Book Blast: A Mother's Promise by K.D. Alden

Hey y'all! Today on the blog I am featuring K.D. Alden's debut novel, A Mother's Promise! This sounds like an emotional and powerful read and I cannot wait to pick it up!


A Mother's Promise by K.D. Alden

Publication Date: January 19, 2021
Forever/Grand Central
Paperback & eBook; 384 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction


Based on the true story behind a landmark U.S. Supreme Court Decision, K.D. Alden’s debut is a rich and moving story of one woman’s courage and strength at a pivotal point in America’s history.

Virginia, 1927. A chance to have a family. That’s all Ruth Ann Riley wants. But because she was unwed and pregnant, she was sent away and her baby given to another woman. Now they’re trying to take Ruth Ann’s right to have another child. But she can’t stand the thought of never seeing little Annabel’s face again, never snuggling up to her warmth or watching her blue eyes crinkle with laughter. Good thing she has a plan.

All the rich and fancy folks may call her feeble-minded, but Ruth Ann is smarter than any of them have bargained for. Because no matter how high the odds are stacked against her, she is going to overcome the scandals in her past and get her child back—and along the way, she just may find unexpected friendships and the possibility of love in the most unlikely of places.

"A Mother's Promise is a powerful, heart-wrenching, ultimately uplifting novel about the bonds of family and one woman's courage in the face of adversity. K.D. Alden brings history to life with rich storytelling and deep emotion."―V.S. Alexander, author of The Magdalen Girls

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million | Hudson | IndieBound | Powell's | Target | Walmart


About the Author


K.D. Alden is the pseudonym of an award-winning author who has written more than twenty novels in various genres. She has been the recipient of the Maggie Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, and an RT Reviewer’s Choice Award. A Mother’s Promise is her first historical novel.

K.D. is a graduate of Smith College, grew up in Austin, Texas, and resides in South Florida with her husband and two rescue greyhounds.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads


Book Blast Schedule

Tuesday, January 19
Novels Alive

Wednesday, January 20
Bookworlder

Thursday, January 21
I'm All About Books

Friday, January 22
Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Saturday, January 23
Jessica Belmont

Monday, January 25
The Review Crew

Tuesday, January 26
Reading is My Remedy

Wednesday, January 27
A Chick Who Reads

Thursday, January 28
Passages to the Past

Friday, January 29
What Is That Book About

Interview & Giveaway: A Man of Honor by J.A. Nelson

Today on the blog I am super excited to be hosting J.A. Nelson! She is currently on Blog Tour for A Man of Honor and she graciously stopped by to answer a few questions. I hope you enjoy getting to know J.A. and learn more about her new book.

You can read my review here, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!


A Man of Honor, or Horatio's Confessions by J.A. Nelson

Publication Date: December 9, 2019
Quill Point Press
Paperback, eBook & AudioBook; 414 pages

Genre: Historical/Thriller/Mystery


Winner of two silver medals
Best First Book, Fiction
Best Cover, Fiction
Awarded by the IBPA (2020)

2020 Notable Indie, Top 100 - Best Indie Book Awards, Shelf Unbound

Finalist, Literary Fiction
14th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards (2020)

A Man of Honor tells the fictional tale of how one man’s oath gave birth to the legend of Hamlet.

How far would you go to keep a deathbed promise?

Surrounded by the bodies of slain monarchs, a dying prince extracts a promise from his friend, Horatio: "Tell my story."

Rival kings of warring nations strive to lay claim to the throne, now vacant, but what will happen to the people who live there, at Helsingør's Krogen Castle? How will Horatio preserve his honor and the prince's legacy while surviving this murderous kingdom and the men who would rule it?

Despite the odds and threats against him, Horatio persists, weaving the story of his dear friend into the fabric of one of their oldest and most revered medieval texts.

But when a nefarious Spaniard thwarts his plans, Horatio must once again risk everything to fulfill his oath.

With the help of some unexpected allies in the form of Margrete, a courageous lady-in-waiting, and Lanier, a disgraced French nobleman, Horatio undertakes this perilous quest that will lead him on a journey none of them could have ever predicted, to a place none of them ever thought they would see.

And after their hard-fought journey will it all be for naught?

Will Hamlet's glory be Horatio's downfall?

