The Brotherhood of Pandora by David L. Nichols Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A mission from President Jefferson to wage a secret war against France in the Caribbean sends a naval hero into the world of pirates in author David L. Nichols’s “The Brotherhood of Pandora”.

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The Synopsis

To combat Napoleon’s increasing interest in the Caribbean and help pressure France to sell New Orleans to America, Vice-President Thomas Jefferson enlists the aid of friend and naval hero Captain Jacob May. He asks Captain May to wage a clandestine war against the French in the Caribbean not as part of the US Navy, but as pirates.

To accomplish this, Captain May uses the cutting-edge technology of 1799: Girardoni air rifles, Fultons self-propelled torpedoes, a submarine, cannons with rifling, and Pandora, a specially modified ship. Captain May molds his crew into the Brotherhood of Pandora and gives Jefferson chaos in the Caribbean.

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The Review

This was an absolutely compelling and captivating read. The author does a fantastic job of crafting a narrative that plays to both the excitement of a high-seas adventure and the detail of a historical fiction novel. The rich detail helped bring this time period and setting to life perfectly, from the frigid airs of the North to the warm waters of the Caribbean. The story itself carried an air of authenticity as if readers could feel this secret mission taking place in the shadowy world of hidden history.

To me, the heart of this narrative resided in the dynamic atmosphere and the compelling character dynamics that this novel housed. From the inclusion of historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Thomas Jefferson gracing the background of this narrative through their actions during this tumultuous time, to the heartfelt and engaging personal moments between the protagonist and his crew who undertake this mission to begin with, this novel featured some great moments of tension, shock, and thrilling action all in one great story.

The Verdict

Memorable, action—packed, and entertaining, author David L. Nichols’s “The Brotherhood of Pandora” is a must-read historical fiction novel that readers won’t put down. The gripping atmosphere and daunting task presented to the cast of characters and the detailed historical aspect of the narrative allowed this narrative to shine and keep readers invested until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

David L. Nichols has been building boats and making sails for approximately fifteen years. When he isn’t designing sails or building boats you’ll find him in the boats he’s designed and built. He feels that the only way to truly understand boats and sails is to use them. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he has written for boating magazines like WoodenBoat and Boatbuilder, as well as writing and producing boat building videos.

Lessons from the Sidewalk: Encounters with the Discarded by Barry Robbins Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Barry Robbins takes readers through a unique trip into the past as infamous figures through history encounter the objects that remained just out of reach of their fame in the book “Lessons from the Sidewalk: Encounters with the Discarded”. 

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The Synopsis

Lessons from the Sidewalk: Encounters with the Discarded plunges you into a world where the mundane meets the monumental. Imagine a scenario where Leonardo da Vinci stands transfixed by an old, forgotten yo-yo, or Winston Churchill finds himself deeply contemplative over a dented trash can. What could these everyday objects possibly share with such towering figures?

Unravel the tapestry of unexpected encounters as icons from history, from Napoleon Bonaparte to Hamlet, face off with the most ordinary, discarded items. But there’s a twist—each seemingly trivial find becomes a mirror, reflecting profound truths about existence, ambition, and the echoes of the human soul.

Every chapter is an expedition, navigating through the annals of history, the depths of iconic personalities, and the shared experiences that bind us all. Discover the profound lessons nestled in life’s seemingly insignificant moments and items.

Step into a world where the forgotten gains voice, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and history’s giants are seen in an entirely unprecedented light. Dive in, and see yourself reflected in the unexpected corners of history and everyday life.

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The Review

This was a compelling and captivating genre fiction read. The blend of historical fiction with historical and celebrity psychological deep dives made this such a gripping read. The way the author is able to tackle so many different historical figures and pair them with so many different ordinary objects really shows off the creativity and insights that the author has.

