Excerpt & Giveaway: Mistress of Legend by Nicole Evelina

Happy Saturday, dear readers! Today I am hosting an excerpt from Nicole Evelina's Mistress of Legend! There's also a giveaway for a set of the Guinevere's Tale Trilogy, so be sure to enter!

Mistress of Legend by Nicole Evelina

Publication Date: September 15, 2018

Lawson Gartner Publishing

Paperback, eBook, AudioBook; 412 Pages

Series: Guinevere's Tale, Book 3

Genre: Historical Fiction/Arthurian/Fantasy

Legend says Guinevere spent her final days in penance in a convent, but that is far from the truth.

Having escaped death at the stake, Guinevere longs to live a peaceful life in Brittany with Lancelot, but the threat of Arthur’s wrath quickly separates the lovers. Guinevere finds herself back in Camelot, but it is not the peaceful capital she once knew; the loyalty of the people is divided over Arthur’s role in her death sentence. When war draws Arthur away from Britain, Mordred is named acting king. With Morgan at his side and a Saxon in his bed, Mordred’s thirst for power becomes his undoing and the cause of Guinevere’s greatest heartache.

In the wake of the deadly battle that leaves the country in civil war, Guinevere’s power as the former queen is sought by everyone who seeks to ascend the throne. Heartbroken and refusing to take sides in the conflict, she flees north to her mother’s Votadini homeland, where she is at long last reunited with Lancelot. The quiet life she desires is just beginning when warring tribal factions once again thrust her into an unexpected position of power. Now charged with ending an invasion that could bring an end to the Votadini tribe and put the whole island in the hands of the Saxons, Guinevere must draw upon decades of experience to try to save the people she loves and is sworn to protect.

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Excerpt

Imagining Guinevere’s Life After King Arthur

This is the second scene in Mistress of Legend. It takes place right after Lancelot rescues a badly-burned Guinevere from the stake. Arthur’s men have caught up with them and are bringing her back to Camelot because Arthur wishes to apologize and pardon her, as his bishop condemned her without his consent. The Combrogi referenced below are what we would today call the Knights of the Round Table.

They carried me to Camelot on a stretcher. While it was not quite the indignity of being transported in a prisoner’s cart or forced to walk behind the Combrogi in chains, it certainly was not the entrance any soon-to-be-redeemed queen wished to make. But I did not really care, for my wounds turned even breathing and blinking into torture. They throbbed and burned, rubbed even rawer against the fabric of the stretcher with every jolt. My fever came and went, plunging me into nightmarish visons where I relived my failed execution and created far worse fates for myself, only to be brought back to reality with startling clarity when the heat relaxed its grip.

I was between bouts of delirium when Camelot came into view. The castle loomed large on the hillside above as we trod the hidden track to a private entrance, rather than the wide thoroughfare used by noble guests, merchants, and all manner of visitors. The people need not know I had returned. There was no need to stir up a mob now, especially when I needed peace and quiet to heal. They would have plenty of time to voice their joy or displeasure later.

Seeing this place, this dream begun by Arthur’s father and fulfilled in our reign, through fresh eyes was strange. When I’d first seen it as a new bride so many years ago, it was to me a place of wonder and majesty, a place of light and welcome. Now, its shadows held dominance, swallowing up the comfort I used to find within its walls, daring me to attempt to find solace here.

Kay and Aggrivane had just carried me into my old bedroom when Arthur met us. Grainne and Morgan—Arthur’s second wife and my lifelong enemy—trailed in his wake, their blue robes of priestesshood covered by thick off-white aprons that signaled their readiness to see to my wounds as soon as I was released into their care. Arthur dashed to my side, his eyes widening as he took in my scarred face and neck, all that was currently visible from beneath my clothing.

“Guinevere! Sweet Mother of God, what have I done?” Arthur brought a hand to his blond beard, covering his mouth.

“You’ve nearly killed her, that’s what you’ve done,” Grainne shot back, already examining me.

Morgan moved in to help transfer me to the bed, but Arthur stepped in front of her. Her eyes widened in offense. If I was not in so much pain, I would have laughed.

Arthur leaned down to me, his blue eyes softened with tenderness and grief. “I did not intend to kill you, please know that. I gave no order, despite what you may have been
told. You must believe me.”

“Arthur, move away and let us work,” Morgan snapped, elbowing past her husband. She dripped a few drops of a bitter liquid onto my lips, and I instinctively licked them away before recognizing my error.

“No. I will not let you poison me too,” I yelled, flailing my right arm at her and trying to sit up. A wave of nausea pushed me back to the pillows.

Grainne held me down with muscles honed from years of birthing babies and wrestling recalcitrant patients like me. “Stop fighting us. No one is trying to poison you. It is only a small dose of poppy juice, just enough to make you sleep. You do not want to be awake to experience what is to come.”

“Why did she accuse you of poisoning her?” Arthur asked Morgan. When she ignored him, slicing into my dress with a dagger to expose the extent of my injuries, he turned to me. “What did you mean, Guinevere? You said ‘too.’ Who has she poisoned?”

I attempted to answer, but my lips felt swollen and my tongue wouldn’t obey my commands. Snorting out a breath, I balled my fists and tried again, but the effort was
too great. Blackness tugged at my eyelids, making them feel as though they were made of wet sand.

Finally, I managed to slur, “You,” before I slipped into unconsciousness.

More information about this book can be found on Nicole’s website. Need to catch up? Nicole has released a single-volume of the entire Guinevere’s Tale Trilogy as well.

A box set containing Daughter of Destiny, Camelot’s Queen, and Mistress of Legend

Guinevere is remembered for her role as King Arthur’s wife and for her adulterous affair with Lancelot. But there is so much more to her story…

Priestess. Queen. Warrior. Experience the world of King Arthur through Guinevere’s eyes as she matures from a young priestess who never dreamed of becoming queen to the stalwart defender of a nation and a mistress whose sin would go down in history. Throughout it all, Guinevere she faces threats from both foreign powers and within her own court that lead her to place her very life on the line to protect the dream of Camelot and save her people.

This compendium of Nicole Evelina’s two-time Book of the Year award-winning trilogy - Daughter of Destiny, Camelot’s Queen, and Mistress of Legend - gives fresh life to an age-old tale by adding historical context and emotional depth. Spanning more than three decades, it presents Guinevere as an equal to the famous men she is remembered for loving, while providing context for her controversial decisions and visiting little-known aspects of her life before and after her marriage to King Arthur.

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About the Author

Nicole Evelina is a historical fiction, non-fiction, and women’s fiction author whose five books -Daughter of Destiny, Camelot’s Queen, Been Searching for You, Madame Presidentess and The Once and Future Queen: Guinevere in Arthurian Legend (nonfiction) - have won more than 30 awards, including three Book of the Year designations.

Her writing has appeared in The Huffington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Independent Journal, Curve Magazine and numerous historical publications. She is one of only six authors who completed a week-long writing intensive taught by #1 New York Times bestselling author Deborah Harkness.

Nicole is currently working on Mistress of Legend (September 15), the final novel in her Guinevere's Tale historical fantasy trilogy and researching two future non-fiction books. She also teaches online writing and business classes for authors at Professional Author Academy.

