Blog Tour Guest Post: An Abiding Fire by M.J. Logue

Please join me in welcoming M.J. Logue to Let Them Read Books! M.J. is touring the blogosphere with her new novel, An Abiding Fire, the first book in a mystery series featuring characters from her Uncivil War series. I'm happy to have her here today with a guest post about one of her favorite pastimes, which also would have been a popular pastime in the 17th century, although her protagonist wasn't so fond of it! Read on and enter to win an ebook copy of An Abiding Fire!

How do you solve a murder when you are one of the suspects?

1664, London

Life should be good for Major Thankful Russell and his new bride, Thomazine. Russell, middle-aged and battle-scarred, isn’t everyone’s idea of the perfect husband for an eligible young woman, but the moment Thomazine set eyes on her childhood hero, she knew they were destined for one another.

But Russell, a former Roundhead, now working for the King’s intelligence service, was never going to have a simple life in Restoration London.

Unable to shake suspicions of his Parliamentarian past, someone seems hell-bent on ruining his reputation — and his life.

Whispers about his sister’s violent murder follow him and accusations of treason abound.

When more deaths occur, Russell finds himself under suspicion.

He is ready to escape from the capital, but Thomazine is determined to find the truth and clear the name of the man she loves.

But who is the real killer, and why are they so keen to frame Russell? More importantly, will they succeed?

And has Thomazine’s quest put them all in mortal danger?

Amazon  ~  Goodreads

Having a Twitter chat earlier today with a fellow Sapere author, we were discussing embroidery. Seems it's fallen from grace a little of late, and, reader, I am here to tell you that I embroider, and I'm proud of it!

It started as a portable thing to do with my hands at re-enactment events and it sort of growed, like Topsy. (If you're wondering at this stage what this has to do with my writing, keep reading...although if you've already read Abiding Fire, you probably know where this is headed!) It started as little fancies in the corners of things and now it's a cap which is the joy of my heart, all covered with flowers and bugs and beasties, pea-pods that open to show little golden peas, bees with three-dimensional wings...lovely things that are nice to touch as well as to look at.

Which got me to thinking about Thomazine Russell, and the rather significant ribbon she embroiders for her husband-to-be at the beginning of the book. Obviously, it has a consequence in the book she never imagined – no, as they say, spoilers – but such a trivial, pretty little slip of silk would have been fairly important in any young woman’s life.

In the 17th century ribbons were a big part of dress: buttons were fiddly and expensive to make, as were brass hooks and eyes, but any halfway competent young woman could use a tape loom at home to produce lengths of tape for everyday fastenings. Silk-weaving was a much more profitable activity undertaken by professionals, and there are some amazing examples still extant of brocaded and metallic silk ribbons commercially woven. A ribbon was a popular lovers' gift, an inexpensive trinket which was both useful and intimate, and it was a custom at many weddings to have knots of coloured ribbon, symbolizing tying the matrimonial knot, which were loosely sewn to the bride's skirts which would then be pounced on and pulled off by friends and family as mementoes. One merchant’s wedding in Exeter in 1635 lists amongst its expenses the princely sum of £5/13s for his ribbons and favours. That’s a lot of ribbon.

Blog Tour Guest Post: The Popish Midwife by Annelisa Christensen

Please join me in welcoming Annelisa Christensen to Let Them Read Books! Annelisa is touring the blogosphere with her debut historical fiction novel, The Popish Midwife, based on the true story of Elizabeth Cellier, and she's here today with a fascinating guest post about Guy Fawkes Day, the Solemn Mock Processions, anti-Catholic sentiment in England, and Elizabeth's role in it. Enjoy!

In seventeenth-century London, thirteen years after the plague and twelve years after the Great Fire, the restoration of King Charles II has dulled the memory of Cromwell’s puritan rule, yet fear and suspicion are rife. Religious turmoil is rarely far from tipping the scales into hysteria.

Elizabeth Cellier, a bold and outspoken midwife, regularly visits Newgate Prison to distribute alms to victims of religious persecution. There she falls in with the charming Captain Willoughby, a debtor, whom she enlists to gather information about crimes against prisoners, so she might involve herself in petitioning the king in their name.

‘Tis a plot, Madam, of the direst sort.’ With these whispered words Willoughby draws Elizabeth unwittingly into the infamous Popish Plot and soon not even the fearful warnings of her husband, Pierre, can loosen her bond with it.

This is the incredible true story of one woman ahead of her time and her fight against prejudice and injustice.

