Interview with Rebecca Rosenberg & Giveaway: The Secret Life of Mrs. London

Today is an exciting day at Passages to the Past! Now I welcome Rebecca Rosenberg, author of The Secret Life of Mrs. London! I had the chance to read an early copy and oh, dear readers, you are gonna love it! It's a fabulous read that I highly recommend you picking up.

Happy Book Release, Rebecca! I am thrilled to have you visit with us today.

What inspired you to The Secret Life of Mrs. London?

I live on a lavender field in Sonoma Valley, which Jack London named Valley of the Moon, and wrote 50 novels, including The Valley of the Moon. I have hiked or ridden horses over most of Jack and Charmian London’s Beauty Ranch, which is now Jack London Park. I was always inspired by their adventuring spirit and philosophy of living life to the fullest. When I discovered the Houdini love triangle with the Londons, I knew the story was too juicy to resist!

What was the hardest scene to write?

I can’t really tell you, because it is a major turning point in the novel. The scene that changes EVERYTHING for Charmian London and propels her to actions she would have never taken before. It changes her life forever.

What was your favorite scene to write?

Writing Houdini’s amazing feats of magic and escapes brought me back to that era of the early 1900’s when this astounding man created impossible tasks for himself, and performed them on the vaudeville circuit. Can you imagine what people thought when he was nailed into a crate with wrists and ankles shackled and thrown into the ocean to escape? Or what about when Houdini dangled from 30 story building, upsidedown, trussed into a straightjacket? Or made a 5 ton Jenny the elephant disappear before the eyes of 7000 people in the Hippodrome of New York City? Houdini was the most mysterious and brave man I have ever heard of.

What would you like readers to take away from reading The Secret Life of Mrs. London?

There are some very provocative issues raised in The Secret Life of Mrs. London. I hope these issues will spur discussion and thought between readers. Some of the issues: Fidelity in a marriage that does not give you what you need. How much energy and time do you devote to your own goals versus your husband’s goals? What is it like to live with a driven genius like Jack London or Houdini? How far are you willing to go for love? What happens if you fall in love with your friend’s husband?

How much of The Secret Life of Mrs. London is fiction and how much is based on fact? 

I would say 95% is fact, meaning 95% of what happens in the novel really happened. I condensed the timeline from 5 years to 3 years to make it more exciting to read. Houdini is the mysterious one… he kept his feelings “close to the vest”, revealing only, that he “was having difficulty in his private affairs of late”. It was Charmian London who revealed the affair in her dairies. And even Bess Houdini, who discovered letters after Houdini died.

What began your fascination with Harry Houdini?

Who doesn’t love Houdini? Houdini is magic, mystery, courage, a mastermind of focus, in total command of his body, mind, and the awe he creates around him.

Did you find anything in your research that surprised you about Houdini or his life?

There are secrets revealed about the Houdinis in my novel that hardly anyone has known in the past. These secrets touched me to the core, and made me understand the Houdinis and why Charmian and Houdini had an affair.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

About 7 years ago, I started writing a novel about the Silver Queen of Colorado, Baby Doe Tabor, a story I knew as a child growing up in Denver. I was hooked! It is so gratifying to discover women who lived before us, that through pure gumption made something thrilling of their lives!

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

My challenge is making quiet time to write. I get up at 4am, light candles, make coffee and start to write before the day begins. Then I can hear what my characters want. They always want something impossible!

Who are your writing inspirations?

Lately, I’ve been inspired by my other Lake Union Authors who all balance the tightrope of writing a great novel, and having time to connect with readers! Oh, yeah, and there are families to pay attention to, also!

What was the first historical novel you read?

Gone With the Wind—my favorite novel of all time, which I could always reread.

What is the last historical novel you read?

I am reading many novels to get into 1800 France for my new novel, Champagne Widows. Madame Tussaud, by Michelle Moran, The Girl Who Fought Napoleon, by Linda Lafferty, Becoming Josephine by Heather Webb.

If there was a soundtrack for your novel, what songs might we find on it?

Scott Joplin, Ragtime!

What are three things people may not know about you?

1. I have a lavender farm in Sonoma Valley.
2. Our farm, barn and house burned in the Sonoma Fires in October, last year, just like Jack London’s Wolf House did!
3. We are replanting and rebuilding as we speak!

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

I love discovering women who have lived before us and paved the way for the freedom and opportunities we have today. I want to tell their stories, even if their stories raise uncomfortable issues.

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

I am traveling to the Champagne region of France to research my next novel, Champagne Widows! The story of the twenty four year old widow who, against her father, father in law, and Napoleon himself, preserved with her champagne winery to make it the most reknown champagne throughout Europe.

Oh wow, that sounds like a fabulous book! I cannot wait! Thank you so much for answering some questions for me. I will be posting my review of this book soon, and if you've read it and loved it, don't forget to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads!

The Secret Life of Mrs. London by Rebecca Rosenberg

Publication Date: January 30, 2018

Lake Union Publishing

eBook & Paperback; 348 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

San Francisco, 1915. As America teeters on the brink of world war, Charmian and her husband, famed novelist Jack London, wrestle with genius and desire, politics and marital competitiveness. Charmian longs to be viewed as an equal partner who put her own career on hold to support her husband, but Jack doesn’t see it that way…until Charmian is pulled from the audience during a magic show by escape artist Harry Houdini, a man enmeshed in his own complicated marriage. Suddenly, charmed by the attention Houdini pays her and entranced by his sexual magnetism, Charmian’s eyes open to a world of possibilities that could be her escape.