Her website/blog is http://nicoleevelina.com and she can be found on Twitter as well as on Pinterest, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram and Tumblr.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, December 10
Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, December 11
Review at Pursuing Stacie (Daughter of Destiny)

Wednesday, December 12
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Thursday, December 13
Review at A Book Geek (Daughter of Destiny)

Friday, December 14
Interview at Donna's Book Blog

Saturday, December 15
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views (Daughter of Destiny)

Sunday, December 16
Review at History From a Woman's Perspective (Mistress of Legend)

Tuesday, December 18
Review at Book Nerd (Camelot's Queen)

Thursday, December 20
Review at Pursuing Stacie (Camelot's Queen)

Friday, December 21
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Thursday, December 27
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views (Camelot's Queen)

Friday, December 28
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit (Mistress of Legend)

Saturday, December 29
Review at Pursuing Stacie (Mistress of Legend)

Sunday, December 30
Review at Jorie Loves a Story (Mistress of Legend)

Monday, December 31
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at Curling up by the Fire (Mistress of Legend)

Wednesday, January 2
Review at Book Nerd (Mistress of Legend)

Thursday, January 3
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views (Mistress of Legend)

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a boxed set of The Guinevere's Tale Trilogy in paperback (US only) and one set in eBook (international)! To enter, please see the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

- Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on January 3rd. You must be 18 or older to enter.
- PB Giveaway is open to US residents only & eBook Giveaway is open internationally.
- Only one entry per household.
- All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
- Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

Mistress of Legend

Interview & Giveaway: What Girls Are Good For by David Blixt

Hello David and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about What Girls Are Good For!

My genuine pleasure.

To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?

I’m an author and actor living in Chicago. I was always a fan of Historical Fiction, but didn’t consider being a writer of it until I came across an idea in a play that I couldn’t let go of. That tends to be my process - the stories I write choose me, not the other way around. I become entranced by some gap in the record, or by a story untold, and feel compelled to put it into words.

What inspired you to write Nellie Bly’s story?

In April of 2016, I was reading a story in The Atlantic about how there were more women action stars in film 100 years ago than there are today. I was startled, but it’s totally true - think of The Peril Of Pauline and the like, where you have women in the Silent Film era leaping from horses onto moving trains, or jumping off bridges.

Naturally, I started reading more about these movies, and noticed that the majority of them had something in common. They were “loosely based on a story by Nellie Bly”. I knew the name, but only in a vague way. So I started reading, and realized she’s the template for 100 years worth of “plucky girl reporter” stories. She’s the reason we have Lois Lane, and His Girl Friday, and every other female reporter who puts herself in danger to get the scoop. Only Nellie Bly never needed Superman to save her.

What research did you undertake when writing What Girls Are Good For?

I read the only true biography of her, by Brooke Kroeger, and Matthew Goodman’s terrific Eighty Days. For the rest of it, I read her own work. She gave us three books about her reporting, as well as a truly awful novel. But the best bits are her actual articles, and nine letters we have in her own hand to her fiend/nemesis Erasmus Wilson. Then I did a lot more reading of period newspapers, to gather the style and feel of the day, and finally set to work.

During your research did you come across that surprised you or changed the way you thought of Nellie?

Constantly. She is wonderfully contradictory. She wants to be attractive and taken seriously at the same time. She lied about her age all her life, even under oath. She co-owns the patent on the oil drum we still use today. She castigates men for not employing women, but also lets women have it for not working to look pretty. She was in no way an intellectual, but she was famous for her writing.

What I love most about her is her unending, unyielding work to champion the rights of the downtrodden, the unseen, the forgotten. She was a daredevil feminist, the first of the stunt girls. But she also yearned for the love of an older man, one who she would love her entire life. It’s very Gothic.

What would you like readers to take away from reading What Girls Are Good For?

The importance of her anger. From the very beginning she wrote from outrage. Outrage fueled her. I’m looking at the next book, where she has this incredible period of activity culminating in her trip around the world. But she loses her way, because she loses her outrage, and has to find it again. In this book, she has no trouble accessing her anger.

Rebecca Traister has a great new book out, Good And Mad, about the history of women’s anger in the United States, and how it’s the vehicle for so much change. My novel was finished before it came out, but I found myself resonating again and again with passages about how feminism is fueled by righteous outrage, much the same way the American Revolution was.

What was your favorite scene to write?

Favorite? There are so many. The bull fight. The kiss with Wilson. But probably my favorite was her at her wits’ end, broke and alone in New York, marching into the office of Pulitzer’s paper and demanding to see the editor because she had a story idea.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

There’s one night in the madhouse where she’s given chloral, and it provokes a flashback to her childhood. All of that was hard, both for her present moment in time, and the moment when she first thought she was going to die.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

6th grade, Mr. Melby’s class. He made us write 200 word short stories every Friday. After a couple weeks, I started linking the stories. They were very LOTR derivitive, with a little Dreadstar thrown in. But by the end of that year, I had something like a novel. I wrote a sci-fi epic in high school, and a timeslip romance in college. So I’ve never really not seen myself as a writer.

What does your daily writing routine look like? 

Get on the computer between 9 and 10 am, and hope that I can resist the sinkhole that is Facebook. Write and/or research until the kids get home.

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Facebook. Have you been able to overcome it? Not yet.

Who are your writing inspirations?

Dorothy Dunnett, Sharon Kay Penman, Bernard Cornwell, Colleen McCullough, Jonathan Carroll, Raphael Sabatini, and Dashiell Hammett.

What was the first historical novel you read?

THE FIRST MAN IN ROME by Colleen McCullough (unless you count Mists Of Avalon as Historical Fiction, which I don’t)

What is the last historical novel you read?

THE ALICE NETWORK by Kate Quinn (it’s amazing, but then, so is she)

What are three things people may not know about you?

I am an avid devotee of the music of Benny Goodman, I like scented candles, and my first car was a midnight-blue 1941 Chevy two door sedan.

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

Dear lord, what doesn’t? It has the world-building of good fantasy/sci-fi, is filled with mysteries to unravel, and you can always cheat when stuck by asking what really happened!

What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading?

Ancient Rome and the Renaissance.

What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

I am sadly an avid follower of the news. I also act on occasion. But mostly I’m a homebody. Right now I’m rewatching Downton Abbey in advance of the movie.

Lastly, what are you working on next?

Um - that’s a hard one. Here goes:

• A vampire novel (no kidding - I had a story idea, or I’d never have tried it)
• The fifth book in the Star-Cross’d series.
• A novel about the fall of Granada.
• A time-slip/magical realism novel.
• A novel set in Hell (kind of an update on Dante)
• The next in the Colossus series (nearest completion)
• And finally, the next Nellie Bly novel.

Whew! I'm exhausted just reading that list, David! I am absolutely loving What Girls Are Good For and look forward to these upcoming projects! Thank you for being here with us today!

What Girls Are Good For by David Blixt

Publication Date: November 6, 2018

Creativia

Paperback & eBook; 535 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Nellie Bly has the story of a lifetime. But will she survive to tell it?

