Cathie Dunn writes...

I'm over the moon!  After nearly ten years in the field, Dark Deceit has become a paid #1 bestseller in the Literary Medieval Criticism Amazon UK charts. I'm so thrilled about it. The idea of Dark Deceit was conceived at a small train station in south Wales, on my way to work at a local university. As I did medieval reenactment in those days, I thought to add my experiences to a novel, and Dark Deceit – a medieval romantic adventure – was born!  It's set in one of my favourite historical period, called The Anarchy by chroniclers. The name describes the period following the death of King Henry I of England in 1135 and the ascension of Henry II to the throne in 1154. The king's designated heir to the throne, his daughter, Matilda, young widow of the Holy Roman Emperor, did not leave her home in Normandy in a hurry to claim her inheritance.  This left her cousin Stephen of Blois to claim the title, as the nearest legitimate male in the royal line, and the support of man...

Today, I'm delighted to share my review for A Bachelor's Pledge , a fast-paced romantic Regency adventure by Penny Hampson , as part of a publication day push with Rachel's Random Resources . A Bachelor's Pledge is a romance with a strong dose of adventure. Right from the beginning, you're thrown into the story when Phil, on an assignment with an informer – in a brothel! – helps a young lady who looks very much out of place, and in clear distress. Avoiding the heavies, they manage to flee, and he takes her to his town house where his housekeeper looks after her. But on hearing that he would sort out a place to stay for her, Sophia is on the run again, this time to her longtime friend who secures her a place as a companion to the wife of a retired Admiral. Little does she know that, months later, her path would cross Phil's again in the bustling port town of Falmouth. But it's not only Phil who's there – the woman running the brothel has also turned up. ...

Today, I'm sharing an intriguing excerpt from The Devil's Crossing by Hana Cole as part of her blog tour with the  Coffee Pot Book Club .  We're heading to medieval France. There's just so much history! And this one looks very interesting. I'm going to look it up. I hope you enjoy the enticing excerpt from  The Devil’s Crossing ! Excerpt:   Prologue   That evening, drawn by the noise from the streets below, Gui laid aside his manuscript and peered over the balcony. Three men shuffled in irons behind a plough horse. The prisoners had been sentenced to suffer for their own good. The purifying flame would cleanse their souls, and bestow a last chance of salvation before the fires of Hell. Although he had been clerk to the inquisitor for weeks now, this was the first time that he had witnessed a blood punishment and seen the faces of the convicts; faces just like any other. Among them, he knew, was Estève Le Coudray. A salt merchant from the Languedoc with a kind ...

Today, I’m delighted to host author friend, Mary Anne Yarde , whose 5th instalment in her bestselling Du Lac Chronicles  – The Du Lac Curse – is now available.  Set in post-Arthurian times, in England and Brittany, the series is a must-read for fans of Game of Thrones and Gladiator. It’s full of action, adventure and especially intrigues! Check it out! The Du Lac Curse: Book 5 of The Du Lac Chronicles By  Mary Anne Yarde Blurb:  God against Gods. King against King. Brother against Brother. Mordred Pendragon had once said that the sons of Lancelot would eventually destroy each other, it seemed he was right all along. Garren du Lac knew what the burning pyres meant in his brother’s kingdom — invasion. But who would dare to challenge King Alden of Cerniw for his throne? Only one man was daring enough, arrogant enough, to attempt such a feat — Budic du Lac, their eldest half-brother. While Merton du Lac struggles to come to terms wi...

I'm thrilled to review a beautiful novel today, The Raided Heart by Jennifer C Wilson . A big ’thank you’ to Rachel’s Random Resources ! I must admit I know very little about the border between England and Scotland, and I feel I learnt much when I read this riveting story. Set in the 15th century, Ms Wilson really shows her in-depth knowledge of the era. The terminology suits the time and setting, and the reiver practices are well described.  We meet Meg Mathers early on as a headstrong, slightly spoilt young woman. When she is kicked by Will Hetherington's horse, she blames him, although the fault was hers, so he must support her as long as she is unable to walk. This provides ample time for the two of them to get to know each other. There is some subtle humour that shines through now and then, but all is set against the uncertain backdrop of the day – with nightly raids on other villages, on both sides of the border, regular and dangerous occurrences. These dangers ...

After having had keyhole surgery to remove an inflamed gallbladder, followed by an overnight stay in hospital where I remained hooked up to a drain for the blood caused by the operation (ouch!), I've been rather dopey the least six days. The first three days I just rested, my intake of high-dose painkillers making sure I didn't do anything but eat soup and sleep. Then I slowly started to lower the tablets I'm taking, and I'm now down to two. One strong one and a weaker one. Hopefully by the weekend, it'll just be the weak ones left... So it came to no surprise that I didn't access my laptop for half a week. I know! Unheard of!  And when I did, a wonderful email awaited me: A Highland Captive has received the Chill with a Book Readers Award ! 😍 What a boost to my muddled brain! I'm so delighted the Chill with a Book readers have thought so highly of A Highland Captive for it to be included in their awards. Thank you so much for your time and your ...

Join me on a little journey to my favourite country –  Scotland .  Despite my love for warmth and sunshine, my heart will always stay in the Scotland. I lived there for around 16 years, and I still miss it. The breathtaking beauty of the scenery and the fascinating history over many centuries combine to provide us with intriguing ruins and riveting tales. Buachaille Etive Mòr, Scottish Highlands Now you know why I – now that I live in France – still write fiction set in my previous home, my spiritual home. I think you can see why... Hut near Culloden field My  Highland Chronicles series is currently made up of Highland Arms , and A Highland Captive , but I currently have another two stories in the pipeline. All Highland Chronicles tales are standalone, set in different times, so can be read independently from each other. Watch this space...  Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness Highland Arms is a tale set on the shores of Loch Linnhe, my favou...

The countdown is on!  Only four more days to go until A Highland Captive is let loose! I’m very excited, but also terrified. My first completely new release in nearly seven years. Gulp! A Highland Captive is the second tale in my Highland Chronicles series set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, a region I miss very much. Books in the series are standalone, but that doesn’t mean that characters within them may not feature in another story in future. Watch this space! It’s already available on pre-order at Amazon , so if you fancy, feel free to grab it whilst it’s only 99p / 99c. On Sunday, the story will then magically appear on your Kindle, and you can dive straight in... I hope you'll enjoy it. My beta-readers have helped me immensely in the final stages of preparation, and it now reads much better. My thanks goes to them. You know who you are! But for now, enjoy the blurb, and an exclusive excerpt of the beginning of A Highland Captive . The small island...