Apollo's Raven

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Book Review The Traitor Beside Her Mary Anna Evans #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalMystery #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub @maryannaevans @cathiedunn

FEATURED AUTHOR: MARY ANNA EVANS

It is my pleasure to introduce Mary Anna Evans as the featured author in The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour that is being held between August 2nd — October 4th, 2023. Mary Anna Evans is the author of the Historical Mystery novel, The Traitor Beside Her (The Justine Byrne Historical Mysteries), released by Sourcebooks on June 6, 2023 (346 pages).

Below are highlights of The Traitor Beside Her, Mary Anna Evans' author bio, and my review of her novel.

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/06/blog-tour-traitor-beside-her.html

HIGHLIGHTS: THE TRAITOR BESIDE HER

The Traitor Beside Her

(The Justine Byrne Historical Mysteries)

By Mary Anna Evans

Audiobook narrated by Kimberly M. Wetherell

Blurb:

"Evans's characters are vividly drawn, elevating this story and its revelations about women's little-celebrated contributions to the war effort."— Washington Post

"An exciting read with historical tidbits, a hint of danger, and a touch of romance."— Kirkus Reviews

The Traitor Beside Her is an intricately plotted WWII espionage novel weaving together mystery, action, friendship, and a hint of romance perfect for fans of The Rose Code and Code Name Helene.

Justine Byrne can't trust the people working beside her. Arlington Hall, a former women's college in Virginia has been taken over by the United States Army where hundreds of men and women work to decode countless pieces of communication coming from the Axis powers.

Justine works among them, handling the most sensitive secrets of World War II—but she isn't there to decipher German codes—she's there to find a traitor.

Justine keeps her guard up and her ears open, confiding only in her best friend, Georgette, a fluent speaker of Choctaw who is training to work as a code talker. Justine tries to befriend each suspect, believing that the key to finding the spy lies not in cryptography but in understanding how code breakers tick. When young women begin to go missing at Arlington Hall, her deadline for unraveling the web of secrets becomes urgent and one thing remains clear: a single secret in enemy hands could end thousands of lives.

"A fascinating and intelligent WWII home front story." —Rhys Bowen, New York Times bestselling author for The Physicists' Daughter

Buy Links:

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/4XwxG1

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Traitor-Beside-Her-Novel/dp/1464215588

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGYPLMTH

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Traitor-Beside-Her-Novel/dp/1464215588

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Traitor-Beside-Her-Novel-ebook/dp/B0BGYPLMTH

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-traitor-beside-her-mary-anna-evans/1143344440

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-traitor-beside-her/mary-anna-evans/9781464215582

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-traitor-beside-her

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-traitor-beside-her-mary-anna-evans/18743820

Audio Buy Links:

Audiobooks.com: https://www.audiobooks.com/audiobook/672506/

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Traitor-Beside-Her-Audiobook/B0BVDLCL7J

AUTHOR BIO: MARY ANNA EVANS

Mary Anna Evans is an award-winning author, a writing professor, and she holds degrees in physics and engineering, a background that, as it turns out, is ideal for writing her Justine Byrne series, which began with The Physicists’ Daughter and continues with her new book, The Traitor Beside Her. She describes Justine as “a little bit Rosie-the-Riveter and a little bit Bletchley Park codebreaker.”

Mary Anna’s crime fiction has earned recognition that includes two Oklahoma Book Awards, the Will Rogers Medallion Awards Gold Medal, and the Benjamin Franklin Award, and she co-edited the Edgar-nominated Bloomsbury Handbook to Agatha Christie.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.maryannaevans.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/maryannaevans

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryAnnaEvansAuthor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-anna-evans-a7642810/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryannaevans/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-anna-evans

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mary-Anna-Evans/author/B001JP9ZY2

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12395.Mary_Anna_Evans

BOOK REVIEW: THE TRAITOR BESIDE HER

The USA's secret program of cryptoanalysis in Virginia toward the end of WWII is explored in The Traitor Beside Her by Mary Anna Evans. A physicist's daughter, Justine Byrne plays a dangerous game of espionage. On the surface, she has been recruited to decode communication from various Axis powers as Allied forces advance on the front lines toward Germany. However, her primary objective is to find the traitor among the brilliant decoders at Arlington Hall who are deciphering German codes that could steer the course of the war. She cannot trust anyone as she investigates who could be the potential spy. One woman on site has already been killed and others have gone missing. The suspense builds as she hones on potential suspects, risking her life.