The most striking aspect of this book was how the author’s use of these everyday objects with these historical figures spoke to the historical figures’s mindset about the humanity that resided within these figures outside of their fame. The importance of these everyday stories and objects and the role they place in the world, along with the mindset and way in which these characters view the world made this a remarkable read.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Barry Robbins’s “Lessons from the Sidewalk” is a must-read genre fiction novel. The historical fiction aspects of each figure’s story and experience with these objects and the human condition they speak to make this book fly by and become one of the more introspective reads of the year. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Barry Robbins is a celebrated author, having penned five notable satirical works that earned him three gold medal awards, and the first book in his ‘icons’ series. With a 26-year tenure as an accountant for an international firm under his belt, he took a bold leap, relocating to Finland’s tranquil shores. There, amidst its enchanting landscapes and in the company of his Finnish wife and two beautiful daughters, he found a renewed passion for storytelling and mastered the subtle intricacies of expatriate life (including, notably, the fine art of taking out the trash). Now, from his home in Florida, Barry crafts tales that are both engaging and thought-provoking, adding to his diverse literary canvas.

Mushroom Cloud: First Strike Series Book One by Thomas J. Yeggy Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young scientist working to prevent nuclear war must face a wrathful DOJ and fight against trumped-up espionage charges in author Thomas J. Peggy’s “Mushroom Cloud”, the first in the author’s First Strike Series.

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The Synopsis

For a decade, Dr. Caleb Young, a gifted physicist and chief science officer for the CIA, had shaded National Intelligence Estimates and Rand reports on war gaming. He wanted to thwart the US military’s push for a nuclear first strike. Soviet GRU Colonel Oleg Penkovsky had passed information to Young at more than one Pugwash Peace Conference, revealing how inept Soviet capabilities were. A US preemptive strike would destroy the earth’s ozone layer.

Dr. Young, secretly an Einstein schooled pacifist, felt a personal obligation to prevent a globally destructive nuclear war. However, the realities of US nuclear superiority were progressively becoming harder to manage. By mid-1953, the United States had 1,169 deliverable atomic bombs. It could drop them with 160 B-36 heavy bombers and 350 B-47 medium bombers. The Soviet Union had 120 atomic bombs that could only be delivered to the US by a handful of one-way TU-4A experimental bombers through thousands of F-86 Sabres. By 1962, the US had more than 3,000 thermonuclear warheads and 5,000 tactical nuclear weapons. U-2 flights and Corona satellite images were exposing Khrushchev’s lies about “grinding out missiles like sausages.” The US had a 17-1 advantage in deliverable warheads.

The Soviets intercontinental ballistic missiles (only four were verified) took four hours to prepare for launch. US B-52s twos could easily destroy them from fail- safe points with a pair of 20 megaton bombs. Even more ominously, the Thor and Jupiter intermediate range ballistic missiles could deliver warheads in less than 8 minutes after launch from England, Turkey, or Italy. The US could locate and destroy the Soviets’ 150 round- trip bombers before they left Soviet runways. Soviet SSBN subs were noisy and had to surface to fire missiles. They were easy prey for the US Navy. In late October 1962, President John F Kennedy stopped the US military from initiating a first strike. It came to be known as the “Cuban Missile Crisis.” “We lost” Air Force general Curtis Lemay shouted at Kennedy. Military leaders wanted a nuclear war that day while they had a clear first strike advantage.

Now the Department of Justice (DOJ) has many questions, and they believe Dr. Caleb Young has the answers. Nicholas Katzenbach, the DOJ’s chief deputy, is ready to prosecute Dr. Young on trumped up espionage charges. And he wants to know about the CIA’s involvement in the November 22, 1963, assassination of President Kennedy

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The Review

This was a compelling and captivating read. The blend of almost spy thriller tactics with historical fiction and government intrigue made the story feel larger than life, and the powerful imagery brought the horrors and terror of the Cold War and nuclear war as a whole made this a truly atmospheric read.

The heart of the narrative was in the history and the character growth of the story. The struggle that Caleb went through will play well with fans of the recently released film Oppenheimer, as the character struggles with his role in the development of nuclear warheads and the journey of redemption he finds himself on made this story so compelling, and the amount of detail the author was able to put into the story from a historical standpoint made the story shine with realism and heart.

