About the Book: 
Non Fiction - Memoir
Date Published: August 25, 2015


Fiona Havlish is an engaging inspirational speaker and success coach whose stories entertain and inspire those going through drastic life transitions. You would never guess that she stuttered as a child and spent the better part of her life trying to remain invisible while navigating her own journey in silence, hiding behind her roles as wife, mother, and nurse.

On September 11th 2001, after dropping her daughter off at childcare, she answered her cell phone oblivious to the fact that she was about to be shaken out of her hiding place and awakened to her own gifts of intuition, clairaudience, and healing. 



In Full Voice is a story about one woman's triumphant journey through trauma, loss, grief, illness (and even a flood) that led her to find her own voice so that she can help others uncover and share their own gifts with the world.

Read an Excerpt: 
Trip of Gratitude:

DURING THE FIVE WEEKS of our trip we drove through fifteen states and had about 200 conversations with people from all walks of life. Everyone I spoke with had stories related to 9/11 to share and asked many questions. They loved our story, and they especially enjoyed hearing that whatever they sent to help (money, quilts, teddy bears, loving thoughts, cards, songs, poems, etc.) was deeply appreciated, and we knew it came from their hearts.

I find it sad that it takes a tragedy for citizens to pull together and show their true colors of heart-centered love. Towards the end of our trip, we stopped at a local roadside diner in Flagstaff, Arizona for dinner. The sun was just set- ting, and it cast a purple glow across the horizon. I had been driving for about eight or ten hours straight. The waitress came up to our table and poured us some water.

“You look tired. Traveling?”

“ Yes,” I sighed and looked up at her. She appeared to be in her early thirties, short and slightly overweight. She had black hair with flecks of gray and a kind face. I noticed that she looked tired too.

“Just you and your daughter?” She looked at us puzzled. 

“Where are you headed?” “Not sure,” I said. “How can you go on a trip and not know where you are going?”

“Take a deep breath, pack the car and go forward,” I replied.

“That takes a lot of guts. I don’t think I could do that. Why are you doing this?”

I inhaled deeply. I was always nervous before I’d share what we were doing because I didn’t want to upset anyone.

 “My daughter and I are on a Trip of Gratitude. I lost my husband and Michaela’s father on 9/11 in the terrorist attack, and because everyone shared from their hearts I fell in love with this country. I’m on this trip to give back by expressing my gratitude, and share stories. I’d like to hear your story. Do you have one?”

She became teary and had to pause for a minute. This part was always difficult for me. I felt responsible that I was upsetting her. My intention was not to hurt people, but to build them up, yet to enter the doorway to gratitude always seemed to require going through pain or sadness or some kind of emotion that didn’t feel good. In every conversation I’d had, this was the moment I would think of quitting, but I had learned to sit and be with them in their pain. I knew how important it was to tell the stories to someone who wanted to listen. I knew it would help free their bodies of the trauma of the experience. I waited for her to regain her words.

“I am so sorry,” she said. “Thank you.” “Yes, I have a story. I am so proud of my children. They were eight and ten, and when they saw what happened on TV, they began to cry for the children who had lost parents. We didn’t know anyone in the building or planes. They decided to raise money to help them, so they created a lemonade stand for 9/11 families and within two weeks they had made over $700. It was the best they ever did with a lemonade stand! I was so proud of them. They donated it all to the Red Cross. That experience changed their lives. It was the first time that they became aware that there is a bigger world beyond their lives in Flagstaff, and that they could make a difference, even if it’s a small one.”

“I want you and your children to know that what you all did made a huge difference in our lives, and for that we are grateful.”

“We really did?” Her face lit up. “No one has ever told us that.”

“Well, now I’m here telling you. We are so grateful for you.”

We hugged, and then she hugged Michaela. I asked her to give her children a hug from us too.

As we drove away from the diner, I left with a clearer sense than ever before that we all are connected and we are all one. That love is the most powerful force in the universe, and it exists everywhere. After 9/11, help showed up in all different forms of aid and assistance, but it was the love behind the support that affected me. We never can know the full impact of each thought and every act; nor can we know the reason behind every tragedy, but it’s there, and it’s real. Out of this heinous act, these children discovered they could turn their empathy into love in action, and they made a difference in my life and the lives of thousands of others.

