Review & Giveaway: The Batter's Box by Andy Kutler


The Batter's Box by Andy Kutler

Publication Date: March 12, 2019
Warriors Publishing Group
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Genre: Historical Fiction


In 1946, a returning World War II veteran is determined to reclaim his place among professional baseball's upper echelon and win back the woman he once fell for. Two months into the new season, at the top of his game, he abandons his team, casting aside his fame and riches and vanishing forever from the public eye. What drives a man to walk away from everything he cherishes, never to be heard from again?

The Batter's Box follows the path of Will Jamison, a star player with the Washington Senators who enlists in the U.S. Army following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. When the war ends, Jamison returns to Washington, a decorated hero tormented by deep emotional scars. Burdened with a crushing guilt and harrowing memories he cannot escape, Jamison's life is consumed by an explosive temper, sleepless nights, and a gradual descent into alcoholism. Will he continue, alone with his anguish and misery? Or will he level with those around him, including the woman he loves, and seek the professional care he desperately needs, even at the risk of exposing his most closely guarded secrets?

Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was never a big sports fan in my youth but when I got married I inherited my husband's love for the NY Mets. We've been to a few games when they come to Atlanta to play the Braves and last year we took our boys to their first game. We figured it's a good way to teach them about disappointment early in life. Ha! If you know of the Mets' history you'll get the joke :)

I was super excited to pick The Batter's Box up. Baseball combined with history...sign me up! As keen as I was to read it I had never read a book from Andy Kutler before and there's always a little hesitation when trying a new author. But I needn't have worried because the book was exceptional.

As the story begins we meet Kay in the present time of 2005. She is asked by a reporter who is working on a story to speak about her husband, an All-Star baseball player on the 1945 Washington Senators baseball team who disappeared right before they won the pendant. He is fascinated with finding out why he left at the height of his career and was never heard from again.

Will Jamison is a popular, local Baseball player with the Washington Senators when he enlists in the Army, which takes him from the ball field to the front line of war. Despite his celebrity and talent he is determined to fight for his country, even turning down the chance to play ball in the Army instead of fight.

Kutler doesn't shy away from the horrors of war and I felt I was right there with Will in the trenches. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen. Equally intriguing was the reporter's mission to finding out what happened to Will.

I found The Batter's Box to be a hugely unique reading experience and I greatly enjoyed my time with it. I look forward to more from Kutler!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound


Praise

"We remember World War II as 'the Good War, ' when right and wrong seemed so clear. We won, they lost, and our guys came home as heroes. But as gifted author Andy Kutler tells us in THE BATTER'S BOX, mortal combat is anything but good, heroism comes with a horrific price, and some of the most tragic wounds don't bleed -- and don't go away. If you want to know what really happened at Bastogne in the terrible winter of 1944, read this powerful, haunting book." -- Daniel P. Bolger, Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (Ret.), author of Our Year of War: Two Brothers, Vietnam, and a Nation Divided

"Andy Kutler has the eyes and ears of combat soldiers and the heart of those who love them. The horror, courage, and camaraderie of battle rivals the grit of Once an Eagle, while the poignant authenticity of Will Jamison's struggles with his hidden wounds highlight that, for many, the impact of war lingers far past the last shots of battle. THE BATTER'S BOX is a superb work of historical fiction that carries important lessons for today." -- William E. Rapp, Major General, U.S. Army (Ret.), Former Commandant, U.S. Army War College, and Commandant of Cadets, U.S. Military Academy

“The Batter's Box is a riveting read. It is a love story and a war story and a novel with far more truth than fiction. I’m a psychiatrist specializing in treating men and women with post-traumatic stress disorder. If you love someone with that invisible wound, read this book. If you are curious and concerned about the condition, read this book. Most survivors of profound trauma lack a language to convey their life stories because those stories include the unspeakable. When the hero of this compelling novel speaks, we listen, we learn and we are transformed. If you are currently struggling with the impact of major trauma, reading passages here may be disturbing and ‘triggering.’ But I believe it is worth the risk because this book affirms your reality and your dignity.” --Frank M. Ochberg, MD, Former Associate Director, National Institute of Mental Health

"Historical fiction, if it reflects careful scholarship, is a powerful tool in the hands of a gifted writer, and can deepen our understanding of real events and people. Andy Kutler's THE BATTER’S BOX offers an impressive addition to World War II literature, bringing fresh attention to the adjustment struggle faced by so many returning war veterans. Kutler's depiction of one of the more heroic small-unit engagements in US Army history is both compelling and long overdue." -- Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, President & CEO Emeritus, The National WWII Museum

About the Author

Andy Kutler is a writer living in Arlington, Virginia. His debut novel, The Other Side of Life, was awarded a Bronze Medal from the Independent Publishers Book Awards, and Honorable Mention from Foreword Reviews' INDIEFAB Awards. He has also authored a number of columns for the Huffington Post and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and spent more than a quarter century in public service, including with the United States Senate and the United States Secret Service, and as a consultant in the national security community.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 8
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Thursday, October 10
Feature at What Is That Book About

Monday, October 14
Interview at Jathan & Heather

Friday, October 18
Review at Reading is My Remedy
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Monday, October 21
Interview at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, October 23
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Thursday, October 24
Review at Impressions In Ink

Tuesday, October 29
Review at Peaceful Pastime

Thursday, October 31
Review at Passages to the Past

Friday, November 1
Feature at Coffee and Ink

Tuesday, November 5
Review at Red Headed Book Lady

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Batter's Box! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The Batter's Box


Review & Giveaway: Across the Great Divide by Michael L. Ross


Across the Great Divide by Michael L. Ross

Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Elm Hill
eBook, Paperback, Hardcover

Series: The Clouds of War, Book One
Genre: Historical/Christian/Military


Lexington, Kentucky, 1859. After saving John Hunt Morgan from a puma attack, fifteen-year-old farm boy Will Crump joins Hunt’s militia, the Lexington Rifles. Morgan mentors Will and enrolls him in the local university, where he hopes to study law. As tensions rise between the North and South, Will is torn between his loyalty to Morgan and his love for his family. Will’s father, sisters, and sweetheart follow the Union, while Morgan and Will commit to the South. As part of Morgan’s band, Will participates in ambushes and unconventional warfare until his first real battle at Shiloh. He fights bravely, but increasingly questions what the war is accomplishing, and whether his devotion to honor has led him astray. And where is God in all this killing?

