About the Book: 
THE FACTORY GIRL AND THE FEY
 BY NADINE GALINSKY FELDMANPublication Date: October 14, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy

Jane Thorburn straddles two worlds: her life as a “factory girl” in Scotland’s mills, and her birthright as fairy royalty. Abandoned by her parents as an infant, and uncertain about the true motives of the Fey, she learns to depend only on herself. All she wants is to be a great weaver and to maintain her independence.
The Fair Folk, fighting for their very survival, have other plans for her, as does the handsome and charismatic Robert Stein. What life will she choose? And will she even have a choice?
A historical fantasy inspired by the author’s ancestors, The Factory Girl and the Fey is an affectionate tribute to the women who helped fuel Scotland’s Industrial Age, from the workers to the poets…and to the Fey who remind us that magic is real when we believe in it.


AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND

Review: 
Jane Thorburn was born into Scotland's industrial age.  After her birth, the Fey attempted to take her away in order to fulfill a prophecy.  Jane was brought back to the human world, but was never the same.  The Fey continued to visit her in her dreams and in life.  Jane grew up simply, taken care of by her Aunt and Uncle, dreaming of being a weaver in Scotland's mills and being an independent woman.  As an adult, Jane moves to Alva and finds a job in a mill.  The Fey still visit, but Jane is happy with her life in the human world with work, friends and a husband.  Jane's human world and the world of the Fey soon collide as Jane learns the consequences of industrialization in the human world upon nature and the Fey.  Jane is needed in the world of the Fey and they will soon find a way to take her. 

The Factory Girl and the Fey is a historical fantasy combining everyday life of a factory girl during Scotland's industrial age and the magic of the Fey.  Inspired by her own family's stories, the author has taken a newfound family fact and woven a story of a newfound relative.  Jane's story pulled me in as the Fey attempted to pull Jane into their world.  Most of the story focuses on Jane's everyday life and her struggles and triumphs living in a small Scottish mill town.  Jane was a strong character given a unique struggle of choosing between the magical life of the Fey and the life she knows.  I appreciated her strength and tenacity of following her heart and her dreams.  I would have loved to see more of the Fey world and the damage that was happening there in order to understand their need for Jane's presence.  With a surprising ending, The Factory Girl and the Fey delivers a heartfelt story of an amazing woman with difficult decisions in two worlds. 

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

About the Author
Nadine Galinsky Feldman is an author of women’s and historical fiction. Her novel What She Knew was a finalist in the 2016 Next Generation Indie Book awards. The Foreign Language of Friends was a finalist in the 2012 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Chick Lit category. It was also named a Gold Medal Winner, Women’s Issues, in the 2011 eLit Book Awards.
As an editor, Nadine produced Patchwork and Ornament: A Woman’s Journey of Life, Love, and Art by Jeanette Feldman, which won the 2010 Indie Excellence Award for Best Memoir.
Her first book, When a Grandchild Dies: What to Do, What to Say, How to Cope, provided grief support to an underserved population.
When not working on her many writing projects, Nadine loves traveling, gardening, genealogy, and yoga. She lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York state.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

About the Book: 
WINDSWEPT 
BY ANNABELLE MCCORMACK
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Paperback & eBook; 438 pages
Series: The Windswept Saga, Book One
Genre: Historical Fiction

A British nurse in WWI Egypt races to deliver explosive intelligence that could change the course of the war in this novel of suspense, adventure, and love.

May, 1917. Ginger Whitman left a life of wealth and privilege in England to train as a battlefield nurse and serve in the Great War. Working on the brutal frontlines in Palestine, she finds a wounded soldier hiding in her camp. The soldier claims to carry intelligence unmasking a secret plot against the British—and that traitors within British intelligence are searching for him. Desperate and dying, the soldier entrusts a coded message to her care.

Ginger is hurled into an unfamiliar world of intrigue and murder amidst the war-ravaged Arabian desert. She’s determined to help her country but trusting the wrong person could cost her life. Then the arrival of mysterious and handsome British intelligence officer Major Noah Benson offers a chance of help. But Noah may be as dangerous as he is charming. As she’s swept away by stolen moments on the desert sands, Ginger realizes her heart may also be at risk.
​
Hunted by a shadowy enemy spy, Ginger must decide if she can trust Noah. But as she grapples with her decision, Ginger makes a shocking discovery: a sinister secret that threatens to shatter the world she thought she knew.