Amazon | Apple Books | Audible | Barnes and Noble | Google Play


Praise

"Like a train, A MAN OF HONOR's narrative builds speed and takes off into an often gripping adventure of love,war, and discovery. Author J.A. Nelson's novel follows in the tradition of historical fiction. Nelson creates a beautiful but terrifying sixteenth century where numerous factions struggle for power and influence. The main characters are loyal but fallible, and the reader identifies with their struggle to keep moving forward--to finish what they've started.... Nelson has developed a timeless story.... A MAN OF HONOR may be set in a distant time and place, but Horatio's search for the truth about his late friend, Hamlet, is an internal journey of discovery to which many readers will relate." - IndieReader Reviews

"With its literary flourishes and exciting scenes, A Man of Honor addresses ethical questions in fascinating ways....Setting and moods...capture the flavor of Nordic sagas.... A literary novel featuring taut action and strong characters who address questions about the nature of integrity." - Clarion Reviews

"The story of Hamlet survives, truthfully told.... Horatio is the perfect character to carry on Hamlet's story.... An intriguing twist.... Among the pages of an adventure is a story of one man's commitment to his sense of honor and duty, as well as the importance and worth of legends." - The US Review

Interview with J.A. Nelson

Hello J.A. and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about A Man of Honor!

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

J. A. is my pen name; please call me Jen. I’m a native Southern Californian who has lived in Northern Virginia for 30 years. I write because I can’t not write. I’m grateful for the luxury of having a full-time job that allows me, when not working, to sit at my oak writing table and author laptop. When I’m stuck about an aspect of my story, I remain in my writing zone and watch, through a large window, my husband, Ed, as he tends our lawn, giving me “alone time” to write and revise. To untangle my story problems, I ask myself questions. If my questions are good enough, it’s my characters who answer. When they answer, I’m no longer stuck.

I love both history and literature and how the two push and pull at one another. I enjoy working through ideas that fill an existing void in fiction or in how we make meaning of the past. As a writer continually learning the craft of storytelling and meaning-making, I try to think “and…” more often than “but….” The word “and” prompts synthesis. It allows for seemingly juxtaposed things to co-exist, like west coast and east coast. Old and young. Fact and fiction. Then and now.

What inspired you to write A Man of Honor?

The overarching idea came to me while I watched Kenneth Branagh’s film “Hamlet.” I found myself wondering “what is Horatio thinking”? I liked the idea of taking-on a big challenge: to write a story that picks-up where one of Shakespeare’s most revered plays leaves off, of fully imagining the life, personality, and story of a minor character. It is not a retelling of the Hamlet story; some elements of the play appear as backstory. I believe I’ve brought forward new insights and a few twists that, I hope, all readers will enjoy.

Inspiration also came from a dear friend and teacher, Pete Loomer. When he died, I had just begun to revise the manuscript and was grappling with how I could better define the deeper meaning of the story. I found a clue to that answer within an old letter that he had written to me.

What research did you undertake when writing A Man of Honor?

Because I wanted to blend literary and historical elements, my research dug into the roots of the Hamlet legend in Nordic mythology and into the politics, economies, societies, philosophies and theologies, war and weaponry, and customs of late medieval and early renaissance Scandinavia, France, and England. Certain historical facts set the dates of the story from 1513 to 1520.

In addition to reading reputable online sources, I sat under the expansive dome of the Library of Congress’s Main Reading Room and read literary and historical primary and secondary sources. I visited the Royal Danish Library in Copenhagen and shuffled through maps with the friendly, watchful help of the librarians there. And travel! My visits inside Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, Denmark, the muniment tower in Merton College, Oxford, England, and a multitude of medieval castles and towns throughout Western Europe—they all contributed to the settings in my book.

Of course, research included immersion in the play, Hamlet. I read it more times than I can count. I watched every stage and film version of Hamlet I could find. I avoided, as much as possible, literary criticism about Hamlet and Shakespeare because I wanted to develop my own opinions about the play’s themes and characters, especially Horatio’s and Hamlet’s personalities. I needed to see with my own eyes where the play gave clues and opportunity for me to develop Horatio’s tale. It was like exploring the surface of a wall for hidden compartments—finding and chipping away at seams that had been painted over, and feeling for panels that bear weight and are unmovable versus those that, when pushed, give ground and move aside.

What would you like readers to take away from reading A Man of Honor?

First and foremost, I hope that readers will enjoy the adventure. They don’t need to know Hamlet to enjoy the story, but I hope that if they do, they’ll find some nuggets and notions that intrigue them. I hope that my readers find, in A Man of Honor, or Horatio’s Confessions, examples of paths that we can take when faced with tough choices that test our integrity.