The Verdict

Thrilling, enthralling, and chilling, author Thomas J. Yeggy’s “Mushroom Cloud” is a must-read historical fiction thriller and a great entry into the First Strike series. The twists and turns in the character development and the heart-pounding moments that keep the protagonist on his toes constantly will keep readers drawn back into the story more and more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Thomas J. Yeggy, a University of Iowa Law graduate, practiced law in Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island, Illinois. As a mental health judge Thomas served for 25+ years, where he developed a deep understanding of life’s challenges. Authoring more than 1,500 opinions with minimal reversals, he served diligently.

Yeggy, a licensed Series 7 broker, explored nuclear weapons’ control after witnessing Hiroshima and Nagasaki’s devastation. Prompted by McNamara’s remark on the Cuban Missile Crisis, he delves into our fortunate survival in the First Strike series. Currently residing in Pensacola Beach, Florida, with his wife Eileen, he enjoys summers with grandkids Jeff and Ashley Brown. Find them at Emeis Park, Davenport, with granddogs Otis and Emme.

https://www.thomasjyeggy.com/

Comanche Trace (Westward Sagas Book 4) by David Bowles Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A man on a mission of revenge finds himself caught in the middle of a brewing war between the Indian Nation, the Mexican government, and the Republic of Texas in author David Bowles’s “Comanche Trace”, the fourth book in the Westward Sagas series. 

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The Synopsis

Texas Ranger, Will Smith moved with his family to Texas during the early days of the Republic. Family strife is caused by the Comanche Indians who kill Will’s brother James and abduct his nine-year-old nephew Fayette. Will pursues the Indians alone in hopes of rescuing the boy. Will ends up caught up in the rifts between the Republic of Texas, The Mexican government, and the Indian nation. His quest for revenge is waylaid when a Mexican beauty captures his heart. However, Will presses on and makes a frantic and dangerous journey back to Texas to warn President Mirabeau Lamar that the Mexican consider his Santa Fe Trade Expedition and armed invasion of Mexican Territory. It is a warning Lamar does not heed.

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The Review

As a fan of historical fiction, I was drawn into this series and I haven’t looked back since. The vivid detail that goes into the author’s work and the imagery that the author’s writing evokes in the reader’s mind really brings the era to life perfectly, as the setting becomes just as important a character as the rest of this amazing cast of characters. The gritty, Western style that the author brings to life and the tension that mounts as the story progresses really kept me engaged in this narrative.

Yet as with all of the author’s previous works, it was the emotional and gripping character development that really made this story shine. The way the author was able to shift perspectives between each chapter to see how life from all fronts of this looming battle came to unfold, and the understanding that comes with experience and truly getting to know someone, made this a compelling read, especially with the vengeance angle that begins this story and the emotional weight of that loss. 

The Verdict

Memorable, compelling, and entertaining, author David Bowles’s “Comanche Trace” is a must-read Historical Fiction Western! The twists and turns in the growing narrative and the evolution of the characters as a mission of vengeance turns into a mission of peace and more made this a gripping story filled with tension, suspense, and emotional character development. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

David A. Bowles is a fifth generation Austinite. Both parents from early Travis County pioneers. His great grandmother Elnora Van Cleve, is recorded as the first birth in Austin, Texas during the days of the Republic. The author and his dog Becka travel in a class A motor-coach they call home, telling and writing the stories of the Westward Sagas. David grew up listening to stories of his ancestors told by his elders. Their stories so fascinated him that he became a professional story-teller, spinning tales through the Westward Sagas as well as the spoken word. He is a member of the National Story Telling Network and the Tejas Storyteller Association. David entertains groups frequently about his adventures on the open road and the books he has written. All four books in the Westward Sagas series have won awards. He is presently writing the sequel to Comanche Trace which won 1st Place at the North Texas Book Festival.

Interview with Author Jennifer Renson

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

Writing has been my passion since childhood. It has been my dream since then to be a writer as a long-term career. 

