News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Life
Culture & Art
Hobbies
News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Culture & Art
Hobbies
Today, it’s time for something a little different, I’m reviewing The French Cookery School by Caroline James #fiction #newrelease #blogtour – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb Mix together a group of mature students: A culinary Sloane, a take-away cook and a food journalist. Add in: A handsome host Season with: A celebrity chef Bring to the boil: At a luxurious cookery school in France! Waltho Williams has no idea what he’s letting himself in for when he opens…
I’m delighted to welcome back David Fitz-Gerald and his new book, Snarling Wolf, to the blog #WesternAdventure #AmericanWest #WildWest #HistoricalWestern #NewRelease #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub – MJ Porter
I'm delighted to welcome back David Fitz-Gerald and his new book, Snarling Wolf, book 4 in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series, to the blog with a series trailer. Series Trailer https://youtu.be/sWvp6dtbXvA Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series trailer Here's the blurb Dive back into the gripping, frontier chaos. Snarling Wolf is the fourth adventurous installment…
#TheLastKing is 4 years old. – MJ Porter
If you've been with Coelwulf, Rudolf, Icel, Edmund and Pybba since the beginning, then you're probably with me in trying to work out how 4 years have gone by since the release of the first book. There are now eight (well really nine and a half, as book 9 is written but not yet released,…
Today, I’m spotlighting the new release, The Family Home by Lorraine Mace #blogtour #thriller – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb IS BLOOD ALWAYS THICKER THAN WATER? Sally has lived in fear of her husband long enough. But after twenty years of suffering, she has been left with nothing of her own and no one to turn to - except her estranged sister, Alison.When Alison agrees to help Sally escape, she knows she…
It’s publication day for The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlov by Eleni Kiriacou #blogtour #NewRelease #histfic – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb THEY HAVE TOLD SO MANY LIES ABOUT ME. London, 1954. Zina Pavlou, a Cypriot grandmother, waits quietly in the custody of the Metropolitan police. She can't speak their language, but she understands what their wary looks mean: she has been accused of the brutal murder of her daughter-in-law. Eva Georgiou, Greek interpreter…
I’m delighted to welcome Stella Riley and her new book, A Splendid Defiance, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance #EnglishCivilWar #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub – MJ Porter
I'm delighted to welcome Stella Riley and her new book, A Splendid Defiance, a Roundheads & Cavaliers book, to the blog with an excerpt from Chapter 2: Bargaining with the enemy. Chapter 2: Bargaining with the enemy Jonas did not know if he was irritated or relieved to hear that Captain Ambrose awaited him in…
I’m delighted to welcome Malve von Hassel and her new book, The Falconer’s Apprentice, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #HolyRomanEmpire #FrederickII #CasteldelMonte #falconry #MedievalMedicine #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub – MJ Porter
I'm delighted to welcome Malve von Hassel and her new book, The Falconer's Apprentice, to the blog. Here's the blurb THE FALCONER'S APPRENTICE is a story of adventure and intrigue set in the intense social and political unrest of the Holy Roman Empire in the thirteenth century. “That bird should be destroyed!” Andreas stared at…
Today, I’m sharing my review for The Maiden of Florence by Katherine Mezzacappa #blogtour #histfic #newrelease And there’s a competition too – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb 'My defloration was talked about in all the courts of Europe. The Prince boasted of his prowess, even as preparations were being made for his wedding, as boldly as if he had ridden across that causeway with bloodstained sheet tied to his lance.'1584, Italy: Twenty-year-old Giulia expects she will live and die…
Happy Release Day to Sleight of Hand, the new book in The Alewives of Colmar historical mystery series by Elizabeth R Andersen #bookreview #newrelease – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb: In the spring of 1354, all was well in the town of Colmar - until Efi Kleven discovered a hand in her pot of new ale…a hand that was not attached to a body. Now, Gritta, Appel, and Efi, the three alewives of Colmar, must solve the mystery of the severed hand…