What was your favorite scene to write?

If I think of “favorite” as the most fun to write, it’s hard to pick but I’d say it was a physical fight in a muniment room during which noblewoman Margrete proves she has what it takes to compete in a bruising smack-down. Also, in that scene’s action I incorporated some things I know about blade fighting.

Because I love writing dialogue, other favorite parts of scenes involve banter between Horatio and Lanier, Horatio and Margrete’s sometimes heated discussions, and a moment when Margrete’s parents, who are not in agreement about whether they approve of Horatio’s courtship of Margrete, question Horatio—put him through his paces at a most inopportune time.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

The opening scene was—for me, always is—the hardest scene to write. There are very good reasons why so many writing workshops focus exclusively on the creation of a story’s first pages. It seems to me that any given story has only a possible couple of perfect beginnings for that particular tale, that there’s a tighter range of story-telling options at the beginning than during the course of the story, like a two-lane entrance onto a six-lane highway. At the start, the writer should offer the reader an exquisite balance of voice and flavors and pace. We must ease the reader into the story while grasping and keeping their attention because there are too many distractions vying for reader’s attention these days. This is a highly technical type of seduction at play, at least from the writer’s perspective, I believe. I don’t know if other authors would agree with me but that is how I see it.

Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?

That’s a tough question because Horatio, Margrete, and Lanier each hold a special place in my heart. I know them inside and out, and l love each for their own merits and human failings, and how they struggle to assert or regain their honor. I would have to say, though, that I worried most for Lanier because if he cannot find hope, he is doomed. As tough a man as he is, he is most fragile. I remember…I once read aloud an in-progress draft to my mother, cover to cover, and while I read a certain section regarding Lanier, I wept.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Well…love of reading came first. I devoured each of the 56 volumes in the Nancy Drew mystery series. I read all of Roald Dahl’s and Judy Blume’s children’s books, and the entire Chronicles of Narnia, and more. At the same time, English and composition were the school subjects that came most easily for me, and creative writing was my therapeutic, creative outlet. I also read history books from an early age onward and learned from beloved teachers how to see history through literature and vice-versa. And so, my desire to write a fun and substantive debut historical novel based in literature felt as natural to me as breathing.

What does your daily writing routine look like?

I’m a slow writer, and I’m a slow reader as well because I think about what I’m reading and wonder at it. I envy those writers who can dash-off five or ten pages within a couple of hours every day before the sun rises.

I plan the structure of my scenes before I write. That helps me to reach a particular destination, by that I mean a combination of character development, plot, setting and pace, at the end of each chapter. My plan leaves plenty of room for inspiration and the muses to tease my imagination while I write.

Weekends are my productive writing days. Those mornings, 7:00-ish, I begin to write—only after I feed my beloved elderly cat, Jam, and he is pleased that all is well with the world. However, sometimes the howling doesn’t stop until Ed joins us mid-morning. With or without Jam’s Rules, onward I write, following my story plan to reach my intended stopping point for the day. If I haven’t made it as far as I had hoped, I don’t beat myself up.

At my next opportunity, I keep on keepin’ on.

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

My greatest challenge has been to weed-out the extraneous ideas that I adore, especially if they came from painstaking research or some matter that I have trouble letting go. “Murder your darlings,” Hemingway famously wrote: that has been helpful advice. When I pay close attention to story development and stick close to the tension within the scene, it’s easier for me to see what half-baked (or even baked, cooled and decorated) elements should be honored and then set aside.

Who are your writing inspirations?

I’m inspired by writers whose works have stood the test of time, whose detailed settings and complex characters show individuals taking personal responsibility and proving their integrity. Melville, Mark Twain, Faulkner, Ellison, and Morrison especially come to mind. I re-read Moby Dick last year.

What was the first historical novel you read?

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.

What is the last historical novel you read?

I’m currently reading Carrying Independence by Karen Chase.

What are three things people may not know about you?

Thank goodness, that’s an easy question for a debut, unknown author. 1) I was an archivist and manager at the National Archives for 22 years.

2) I mentioned earlier that I know something about blade fighting; I once held a mid-level (“C”) national competitive rating in women’s épée fencing.

3) Here’s something that I didn’t know about myself until recently: I’m a direct descendent of an American Revolutionary War soldier, of a councilman of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, of two early colonial settlers in Connecticut, and of a pikesman who helped defend Elizabeth I’s England against the Spanish Armada. #3 just proves that even us mutts of many nationalities can find some historical gems in our ancestry—with luck, available records, and time to research.