Aside from writing I love cross stitching,  photography and crafting. I’ve been writing for Fansided for years, more specifically Show Snob where I cover television show recaps and news for several shows including The Walking Dead and Bridgerton. 

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I have had a deep love, passion and interest in Ancient Egypt since I’ve been about 12 years old. 

I wanted to write a book that could transport readers to that time, with the focus being the story of a strong but vulnerable young woman. I wanted her story to appeal to readers, get them invested and want to follow her journey through several books.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Firstly I hope readers will learn a lot about Ancient Egypt, with the possibility of loving the time period as much as I do. It is a very rich and plentiful time period that we constantly discover and learn more about. 

Secondly, my hope is for readers to connect with Aoh, almost to the point where they believe she once existed. Although she is fictional, she’s inspirational in the sense she’s brave, loyal, and stays true to herself and her beliefs.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Honestly, I wasn’t drawn to the genre. When I get inspiration for a story, I let the idea run wild. If the story winds up becoming scary, then it will fit into the horror genre. If it takes a more whimsical, magical and eerie route, like my other book Carousel, then it will fit into the fantasy genre. Admittedly, writing a historical fiction/young adult book has been a lot of fun as I got to apply my love for Ancient Egypt and turn into a tale that I hoped readers would find to be refreshing, new and compelling. 

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

It’s hard to choose just one but probably the Pharaoh’s mother Aneski. Admittedly she was not a planned character upon my first draft of Aoh but she’s become one of my favorite characters overall. She’s quick witted, honest but sassy as well. I’d probably ask her about all of the palace gossip, since she seems to know and observe a lot. She’d probably deny knowing anything though. 

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

That is a tough question as I believe social media is very tricky in general. It’s always changing and social media platforms seem to shift in relevance constantly. But I will say Facebook has been the most helpful. I created my Facebook page: Books and Poetry by Jennifer Renson some years ago and since then I’ve learned how to use it effectively. 

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

If you want to write, do it. Go for it. Don’t be afraid to try. You don’t have to start with a full blown novel. You can start small and grow from there. Remember there is no apology for passion.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I’m currently writing a new book that is separate from Carousel and Aoh. Don’t worry there is a Aoh sequel coming. Aoh’s story isn’t over yet.

I am in the process of planning several book talk and signing events for later this year.

My hope is that as I work hard in promoting my books and passion more opportunities will arise. 

I’d love to be able to attend conventions and events where I can meet my readers, dive into Aoh’s story, and see my book on top selling charts.

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About the Author

Jennifer Renson-Chiappetta’s passion for writing began in childhood. Her writing career spanned from articles in Lost Treasure Magazine to her self-published poetry books; Delightfully Dark: A Collection of Poems and Tales, Eo: Go, walk, ride, sail, pass, travel and Uncharted. She is the author of the modern-day fairy tale novel Carousel. Presently she is a mother and wife; she enjoys spending her time with her family and friends, writing, crafting, specifically cross stitching and reveling in Victorian Era ambiances while living in New Jersey. 

Social media links:

Instagram  @jenny.renson Jennifer Renson-Chiappetta (@jenny.renson) | Instagram

Facebook Book and Poetry by Jennifer Renson Facebook

Goodreads  Aoh by Jennifer Renson | Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon.com:  Aoh: Renson, Jennifer: 9798397459280: Amazon.com: Books

Barnes & Noble: Aoh by Jennifer Renson, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Shelter in a Hostile World by Mack Little Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

An enslaved man on the island of Barbados after leading a revolt against the slavers finds himself being hunted by the militia, and the ghosts of his past in author Mack Little’s upcoming novel, “Shelter in a Hostile World”.

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The Synopsis

Badu Obosi has not had an easy life. As an enslaved Igbo man on the island of Barbados, he’s done his best to keep his wife, an Irish indentured servant, and his children safe. When things turn, he has no choice but to lead the revolt against the slavers.

Now, hunted by the militia, he must make his run toward freedom. But the enraged slavers are not the only thing that hunts him. The ghosts of his past, and the transgressions that led him to this life, are hot on his heels as well.

