Historical Fiction

A Storm Before the War

Phillip Otts ISBN 978-1-941072-56-1

A brother’s job is never done! John Harvey and Martin McCrary share a father and little else. Harvey, a freed slave, has lived life as his white brother’s keeper. When they survive a shipwreck, only to discover a foreign plot to exploit of the divide between the northern and southern states, they must learn to trust each other as true brothers to help preserve the Union—and their own lives. This 19th century espionage thriller takes our heroes from the port of Havana to the halls of power on two continents, the first of many exciting adventures to come.

WINNER - 1st Place for Historical Fiction 2020 EVVY Awards “This series promises to be an exhilarating one.” – Kirkus Review "This book was a fun read, and I anxiously await the sequel where the dynamic duo makes a reappearance. There is no war within my judgment; I recommend this book." -- Alice Cochran, Historical Novel Society Review

About the author. Phillip Otts retired from the CIA in 2006 to pursue a life-long interest in writing. A native of Alabama, he developed a deep appreciation for the remarkable handful of Southerners who, with courage and integrity, recognized the evils of slavery and took tangible steps to end it. He is also the author of a contemporary espionage novel, The Sword of the Prophet.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

The Soul of a Stranger

Phillip Otts ISBN 978-1-941072-78-3

Now full-fledge spies for the Union, the brothers Martin McCrary and John Harvey are hiding in plain sight in their hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. Martin is a commissioned officer in the militia of the now independent state of South Carolina. As such he is privy to the plans they, and later the Confederate States of America, have towards Fort Sumter. While he works to get information to and from his contacts in the Union, it is his brother, a former slave, who organizes his own make-shift navy among the slave fishermen to aid the Union as they plan to defend the fort. In the end, Fate takes the reins and our heroes can only hang on for the ride.

The Soul of a Stranger is highly recommended reading for those who want their Civil War stories firmly rooted in social change and struggle, and who like tales that go beyond obvious points of contention to examine the ethical, moral, and psychological challenges of survival during a war that embraces everything...including family connections. - D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review

About the author. Now full-fledge spies for the Union, the brothers Martin McCrary and John Harvey are hiding in plain sight in their hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. Martin is a commissioned officer in the militia of the now independent state of South Carolina. As such he is privy to the plans they, and later the Confederate States of America, have towards Fort Sumter. While he works to get information to and from his contacts in the Union, it is his brother, a former slave, who organizes his own make-shift navy among the slave fishermen to aid the Union as they plan to defend the fort. In the end, Fate takes the reins and our heroes can only hang on for the ride.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

The Price of Betrayal

Phillip Otts ISBN 978-1-955065-06-1

The War is over! In this finale to the Harvey & McCrary Adventures, we learn the brothers never saw each again after their adventure at Fort Sumter. Now, years later, McCrary’s daughter finally finds her uncle where he is living in hiding in the Caribbean. Together they share the stories of their families’ triumphs and tragedies through the rest of the war and during Reconstruction.

“As a powerful conclusion to the story, The Price of Betrayal should not be missed.” — D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review

About the author. Phillip Otts retired from the CIA in 2006 to pursue a life-long interest in writing. A native of Alabama, he developed a deep appreciation for the remarkable handful of Southerners who recognized the evils of slavery and took tangible steps to end it. In addition to the Harvey & McCrary Adventures, he also the author of a contemporary espionage novel, The Sword of the Prophet.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Price of Passage

Larry F. Sommers ISBN 978-1-955065-58-0

It’s 1853. ANDERS, the law at his heels, sails from Norway to seek a life of honor and respect in America. MARIA, a boat builder’s daughter also seeking a new start, knows that she is just what Anders needs. DANIEL, a young plantation runaway, flees northward to “free soil.” Newlyweds Anders and Maria find him in their barnyard, hiding from slave catchers who can legally capture and return him to his master. Daniel’s plight draws Anders, and drags Maria, into the conflict that is tearing the country apart. Price of Passage is a tale of three pioneers whose lives depend on one another. The coming of civil war puts one in the Navy, one in the Army, and one at home, where she strives to save her farm and herself from a merciless creditor and finds a unique solution. Their harrowing journeys—filled with death and despair, love and hope—take Anders, Maria, and Daniel from New Orleans up the Mississippi River, into America’s wild heartland.

"I lost myself ...as if I was part of those three lives, the true telling of a gifted author. “... masterfully crafted story.”

“an immigrant story that melds the rise of social change into an arrival experience that holds unforeseen opportunities and dangers.”