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

Through historical fiction I can learn about people’s lives and challenges. I get to step into a past world that is relevant today and figure out why that past matters to me and to modern readers. If I’m really interested, I can also physically travel to those places or see an exhibit that tells me more. And so, I can springboard from a book into a subject about which I can design my own extended experience.

Through adventure fiction, which usually spans geographic and imaginative ground, I may go on a journey that I didn’t know I wanted, or even needed, to take. For me, that’s what makes the choice of reading fiction worth the time spent.

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

My answer would depend on the book I last read. I like a variety of periods and settings. If I had to state an order of preference: late medieval or renaissance Europe, late Victorian era in Great Britain or America, and America’s colonial era through 1830.

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

I’m gradually learning old-time fiddle and banjo. With Ed, I practice the art of rescuing trapped wine, one bottle at a time. I didn’t invent that phrase but it’s very apt.

Lastly, what are you working on next?

My next historical novel, the tentative title is Not Without Right, I’m researching and writing now. The story is set in London, circa 1600. It’s about personal ambition in the context of immigration, threat of social unrest, women’s work opportunities, politics, and the theater business. The three main characters are an educated, Flemish, immigrant woman whose dream is to write, a business-savvy, countryside foreigner who is England’s leading playwright, and the ever-resistant Royal Censor.

Oh wow, that sounds exciting! I can't wait for that! Thank you so much for stopping by Passages to the Past today!

About the Author

J. A. Nelson’s passion for exploring connections between history, literature, and evidence in written texts has shaped her life—from a BA (Occidental College) and MA (The George Washington University) in cultural studies to a two-decade career at the National Archives of the United States, working with historical documentary treasures and helping people access unique stories in those records. Ms. Nelson is a native of Culver City, CA, a Los Angeles suburb. She lives with her husband in Northern Virginia. A Man of Honor, or Horatio’s Confessions is her debut novel.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Sunday, January 3
Excerpt at Bookworlder
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Monday, January 4
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Wednesday, January 6
Feature at Reading is My Remedy

Friday, January 8
Review at @the.b00kreader
Interview at The Whispering Bookworm

Monday, January 11
Review at Rajiv's Reviews

Thursday, January 14
Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Monday, January 18
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Wednesday, January 20
Feature at What Is That Book About

Thursday, January 21
Excerpt at Journey in Bookland

Friday, January 22
Review at Amy's Booket List

Monday, January 25
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, January 27
Interview at Passages to the Past

Friday, January 29
Feature at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Monday, February 1
Review at YA, It's Lit

Wednesday, February 3
Review at A Book Geek

Friday, February 5
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Saturday, February 6
Review at Bibliostatic

Monday, February 8
Review at Books and Zebras

Wednesday, February 10
Review at Impressions In Ink

Friday, February 12
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Monday, February 15
Excerpt at Novels Alive
Review at Coffee and Ink
Review at Little But Fierce Book Diary

Giveaway

Enter to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Man of Honor

Review + Giveaway: The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George


The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George

Publication Date: January 26, 2021
Berkley
Paperback & eBook; 320 pages

Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses, Book #1
Genre: Historical Romance/Victorian


Even a fortune forged in railroads and steel can't buy entrance into the upper echelons of Victorian high society—for that you need a marriage of convenience.

American heiress August Crenshaw has aspirations. But unlike her peers, it isn't some stuffy British Lord she wants wrapped around her finger—it's Crenshaw Iron Works, the family business. When it's clear that August's outrageously progressive ways render her unsuitible for a respectable match, her parents offer up her younger sister to the highest entitled bidder instead. This simply will not do. August refuses to leave her sister to the mercy of a loveless marriage.

Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild, has no intention of walking away from the marriage. He's recently inherited the title only to find his coffers empty, and with countless lives depending on him, he can't walk away from the fortune a Crenshaw heiress would bring him. But after meeting her fiery sister, he realizes Violet isn't the heiress he wants. He wants August, and he always gets what he wants.

