Sunday 19 April 2015

The Last Campaign of Marianne Tambour, by David Ebsworth

I love history and historical research, and I have always been particularly interested in the great upheaval that was the French Revolution and fascinated by Napoleon Bonaparte. One of my historical romances, ANGEL HEART, is set in 1815 during Napoleon's exile in Elba and the 'Hundred Days' which was the period between his return to power and his abdication in July. You can read my post about The Perfumes of an Imperial Couple here http://marielaval.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/perfumes-of-imperial-couple.html
and about Napoleon's last days on St Helena here http://marielaval.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/auction-of-napoleons-last-shirt-in-paris.html

I am therefore delighted to welcome David Ebsworth and his great novel THE LAST CAMPAIGN OF MARIANNE TAMBOUR on the blog today. There is a giveaway at the bottom of the post, so don't miss the chance to win a copy of the book!


 
1815 - On the bloody fields of Waterloo, a battle-weary canteen mistress of Bonaparte’s Imperial Guard battalions must fight to free her daughter from all the perils that war will hurl against them – before this last campaign can kill them both.
“Superb! David Ebsworth has really brought these dramatic events to life. His description of the fighting is particularly vivid and compelling.”  (Andrew W. Field, author of Waterloo: The French Perspective and its companion volume, Prelude to Waterloo: Quatre Bras)
A novel of action and intrigue based on the real-life exploits of two women who fought, in their own right, within Napoleon’s army.
Includes a Battlefield Tour Guide for those wanting to follow the route taken by the story’s main characters or to visit the sites of the 1815 Waterloo Campaign.
About the Author
 
David Ebsworth is the pen name of writer, Dave McCall, a former negotiator and Regional Secretary for Britain's Transport & General Workers’ Union. He was born in Liverpool (UK) but has lived for the past thirty years in Wrexham, North Wales, with his wife, Ann. Following his retirement, Dave began to write seriously in 2009.
BUY LINKS

GIVEAWAY
2 COPIES OF THE BOOK
(UK WINNER PAPERBACK / INTERNATIONAL WINNER EBOOK)
 

 


 
 

 
 

Monday 13 April 2015

Cover Reveal for COUNTRY AFFAIRS by Zara Stoneley

 
 COUNTRY AFFAIRS
'A great treat for readers who love their books jam-packed with sexy men and horses.' Bestselling author Fiona Walker
It’s time to get back in the saddle with the follow up to the deliciously naughty Stable Mates!

Swapping her spurs for stilettoes and becoming Lady of the Manor is not on loveable, but scatty, Lottie’s life plan. Nor does she have the faintest idea how to rescue it from rack and ruin.
But with footballer’s wife Sam on the case, determined to bring glamour to the manor, and fun-loving eventer Rory egging them on, nothing can possibly go wrong, can it?

Todd never forgave himself for abandoning Lottie on a Barcelona beach, but now he’s tracked her down and he’s ready to kiss and make up. With a roving eye and his roguish grin he soon has more than one girl in Tippermere going weak at the knees, but why is he really there?

With wedding plans going awry, unexpected pregnancies and relationships starting to look rocky, will Lottie ever be ready to accept her inheritance and help Tipping House Estate move into the 21st Century?

Praise for Stable Mates –

'A delightful romp peppered with humour, sadness, scandal and steamy sex.'

'...reminded me of Jilly Cooper whose books I grew up with. Stable Mates is up there with Riders and Rivals. If you loved these books then you will love this one'

'...the perfect mix of horsey shenanigans, Cheshire glamour and flirty fun.'

'...reminded me of the Tilly Bagshawe novels I love, with all the scandal and drama. I don’t think I’ve read another author who writes in that kind of style without finding negative comparisons but Zara Stoneley comes into her own'

'a really impressive read.'

'Fun, Frothy & a Good Weekend Read'

'An unexpected FUN read that should not be missed by anyone. I would say I laughed at almost every page! '
BUY LINKS
Amazon (UK) 
Amazon (COM)
Amazon (paperback)
Foyles 
Waterstones 
iTunes  
Google Play  
Blackwells
 
COMING SOON!!!
Full tour for COUNTRY AFFAIRS!!
 
 
ABOUT ZARA STONELEY

Bestselling author Zara Stoneley lives in deepest Cheshire surrounded by horses, dogs, cats and amazing countryside. When she's not visiting wine bars, artisan markets or admiring the scenery in her sexy high heels or green wellies, she can be found in flip flops on the beach in Barcelona, or more likely sampling the tapas!

Zara writes hot romance and bonkbusters. Her latest novels,'Stable Mates' and 'Country Affairs', are fun romps through the Cheshire countryside and combine some of her greatest loves - horses, dogs, hot men and strong women (and not forgetting champagne and fast cars)!

She writes for Harper Collins and Accent Press.



Find out more about Zara:
Website      Twitter        Facebook        Google+

Giveaway
1 ecopy of the 1st book in the series – STABLE MATES
Html code
 <a class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4be0301760/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="4be0301760" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_p32uuaql">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
OR
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4be0301760/?


Friday 3 April 2015

Easter traditions from Provence

A SPELL IN PROVENCE is set in the Lubéron region, so I thought I would write today about some of Provence's Easter traditions.


The Easter period starts on Palm Sunday, or 'Li rampau' as it's called in the provençal language. That day people buy small branches of laurel or olive trees which they keep all year to protect their homes from storms and lightening. Branches from the previous year should be burnt or buried for good luck, never thrown away. The traditional Palm Sunday lunch consists of fresh or smoked fish and vegetables, chick peas in particular. It is believed that if you don't eat chickpeas that day, you will lack of food at some point during the year.



The traditional Good Friday meal is 'aïoli', a meal of cod and vegetables (carrots, cauliflower, green beans, potatoes, and artichokes) with an egg, garlic and olive oil sauce. However as this is still Lent, egg aren't used for the Good Friday 'aïoli'.

On Easter Sunday, church bells, which have been silent for the past two days as they are said to have flown to Rome, ring once again as they return and drop chocolates in people's gardens. The traditional Easter Sunday feast is lamb roast garnished with garlic, roast potatoes and vegetables, together with aniseed bread.

Celebrations conclude on Easter Monday with cold omelettes and 'brioche' garnished with hard boiled eggs. 'Navettes', which are long, crunchy biscuits flavoured with aniseed, are also typical provençal biscuits eaten that day.

Finally, here are a couple of interesting Provençal superstitions. Eggs laid on Good Friday aren't supposed to rot and can be kept for a very long time. Therefore people used to give them to loved ones or respected members of the community. Also, you should never change your bedding or wear new clothes on Good Friday because it's bad luck!

 
What about you, do you have any Easter traditions or superstitions?