Enraged by an article entitled ‘What Girls Are Good For’, Elizabeth Cochrane pens an angry letter to the Pittsburgh Dispatch, never imagining a Victorian newspaper would hire a woman reporter. Taking the name Nellie Bly, she struggles against the male-dominated industry, reporting stories no one else will - the stories of downtrodden women.

Chased out of Mexico for revealing government corruption, her romantic advances rejected by a married colleague, Bly earns the chance to break into the New York’s Newspaper Row if she can nab a major scoop - life inside a madhouse. Feigning madness, she dupes the court into committing her to the Insane Asylum on Blackwell’s Island.

But matters are far worse than she ever dreamed. Stripped, drugged, beaten, she must endure a week of terror, reliving the darkest days of her childhood, in order to escape and tell the world her story. Only, at the end of the week, no rescue comes, and she fears she may be trapped forever...

Based on the real-life events of Nellie Bly’s life and reporting, What Girls Are Good For is a tale of rage, determination, and triumph - all in the frame of a tiny Pennsylvania spitfire who refused to let the world tell her how to live her life, and changed the world instead.

Available on Amazon

Praise for What Girls Are Good For

"Dramatic, engrossing, and spirited, What Girls Are Good For takes the reader straight to the heart of an unsung American hero--a feminist icon whose voice rings loud and true. This is a must-read for anyone who loves an underdog and celebrates justice; the perfect accompaniment for our present times." - Olivia Hawker, international bestselling author of The Ragged Edge of Night

"With rich imagination and meticulous research, David Blixt has brought the hectic, exciting world of nineteenth-century journalism vividly to life. His Nellie Bly is determined, independent, crafty, irresistible -- a heroine any reader would be delighted to get to know." - Matthew Goodman, New York Times bestselling author

About the Author

David Blixt‘s work is consistently described as “intricate,” “taut,” and “breathtaking.” A writer of Historical Fiction, his novels span the early Roman Empire (the COLOSSUS series, his play EVE OF IDES) to early Renaissance Italy (the STAR-CROSS’D series) up through the Elizabethan era (his delightful espionage comedy HER MAJESTY’S WILL, starring Will Shakespeare and Kit Marlowe as inept spies). His novels combine a love of the theatre with a deep respect for the quirks and passions of history.

Living in Chicago with his wife and two children, he describes himself as “actor, author, father, husband. In reverse order.”

For more information, please visit David Blixt's website. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, December 10
Review at Bookish Rantings

Thursday, December 13
Review at Bri's Book Nook

Monday, December 17
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Tuesday, December 18
Excerpt at Donna's Book Blog

Wednesday, December 19
Review & Guest Post at Clarissa Reads it All
Review at History From a Woman's Perspective

Thursday, December 20
Review at Passages to the Past

Friday, December 21
Review at Just One More Chapter
Review at Tar Heel Reader

Saturday, December 22
Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, December 27
Review at A Bookish Affair

Friday, December 28
Review at Coffee and Ink
Interview at Reading the Past

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 4 paperback copies of What Girls Are Good For! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

- Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 28th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
- Giveaway is open to US residents only.
- Only one entry per household.
- All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
- Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

What Girls Are Good For

Excerpt & Giveaway: Cadenza by Stella Riley

Today on the blog I am hosting an excerpt from Cadenza by Stella Riley! It's the last day of her tour, so don't forget to enter to win any title from her Rockliffe series in eBook!

The Times said of the Rockliffe series: " I read all five books in the series back to back on the way to work and loved them all. I finished the last one while actually walking over London Bridge, because I couldn’t put it down. Read it now. Thank me later."

Cadenza by Stella Riley

Publication Date: November 22, 2018

eBook; 380 Pages

Genre: Historical Romance

The performance finished in a flourish of technical brilliance and the young man rose from the harpsichord to a storm of applause.

Julian Langham was poised on the brink of a dazzling career when the lawyers lured him into making a catastrophic mistake. Now, instead of the concert platform, he has a title he doesn’t want, an estate verging on bankruptcy … and bewildering responsibilities for which he is totally unfitted.

And yet the wreckage of Julian’s life is not a completely ill wind. For Tom, Rob and Ellie it brings something that is almost a miracle … if they dare believe in it.

Meanwhile, first-cousins Arabella Brandon and Elizabeth Marsden embark on a daring escapade which will provide each of them with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The adventure will last only a few weeks, after which everything will be the way it was before. Or so they think. What neither of them expects is for it to change a number of lives … most notably, their own.

And there is an additional complication of which they are wholly unaware.

The famed omniscience of the Duke of Rockliffe.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

Excerpt

‘You look appalled. But it wasn’t that bad. As long as I had music, I didn’t need anything else.’ The smile slid away, as Julian contemplated the ruin of his hands. Long-fingered and elegantly-boned, they were littered with scratches, the marks of old blisters and the beginnings of calluses. ‘In truth, if I had that now I’d be coping better with the rest of this mess.’

Surprised that he hadn’t understood this before, it was several moments before Paul spoke. But finally he said, ‘Aren’t you finding any time at all to play?’

‘Play what? The harpsichord is still not in working order.’

‘But you’ve been repairing it since you first got here!’

‘With insufficient time and none of the proper materials,’ muttered Julian. ‘Strings were broken, the jackrail was split and half the jacks were damaged. Nearly all the dampers had rotted and mice had been nesting on the soundboard, for God’s sake. I told you all that.’

The doctor stared at him in exasperation.

‘Julian … I can name every bone in your hand and tell you more about your liver than you’d really want to know - but the internal workings of musical instruments are as big a mystery to me as they are to most other people. However … I gather what you’re saying is that you haven’t played a note since you left Vienna. Is that right?’

‘Yes.’

‘And it’s killing you.’

Julian hunched one shoulder and said nothing.

Paul stood. ‘Get up and come with me.’

‘What? Why?’

‘If you’d made any attempt to get to know your neighbours instead of going about with your head down and your hands in your pockets, you’d be aware that your struggles to mend matters at Chalfont without raising rents haven’t gone unnoticed. There are people who would help if you asked them. But you don’t ask. You hide.’
‘I don’t --’

‘Reverend Hassall would have been happy for you to play the church organ. Did you think of that?’ Paul’s determination to sound bracing rather than sympathetic came out more gruffly than he had intended. ‘But I forgot. You don’t attend church, do you?’

‘I went once.’ Julian shifted uneasily. ‘I’d intended to speak to the vicar. But the regular organist has rheumatism in his hands and --’

‘He does. Is less than perfect playing too painful for you to listen to?’

‘No. What hurt was knowing what that must mean to him. And that hearing me play wouldn’t have made him feel any better.’

The air hissed between Paul’s teeth. He said, ‘Ah. My apologies.’

‘It doesn’t matter.’ He rose. ‘I should go back. Ridley thinks the weather may break before we’ve got the last of the --’

‘You can spare another hour. It’s time you discovered that the heap of firewood you are trying to mend isn’t the only harpsichord within reach.’

About the Author

Readers' Favorite award-winning author and B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree Stella Riley trained as a teacher in London and now lives in Kent. She enjoys Amateur Dramatics, dancing, reading and travel. She is fascinated by the English Civil Wars and has written six books set in that period. She loves the extravagant fashions of the mid-Georgian period, likes men with long hair and her current passion is for Baroque harpsichord music.