About the Book: 
Sacrifice: Book One of y Ddraig (The Dragons of Brython)
by Gwendolyn Beynon
June 5, 2015 
 Dark Pages Publishing

GENRE: Historical/Fantasy/Romance

READ AN EXCERPT.

528 A.D. Cymru (Wales)

Melangell is a ‘Lifebringer’, a dragon-maiden learning to protect one of the land’s most ancient mysteries, y Ddraig. She expects to pass her years as have a score of teachers before her—sequestered, safeguarding an egg that barely moves from year to year, never using the deadly and secret skills she has been taught. But the King’s relentless pursuit of this most holy relic throws her into the middle of war and though she is not yet adept Melangell must enter captivity with the egg to defend the sleeping dragonling within.

Her abductor is Cai ap Cynyr—fierce warrior, loyal brother and sword-arm to the high Chieftain, Artwr. He has been scouring the land for the relics Artwr demands to ensure triumph against the Angles invading from the east. Cai uses the Lifebringer’s mystique to master his armsmen, but when he spirits Melangell and the dragon egg further into seclusion, she grows intrigued by her captor. But she is a Lifebringer—sworn only to y Ddraig—and Cai must deliver the dragonling to Artwr to at last drag himself out of his legendary brother’s deep shadow.

And all the while, the egg readies itself to emerge…

*Sacrifice is the first in a series of three books based around y Ddraig (the Dragon) set in sixth-century Arthurian Wales, featuring characters based on Welsh myth, literature and/or history.

AMAZON PB | KINDLE | NOOK | CREATESPACE | ITUNES

Review: 
Melangell is a Morwyn Ddraig, a Lifebringer to dragons.  Once she accepts a dragon egg, the Creil, her life is dedicated to its protection and education.  Unfortunately for Melangell, King Arthur is set on defeating Melagnell’s entire race in order to find a capture a Lifebringer of his own in order to raise the dragon egg for his own benefit.  Melangell is captured by the King’s brother Cai and must fulfill her duty to the Creil.  While Melangell is detained with her egg she begins to notice her captor, Cai in a different way.  However, she is sworn to protect the Creil and there is where her obedience must lie.

When I first saw that Sacrifice was a historical fantasy novel that blended dragons and King Arthur, I knew I had to read it.  From the very beginning, I was caught up in Melangell’s story and character.  She was obviously strong willed, quick-thinking and daring, Melangell lives up to duty to sacrifice.  With such a strong female protagonist, I did not even mind the romance between her and Cai.  It all seemed very natural and they both grew from each other’s presence.  This story also showed King Arthur in a very different light, while not really a character, his influence is that of a usurper, a conqueror and a man who will use any means to get ahead-even stealing and torturing a dragon.  The dragon Creil itself and Melangell’s bond with it was another great aspect of the story for me and I loved the combination of dragon lore with historical fiction.  My only complaint is a few slow moving scenes, but these did not detract from the overall plot, message or awesome ending.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

 

About the Author: 
Australian author, Gwendolyn Beynon, comes from a long line of storytellers of Welsh and Cornish stock. She grew up reading romance and fantasy novels but the y Ddraig series is her first foray into historical fantasy.

The idea for the y Ddraig series came while on a pilgrimage to Wales (the land of her fathers) where she was visiting holy wells and ancient yew trees. She grew captivated with the way that the ancient stories of Welsh literature, myth and history still co-existed comfortably in contemporary Cymru, and by the atmosphere of mystery that still exists around much of Wales’ natural spaces.

An Arts graduate from Curtin University (with double-majors in Film and Theatre), Gwen has worked in communications all her life. She sold her first book in 2008 and has been writing for a living with her hounds at her feet and Celtic music as a backdrop ever since.

For more information visit www.yDdraig.com.au. Follow Gwendolyn on Facebook and Goodreads.