Mary Anna Evans has written a unique, smoothly-written novel with elements of suspense, romance, and friendship. The story offers the unique perspective of a young, somewhat naive woman thrust into the midst of espionage with minimal training. The story is told primarily from Justine's perspective, but other points of view are used to move the story forward. Justine can only confide in Georgette, her best friend and fluent speaker of Choctaw, who is suddenly brought into the mission. Nora is another intriguing, eccentric character who can see the colors of the music she composes and plays.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the novel is to learn about the secret decoding processes that could impact the war as much as the military forces on the battlefield. Each suspect has an interesting backstory that could explain why he or she chooses to betray his/her country. However, the pacing sometimes slows down when the story delves into romance and everyday conversations of women living at Arlington Hall.

Readers who enjoy learning more about covert operations that supported the behind-the-scenes war effort of Allies during WWII should enjoy reading The Traitor Beside Her, told from the perspective of a precocious, young woman thrown into the jaws of espionage.

Instagram Handle: @thecoffeepotbookclub
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Monday, September 4, 2023

Catherine Kullmann The Husband Criteria #RegencyRomance #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub@CKullmmannauthor @cathiedunn

FEATURED AUTHOR: CATHERINE KULLMANN

I am pleased to introduce Catherine Kullmann as the featured author in The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour held between August 29th – September 19th, 2023. Catherine Kullmann is the author of the Regency Romance, The Husband Criteria (The Lorings, Book #3), published by Willow Books on 24th August 2023 (297 pages).

Below are highlights of The Husband Criteria, Catherine Kullmann's author bio, and an excerpt from her book.

Tour Schedule Link: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/07/blog-tour-husband-criteria-by-catherine-kullmann.html

HIGHLIGHTS: THE HUSBAND CRITERIA

The Husband Criteria

(The Lorings, Book #3)

By Catherine Kullmann

(Blurb)

London 1817

The primary aim of every young lady embarking on the Spring frenzy that is the Season must be to make a good match. Or must it? And what is a good match? For cousins Cynthia, Chloe and Ann, well aware that the society preux chevalier may prove to be a domestic tyrant, these are vital questions. How can they discover their suitors’ true character when all their encounters must be confined to the highly ritualised round of balls, parties and drives in the park?

As they define and refine their Husband Criteria, Cynthia finds herself unwillingly attracted to aloof Rafe Marfield, heir to an earldom, while Chloe is pleased to find that Thomas Musgrave, the vicar’s son from home, is also in London. And Ann must decide what is more important to her, music or marriage.

And what of the gentlemen who consider the marriage mart to be their hunting grounds? How will they react if they realise how rigorously they are being assessed?

A light-hearted, entertaining look behind the scenes of a Season that takes a different course with unexpected consequences for all concerned.

Buy Links:

Universal Link: https://mybook.to/criteria

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CBKZCBVX

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBKZCBVX

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CBKZCBVX

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CBKZCBVX

AUTHOR BIO: CATHERINE KULLMANN

Catherine Kullmann was born and educated in Dublin. Following a three-year courtship conducted mostly by letter, she moved to Germany where she lived for twenty-five years before returning to Ireland. She has worked in the Irish and New Zealand public services and in the private sector. Widowed, she has three adult sons and two grandchildren.

Catherine has always been interested in the extended Regency period, a time when the foundations of our modern world were laid. She loves writing and is particularly interested in what happens after the first happy end—how life goes on for the protagonists and sometimes catches up with them. Her books are set against a background of the offstage, Napoleonic wars and consider in particular the situation of women trapped in a patriarchal society.