Today, I’m taking part in the #blogtour for Shadow of the Witch, a 1670s era #horror – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb London, 1677. A house with a dark secret. A lawyer in pursuit of magick. A witch, dead for fifty years. Israel Cutler, dealer in second-hand goods, discovers the journals of Doctor Winter. Detailing the doctor’s relationship with a hanged witch, he recognises an opportunity. Seeking out a lawyer he knows with an…
Happy (US and Kindle) Release Day to The Royal Women Who Made England, my first non-fiction book #newrelease #nonfiction – MJ Porter
It feels like I've been talking about this book forever, but the day is finally upon us. The Royal Women Who Made England is available in hardback in the UK and US from today, and also in Kind If you've been hiding from me for the last few months, you might be wondering what this…
I’m delighted to welcome Sheridan Brown and her new book, The Viola Factor, to the blog #ViolaKnappRuffner #HistoricalFiction #BiographicalHistoricalFiction #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub – MJ Porter
I'm delighted to welcome Sheridan Brown and her new book, The Viola Factor, to the blog, with a book trailer. The Viola Factor Book Trailer https://youtu.be/yrtEyjFaC5A The Viola Factor Book Trailer Here's the blurb "The Viola Factor" takes place at a time when the country faced division and growth after the American Civil War. Viola…
I’m delighted to welcome Heather Miller and her new book, Yellow Bird’s Song, to the blog #AmericanHistory #NativeAmericanHistory #TrailOfTears #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub – MJ Porter
I'm delighted to welcome Heather Miller and her new book, Yellow Bird's Song, to the blog with an excerpt. Excerpt 1 John Rollin Ridge, Cherokee Nation West, 1850 The evening’s red sky horizon stretched its wide arms behind Judge Kell’s dogtrot, extending into the dust. A dead tree stood as an ineffectual sentry between his…
It’s cover reveal time for The Last Alliance #histfic #coverreveal – MJ Porter
A huge thank you to everyone who has jumped back into the world of Coelwulf and his band of foul-mouthed warriors with The Last Viking. Having taken the step back into this series, I wasn't about to let 'the lads' rest. Book 9 is far from complete, but it does have a delightfully messy first…
I’m reviewing a new non-fiction title: Edmund, Eadred and Eadwig, 939-959, New Interpretations ed. M.E. Blanchard and C. Riedel – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb Essays highlighting the importance of three kings - Edmund, Eadred and Eadwig - in understanding England in the tenth century. Much scholarly attention has been devoted to both the expanding kingdom of Alfred the Great, Edward the Elder, and Æthelstan, and to the larger and integrated realm of their more distant successors,…
Happy publication day to The Mystery of Yew Tree House by Lesley Thomson #blogtour #newrelease – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb EIGHTY YEARS OF SECRETS.1940. At Yew Tree House, recently widowed Adelaide Stride is raising her two daughters alone – but it’s not just the threat of German invasion that keeps her up at night. She is surrounded by enemies posingas allies and, while war rages, she grows sure that something terrible is about…
Time for something a little different, I’m reviewing How To Start A Riot In A Brothel In Thailand By Ordering A Beer And Other Lesser Known Travel Tips #blogtour #bookreview #travelmemoir #competition – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb Book 1 of a hilarious series of travel misadventures and dubious personal introspection by Australian author Simon Yeats, who from an early age learned that the best way to approach the misfortunes of this world is to laugh about it. Simon shares his comedic insights into the unusual and uproarious elements of…
I’m sharing my review for Brethren by Robb Pritchard, a thrilling tale of 1st century Britain #histfic #review – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb His sons were ripped from his arms and he was sold into slavery… Now he has a terrible choice. Cadwal, a widowed Celtic warrior is a dedicated father raising his children in his mountain stronghold. In these uncertain times, the tribe must be vigilant, as caught between the expanding Roman empire and…
Happy release day to Enemies of Mercia, book 6 in the tales of young Icel #newrelease #blogtour #histfic – MJ Porter
Well, here we are people. Book 6 in The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles is released today, and the most important thing I need to do, is not confuse my stories because Book 7 is written and in the hands of my editor:) It's hard to believe it's only just over 2 years since the first…
I’m really excited to be taking part in today’s blog tour for Race to Novus by RA Clarke #blogtour #newrelease #scifi #review – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb A daughter’s last chance at redemption on an alien planet. A sweeping secret that could not only end her dreams, but her life as well.Finn Rucker boards the starship to seek a fresh start as part of a colonizing effort on Joya. The race, sponsored by Governus, yields free land and startup…