About the Book: 
The Outlander King (The Aetheling’s Bride, Book 1)
by Hilary Rhodes
Publication Date: June 1, 2015
Amazon/Smashwords
eBook; 476 Pages
ASIN: B00XM9QJ1K

Genre: Historical Fiction



The story of The Lion and the Rose and the Norman Conquest continues in this spellbinding new historical fiction series from author Hilary Rhodes, pulling back the curtain on the lives of two remarkable women connected across centuries: Aislinn, a seventeen-year-old English girl caught up in the advancing army of the “outlander king,” the man who will become known to history as William the Conqueror. Thrust into the center of the new Norman court and a dizzying web of political intrigue and plotting princes, she must choose her alliances carefully in a game of thrones where the stakes are unimaginably high. Embroiled in rebellions and betrayals, Aislinn learns the price of loyalty, struggles to find her home, and save those she loves – and, perhaps, her own soul as well.

Almost nine hundred years later in 1987, Selma Murray, an American graduate student at Oxford University, is researching themysterious “Aethelinga” manuscript, as Aislinn’s chronicle has come to be known. Trying to work out the riddles of someone else’s past is a way for Selma to dodge her own troubling ghosts – yet the two are becoming inextricably intertwined. She must face her own demons, answer Aislinn’s questions, and find forgiveness – for herself and others – in this epically scaled but intimately examined, extensively researched look at the creation of history, the universality of humanity, and the many faces it has worn no matter the century: loss, grief, guilt, redemption, and love.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | ITUNES | KOBO
Review: 
William the Conqueror has claimed his right to the English throne after King Harold is killed. He rides through the English villages demanding tribute from each household, usually in the payment of the family’s son.  When William reaches one family in Brydley, however, he not only demands their son James, but their daughter Aislinn as well.  As Aislinn and James ride with the new King’s company, they both become part of the King’s political web and become engrained in his service; James as a scribe and Aislinn as a healer.  Nine hundred years later, Selma Murray, an Oxford grad student finds the Aethelinga manuscript, the story the Aislinn has written of her life.  Selma tries to decipher Aislinn’s text while trying to figure out her own life.

From the first page of Outlander King, I felt like I was part of Aislinn’s world. I loved her character and her story; she was strong, smart and decisive.   Aislinn’s voice was a little modern compared to the other characters, but I didn’t have a problem with it.  I did enjoy learning about William the Conqueror.  I didn’t know a lot about him going into the story, but through multiple points of view, the King’s true personality shone through.  Now, I do love multiple time stories, and that is what initially drew me into the book, but by the time that Selma’s story began, I was so wrapped up in Aislinn that I almost forgot that Selma should be there, too.  I did eventually enjoy Selma’s story, but I obviously think that they could be better entwined.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

Hilary Rhodes is a scholar, author, blogger, and all-around geek who fell in love with medieval England while spending a year abroad at Oxford University. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in history, and is currently preparing for doctoral studies at theUniversity of Leeds, fulfilling a years-long dream to return to the UK. In what little spare time she has, she enjoys reading, blogging about her favorite TV shows, movies, and books, music, and traveling.

For more information please visit Hilary Rhodes’ blog.

About the Book: 
Series: The Mistresses of Versailles Trilogy

Paperback: 432 pages

Publisher: Atria Books (September 1, 2015)

Carefully researched and ornately detailed, The Sisters of Versailles is the first book in an exciting new historical fiction trilogy about King Louis XV, France’s most “well-beloved” monarch, and the women who shared his heart and his bed.

The Sisters of Versailles centers on the (relatively, at least for the genre) overlooked period of early 18th century France. The French Revolution and Marie Antoinette have been extensively written about; it’s time for fans of that time period to step further back in time and to explore the reign of Louis XV (1715 – 1774) a time of increasing social turbulence and change that sets the stage neatly for the Revolution that follows.

 Goodness, but sisters are a thing to fear.