About the author. Larry F. Sommers writes to seek fresh meanings in our common past, to explore what knits us together as human beings and why we are sometimes driven apart. Three of his short stories have been published by the Saturday Evening Post, one winning Honorable Mention in the 2018 Great American Fiction Contest. He lives in Wisconsin with his wife and dog.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Stoking Hope

C. K. McDonough ISBN 978-1-955065-10-8

Perseverance! That is how Martha, a single mother in the West Virginia of 1918, survives and ultimately thrives, doing whatever she has to for her daughter, Frances. It is also how Frances, a pregnant newlywed at the outbreak of World War II, gets through those dark days and their aftermath. This tale of two remarkable women covers a fifty year period from World War I well into the 60s, full of pain, joy, friends gained and lost ... oh, and the creation of Kevlar.

“Historical fiction and women's literature libraries will find Stoking Hope an attractive addition.” — D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review

About the author. A Pennsylvania native, C. K. McDonough has a journalism degree and twenty years’ experience in the communications industry. A self-proclaimed history nerd, Caren has turned her love of research and the written word into her first novel, Stoking Hope.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

The Campbell Sisters

Eileen Joyce Donovan ISBN 978-1-955065-70-2

Helen Campbell is the eldest and most practical of three sisters, daughters of hard-working Irish emigrants living in New York City in the 1950s. She does what she can to keep the wild-child middle sister, Carolyn, in line and support the youngest, Peggy, as she pursues her dreams of becoming a doctor. Then Helen meets Charlie. While its love at first sight for those two, Carolyn’s antics threatens to derail all the sisters’ future happiness. However, through thick and thin, the three sisters strive to prevail, though not necessarily in the ways they thought they wanted.

“A thoroughly enjoyable family drama populated with fully developed, central characters.” — The Wishing Shelf “If you are into a story about an Irish family dealing with three adult daughters moving on with their lives as they chose different paths, this may be for you.” — Conny Withay Reviews “5 Stars!! – Entertaining Soap Opera Family Saga” — Denise D, Goodreads “A love story of the time.” – The Many Thoughts of a Reader “The writer made the time period and her cast of characters pop to life.” — Urban Book Reviews “5 Stars! An excellent historical fiction read and one that I think would be worthwhile for many readers” – Nora, Storeybook Reviews “A gorgeous addition to the [historical fiction] genre, and it is begging to be added to your TBR!” — Sal, Bound 4 Escape “It is a drama that ‘flows’ steadily throughout the book, captivating the reader’s interest throughout the story until the very last page.” — LA Wonder10, Rockin’ Book Reviews “I loved reading through this family drama and I'd definitely recommend this to fans of historical fiction.” — Just Another Reader “This one should not be missed.” — Locks, Hooks, and Books “If you like historical fiction with a big splash of romance, this is the one for you.” — Carol Rae’s Random Ramblings “I absolutely loved this book!” — Suzie, My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews “The Campbell Sisters is a gem of a book and I highly recommend it! I give it all 5 stars.” — Teddy Rose Book Reviews “If you have sisters that sometimes drive you crazy, you will love this book.” — Bee Lindy, Book Pleasures “This is one that you will not regret picking up!” — Laura, Celtic Lady’s Reviews

About the author. Eileen Joyce Donovan has been writing her entire life, in one way or another, whether it was imaginative stories for friends, or advertising copy for clients. At the persistent urging of her husband, she finally agreed to seriously edit and revise one of her stories and take the plunge. Years later, her persistence paid off and both her debut historical fiction, Promises, and her second novel, A Lady Newspaperman’s Dilemma, won prestigious awards. Her short stories have appeared in several anthologies, and her essays have been included in various Chicken Soup for the Soul editions. She lives in Manhattan, New York and is a member of Authors Guild, Women’s National Book Association, Women Fiction Writers Association, and The Historical Novel Society.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Evita and Me

Erika Rummel ISBN 978-1-955065-31-3

So you think you know about Evita? No, you don't. Ask Mona, her confidant, or Pierre, her bodyguard. They have the inside track. Argentina fell in love with Eva Peron during her lifetime. The world followed suit later with the help of a Broadway musical about her Life, Evita. But there is much we don't know about the first lady of Argentina. For example, where are her jewels? They seem to have disappeared. Mona can tell you where they are — in a vault in the Swiss Alps. Like Eva herself, Mona comes from a broken family and has to make her own way. Perhaps that's why the two women feel close. Evita is at the pinnacle of success but already in the grip of a fatal illness. We see her life through the eyes of Mona and Pierre, two people she trusts -- and who betray her in the end. Or can theft and murder be justified?