AMAZON | APPLE | BARNES AND NOBLE | BOOKS2READ | KOBO

Praise
“Chock-full of secrets and spies, love and betrayal, danger and adventure, all of which is set against the devastating backdrop of WWI, Windswept by Annabelle McCormack is a sumptuous, fast-paced, and riveting read that’ll have you cheering for the heroine until the very end.” -Hannah Mary McKinnon, internationally bestselling author of Sister Dear and You Will Remember Me

“A neophyte nurse becomes an accidental but effective spy in this gripping adventure.” -Kirkus Reviews

“Windswept is a whirlwind of an adventure. From the edge-of-your seat suspense, to the passionate romance…you won’t be able to put this book down!” -Lisa Boyle, author of Signed, A Paddy

“Windswept is a delightful, ripsnorting adventure with a feisty heroine, a breathless pace, and endless adventure, intrigue, and romance. You will smile from cover to cover. This will remind you how enjoyable a good book can be.” –William Bernhardt, bestselling author of the Ben Kincaid series

“Suspenseful, sexy, and moving, Windswept is a great choice for those looking for strong female leads in their historical fiction. Ginger will inspire you; the story will enthrall you, and the passionate romance will win you over.” -Samantha Hui, Independent Book Review

​Review: 
Ginger Whitman has been nursing in Palestine during the Great War.  Taking care of wounded soldiers in the desert is a far cry from her usual life in London as Lady Virginia Whitman.  However, nursing has become a passion for Ginger and her compassion leads her to trouble as Ginger hastily helps a wounded  Turkish soldier hiding in camp.  The soldier claims that he is a British ally with important information to pass on and entrusts Ginger with it.  Ginger believes that  calling her father, who works in the Foreign Office in Cairo will help, but her ex-fiancé Stephen shows up instead.  Not long after, British intelligence officer, Major Noah Benson also comes in search of Ginger's patient.  Not knowing who to trust, Ginger guards her secret as she is swept into the world of espionage and danger. 

Windswept is a suspenseful historical romance mixed with thrilling spy espionage.  From the moment Ginger entered the scene, I knew things would be exciting.  Ginger's character is determined, intelligent and brave.   Ginger's consciousness is constantly pulling her in the right direction. I was very focused on Ginger's decision making as everyone around her was being deceitful. secretive, manipulative and purposefully withholding information. Told from  Ginger's point of view, I was also in the dark about which characters to trust and their motives with the information Ginger's soldier relayed to her.   I absolutely have to mention the romance in the story.  Noah is not an easy character to love and Ginger's actions with Noah are constantly back and forth depending on the knowledge she has.  Everything about their relationship was steeped in suspense and I just wanted someone to tell the poor woman the truth earlier.  However, Ginger can hold her own and despite a series of difficult decisions, she  makes it out on the right side.  The writing transported me to the desert environment where I could feel the sand surrounding me.  I did not know a lot about the fighting on this front during World War I and the objectives of the operatives in the area.  While Ginger was wrapped up in fictional assignments, the reality of the war surrounding her was very true.  Windswept is a sweeping historical romance with plenty of action and adventure in the Middle Eastern Theatre of World War I. 

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

About the Author

Annabelle McCormack writes historical women’s fiction with epic settings, adventure, and romance. Her debut book Windswept, a novel about a British WWI nurse in the Middle East caught in a dangerous web of intrigue and romance, will be published September 2021.

She was born in San Jose, Costa Rica to a Costa Rican mother and American father. She moved to the US at the age of 4, but remains fully bilingual in English and Spanish. She studied at the Johns Hopkins University, where she obtained a Master of Arts in Fiction in 2010. Afterward, she dedicated herself to her photography business, while continuing to work on her
writing as a long-term goal. In 2018, she received the award for Best Novel at the 2018 Red Sneaker’s Writer Conference (now Writer-Con). She lives in Maryland with her husband and five children and writes as a staff blogger for Inkitt Writer’s Blog.
​
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

About the Book: 
CHAMPAGNE WIDOWS
BY REBECCA ROSENBERG
eBook Publication Date: October 1, 2021
Lion Heart Publishing
Genre: Historical Fiction

Triple-gold-medal-winning author Rebecca Rosenberg serves up a triumphant tale of talent and ambition, love and loss, betrayal and redemption, and accepting yourself and others for who they are.