Will Badu have the strength to face his past? Can he let go of those chains and find true freedom?

The Review

This was an incredibly rich and captivating blend of historical fiction meeting culture dynamics and more. The short yet powerful read delivers an engaging multitude of themes that deal with everything from slavery and violence and the horrors of the colonialism age to the more intimate themes of facing our pasts and finding our future where we least expect it. 

The heart of this story rests in the emotional character development of Badu and the balance his story brought to the overall narrative. The heartbreaking losses he suffers and the sins of his own past show the complexity of his character and the way this elevated the horrors and violence of the slave trade during this era and the need for freedom that the people fighting against this system felt was emotional and impactful to read. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, insightful, and engaging, author Mack Little’s “Shelter in a Hostile World” is a must-read upcoming historical fiction drama that readers won’t be able to put down. The unique setting, the dynamic setting, and the heartfelt tension the author builds throughout the narrative help to solidify the imagery used in the author’s writing and made the emotional impact of the character’s final moments that much more meaningful. Be sure to be on the lookout for this book soon.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mack Little grew up in the Deep South and has accumulated a vibrant experience that she often emulates in her storytelling. Her studies in International Politics and service in the Army have given her impressive perspectives which add layers of intrigue and twists to her storytelling.

After leaving the Army, Mack worked as a medical librarian and an adjunct professor at Texas Woman’s University. Mack has authored and co-authored several articles for professional journals such as the Journal of the Medical Library Association, Medical Research Services Quarterly, and the Journal of Electronic Resources. She has presented at the Medical Library Association Conference, the Texas Gulf Coast Healthy Communities Partnership, and the Special Libraries Association Conference. She co-authored the book, Disaster Planning: a How-to-do-it manual, published by Neal-Schuman Publishers in 2005. Mack performs occasionally in Community Theater.

https://www.mack-little.com/

Aoh by Jennifer Renson Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young woman is forced to return to Egypt after being cared for in Babylon by the queen, now forced to protect the woman who holds the Pharaoh’s heart in her hands as untold dangers swirl all around them in the book Aoh by Jennifer Renson.

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The Synopsis

Upon fleeing her homeland of Egypt after her village is attacked, Aoh finds herself living in an immaculate Babylonian palace under the care of the queen. For a young peasant girl, it’s a life of luxury beyond her imagination. But unforeseen circumstances cause Aoh to return to Egypt, where she finds herself living in another palace disguised as a servant. She must face many dangers if she is to protect herself and the woman who holds the pharaoh’s heart. Will Aoh survive and find love in a place where deception and loyalties rule?

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The Review

This was a compelling and captivating read. The blend of YA and historical romance really elevated the story to new heights. The incredible imagery the author utilized in their writing allowed the vast deserts and grand palaces of Babylon and Egypt to come to life so beautifully on the page. The tension that built both during Aoh’s time in Babylon hiding her identity and her time serving the Pharaoh and her role as a protector was so well placed here and allowed the reader to feel the political and social problems being stoked by the royalty and those scheming behind the scenes.

The heart of this story rested in the fantastic character development, especially with the protagonist Aoh. The story felt like a full hero’s journey for her, as she went from this young woman with a bit of wonder for the world outside her own to a powerful warrior and stealthy protector as she moved through the noble houses of the elites. The bond she formed with Laggus was great to see play out, and the way the story highlighted the need to end the violence and bloodshed between people who fight because they come from different backgrounds or areas altogether was great to see unfold in the action and suspenseful moments of the narrative.

The Verdict

If you were to cross the politics of Game of Thrones with the action of 300 and the rich romance and character growth of The Mortal Instruments Series, then this will be the book for you. Author Jennifer Renson’s “Aoh” is a must-read historical fiction meets romance and YA novel, and the incredibly rich settings and deeply emotional and engaging character growth this book develops, as well as the open-ended ending, will have readers wanting more of this incredible novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jennifer Renson-Chiappetta’s passion for writing began in childhood. Her writing career spanned from articles in Lost Treasure Magazine to her self-published poetry books; Delightfully Dark: A Collection of Poems and Tales, Eo: Go, walk, ride, sail, pass, travel and Uncharted. She is the author of the modern-day fairy tale novel Carousel. Presently she is a mother and wife; she enjoys spending her time with her family and friends, writing, crafting, specifically cross stitching and reveling in Victorian Era ambiances while living in New Jersey. 