As Charmian grapples with her urge to explore the forbidden, Jack’s increasingly reckless behavior threatens her dedication. Now torn between two of history’s most mysterious and charismatic figures, she must find the courage to forge her own path, even as she fears the loss of everything she holds dear.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for The Secret Life of Mrs. London

“The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a heart-wrenching portrait of a marriage between two people who utterly depend on one another, but ultimately aren’t enough for each other. With skillful precision of language, Rosenberg weaves a narrative that defines the complexities of love, passion, and art. This is a perceptive, deeply moving novel by a great new talent about a couple who has gone unnoticed in historical fiction until now. Anyone who has ever loved another person will want to read this book.” —Victoria Kelly, author of Mrs. Houdini: A Novel

“One of Houdini’s best kept secrets was his affair with Charmian London in 1918. Now Rebecca Rosenberg tells the story using an elegant blend of fact and fiction, creating a Houdini book like no other. The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a true peek behind the curtain and a page-turner.” —John Cox, Wild about Harry

About the Author

A California native, Rebecca Rosenberg lives on a lavender farm with her family in Sonoma, the Valley of the Moon, where Jack London wrote from his Beauty Ranch. Rebecca is a long-time student of Jack London’s works and an avid fan of his daring wife, Charmian London. The Secret Life of Mrs. London is her debut novel.

Rebecca and her husband, Gary, own the largest lavender product company in America, selling to 4000 resorts, spas and gift stores. The Rosenbergs believe in giving back to the Sonoma Community, supporting many causes through financial donations and board positions, including Worth Our Weight, an educational culinary program for at-risk children, YWCA shelter for abused women, Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center to provide performances for children, Sonoma Food Bank, Sonoma Boys and Girls Club, and the Valley of the Moon Children's Home.

For more information, please visit Rebecca's website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook and Goodreads. Visit the Facebook page for The Secret Life of Mrs. London.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, January 30
Review at A Bookaholic Swede

Wednesday, January 31
Interview & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Thursday, February 1
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books
Feature at What Is That Book About

Friday, February 2
Review at View from the Birdhouse
Feature at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Monday, February 5
Review at Creating Herstory

Tuesday, February 6
Review at Planting Cabbages

Wednesday, February 7
Review at A Bookish Affair

Thursday, February 8
Interview at Planting Cabbages

Friday, February 9
Review at Bookish

Sunday, February 11
Review at Carole's Ramblings

Monday, February 12
Review at Cup of Sensibility

Tuesday, February 13
Review & Giveaway at The Maiden's Court

Wednesday, February 14
Review at Donna's Book Blog

Thursday, February 15
Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Friday, February 16
Guest Post at Short Book and Scribes

Monday, February 19
Review at Reading the Past

Tuesday, February 20
Review at The Lit Bitch

Friday, February 23
Review at Pursuing Stacie
Review at History From a Woman's Perspective

Monday, February 26
Review at Back Porchervations

Tuesday, February 27
Guest Post at My Reading Corner

Wednesday, February 28
Review & Giveaway at Suzy Approved Book Reviews

Thursday, March 1
Review at What Cathy Read Next

Friday, March 2
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

Monday, March 5
Review at Caryn, the Book Whisperer

Tuesday, March 6
Review at Bookish Beck

Giveaway

Passages to the Past is giving away a paperback copy of The Secret Life of Mrs. London! To enter, leave a comment below and please include your email address or alternate way to contact you if you win.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on March 3rd. 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.

Author Interview & Giveaway: The Once and Future Queen by Nicole Evelina

Hello, dear readers! Today on the blog please welcome Nicole Evelina, author of The Once and Future Queen! I have for you a wonderful interview with Nicole and a chance to win a copy of her latest book!

Hello Nicole and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about The Once and Future Queen!

Thanks for having me!

To begin, can you tell us a little about yourself and The Once and Future Queen.

I am a historical fiction, non-fiction and romantic comedy author whose four novels have won more than 20 awards, including two Book of the Year designations (my Guinevere novels, Daughter of Destiny and Camelot’s Queen). The Once and Future Queen is my first non-fiction book and my most recent publication. It traces the evolution of the character of Guinevere from her Celtic roots all the way to fiction published in 2016, emphasizing how she changed based on the views of women in the society for which she was written.

What inspired you to write The Once and Future Queen?

I was asked to give a presentation on Guinevere for Women’s History Month at one of our local libraries. I was thinking “Oh crap. She’s fictional. What am I going to say?” So I decided to look into how she has changed over time. The more I read, the more I noticed a pattern: she changed with society’s views on women. Being a feminist and a strong believer that Guinevere really hasn’t been given a fair chance in literature, I decided to write a book using the 30,000+ words worth of notes I gathered for that presentation. There is only one other non-fiction book out there dedicated to Guinevere (at least that I found), The Book of Guinevere by Andrea Hopkins, and it stops after considering her role in Tennyson’s Idylls. It has a different focus than mine, plus I wanted to be able to show how she has changed up to our present time.

What research did you undertake when writing The Once and Future Queen?

I read a lot of source material, as I had read very few fictional portrayals of Guinevere prior to writing my own novels about her. For example, I had never even heard of William Morris before I started researching. Then I read many articles and books of literary criticism related to Guinevere. My favorite part was reading people’s theses and dissertations, because they contain such great information that is not readily available to the public. Part of my reason for writing The Once and Future Queen was to get that information out of the halls of academia and into the hands of average Arthurian lovers.

Did you come across anything in your research that surprised or fascinated you?

There’s a lot that surprised me, especially some of the rather gruesome endings that Guinevere has met over the years. I also didn’t know that there are a few authors (Chretien de Troyes in particular) who let Guinevere and Lancelot get away with their affair; in those versions, Arthur either doesn’t know or doesn’t care. I also find fascinating the way the second wave of feminism in the late 1970s and 1980s helped redeem Guinevere’s reputation. There is a marked interest during that time in making sure she is seen as a three-dimensional character with a family, a backstory, feelings and motivations, rather than just as a pawn of the court or a wanton woman.

What would you like readers to take away from reading The Once and Future Queen?

I want them to know that Guinevere is much more than she appears on the surface. She is a changing character who has played many roles over the years and who will continue to evolve. Because of the long history of emphasizing her sin, we sometimes jump to the conclusion that Guinevere is evil or misguided, but she is really so much more. In fact, if you look deep enough (and through an admittedly feminist lens) she becomes a heroine for the modern woman because she made her own choices and followed her heart.

When did your fascination with Guinevere and King Arthur begin?

I actually can’t remember NOT being fascinated with them. My dad likes musicals, so I grew up on the musical and movie version of Camelot and my mom used to read me the stories of Arthur and his knights before bed. I actually tried to take Guinevere as my confirmation name, but the nuns wouldn’t let me because there is no St. Guinevere. So, I went with Marian instead (as in Robin Hood and).