“I can’t recommend this book highly enough for all historical fiction lovers!” — Suzie, My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews “This historical fiction novel is as riveting as it is addictive! I could not put it down and read into the wee hours!” — Bee Lindy, BookPleasures “I would highly recommend this book” — A Room with Books is Empty “A spellbinding historical fiction novel from a wonderful author, 'Evita and Me,' by Erika Rummel is one of my favorite books of the year so far!” — Linda Lu, Linda’s Reviews “This is a fast paced page turner. A suspenseful, thrilling roller coaster ride with lots of twisty, loopy sections. Head Games is an apt title for this enthralling read. “- Joy Renee, Joy Story “Identity’s a big theme in this work, so if you’ve ever felt you were someone other than yourself, if you thought you might like to try living in someone else’s skin, if you’ve wondered whether your friends and loved ones were not exactly who they claimed to be, then this psychological labyrinth might just be your winding road to a good read”.- Carole Giangrande, Words to Go “This was a book that grabbed me from the start. It’s a period in history that offered much to the world but also had some of man’s darkest moments. Due to that it does provide rich material for a novelist and Ms. Rummel does an excellent job of taking her reader on a dangerous journey through the twists and turns of what many faced during the time. The characters are well developed and defined. The scenes are well described and I found myself feeling like I was actually walking the streets with the characters of the book.”-Patty, Books Cooks Looks “To live during such tumultuous times would be horrible. You would have to be careful of every word that came out of your mouth. That might be easy when you are alert, but what about when you are so tired that you can’t even think? This book made me thankful that I was born in America in the 20th century. Any fan of riveting historical fiction will get lost in this book from page one.”-Lisa, Lisa’s Writopia “This is a gorgeous, immersive book that reads almost like you are watching a great film. I felt so enveloped in the world that Erika Rummel creates in this book that I found myself wishing it was longer. ‘Evita and Me,’ is a reading experience that is unmatched!” — Nora, Storeybook Reviews “It is a superb addition to the ranks of historical fiction. I believe it would be suited for adaptation to a mini-series or movie. The story moves along so briskly that I hated to put it down” — Marion Marchetto, Moonlight Musings “A truly mesmerizing look at one of history's most beloved female figures, 'Evita and Me,' is a five-star read in an unassuming package” — Laura, Celtic Lady’s Reviews “A thrill ride from start to finish, ‘Evita and Me,’ is a gem of a novel that simply cannot be missed!” — Sal, Bound 4 Escape “... captured my full attention from page one and I could not put it down. I read all night and didn’t want it to end!” — Teddy Rose Book Reviews

About the author. Erika Rummel has taught history at the University of Toronto and Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo. She divides her time between Toronto and Los Angeles and has lived in villages in Argentina, Romania, and Bulgaria. She is the author of more than a dozen books on social history, and six novels. In 2018 she was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the Renaissance Society of America.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

After the Barricades

Jessica Stilling

987-1-955065-82-5

Who was my mother? This is a question that plagues Anna, a journalist living in New York City, after the sudden tragic death of her parents. Armed with a box of letters and a strange painting, Anna travels to Paris to learn more about the life that her mother, Bethany, lived in the city of lights in the late 1960s. There she meets Stefan, her mother's former lover whom she never knew existed. Bethany’s one year in Paris included May 1968, a turbulent time when student protests and labor strikes threatened to upend the very fabric of French society. Bethany, a blue-blood Bostonian, found herself in the thick of riots and rationing as she and her friends attempted to find their place in the world. At the heart of it all is the story of Bethany and her lover, Stefan, a quiet, unassuming man with a harrowing past and many dark secrets of his own.

About the author. Jessica Stilling is the author of literary fiction as well as poetry and short fiction for various literary journals. Her articles have appeared in Ms. Magazine, Bust Magazine and she writes extensively for The Writer Magazine. She also publishes young adult fantasy under the pen name JM Stephen. Jessica loves Virginia Woolf, very long walks, and currently lives in southern Vermont where she writes for the very local newspaper, The Deerfield Valley News.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

The Prisoner of the Castle of Enlightenment

Therese Doucet ISBN 978-1-941072-62-2

Violaine, a devotee of books and learning, finds herself sold by her father to a mysterious nobleman to become his companion. Fearing herself at the mercy of a monster, Violaine instead succumbs to the seductive spell of her magical new home, and the love of a man she has never seen, who comes to her only in the darkness of night. The Château de Boisaulne is a place of many mysteries, but also a refuge for children of the Enlightenment in a time when Europe still languishes under the repressive chains of monarchy and superstition. But modern thought meets ancient lore, as the castle borders the forest lair of the roi des aulnes, an ogre said to be the ancestor of Violaine’s unseen lover...or are they one and the same?