Social media links:

Instagram  @jenny.renson Jennifer Renson-Chiappetta (@jenny.renson) | Instagram

Facebook Book and Poetry by Jennifer Renson Facebook

Goodreads  Aoh by Jennifer Renson | Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon.com:  Aoh: Renson, Jennifer: 9798397459280: Amazon.com: Books

Barnes & Noble: Aoh by Jennifer Renson, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Book Promotion: Aoh by Jennifer Renson-Chiappetta

So happy to share some information about the upcoming release of author Jennifer Renson-Chiappetta’s “Aoh”, a powerful YA Historical Fiction and Romance novel you won’t want to miss. Tune in on July 19th, 2023 for my full review, but until then, enjoy this post!

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Author bio:

Jennifer Renson-Chiappetta’s passion for writing began in childhood. Her writing career spanned from articles in Lost Treasure Magazine to her self-published poetry books; Delightfully Dark: A Collection of Poems and Tales, Eo: Go, walk, ride, sail, pass, travel and Uncharted. She is the author of the modern-day fairy tale novel Carousel. Presently she is a mother and wife; she enjoys spending her time with her family and friends, writing, crafting, specifically cross stitching and reveling in Victorian Era ambiances while living in New Jersey. 

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Book Synopsis: 

Upon fleeing her homeland of Egypt after her village is attacked, Aoh finds herself living in an immaculate Babylonian palace under the care of the queen. For a young peasant girl, it’s a life of luxury beyond her imagination. But unforeseen circumstances cause Aoh to return to Egypt, where she finds herself living in another palace disguised as a servant. She must face many dangers if she is to protect herself and the woman who holds the pharaoh’s heart. Will Aoh survive and find love in a place where deception and loyalties rule?

Social media links:

Instagram  @jenny.renson Jennifer Renson-Chiappetta (@jenny.renson) | Instagram

Facebook Book and Poetry by Jennifer Renson Facebook

Goodreads  Aoh by Jennifer Renson | Goodreads

Purchase links:

Amazon.com:  Aoh: Renson, Jennifer: 9798397459280: Amazon.com: Books

Barnes & Noble: Aoh by Jennifer Renson, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® (barnesandnoble.com)

Tides of Acadia (The Origins of Acadia Series Book 1) by Phillip Daigle Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Three people living in early 17th century North America find their lives intertwined by the strings of fate as tensions between France and Britain rise, and the fate of a growing nation and continent hangs in the balance in author Phillip Daigle’s “Tides of Acadia”, the first book in the author’s historical fiction series. 

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The Synopsis

In the early 17th century, the wild, untamed lands of Acadia, now Eastern Canada, were a contested territory between the French and the English and the indigenous people who inhabited the region. Amidst this turbulent time, three individuals stand out: Charles La Tour, Francoise Jacquelin, and Menou Daulnay. Their stories intertwine in a complex web of loyalty, love, and betrayal in the historical drama Tides of Acadia.

The story begins with Charles La Tour, a resourceful French adventurer, and seaborne trader, who navigates the treacherous waters of politics and alliances to establish a fur-trade fortress in Acadia. As a clever strategist and skilled negotiator, he gains the respect of both European settlers and the indigenous leaders, even as tensions escalate between the French and the English.

Enter Francoise Jacquelin, a strong-willed, intelligent, and fiercely independent woman who defies societal expectations to make her mark as a Parisian actress. Francoise’s journey leads her to a powerful connection with Charles La Tour. Together, they must overcome personal and political obstacles to build a life and secure a future.