Set against the lavish backdrop of the French Court in the early years of the 18th century, The Sisters of Versailles is the extraordinary tale of the five Nesle sisters—Louise, Pauline, Diane, Hortense, and Marie-Anne—four of whom became mistresses to King Louis XV. Their scandalous story is stranger than fiction but true in every shocking, amusing, and heartbreaking detail.

Court intriguers are beginning to sense that young King Louis XV, after seven years of marriage, is tiring of his Polish wife. The race is on to find a mistress for the royal bed as various factions put their best foot—and women—forward. The King’s scheming ministers push Louise, the eldest of the aristocratic Nesle sisters, into the arms of the King. Over the following decade, the four sisters—sweet, naïve Louise; ambitious Pauline; complacent Diane, and cunning Marie Anne—will conspire, betray, suffer, and triumph in a desperate fight for both love and power.

In the tradition of The Other Boleyn Girl, The Sisters of Versailles is a clever, intelligent, and absorbing novel that historical fiction fans will devour. Telling the story of a group of women never before written about in English, Sally Christie’s stunning debut is a complex exploration of power and sisterhood—of the admiration, competition, and even hatred that can coexist within a family when the stakes are high enough.



Purchase Links
Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble


Review: 
In the court of King Louis XV, four out of the five Nesle sisters become mistresses of the King.  The younger King has seemed enamored with his older Polish wife for the past seven years, but those closest to the King see his interest waning and rush to place a new interest in his sights.  Louise, the oldest Nesle sister is chosen to fulfill the role. Louise enjoys her years as the King’s lover and confidant, but when Louise invites her sister Pauline to court, she quickly finds out that Pauline’s only objective is to take her place and gain power.  With Pauline by his side the King figures out that he has a taste for the Nesle blood and as more sisters come to court, they find ways to replace one another in the King’s bed.

With five sisters I imagined that this book would contain plenty of drama.  From the time that the sisters are in their nursery, it is shown that these women each have their own personality and some will be a force to be reckoned with.  At first, I was a little concerned that I wouldn’t be able to tell these five sisters apart from one another, but each was written with such distinct features and personality that I had no problems.  The court life of Louis XV was obviously researched in detail, from the fashions, to the politics, and the King’s interests were all written so I had no trouble imagining their world.  What made this book extremely intriguing for me was of course the sister drama.  The reactions of each sister and their motivations as they came to power and were replaced made this book exciting as betrayal, cunning, scandal and heartbreak each took the stage.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

 

About the Author: 
Sally Christie was born in England of British parents but grew up mostly in Canada. As a child she moved around with her family and then continued her wandering as she pursued a career in international development; she’s lived in 14 different countries and worked in many more. She’s now settled in Toronto and loving it.

Sally lives and breathes history; ever since she read Antonia Fraser’s masterful Mary, Queen of Scots when she was 10, she’s been an avid history junkie. She wishes more attention and technical innovation was devoted to time travel, because there is nothing she would rather do than travel back in time! Writing historical fiction is a poor substitute, but it’s the best one we have at the moment.

When not reading and writing history, she’s a tennis and Scrabble fanatic.

Connect with Sally
Website | Goodreads

About the Book: 
Louisa Unger, a young German woman in Post-War World II Germany kills a man in cold blood. Despite her crime, her fate is up to her - give up her countrymen for her freedom. She decides to play the loyalty card and remain in prison.

During the interrogations, Louisa weaves her tale of the events by evading any real information. She relives reuniting with her estranged brother Freddy, falling in love with Kris, a former reconnaissance pilot and learning to fly to a plane. She recounts in fairy tale fashion of monsters cloaked in shadows and lessons learned by incorrigible children.

Seduced into the bliss of romance and flying, Louisa fails to recognize any threat. She grows immersed in the life of a smuggler, a pilot and a lover. It is hard to come back down to earth, when soaring so high.



Review: 
Louisa Unger is a pilot in post-World War II Germany.  She has been captured and now lingers in an American Military prison.  However, Louisa is not being held for the murder of a fellow German, which she is clearly guilty of, but for transporting goods.  To get out, Louisa must begin telling the U.S. Colonel, who also happens to be her mother's lover, the names of the people involved in the giving and receiving of goods that she has transported.  Louisa weaves a tale of the past year of her life to the Colonel, telling him everything without giving away any of the details until she finds out that another life will be at stake.