I’m sharing my review for Lost Solace by Karl Drinkwater, a fabulous sci-fi thriller #blogtour #audiobook – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb They’re called the Lost Ships … but sometimes they come back. And when they do the crews are missing, while the ships have been strangely altered, rumoured to be full of horrors. Opal Imbiana has been seeking something her whole life. It’s a secret so precious she’s willing to risk her life…
Let’s celebrate the book birthday of Maid of Steel by Kate Baker with a competition and an excerpt #bookbirthday #blogtour – MJ Porter
Here's the excerpt These final paragraphs from the end of Chapter Two show main character Emma trying to escape a burning building and she’s made it to the flat roof. It’s 1911 and firemen have placed a wooden ladder across from the neighbouring building. She is thinking of her dead twin brother as she contemplates…
I’m delighted to welcome Rosemary Griggs and her new book, The Dartington Bride, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #Devon #Elizabethan #FrenchWarsOfReligion #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub – MJ Porter
I'm delighted to welcome Rosemary Griggs and her new book, The Dartington Bride, Daughters of Devon series, to the blog with Refugees in Elizabethan England. Refugees in Elizabethan England Current media coverage sometimes gives the impression that refugees and asylum seekers are a recent concern. Yet, throughout history, people have sought refuge in safer, more…
I’m delighted to be reviewing Murder on the Dancefloor by Katie Marsh #cosycrime #newrelease #blogtour – MJ Porter
They DID promise her a killer hen weekend... Jeanie’s getting married, and – despite her completely impossible four sisters – her best friends Clio and Amber are determined to give her a bachelorette weekend to remember. They’re in matching pink T-shirts and the drinks are flowing... But the night turns out to be unforgettable for…
I’m delighted to welcome Adrienne Chinn and her new book, In The Shadow of War, to the blog #blogtour #historicalfiction – MJ Porter
Adrienne has written a fabulous post about her new book, In The Shadow of War. Welcome Adrienne. Down on the Farm in 1930s Canada In 1921, my grandfather, Frank Chinn, who had spent five years fighting in France in the British infantry – surviving shrapnel wounds and mustard gas – told his wife, Edith née Fry, that…
I’m delighted to welcome Alison Morton and her new book, EXSILIUM, to the blog #RomaNovaSeries #EXSILIUM #AlternativeHistoricalFiction #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub – MJ Porter
I'm delighted to welcome Alison Morton and her new book, EXSILIUM, part of the Roma Nova series, to the blog with a guest post. Guest Post When we think of Romans, two images immediately spring to mind. The first is a fierce helmeted solder wearing iron bands of segmented armour across his torso over a…
I’m delighted to be reviewing The Missing Maid by Holly Hepburn #histfic #cosycrime – MJ Porter
A GLORIOUS SHERLOCK HOLMES-INSPIRED MYSTERY FOR FANS OF NITA PROSE AND JANICE HALLETT London, 1932. When Harriet White rebuffs the advances of her boss at the Baker Street building society where she works, she finds herself demoted to a new position… a very unusual position. Deep in the postal department beneath the bank, she is…
It’s release day for Eric Schumacher’s new book in Olaf’s Saga, Riddle of the Gods #bookreview #newrelease #historicalfiction – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb Riddle of the Gods is the riveting fourth novel in the best-selling series chronicling the life and adventures of one of Norway’s most controversial kings, Olaf Tryggvason. It is AD 976. Olaf Tryggvason, the renegade prince of Norway, has lost his beloved wife to a tragedy that turns the lords of the…
Today, I’m delighted to be reviewing Raven Lord by JC Duncan #blogtour #historicalfiction #HaraldHardrada – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb Mercenary. Exile. Warlord. At the edge of the world, the clouds of war are gathering… 1034AD Cast out from the Kyivan Rus, Harald Sigurdsson’s quest for fame and fortune takes him to the far reaches of Europe; the lands of the Eastern Roman empire. The empire is dying the slow death of…
Today I’m delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for new historical mystery, Murder in Moscow by Kelly Oliver #blogtour #BoldwoodBooks – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb: Journey into the heart of 20th Century Russia in this fun and funny historical mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright and Helena Dixon. 1918 Moscow Will following her heart mean losing her head? It could mean losing her job. Fiona Figg trails her nemesis Fredrick Fredricks to Moscow. But when she…
