Guest Post: “Spotlight for ‘Berengaria of Navarre, Queen of England, Lord of Le Mans’ by Gabrielle Storey”

Today, I am pleased to welcome Gabrielle Storey to share a blurb from her latest book, “Berengaria of Navarre, Queen of England, Lord of Le Mans.”

berengaria of navarreBlurb

Berengaria of Navarre, Queen of England, Lord of Le Mans’ is a biography of one of our least-known queens of medieval England. Wife of Richard the Lionheart, daughter-in-law of Eleanor of Aquitaine, and a participant of the Third Crusade, Berengaria sat at the crossroads of several major political figures and events of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Yet her story has received scant attention by historians and the public until now.

This biography, including material not previously discussed in English scholarship, brings a new light to Berengaria’s life, covering her journeys from Navarre, across Europe to Sicily, Cyprus, the Holy Land, and then to the Angevin domains in France. It shows how women exercised power in medieval Europe, and brings to the fore a greater understanding of the life of one of England’s most forgotten queens. Grounded in academic research and written for the interested reader, this biography gives a welcome insight into Berengaria as a woman, queen, widow, and lord.

Buy Link: https://www.routledge.com/Berengaria-of-Navarre-Queen-of-England-Lord-of-Le-Mans/Storey/p/book/9781032121475

Launch 20% discount code for purchases made through the Routledge website: EFLY01

Gabrielle StoreyAuthor Bio: 

Dr Gabrielle Storey is a historian of monarchy, gender, and sexuality. Her research interests include the exercise of power, rulership, and monarchs in the medieval West. She has featured on several podcasts including the BBC ‘You’re Dead To Me’ on Eleanor of Aquitaine and writes regularly for several history magazines including History Extra and Medieval World: Culture and Conflict.

She is currently working on her first non-fiction book for the wider public. Her first book, the academic and accessible biography of Berengaria of Navarre, is published with Routledge in June 2024.

You can find more about her work here: https://gabriellestorey.com/public-engagement/

Author Links:

Website: https://gabriellestorey.com/

X: https://twitter.com/GabbyStorey

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

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

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Gabrielle-Storey/author/B0CVSCZVFY

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/30441642.Gabrielle_Storey

 

Guest Post: “Spotlight for ‘The Falconer’s Apprentice’ by Malve von Hassell

The Falconer's Apprentice Tour BannerI am pleased to welcome Malve von Hassell to my blog today to share a spotlight for her novel, “The Falconer’s Apprentice.” I want to thank The Coffee Pot Book Club and Malve von Hassell for allowing me to be part of this blog tour.

The Falconer's Apprentice CoverBlurb:

THE FALCONER’S APPRENTICE is a story of adventure and intrigue set in the intense social and political unrest of the Holy Roman Empire in the thirteenth century.

“That bird should be destroyed!” 

Andreas stared at Ethelbert in shock. Blood from an angry-looking gash on the young lord’s cheek dripped onto his embroidered tunic. Andreas clutched the handles of the basket containing the young peregrine. Perhaps this was a dream—

Andreas, an apprentice falconer at Castle Kragenberg, cannot bear the thought of killing the young female falcon and smuggles her out of the castle. Soon he realizes that his own time there has come to an end, and he stows away, with the bird, in the cart of an itinerant trader, Richard of Brugge. 

So begins a series of adventures that lead him from an obscure castle in northern Germany to the farthest reaches of Frederick von Hohenstaufen’s Holy Roman Empire, following a path dictated by the wily trader’s mysterious mission. Andreas continues to improve his falconry skills, but he also learns to pay attention to what is happening around him as he travels through areas fraught with political unrest. 

Eventually, Richard confides in Andreas, and they conspire to free Enzio, the eldest of the emperor’s illegitimate sons, from imprisonment in Bologna. 

Buy Links:

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/31BMjD   

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-falconers-apprentice-malve-von-hassell/1121105739?ean=9781737101185/   

Malve von Hassell Author photoAuthor Bio:

Malve von Hassell is a freelance writer, researcher, and translator. She holds a Ph.D. in anthropology from the New School for Social Research. Working as an independent scholar, she published The Struggle for Eden: Community Gardens in New York City (Bergin & Garvey 2002) and Homesteading in New York City 1978-1993: The Divided Heart of Loisaida (Bergin & Garvey 1996). She has also edited her grandfather Ulrich von Hassell’s memoirs written in prison in 1944, Der Kreis schließt sich – Aufzeichnungen aus der Haft 1944 (Propylaen Verlag 1994). 

She has taught at Queens College, Baruch College, Pace University, and Suffolk County Community College while continuing her work as a translator and writer. 