This was a very interesting story about an even more interesting time in history.  I was intrigued by Louisa, a female pilot, but the story ended up being so much more.  I didn't really know much about Germany after the War, so learning about the conditions that the Germans had to face was eye-opening along with the Black Market Trade.  Louisa's character grew throughout the story, she went from being a scared, naive girl to a brave, confident woman.  Most of all though, this story is about the intricate relationships that people make.  Some interesting relationships are Louisa and her brother Freddy, who Louisa obviously cares for deeply, but Freddy seems to be  more self absorbed; Louisa and Freddy's relationship with their deceased father, a Luftwaffe pilot, both Louisa a Freddy fell into his profession and Louisa's relationship with Kris, a former reconnaissance pilot who now transports goods for Freddy, who Louisa fell hard and fast for.  Overall, an insightful story about love, trust and relationships in a difficult time. 




This book was received for free in return for an honest review.  

About Stepdog
• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (August 4, 2015)

What's the difference between puppy love and dogged devotion?

When Sara Renault fired Rory O'Connor from his part-time job at a Boston art museum, and in response, Rory—Irishman, actor, musician, reformed party-boy— impulsively leaned over and kissed her . . . she kissed him back. Now, as Rory's visa runs out on the cusp of his big Hollywood break, Sara insists that he marry her to get a green card. In a matter of weeks they've gone from being friendly work colleagues to a live-in couple, and it's all grand . . . except for Cody, Sara's beloved dog from her troubled previous relationship. Sara's overattachment to her dog is the only thing she and Rory fight about.

When Rory scores both his green card and the lead role in an upcoming TV pilot, he and Sara (and Cody) prepare to move to Los Angeles. But just before their departure, Cody is kidnapped—and it is entirely Rory's fault. Desperate to get back into Sara's good graces, Rory tracks Cody and the sociopathic dognapper to North Carolina. Can Rory rescue Cody and convince Sara that they belong together—with Cody—as a family? First they'll need to survive a madcap adventure that takes them through the heart of America.



Purchase Links

Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Review: 
 Everything changes for Rory O’Connor the day his funding is pulled for his position as guest lecturer at the Boston Art Museum.  To begin with, he immediately starts dating his boss, Sara.  Their whirlwind romance develops into something serious pretty quickly, even if Rory doesn’t understand Sara’s American obsession with her dog, Cody.  Rory’s work visa is also expiring; he has set up a sham marriage to his cousin’s widow to receive his green card.  However, when he hatches his plan to Sara, Sara simply insists that they get married instead.  Now with a marriage and a green card, Rory also lands a role in a new TV series- in L.A.  A move across country is in the works, but is made a lot more difficult with a neurotic dog mom.  When Rory gives Cody to a new friend to watch while they clean out their old apartment, Sara quickly realizes that he has made a huge mistake.  Cody has been dog-napped.  Now, Rory must get Cody back and mend bridges with Sara on their way across the country. 





Stepdog is a humorous and fun book not only about how dogs can change your life, but how a new relationship can change and grow.  The concept of a stepdog was cute;  Rory would continuously say "it's not my dog, it's my wife's dog."  his stepdog.  A full, lively and diverse set of characters made this book entertaining throughout.  Rory was awesome, an Irishman who played the fiddle, quoted Shakespeare and gave everyone a personal playlist in his head. As an avid dog lover myself, I was a little confused about his aversion to dogs, but I guess I never knew there was such a difference between the way American's treat dogs and the Irish.  Sara seemed like someone who was perfect in every way and had her life together, but when it came to her dog, she would stop the world.  Many of the side characters made the story for me, Alto, Marie, Danny and especially Alex made the story very real and charming.  My only complaint was that it seemed like the story could have ended after part two; however part three was entertaining as well.  Overall, a rollicking story fit for any dog lover or contemporary romantic comedy crowd. 