Do you have a favorite fictional book on Guinevere? What about non-fiction?

Besides my own, I would have to say Parke Godwin’s Beloved Exile is my favorite. His Guinevere is so strong and so intelligent; she’s a woman I can respect. There really aren’t many non-fiction books about Guinevere, but the one I consulted the most in my research was Lancelot and Guinevere: A Casebook, edited by Lori Walters. It’s a collection of essays about how the two characters have been treated in literature and has many fascinating theories.

What was the first historical novel you read?

Oddly, I was just thinking about this the other day. I was a freshman in high school and I came across a book called Dumacus and Sheba, which was about the good thief who was crucified with Jesus. Until I read it, I had no idea that books existed that took you back in time. I was hooked! Oddly, I can’t find anything on the Internet about that book. If I didn’t still have the book report I did on it (I got an A, in case you are wondering), I would think I was misremembering.

What is the last historical novel you read?

The Girl Who Wrote in Silk, by Kelli Estes. It’s a dual-period book about a 19th century Chinese woman and a modern woman who both live in the same part of the Pacific Northwest. They don’t realize it, but their stories are linked, and the reveal of that will expose a dark period in our country’s history. It’s so, so good!

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

I love that historical fiction teaches as well as entertains. It is way more interesting to experience history, or at least what we think history was like, than to learn a bunch of dates and names; historical fiction brings the past to life. When done well, it is as close to going back in time as we can get. And I love the recent trend of people telling the unknown, little-known, or covered up stories in history, especially women’s stories (that is why I write what I do, after all). It gives a more well-rounded picture of history than what we typically learn in school.

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

I have loved the Middle Ages since I was a young girl. I’m convinced it is a past life thing. (I’m also obsessed with castles and crowns. I can turn anything into a crown. Seriously.) I also really like the late Victorian period in America because that’s when we started to see strong women emerge as the first feminists/suffragists. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them. And I have a weakness for the 1920s – flappers, gangsters and all – especially those in Chicago. Those gangsters make me swoon as badly as modern musicians!

Lastly, what are you working on next?

I have a few projects in the works. Currently I’m writing Mistress of Legend, the final book in my Guinevere trilogy. I know people are anxiously awaiting it and I’m determined it will be out in 2018.

I’m also researching two non-fiction books. One is a biography of an early 20th century mystic named Marie Rose Ferron, who I have been fascinated with since I read a book about her in my sophomore year of high school. The other is on the history of feminism in the United States, wherein I argue that we are currently in the infancy of a fourth wave. This book is still very much in its beginning stages, so I expect my thesis to evolve as I conduct more research.

Finally, as soon as Mistress of Legend is done, I am going to write a historical novel about a French nun who aided the Resistance during WWII and died a martyr’s death at Ravensbruck concentration camp, after volunteering to go to the gas chamber in place of a mother (and daughter, according to some sources). She died on Good Friday. The camp was liberated shortly thereafter (anywhere from three days to a few weeks later, depending on the source). But yet, unlike St. Maximillian Kobe, who died a similar death, she has not been recognized by the Catholic Church as a saint.

Thank you so much for a great interview, Nicole! I am very much looking forward to your next projects!

The Once and Future Queen: Guinevere in Arthurian Legend by Nicole Evelina

Publication Date: November 21, 2017

Lawson Gartner Publishing

eBook & Paperback; 281 Pages

Genre: History & Criticism/Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology

Guinevere’s journey from literary sinner to feminist icon took over one thousand years…and it’s not over yet.

Literature tells us painfully little about Guinevere, mostly focusing on her sin and betrayal of Arthur and Camelot. As a result, she is often seen as a one-dimensional character. But there is more to her story. By examining popular works of more than 20 authors over the last one thousand years, The Once and Future Queen shows how Guinevere reflects attitudes toward women during the time in which her story was written, changing to suit the expectations of her audience. Beginning in Celtic times and continuing through the present day, this book synthesizes academic criticism and popular opinion into a highly readable, approachable work that fills a gap in Arthurian material available to the general public.

Nicole Evelina has spent more than 15 years studying Arthurian legend. She is also a feminist known for her fictional portrayals of strong historical and legendary women, including Guinevere. Now, she combines these two passions to examine the effect of changing times and attitudes on the character of Guinevere in a must-read book for Arthurian enthusiasts of every knowledge level.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Chapters | IndieBound | Kobo

About the Author

Nicole Evelina is a multi-award-winning historical fiction, romantic comedy and non-fiction writer, whose four novels have collectively won over 20 awards, including two Book of the Year designations (Daughter of Destiny by Chanticleer Reviews and Camelot’s Queen by Author’s Circle). Her most recent book, THE ONCE AND FUTURE QUEEN, traces the evolution of the character of Guinevere in Arthurian legend from her Celtic roots to the present day, showing how the character changed along with the period’s views of women. Nicole is currently working on MISTRESS OF LEGEND (2018), the final book in her Guinevere's Tale trilogy.

As an armchair historian, Nicole researches her books extensively, consulting with biographers, historical societies and traveling to locations when possible. For example, she traveled to England twice to research the Guinevere’s Tale trilogy, where she consulted with internationally acclaimed author and historian Geoffrey Ashe, as well as Arthurian/Glastonbury expert Jaime George, the man who helped Marion Zimmer Bradley research The Mists of Avalon.

Nicole is a member of and book reviewer for The Historical Novel Society, as well as a member of the Historical Fiction Writers of America, International Arthurian Society - North American Branch, Romantic Novelists Association, Novelists, Inc., the St. Louis Writer’s Guild, Alliance of Independent Authors, the Independent Book Publishers Association and the Midwest Publisher’s Association.

For more information, please visit Nicole Evelina's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Goodreads. Sign up for Nicole's newsletter to receive news and updates.

