NEW HISTORICAL FICTION from Nancy Blanton: ‘Sharavogue’

Sharavogue by Nancy Blanton
Published by iUniverse, 11/5/2012
eBook, paperback, hardcover

It is December of 1649 and England’s uncrowned king, Oliver Cromwell, leads his brutal army across Ireland to eliminate a violent rebellion. Fifteen-year-old Elvy Burke, the daughter of a great warrior, wants only one thing—to live her destiny as a leader and defender of her country. While waiting anxiously in her village, Elvy receives word that Cromwell and his cavalry are on the way. As she hears the thunderous hooves approaching, Elvy has already decided she will not give up easily.

When Cromwell cruelly beheads a village boy, Elvy vows to avenge the killing by destroying Cromwell. After fleeing from the general’s soldiers, Elvy aligns with a Scottish outlaw whose schemes send them headlong into a tumultuous journey across the sea to the West Indies, where she becomes an indentured servant for the fledgling sugar plantation Sharavogue. Knowing she will surely be killed if she attempts to escape, Elvy learns to survive in her new life—and soon discovers the depth of her own strengths and emotions.

Sharavogue is the compelling historical tale of one girl’s incredible journey through the lawless lands of the West Indies as she fights her way back to Ireland to confront her sworn enemy and claim her destiny.

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Born in Miami, Florida, Nancy Blanton is a corporate communications professional and former journalist. She wrote and illustrated a children’s book, The Curios Adventure of Roodle Jones, produced two corporate history books and two interactive timelines. Sharavogue is her first novel. Her blog, My Lady’s Closet, covers history, writing, and related experiences.

Available in eBook, Paperback, and Hardcover formats at:
– Amazon
– Barnes & Noble
– iUniverse
– IndeBound

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PRAISE FOR SHARAVOGUE

Blanton has accomplished what I think all writers of good historical fiction should. She has accurately portrayed a time in history with a real flare, serendipitously teaching her readers as she keeps them utterly captivated with her characters. Her descriptions of places and events is so vivid that it is easy to imagine being on the sugar plantation or sailing across the ocean.

– LAS Reviewer

Blanton ranks right up there with Cornwell, Scarrow, and Rutherfurd in making history enjoyable and dare I say even exciting! Looking forward to further books from her.

– Amazon Reader Review

This book kept me up nights. Every time I thought I could put it down something happened that made me read on. A very enjoyable first novel.

– Christine W.

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Explore the ups and downs of life in ‘Raging River: A Book of Dramatic Writings,’ by Terry Michelsen

Terry Michelsen’s ‘Raging River’ is a collection of dramatic personal writings inspired by the author’s professors at Western Carolina University. Each piece takes the reader on a poignant journey from themes of madness, through family, fear, loss, guilt, and awakening, and finally to change. Michelsen’s semi autobiographical work is a look into her story of survival amidst the fault of memory, the experience of trauma and transition, and the transformative power of truth.

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Terry Jean Wiemuth Michelsen moved to the mountains of western North Carolina from the suburbs of Chicago in 2001.  Michelsen holds a B.A. in English Literature, an M.A. in History, and a post-baccalaureate certificate in English/Professional Writing.  Her most treasured career was as Academic Advisor at Western Carolina University employing her intuitive skills as counselor and mentor to her students.  Her position was eliminated due to budget cuts which provided her with her most cherished opportunity to become a writer.

Michelsen’s publications include ‘Birds of Spirit,’ ‘Sweet Earth,’ ‘Raging River, ‘and ‘Soaring on Wings of Word.’  Her poetry has been published in ‘Mused Literary Review.’  Her historical scholarship was published in ‘Women Building Chicago 1790-1990’ (2001) edited by Schultz and Hast, and was cited in ‘Good Heart’s (2006) by Suellen Hoy.  Her book reviews on academic advising have been published in ‘NACADA.’  Also a painter, her paintings are displayed at galleries, bookstores, and festivals.

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AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING eBOOK RETAILERS!

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An Exhilarating Historical Romance: “Family Secrets” by Candice Kohl

Esther Brown’s family is falling apart around her. Widowed and re-married with two daughters, Esther is unable to control her eldest daughter Geneva’s wayward ways and sends Geneva to live with her aunt and her aunt’s husband in Ivy Glen, a small town outside Chicago. Esther’s attempt to find salvation for her child sets in motion a series of dramatic events that tests the bonds of one family as they discover ‘Family Secrets.’

Based on fact, ‘Family Secrets’ is set in a 1920’s Chicago suburb and told from the perspectives of multiple family members. This dramatic tale has it all: passion, betrayal, deception, forgiveness and a glimpse into the unconditional ties that bind a family together.

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Candice Kohl was born and spent most of her life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There she worked as a copywriter in advertising and public relations. She also performed as an actress at the Sunset Playhouse, a major Midwest community theatre. In her spare time, she taught English as a second language to recently arrived immigrants. She and her husband, Phil Brabant, raised two sons: Christopher is a jazz musician in New Orleans and Dustin is a student in Milwaukee.

In 1993, her first book, “The String on a Roast Won’t Catch Fire in the Oven: An A to Z Encyclopedia of Common Sense” was released with excellent reviews, including one by the American Library Association. Her other titles include “Destiny’s Disguise” and “A Twist in Time.” Kohl has had numerous articles published in periodicals and newspapers, but her greatest passion has always been romance.