This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

About Nicole Galland
Nicole Galland's five previous novels are The Fool's Tale; Revenge of the Rose; Crossed; I, Iago, and Godiva. She writes a cheeky etiquette column for the Martha's Vineyard Times. She is married to actor Billy Meleady and owns Leuco, a dog of splendid qualities.

Find out more about Nicole at her website and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Book: 
Title: The Other Side of Life 
Author: Andy Kutler 
Pages: 360 
Publisher: Neverland Publishing Company 
LLC ISBN-13: 978-0-9903148-9-9 
Library of Congress Control Number: 2015909320 Category/Genre: Historical Fiction 
Publication date: August 2015 
Format: Trade paperback and Kindle 
Available at: Amazon.com, Ingram Books 
List Price: $16.95 

December 1941, Pearl Harbor. A peaceful Sunday morning turns into a devastating attack on American soil. Naval officer Malcolm “Mac” Kelsey is severely wounded while defending his ship. A flawed man abandoned long ago by his alcoholic wife, Kelsey has been mired in despair and hopelessness following the accidental death of Lucy, the young daughter he considers the only redemptive aspect of his life. Near the point of death, Kelsey is brought to what he believes to be an afterlife where he is offered an opportunity to shed his past memories and embark upon an alternate path in another place and time. Eager to escape his torment and begin a more tranquil existence, Kelsey accepts, only to feel quickly betrayed as he soon finds himself back in the midst of battle, this time as a Union soldier at the dawn of the Civil War.

 

Through Antietam, Gettysburg and four years of relentless fighting, Kelsey attempts to cast aside his painful past while trying to survive the horrors of combat. He crosses paths with compelling figures on both sides of the conflict determined to persevere and return to those they left behind. Idealistic Ethan Royston, promoted from the enlisted ranks, believes in preserving the Union but is plagued by insecurity and self-doubt. His closest friend, West Point-trained Cal Garrity, remains loyal to his home state of Virginia despite his misgivings about the virtue of the Southern cause. The war will divide these friends, just as it will divide Garrity from his adoring wife, Emily, the charismatic and headstrong daughter of a prominent Norfolk shipbuilder, forced to face the onset of war alone.

 

Each will endure unimaginable hardship and brutality that will forever reshape their core beliefs and values. Each will find their strength and resolve tested as they search for self-purpose, humanity, and reconciliation. Most of all, Mac Kelsey will discover the very essence of life and death, and whether the new beginning he has long coveted will bring him the inner peace he has so desperately sought.



Review: 
Officer Malcolm Kelsey is aboard the USS Nevada the morning of December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attack. He makes the difficult decisions to maneuver the ship and save crew members. During the attack, Kelsey receives a head injury and goes into a coma. While unconscious, he is taken to the other side and given a choice. Kelsey can stay in his current timeline with his painful memories of his deceased daughter and wayward wife or be placed into a different timeline with no memories of his current life. The decision is not difficult for Kelsey, he takes the deal and is transported back to the eve of the Civil War. Kelsey feels duped, transported from one war to another with all of his memories from his past life in tact. There must be a purpose to all of this though, and Kelsey might have found it in a name he remembers from his past life, Travers. There are also new people that bring hope to Kelsey's new life, like Garrity. 

I was really intrigued by the time travel aspect of the book as well as the historical fiction. The whole other side was very interesting and I loved the scenes that happened there between Kelsey and his guide, Leavitt. Kelsey was also an amazing and well developed character: brave and determined, he has pain hidden deep inside, is a self-described ass-hole, but would do anything to help another member of his team. This made him perfect to go back to the Civil War. One thing that threw me though was the changing point of view between Kelsey and Garrity, an officer in the Dragoons where Kelsey first awakes in 1861. I wasn't really expecting so much of the book to focus on someone else, especially so soon. For much of the book the perspectives are taken back and forth between Kelsey's experience and Garrity's. This does have a purpose in the end, but at first it was a little disorienting. Anyhow, the context into the Civil War with a view from each side was very detailed and graphic. Much of the battles, prison conditions and medical treatment was done with historical accuracy. The ending was inspiring and surprising, nothing that I saw coming. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