As the rivalry between the French and the British intensifies, Menou Daulnay, an ambitious and ruthless French naval officer, emerges as a powerful adversary. His need to claim Acadia for himself puts him at odds with La Tour and drives a wedge between the allies, leading to a bitter struggle for power and control. Through guile, treachery, and manipulation, Daulnay threatens to unravel the fragile balance that La Tour and Francoise have built, forcing them to make difficult choices that will shape the course of history.

Tides of Acadia brings to life the rich tapestry of culture, politics, and personal drama that defined this pivotal era in North American history. The central characters, Charles La Tour, Francoise Jacquelin, and Menou Daulnay, are portrayed with depth and complexity, offering a nuanced exploration of their motivations, desires, and sacrifices in the name of love, loyalty, and ambition. Sweeping scope and rich detail make this vibrant historical drama an unforgettable journey through the heart of Acadia and the lives of the extraordinary people who fought for its future.

The Review

This was a fascinating and engaging historical fiction read. The detail and historically accurate dialogue the author was able to capture in this book was remarkable and really helped put the reader into the setting of this novel with ease. So much of historical fiction surrounding the North American continent typically focuses on the American Revolution or the Civil War, and so getting to explore the Northern part of the continent in the 17th century was such a unique treat and really made me feel immersed into the world.

Yet the heart of this novel rested in the rich character dynamics of the story. The relationships between Charles and Francoise and the rivalry between Charles and Menou were so heated as the story progressed, and perfectly showcased the tensions and dangers of the brewing conflict the Europeans brought to the continent. Yet the story expertly showcased the influence the Europeans had on the continent and the Indigenous people there as well, as their conflict ignored the dangers and harm they caused to the land and the people they drove out of their homes. Charles and his struggle to help the Indigenous people and the settlers who made the land their home, as well as the balance of action, romance, and politics the story covered made this a truly gripping historical fiction novel.

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The Verdict

Richly developed, engaging, and harrowing, author Phillip Daigle’s “Tides of Acadia” is a wonderful and must-read historical fiction novel and a great first entry into the Origins of Acadia Series. The twists and shocking turns that some of the characters experience as time goes on, and the powerful imagery that helps bring this rarely explored piece of history to life made this a compelling novel that readers won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Phillip Daigle is an American author from the state of Maine. He is best known for his profound exploration of the region’s history and culture in his captivating books, “Tides of Acadia” and “The Acadian: Olivier.” His work reflects a deep connection with his roots and an ability to engage readers with stories that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth.

Born and raised in the rugged beauty of Maine, Daigle’s childhood was steeped in his homeland’s rich history and timeless folklore. His favorite story was Longfellow’s “Evangeline,” a narrative that deeply moved him and influenced his literary journey. This poignant tale of Acadian lovers separated on their wedding day during the Great Expulsion (1755-1764) sowed the seeds of his fascination with Acadia. This region once encompassed parts of Maine and Canada’s Maritime Provinces.

Daigle’s first book, “Tides of Acadia,” is a meticulously researched and beautifully narrated journey into the past, delving into this region’s historical, cultural, and natural landscapes. The book received critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling and insightful perspectives, positioning Daigle as a leading historical and regional literature voice.

His second book, “The Acadian: Olivier,” further explores the Acadian legacy through the life of the eponymous Olivier. It’s a testament to Daigle’s narrative prowess, weaving together personal and historical narratives to paint a vivid picture of life in Acadia.

Phillip Daigle’s work goes beyond the realm of traditional historical literature. He infuses his storytelling with a profound understanding of human nature and a palpable love for his homeland. His works serve as a bridge between the past and the present, illuminating the enduring spirit of the Acadian people and their enduring connection to the land they call home. As such, Daigle’s books have become essential reading for those looking to understand the depths of Acadia’s cultural heritage.

With an unwavering commitment to bringing the past to life through his evocative writing, Phillip Daigle stands as a pivotal figure in contemporary American literature. His books not only tell the story of Acadia but also of a writer deeply connected to his roots, crafting narratives that resonate with readers far and wide. His contributions to literature continue to inspire a new generation of readers and writers who find beauty and meaning in the stories of our past.

https://www.phillipdaigle.com/