She is the author of The Murmur of Masks, Perception & Illusion, A Suggestion of Scandal, The Duke’s Regret, The Potential for Love, A Comfortable Alliance, and Lady Loring’s Dilemma.

Catherine also blogs about historical facts and trivia related to this era. You can find out more about her books and read her blog (My Scrap Album) at her website. You can contact her via her Facebook page or on Twitter.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.catherinekullmann.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CKullmannAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherinekullmannauthor

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/catherine-kullmann

Amazon Author Page: http://viewauthor.at/ckullmannamazonpage

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15549457.Catherine_Kullmann

EXCERPT: THE HUSBAND CRITERIA

Chapter Eleven

Cynthia had been intent on their discussion but now she saw that they were being subjected a great deal of covert glances from the assembled ton. She smiled at Chloe who sat in the barouche-landau with Rosa opposite old Lady Loring and Lord Swanmere. They had drawn up beside another carriage containing another old lady and Lady Benton. Chloe said something and all heads turned towards Marfield’s curricle. The lady beside Lady Benton beckoned imperiously.

Marfield groaned. “My grandmother, the dowager Marchioness of Martinborough. She who will not be gainsaid. I cannot pull up beside them; would you object to our drawing in here at the side and walking the few steps back to them? Tom will stay with the horses.”

“No, of course not.” In fact, Cynthia would have preferred not to be presented in such a public manner, but she could not refuse. She sat quietly, admiring the skill with which he eased his equipage into what seemed a very tight space indeed. He jumped down and came round to assist her alight, then offered her his arm and led her through a gap in the rails that separated the lawn from the carriages and horses jostling on the ride.

“You know my mother, of course,” he said as they walked back to the Martinborough carriage.

“I have had the pleasure of meeting Lady Benton several times,” Cynthia agreed. She was relieved to see that the Swanmere carriage had moved on.

Marfield stopped beside the barouche and bowed. “Good day, Grandmother, Mother. Grandmother, may I have the honour of presenting Miss Glazebrook?”

“Good day, my ladies.” Cynthia sketched a curtsey—anything more would be too extravagant here in the Park.

“Of course I know Miss Glazebrook,” Lady Benton said with a friendly smile. “I am happy to see you again, my dear.”

Her mother inclined her head a scant inch. She must be at least as old as Great-Grandmamma, Cynthia thought, noting the dowager’s sharp eyes and wrinkled face surmounted by a pile of carefully arranged silver curls protected by a green silk calash bonnet lined with pale pink and tied with green and pink ribbons. She clutched an ornate lorgnette, which was aimed balefully at the newcomers.

“Don’t just stand there, giving me a crick in my neck,” she snapped, gesturing to the seat opposite her. “Sit down. You too, Marfield.”

Cynthia felt rather than heard him sigh.

“Just for five minutes,” he said as he handed her up. “I cannot keep the horses standing for longer than that.”

“You gentlemen—your horses are always more important to you than anyone else. Why have you not called on me?”

“I was not aware that you were in town, ma’am. When did you come up?”

“Yesterday,” the dowager retorted.

Cynthia bit her lip to repress her smile.

Lady Martinborough turned her magnified gaze on Cynthia. “Glazebrook. Are you related to the Nabob Glazebrook?”

“He is my grandfather, ma’am.”

“Hmm. And your mother? Who are her people?”

“She was Miss Raven.”

“Raven? Ransford’s daughter.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The dowager snorted but before she could say anymore, Marfield intervened. “Enough, Grandmother. You will put me to the blush if you subject Miss Glazebrook to any further inquisition.”

“It would take more than that to put you to the blush, you scapegrace. Don’t you agree, Miss Glazebrook?”

“Now how am I to answer that?” Cynthia said. “Reluctant as I must be to contradict a lady of such advanced years and standing, you cannot expect me to agree with your characterisation of your grandson; I have always found him most gentleman-like.”