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New Crime Fiction: ‘Hidden Agenda’ by Peter Berman

     Jeremy Hart, a senior prosecutor in the LA District Attorney’s office, is a young widower whose grief counselor sends him to a charity party to jump-start his social life. At the party, he meets Claire, a young married woman with two small children who is trapped in a loveless marriage to Peter, a very wealthy and abusive man. When a courtship develops between Jeremy and Claire, Claire’s violent husband Peter discovers the affair. After a brutal beating, Claire confides to Jeremy that she believes that Peter is planning on taking her life.
     When Claire’s husband is found shot to death in the driveway of his home, detective Ulysses S. Gibson and his partner Jennifer Donahue are called to investigate the murder. For the prosecutor, the crime is an easy conviction when all the leads of the investigation point to Jeremy.
     For detectives Gibson and Donahue, nothing is so obvious. How are these individuals connected? And what of the death of Jeremy’s wife, Elizabeth, years go? Gibson and Donahue keep the scales of justice in balance as they discover everyone’s ‘Hidden Agenda.’

What readers are saying…

“‘Hidden Agenda’ by Peter S. Berman is an amazing five-star crime-thriller/courtroom drama novel! It keeps the reader engaged, with plenty of dialogue, brilliant characters and most importantly, a dramatic storyline…’Hidden Agenda’ is beautifully woven together and is written in such a way that it is easy for the reader to follow and yet produces an engrossing story…I would love to read another story by Peter S. Berman. I can only hope that he will create another great crime novel with these fantastic detectives…

you will not be disappointed with ‘Hidden Agenda’!”  
          – Caroline Barker, A Reader’s Review

 

“Let me just give the author his due credit here. Nowhere does the novel become boring, repetitive or draggy. It is fast paced and will continue to have your attention and interest – as the truth is shred to pieces and lies are cloaked…All in all, the novel did make a good and intriguing read and I would surely recommend it.”
          – Shewta Singh, Reader

 

“As an avid crime (fiction) reader I have to admit that I was immediately drawn into the story.  The plot makes you want to continue without interruptions.  Hart, Gibson, and Donahue are characters you can easily become familiar with. The cleverly elaborated plot steers the readers through different stages of sympathies and antipathies; the desire to shake one’s head as well as to giving the thumbs up on certain occasions. Explaining more insights might lead to spoilers.  Therefore, just note this:  A must read for all crime fans. I definitely consider “Hidden Agenda” as movie material.”
          – Karen O., Book Reviewer

 

Available at these eBook retailers:
– OmniLit/All Romance – 25% off until July 7th!
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BOOK REVIEW: ‘Family Secrets’ by Candice Kohl

This dramatic tale has it all: passion, betrayal, deception, forgiveness and a glimpse into the unconditional ties that bind a family together. . . .

 

     Esther Brown’s family is falling apart around her. Widowed and re-married with two daughters, Esther is unable to control her eldest daughter Geneva’s wayward ways and sends Geneva to live with her aunt and her aunt’s husband in Ivy Glen, a small town outside Chicago. Esther’s attempt to find salvation for her child sets in motion a series of dramatic events that tests the bonds of one family as they discover ‘Family Secrets.’

     Based on fact, ‘Family Secrets’ is set in a 1920’s Chicago suburb and told from the perspectives of multiple family members. This dramatic tale has it all: passion, betrayal, deception, forgiveness and a glimpse into the unconditional ties that bind a family together.

 

“‘Family Secrets’ is a very well written story, thoroughly describing the internal struggle of each character, how each wishes for their own desires, dreams and love. . . Once picked-up this book was near impossible to put away. Each page left you craving for more.”     -Lara Girdler, NCReaderGirl Reviews

 

“This book. . .had its fair share of, ahem, romance, but it was so much more than that. The story is full of heartbreak and, as you may have guessed, family secrets . . . The storyline definitely kept my attention, I connected with the characters, and the inference of several family secrets made me propel through the book quickly.”     -Carissa A.

 

“You felt for the characters that Kohl has created…There are surprises and tears along the way in this novel. I personally love books that start in the present, but tells you stories of the past (1920s) without getting you lost. Kohl did this beautifully. I highly recommend this book.”     -Teresa Cross

 

“Kohl articulates [the characters’] pain and passions beautifully…touches on ancient themes and emotions of first love, lost love and forbidden love. Combined with adultery, betrayal and necessary obligations, it makes for an enticing read.”     -Michelle Loh

 

From now until July 10th, enjoy 40% off ‘Family Secrets’
on All Romance eBooks.com!

NEW ROMANCE: ‘Heart of the Diamond’ by Carrie Brock

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One of the best historical novels I’ve ever read! The hero is all I can imagine in a lover. A wonderful mixture of intrigue and romance.     -Toni Standley

Great characters. Great fun. i loved it!     -Paula Detmer Riggs, Taming the Night

I love this book–I couldn’t put it down.     -Mary Miller

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Blake Dylan, The Earl of Diamond, has a heart of ice. The time has come for him to return to England and enact his plan of vengeance, even if it means wedding the daughter of his sworn enemy.

Lady Nicole Langley has vowed she will not marry unless for true love. When she is lured into a compromising situation with a handsome stranger her worst nightmare begins.

Now, to save them both, Nicki must wage a campaign to win the heart of the Diamond.

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