Will’s sister Albinia, friend of the Clay family, becomes increasingly aware of the plight of the slaves. When she finds Luther, a slave she knows, trying to escape, she must decide between her conscience, and her friends. She becomes involved in the Underground Railroad, helping slaves to freedom – but will it cost her love and her freedom?

Will’s other sister, Julia, is approaching spinster status and despairs of ever meeting a man who can give her more than life on a farm until she meets Hiram Johannsen, a son of immigrants who owns a steamship company. They marry and she makes a new life in the North. When Hiram answers the call to fight for the North, Julia runs the steamboat company in her husband’s absence and uses her boats to help Albinia ferry escaped slaves to freedom. Her business relations put her in the perfect position to spy for the North. When the Confederates capture her, will she survive?

Luther is one of the first slaves Albinia helps flee the South after his master cruelly abuses his mother and sister. He escapes with his family, and when war breaks out, he fights for the North as an auxiliary of the Third Ohio Cavalry, alongside Julia’s husband, Hiram, and against Morgan and Will. Luther has to confront the demons of his past, an abusive master, and a slave catcher that kills his little sister. Will the desire for revenge destroy him?

Throughout the war, Will is forced to examine and question everything he believes in—his faith in God, his love for his family, his loyalty to Morgan, and his worth as a human being.

Will and his family must somehow mend the torn fabric of relationships to find peace, and reach Across the Great Divide.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

"Ross’s gripping story follows a Kentucky family of modest means and the enslaved people they helped toward freedom. The depictions of slavery ring true, and the use of both historical and fictional characters fills out the probable feelings of people attaining liberty in the bloodiest of all our wars." -Daniel C. Snell, Ph.D., emeritus professor, University of Oklahoma, and scholar of the history of slavery

"Like a great roller coaster, Michael Ross’ debut novel goes up and down with personal crises and national conflict, but it also twists about unexpectedly from character to memorable character in a sprawling story of the Civil War. Will, an earnest young man whose faith and honor sometimes put him at odds with those he loves, is caught up in the struggles of a country grappling with its own destiny. The issues that compel and separate people in ‘neutral’ Kentucky as the war breaks out echo our own era. We, too, are caught in a great divide. If you love a good story pulled from history, and if you are person of faith, you will find it hard to put down “The Great Divide” until the last page." -Daniel A. Brown, PhD, Author of “Embracing Grace,” Pastor, International Speaker

Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A family torn apart by war and an escaped slave fighting for the North and his freedom make Michael L. Ross' Across the Great Divide a gripping read!

The story follows Will, his sisters Julia & Albinia, and Luther, a slave that Albinia helps escape. Set in Kentucky it compellingly gives insight into both sides of the divide. It was fascinating to learn more about the Lexington Rifles militia and the Underground Railroad. For a debut novel, I think Michael's writing was fabulous and he certainly created some memorable characters.

Across the Great Divide was a great read and I can't wait for more from Michael! It's a story of fighting for what you believe in, of what it means to be human and doing the right thing. I loved it!

About the Author

Michael Ross is a lover of history and great stories. He's a retired software engineer turned author, with three children and five grandchildren, living in Newton, Kansas with his wife of thirty-eight years. He was born in Lubbock, Texas, and still loves Texas. The main character of "Across the Great Divide", William Dorsey Crump, is one of the founders of Lubbock and Shallowater, Texas. Michael knew Will's granddaughter when he was a child. He has written a scholarly article on Will Crump for the Texas Historical Society, published in the Handbook of Texas Online, and has sold short stories in the past. This is his first novel and the first in the Across the Great Divide series.

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

He sees many parallels between the time of the Civil War and our divided nation of today. Sanctuary cities, immigration, arguments around the holiday table, threats of secession - all are nothing new. Sometimes, to understand the present, you have to look at the past- and reach Across the Great Divide.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 7
Guest Post at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 8
Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages

Friday, October 11
Review at Red Headed Book Lady

Saturday, October 12
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, October 14
Review at Al-Alhambra

Wednesday, October 16
Review at Stories Can Make Us Fly

Friday, October 18
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Sunday, October 20
Review at Locks, Hooks, and Books

Wednesday, October 23
Feature at The Caffeinated Bibliophile

Friday, October 25
Review at Historical Fiction Reviews

Monday, October 28
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 29
Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Thursday, October 31
Review at Older & Smarter?

Friday, November 1
Interview at Passages to the Past

Monday, November 4
Excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Wednesday, November 6
Review at Just Another Reader

Thursday, November 7
Feature at Coffee and Ink

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Across the Great Divide! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 7th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open internationally.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Across the Great Divide


Review & Giveaway: Auschwitz Syndrome by Ellie Midwood


Auschwitz Syndrome by Ellie Midwood

Publication Date: October 11, 2019
eBook & Paperback; 364 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction


Germany, 1947.

A strange case scheduled for the Denazification Court lands on the desk of an American psychiatrist currently serving in Germany, Dr. Hoffman.