About the Author: 
Andy Kutler is a writer living in Arlington, Virginia. A native of Madison, Wisconsin and a graduate of Michigan State University (B.A.) and Georgetown University (M.A.), he has previously worked on the senior legislative staff of two United States Senators before serving as a senior policy officer with the U.S. Secret Service. He is working today as a consultant to the national security community. While Andy’s writings have appeared in The Huffington Post and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Other Side of Life is his first novel. Andy's interests include travel, military history, his Wisconsin sports teams, and most importantly, spending time with his wife and two children. You can learn more about the author at www.andykutler.com.

About the Book: 
Readers of Stephen King and Joe Hill will devour this bold, terrifying new novel from Edward M. Erdelac. A mysterious man posing as a Union soldier risks everything to enter the Civil War’s deadliest prison—only to find a horror beyond human reckoning.

Georgia, 1864. Camp Sumter, aka Andersonville, has earned a reputation as an open sewer of sadistic cruelty and terror where death may come at any minute. But as the Union prisoners of war pray for escape, cursing the fate that spared them a quicker end, one man makes his way into the camp purposefully.

Barclay Lourdes has a mission—and a secret. But right now his objective is merely to survive the hellish camp. The slightest misstep summons the full fury of the autocratic commander, Captain Wirz, and the brutal Sergeant Turner. Meanwhile, a band of shiftless thieves and criminals known as the “Raiders” preys upon their fellow prisoners. Barclay soon finds that Andersonville is even less welcoming to a black man—especially when that man is not who he claims to be. Little does he imagine that he’s about to encounter supernatural terrors beyond his wildest dreams . . . or nightmares.

Advance praise for Andersonville
 
“The true story of Andersonville is one of unimaginable horror and human misery. It’s a testament to his unmatched skill as a storyteller that Edward M. Erdelac is not only able to capture that horror but to add another level of supernatural terror and reveal that the darkest evil of all resides in the human soul. Highly recommended to fans of horror and history alike.”—Brett J. Talley, Bram Stoker Award–nominated author of That Which Should Not Be and He Who Walks in Shadow

“Andersonville is a raw, groundbreaking supernatural knuckle-punch. Erdelac absolutely owns Civil War and Wild West horror fiction.”—Weston Ochse, bestselling author of SEAL Team 666

Review: 
 Camp Sumter or Andersonville is already hell on Earth for the Union soldiers.  Starvation, unsanitary conditions and fighting between the prisoners means that survivors are surrounded by constant death. For Barclay Lourdes, a black soldier, Andersonville provides even more struggles.  Barclay’s first objective is to survive, but he is in Andersonville for another reason, too.  Barclay is trying to figure out just why the conditions are so bad and if something supernatural is at play.  Barclay starts to notice many strange things in the camp, lead and bone in the cornmeal and strange brands on the dead.  When he finds out what is really going on, it is much worse than he imagined.

At first this book sucked me in as a piece of historical fiction.  The descriptions of Andersonville, the treatment of the prisoners and some of the shady business that went on inside was written in a gruesomely detailed fashion and I had no problem imagining the emaciated men, the gross food and the array of characters that patrolled the camp from either side.  Barclay Lourdes was also an incredibly intriguing character, a black Union soldier, but never a slave.  He is hiding secrets from the very beginning, but those secrets are very surprising and layered.  The introduction of the supernatural element was definitely a slow build, but worth it.  This wasn't something I was fully expecting, or anything I had even heard of before.  It was interesting to see how this element just intensified and fed off of all the atrocities that were already happening in Andersonville.  Overall, a very well done historical fiction novel with a touch of  supernatural horror that managed not to take away from what really happened at Camp Sumter.




This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 


 

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Purchase Links
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About the Author: 
Edward M. Erdelac is a member of the Horror Writers Association and the author of six novels (including the acclaimed weird western series Merkabah Rider) and several short stories. He is an independent filmmaker, award-winning screenwriter, and sometime Star Wars contributor. Born in Indiana, educated in Chicago, he resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife and a bona fide slew of children and cats.