“Well said, Miss Glazebrook,” Lady Benton said. “I should like to talk more, but we mustn’t keep the horses standing any longer.” She held her hand out to Cynthia. “Goodbye, my dear. Pray come and call on me.”

Cynthia touched the proffered fingers. “Thank you, ma’am.”

Marfield rose. “We’ll take our leave of you, ladies.” He hopped down and held his hand out to Cynthia.

She placed hers in it, made a half-bow and with a polite “My ladies”, gratefully stepped down onto the lawn.

Another bow and a wave, and they were able to depart.

“Ooof!” Marfield let out a long breath. “I am so sorry; I had no idea she would go for you like that.”

“I was beginning to wonder would she demand to see my teeth and run a hand down my calf,” Cynthia said.

“You handled her very well. I liked your reference to her advanced years and standing. She couldn’t really take umbrage at being called old in that manner.”

“Thank you for drawing her fire. Still, there is one thing we may be grateful for.”

“And that is?”

“You saw the carriage that was drawn up beside hers earlier? Lady Swan-Loring and Miss Loring were in it.”

“Yes?”

“The old lady sitting opposite them was my great-grandmother, Lady Loring. Just imagine if they were still there when we reached your grandmother.”

“Good heavens! It would have been lorgnettes at dawn, you think?”

“It is very likely.”

© Catherine Kullmann 2023

Instagram Handle: @thecoffeepotbookclub

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Monday, August 21, 2023

The Shadow Earl Stella Riley #HistoricalRomance #HistoricalMystery #BlogTour #The CoffeePotBookClub @RileyStella @cathiedunn

FEATURED AUTHOR: STELLA RILEY

I'm pleased to introduce the award-winning author Stella Riley to The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour held between August 22nd – 24th, 2023. Stella Riley is the author of the Historical Romance, The Shadow Earl, independently published on 15th July 2023 (433 pages).

Below are highlights of The Shadow Earl, Stella Riley's author bio, and an excerpt from her book.

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/07/blog-tour-shadow-earl-by-stella-riley.html

HIGHLIGHTS: THE SHADOW EARL

The Shadow Earl

By Stella Riley

Audiobook narrated by Alex Wyndham

Blurb:

At the end of his Grand Tour, somewhere between Athens and Constantinople, Christian Selwyn, the young Earl of Hazelmere, vanished - seemingly without a trace.

Time passes. In London, his uncle and cousin move into his home … while his unofficial fiancée, Sophia, is left desolate and in limbo. Finally, his friends – loyal and close as brothers – set out to search in person.

Christian’s startling re-appearance at a grand ball takes society by storm and fuels endless speculation. Where has he been during these three missing years? What happened to him?

And more importantly, how did it happen?

Only one thing is clear. The earl who left England five years ago, has returned a changed man. A man with secrets.

Buy Links:

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/meqpeZ

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadow-Earl-Stella-Riley-ebook/dp/B0C6VMXVTC/

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Earl-Stella-Riley-ebook/dp/B0C6VMXVTC/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Shadow-Earl-Stella-Riley-ebook/dp/B0C6VMXVTC/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Shadow-Earl-Stella-Riley-ebook/dp/B0C6VMXVTC/

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shadow-earl-stella-riley/1143607582?ean=2940166065582

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/the-shadow-earl

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1401655

AUTHOR BIO: STELLA RILEY

Winner of four gold medals for historical romance (Readers' Favourite in 2019, Book Excellence Awards in 2020, Global Book Awards in 2022 and Book Excellence Award in 2023) and fifteen B.R.A.G. Medallions, Stella Riley lives in the beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.

She is fascinated by the English Civil Wars and has written six books set in that period. These, like the 7-book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times newspaper!) and the Brandon Brothers trilogy, are all available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.

