resentful peasant rages against Eleanor Titherige’s efforts to build up her flock of sheep. Susanna Miller’s husband, grown melancholy and ill-tempered, succumbs to idle gossip that his wife’s a scold. Agnes Sawyer’s yearning to be a craftsman is met with scorn. And the village priest, fearful of what he considers women’s “unnatural” ambitions, is determined to keep them firmly in their place. 

Many men hold fast to the teachings of the Church and fear the havoc the “daughters of Eve” might wreak if they’re allowed to usurp men’s roles and gain control over their own lives. 

Not all men in Meonbridge resist the women’s desire for change – indeed, they want it for themselves. Yet it takes only one or two misogynists to unleash the hounds of hostility and hatred… 

If you enjoy immersive historical fiction with a strong authentic feel, set in a time of change and challenge, especially for women, you’ll love A Woman’s Lot, the second MEONBRIDGE CHRONICLE. Find out for yourself if Meonbridge’s “unnatural” women stand up to their abusers! 

Praise: 

“This book exceeded all my expectations. I did not read this story. I lived it!”  

~ The Coffee Pot Book Club 

 

“A treat for all the senses…totally true to its time and setting…”  

~ Being Anne  

 

“I didn’t so much feel as if I were reading about medieval England as experiencing it first hand.” 

~ Linda’s Book Bag 

 

“An absorbing account of the times.” 

~ Historical Novel Society 

Buy Link: 

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

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited. 

Audiobook Links: 

Audible: https://buff.ly/4gw1xs3  

Audible UK: https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/A-Womans-Lot-Audiobook/B0DW4HR5HW  

Audible US: https://www.audible.com/pd/A-Womans-Lot-Audiobook/B0DW4FZLCZ  

Author Bio: 

Carolyn Hughes has lived much of her life in Hampshire. With a first degree in Classics and English, she started working as a computer programmer, which was a very new profession. But it was technical authoring that later proved her vocation, word-smithing for many different clients, including banks, an international hotel group, and medical instruments manufacturers. 

Although she wrote creatively on and off for most of her adult life, it was not until her children flew the nest that writing historical fiction took center stage. But why historical fiction? Serendipity! 

Seeking inspiration for what to write for her Creative Writing Masters, she discovered the handwritten draft, beginning in her twenties, of a novel, set in 14th-century rural England… 

 

Intrigued by the period and setting, she realized that, by writing a novel set in the period, she could learn more about the medieval past and interpret it, which seemed like a thrilling thing to do. A few days later, the first Meonbridge Chronicle, Fortune’s Wheel, was underway. 

 

Six published books later (with more to come), Carolyn does now think of herself as an Historical Novelist. And she wouldn’t have it any other way… 

 

 

Author Links: 

 

Website: https://carolynhughesauthor.com  

Twitter: https://x.com/writingcalliope  

Facebook: https://facebook.com/CarolynHughesAuthor  

Bluesky: https://carolynhughes.bsky.social  

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carolyn-hughes 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Carolyn-Hughes/author/B01MG5TWH1  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16048212.Carolyn_Hughes