Guy Fawkes Day and the Solemn Mock Processions

by Annelisa Christensen

Many know Guy Fawkes Day, or Bonfire Night, on November 5th – the annual event of burning a ‘Guy’ on top of a bonfire to celebrate the foiling of Guy Fawkes and his men in their attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament, London’s government seat – but not so many know that for a few years on another day in November many other religious representatives were ceremoniously placed atop the burning pyres.

The November 5th bonfires began in 1605 to commemorate the failed Gunpowder Plot and the saving of King James I. The anniversary fast became an opportunity for Protestants to vent their fear and distrust of Catholics and Guido Fawkes (Guy Fawkes), the man found guarding the barrels of gunpowder beneath the building, became a figurehead for that hatred. Gradually, the celebrations became bigger than simple bonfires and the burning of the ‘Guy’– a convenient excuse to symbolically exorcise Catholicism from the British shores – with sermons and fireworks added for good measure. The annual event became an explosive, yet steadfast, addition to the English Calendar.

But there were periods where it wasn’t appropriate to celebrate so heartily, for instance the years after King James’s son, Charles, took a Catholic wife, Henrietta Maria of France (1625), the anti-Catholicism angle was played down somewhat. The displays were also muted for over a decade after King Charles I was executed (beheaded) in 1649. Not for reasons of mourning, but because Cromwell’s puritan rule that followed forbade most celebrations and some were stopped altogether. November 5th was one of the few events that survived and it was used by Cromwell to mark the superiority of the Government and the Protestant religion. But, when King James’s grandson, King Charles II took his place on the throne at the start of the Restoration, the day was once more reinstated as an exuberant celebration of the thwarting of the Gunpowder Plot.

Spotlight: Whitehall Episode 12

She who would be queen must win the love of a king—and a country.

Welcome to WHITEHALL, where the true history of Catherine of Braganza and her marriage to King Charles II of England is brought to life with all its sensual scandal and political intrigue. Venture back in time to a place where the games of royals affect the lives of all.

Unfolding across a season of 13 episodes, this serial of history and royal drama is presented by Serial Box Publishing and written by Liz Duffy Adams, Delia Sherman, Barbara Samuel, Mary Robinette Kowal, Sarah Smith, and Madeleine Robins. 

Read or listen to the first episode for free at SerialBox.com or in our iOS app!

This week brings the 12th installment of Whitehall with “More Harmony in Her Bright Eye,” written by Madeleine E. Robins. Recovering from her loss, Catherine seeks a rainbow after the rains. Flooded cellars at Whitehall have Charles wading in to fix more than just the masonry.

Episode 12 will be available for download in text or audio on Wednesday, August 24.

EXCERPT:

November 1663

Catherine had been strong enough that morning to go to her chapel to hear Mass. Now, making her way back to her apartments through the chilly hallways, that strength waned. Was she still so little recovered, or was it melancholy that made her feel so? Lady Chesterfield and Lady Castlemaine flanked her, ready to offer assistance should the queen require, but Catherine would not ask it.

She had done her best to give her attention to the Mass, but the roar of the rain that had been falling without relent had melded with the sound of Father Patrick’s voice. Catherine could barely remember a time when rain had not fallen, like the tears of God Himself. When the fever had ebbed and she had at last returned to herself there had only been the black emptiness of loss—her own and Charles’s, for he mourned the loss of their child too. But as the weeks went by and that pain became quieter, other fears had come to her, the worse because she could not bring herself to speak to anyone of them.

Except for the Virgin.

Kneeling in the dim chapel that had become dear to her, Catherine found herself praying silently, “Please, Holy Mother, don’t let them send me back to Portugal.” Was it a great selfishness to fear the humiliation of being returned, like a bit of flawed goods, so that all the world would know of her failure?

Blog Tour Guest Post by Margaret Porter, Author of A Pledge of Better Times

Please join me in welcoming Margaret Porter to Let Them Read Books! Margaret is touring the blogosphere with her brand new novel, A Pledge of Better Times, the story of Lady Diana de Vere and her husband, Charles Beauclerk, illegitimate son of Charles II and Nell Gywn. Don't you love that cover? I admit to being partial since I had the pleasure of helping Margaret design it! Margaret is here today with a guest post on how the stars aligned to help her bring this book to fruition. Read on and enter to win a copy of A Pledge of Better Times!