But August won't go peacefully to her fate. She decides to show Rothschild that she's no typical London wallflower. Little does she realize that every stunt she pulls to make him call off the wedding only makes him like her even more.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise

"A fun, fresh historical romance that gives both formidable characters their due." - Publishers Weekly

“A delightfully entertaining read, rich with romance, glamour, and lush Victorian detail. Harper St. George truly captures the spirt of the era.” - USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews

“THE HEIRESS GETS A DUKE is a sexy, emotional romantic tale, set against the backdrop of the changing Victorian England. August Crenshaw is exactly the strong, intelligent, self-reliant heroine that Evan Sterling needs – the only trouble is neither one believes it. Watching the path of their romance and their battles makes this story a winner. Harper St. George is a must-buy for me!” - USA Today bestselling author Terri Brisbin

"Wit, seduction and passion blend seamlessly to create this deeply emotional romance. St. George weaves an intriguing plot with complex characters to provide the perfect sensual escape. There’s nothing I didn’t love about The Heiress Gets a Duke, especially its lush, captivating glimpse into history." – USA Today bestselling author Anabelle Bryant

"There are only a few authors that make me want to take the day off to devour their latest book and Harper St. George is one of them. Rich with period detail, The Heiress Gets a Duke brings to life the Gilded Age's dollar princesses in this smart, sexy, and oh so satisfying story. It's a real treat for anyone who enjoys historical romances with strong characters that will stay with you long after you close the book. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series." - Laurie Benson, award-winning author of The Sommersby Brides series

"The electricity crackles between August and Evan from their gloriously unconventional and improper first meeting, through their first scandalous waltz and continues to sizzle till the very last page. As much as August tries to fight her overwhelming attraction to the most unlikeliest of dukes, through their very practical and business-like courtship and all the trials and tribulations Ms St George throws at them, she soon comes to realise that the man earmarked for her sister is not only her destiny but the unexpected love of her life. You’ll sigh, you’ll cry, and you’ll grin yourself silly as this independent and cynical heiress finally gets her duke." – Virginia Heath

"The Heiress Gets a Duke is a charming, compulsively readable delight and I can't wait for the next book from Harper St George's magical pen!" – Evie Dunmore

Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Not only is this cover stunning, the story is just as amazing!

I am a sucker for books that feature unconventional women who are tough as nails and confident in their abilities, and I got that and then some with August Crenshaw! Unlike many women in her day, August doesn't care for the finer things in life or even thinking of marriage. She has seen what an unwanted marriage has done to her best friend and she doesn't want that for herself. Instead, she spends her days helping to run Crenshaw Iron Works, which her grandfather started, and of which she is an heiress of the estate. She is rational, intelligent, and has a mind for business. I adored her!

August's family, while rich, are still on the outside of the London social circles. "New money" doesn't buy you into that world, but marriage to a member of the English Aristocracy will.

Enter Evan Sterling. Evan is the new Duke of Rothschild after the recent passing of his father. Their estate is in dire straights and greatly in debt. Evan must find a rich bride in order to save his family and their standing in society.

From their accidental first meeting and throughout the book the chemistry between August and Evan are off the charts!

This is the first book in Harper St. George's Gilded Age Heiress series and I cannot wait for the next installment! You will fall in love with George's writing and I can guarantee that you will fall hard for August and Evan!

About the Author


Harper St. George was raised in rural Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since.

She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband's amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at www.harperstgeorge.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, January 26
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, January 27
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Thursday, January 28
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Friday, January 29
Review at Novels Alive

Monday, February 1
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink
Review at Historical Romance Lover

Tuesday, February 2
Review at Madwoman in the Attic

Wednesday, February 3
Review at Bookish Rantings

Thursday, February 4
Review at Bibliostatic

Friday, February 5
Review at Into the Hall of Books

Monday, February 8
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Excerpt at Cross My Heart Writing & Reviews

Tuesday, February 9
Review at Rajiv's Reviews
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Wednesday, February 10
Review at The Romance Dish

Thursday, February 11
Review at The Lit Bitch
Review at McCombs on Main
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Friday, February 12
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Monday, February 15
Review at Flea with a Degree

Wednesday, February 17
Review at Reader_ceygo

Thursday, February 18
Interview at Reader_ceygo

Friday, February 19
Review & Excerpt at Bookworlder

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 19th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Heiress Gets a Duke

A Man of Honor, or Horatio's Confessions by J.A. Nelson


A Man of Honor, or Horatio's Confessions by J.A. Nelson

Publication Date: December 9, 2019
Quill Point Press
Paperback, eBook & AudioBook; 414 pages

Genre: Historical/Thriller/Mystery


Winner of two silver medals
Best First Book, Fiction
Best Cover, Fiction
Awarded by the IBPA (2020)

2020 Notable Indie, Top 100 - Best Indie Book Awards, Shelf Unbound

Finalist, Literary Fiction
14th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards (2020)

A Man of Honor tells the fictional tale of how one man’s oath gave birth to the legend of Hamlet.