A former Auschwitz guard, Franz Dahler, is set to appear in court, and he has requested to bring the most unexpected witness to testify in his defense - one of his former inmates and current wife, Helena.

As soon as one of the newly emerging Nazi hunters and former Auschwitz inmate, Andrej Novák, recognizes the officer’s name, he demands a full investigation of Dahler’s crimes, claiming that the former SS man was not only abusing Helena in the camp but is also using her as a ploy to escape prosecution.

Silent, subdued, and seemingly dependent on her husband’s every word, Helena appears to be a classic victim of abuse, and possibly more of an aid to the prosecution instead of the defense.

As she begins giving her testimony, Dr. Hoffman finds himself more and more confused at the picture that gradually emerges before his eyes; a perpetrator is claimed to be the savior and the accuser, the criminal.

The better Dr. Hoffman gets to know each participant, the more he begins to question himself; whether he’s facing a most unimaginable love story, or a new and still-nameless psychological disorder affecting the very manner in which Helena sees the events of the past.

Partially based on a true story, this deeply psychological, haunting novel will take you back in time to the heart of Auschwitz and post-war Germany, and will keep you guessing the true motive of each side.

Available on Amazon


Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ellie Midwood has quickly become my go-to author for historical fiction Holocaust books. When you pick up one of her books you know you're going to get masterful writing, immaculate research, and a beautiful story.

Auschwitz Syndrome tells the story of an SS guard, Franz, and his wife, a Czechoslovakian Jew that he saved from Auschwitz when he was a guard there. It's told alternatively between the past, when Franz and Helena meet, to the present when he is on trial at the Denazification Court. Helena is there to testify for her husband and the court is set to determine if she married him because he abused her or if they were truly in love.

I think this is one of my favorite of Ellie's novels so far. The human psyche fascinates me so I found it a compelling read. How could a Jewish prisoner fall in love with an SS guard during that absolutely horrific time and in that gruesome place with death and danger all around? Midwood never shies away from portraying the horrors of that time and while it makes for a tough read, I think it's important to witness what they went through and learn from it.

Auschwitz Syndrome is a book that will stay with you long after you finish.

About the Author

Ellie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, "The Girl from Berlin." Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.

In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her fiancé and their Chihuahua named Shark Bait.

For more information on Ellie and her novels, please visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook, Amazon, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 28
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 29
Review & Interview at Nursebookie

Wednesday, October 30
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Thursday, October 31
Feature at Just a Girl and Her Books

Friday, November 1
Review at Robin Loves Reading

Saturday, November 2
Review at Donna's Book Blog

Sunday, November 3
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, November 4
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Tuesday, November 5
Review at Amy's Booket List
Excerpt at Books In Their Natural Habitat
Review at Jackie and Angela’s Book Reviews

Wednesday, November 6
Review at Jackie Loves Books
Review & Guest Post at Clarissa Reads it All

Thursday, November 7
Review at Life Through the Camera Lens

Friday, November 8
Review at @jypsylynn

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Auschwitz Syndrome! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 8th. 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 suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Auschwitz Syndrome


Interview with Paul Letters + Giveaway of The Slightest Chance


Hello Paul and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about The Slightest Chance!

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

I’ve worked as a radio presenter for the state broadcaster in Hong Kong, written articles for newspapers and magazines in Australia and Hong Kong, and I’ve written scripts for characters in an educational history app. I’m from England originally and have studied and taught history and politics a great deal over the years, so a lot of my ideas come from that.

What inspired you to write The Slightest Chance?

The real-life people who did amazing things in desperate times of war. My female lead character is closely based on Gwen Priestwood, the only female to escape from Japanese captivity in Hong Kong, and perhaps beyond. My male lead characters are based on Australian, British and Chinese office clerks and financiers who, pre-war, spent their weekends training to be secret agents. There’s also, from real history, the one-legged Chinese admiral who led an escape of over 70 men. And, unconnected to that particular escape, there’s the Christian Japanese soldier who risked his life helping his enemies. Then there’s Morris ‘Two-Gun’ Cohen – a cockney Canadian Jew who ends up as a general for the Chinese. You could not make up characters like this!

What research did you undertake when writing The Slightest Chance?

I hit the archives in Hong Kong, reading old newspapers on microfilm and digging out secret reports and correspondence concerning the spy network, for example. I read scores of books, including Gwen Priestwood’s 1944 memoir of her escape. But as the war was still raging and Gwen didn’t want the Japanese to learn about escape routes, she omitted place names and meaningful descriptions. So I traced her travels through other sources, including the UK National Archives and shipping logs. I also interviewed people who were there in the Battle of Hong Kong. For example, Barbara Anslow worked as a stenographer in an underground government office in the heart of the action. 100 years old now, Barbara has excellent recall – and she kept a diary which she sent to me some time before she recently published it (as ‘Tin Hats and Rice’). I met others who were interned by the Japanese along with Gwen Priestwood in Stanley Camp, and I toured the camp with former internees and historians.

What would you like readers to take away from reading The Slightest Chance?

So much! From the nature and importance of enduring love through to understanding that your enemies really can be your friends. Plus, an understanding of Hong Kong and China during the war – virtually everything, including the triad gang move to massacre all white people, is real history.

What was your favorite scene to write?