Stella enjoys travel, reading, theatre, Baroque music, and playing the harpsichord. She also has a fondness for men with long hair - hence her 17th and 18th century heroes.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://stellarileybooks.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RileyStella

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellariley.books

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellarileybooks/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/riley9631/stella-riley-books/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search=StellaRiley

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stella-Riley/e/B0034PB7UU

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/171405852-the-shadow-earl

EXCERPT: THE SHADOW EARL

Kit & Sophia’s first private meeting after his return.

Their reunion ought to be have been joyful, Sophia thought. Instead, anger was simmering inside her and Kit was behaving like a silent stranger.

Christian wondered how she’d react if he told her that his skin no longer seemed to fit him; that sometimes he felt like a shadow, observing the world but not part of it. Instead, he said baldly, ‘Had I not reappeared, would you have gone ahead with your betrothal to Basil?’

The question hit her like a punch. ‘Yes. What else was I to do?’

He nodded. ‘If you still wish to do so, I will not stand in your way.’

And without warning, her anger boiled over. Rising, she said, ‘If I still wish to marry Basil? How dare you ask that! I never wished it. Does the fact that I waited five years for you tell you nothing?’

Since she was standing, he did so too. ‘I was merely asking if – ’

‘You shouldn’t have needed to ask – you should have known! But since you didn’t … this last year, I’ve lived with a litany of it being my duty to marry before Papa dies and leaves us all virtually penniless. And you – you were never c-coming back because you were d-dead.’

Christian looked back at her, his face white. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘So you’ve said – so you should be.’ Pressing her lips together and spine very straight, Sophia looked him in the eye. ‘If your feelings have changed, say so.’

He walked away to the window, groping for words that might make sense.

‘During my time … away … I couldn’t allow myself to think about you or home or any of the things I might never seen again. I couldn’t afford those … emotions. But now I’m free, I’m battered by feelings – none of them the ones I shut away. Those seem lost. The truth is that I scarcely recognise myself any more.’

Her anger fell away. She wasn’t the only one who was hurting. He was, too – and perhaps in worse ways. She said softly, ‘How long is it since Lord Wendover and Mr Shelbourne rescued you – if rescue is the right word?’

‘It is. And it’s been eleven weeks.’

Behind him, Sophia’s hand crept to her mouth. Eleven weeks? After three years of captivity? No wonder he’s still in emotional turmoil. How could he not be?

Instagram Handles: @thecoffeepotbookclub

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Friday, August 18, 2023

AUG 19 WESTMINSTER, CO BARNES & NOBLE BOOK FAIR #COLORADO #BOOKS #GIFTS #WEEKEND #BOOKREADERS #AUTHOREVENT @judithbriles @BNBuzz

Westminster Barnes & Noble BookFair August 19

Join me and other local authors for the Westminster Barnes & Noble BookFair on Saturday, August 19th at 9370 Sheridan Blvd. from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Any books and other store merchandise purchased by visitors at the B&N store that day will generate a donation to Colorado Author's Hall of Fame.

I'll be there with other Colorado authors to sign, sell books, and support the Colorado Author's Hall of Fame and its scholarship opportunities for writers. Barnes & Noble is a generous supporter of Colorado Authors and the AuthorYOU community in conjunction with Dr. Judith Briles. Any books and other store merchandise purchased by visitors at the B&N store on either day will generate a donation to support the Colorado Author’s Hall of Fame.

Come meet us and preview our award-winning fiction and nonfiction authors of all genres: adult, YA, juvenile, and children’s books.
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Monday, August 14, 2023

Esperanza’s Way Cindy Burkart Maynard #HistoricalFiction #Spain #womansjourney #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub @LgmtBird @cathiedunn

FEATURED AUTHOR: CINDY BURKART MAYNARD

Please welcome Cindy Burkart Maynard to The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour held between August 14th - 18th, 2023. Cindy Burkart Maynard is the author of the Historical Fiction, Esperanza’s Way (The Seekers Series, Book 2) released by Historium Press on June 30th, 2023 (262 pages).