The first 5 books of the Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times newspaper!) are also available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham. And Rockliffe Book Six - CADENZA - is currently available for pre-order and will be released on November 22nd.

Visit Stella at http://stellarileybooks.co.uk for all the latest information on her books and her 'Who's Who' and Extras pages. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away eBooks from Stella Riley's Rockliffe series - The Parfit Knight, The Mésalliance, The Player, The Wicked Cousin, or Hazard! 5 eBooks are up for grabs!

To enter, please see the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

- Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 19th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
- Giveaway is open to US residents only.
- Only one entry per household.
- All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
- Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

Cadenza

Join the 2019 HF Reading Challenge Facebook Group

For those that are joining the 2019 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge, I set up a Facebook group for all of us! We can share review links and give updates on the challenge!

Hope to see you there!

Join the 2019 HF Reading Challenge Facebook Group

Sign Ups are still open for the Reading Challenge. Click HERE to sign up.

Interview & Giveaway: A Fisher of Women by Catherine Magia

Happy Monday, dear readers! Today on the blog I have the pleasure of interviewing author Catherine Magia who is currently on blog tour for A Fisher of Women!

I hope you enjoy the interview! We also have a giveaway for an eBook, so be sure to enter!

Hello Catherine and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about A Fisher of Women!

To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?

I am storyteller and a dreamer. Traveling is a lifestyle for me (I am currently working in Tokyo, Japan during this blog tour.) I am most interested in the idiosyncrasies of people. What makes individuals and where they come from special? For example, did we know that waving is the same as flashing the middle finger in South Korea? Or a mountaintop in Switzerland may have been named after Pontius Pilate? Or for a woman in Spain, going about without earrings makes her feel naked?

I am also a poet. To me, language is the source of indescribable beauty. I am Asian-American, the daughter of immigrant parents from South Vietnam. I was raised to be practical, so I have a corporate day job in a pharmaceutical company, working with cancer medicines and figuring out ways to connect the pharmaceutical industry with the patients. I specialize in helping executives and employees get in touch with the stories, dreams, and experiences of the cancer patient.

What inspired you to write The Fisherman’s Bride and A Fisher of Women?

Stories about ancient healing have always fascinated me. As I focused on the miracles of Jesus, I began to think about what that world must have really been like. It was multi-faceted, the intersection of Hippocratic medicine, biblical miracles, and magic/sorcery of the Roman pagan world. I also work in healthcare, so the amalgam of myth and medicine, and the re-imagining of the old tales using a modern medical vocabulary was eye-opening in what those ancient illnesses could have been. This novel is a sequel, continuing the journey of Simon Peter’s wife, a woman who is as extraordinary as her famous husband. At its core, A Fisher of Women is ultimately the story of a woman, her evolution, and finding her voice. What was the role of women in those days, and how could a disciple of a new faith transcend the boundaries of her time by discovering unique talents within herself?

What research did you undertake when writing the books?

I sought to be as authentic to history/Bible as possible by an academic and comprehensive study of medicine, history, and politics. I read the documents of Hippocrates. Three different doctors (oncologist, neurologist, and pain management specialist) had reviewed my novel for medical accuracy. I studied the historian Josephus, as well Bible in great detail. I also visited the Middle East several times to provide a vivid and cinematic vision of atmosphere, the angle of the trees, colors of the sky, spices of the market, the glittering limestone of Jerusalem. I also spent a fair amount of time researching pagan rituals and did a crash course on hypnosis, in order to understand a magician/sorceress of the ancient era.

What would you like readers to take away from reading A Fisher of Women?

I would like readers to imagine an elusive, beautiful, and dangerous world during the times of Jesus, and the coming of age adventures of one woman. However, the key message of A Fisher of Women and the Fisherwoman Trilogy, is the story of invisibility. It is the story of the evolution of love. Initially, the way she loves is very conditional, focused upon her husband. However, as she encounters Jesus and imbibes his teachings, the way she loves is transformed. It becomes unconditional, as she learns to love beyond herself. That, I believe, is the mission of every human being. To love more today than we did yesterday. To love more expansively tomorrow than we do today. And it doesn’t matter if our names are remembered or not. Because love is not about us. It is about giving, and the giving is invisible.

What was your favorite scene to write?

The healing of the dancer Zionna was my favorite scene. She had become a leper because she had loved the wrong man, she was deceived, and she was wrongly imprisoned. She is actually based on a friend of my mother’s, a privileged girl who attended boarding school and ran away with her boyfriend. Only after, did she realize he was already married, and her parents disowned her. Trying to survive, she became very sick and my mother never knew if she lived or died. The redemption of Zionna, and the restoration of her body through love, was something I always wished for this friend of my mother’s that I had never met.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

Writing the scenes with Simon Peter were hard for me, presenting a flawed character who was insecure and blamed his wife, yet simultaneously loved her and attempted to protect her. It was very hard for me to make him sympathetic and demonstrate his maturity. As a woman, it is challenging for me to think like a man.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I have always known that I wanted to be a writer. I just did not always have the courage to make it happen. Sometimes we get caught up in life, and we forget our dreams. But I have known I was a storyteller since I was six and a poet at the age of ten.

What does your daily writing routine look like?

I don’t have a daily routine. I write when I am inspired. Sometimes, I write for several hours in the day for months. Sometimes, I don’t write for months. The critical thing to me is to have the freedom to write when inspiration knocks, and to give myself the permission to break away from daily activities when there is a story that is writing itself.

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have you been able to overcome it?

The Discipline. I am a perfectionist, so for many years I was afraid to write prose because it required so much editing. Even now, there are days when I force myself to write even if the words are not flowing, and my writer friends challenge me to keep refining my story even when I think I am done.

Who are your writing inspirations?

Margaret Atwood, Emily Bronte, Geraldine Brooks, Ian McEwan, Lan Cao, Andrew Pham. I love the elegance of their prose, and how original/expansive their thoughts are. To me, it is not just about writing a good story. It is when their prose style thrills me with its beauty in addition to an unforgettable story.

What was the first historical novel you read?

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. I loved the character of Sydney Carton, who sacrificed his life so that his beloved Lucy Manette could have a happy ending with another man.

What is the last historical novel you read?

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Even though it is not connected to a specific event in history, its sense of atmosphere, time, and place were so potent, that it feels somehow very historical.

What are three things people may not know about you?

I wanted to be a kung-fu actress as a child, I knit, and my priorities tend to differ from social convention.

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

Being able to be very imaginative within a given historical context, almost like connecting the dots or problem solving. Similar to life, we don’t get to create the circumstances, but we can color it and invent within certain boundaries. Historical fiction is like that. You can’t change the facts, but you can play with perspective and imagination, and the gaps in the known to create something no one has realized could exist.

What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading? 

None in particular.

I tend to appreciate a certain mastery of language, and to gravitate towards themes that are out of the ordinary. My love of Margaret Atwood is an example.

What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

I tend to be traveling, taking long solitary walks in nature or shopping malls (doesn’t seem to really matter when you are daydreaming half the time), and going to the opera.