Champagne, France, 1800

Twenty-year-old Barbe-Nicole has inherited Le Nez (an uncanny sense of smell that makes her picky, persnickety, and particularly perceptive) from her great-grandfather, a renowned champagne maker.

Her parents, however, see Le Nez as a curse and try to marry her off to an unsuspecting suitor. But Barbe-Nicole is determined to use Le Nez to make great champagne. When she learns her childhood sweetheart, François Clicquot, wants to start a winery, she rejects her parents’ suitors and marries François despite his mental illness.

The Widow Known as Veuve Clicquot

Soon, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot must cope with her husband’s death. Becoming a widow known as Veuve Clicquot, she grapples with a new overbearing partner, the difficulties of making champagne and the Napoleon Codes preventing women from owning a business.

All this while her father takes a military uniform contract from Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who wages six wars against European monarchs, crippling Veuve Clicquot’s ability to sell her champagne.

Challenging Napoleon

Using Le Nez, Veuve Clicquot struggles through unbearable hardships and challenges Napoleon himself. When she falls in love with her sales manager, Louis Bohne, who asks her to marry, she must choose between losing her winery to her husband, as dictated by Napoleon Code or losing Louis. In the ultimate showdown, Veuve Clicquot risks imprisonment and even death as she defies Napoleon.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Praise
“For anyone who loves champagne, a must-read novel about Veuve Clicquot.”

~ Judithe Little, best-selling author of The Chanel Sisters”These first known women ofChampagne/Sparkling winemaking may not have even realized how strong they wereuntil they had to learn and do it all to survive for themselves and theirwineries! Reading Champagne Widows makes it even more of an honor tolearn a craft still dominated by men.” ~ Penny Gadd-Coster, ExecutiveDirector of Winemaking, Rack & Riddle

“The sun-drenched vineyards of France, a real-life heroine who against all odds refuses to give up her dreams… and champagne. What’s not to love? And that’s just what Rebecca Rosenberg delivers in Champagne Widows. Barbe-Nicole Clicquot was a woman ahead of her time, a fascinating blend of ingenuity, heart, and sheer tenacity, with a nose for wine and a head for business. A 19th century widow who built an empire as war raged all around her. Note: This richly woven tale is best savored slowly, though with all delicious things, it won’t be easy.” ~ Barbara Davis, best-selling author of The Last of the Moon Girls.

“Champagne Widows is a witty, accomplished novel, featuring a tough and charming heroine of the first order. One can’t help but root for Barbe-Nicole, an astute businesswoman who brilliantly holds her own against none other than Napoleon Bonaparte. Although the events unfold two centuries ago, the story feels so modern, the characters could be your friends and neighbors. As easy to love as a glass of Veuve Clicquot, this may be Rebecca Rosenberg’s best book yet.” ~ Michelle Richmond, best-selling author of The Marriage Pact

“Champagne Widows is an inspired story based on the real-life Grande Dame of Champagne, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, who built her famous champagne empire amidst the turbulence of 19th century France. Barbe-Nicole is my kind of heroine: a woman with passion, courage, family loyalty, and a killer business sense. Rebecca Rosenberg’s sensual details make every scene of this intimate novel come alive. A true reading pleasure!” ~ Martha Conway, best-selling author of The Underground River and The Physician’s Daughter

“Award-winning author, Rebecca Rosenberg returns with another Historical Fiction jewel in CHAMPAGNE WIDOWS. Meet the women who succeeded in creating world class champagne in a time men ruled business and society. Lovers of history, romance, and French culture will relish the multi-layered plot and cast of characters including the ultimate French icon, Napoleon Bonaparte.” ~ Johnnie Bernhard, award-winning author of Sisters of the Undertow

“An epic story featuring love, family, and the sustaining power of courage. Champagne Widows takes the reader back in time for an intimate look at the building of the iconic brand Veuve Clicquot. In the aftermath of Napoleon’s rise to power, Barbe-Nicole and her husband Francois share a vision of creating a champagne that will astound the world. Despite war, death, blockades, and failed harvests, Barbe-Nicole ultimately succeeds.” ~ M.K. Tod, author of Paris In Ruins and award-winning blog A Writer of History