I enjoyed all of them, but the opening scene in the Peninsula Hotel was a lot of fun. Capturing the pre-war jollity of colonial life, with Gwen (I changed her surname to Harmison in my novel) on top form with her witticisms and ‘Max’, an office clerk and weekend warrior, pretending to be an entirely different persona – as Ernst Hemingway’s bodyguard.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

Towards the end the plot turns quite dark, and I found that a little harrowing – but it makes the final resolution all the more meaningful.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I knew in my 20s but lacked the confidence to do anything about it until my 30s. A sports injury changed my life: a silver lining was a newborn drive to do the things I’d always dreamed of doing. Coping with that change – and losing the ability to play soccer, run and ski – enabled me to transfer my emotions into characters in my first novel, A Chance Kill. Ostensibly another wartime thriller/love-story, this time set in Poland, Paris, London and Prague, that novel is all about perseverance.

What does your daily writing routine look like?

Well, I do some part-time educational work too, but on writing days I sit at my desk for 6-8 hours and get it done!

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

The challenge is balancing time between writing novels with other forms of work that pay better! For me, that’s writing for newspapers and also high school teaching.

Who are your writing inspirations?

Robert Harris, Ian McEwan (especially Atonement), Robert Ryan (particularly for his plot-weaving) and even Aaron Sorkin – the latter is inspiring for his sparkling dialogue (in shows such as The West Wing).

What is the last historical novel you read?

I just read Robert Harris’s Munich. I’ve read a lot of nonfiction about 1938 and the German plot to overthrow Hitler; it’s startling how close they came – they just lacked support from Britain and France, to whom they had been feeding Hitler’s secret plans.

What’s one thing people may not know about you?

I run – together with my 10-year-old son, James – the Dad and Me Love History podcast series. We cover history from every continent, including “Why was the Roman army so awesome?” and “Who invented ice-cream?”. We interview people about World War Two air raids, what it’s like being a jousting knight today and whether Picasso was a genius. We have also covered the US Civil War, the Russian Revolution, Ancient China, Australia, Aztecs, Ancient Egyptians, explorers, computers, D-Day, Vikings, soccer, Henry VIII, Disney v Lego and the meaning of veterans’ days. Check us out at https://www.dadandmelovehistory.com/ and on social media.

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

This year, I’ve moved to Australia, where I’ve learned to sit-ski and to play ‘murderball’ – AKA wheelchair rugby.

Lastly, what are you working on next?

I’ve begun writing for Aussie newspapers, like the Sydney Morning Herald and the Canberra Times, but ideas for the next World War II novel in the loosely-connected Chances series are simmering!

Exciting! Thank you for stopping by and answering some questions!


The Slightest Chance by Paul Letters

Publication Date: June 7, 2019
Blacksmith Books
Paperback; 296 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Military/WWII


In war, you can pretend to be someone you're not. Yet, in war, people find out who you really are.

Hong Kong, 1941. Anglo-Australian civil servant Dominic Sotherly's colonial sojourn in Hong Kong becomes complicated by his double life in both war and love. Enigmatic Englishwoman Gwen Harmison possesses secrets of her own – plus an unrelenting desire for liberty.

From gaiety at the Peninsula Hotel to persecution both inside and outside of internment, the story journeys from war-ravaged Hong Kong to war-weary China.

From real history, meet the Chinese admiral who led Hong Kong's daring ‘Great Escape' and the Japanese Christian soldier who risked his life for the enemy. And, uniquely during the occupation of Hong Kong, discover how one Englishwoman made history in her defiance of Imperial Japan.

Available on Amazon


About the Author

Paul Letters is a novelist, journalist, broadcaster and part-time teacher of history and politics. He moved from London to the jungled fringes of Hong Kong in 2001. His earlier World War II novel, A Chance Kill, topped the South China Morning Post book charts.

In addition to historical features, he writes opinion pieces and magazine articles. Paul also broadcasts on Radio Television Hong Kong. His ‘This Month in History' segment can be found as a podcast. Paul and his son James also present the chart-topping history podcast for kids and adults, ‘Dad and Me Love History'.

His website, and his daily on-this-day-in-World-War-Two twitter feed, can be found at paulletters.com.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 21
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 22
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads
Review at Al-Alhambra Book Reviews

Wednesday, October 23
Feature at Maiden of the Pages

Saturday, October 26
Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 29
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Thursday, October 31
Review at Coffee and Ink

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Slightest Chance by Paul Letters! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on October 31st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The Slightest Chance


Introducing Carol Cram's Art in Fiction

I am thrilled to talk to you today about a new venture from Carol Cram, author of The Towers of Tuscany and The Muse of Fire!

Art in Fiction is a directory that now lists close to 1000 novels (and growing fast!) featuring stories and characters with an arts focus. Membership is free and all authors and readers are welcome! You can find book reviews, recommendations, and authors.

Introducing Art in Fiction

A New Literary Website Developed by Carol M. Cram
Author of a trilogy of historical novels about women in the arts

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Art In Fiction (www.artinfiction.com), a new website for lovers of novels inspired by the arts.

I’ve created Art In Fiction as a literary oasis that lists novels inspired by the arts—a comfortable, laid-back, and friendly place where you can browse hundreds of curated titles. Almost every genre is included—historical, thriller, mystery, literary, and even a smattering of romance—across a wide range of subjects, from architecture to dance to ... knitting! Yes, knit-lit is, I've discovered, a very robust niche.

With close to 1000 novels to choose from, and more titles being added daily, Art In Fiction is designed as a one-stop shop for arts-inspired novels to add to your TBR pile. And best of all, membership in the Art In Fiction community is free.

In addition to book listings, Art In Fiction offers roundup blogs of novels inspired by related topics, guest posts from authors listed on the site, book reviews written by the Art In Fiction team and guest reviewers, and periodic mailouts. Authors with novels listed on Art In Fiction can join the site and have their novels included in a mailout. There’s even a podcast in the works.