This intelligent retelling weaves us through history with fantasy, grounding us and opening our doors to enlightenment. - Rosa Kumar, Independent Book Review The Prisoner of the Castle of Enlightenment's gripping story will delight readers seeking both complexity and evocative reading. – D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review "At the center of Therese Doucet’s enchanting debut novel is a library teeming with rare and unusual volumes. The Prisoner of the Castle of Enlightenment feels like a book pulled from its shelves, a heady mix of historical fiction, fairy tale, philosophy, demonology, and romance. Call it baroquepunk—a fantasy of the French Enlightenment with a libertine edge and a goth heartbeat." — Jeff Jackson, author of Destroy All Monsters and Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist The Prisoner of the Castle of Enlightenment took me on a journey, to France, to centuries ago, to the exotic and erotic castle where ideas and philosophy are debated and fought over, and the desire to learn more, to be more, to love more deepens, especially as night descends. Unforgettable. A fabulist, fabulous tale from a new novelist to watch. — Caroline Bock, author of Carry Her Home, Before My Eyes and Lie “I grew to like it more and more as the page count continued” – Chicago Center for Literature and Photography "Set against an exquisitely rendered French gothic backdrop, The Prisoner of the Castle of Enlightenment is an intelligently erotic page-turner not to be missed." - Joe McGinniss Jr., Kirkus Prize finalist and author of Carousel Court and The Delivery Man

About the author. Therese Doucet writes, parents, and works a day job in Washington, DC, and Knoxville, TN. She studied cultural history in a Ph.D. program at the University of Chicago for four years, and is a former Fulbright fellow, as well as a creative writing residency fellow of the Virginia Center for Creative Arts. Her fiction and creative nonfiction have appeared in literary magazines including Embark, Hotel Amerika, and Bayou.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

The Heiress of Egypt

Samuel Ebeid ISBN 978-1-941072-41-7

Egypt, a land so rich in myth, its origins are not fully known. But there are stories—stories that the earliest Egyptians were taught civilization by celestial beings. Thousands of years later, at a time when the Great Pyramids of Geza were still shiny and new, legendary creatures flourished, and high priests still controlled the magical substance left by the Celestials called Kairemi. But it’s also a time of treachery as one Pharaoh is brutally overthrown, and his entire family slaughtered, save one young daughter, Merit, who escapes into hiding. The hedonistic new Royal Family have their own struggles, with King Varis maneuvering to place his daughter, Hamees, on the throne after him, setting aside his own son. It’s also a time of heroes, like Roma, a former palace guard turned defender of Princess Merit. He receives a great prophecy and must use it to determine Egypt’s fate by pooling all her legendary resources to ensure the throne, and control of the Kairemi, goes to the correct Heiress of Egypt. But is that Merit or Hamees?

The Heiress of Egypt takes us back to an unspecified time in a fantastical ancient Egypt populated with fantasy animals, heroic soldiers, and gifted priests ... the tale that then unravels is one of adventure, rebellion, fantasy, romance and war ... This is a light fast-paced read, perfect for a holiday or a cold winter evening at home. It follows the footsteps of Khai of Ancient Khem. -- Charlotte Booth, author of Ancient Egyptians for Dummies, In Bed with Ancient Egyptians, Horemheb the Forgotten Pharaoh, and others. Readers anticipating either a novel based on history alone or a sci-fi story largely emphasizing aliens, supernatural gifts, or strange occurrences, will find The Heiress of Egypt excels in being neither fish nor fowl. Instead, it successfully blends history and fiction, tosses in sci-fi elements, and adds a dash of romance and thriller into the mix for extra spice. The result is an engrossing tale that offers many twists and turns through its increasingly fantastical story line -- D. Donovan, senior reviewer, Midwest Book Review

About the author. Born and raised in Egypt, Samuel Ebeid studied political science before becoming a Community Solutions Fellow for the U.S. Dept. of State. He has previously published Arabic translations of governmental works. Samuel is now married to Karen and manages a small hotel in Western Maryland. This is his debut novel.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

The Queen of Egypt

Samuel Ebeid ISBN 978-1-941072-60-8

It’s about 5000 years ago and Egypt is a mess! The royal dynasty has been overthrown and the usurper king has already been murdered. His children have divided the kingdom and both have fallen under foreign domination. The Celestials, a race of aliens that nurtured the Egyptian civilization, have had a delegation of their heralds kidnapped and are threatening retribution. Meanwhile, the heiress of the overthrown dynasty, Princess Merit, along with her boyfriend, former palace guard Roma, his friend Moeris, and the high priest Amasis are leading the Free Army to regain her throne and restore peace to the kingdom. But both sides have powerful magic and mythological creatures at their disposal. Can Egypt survive? In this exciting sequel to The Heiress of Egypt. it is all out war between the competing princesses: Merit, heiress to the dethroned Pharaoh and Hamees, daughter of the usurper. Which one will end up The Queen of Egypt?