“Raise a glass to Veuve Clicquot and all the women from history to the present, who have broken the mold and overcome obstacles to succeed in all-male professions. Just as a champagne bottle pops bringing delectable flavors and delicious aromas, Rebecca Rosenberg delights the senses with her engrossing novel. She treats the reader to a perfect blend of history and story – with lots of champagne! Sit back and savor the tale of Veuve Clicquot. ” ~ Linda Rosen, author of Sisters of the Vine

“Rebecca Rosenberg has penned a spectacular saga about the first “Champagne widow” of France, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot. With her gift, known as Le Nez (the nose), Barbe-Nicole can “smell the stink of a lie or the perfume of a pure heart. Or the heartbreaking smell of what could have been.” Along with her expertise, she possesses courage and vision, overcoming incredible odds during the time of the Napoleonic Code, which left widows without property rights—in Barbe-Nicole’s case, her Champagne business. Seamlessly interwoven with historical letters from Napoleon, the book sweeps the reader into the early nineteenth-century world. But it’s her imaginative tale of Veuve Clicquot’s personal life that captured me and wouldn’t let go until the end, leaving me wanting more!” ~ Susan Cushman, author of John and Mary Margaret

“An independent woman of indomitable strength, determined to find her way in a man’s world. Champagne Widows is vintage storytelling.” ~ Jean M. Roberts, author of The Heron

“Rebecca Rosenberg transforms history into literary art. Her prose sparkles, bringing centuries-old characters to life with wit, heart and bon mots. Treat yourself to Champagne Widows, and marvel at Rosenberg’s gift for making every sense sing.” ~ Carol Van Den Hende, award-winning author of Goodbye, Orchid
​
“Like the best wines, Rosenberg’s Champagne Widows will entice you with its complexity as it balances the story of a widow’s determination to produce the world’s greatest champagne in the face of Napoleon’s path of destruction. If you love France, historical fiction, underdog stories, strong women, or wine, then pop a cork to celebrate this perfect blend of a novel.” ~ Mary Helen Sheriff, author of Boop and Eve’s Road Trip

Review:
Barbe-NIcole is either cursed or blessed with Le Nez, an impressive sense of smell which is wonderful for winemaking, but makes everyday life difficult. As Barbe-Nicole ages, her mother is desperate to marry her off; however, Barbe-Nicole is holding out for her neighbor, Francois Clicquot to return from fighting in Napoleon's First Coalition War. When Francois does return, he is changed from the horrors of war and Barbe-Nicole's father has made a business deal to marry Barbe-Nicole to a business associate. Barbe-NIcole rejects the deal and marries Francois, supporting his dream of starting a winery. Francois and Barbe-Nicole find happiness, but Francois' mental illness eventually wins as he commits suicide. Barbe-Nicole is now a widow or Veuve and the Napoleon Codes prevent her from running a business. Barbe-Nicole finds an unlikely way to prevail under the worst of circumstances. Using Le Nez as her guide, Veuve Clicquot finds a way to produce extraordinary wine and sell it to countries at war, defying Napoleon himself.

Champagne Widows tells the effervescent story of the real life Champagne entrepreneur, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot. I immediately recognized the Clicquot name, but had no idea of the Champagne's heritage. Barbe-Nicole and the other women who worked the vineyard were ahead of their time and pioneers for women owned and operated businesses. The writing is immersive and very well researched. For a large portion of Barbe-Nicole's life, Napoleon's Coalition Wars were raging. As Napoleon's victories and defeats ravage Europe, Barbe-Nicole and her business are affected by each move that Napoleon makes. I appreciated the few chapters from Napoleon's point of view to balance out his thought process with the destruction that he was causing throughout France. Chapters from Barbe-Nicole's point of view showed the intense emotions that she had at every point in her journey and drive that Barbe-Nicole possessed in order to make her business successful. Overall, an amazing story of an equally amazing woman and the challenges she overcame to bring the world great tasting Champagne.

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

About the Author
​
California native Rebecca Rosenberg lives on a lavender farm with her family in Sonoma, the Valley of the Moon, where she and her husband founded the largest lavender product company in America. A long-time student of Jack London’s work and an avid fan of his daring wife, Charmian, Rosenberg is a graduate of the Stanford Writing Certificate Program. Her books include: GOLD DIGGER, the Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor, The Secret Life of Mrs. London, Lavender Fields of America, and the Champagne Widows series.

For more information, please visit Rebecca’s website and blog. You can also find
her on Amazon, BookBub,  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.