Below are highlights of Esperanza’s Way, Cindy Burkart Maynard's author bio, and an excerpt from her book.

Blog Tour Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2023/06/blog-tour-esperanzas-way.html

HIGHLIGHTS: ESPERANZA'S WAY

Esperanza’s Way

(The Seekers Series, Book 2)

by Cindy Burkart Maynard

Blurb:

Motivated by the memory of her mother dying in her arms, Esperanza resolves that she will one day walk the halls of the Scola Medica at Salerno and train to become a healer. Fate brought Amika, a talented herbalist, into her life and helped Esperanza take her first steps toward gaining the knowledge that would fulfill her dream. Unfortunately, a tragic accident forced Esperanza to flee Amika's home. Her journey toward finding the path to success is littered with stumbling blocks, some more difficult to avoid than she expected.

International Buy Link

Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon AU • Amazon CA

Barnes & Noble • Kobo

FINDING THE WAY

Finding the Way

(The Seekers Series, Book 1)

by Cindy Burkart Maynard

International Buy Link

THE SEEKERS SERIES

AUTHOR BIO: CINDY BURKART MAYNARD

Cindy Burkart Maynard is passionate about history, and the natural world, a passion that adds rich detail and context to her historical fiction novels. Her characters come to life on the page as they portray what it was like to live in another time and place. She weaves compelling, dramatic stories based on strong characters facing daunting challenges. She has co-authored two nonfiction works about the Colorado Plateau and the Desert Southwest and contributed articles to Images and Colorado Life Magazines. She has been a Volunteer Naturalist for Boulder County for more than twenty years, and served as a Docent at the Sonora Arizona Desert Museum in Tucson, AZ.

Awards:

Colorado Authors League Award Winner for Western Literature

Women Writing the West Award Finalist

WILLA Literary Award finalist for soft cover fiction.

Readers’ Favorite Five Star Author

Winner of the Marie M. Irvine Award for Literary Excellence

Professional Affiliations:

Historical Novel Society of North America

Lighthouse Writers

Women’s Fiction Writers Association

Colorado Authors League

Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers

Authors Guild

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.cindyburkartmaynard.com/bio

Publisher author page: https://www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/cindy-burkart-maynard

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lgmtbird

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CindyBurkartMaynardAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmaynardre/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Cindy-Maynard/author/B07NLKS41B

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14235001.Cindy_Burkart_Maynard

EXCERPT #5: ESPERANZA'S WAY

The city of Napoli shimmered in the late season sunshine. The desperate, cloying heat of summer had abated from a full boil to a subtle simmer. Ships and vessels of all sorts crowded the harbor, bobbing on the sun-drenched sea. Hulking cogs, like Ibrahim’s ship, rested their flat bottoms on the harbor’s soft seabed, their square sales furled tightly against their masts. Sweating men groaned under heavy loads as they descended the gangway. The sounds of shouting in many languages were like lyrics of a song in which the creaking boards of ships provided the bass notes, and seagulls shrieking above sang soprano. The triangular sails of dhows hung limp after their voyage from the Red Sea and eastern Arabia to Napoli’s bustling port. . .

A hand on Esperanza’s shoulder startled her back into reality. A robust man in a short, royal blue tunic and finely woolen hose loomed over her. Around his neck hung a thick gold chain with gold fleur de lis pendant. The footman’s firm hand gently steered her toward an ornate carriage. This can’t be happening, she thought as it jerked forward, propelled by four strong horses. Curiosity overcame anxiety as they climbed higher up the slopes of Vesuvius, the sleeping volcano. Deep green olive groves gave way to aromatic lemon trees and fields of rye and barley.

The peasant cottages, though simple, were not hovels, and many of their occupants paused, leaning on their hoes, to watch them pass by. They looked healthy, with ruddy complexions and leathery skin from laboring under the powerful Neapolitan sun. She did not stop gaping at the scenery until they slowed to a halt at an imposing stone tower that marked the entrance to the small village adjoining the villa. A lone guard swung open a wrought iron gate and Esperanza’s carriage rolled into the village.