How far would you go to keep a deathbed promise?

Surrounded by the bodies of slain monarchs, a dying prince extracts a promise from his friend, Horatio: "Tell my story."

Rival kings of warring nations strive to lay claim to the throne, now vacant, but what will happen to the people who live there, at Helsingør's Krogen Castle? How will Horatio preserve his honor and the prince's legacy while surviving this murderous kingdom and the men who would rule it?

Despite the odds and threats against him, Horatio persists, weaving the story of his dear friend into the fabric of one of their oldest and most revered medieval texts.

But when a nefarious Spaniard thwarts his plans, Horatio must once again risk everything to fulfill his oath.

With the help of some unexpected allies in the form of Margrete, a courageous lady-in-waiting, and Lanier, a disgraced French nobleman, Horatio undertakes this perilous quest that will lead him on a journey none of them could have ever predicted, to a place none of them ever thought they would see.

And after their hard-fought journey will it all be for naught?

Will Hamlet's glory be Horatio's downfall?

Amazon | Apple Books | Audible | Barnes and Noble | Google Play


Praise

"Like a train, A MAN OF HONOR's narrative builds speed and takes off into an often gripping adventure of love,war, and discovery. Author J.A. Nelson's novel follows in the tradition of historical fiction. Nelson creates a beautiful but terrifying sixteenth century where numerous factions struggle for power and influence. The main characters are loyal but fallible, and the reader identifies with their struggle to keep moving forward--to finish what they've started.... Nelson has developed a timeless story.... A MAN OF HONOR may be set in a distant time and place, but Horatio's search for the truth about his late friend, Hamlet, is an internal journey of discovery to which many readers will relate." - IndieReader Reviews

"With its literary flourishes and exciting scenes, A Man of Honor addresses ethical questions in fascinating ways....Setting and moods...capture the flavor of Nordic sagas.... A literary novel featuring taut action and strong characters who address questions about the nature of integrity." - Clarion Reviews

"The story of Hamlet survives, truthfully told.... Horatio is the perfect character to carry on Hamlet's story.... An intriguing twist.... Among the pages of an adventure is a story of one man's commitment to his sense of honor and duty, as well as the importance and worth of legends." - The US Review

Review

A Man of Honor by J.A. Nelson begins with Horatio cradling his best friend, Hamlet, as he lay dying. Hamlet makes Horatio promise to tell his story and in doing so he may be able to help and save the people in the village from invading forces.

Horatio wants to fulfill his promise but he is torn - in telling Hamlet's story Horation may have to confess some of his own crimes.

I thought Horatio was a great character and narrator. I especially enjoyed the scenes with Margrete. I think the author did a great job of staying authentic to the Shakespeare feel but it's much easier to read. JA Nelson's writing is fabulous!

Beyond Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer's Night Dream, I haven't read much Shakespeare, but I may need to check Hamlet out after reading this book! Highly recommended to those that enjoy Shakespeare, or even those that don't :) It may just inspire you like it did for me!

About the Author

J. A. Nelson’s passion for exploring connections between history, literature, and evidence in written texts has shaped her life—from a BA (Occidental College) and MA (The George Washington University) in cultural studies to a two-decade career at the National Archives of the United States, working with historical documentary treasures and helping people access unique stories in those records. Ms. Nelson is a native of Culver City, CA, a Los Angeles suburb. She lives with her husband in Northern Virginia. A Man of Honor, or Horatio’s Confessions is her debut novel.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Sunday, January 3
Excerpt at Bookworlder
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Monday, January 4
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Wednesday, January 6
Feature at Reading is My Remedy

Friday, January 8
Review at @the.b00kreader
Interview at The Whispering Bookworm

Monday, January 11
Review at Rajiv's Reviews

Thursday, January 14
Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Monday, January 18
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Wednesday, January 20
Feature at What Is That Book About

Thursday, January 21
Excerpt at Journey in Bookland

Friday, January 22
Review at Amy's Booket List

Monday, January 25
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, January 27
Interview at Passages to the Past

Friday, January 29
Feature at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Monday, February 1
Review at YA, It's Lit

Wednesday, February 3
Review at A Book Geek

Friday, February 5
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Saturday, February 6
Review at Bibliostatic

Monday, February 8
Review at Books and Zebras

Wednesday, February 10
Review at Impressions In Ink

Friday, February 12
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Monday, February 15
Excerpt at Novels Alive
Review at Coffee and Ink
Review at Little But Fierce Book Diary

Giveaway

Enter to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Man of Honor

Book Blast & Giveaway: The Healer of Briarwood by MK McClintock


The Healer of Briarwood by MK McClintock

Publication Date: December 15, 2020
Trappers Peak Publishing
Paperback & ebook; 260 pages

Series: Montana Gallagher Series, Book 7
Genre: Historical/Romance/Victorian


A man with a healer’s touch. A woman with a healer’s heart.