I invite you to visit www.artinfiction.com to discover hundreds of wonderful novels. While you're there, please join our community (it’s free!) so you can leave reviews of books you’ve read. You can also message me to share your impressions of the site, submit a blog or review for consideration (reposts are fine), inquire about being interviewed for our upcoming podcast series, or suggest new titles. I would love to hear from you.

Carol M. Cram is a multi-award-winning author of historical fiction (The Towers of Tuscany, A Woman of Note, The Muse of Fire), president of New Arcadia Publishing, and founder of Art In Fiction. She lives on Bowen Island near Vancouver on the west coast of British Columbia in Canada.

Review & Giveaway: The Emperor's Assassin by Autumn Bardot


The Emperor's Assassin by Autumn Bardot

Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Flores Publishing
eBook & Paperback; 437 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction


History paints her as the first female serial killer…

Locusta is the daughter of a winemaker in the Roman province of Gaul. She enjoys the indulged childhood of the elite, her concerns only about the day’s amusements. She rides gentle ponies, attends parties, reads Ovid, and learns the herbal arts from her servant. But the day after meeting her betrothed, Locusta discovers the consequences of possessing such dangerous knowledge.

Ordered to leave her pastoral life, Locusta is thrust into a world of intrigue, scandal, and murder—where treason lurks behind every corner and defying an emperor means death. Locusta’s life changes forever when a young Emperor Nero requires her herbal expertise. And commands her to be his personal poisoner. Caught in an imperial web, Locusta must embrace her profession or die.

Or is there another way out?

History paints her as the first female serial killer. Or is she yet another maligned woman in history?

Available on Amazon


Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Have you ever finished a book and thought "well, dang...how in the heck am I supposed to write a review worthy enough?!" That's me with The Emperor's Assassin!

This is my third book of Bardot's that I've had the pleasure of reading and I swear, her writing gets better with each book! I have to say that this one is my favorite so far...that is until her next one comes out :)

"I will not allow one man to destroy my life," I said. "He may use my body, but he will not conquer my spirit."

Locusta, the infamous maker of poisons from history, takes center stage in The Emperor's Assassin.

Yong Locusta lives with her father on their winery estate and servant-turned-friend Pricilla. After the demise of her betrothal and when her mentally-ill father forgets to pay taxes on their winery, Locusta must travel to Rome to try to get an audience with Emperor Claudius for an extension on the payment due.

Pricilla is an herbalist and teaches Locusta the trade, but soon the student surpasses the teacher and her talent is soon known to those in Rome, eventually reaching the new Emperor Nero, and his step-mother Agrippina. When tasked by Nero and Agrippina to work for them...well, how can a girl say no to an Emperor?

I absolutely loved, loved, loved The Emperor's Assassin and wholeheartedly recommend it. I am a huge fan-girl of Bardot's and will read anything she writes!

Disclaimer: This book contains violence and sexual abuse/rape.

About the Author

Autumn Bardot writes historical fiction and historical erotica. Her debut historical fiction is THE IMPALER'S WIFE. Her debut historical erotica is LEGENDS OF LUST.

Autumn, a pen name, has worked as an educator for more than sixteen years. She teaches literature, writing, and the magic of words. She has a passion for history and a special affinity for the unsung courageous females that history has neglected. Or misunderstood. Autumn lives in Southern California with her husband and every-growing family. She wishes she was one-tenth as brave as the women she writes about.

Historical Fiction
~ The Impaler's Wife
~ Dragon Lady
~ The Emperor's Assassin

Historical Erotica (Cleis Press)
~ Legends of Lust, Erotic Myths from around the World
~ Confessions of a Sheba Queen (coming March 10, 2020)

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 21
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 22
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Wednesday, October 23
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, October 25
Review at Al-Alhambra

Monday, October 28
Review at Red Headed Book Lady

Wednesday, October 30
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Thursday, October 31
Review at History from a Woman’s Perspective

Friday, November 1
Guest Post at History from a Woman’s Perspective

Monday, November 4
Review at Jessica Belmont

Tuesday, November 5
Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Wednesday, November 6
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Thursday, November 7
Review at Beth's Book Nook Blog

Friday, November 8
Excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Monday, November 11
Review at Books and Zebras
Interview at Jorie Loves A Story

Tuesday, November 12
Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages

Thursday, November 14
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Friday, November 15
Review at Broken Teepee
Review at Coffee and Ink
Review at Jorie Loves A Story
Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Emperor's Assassin! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback 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 suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The Emperor's Assassin


Review & Giveaway: The Slightest Chance by Paul Letters


The Slightest Chance by Paul Letters

Publication Date: June 7, 2019
Blacksmith Books
Paperback; 296 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Military/WWII


In war, you can pretend to be someone you're not. Yet, in war, people find out who you really are.

Hong Kong, 1941. Anglo-Australian civil servant Dominic Sotherly's colonial sojourn in Hong Kong becomes complicated by his double life in both war and love. Enigmatic Englishwoman Gwen Harmison possesses secrets of her own – plus an unrelenting desire for liberty.

From gaiety at the Peninsula Hotel to persecution both inside and outside of internment, the story journeys from war-ravaged Hong Kong to war-weary China.

From real history, meet the Chinese admiral who led Hong Kong's daring ‘Great Escape' and the Japanese Christian soldier who risked his life for the enemy. And, uniquely during the occupation of Hong Kong, discover how one Englishwoman made history in her defiance of Imperial Japan.

Available on Amazon


Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Woah, do I have a massive book hangover today! I stayed up late last night to finish up Paul Letters' The Slightest Chance and it was totally worth the loss of sleep!