Blog Tour Schedule

Wednesday, January 31
Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, February 1
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Friday, February 2
Feature at A Bookaholic Swede
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Tuesday, February 6
Review at History From a Woman's Perspective

Wednesday, February 7
Excerpt at What Cathy Read Next

Thursday, February 8
Feature at Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Friday, February 9
Interview at Donna's Book Blog

Monday, February 12
Review at Bookworms Anonymous
Feature at View from the Birdhouse

Tuesday, February 13
Feature at A Literary Vacation

Wednesday, February 14
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

Thursday, February 15
Feature at Just One More Chapter

Friday, February 16
Guest Post at The Writing Desk

Monday, February 19
Review at Clarissa Reads it All

Thursday, February 22
Feature at A Holland Reads

Monday, February 26
Review at Cup of Sensibility
Feature at The Lit Bitch

Tuesday, February 27
Review at Curling Up by the Fire

Wednesday, February 28
Feature at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away two paperback copies of The Once and Future Queen! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 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.

The Once and Future Queen

The Soldier's Return Blog Tour & Interview with Laura Libricz

Hello, dear readers! I am so happy to be kicking off Laura Libricz's Blog Tour for The Soldier's Return today! I have a wonderful interview with Laura & a chance for you to win a set of both books in her Heaven's Pond Trilogy - The Master and the Maid & The Soldier's Return!

Hello Laura and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about The Soldier’s Return!

Hi Amy! Thanks so much for having me over today!

To begin, tell us a little about yourself and The Soldier’s Return, the second book in the Heaven’s Pond Series.

I’m a fifty-something American who’s been living in Germany for the past 27 years. I only wanted to come and visit my brother for the summer and I got stuck. In an attempt to understand the people better, I read lots about local history. One thing led to another! The Soldier’s Return is my way of recreating an exciting but tough year in local history for an English speaking audience.

What inspired you to write the Heaven’s Pond Series?

Central Europe has been war-torn for generations, centuries. This seeps into all facets of life: idioms, family practices, the way people relate to each other. I have this deep need to analyze and understand why this is. The more local history I read, the more I became obsessed with knowing more. I really wanted to read a novel set in this period, written in English and dealing with early 17th century Germany. There aren’t many, I must say.

What was the hardest scene to write in The Soldier’s Return?

The hardest scenes to write were the violent ones. When I read a book, I don’t want to read page after page of rape or torture. But these were very real situations in The Soldier’s Return and I had to deal with it. I think I got the point across without having to put a trigger warning on my books.

What was your favorite scene to write in The Soldier’s Return?

The scenes I most enjoyed writing were the moments of hope and revelation, those small successes that each character had.

What would you like readers to take away from reading The Soldier’s Return?

I would like my readers to, of course, have a better understanding of a very complex time period in German history. I hope the readers see the human element in each character. Mostly, I hope they have a great time reading!

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I have wanted to be a writer as long as I can remember. I remember being in third grade and telling the teacher I wanted to be a song writer. I have written bits here and there over the years and only started writing seriously ten years ago when I was 45 and my children were in their teens.

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

Having to decide between my family and my writing was the hardest challenge I faced and only overcame this when my kids grew up and moved out. I really liked raising kids and I knew they wouldn’t be there forever. I’m really glad I did that now.

Who are your writing inspirations?

My writing is inspired by all those people I come in contact with. People don’t realize how quirky they are and how much I base my characters on them. It’s better this way, I think!

What was the first historical novel you read?

I had to really think about this question. As a kid, I read mostly fantasy and scifi and I love Kurt Vonnegut. I read Slaughterhouse Five when I was a teenager but because it was written in 1969 and dealt with WWII, it isn’t historical fiction, is it? It wasn’t until I was older that I really started to read historical fiction.

What is the last historical novel you read?

I just finished reading Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt and I loved it. It’s a must-read if you like the witch theme. Her writing is superb.

If there was a soundtrack for your novel, what songs might we find on it?

My soundtrack for this series would be a mixture of electronic and rock music. The Pyramid Song from Radiohead, the whole Amnesiac album for that matter. Where I’ve Been by Rival Sons. I am the Highway by Audioslave. Teardrop by Massive Attack. Lights, the song and the whole album, by a wonderful band called Archive. The whole album Splinter by Gary Numan. Lullabies to Paralyze by QOTSA. Pure White Light by a new band called LäGzz www.lagzz.com.

What are three things people may not know about you?

1. After 27 years in Germany, I am moving to England. I haven’t told anybody yet.
2. I am a very grateful recovering addict and have been clean and sober for four years.
3. I cry when I watch Disney films.

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

I love writing historical fiction set in 17th century Germany for an English-language audience because the choice is limited. Novels set during World War II are popular but I feel the market is flooded. The 17th century is a time period to which many people can trace their ancestry. The world was changing, shrinking. Thinking was becoming more liberal. It was an exciting time, albeit violent.

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

I read just about anything no matter what time period it’s set in. For me the story is everything. If the story is believable and the characters come alive, I am happy. The fun part about historical fiction is learning something about history without trying.

I have also been reading a lot of contemporary memoirs by other indie authors and have found some wonderful ones. I just read Born for Life by Julia Watson about her midwife career. Letting Go into Perfect Love, a memoir by Gwen Plano about how she overcame abuse.

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

When I’m not writing, I’m usually working, supplying the world with Hutchins Guitars www.hutchinsguitars.com. When I’m not doing either, I am either playing a board game like D & D or Quirkel. Then, after 8 pm, I am happily binging something on TV or Netflix, analyzing screen plays, because the mind never rests. I love Elementary, Black Mirror, Fargo, The Crown, Call the Midwife, Midsommer Murders, just to mention a few.

Lastly, what are you working on next?

I am now working on the third book, Ash and Rubble. This is based on a well-documented event, the siege of Nuremberg in 1632 by the Swedish troops. I want to get as close to the documented facts as I can.

Speaking of analyzing screen plays, I am also working on an urban fantasy screen play. I will tell you more about it when the time is right!

Thank you so much, Laura! That was a fascinating and insightful interview. It's so much fun to learn more about the authors you admire.

The Soldier's Return by Laura Libricz

Publication Date: September 15, 2017

eBook & Paperback

Series: Heaven's Pond Trilogy, Book Two

Genre: Historical Fiction

The year is 1626. A senseless war rips through parts of Germany. Ongoing animosity between the Catholics and the Protestants has turned into an excuse to destroy much of the landscape situated between France, Italy and Denmark. But religion only plays a minor role in this lucrative business of war.