Doctor Finnegan Brody tends his patients, keeps to himself, and vividly remembers the heartaches and trials from the Civil War and why he devoted his life to healing. He watches the townspeople live their lives, loving and laboring alongside one another, and wonders if one day he will give a woman as much time and dedication as he gives the people of Briarwood.

Katharine Kiely has a deep-rooted stubbornness to never give up, even if it means leaving behind her comfortable life by the sea to protect her father’s health and help expand his empire. When she finally arrives in Briarwood to convince the Gallaghers a spur line should cross their land, nothing goes as she expected.

Finn, with his knowledge of healing the people, and Katharine, who learns how to heal with her heart, join together as the townsfolk of Briarwood face challenges and choices that could alter their way of life forever.

Welcome to Briarwood and Hawk’s Peak, where friendship, love, and hope conquer overwhelming odds.

Available on Amazon

More in the Montana Gallagher Series

Gallagher's Pride
Gallagher's Hope
Gallagher's Choice
An Angel Called Gallagher
Journey to Hawk's Peak
Wild Montana Winds
The Healer of Briarwood

About the Author

Award-winning author MK McClintock is devoted to giving her readers books laced with adventure, romance, and a touch of mystery. Her novels and short stories take you from the rugged mountains of Montana to the Victorian British Isles, all with good helpings of daring exploits and endearing love stories. Her works comprise multiple series, including: Montana Gallaghers, British Agents, Crooked Creek, and Whitcomb Springs. She enjoys a peaceful life in the Rocky Mountains where she is writing her next book.

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bookbub | Goodreads


Book Blast Schedule

Monday, January 18
Novels Alive

Tuesday, January 19
Reading is My Remedy

Wednesday, January 20
Heidi Reads

Thursday, January 21
Passages to the Past

Friday, January 22
Gwendalyn's Books
Library of Clean Reads

Monday, January 25
The Lit Bitch
Donna's Book Blog

Tuesday, January 26
Jorie Loves a Story

Wednesday, January 27
What Is That Book About

Thursday, January 28
A Darn Good Read

Friday, January 29
Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a Cozy Reading Bundle! Includes a wool throw from England, two mugs, a candle, an autographed book, and treats, all in a shopping tote!

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on January 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Healer of Briarwood

Excerpt & Giveaway: The Last King by M.J. Porter


The Last King by M.J. Porter

Publication Date: April 23, 2020
Paperback & eBook; 314 pages

Series: The Ninth Century, Book One
Genre: Historical Thriller


They sent three hundred warriors to kill one man. It wasn’t enough.

Mercia lies broken but not beaten, her alliance with Wessex in tatters.

Coelwulf, a fierce and bloody warrior, hears whispers that Mercia has been betrayed from his home in the west. He fears no man, especially not the Vikings sent to hunt him down.

To discover the truth of the rumours he hears, Coelwulf must travel to the heart of Mercia, and what he finds there will determine the fate of Mercia, as well as his own.

Amazon US | Amazon UK


Excerpt

As I suspected, I find my Aunt amongst the gravestones of my ancestors, to the rear of the small priory the monks from Gloucester maintain, at my expense.

Her hounds appear to be sleeping at her feet, but I know better. They’re fiercely loyal and can be roused to snapping furies with just a word from her. One of the beast’s growls at me, the sound more terrifying than iron being drawn from a scabbard.

“Down Wiglaf,” my Aunt snaps. I turn to meet the hound’s eyes, and I fear that we both feel equally quelled by her tone. The hounds are named after the men who ruled Mercia after her father was deposed. Not that she had the naming of both of them. I consider that it might pain her, but then dismiss the idea. My Aunt is not the sort of woman to fear to speak a hound’s name.

“King Burgred has always been a bloody coward.” Her coarse words shock me so much I feel my mouth drop open.

She turns to gaze at me, the hint of amusement in her eye, and I consider what she sees when she looks at me. No one has ever said that I resemble my father, but neither have I been told I take after my mother. My blond hair is a mystery to me, my build the result of my warrior skills.