Set in Hong Kong at the beginning of the war, Dominic is the Under-Secretary for Chinese Affairs and a weekend warrior volunteer in HK, traveling in disguise to try and gather information for the government. His work is important, yet extremely dangerous. On one of his missions, he meets Gwen, a British nurse living in HK, and they become close. When the war escalates and Japanese armies take over HK, the Europeans in the area are in danger as the Triads vow to kill them. Gwen gets taken by the Japanese but with her sharp mind and the help of a friend, she is able to get to safety.

Gwen is actually based on Gwen Priestwood, the only female to escape from Japanese captivity in Hong Kong. I would love to learn more about her and her story - it sounds incredible!

The Slightest Chance is a fast-paced, edge of your seat, historical thriller. It is a no-holds-barred account of the horrors of war and I was gripped the entire time!

I am definitely going to pick up his other novel, A Chance Kill, and I can't wait to see what Paul writes next!

About the Author

Paul Letters is a novelist, journalist, broadcaster and part-time teacher of history and politics. He moved from London to the jungled fringes of Hong Kong in 2001. His earlier World War II novel, A Chance Kill, topped the South China Morning Post book charts.

In addition to historical features, he writes opinion pieces and magazine articles. Paul also broadcasts on Radio Television Hong Kong. His ‘This Month in History' segment can be found as a podcast. Paul and his son James also present the chart-topping history podcast for kids and adults, ‘Dad and Me Love History'.

His website, and his daily on-this-day-in-World-War-Two twitter feed, can be found at paulletters.com.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 21
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 22
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads
Review at Al-Alhambra Book Reviews

Wednesday, October 23
Feature at Maiden of the Pages

Saturday, October 26
Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 29
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Thursday, October 31
Review at Coffee and Ink

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Slightest Chance by Paul Letters! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on October 31st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The Slightest Chance


Interview with Author Andy Kutler + Giveaway of The Batter's Box

Happy Monday, dear readers! It's a busy day here on the blog tour and first up I have a great interview with Andy Kutler who is currently on Blog Tour with HF Virtual Book Tours for The Batter's Box! I hope you enjoy the interview & be sure to enter to win a copy of the book!



Hello, Andy, and welcome to Passages to the Past! To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?

I’m a Wisconsin native, but I’ve been held hostage in the Washington DC area for the last quarter century. I’ve worked in and around government my entire career. Around my 40th birthday, I started writing columns for The Huffington Post, and in 2015, I had my first novel published. I’m passionate about history – my father was a renowned American historian – so most of what I write is tied to events and figures from the past.

What inspired you to write The Batter’s Box?

I’ve always had a fascination with World War II, and once considered myself somewhat of an expert on most aspects of that period. Then, in the course of my day job, I met a WWII veteran, and we saw each other every few months. He was a charming, sharp-witted guy, but the one thing he refused to talk to me about was his combat experience. And over time, I came to learn about the degree to which so many WWII veterans suffered from psychological trauma. It’s inexplicable why their story hasn’t received greater attention in film and literature, and that’s why this book is so important to me.

What research did you undertake when writing The Batter’s Box?

I traveled to the Ardennes region of Belgium, twice, because I wanted the battle scenes to be as accurate and authentic as possible. I walked every inch of those battlefields and engaged local experts and guides about the events that unfolded there. I also spoke at length to a number of veterans, and read the first-person accounts of others, detailing their struggles with post-traumatic stress. These insights were so compelling and heartbreaking, and vital to my story. Much of what my protagonist experiences is based on what I learned from those men.

What would you like readers to take away from reading The Batter’s Box?

There is a bit of mythology out there about WWII veterans. That the men of this “Greatest Generation” were supermen of sorts. Men who bravely volunteered for duty, defeated the Germans and Japanese, and then returned home to fill the factories and fuel the post-war boom. Much of that is true, but we hear so little about the huge numbers of veterans – we’ll never know how many – who suffered quietly from all the horrors they endured, unable to share or speak about their experiences. This is largely true of any war, but we seem to pay little attention to those who suffered during this era. I want readers to know and understand their story.

What was your favorite scene to write?

I have so many favorites (said every author ever), but one that I really enjoyed penning was the scene with the Army public affairs officer tasked with talking Will Jamison out of serving in combat. We learn so much about Will in that scene – his convictions, his decency, his humor. It’s really the first glimpse readers get into what makes Will tick, what’s driving him to abandon his fame and fortune as a baseball player to volunteer for the war.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

No question, when Will finally breaks down and reveals the source of his shame and emotional suffering to the woman he loves. So much raw emotion in that scene, and it had to be pitch perfect if I was going to do these veterans the justice they deserve.

What MLB team are you a fan of?

I am a loyal, devoted, and long-suffering Milwaukee Brewers fans. We’ll get to the World Series someday. In the meantime, we have the best stadium food, best nickname, and best logo in all of sports, so there’s that.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I’d like to say it was a lifelong dream, but no. In fact, for most of my life, I abhorred writing. I paled at the sight of Blue Book exams in college, and cringed every time I was asked to write a speech or white paper early in my career. But once I started writing more creative pieces for The Huffington Post, on subjects of my own choosing, and I saw the impact my words had on others, it was a revelation and life-altering experience for me. I now simply always follow the wise words of my father – write what you love. And I think readers will feel that in the pages of my books.

What does your daily writing routine look like?

Lots of moving parts in my daily life – full-time job, kids, sports obsessions galore – so my schedule needs to be fairly compartmented. My daily goal is to write for one to two hours a day, and I’m extremely disciplined about that. Sometimes it stretches to three or four hours – thankfully I don’t need much sleep. I have quite a unique writing environment. A small corner of the basement, which I share with a family of centipedes. It’s cold but blessedly quiet, and as long as I have my trusty 32-ounce Diet Coke nearby, I’m ready to roll.