The young dutchman, Pieter van Diemen, returns to Amsterdam in chains after a period of imprisonment in the Spice Islands. He manages to escape but must leave Amsterdam in a hurry. Soldiers are in demand in Germany and he decides to travel with a regiment until he can desert. His hope of survival is to reach Sichardtshof, the farm in Franconia, Germany; the farm he left ten years ago. His desire to seek refuge with them lies in his fond memories of the maid Katarina and her master, the humanist patrician Herr Tucher. But ten years is a long time and the farm has changed. Franconia is not only torn by war but falling victim to a church-driven witch hunt. The Jesuit priest, Ralf, has his sights set on Sichardtshof as well. Ralf believes that ridding the area of evil will be his saving grace. Can Pieter, Katarina and Herr Tucher unite to fight against a senseless war out of control?
​
The Soldier’s Return is the second book in the Heaven’s Pond Trilogy.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

About the Author

Laura Libricz was born and raised in Bethlehem PA and moved to Upstate New York when she was 22. After working a few years building Steinberger guitars, she received a scholarship to go to college. She tried to ‘do the right thing’ and study something useful, but spent all her time reading German literature.

She earned a BA in German at The College of New Paltz, NY in 1991 and moved to Germany, where she resides today. When she isn’t writing she can be found sifting through city archives, picking through castle ruins or aiding the steady flood of musical instruments into the world market.

Her first novel, The Master and the Maid, is the first book of the Heaven's Pond Trilogy. The Soldier’s Return and Ash and Rubble are the second and third books in the series.

For more information, please visit Laura Libricz's website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, January 30
Interview at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, January 31
Review at Cup of Sensibility

Thursday, February 1
Excerpt at WS Momma Readers Nook

Friday, February 2
Guest Post at Reading the Past

Monday, February 5
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

Tuesday, February 6
Feature at A Bookaholic Swede

Wednesday, February 7
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Thursday, February 8
Review at Clarissa Reads It All

Friday, February 9
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Monday, February 12
Review at Back Porchervations

Wednesday, February 14
Review at Rachel's Ramblings

Thursday, February 15
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Friday, February 16
Review at Donna's Book Blog
Interview at Dianne Ascroft's Blog

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we are giving away a set of The Master and the Maid and The Soldier's Return to one lucky winner! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 16th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US & UK 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 Soldier's Return Blog Tour

C.J. Adrien's Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Line of His People & The Oath of the Father

Today kicks off C.J. Adrien's Blog Tour for The Line of His People & The Oath of the Father! You can read all about his novels below and enter to win a set for your shelves!

The Line of His People by C.J. Adrien

Publication Date: September 1, 2013

Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, AudioBook

Series: Kindred of the Sea, Book #1

Genre: Fiction/Historical/Vikings

France, 799 A.D. The Northmen sacked the monastery at dawn, before anyone had awakened. They burned the village and slaughtered all who stood in their path. The relics of Saint Philbert were lost, and the island was abandoned by those who once dwelled there.

Years later, the monk Abriel - survivor of the same attack as a young boy - is sent to recover the relics to help restore the reputation and legitimacy of Saint Philbert. What he discovers on his journey changes his life forever.

Northmen had colonized the island in the absence of the monks. They hold the key to finding the relics, but they have greater plans for Abriel, plans that will take him to the North to find his destiny.

"Adrien's novel is a well thought out, deeply researched narrative that marries history with young adult fiction. In a time where females are popular among the young adult sector, this male focused novel is a welcome reprieve and appeals to a need for an action packed novel." - Portland Book Review

"A well-written tale with vividly imagined characters." - Trevor Schmidt, author of The Corsair Uprising series.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

The Oath of the Father by C.J. Adrien

Publication Date: March 1, 2015

eBook & Paperback

Series: Kindred of the Sea, Book #2

Genre: Fiction/Historical/Vikings

Coast of Brittany, 822 A.D.

King Abriel Haraldsson is a man on the run.

Injured in combat, his warriors take him to a nearby monastery to find a healer. The monks accept to care for him, but fake his death and steal him away to a distant island to be reconverted to their faith.

Believing the king of Herius to be dead, suitors from the north descend upon the island kingdom with the intent to marry Queen Kenna to usurp her husband's lands and wealth. Most terrifying among them is the fierce warlord Turgeis -- known for his prowess in battle and lust for blood -- who sets his sights upon the queen.

When a messenger from afar returns with news that Abriel survived his injuries, Turgeis sets sail to ensure the king will never return.

Thus began the hunt.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

About the Author

C.J. Adrien is a French-American author of Viking historical fiction with a passion for Viking history. His Kindred of the Sea series was inspired by research conducted in preparation for a doctoral program in early medieval history as well as his admiration for historical fiction writers such as Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett.

C.J. Adrien’s novels and expertise have earned him invitations to speak at several international events, including the International Medieval Congress at the University of Leeds.

For more information, please visit C.J. Adrien's website and blog. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, January 29
Kick Off at Passages to the Past

Thursday, February 1
Review at Donna's Book Blog (The Line of His People)

Monday, February 5
Review at Pursuing Stacie (The Line of His People)

Wednesday, February 7
Feature at A Bookaholic Swede

Monday, February 12
Review at The Writing Desk (The Line of His People)

Tuesday, February 13
Feature at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Thursday, February 15
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Friday, February 16
Feature at Broken Teepee

Monday, February 19
Review at Laura's Interests (The Line of His People)

Tuesday, February 20
Review at Donna's Book Blog (The Oath of the Father)
Feature at A Literary Vacation

Friday, February 23
Review at Cup of Sensibility

Monday, February 26
Review at Pursuing Stacie (The Oath of the Father)

Thursday, March 1
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books (The Line of His People)

Monday, March 5
Review at Laura's Interests (The Oath of the Father)

Tuesday, March 6
Review at WS Momma Readers Nook (The Line of His People)

Tuesday, March 13
Tour Wrap Up at Passages to the Past

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a set of The Line of His People & The Oath of the Father! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on March 13th. 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.