Malve has published two children’s picture books, Tooth Fairy (Amazon KDP 2012/2020), and Turtle Crossing (Amazon KDP 2023), and her translation and annotation of a German children’s classic by Tamara Ramsay, Rennefarre: Dott’s Wonderful Travels and Adventures (Two Harbors Press, 2012).

The Falconer’s Apprentice (2015/KDP 2024) was her first historical fiction novel for young adults. She has published Alina: A Song for the Telling (BHC Press, 2020), set in Jerusalem in the time of the Crusades, and The Amber Crane (Odyssey Books, 2021), set in Germany in 1645 and 1945, as well as a biographical work about a woman coming of age in Nazi Germany, Tapestry of My Mother’s Life: Stories, Fragments, and Silences (Next Chapter Publishing, 2021), also available in German, Bildteppich Eines Lebens: Erzählungen Meiner Mutter, Fragmente Und Schweigen (Next Chapter Publishing, 2022), and is working on a historical fiction trilogy featuring Adela of Blois. 

Author Links:

Website: https://www.malvevonhassell.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MvonHassell

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/malvevonhassellauthor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malve-von-hassell-02b61517/ 

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

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

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/471746.Malve_von_Hassell

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/malve-von-hassell

Amazon author link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Malve-von-Hassell/author/B0CTGLDQ7P/

Guest Post: “Spotlight for ‘How to Dress Like a Tudor’ by Judith Arnopp

How To Dress Like A Tudor Tour BannerI am pleased to welcome Judith Arnopp to my blog today to share a blurb for her latest book, “How to Dress Like a Tudor.” I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books, The Coffee Pot Book Club, and Judith Arnopp for allowing me to be part of this blog tour. 

How To Dress Like A Tudor coverBlurb:

Have you ever hankered to dress like a Tudor lord or lady, or perhaps you prefer the status of goodwife, or costermonger, or even a bawd? 

For beginner historical reenactors, the path to authenticity can be bewildering and sometimes intimidating. Judith Arnopp uses her own experience, both as a historian and a medieval/Tudor lady, to make your own journey a little easier.

The author traces the transition of fashion from the relatively subtle styles popular at the court of Henry VII, through the carefully constructed royal grandeur of Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I to the pinnacle of majesty and splendid iconography of Elizabeth I. 

In contrast to the magnificence of court come the ordinary folk who, subject to sumptuary laws and regulations, wore garments of a simpler cut and cloth – a strata of society that formed the back bone of Tudor England.

This brief history of 16th-century fashion examines clothing for both rich and poor, adult and child, and offers tips and tricks on how to begin to sew your first historically inspired garment, this book is aimed at helping the beginner learn How to Dress like a Tudor.

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: mybook.to/howtodress

Judith Arnopp at Pembroke CastleAuthor Bio:

Judith writes historical fiction set during the late medieval and Tudor periods. Her usual focus is on the women who lived close to the monarch, women like Margaret Beaufort, Elizabeth of York, and Mary Tudor but more recently has been writing from the perspective of Henry VIII himself. Her books are on Kindle, Audible, and Paperback.

You can find her fiction books here: http://author.to/juditharnoppbooks

She also writes non-fiction and her work is featured in many anthologies and online magazines. Her latest non-fiction, How to Dress like a Tudor published by Pen & Sword Books is available now. 

Judith is a founder member of a reenactment group The Fyne Company of Cambria, and began making Tudor costumes for herself, her husband, John, and other members of the group. It was this that inspired How to Dress Like a Tudor and she hopes to write more non-fiction Tudor history in the future.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.judithmarnopp.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudithArnopp

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

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-arnopp-ba999025

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

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

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/judith-arnopp

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Judith-Arnopp/e/B003CGLWLA/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4088659.Judith_Arnopp

Guest Post: “Alternate Endings Anthology” by Historical Writers Forum Spotlight

Alternate Endings Tour BannerToday, I am pleased to welcome the Historical Writers Forum to my blog to promote their latest novel, “Alternate Endings Anthology.” I would like to thank The Coffee Pot Book Club and the Historical Writers Forum for allowing me to be part of this blog tour. 

Alternate Endings coverBlurb: 

We all know the past is the past, but what if you could change history?

We asked eight historical authors to set aside the facts and rewrite the history they love. The results couldn’t be more tantalizing.

What if Julius Caesar never conquered Gaul?

What if Arthur Tudor lived and his little brother never became King Henry VIII?

What if Abigail Adams persuaded the Continental Congress in 1776 to give women the right to vote and to own property?

Dive into our collection of eight short stories as we explore the alternate endings of events set in ancient Rome, Britain, the United States, and France.

An anthology of the Historical Writers Forum.