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

The research, writing, and editing that goes into a book, not to mention the publishing process, requires a ridiculous amount of patience, and I have so very little of it. I can’t get past the third step of assembling anything from IKEA. I don’t really believe in complete stops at stop signs. But writing scenery, developing characters, even the willingness to scrap thousands of words you’ve labored over to start a plotline anew, all takes wagonloads of time and patience. It’s still a challenge to this day. I need a Mr. Miyagi in my life.

Who are your writing inspirations?

I’m going to go off the beaten track a bit here, and cite the late film critic, Roger Ebert. Setting aside his cinematic expertise, the man was such a gifted and brilliant writer. His movie reviews were usually more entertaining to me than the movies themselves. And such wit. One example: The man described the disappointing Ben Affleck film, Pearl Harbor, as a movie about a surprise Japanese attack on a love triangle. So perfect. But going back to my father’s advice, Ebert loved films, so that is what he wrote about. It showed.

What was the first historical novel you read?

My Brother Sam is Dead. It was required reading in middle school, and notwithstanding the grim title, I loved this book. It is a wonderful story of the Revolutionary War told through the eyes of a young boy in Connecticut, whose family is divided between rebels and loyalists.

What is the last historical novel you read?

I’m in the middle of a long series by English writer Alexander Kent about a British naval officer during the late 18th Century. It is a wonderful series and an utterly fascinating character study; it is my second time through it. Once I pick up one of the books, I literally can’t put it down.

What are three things people may not know about you?

I have taken off and landed from two aircraft carriers (as a passenger); I’ve never tried green vegetables, seafood, or peanut butter in my life; and I’m an exceptional craps player. Everyone is going to blow right past the aircraft carriers and gambling, and express their horror that I’ve never had peanut butter.

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

I love sharing little-known stories that are historically accurate and so imperative to understanding historical events and figures.

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

19th and 20th Century American history. That’s my wheelhouse, tracing our history from infancy to global superpower.

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

Love to get out on my bike – I try to ride 30-40 miles every other week or so. Hardly the Tour de France, but for a guy my age, I do okay. I’ve also got a 6th grader and a 9th grader, so other parents know that most of my free time is spent as their personal Uber.

Lastly, what are you working on next?

I’ll be going public with that soon, but for now, I need to keep it under wraps. Hint – I love challenges, and as a writer, this one will be the most daunting I’ve faced.

Ooohhhh...exciting! I can't wait to hear more! Thank you for stopping by today!


The Batter's Box by Andy Kutler

Publication Date: March 12, 2019
Warriors Publishing Group
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Genre: Historical Fiction


In 1946, a returning World War II veteran is determined to reclaim his place among professional baseball's upper echelon and win back the woman he once fell for. Two months into the new season, at the top of his game, he abandons his team, casting aside his fame and riches and vanishing forever from the public eye. What drives a man to walk away from everything he cherishes, never to be heard from again?

The Batter's Box follows the path of Will Jamison, a star player with the Washington Senators who enlists in the U.S. Army following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. When the war ends, Jamison returns to Washington, a decorated hero tormented by deep emotional scars. Burdened with a crushing guilt and harrowing memories he cannot escape, Jamison's life is consumed by an explosive temper, sleepless nights, and a gradual descent into alcoholism. Will he continue, alone with his anguish and misery? Or will he level with those around him, including the woman he loves, and seek the professional care he desperately needs, even at the risk of exposing his most closely guarded secrets?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound


Praise

"We remember World War II as 'the Good War, ' when right and wrong seemed so clear. We won, they lost, and our guys came home as heroes. But as gifted author Andy Kutler tells us in THE BATTER'S BOX, mortal combat is anything but good, heroism comes with a horrific price, and some of the most tragic wounds don't bleed -- and don't go away. If you want to know what really happened at Bastogne in the terrible winter of 1944, read this powerful, haunting book." -- Daniel P. Bolger, Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (Ret.), author of Our Year of War: Two Brothers, Vietnam, and a Nation Divided

"Andy Kutler has the eyes and ears of combat soldiers and the heart of those who love them. The horror, courage, and camaraderie of battle rivals the grit of Once an Eagle, while the poignant authenticity of Will Jamison's struggles with his hidden wounds highlight that, for many, the impact of war lingers far past the last shots of battle. THE BATTER'S BOX is a superb work of historical fiction that carries important lessons for today." -- William E. Rapp, Major General, U.S. Army (Ret.), Former Commandant, U.S. Army War College, and Commandant of Cadets, U.S. Military Academy

“The Batter's Box is a riveting read. It is a love story and a war story and a novel with far more truth than fiction. I’m a psychiatrist specializing in treating men and women with post-traumatic stress disorder. If you love someone with that invisible wound, read this book. If you are curious and concerned about the condition, read this book. Most survivors of profound trauma lack a language to convey their life stories because those stories include the unspeakable. When the hero of this compelling novel speaks, we listen, we learn and we are transformed. If you are currently struggling with the impact of major trauma, reading passages here may be disturbing and ‘triggering.’ But I believe it is worth the risk because this book affirms your reality and your dignity.” --Frank M. Ochberg, MD, Former Associate Director, National Institute of Mental Health

"Historical fiction, if it reflects careful scholarship, is a powerful tool in the hands of a gifted writer, and can deepen our understanding of real events and people. Andy Kutler's THE BATTER’S BOX offers an impressive addition to World War II literature, bringing fresh attention to the adjustment struggle faced by so many returning war veterans. Kutler's depiction of one of the more heroic small-unit engagements in US Army history is both compelling and long overdue." -- Gordon H. "Nick" Mueller, President & CEO Emeritus, The National WWII Museum