C.J. Adrien Blog Tour

Interview with Wayne Clark, author of That Woman + Excerpt {Blog Tour}

Happy Monday, dear readers! Today on the blog I am super excited to be kicking off Wayne Clark's Blog Tour for That Woman! I have a fabulous interview with Wayne that I hope you enjoy. It's so much fun learning more about the authors you admire and I had a lot of fun with this one. You can also read an excerpt from That Woman below, and check out the schedule of tour stops!

Hello, Wayne and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about That Woman!

To begin, tell us a little about yourself and That Woman.

I’ve spent my life working with words in one way or another. I made my living as a journalist for much of my career, then as an advertising copywriter, then as a translator from French to English. In the 1990s I spent several years researching a novel set in New France. I even sketched out a series of novels set there. However, in the end I realized I’d planned it in such detail that there would be nothing left to create while writing. I couldn’t breath under the weight of all my research and outlines. That said, I never lost the desire to write an historical novel, and finally, about 20 years later with That Woman, I’ve done so.

What inspired you to write That Woman?

As I said, I’ve always wanted to write a historical novel. For many years my favorite escape was reading books set in the Age of Sail, 17th and 18th Century naval adventures, and of course pirate tales from any era. I loved the idea of being captain of my own ship, free of any restraints, with the whole ocean to wander. So, after publishing my first novel, he & She, I toyed with the idea of indulging myself by writing a pirate novel just for the fun of it. However before a pirate story solidified in my head I found myself remembering a visit I once made to the waterfront in Bordeaux, France. In the 18th Century the city was booming and its port was the most important one economically in France. The French would trade with anyone and on its waterfront you would hear a babble of languages from seamen and merchants from around the world. For some reason, the character of Sarah started to rapidly take shape. I started seeing Sarah very clearly on those congested docks and that’s why in the book I gave her the gift of learning languages, which facilitated her father’s business..

I must admit that in the early days of planning the book, the idea behind having Sarah kidnapped and taken to New York as a virtual slave was primarily to give myself the chance to write about life at sea. Even though the story moves to New York, the focus remains connected to the sea, on the docks of the East River waterfront and the international trade that flowed in and out of the city. Sarah ends up doing what her father did in France. She becomes what in those days was often called a she-merchant.

What was the hardest scene to write?

The scene where Sarah and her brother are left in total darkness in the hold of a ship following the kidnapping in Bordeaux. Since they couldn’t see, I had to imagine what the heard, felt, smelled and so on.

What was your favorite scene to write?

I can’t really pick out one scene, but I had fun writing pretty well all the scenes with the Commodore, the flamboyant, eccentric old Dutchman.

What would you like readers to take away from reading That Woman?

Sarah, the main character, conquered incredible odds to survive in a man’s world. It still a man’s world now but in the 18th Century it was far more so. Sarah is small in stature but that’s the only thing that’s small about her. One of the most important themes in the book is that women can be as strong as men, as clever, as persistent, as brave and as noble. I think it’s necessary in life to believe that you can change what’s not right, to get rid of what’s not letting you be yourself, and be happy. There's an undersupply of novels with strong female protagonists.

Beyond that, for me an important message is the reminder of how omnipresent slavery was in America’s past.

I think is important today. Those who thought that racism in America was pretty much a thing of the past are finding out that this is far from the case. In the book, I highlight two kinds of slavery.

You can’t call Sarah and her brother immigrants because they were kidnapped and forced to come here. But like countless immigrants, they arrived as indentured servants. Such immigrants were owned by the men who bought their contracts. Their owner dictated every moment of their lives for years until the contract came to an end and the immigrants found themselves free but, more often than not, penniless and without work. The immigrants who ended up building this country faced horrible conditions at the outset.

The better known kind of slavery is, of course, race-based. In the book, at her lowest moment, Sarah is befriended by a free black who works the New York docks. He lives with the constant fear that he will be kidnapped and thrown back into slavery by any white man who wants to sell him as slave, or that he will be falsely accused of committing some sort of crime just because he was black and in the neighborhood when the crime was committed.

As you know, many people who live in the northeastern states today like to believe that slavery was a primarily a southern horror. We now know that was not at all true. Slavery in New York looked different because slaves didn’t work in fields, but they were still slaves. Slaves were bought and sold daily at the foot of Wall Street. Slave burial grounds are still being discovered in the city. At the time of my story, one fifth of the city’s population was made of up slaves, so many that the city’s leaders and their British governors wanted to stop the purchase of slaves not for moral reasons but because they feared there would soon be so many blacks that they would overrun the white population.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

When I was a teenager. I also started writing quite young because I wanted to become a newspaperman like my father had been before the war, the war in this case being the Second World War. I didn’t try any fiction until I was in my early 20s. I started working at a newspaper at the age of 17.

My parents were readers and encouraged my brother and me to read. In fact one of my favorite stories about them was that my father courted my mother by going to her office at lunch time and reading novels to her. I wonder whether had he courted today he would have simply texted her at lunch. Far less romantic, I think.

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

In my 20s and 30s, I worked on four novels, if I remember correctly, and ended up hating them. They were stilted. They didn’t flow. It was hard to feel for my characters. It may not be every writer’s solution but I found mine when I started writing from scratch as an exercise. I asked myself only to sit in front of my keyboard for the first two hours of the day, or until the pot of coffee ran out. No plan, no outline of any kind, and no end in mind. I let my fingers take me where they wanted. Sometimes a whole day would go by and I would be astonished at the result. Some days I produced only garbage but other days my unconscious earned its keep. While writing this way one day I realized that what I’d just written off the top of my had would actually work as part of a few scenes I had written a couple of years earlier. I combined them, did some editing, and not long afterwards I realized I had the makings of a story. I suddenly had two characters to work with. For the next five months I continued writing at 6 a.m. seven days a week, telling myself still that I only had to put in those two hours. If nothing came to my fingers, fine. As time went by my sessions grew to many hours a day. Yes, I definitely ended up rejecting some of it, but the important thing was that I was writing without fluently and frequently feeling actually joyful about what had popped out onto the page. I tried to keep the writing process simple. I wouldn’t write a word until I could picture a scene and make somebody move in that scene. The deal with myself from the outset of my experiment was to write for myself only and to suspend all criticism. The end result was my first published novel, he & She, a piece of literary fiction. I applied much the same process in the writing of That Woman.