About the Book: 
Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva
by Eliza Redgold
Publication Date: July 14, 2015
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Formats: Ebook, Paperback
Pages: 320

Genre: Historical Fiction


We know her name. We know of her naked ride. We don’t know her true story.

We all know the legend of Lady Godiva, who famously rode naked through the streets of Coventry, covered only by her long, flowing hair. So the story goes, she begged her husband Lord Leofric of Mercia to lift a high tax on her people, who would starve if forced to pay. Lord Leofric demanded a forfeit: that Godiva ride naked on horseback through the town. There are various endings to Godiva’s ride, that all the people of Coventry closed their doors and refused to look upon their liege lady (except for ‘peeping Tom’) and that her husband, in remorse, lifted the tax.

Naked is an original version of Godiva’s tale with a twist that may be closer to the truth: by the end of his life Leofric had fallen deeply in love with Lady Godiva. A tale of legendary courage and extraordinary passion, Naked brings an epic story new voice.

Review: 
Lady Godiva of Coventry was raised both as daughter and son and is fiercely loyal to her people and lands.  When her parents unexpectedly die, their absence leaves Coventry open to attack from the Dane, Thurkilll the Tall.  When Lord Leofric of Mercia arrives with aid, Godiva wholeheartedly accepts, thinking of nothing but her people and her home.  Godiva’s trusted knight; Edmund has warned her that Leofric’s aid will not come without a price.  When Leofric names his price, Godiva again only thinks of the safety of her people.  With a new union, Leofric and Godiva have more of a business agreement and a battle of wills than a marriage, but with Godiva’s spirit, Leofric may be the one who falls. 

I did not know much about Lady Godiva going into this book, other than her naked ride.  However, I was hooked from the prologue and Lady Godiva is my new hero.  I loved Godiva's spirit and personality, how she would do anything for her people. Godiva's character was created to be strong, an actual warrior who fought with her people, intelligent and a good politician during a tumultuous and dangerous time.   I especially loved that she made the best of the situation and became a peace weaver, with the beautiful term fripwebba.  The writing was enchanting and endearing, making the characters and this time period come alive.  Sometimes I find it hard to relate to people so long ago, but Godiva, Leofric, Edmund and Aine all felt like people I could relate to.  This story is about so much more than the famous naked ride, it is about a woman with immense strength, courage, and bravery that saved her people and eventually herself. 




This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 


 



PRAISE
“Redgold’s variation on this enticing legend is often lyrical and offers a satisfying blend of history, lore, and romance.” (Booklist)

“Breathes new life into the story of the woman who would stop at nothing to protect her land and people.” (Romantic Times)

“NAKED delivers far more than the famous ride of Lady Godiva. It’s a beautifully woven story of love, loyalty, and the determination of a young woman trying to protect her people and their way of life, no matter the price. Godiva is a wonderfully strong woman in an age of dangerous men, and in NAKED, she certainly meets her match!” (Amalia Carosella, author of HELEN OF SPARTA)

“A wonderful, romantic retelling of the Lady Godiva legend. There is the colorful Anglo-Saxon backdrop, warriors, battles, peacemaking, desire, revenge and love – everything a fan of medieval romance could desire – plus a strong-willed heroin. Written with a lyrical lilt to her prose, Redgold adds realism to the myth and love to the lusty tale, allowing readers a glimpse into what might have been.” (RT Book Reviews)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR


ELIZA REDGOLD is based upon the old, Gaelic meaning of her name, Dr Elizabeth Reid Boyd. English folklore has it that if you help a fairy, you will be rewarded with red gold. She has presented academic papers on women and romance and is a contributor to the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Romance Fiction. As a non-fiction author she is co-author of Body Talk: a Power Guide for Girls and Stay-at-Home Mothers: Dialogues and Debates. She was born in Irvine, Scotland on Marymass Day and currently lives in Australia.

For more information visit Eliza Redgold’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Google+.