About the Author

Andy Kutler is a writer living in Arlington, Virginia. His debut novel, The Other Side of Life, was awarded a Bronze Medal from the Independent Publishers Book Awards, and Honorable Mention from Foreword Reviews' INDIEFAB Awards. He has also authored a number of columns for the Huffington Post and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and spent more than a quarter century in public service, including with the United States Senate and the United States Secret Service, and as a consultant in the national security community.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 8
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Thursday, October 10
Feature at What Is That Book About

Monday, October 14
Interview at Jathan & Heather

Friday, October 18
Review at Reading is My Remedy
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Monday, October 21
Interview at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, October 23
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Thursday, October 24
Review at Impressions In Ink

Tuesday, October 29
Review at Peaceful Pastime

Thursday, October 31
Review at Passages to the Past

Friday, November 1
Feature at Coffee and Ink

Tuesday, November 5
Review at Red Headed Book Lady

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Batter's Box! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The Batter's Box


Review & Giveaway: The First Lady and the Rebel by Susan Higginbotham


The First Lady and the Rebel by Susan Higginbotham

Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Sourcebooks Landmark
eBook & Paperback; 400 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction


From the celebrated author Susan Higginbotham comes the incredible story of Lincoln's First Lady

A Union's First Lady
As the Civil War cracks the country in two, Mary Lincoln stands beside her husband praying for a swift Northern victory. But as the body count rises, Mary can't help but fear each bloody gain. Because her beloved sister Emily is across party lines, fighting for the South, and Mary is at risk of losing both her country and her family in the tides of a brutal war.

A Confederate Rebel's Wife
Emily Todd Helm has married the love of her life. But when her husband's southern ties pull them into a war neither want to join, she must make a choice. Abandon the family she has built in the South or fight against the sister she has always loved best.

With a country's legacy at stake, how will two sisters shape history?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Chapters | IndieBound

Praise

"Historical fiction at it best: A unique, intimate view of a character we thought we knew. The Civil War comes to life through two sisters on opposite sides, one the first lady of the not-so United States. And through it all, a fascinating family saga. I learned a lot and loved this book." - Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of American Duchess

"Susan Higginbotham's The First Lady and the Rebel is a meticulously researched and powerfully written account of the complicated and compelling relationship between the Todd sisters. Higginbotham's two female protagonists are bonded by blood and love, but pulled apart by war. Set against the sweeping backdrop of our nation's Civil War, this is the tragic and true story of human hearts both fierce and fallible, of deeply mixed loyalties, and of the imperfect but inspiring individuals who were asked to do the unimaginable. Moving and enlightening." - Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental Empress

"Susan Higginbotham has done it again-crafted a richly detailed novel that immerses readers in America's Civil War. The First Lady and the Rebel explores the tragic story of a family and a nation torn apart, while shedding light on rarely reported events in the personal life of Abraham Lincoln. Mary Todd Lincoln, the President's wife, and her sister, Emily Todd Helm, are devoted to their husbands and to each other, yet find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict as they face overwhelming grief and loss. The novel presents a devastating time and place rendered so vividly you'll feel as if you'd lived through the war yourself. Higginbotham's painstaking and extensive research is evident from the engaging first chapter to the novel's moving conclusion. For those who like their historical novels based on real people, this book is a must-read." - Amy Belding Brown, author of Flight of the Sparrow

Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

When I pick up a Susan Higginbotham book I know I'm going to learn a lot and be entertained at the same time, which is exactly why I read historical fiction, and in The First Lady and the Rebel we get both in spades.

Of course, the first thing that drew me to reading this book is the absolutely gorgeous cover. I mean, come on....it's an eye-catcher! Then I saw that it was a Higginbotham book AND that it was on Mary Todd and Lincoln, two figures in history that I haven't read about yet. I was fascinated with them both, but especially Lincoln.

The story is told in alternating voices between Mary Todd and her sister, Emily. It was great to learn more about the Todd family as well. There were so many of them! We begin when Mary meets Lincoln and through their courtship and marriage, to when he becomes elected as President, and into the Civil War and beyond.

In a time when families are torn apart by the war, their bonds as sisters are tested when they find themselves on opposite sides. It was very sad to see and to be honest, it seems like the divide is happening again in our country and it's heartbreaking to witness first hand.

I highly recommend The First Lady and the Rebel! The writing is superb, the research excellent, and I genuinely enjoyed my time reading it. I can't wait to see who Higginbotham writes about next!

About the Author

Susan Higginbotham is the author of seven historical novels, including Hanging Mary, The Stolen Crown, and The Queen of Last Hopes. The Traitor’s Wife, her first novel, was the winner of ForeWord Magazine’s 2005 Silver Award for historical fiction and was a Gold Medalist, Historical/Military Fiction, 2008 Independent Publisher Book wards. She writes her own historical fiction blog, History Refreshed. Higginbotham has worked as an editor and an attorney, and lives in Maryland with her family.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | BookBub

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 1
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Wednesday, October 2
Review at Faery Tales Are Real
Review & Guest Post at Clarissa Reads it All

Thursday, October 3
Review at Broken Teepee
Review at Stephanie's Novel Fiction

Friday, October 4
Review at Donna's Book Blog

Saturday, October 5
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Monday, October 7
Review at Hooked on Books
Interview at Reading the Past

Tuesday, October 8
Review at The Lit Bitch

Wednesday, October 9
Review at Just One More Chapter

Thursday, October 10
Review at Unabridged Chick

Friday, October 11
Interview at Unabridged Chick
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Saturday, October 12
Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Monday, October 14
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story

Tuesday, October 15
Review at Passages to the Past

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The First Lady and the Rebel! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on October 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

The First Lady and the Rebel


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