Buy Links:

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Universal Link:  https://mybook.to/AltEnd 

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BKC33GFX 

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Alternate-Endings-Short-Anthology-Historical-ebook/dp/B0BKC33GFX/ 

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BKC33GFX 

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BKC33GFX 

Author Bios:

Samantha WilcoxsonSamantha Wilcoxson

Samantha Wilcoxson is an author of emotive biographical fiction and strives to help readers connect with history’s unsung heroes. She also writes nonfiction for Pen & Sword History.

Samantha loves sharing trips to historic places with her family and spending time by the lake with a glass of wine. Her most recent work is Women of the American Revolution, which explores the lives of 18th-century women, and she is currently working on a biography of James Alexander Hamilton.

Sharon Bennett ConnollySharon Bennett Connolly

Historian Sharon Bennett Connolly is the best-selling author of five non-fiction history books, with a new release coming soon.

A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Sharon has studied history academically and just for fun – and has even worked as a tour guide at a castle. She writes the popular history blog, http://www.historytheinterestingbits.com. 

Sharon regularly talks about women’s history; she is a feature writer for All About History magazine, and her TV work includes Australian Television’s ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’

Cathie DunnCathie Dunn

Cathie Dunn writes historical fiction, mystery, and romance. The focus of her historical fiction novels is on strong women through time.

She loves researching for her novels, delving into history books, and visiting castles and historic sites

Cathie’s stories have garnered awards and praise from reviewers and readers for their authentic descriptions of the past.

Karen HeenanKaren Heenan

As an only child, Karen Heenan learned early that boredom was the enemy. Shortly after, she discovered perpetual motion and has rarely been seen holding still since.

She lives in Lansdowne, PA, just outside Philadelphia, where she grows much of her own food and makes her own clothes. She is accompanied on her quest for self-sufficiency by a very patient husband and an ever-changing number of cats. 

One constant: she is always writing her next book.

Salina B BakerSalina Baker

Salina Baker is a multiple award-winning author and avid student of Colonial America and the American Revolution. 

Her lifelong passion for history and all things supernatural led her to write historical fantasy. Reading, extensive traveling, and graveyard prowling with her husband keep that passion alive. 

Salina lives in Austin, Texas.

Virginia CrowVirginia Crow

Virginia Crow is an award-winning Scottish author who grew up in Orkney and now lives in Caithness.

Her favorite genres to write are fantasy and historical fiction, sometimes mixing the two. Her academic passions are theology and history, her undergraduate degree in the former and her postgraduate degree in the latter, and aspects of these frequently appear within her writings.

When not writing, Virginia is usually to be found teaching music. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of music, especially as a tool of inspiration, and music often plays when she writes. Her life is governed by two spaniels, Orlando and Jess, and she enjoys exploring the Caithness countryside with these canine sidekicks.

She loves cheese, music, and films but hates mushrooms.

Elizabeth K CorbettElizabeth K Corbett

Elizabeth K. Corbett is an author, book reviewer, and historian who has recently published a short story, “Marie Thérèse Remembers.” She is working on her debut novel, a gothic romance set in Jacksonian America.

When she is not writing, she teaches academic writing, something she is very passionate about. She believes in empowering students to express themselves and speak their truth through writing. Additionally, she is a women’s historian who studies the lives of women in eighteenth and nineteenth-century North America. Mostly, she is fascinated by the lives of the lesser-known women in history.

A resident of gorgeous coastal New Jersey, she takes inspiration from local history to write her historical fiction. She is an avid reader who adores tea and coffee.

Stephanie ChurchillStephanie Churchill

After serving time as a corporate paralegal in Washington, D.C., then staying home to raise her children, Stephanie Churchill stumbled upon writing, a career path she never saw coming.

As a result of writing a long-winded review of the book Lionheart, Stephanie became fast friends with its New York Times best-selling author, Sharon Kay Penman, who uttered the fateful words, “Have you ever thought about writing?” 

Stephanie’s books are filled with action and romance, loyalty and betrayal. Her writing takes on a cadence that is sometimes literary, sometimes genre fiction, relying on deeply-drawn and complex characters while exploring the subtleties of imperfect people living in a gritty, sometimes dark world.

She lives in the Minneapolis area with her husband, two children, and two dogs while trying to survive the murderous intentions of a Minnesota winter.

Michael RossMichael Ross

Best-selling author Michael Ross is a lover of history and great stories.

He’s a retired software engineer turned author with three children and five grandchildren, living in Newton, Kansas, with his wife of forty years. He was born in Lubbock, Texas, and still loves Texas.

Michael attended Rice University as an undergraduate and Portland State University for his graduate degree. He has degrees in computer science, software engineering, and German. In his spare time, Michael loves to go fishing, riding horses, and play with his grandchildren, who are currently all under six years old. 

Connect with the Historical Writers Forum:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistWriters 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063689944203