“Did you think I grew deaf every time you and your warriors made Kingsholm your home?”

“I,” I stutter, but nothing else follows the words. She cows me as no one else ever has. Not even my father.

“King Burgred is a coward, and your father was a fool not to stake his claim to the kingdom.” My father could never have ruled. He was a weak man, tormented by the death of his father. I vowed to never be like him.

“You’ll be king now.” It’s not even a question, but a statement.

“How did Bishop Wærferth get to you so quickly? Did he sail here?” I turn, as though to seek him out or spy the hint of sails to the west.

My Aunt’s sudden laughter takes me by surprise.

“So, he’s already suggested it to you. Good. At least I don’t have to force you to fulfil your duty.”

Again, my mouth opens, but no words sprout from it.

“The ealdormen will support you. All of them. The bishops as well.”

“I,” I try and speak, but she’s walking to my side, her hand stretched out to touch my arm.

“Mercia suffers because our line has been broken. You’ll heal it.”

“I.” I just can’t find the words to say.

“I know you never wanted this. But I always knew. I think your father and brother did as well.”

“I can’t be king,” I finally manage to force the words beyond my constricted throat.

“But you will be.” And she moves off, no doubt to find the bereaved women and the young girl. My Aunt has never shied away from the responsibilities she feels to the people of Mercia.

One of the hounds follows her, but the other one, the one she chastised, Wiglaf, remains, head low and whining softly. I reach out. Cup the hound’s muzzle, run my hand along his snout. His whining softens, dies away altogether.

Wiglaf was my brother’s hound before he belonged to my Aunt. That accounts for why she cares for it so well. He’s old now.

Only when we’re together, do we give in to our combined sorrow.

Together we walk to my brother’s grave.

It’s been over a decade since his death, fighting for Mercia. His hound is lined with grey and slow to move during the cold winter weather. Watching him struggle to his feet makes me realise how damn old I truly am.

I bend my head and rest my other hand on the gravestone that marks my brother’s grave.

These warriors I ride with were his men.

Edmund was once my brother’s closest ally, even closer than I was to him.

Coenwulf would have made a fine king of Mercia.

“Bugger it,” I complain, standing upright, shocking poor Wiglaf as he lies over my feet, and then struggles to stand.

“Bugger it, arse it.”

There was never a choice.

There rarely is.

About the Author


I'm an author of fantasy (Viking age/dragon-themed) and historical fiction (Early English, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest). I was born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building, told from a very young age that it housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia and that our garden was littered with old pieces of pottery from a long-ago battle, it's little wonder that my curiosity in Early England ran riot. I can only blame my parents!

I write A LOT. You've been warned!

Not sure where to start your journey through Early England? Here are some pointers.

If you like action-adventure, with a heavy dose of violence, foul language and good old camaraderie - The Ninth Century series is for you, starting with The Last King, or The Seventh Century, starting with Pagan Warrior, has a little more politics to go with the set-piece battles.

If you like stories about the forgotten women of history, then the Tenth Century series, starting with The Lady of Mercia's Daughter, is a good place to begin. Or, The First Queen of England, with a little more romance.

If you're interested in the last century of Early England (before 1066) then The Earls of Mercia series is for you.

If you want to read it all, then you can read in chronological order, or mix it up. The series weren't written in chronological order.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, January 11
Review at Hoover Book Reviews

Tuesday, January 12
Review at Bibliostatic
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Wednesday, January 13
Review at Rajiv's Reviews
Excerpt at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Thursday, January 14
Feature at Bookworlder
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Friday, January 15
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Saturday, January 16
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Monday, January 18
Interview at Books & Benches

Tuesday, January 19
Review at Impressions In Ink
Excerpt at Madwoman in the Attic

Wednesday, January 20
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Thursday, January 21
Review at Books and Zebras
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Friday, January 22
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink
Excerpt at A Darn Good Read
Interview at Jathan & Heather

Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of The Last King by M.J. Porter! Two paperbacks are up for grabs!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on January 22nd. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Last King

2020 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge - Wrap Up

Hello, dear readers! Happy New Year! I hope 2021 is a wonderful year for you! 

Well, now that our 2020 HF Reading Challenge has ended I wanted to check in with you all and see how you did! 

 Did you meet your goal? 
What were some of your favorite reads of the year? 

I need some new books added to my wishlist so let me know what you enjoyed :)



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