Samuel Ebeid takes the time to craft a solid, detailed portrait of this early world and all its nuances. – D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Reviews

About the author. Born and raised in Egypt, Samuel Ebeid studied political science before becoming a Community Solutions Fellow for the U.S. Dept. of State. He has previously published Arabic translations of governmental works. Samuel is now married to Karen and manages a hotel in Pennsylvania.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

The Osprey Man

Christopher Tuthill ISBN 978-1-955065-52-8

Jacob is at that most magical time between childhood and adolescence. As the end of the school year approaches, he is dreaming of baseball and the beach, but most of all, about working on the comic book he and his best friend Jonathan have created, The Osprey Man. Then tragedy strikes and Jacob has to find an inner strength he is not sure he has. This beautifully written tale of youth, coping, and working through grief is ideal for readers of all ages.

“I found this book to be a really beautiful piece on grief and moving on ...Five stars for this stunning tale!” — Bookgirl86, Goodreads “Osprey Man reveals its surprises, unwrapping them through the course of the story like birthday gifts.”- D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review “This is a five-star book that can be enjoyed by any and all readers!” — Mark, Teddy Rose Book Reviews “It is a great story many of all ages will relate to.” — LAWonder10, Rockin’ Book Reviews “I loved it.” — Amwoma, Goodreads “This is an author that I will definitely follow. I want to read more by Tuthill!” — Sal, Bound4Escape “I loved the charming tone of this book and the hopeful, contented ending.” — Laura, Celticlady’s Reviews “This is a stupendous novel and one that I could read again and again.” — Suzie, My Tangled Skein’s Book Reviews “This is the first novel by Christopher Tuthill that I have read, but I would gladly read more!” — Nora, Storeybook Reviews “This is an exceptional story for all ages” — Bee Lindy, Bookpleasures.com

About the author. Christopher Tuthill’s short fiction has appeared in The Mythic Circle, Dark Tales from Elder Regions, and Tales of Reverie. A native of Riverhead, on Long Island, and a graduate of Catholic schools, Chris grew up around many of the places and people that inspire his writing. He lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with his wife and children. He works as a librarian, and his hobbies include board games, baseball, hiking, camping, and telling stories to his three children. Among his other interests, he is co-founder of the New York Tolkien Conference.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

The Children of Victoria II

Daniel A. Willis

Archduke Franz Ferdinand has been assassinated! However, in this timeline, cooler heads have prevailed and a world war is averted. The threads of history which began unweaving with the premature death of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, in Victoria II are now sewing themselves into a new and different European tapestry. Much of the extended royal family which rules Europe looks a little different. The British King, the German Empress, and the Tsarina of Russia are all siblings. These close familial ties have guided Europe into a peaceful 20th century. But there are threats from outside this close-knit circle which could be the undoing of all as the children of Queen Victoria II fight to keep their crowns.

About the author. Daniel A. Willis writes both fiction and nonfiction. In his historical works, he describes the world as it was. In his fantasy novels, he envisions it as it could be. A native of Ohio, Mr. Willis has called Colorado home for more than three decades.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.

Victoria II

Daniel A. Willis ISBN 978-1-941072-91-2

People mostly treat the royal families as merely a lot of fluff with no real power. They could not be more wrong! In our timeline, Queen Victoria had 9 children and 42 grandchildren who were the rulers of much of Europe and the major players in World War I. But what if she had only one child, her eldest, Princess Vicky? This first book of three shows how one seemingly small tragedy, the assassination of Prince Albert in 1842, begins to unwind the threads of history and re-braid them into a very different world.

“makes for engrossing reading that will attract not just alternate history sci-fi readers, but fans of historical fiction looking for something different.” — D. Donavan, Midwest Book Review

About the author. Daniel A. Willis writes both fiction and nonfiction. In his historical works, he describes the world as it was. In his fantasy novels, he envisions it as it could be. A native of Ohio, Mr. Willis has called Colorado home for more than three decades.

Available in paperback, Kindle, Nook, Kobo and Apple formats.