A sweeping tale of ambition, treachery, and passion…

For generations, Lady Diana de Vere’s family loyally served England’s crown. But after King Charles II’s untimely death, her father firmly opposes James II’s tyranny. Charles Beauclerk, Duke of St. Albans—the late king’s bastard son by actress Nell Gwyn—also rebels against his newly crowned uncle’s manipulation. Secretly pledging to wed Diana, he departs for the Continent to become a soldier.

Political and religious turmoil bring about revolution and yet another coronation before Charles returns to claim his promised bride. As companion to Queen Mary II, Diana has followed her de Vere forbears into royal service. She expects Charles to abandon his military career after marriage, but he proves unwilling to join the ranks of the courtiers he despises and mistrusts.

In palace corridors and within their own household, the young duke and duchess confront betrayals, scandals, and tragedies that threaten to divide them. And neither the privileges of birth nor proximity to the throne can ensure their security, their advancement—or their happiness. 

Serendipity, the Author’s Friend

by Margaret Porter

From the outset of my career I aspired to write a historical biographical fiction, but back then I didn’t realize it would be this particular book, A Pledge of Better Times. Along the road to publication, serendipity became my greatest friend, enabling me to gaze into the faces of my characters, to read words they penned, and to follow their footsteps.

As a student and later a historian of the 17th century, I knew England’s King Charles II had a son by actress Nell Gwyn. On discovering that my family line connected with Charles Beauclerk and with Lady Diana de Vere, my interest was sparked. At the time I was completing a multi-book contract, so I tucked the couple into my “someday I need to discover more” file. When I happened to meet one of their direct descendants, whose family still holds the title bestowed by Charles II, I actually told him, “One day I’ll write a historical novel about the first duke and duchess.”

Researching their story in earnest, I benefited from various instances of good fortune, with surprising results. I was able to access the family archives in London. I often visited Diana’s portrait by Godfrey Kneller, which hangs at Hampton Court Palace. When featured in a special exhibition about 17th century women, “Beauty, Sex, and Power,” it was transferred from its usual location to a more intimate gallery, so I could examine it at very close range. A portion of it graces the cover of A Pledge of Better Times—because luckily the Queen permitted the use of the image!

Blog Tour Review: Girl on the Golden Coin by Marci Jefferson

From the Back Cover:

Impoverished and exiled to the French countryside after the overthrow of the English Crown, Frances Stuart survives merely by her blood-relation to the Stuart Royals. But in 1660, the Restoration of Stuart Monarchy in England returns her family to favor. Frances discards threadbare gowns and springs to gilded Fontainebleau Palace, where she soon catches the Sun King's eye. But Frances is no ordinary court beauty, she has Stuart secrets to keep and her family to protect. King Louis XIV turns vengeful when she rejects his offer to become his Official Mistress. He banishes her to England with orders to seduce King Charles II and secure an alliance.

Armed in pearls and silk, Frances maneuvers through the political turbulence of Whitehall Palace, but still can’t afford to stir a scandal. Her tactic to inspire King Charles to greatness captivates him. He believes her love can make him a better man and even chooses Frances to pose as Britannia for England’s coins. Frances survives the Great Fire, the Great Plague, and the debauchery of the Restoration Court, yet loses her heart to the very king she must control. The discovery of a dangerous plot will force to choose between love for herself and war for her beloved country.

In the tradition of Philippa Gregory, debut author Marci Jefferson brings to life a captivating woman whose beauty, compassion, and intellect impacted a king and a nation.

My Thoughts:

Oh, how I was looking forward to this book! I love reading about Restoration England and the Merry Monarch and his licentious court. And I love reading about lesser-known people whose impact on history gets outshone by the light of the bright stars of their age. History may remember Frances Stuart simply as the only woman who managed not to succumb to King Charles II's charms--and that is highly debatable--but she was also the face of Britannia, chosen because the king felt she was the embodiment of the strengths of his great nation; she was beloved by just about every courtier, artist, and poet in his court, and she was an island of goodness and honor in a sea of debauchery and self-servitude. She was a calming, gentling influence on the king, and though her status as his mistress is debated, no one denies the longstanding and intimate friendship the two enjoyed. And she was just about the only woman who was able to exert any influence on his policies. Ms. Jefferson had a real opportunity here to take a woman fairly unfamiliar to modern readers, a woman who was famous in her time, though largely forgotten by history, and bring her back to life in a way that would allow her humanity to shine through while providing insight into a tumultuous time period. And she nailed it!