BOOK EXCERPT: Alex found himself in a small formal room off the main portego, talking to a group of masked women, all seemingly competing for his attention and laughing eagerly at his every word although he said very little. They pressed upon him endless information regarding the delights of Venice, the best shops, the best coffee places, and of course more invitations to visit their own Palazzos and their upcoming soirees as part of the Season’s festivities. Eager to distrac

Book Blurb: Berlin, January 1949. The city stands divided, its future uncertain. In the icy grip of winter, the Soviet Union blocks all road, rail, and canal access to the Western sectors of Berlin. Cut off from the outside world, the people of West Berlin teeter on the edge of survival. But three air corridors remain—narrow lifelines the Soviets dare not close without provoking war. From the skies, the Western Allies launch a bold response: a massive airlift of food, coal,

Book Blurb: In the founding of Rome, Romulus was guided by the gods and his visions. Centuries later, Augustus, Rome's first emperor, calls upon those same forces to navigate civil war, assassination attempts, and his own inner demons. But when he crosses paths with Kamala, an oracle from India, their unexpected bond alters the course of history. Mask of Romulus is a tale of love and destiny, of warriors and rulers, battling not just for the empire's future, but for their ve

Book Blurb: "Deus Lo Vult!" Gilles is the natural son of the Earl Waltheof, executed by William the Conqueror for supposed treachery. Raised in Normandy by Queen Matilda of England, Gilles is a young servant of Robert, Duke of Normandy, when the first call for a Holy War against the infidel and for the liberation of Jerusalem is raised in Christendom. Along with thousands of others, inspired by a variety of motives, intense piety mixed with a sense of adventure and the prospe

HFC Book of the Year Contest: Deadline Approaching! Are you an author eager to showcase your literary talents? The HFC Book of the Year contest is just around the corner, with the submission deadline set for **November 29, 2025**. This is an excellent opportunity for writers to gain recognition and celebrate their work within the literary community. About the Contest The HFC Book of the Year contest aims to honor outstanding literary contributions across various genres. Whe

Book Blurb: Over 200 years after the death of Louis-Benoit Zamor, the saga inspired by his life comes to an end. As the French Révolution devolves to the brutal Reign of Terror , the executioner's constant hush-swish song of the guillotine's blade rends the Parisian air with cruel indifference. But Louis-Benoit Zamor is determined to survive his own hunt, even if it means severing his connection with Jeanne du Barry. Driven by the mysteries of his past, Zamor will journey fo

BOOK EXCERPT Rome, September 1644 As soon as Mia opened the door Donna Olimpia came straight in, looking side to side as if to check no-one could see her. Mia extended a hand in greeting. ‘This way, honoured Signora.’ ‘What’s that smell?’ ‘Lavender, Signora. For making the linen smell sweet.’ She indicated the stairs and the woman went ahead of her, heavy feet and thick ankles under her richly embroidered black skirts. At the top Mia pointed to the door off the piano nobile

BOOK EXCERPT: Suzanne and Adrian accepted the contessa’s invitation to dinner for the first week in January. She said there were people she wanted them to meet. Adrian speculated they were people of influence who might be able to help him locate Simon. He looked forward to the dinner. Paul met them in the lobby and rode them up to the contessa’s apartment. When they got off the elevator, Paul took their coats and led them into the parlor. A group of six surrounded the contess

Give the gift of time travel with historical fiction novels and curated book-related items that will delight avid readers and transport them to another era

When I first dipped my toes into the world of historical fiction, I quickly realized that the stories behind the stories are just as captivating as the novels themselves. The art of interviewing historical fiction authors offers a unique window into their creative minds, their research journeys, and the delicate balance they strike between fact and imagination. But how do you craft an interview that truly captures the essence of these authors and their work? Let’s explore the

BOOK EXCERPT While she hovered, still in the doorway, bright white light illuminated mountain, cloud and town. Jagged sheets of lightning cast their glow through the doorway, through the high window, through even the gaps beneath eaves and between bricks, invading the furthest reaches of the space before her. Bringing each figure into startling clarity. The light drew both men’s gazes towards the doorway. Her husband saw her first; his eyes widened. His lips formed words. She