Who are your writing inspirations?

I’m 71 years of age. As you get older it’s harder and harder to say who the most important ones are. By that I mean the older you get the writers who once excited you are replaced by new ones. Another factor is that as we grow older we change, we look for different things in books. If I were to name a few of my favorite authors over time they would include Mario Vargas Llosa and Gabriel García Márquez. I was mesmerized by their writing. Also on the list would be Anaïs Nin and Annie Proulx. I loved some of Philip Roth’s work, and for quite some time Henry Miller held sway, along with Saul Bellow and Vladimir Nabokov. When I was young, I couldn’t get enough of Fyodor Dostoevsky.

What was the first historical novel you read?

As a boy I read the Red Badge of Courage, Stephen Crane’s novel about the American Civil War.

What is the last historical novel you read?

City of Dreams by Beverly Swerling. The novel follows two families through generations in early New York.

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

The 18th Century.

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

I play alto sax. I make a mess out of transcribed solos by the jazz greats from the 40s and 50s, but it makes me love the music even more when I listen.

Lastly, what are you working on next?

I’ve just finished a novel set in New York during the 1930s about a young man from the Lower East Side who tries to escape the hopelessness around him by inventing a persona with the guts to try to make a name for himself. At the moment, the title is Hollywood via Orchard Street.

Wow, I don't know about you but that was one fascinating interview! Thank you, Wayne! I look forward to reading That Woman!

That Woman by Wayne Clark

Publication Date: May 2, 2017

eBook & Print; 455 Pages

ISBN-13: 978-0992120269

Genre: Fiction/Historical

2017 Book Excellence Awards Finalist for Fiction
2017 Winner 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading

Kidnapped in France and brought to America as an indentured servant, a young woman takes on the brutal merchant king of New York's East River waterfront...

Illness suddenly deprives 17-year-old Sarah Da Silva and her older brother Jacob of a mother. Before Sarah has come to terms with that loss, her merchant father grows frail and increasingly desperate in the face of impending bankruptcy. On the rainy night their father scours the docks of Bordeaux, France, to make his final bid to save his family, his children are kidnapped and forced onto a ship bound for New York City where they’ll be separated and sold to the highest bidder as indentured labor.

Purchased by a grotesque merchant whose wealth, backed by a team of henchmen, allows him to dominate the chaotic East River docks, Sarah strikes back the only way she can. Vowing to never allow him to put his hands on her again, she presses a knife to his fat neck. She demands her freedom, a roof over her head and the means to start a business. Her leverage? Knowledge obtained on the voyage that would bring the big man to his knees forever. He yields to her demands but privately swears to become her worst nightmare.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for That Woman

"Historical tidbits about the city (Greenwich Village served as a "country retreat" for the upper class) enhance an action-packed plot that includes forgery (responsible for prodigious contributions to the supply of paper currency), thievery, immigrant fortitude, and the unbreakable bond of friendships that evolve into "family" in this new land. Clark's (he and She, 2014) prose is vivid. Describing a Frenchwoman who will become Sarah's friend and business partner, he writes: "Geneviève's story came out in pieces, as if well intentioned short phrases had come to her tongue and no further, only to be forgotten about for moments on end...the engrossing story offers plenty of skulduggery to keep the plot moving. Well-stocked with vibrant details about the merchant trade, this engaging Colonial tale delivers likable heroes, despicable villains, and a strong female protagonist." -Kirkus Reviews

"THAT WOMAN, Wayne Clark's tale of forced servitude and revenge in pre-Revolutionary War New York hums with injustice, and the reader thirsts for the violated character, in every sense of the word, getting even. Along the way, Clark makes New York City, already a money-drenched melting pot, as much a character as any of the participants. 4 stars." -Ron Capshaw for IndieReader

"Wayne Clark could be the new Jeffrey Archer, another master of the plot. His That Woman: Beating the Odds in Colonial New York is a story that held me in ways I never could have imagined when I started reading. The characters are very compelling, each with a solid background and each born from a powerful conflict. The duel between Sarah and her new lord raises the stakes of the conflict in this novel and the reader becomes very keen to watch how it ends. Here is a story that dramatically captures the spirit of colonialism and slavery, with a masterful handling of the theme of freedom. Readers are taken on a roller coaster ride to colonial New York to witness a drama that will take their breath away. It's utterly mesmerizing and tantalizing. 5 stars." -Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Excerpt

October 29, 1748
Bordeaux, France

IT WAS the highlight of Sarah’s week when her father signaled for her and her older brother Jacob to prepare themselves to accompany him while he conducted business on the quays of Bordeaux. Preparation meant simply to spruce up, straighten up and, above all, look up. Show that you are someone, he would say.

Since his wife died two years earlier, Gabriel Da Silva had placed his children on the pedestal his wife used to occupy. His taciturnity at home still made the days long, but Sarah had her brother to chatter with as they worked in the shop, its little office upstairs and the warehouse on the third floor. When Jacob teased her, which he would find any excuse to do, she laughed. Since their mother had died their father no longer barked out their names when he caught them playing word games while supposedly doing his accounts, or playing hide and seek in the store room when they were supposed to be finding space for a new consignment of goods. Mostly it was wine from their father’s best client, a producer in Pessac, a short distance southwest of the city.

Gabriel Da Silva was not a major merchant, so he was particularly proud of acting on behalf of the prestigious winery that had been in production for hundreds of years on the order of Pope Clément, a former archbishop of Bordeaux. Da Silva never had a problem with Catholics. Jews no longer had to pretend to be Catholic to get married. The King liked Jews when he profited from their commerce and borrowed their money to finance his fantasies of glory, first for himself, then for France.

Like many businessmen in coastal ports, Da Silva bought and sold whatever was at a good price, from fine silk fabrics made in Lyon to furniture made by the world-renowned craftsmen of Paris. Trade with the New World had made Bordeaux France’s major port, and many a merchant and shipowner had made their fortunes. Compared to them, Gabriel was a small fish, like the sardines from his native Portugal. But, he told himself, “I am one of them.”