Lastly, what are you working on next?

I am currently working on the third book of the Fisherwoman Trilogy. This final book juxtaposes the revolutionary history of Israel against the well-known stories of the Bible. Additionally, I am working on my mother’s memoirs, who was an immigrant who fled the Communist invasion of South Vietnam.

Those both sound fascinating! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions!

A Fisher of Women by Catherine Magia

Publication Date: October 3, 2018

Paperback & eBook; 184 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Biblical

When the wife of Simon Peter returns to Galilee, she brings nothing but her faith in an enigmatic carpenter named Jesus, who has an extraordinary gift of healing the sick. But as she spends time in the presence of this divine leader, she discovers the gift of healing comes at a devastating cost. A terrible burden Jesus bears for the sake of his love for humanity.

In her quest to alleviate Jesus’s eternal suffering, the wife of Simon Peter befriends a pagan magician named Helen. Helen possesses a wisdom and healing power exceeded only by Jesus himself, but bears an unsavory reputation. Can Helen be trusted to ease Jesus's suffering? Or is she a rival seeking his ultimate destruction?

Simon Peter is immortalized as a devoted pillar of the early Church. This is the untold story of his wife, forgotten as a healer and invisible to the pages of history. Her journey leads her to understand the inevitable price of healing, and what it truly means to love.

Available on Amazon

Praise for A Fisher of Women

"Catherine Magia has penned an affecting narrative, weaving a woman's journey of discovery with pagan sorcery, ancient medicine, and the Christian faith. Biblical details are given a fresh and unconventional interpretation, particularly the very human suffering of Jesus and the alienation of the sick in this enthralling chronicle of miracles. A thrilling sequel." - Lan Cao, author of The Lotus and the Storm and Monkey Bridge

"Catherine's name springs from the root for magic, which perhaps explains her uncanny skill at conjuring fictional worlds. We quickly fall under the spell of her heroine in A Fisher of Women, the wife of Simon Peter, a healer who learns not only the virtues of plants but the restorative power of forgiveness. Be transported back to Galilee: its fragrant spices, its pagan magicians, its wealth and danger, the golden light in Jesus's eyes. More than a great read -- it's a revelation." - Duncan W. Alderson, author of the Harper's Bazaar Must-Read Magnolia City

"The story is smoothly written, with clear characters, a mix of scripture and historical events presented in an easy to follow manner... Letting go of fear, learning to forgive, and healing with more than just faith, will require a journey Simon Peter's wife did not expect." - Sarah Bradley, Ind'tale Magazine

"Author Catherine Magia presents an intense story of Peter's wife who struggles against many odds, including the her husband's refusal to accept his wife as his equal as a disciple. The story takes place in and around the Sea of Galilee, the home base of the first disciples of Christ, which comes alive in the readers imagination. Familiar biblical characters are portrayed as deeply human, both in their flaws and in their redemptive moments."-E. Ann McIntyre, author of Lazarus of Bethany and Feast of Pontius Pilate, member of Catholic Writers' Guild

About the Author

Catherine Magia's debut novel The Fisherman's Bride won the 2017 New England Book Festival. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to New Jersey at the age of ten. At eighteen, she won a creative writing scholarship to Drew University, where she studied political theory and chemistry. Although her formal education was in the hard sciences, Catherine has always maintained a passion for the written word, publishing her poetry in several literary journals including the Michigan Quarterly Review.

She discovered the voice of Simon Peter's wife on a soul-searching journey, a trek through the biblical lands of Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. She spent seven years researching and writing her debut novel, traveling as far as Ephesus, Turkey.

The Fisherman's Bride was described as "unique and authentic" by the Booklife Prize, indie division of Publisher's Weekly. The Historical Novel Society has praised the book as "complex and engaging," while Reader's Favorite Magazine has lauded it as "literature," awarding it the Silver Medal for Historical Christian Fiction.

A Fisher of Women, the sequel to The Fisherman's Bride, was released on October 3rd. She is currently writing and researching the third book of The Fisherwoman Series.

By day, she works as a director of market insights in the development of new cancer medications. She is focused on connecting cancer patients and their stories to the executives and employees of the pharmaceutical industry. She is currently based in Boston.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, December 3
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, December 4
Feature at Donna's Book Blog

Thursday, December 6
Excerpt at T's Stuff

Sunday, December 9
Interview at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Monday, December 10
Feature at The Lit Bitch

Tuesday, December 11
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Thursday, December 13
Feature at The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, December 14
Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages

Saturday, December 15
Review at History From a Woman's Perspective

Monday, December 17
Interview at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, December 19
Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away an eBook of A Fisher of Women! To enter, please see the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

- Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 19th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
- Giveaway is open to US residents only.
- Only one entry per household.
- All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
- Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

A Fisher of Women

Review & Giveaway: A Murder By Any Name by Suzanne M. Wolfe

A Murder By Any Name by Suzanne M. Wolfe

Publication Date: October 9, 2018

Crooked Lane Books

Hardcover & eBook; 326 Pages

Genre: Historical Mystery

When a brutal murder threatens the sanctity of the Elizabethan court, it’s up to a hot-tempered spy to save the day.

The court of Elizabeth I is no stranger to plotting and intrigue, but the royal retinue is thrown into chaos when the Queen’s youngest and sweetest lady-in-waiting is murdered, her body left on the high altar of the Chapel Royal in Whitehall Palace. Solving the murder will require the cunning and savvy possessed by only one man. Enter Nicholas Holt, younger brother of the Earl of Blackwell—spy, rake, and owner of the infamous Black Sheep tavern in the seedy district of Bankside. Nick quickly learns that working for the Queen is a mixed blessing. Elizabeth—salty-tongued, vain, and fiercely intelligent—can, with a glance, either reward Nick with a purse of gold or have his head forcibly removed.

When a second lady-in-waiting is slain at Whitehall, the court once again reels with shock and dismay. On the trail of a diabolical killer, Nick and his faithful sidekick—an enormous Irish Wolfhound named Hector—are treading on treacherous ground, and only the killer’s head on a platter can keep them in the Queen’s good graces.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million | Chapters | IndieBound | Kobo

My Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you've been following this blog for a while then you probably know that I'm a huge Elizabeth I fan, so when I saw A Murder By Any Name by Suzanne M. Wolfe listed on Amazon a while ago I immediately added it to my wishlist. And when the chance came up to read it you can be sure that I jumped on that right quick!

Now, I was a tad hesitant when starting it because I am such a huge Elizabeth I admirer and this was my first time reading Suzanne's writing, but after the first few lines, I was immediately sucked in.

"God's bollocks, girl! I'm freezing my tits off!" I mean, how can you not be drawn in by this first line? It's classic EI snark and vulgarity and I love it!

Suzanne's description captures EI perfectly...

"If the nights were the province of men, the days were ruled by women, with Elizabeth Regina the sun that shone above them all, a source of light as well as blistering heat that seared and shriveled any who were foolish enough to incur her wrath."

A Murder By Any Name takes place late in EI's reign. A young lady in waiting has been murdered and Nick Holt, a spy and brother of an Early, has been asked by EI to investigate. I absolutely adored Nick! And his loyal partner, his dog Hector, the Irish Wolfhound that stole my heart.