I love a cover reveal. #FatalFungus by WeNARK Green sounds like my kind of cosy crime mystery #coverreveal – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb One great bake-off. Twelve golden pies. Two lovable, dogged amateur sleuths back in stride. On a crisp, autumn evening, in quaint Bogus Hole, the village committee proposes a pie-and-buy charity auction to celebrate the first anniversary of Sycamore Medical Practice. Twelve bakes will make the coveted gingham table for a doctor-only bidding…
I’m delighted to welcome back David Fitz-Gerald and his new book, Stay with the Wagons, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #WesternAdventure #AmericanWest #Pioneers #BlogTour – MJ Porter
I'm delighted to welcome back David Fitz-Gerald and his new book, Stay with the Wagons: A Pioneer Western Adventure, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail, to the blog with a series trailer. Series Trailer https://youtu.be/sWvp6dtbXvA Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Series Trailer Here's the blurb Venture deep into the uncharted wilderness and crest the continental divide.…
I’m delighted to be reviewing My Fair Lord by Elisabeth Hobbes #histfic – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb A Gilded Age Retelling of My Fair Lady Arriving into English society from the drawing rooms of New York, Miss Florence Wakechild desires nothing less than the marriage her father is so desperately seeking for her. Clayton Wakechild desires nothing more than finding a suitable husband for his daughter – a husband of…
Today, I’m reviewing The Spy Across The Water #blogtour #TheSpyAcrossTheWater – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb From one of our most treasured BBC broadcasters, The Spy Across the Water is the third instalment in James Naughtie’s brilliant spy series, woven around three brothers bound together through espionage. We live with our history, but it can kill us. Faces from the past appear from nowhere at a family funeral, and Will…
I’m delighted to welcome Debra Borchert and her series, Chateau de Verzat, to the blog #ChateauDeVerzatSeries #HerOwnLegacy #HerOwnRevolution #DebraBorchertAuthor #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub – MJ Porter
I'm delighted to welcome Debra Borchert and her book, Her Own Legacy, Book 1, the Chateau de Verzat series, to the blog. Here's the blurb A Woman Fights for Her Legacy as the French Revolution Erupts Determined to inherit her family’s vineyard, Countess Joliette de Verzat defies society’s rules, only to learn of her illegitimate…
I’m delighted to welcome Judith Arnopp and her new book, A Matter of Time, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #Tudor #HenryVIII #NewRelease #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub – MJ Porter
I'm delighted to welcome Judith Arnopp and her new book, A Matter of Time: Henry VIII, the Dying of the Light (Book Three), to the blog with a snippet. Snippet: November 1541 Henry prepares for mass It is good to be home, and my spirits remain high. I jest with my gentlemen as my beard,…
Happy release day to The Last Viking, continuing the tale of Coelwulf and his lethal warriors. Enter the HUGE competition to win copies of all eight books. – MJ Porter
It's been a while since we've been in the saddle with Coelwulf and his foul-mouthed fellow warriors. I've missed them (well, all apart from Icel -who I've been writing about in his younger days for The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles) and I hope you have as well. The good news is that The Last Viking…
Happy release day to The Last Viking, but who can remember what happened in the previous books? Enter the HUGE competition to win copies of all eight books. – MJ Porter
It's been a while since we've been in the saddle with Coelwulf and his foul-mouthed fellow warriors. I've missed them, and I think others have as well. I thought it would be a good idea to offer a brief recap. I know I had to reread The Last Seven to make sure everything was as…
I’m delighted to be reviewing The Other Gwyn Girl by Nicola Cornick #blogtour #dualtimeline #historicalfiction – MJ Porter
Here's the blurb 1671 – London The Civil War is over and Charles II, the ‘Merry Monarch’, is revelling in the throne of his murdered father and all the privileges and power that comes with it. Sharing the spoils is his favourite companion, the celebrated beauty, actress Nell Gwyn. Beloved of the English people, Nell…
It’s International Women’s Day 2024. Here’s to the women of the tenth century in Saxon England. – MJ Porter
I've made it somewhat of a passion to study the royal women of the tenth century. What drew me to them was a realisation that while much focus has rested on the eleventh century women, most notably Queen Emma and Queen Edith, their position rests very much on growing developments throughout the tenth century. It…