The carriage jostled its way over the cobblestones, through the village square, and down a narrow street to a stone tower, identical to the one through which they just passed, to the far side of town. As they rumbled along, townspeople called to the driver.

“Hey, Paolino! What are you delivering to the Signore today? Is she as beautiful as the last one?”

“Ciao, Paolino, your family will expect you at eight bells. Don’t be late like you were the last time.”

“Paolino, you devil,” A saucy black-eyed beauty tossed her abundant wavy tresses over her shoulder as she cast him a provocative sidelong glance. “Later, si?”

Paolino didn’t respond to any of them, just kept his eyes focused on the tower gate. Once outside the walls of the village Esperanza caught sight of the villa, perched on the volcano’s flanks, a short distance above town on a well-traveled trail.

“And this,” he said, gesturing to the elegant edifice, “is where you will live.” Inside, a bustling town square, a church, and a scattering of shops, and residences huddled in the midday sun.

Instagram Handle: @thecoffeepotbookclub

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Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Marta Moran Bishop Dinky: The Nurse Mare’s Foal #horses #nursemarefoals #animal @moranbishop

FEATURED AUTHORS: MARTA MORAN BISHOP

The book was originally released by Crowe Press on 13th January 2013 (216 pages). Narrated by Bridget Thomas, the audiobook was released on 28th February 2019 (4 hours 10 minutes).

Marta Moran Bishop's author bio, a post that gives the background of the real-life Dinky, and an excerpt from the book. There is an extra bonus of photos taken of Dinky throughout his life.

HIGHLIGHTS—DINKY: THE NURSE MARE'S FOAL

Narrated by Tom Sleeker

Award Winner at the Equus Film Festival. Best Equine Rescue book.

It is suitable for all ages.

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AUTHOR BIO: MARTA MORAN BISHOP

Her newest novel Whispers on the Wind is a time-travel romance with a brutal war with Atlantis as its backdrop. It takes us on an adventure to the mythical civilization of Lemuria during the last days of the civilization.

Twitter My husband and I first met Dinky at the Bolton Fair. He was tiny, skinny, and very crabby. The day was so hot, and Dinky and Lucky were standing for hours in the sun. It was the first time either of us had ever heard of nurse mare foals, and we were horrified that it was an actual thing. After adopting him, we worked with him, loved him, and tried to help him learn how to be a horse.

His book won an award at the EQUUS Film Festival in 2015 and has been read all over the world.

The elite of the horse world are the high-dollar mares. They are show animals or racing animals, bringing high dollars for their foals because they have a history of excellence and winning. For them, time is money and it's important that the mare be kept busy birthing instead of spending weeks nursing her offspring. That job is given to a nurse mare.

The horse industry benefits from this barbaric practice because the high-dollar mare gets back in shape more quickly, so she can show well and invite more offers for her offspring. While some stables allow the mare three to four weeks to recuperate after giving birth, many are sent to the stallion for rebreeding within seven to ten days of giving birth.

This book is the story of one nurse mare's foal and its fight for survival.

“Please, let me keep this one. He is really exceptional, and I believe he will be my last baby,” Mother said as she ran at them screaming.

She was whimpering a desperate goodbye and gazing at me with love and grief, “I tried, son. Remember I will be with you always.”

“Joe, grab his back end.” One of the men said as they picked me up and tossed me into the back of the trailer. Before the door closed, scared and alone, I watched Mother get slowly to her feet, crestfallen, and head hanging low. As the men slammed the door and locked me into the box, I screamed, “Mama.”

My misery and my deep need to belong and feel loved were so strong, the solitude of my mind wandered back to the same questions. What would happen to me? Who would teach me? Would I get a chance to live as she promised? “Remember her words,” I told myself.
https://www.linneatanner.com/2023/08/08/marta-moran-bishop-dinky-the-nurse-mares-foal-horses-nursemarefoals-animal-moranbishop/