I don't want to give too much away because if you're like me then you like going in as fresh as possible. Trust me when I say that you will want to pick this up! Suzanne's superb writing and the masterful mystery will keep you turning the pages until the killer is revealed.

I thorough enjoyed every minute reading A Murder By Any Name and cannot wait for the next book in the series!

Praise for A Murder By Any Name

“Captivating… Fans of Fiona Buckley’s Ursula Blanchard and Kathy Lynn Emerson’s Rosamond Jaffrey will be delighted to add Wolfe to their reading lists.” ―Booklist

“[A] promising series launch… Fans of Elizabethan historicals will be satisfied.” ―Publishers Weekly

“An excellent series kickoff by Wolfe that cleverly highlights both the mystery and the many ills of Elizabethan times.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“In vivid passages, Suzanne Wolfe’s novel brings to the reader the light and dark of Elizabethan England, its squalor and splendor, filth and riches, intrigues and delights.” ―NY Journal of Books

“A deeply atmospheric and richly textured Elizabethan mystery... I was captivated by Nicholas and Hector as they navigated court treachery and the dark recesses of the lower classes in this compelling Elizabethan mystery.” ―Shelley Freydont, New York Times bestselling author

"Wolfe’s descriptions are unparalleled, immersing the reader in the time period as they join her wily protagonist on his quest to catch a cold-hearted killer.” ―Anna Lee Huber, bestselling author of the Lady Darby Mysteries

"I stayed up reading much too late to finish this book! Wonderful Elizabethan atmosphere, well-drawn and unusual characters, action and intrigue and excitement―I felt like I was in the 1570s" ―Amanda Carmack, award-winning author of the Elizabethan mysteries

“Bewitching! Suzanne Wolfe opens the door to Elizabethan life through her masterful creation of the sympathetic spy, Nicholas Holt. An exciting start to a promising new historical mystery series.” ―Naomi Hirahara, Edgar Award-winning author of the Mas Arai series

“A classically plotted whodunit set against the background of Elizabethan London and the court of Queen Elizabeth the First, both of them well researched and vividly realized, with a wealth of detail. One can almost smell the reek of the 16th century streets and waterways.” ―Fiona Buckley, author of the Ursula Blanchard Elizabethan mysteries

About the Author

Suzanne M. Wolfe grew up in Manchester, England and read English Literature at Oxford University, where she co-founded the Oxford C.S. Lewis Society. She served as Writer in Residence at Seattle Pacific University and taught literature and creative writing there for nearly two decades. Wolfe is the author of three novels: A Murder by Any Name, The Confessions of X, and Unveiling.

Thirty years ago, she and her husband, Gregory Wolfe, co-founded Image, a journal of the arts and faith. They have also co-authored many books on literature and prayer including Books That Build Character: How to Teach Your Child Moral Values Through Stories, and Bless This House: Prayers For Children and Families. Her essays and blog posts have appeared in Image and other publications. She and her husband are the parents of four grown children. They live in Richmond Beach, Washington.

For more information, please visit Suzanne M. Wolfe's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, December 17
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, December 18
Excerpt at Let Them Read Books

Wednesday, December 19
Review at Pursuing Stacie
Guest Post at Jathan & Heather

Thursday, December 20
Feature at The Lit Bitch
Review at Peppermint Ph.D.

Friday, December 21
Feature at What Is That Book About

Sunday, December 23
Review at Carole's Ramblings

Thursday, December 27
Review & Interview at Jorie Loves a Story

Friday, December 28
Review at Tar Heel Reader
Review at Amy's Booket List

Monday, December 31
Review at Tudor Enthusiast

Wednesday, January 2
Excerpt at Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Thursday, January 3
Excerpt at T's Stuff
Guest Post at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Friday, January 4
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Monday, January 7
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Tuesday, January 8
Guest Post at On the Tudor Trail

Wednesday, January 9
Review at Reading the Past

Thursday, January 10
Review at Broken Teepee
Review at Clarissa Reads it All

Friday, January 11
Feature at The Book Junkie Reads
Feature at View from the Birdhouse

Monday, January 14
Review at Maiden of the Pages

Tuesday, January 15
Interview at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, January 16
Review at A Book Geek

Thursday, January 17
Review at Coffee and Ink
Review at CelticLady's Reviews

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 3 hardcover copies of A Murder By Any Name! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

- Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on January 17th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
- Giveaway is open to US residents only.
- Only one entry per household.
- All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
- Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

A Murder By Any Name

New Release: Brandon - Tudor Knight by Tony Riches

Brandon - Tudor Knight by Tony Riches

Publication Date: December 3, 2018

Preseli Press

From the author of the international bestselling Tudor Trilogy comes a true story of adventure, courtly love and chivalric loyalty.

Handsome, charismatic and a champion jouster, Sir Charles Brandon is the epitome of a Tudor Knight. A favourite of King Henry VIII, Brandon has a secret. He has fallen in love with Henry’s sister, Mary Tudor, the beautiful widowed Queen of France, and risks everything to marry her without the King’s consent.

Brandon becomes Duke of Suffolk, but his loyalty is tested fighting Henry’s wars in France. Mary’s public support for Queen Catherine of Aragon brings Brandon into dangerous conflict with the ambitious Boleyn family and the king’s new right-hand man, Thomas Cromwell.

Torn between duty to his family and loyalty to the king, Brandon faces an impossible decision: can he accept Anne Boleyn as his new queen?

Available on Amazon UK and Amazon US

About the Author

Tony Riches is a full-time UK author of best-selling historical fiction. He lives in Pembrokeshire, West Wales and is a specialist in the history of the Wars of the Roses and the lives of the early Tudors. Tony was a finalist in the 2017 Amazon Storyteller Awards and is listed 130th in the 2018 Top 200 list of the Most Influential Authors. For more information about Tony’s books please visit his website and his popular blog, The Writing Desk and find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Review: Bone Lines by Stephanie Bretherton

Bone Lines by Stephanie Bretherton

Publication Date: September 6, 2018

Unbound Digital

A young woman walks alone through a barren landscape in a time before history, a time of cataclysmic natural change. She is cold, hungry and with child but not without hope or resources. A skilful hunter, she draws on her intuitive understanding of how to stay alive… and knows that she must survive.

In present-day London, geneticist Dr Eloise Kluft wrestles with an ancient conundrum as she unravels the secrets of a momentous archaeological find. She is working at the forefront of contemporary science but is caught in the lonely time-lock of her own emotional past.

Bone Lines is the story of two women, separated by millennia yet bound by the web of life. A tale of love and survival - of courage and the quest for wisdom - it explores the nature of our species and asks what lies at the heart of being human.

Although partly set during a crucial era of human history 74,000 years ago, Bones Lines is very much a book for our times. Dealing with themes from genetics, climate change and migration to the yearning for meaning and the clash between faith and reason, it also paints an intimate portrait of who we are as a species. The book tackles some of the big questions but requires no special knowledge of any of the subjects to enjoy.