Gabriel Da Silva was thin. His back was slightly hunched so he could not stand tall as he asked his children to do. Sarah, the youngest, was only 17 but she was already taller than her father, and almost as tall as her brother, two years her elder.

Sarah loved the days she spent on the docks of the great city. Though she knew only her little neighborhood, the streets around their shop on the Ruelle des Fosses, near the new Porte Dijeaux, she believed everything worth seeing in Bordeaux could be seen from the harbor, like the Église St. Pierre and the newly erected stock exchange, the Place de la Bourse, designed by the King’s very own architect as a symbol of the city’s prosperity. And she could gaze all day long at the ships anchored along the Garonne River. Even the river had come from far away, in the mountains of Spain, they said.

She and Jacob were not allowed to walk the quays alone. Her father said the press of men on the docks comprised men like himself, men with goods to offer, arrangements to conclude, or men of the sea, who seemed forever bent under the weight of the cargo they loaded or offloaded, or, if not bent, at least crooked under the effects of wine. And, said her father, there were men whose purpose on the docks was not declared, men who moved little else but their eyes. That only increased Sarah’s excitement as she and her brother followed their father, watching as he nodded to people, stopping occasionally to converse, or occasionally even boarding one of the merchantmen, sometimes for an hour on end. When that happened she and Jacob would dutifully sit near the end of the pier, away from the crowded quays.

Though it was late fall, as reflected by the blue of the sky, which she found far richer than that of midsummer days, the heat was unseasonal. Men, masts, buildings and the waters of the harbor shimmered before Sarah’s eyes. For a moment it caused her to lose sight of her father. He had grown smaller after the death of her mother.

As she hurried to catch up, Sarah instinctively stepped aside to evade the stench of a toothless man who’d tripped and stumbled toward her. She shielded her eyes with her left hand. Her father’s long, thin grey hair lurched back into view. She hurried to catch up. Jacob was already at her father’s side. On the docks, Jacob was never supposed to let his sister out of his sight. She realized she’d been too absorbed by the routine of chaos to notice she was lagging behind.

As she neared her father she thought she saw alarm in his eyes. He had been in intense conversation with a man she knew to be an agent. As she drew alongside, she caught a few words of the discussion. Finally the agent shook his head slowly, as if with regret. The hands he held up before his chest confirmed some kind of refusal. Her father sank down, coming to rest on a bollard. The agent turned away. Sarah was at Jacob’s side. They waited for their father to speak.

For long moments he remained silent, and swallowed a lot.

About the Author

Award-winning author Wayne Clark was born in 1946 in Ottawa, Ont., but has called Montreal home since 1968. Woven through that time frame in no particular order have been interludes in Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, Germany, Holland and Mexico.

By far the biggest slice in a pie chart of his career would be labelled journalism, including newspapers and magazines, as a reporter, editor and freelance writer. The other, smaller slices of the pie would also represent words in one form or another, in advertising as a copywriter and as a freelance translator. However, unquantifiable in a pie chart would be the slivers and shreds of time stolen over the years to write fiction.

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

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, January 29
Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, January 30
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Wednesday, January 31
Feature at Let Them Read Books

Saturday, February 3
Review at Bookworms Anonymous

Thursday, February 8
Review at Donna's Book Blog

Friday, February 9
Feature at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Monday, February 12
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

Tuesday, February 13
Review at Historical Fiction Reviews

Book Review & Giveaway: Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict

Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict

Publication Date: January 16, 2018

Sourcebooks Landmark

Hardcover & eBook; 288 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

From the author of The Other Einstein comes the mesmerizing story of love, power, and the woman who inspired an American dynasty

In the industrial 1860s at the dawn of the Carnegie empire, Irish immigrant Clara Kelly finds herself in desperate circumstances. Looking for a way out, she seeks employment as a lady's maid in the home of the prominent businessman Andrew Carnegie. Soon, the bond between Clara and her employer deepens into love. But when Clara goes missing, Carnegie's search for her unearths secrets and revelations that lay the foundation for his lasting legacy. With captivating insight and stunning heart, Carnegie's Maid tells the story of one lost woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist into the world's first true philanthropist.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound

My Review

Wow, what a way to kick off my 2018 reads! Carnegie's Maid is a fascinating read that I could not put down!

A young Clara Kelly sets off for America, leaving Ireland and her family behind, in the hopes of securing employment in order to send money home to her family. We are immediately immersed in the dangerous sea voyage, where many died on the way to their future. A turn of fate lands Clara in the service of the newly successful Andrew Carnegie as a Lady Maid to Carnegie's mother. She acclimates quickly to her new role and becomes close to the family. Through Clara's eyes we see the dynamic of the Carnegie family, their rise in the world, and the difference in classes at that time.

Benedict includes a Letter from the Author in the beginning and notes that she was inspired to write this book because of her own immigrant family that used the Carnegie libraries to educate themselves. Benedict wanted to look into what could have happened to Carnegie that inspired him to become a philanthropist, after being known as hard and cold, and she created a story that might answer that question. While it's completely fictional, Carnegie's Maid was still a wonderful and enlightening read.

I have Benedict's previous novel, The Other Einstein, on my shelf and will be getting to it soon. I love the way Benedict writes and am looking forward to her next release!

Thank you to Sourcebooks for giving me the opportunity to review Carnegie's Maid.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the Author

Marie Benedict is a lawyer with more than ten years’ experience as a litigator at two of the country’s premier law firms and for Fortune 500 companies. She is a magna cum laude graduate of Boston College, with a focus in history and art history, and a cum laude graduate of the Boston University School of Law. She is also the author of The Other Einstein. She lives in Pittsburgh with her family.

Giveaway

Sourcebooks is giving away 3 copies of Carnegie's Maid!

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase does not improve your chances of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Open to legal residents of USA who are 18 years or older. Giveaway begins January 15th and ends January 31st. Enter the Giveaway during the Promotion Period online by submitting the entry form. The entry form can be found on the following website at. Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected. 3 winner(s) will receive 1 finished copy of Carnegie’s Maid (approximate retail value or "ARV": $25.99US). By providing your information in this form, you are providing your information to Sourcebooks. Sourcebooks does not share or sell information and will use any information only for the purpose of this giveaway. (Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads) are in no way associated with this giveaway.