Alternating between ancient and modern timelines, the story unfolds through the experiences of two unique characters: One is a shaman, the sole surviving adult of her tribe who is braving a hazardous journey of migration, the other a dedicated scientist living a comfortable if troubled existence in London, who is on her own mission of discovery.

The two are connected not only by a set of archaic remains but by a sense of destiny - and their desire to shape it. Both are pioneers, women of passion, grit and determination, although their day to day lives could not be more different. One lives moment by moment, drawing on every scrap of courage and ingenuity to keep herself and her infant daughter alive, while the other is absorbed by work, imagination and regret. Each is isolated and facing her own mortal dangers and heart-rending decisions, but each is inspired by the power of the life force and driven by love.

Bone Lines stands alone as a novel but also marks the beginning of the intended ‘Children of Sarah’ series.

My Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

When I received the tour invite from Anne Cater for this one I was immediately drawn in by the description. I'm a sucker for dual timeline stories and was fascinated by the premise of a present-day scientist studying a woman that lived tens of thousands of years ago and how their lives intersect. You get the best of both worlds - the past and the present! This also pulled on my love for archaeology and anthropology. It is evident that the author also has a passion for it and her knowledge shown through in the book. I don't think I've ever highlighted so many passages in a book before. I was completely intrigued!

As with most dual timeline novels that I read I preferred Sarah's story. Could you imagine trudging through freezing cold and snow, delivering a baby on your own, and then keeping that baby and yourself alive in the most dangerous environment possible, while you forage and hunt for food and attempt to not freeze to death!? When it was Sarah's time in the story, I was gripped! So much so that I devoured the last hundred pages to see what happened to Sarah and her baby.

This is Bretherton's first novel and you bet I will be following her now to see what else she writes. I really enjoyed her writing and she definitely knows her research.

Philosophy, human nature, history, and science combine in Bone Lines to make for one captivating and thought provoking read!

About the Author

Who do you think you are? A daunting question for the debut author… but also one to inspire a genre-fluid novel based on the writer’s fascination for what makes humanity tick. Born in Hong Kong to expats from Liverpool (and something of a nomad ever since) Stephanie is now based in London, but manages her sanity by escaping to any kind of coast.

Before returning to her first love of creative writing, Stephanie spent much of her youth pursuing alternative forms of storytelling, from stage to screen and media to marketing.
For the past fifteen years Stephanie has run her own communications and copywriting company specialised in design, architecture and building. In the meantime an enduring love affair with words and the world of fiction has led her down many a wormhole on the written page, even if the day job confined such adventures to the weekends.

Drawn to what connects rather than separates, Stephanie is intrigued by the spaces between absolutes and opposites, between science and spirituality, nature and culture. This lifelong curiosity has been channelled most recently into her debut novel, Bone Lines. When not bothering Siri with note-taking for her next books and short stories, Stephanie can be found pottering about with poetry, or working out what worries/amuses her most in an opinion piece or an unwise social media post. Although, if she had more sense or opportunity she would be beachcombing, sailing, meditating or making a well-disguised cameo in the screen version of one of her stories. (Wishful thinking sometimes has its rewards?)

Website: http://www.stephaniebretherton.com/
Twitter : @BrethertonWords
Instagram: @brethertonwords2

Interview & Giveaway: The War Between Us by Sarah Creviston Lee

Happy Friday eve, dear readers! Today on the blog I have an interview with Sarah Creviston Lee as part of her blog tour with HF Virtual Book Tours. I had the pleasure of reading her novel The War Between Us and absolutely loved it and was so happy when she was able to answer some questions for me.

You can read my review of The War Between Us here. I hope you enjoy getting to know Sarah!

Hello Sarah and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about The War Between Us!

To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?

Sure! I live in Maryland with my husband and homeschool our three kids. I blog about history, museums, and WWII rationing at History: Preserved (history-preserved.com). At university, I earned my degree in History and a certificate in Museum Studies. I’m an Indiana native who grew up loving to read, spending a lot of time outdoors, and discovering a passion for history. I’ve worked in museums since I was 13.

As for my writing, I squeeze it in when and where I can, at the library, but mostly Starbucks (because they’re open late!). I pretty much write there until they kick me out. It’s a slow process in the midst of my busy life, but even slow progress moves a book forward!

What inspired you to write The War Between Us?

My inspiration came from two different places.

I’ve loved studying WWII since I was a teenager, so that’s been apart of me for a long time. I rediscovered that love about five or six years ago, and in the midst of that time I also got hooked on watching Korean dramas. After awhile, the historian in me thought, “I wonder what the Korean Americans were doing during WWII…” I went on a hunt to find out, and that’s where I got excited. There was almost nothing out there about their experiences. Of course, this presented its own research problems, but as a historian, finding an incredible story like this that hasn’t been written about is so rare. I knew I wanted to be the first one to write about it.

The other inspiration was a story I’d heard since I was a girl about my Great Aunt Elaine and her Chinese husband, Harry. They’d married in the 1930s, had four beautiful children, and then she sadly died of an illness. A few months later, all four children died in a tragic house fire - my Great Uncle Harry had lost his whole family in less than 6 months. Their sad story stuck with my through my childhood, and as I begun writing my book, I wanted to know some of my great aunt’s motives for taking such a risk in marrying a minority in a time when that was really frowned upon. While my story isn’t based on their lives, my journey into finding more about them served as a muse for my own main characters’ love story.

What research did you undertake when writing The War Between Us?

Securing research about Korean Americans during WWII was my top priority. I was so grateful someone had written their doctoral dissertation on that very subject, so that served as my main resource and it was so valuable. Secondly, and this might sound funny, but I drew upon my 2 years of watching Korean dramas to serve as my foundation for learning about the Korean culture, family/society social structures, language, mannerisms, food, etc. Of course, I didn’t let that be my only resource. I gave my draft to my friend and her mother, who were Korean, and they were able to correct a few mistakes and give their stamp of approval for the rest. This step was very important to me, because I wanted to represent the Korean story in the best and most correct way that I could.

As for everything else with 1940s home front America, I collected original women’s magazines, studied fashion, drew on my experience of ration cooking from my collection of wartime cookbooks, learned about specific towns in Indiana to base my fictional town on, read 1940s newspaper articles, etc. Anytime I wasn’t sure about something, I dug until I found an answer. One example was pinpointing the exact times and details of the draft age changes in the midst of the war. It was pretty confusing, but I was able to enlist the help of two stellar professional genealogists to answer my questions! While I was able to do a lot of research up front, it was really an ongoing process in the midst of writing the story.

What would you like readers to take away from reading The War Between Us?

I’d really love readers to come away from the book having learned about an untold story from wartime America - that prejudice existed in many forms and these stories in history can serve as valuable lessons for us today. Another thing that was important for me to convey was that what people usually see in stereotypes of the 1940s shows the garish and wild side of the time and people. While my book isn’t meant to be religious, I wanted to portray that most people during that time were religious, and it was a huge part of their lives. I think this aspect of American life tends to get swept under the rug in favor of more exciting things, but being religious was just so ordinary then.

What was your favorite scene to write?

My favorite scene to write was Alex’s reaction the next morning after he and Lonnie have kissed, and he’s freaking out because he doesn’t know what to do next.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

The most difficult scene to write was near the end where Teddy attacks Lonnie and fights with Alex for the last time. My characters had been through so much up to that point and I knew what else still had to happen (more violence), and knowing this made it very difficult for me to face. I think I put it off for at least a week, and even then I was still in tears for much of the writing.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

In 1st grade I decided I wanted to be a writer after my teacher gave us hardcover blank books to write in. I was hooked on the possibilities! In 7th grade I wrote my first novel (rubbish of course), but it was lots of fun. I knew I wanted to publish a book after that and made it a goal to do just that.

What does your daily writing routine look like?

Because of the demand homeschooling and caring for my 3 kids takes, my routine is more weekly. I’m able to go out 1-3 nights a week to work on writing, marketing, historical research, or planning my writing projects. Sometimes it’s just blog posts I’m writing, other times it’s working on scenes that come to me for one of the four books I have going right now (!!!). I think once I have my own office I’ll have a more organized method to things, but my routine now is just getting work done pieces at a time.

Who are your writing inspirations?

I currently have three writing inspirations:

First, is Temple Bailey who was an early 20th century American writer. She perfected the art of beautiful, descriptive writing with lovely depth of thought. I always come away from her books with my mind opened and my heart inspired.

Secondly, is Nigel Tranter. He was a prolific Scottish writer whose organic way of plotting his books, by taking long walks in the countryside, treading the earth of where his stories were set, has inspired me deeply about how important it is to embrace your writing process, and about all the love and passion we, as writers, can bring to the page.

And lastly, is Jonathan Stroud. His Lockwood & Co. series is phenomenal. I’ve learned so much about suspense, description, and world building from reading his books. Not to mention, he writes a deliciously spooky story!

What was the first historical novel you read?

I actually don’t remember the first one, but one book from my childhood that I’ve read multiple times, and has always stuck with me is the Civil War fiction book Red Cap by G. Clifton Wisler. My memories of reading WWII fiction books run together. I read every single YA WWII book my library had and, not surprisingly, ended up with nightmares.

What is the last historical novel you read?

The last historical novel I read is In Another Time by Caroline Leech. It’s a WWII fiction set in Scotland with a Women’s Timber Corp member as the protagonist. It was a great read!

What are three things people may not know about you?

1. I was born in a car in front of a cathedral.
2. When I was a nanny in New York back in 2000, I spent most of my spare personal time at the NY Public Library scrolling through newspapers on microfilm to do research on the newsboy strike of 1899, and I met a cast member of the movie Newsies. #teenagergoals Haha!
3. I own almost 200 cookbooks, most of them historical. Eek! (It’s a good thing most of them are skinny pamphlets…)

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

I love the hunt of research for historical fiction. I think it’s the most fun part. I also enjoy recreating a time gone by with realistic characters.

What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading?

It really varies. I like reading all kinds of time periods - from the Celtic times to Regency to Industrial Revolution to WWII. I’m especially drawn to stories involving evolution of technology and its uses in society.

What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

I love hanging out at antique shops, dabbling in photography, catching up on some Korean, British or Canadian shows I love, or diving into my historical cookbook collection to find new recipes to experiment with. I go through cycles of reading, sewing, crafting, and knitting too.

Lastly, what are you working on next?

Oh boy, I’ve given myself a full plate! I’m about a third of the way through the first draft of my next WWII book called Through Fields of War, which is a continuation of wartime in River Bluff, but from the perspectives of Walter and Rose, two friends of Lonnie in my first book. I’ve also got a contemporary romance I’m actively working on, a fantasy adventure story in the planning stages, and a historical/fantasy that I’ve started writing too.

Oh those sound great! I look forward to hearing more about those. Thank you for spending time with us today! Thank you for giving me the chance to read your amazing book!

The War Between Us by Sarah Creviston Lee

Publication Date: December 14, 2015

Paperback & eBook; 330 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Editor's Choice Award from the Historical Novel Society.

Alex Moon is not the enemy.

Six months after Pearl Harbor's tragedy, Korean American Alex Moon is sent away from his home in California for refusing his father's request to join the fight against the Japanese. On his journey, Alex is attacked and stranded in the small town of River Bluff, Indiana just for looking like America's most hated enemy.

Unexpectedly, Alex is befriended by a local girl, Lonnie Hamilton, who comes to his defense, saving him from doubt and despair while placing herself in the cross hairs of prejudice. Alex falls in love with his ally---a love that is clearly forbidden. Torn between his dual identities, Korean and American, and grappling with how everyone sees him, Alex must wage the war within himself---of defending who he is, resolving his tortured feelings about the war, and fighting for the woman he loves.

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Praise for The War Between Us

"Sarah Creviston Lee crafts a smart, fast-paced, uncensored, and quite moving story of embattled love and obstacles overcome. Even her unsavory characters are warmly, believably drawn, and the character of Lonnie Hamilton herself is wonderfully authentic. I read hungrily as the story picked up pace. Highly recommended." -Laura Fahey, The Historical Novel Society

"Lonnie and Alex are perfect renderings of their time, cultures, and upbringings. Anyone familiar with multicultural literature will find a new author to love, and readers new to a beautifully developed look at a culture unlike ours will find a new genre to love. Lonnie isn't immune to her town's prejudice against Alex, but she is able to think things through before reacting. Alex is a moving and heartbreaking picture of a young man caught between two cultures and hated for events not of his making. Together, they are remarkable." -Julie York, InD'Tale Magazine

"Debuting author Sarah Creviston Lee bursts into the historical fiction market with The War Between Us, a distinctive glimpse at post-Pearl Harbor America and the Asian American citizens caught in the resulting backlash of heightened nationalism and fear. Her honest and empathetic handling of the issues, as well as her complex characters, make this a read that remains with you after the cover is closed." -Laurie L. C. Lewis, award-winning author of the Free Men and Dreamers series

About the Author

Sarah Creviston Lee was born and raised as a proud Hoosier. She can usually be found tinkering in the kitchen with WWII ration recipes, haunting local antique shops, homeschooling her kids, clacking away on her laptop writing one story or another, or watching old school movies with her family.

She currently lives in Maryland with her husband, three children, and flock of feisty chickens.

In 2016, her book, The War Between Us, received the Editor's Choice Award from the Historical Novel Society.

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Blog Tour Schedule

Friday, December 7
Feature at Tar Heel Reader
Review at Passages to the Past

Saturday, December 8
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Monday, December 10
Review at Bri's Book Nook
Feature at Old Timey Books
Feature at What Is That Book About

Tuesday, December 11
Feature at The Book Junkie Reads

Wednesday, December 12
Feature at A Book Geek
Feature at The Caffeinated Bibliophile

Thursday, December 13
Review at Creating Herstory
Interview at Passages to the Past

Friday, December 14
Review & Excerpt at Clarissa Reads it All
Review, Excerpt, and Q&A at Confessions of an Avid Reader

Saturday, December 15
Feature at The Chocolate Lady's Book Review Blog

Monday, December 17
Excerpt at Jathan & Heather
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 2 paperback copies of The War Between Us! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

- Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 17th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
- Giveaway is open to US residents only.
- Only one entry per household.
- All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
- Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

The War Between Us