Tuesday, 9 June 2026

The Queen’s Sister by Carol McGrath


The Queen’s Sister

Carol McGrath


Publication Date: Jun 4th, 2026
Publisher: Headline Accent
Pages: 300
Genre: Historical Fiction


A mother, a wife, a woman of substance...

At nineteen, Elizabeth Seymour is already a mother, has been recently widowed, and seen her Queen, Anne Boleyn, lose her life. Against the wishes of her father, she heads North, away from Wulf Hall and the court in London to Yorkshire, determined to establish a new beginning as a landowner and business woman. As her family in Wiltshire curry favour with King Henry, aided by Thomas Cromwell, Elizabeth makes Kexby Manor her home, finding loyalty among her people there.

Soon, news comes to Elizabeth of the King's desires for her sister, Jane, while her brother, Edward, encourages her own betrothal to Gregory Cromwell, son of Thomas. It is a happy second marriage for Elizabeth, but it brings unwanted involvement in the dark plots and secrecy of the court, while in the wider country, changes in religious practice threaten to alter the traditions and values of all she has known...

THE QUEEN'S SISTER vividly imagines the story of the woman possibly portrayed in Hans Holbein's beautiful painting 'Portrait of a Lady,' and is a colourful, meticulously researched novel of Tudor life behind the scenes.



What readers say about Carol McGrath's novels:

'Another beautifully crafted, well-researched work of historical fiction from Carol McGrath'

'Brimming with intrigue, tension and adventure, The Lost Queen is a powerful Medieval tale full of atmosphere, danger and emotion and transports the reader to another world'



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Carol McGrath


Following a first degree in English and History at QUB, Carol McGrath completed an MA in Creative Writing from The Seamus Heaney Centre, Queens University Belfast, followed by an MPhil in English from University of London. She is published by Headline.

The Handfasted Wife, first in a trilogy about the royal women of 1066, was shortlisted for the RoNAs in 2014. The Swan-Daughter and The Betrothed Sister complete this highly acclaimed trilogy.

Mistress Cromwell, a best-selling historical novel about Elizabeth Cromwell, wife of Henry VIII’s statesman, Thomas Cromwell, was republished by Headline in 2020.

The Silken Rose, first in a Medieval She-Wolf Queens Trilogy, featuring Ailenor of Provence, saw publication in April 2020. This was followed by The Damask Rose. The Stone Rose was published April 2022. The Stolen Crown 2023 and July 2024, The Lost Queen, about Berengaria of Navarre and The Third Crusade.

The Queen’s Sister, sequel to Mistress Cromwell, sees publication in June 2026. Carol writes Historical non-fiction as well as fiction. Sex and Sexuality in Tudor England was published in February 2022 by Pen & Sword. She speaks at Conferences and gives interviews.

Subscribe to her newsletter via her website (use the drop down on her web-site Home Page).

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Rise of the Pale Moon by Patricia Brandon


Rise of the Pale Moon

Patricia Brandon


Publication Date: October 15th, 2024
Publisher: Palmetto Publishers
Pages: 262
Genre: Historical Fiction


Unlikely Allies: Three Diverse Women Navigate Tumultuous Times, Risking All Amidst Revolutionary Woes. A Tale of Hope, Love, and Triumph Over Adversity.

In the heart of coastal South Carolina, during the Revolutionary War era, a profound narrative unfolds in Rise of the Pale Moon. This captivating tale is set on a plantation, where three young women of strikingly different backgrounds are held captive - a humble indentured servant from London, a resilient chattel slave, and a resourceful Catawba Indian. Their lives are intertwined, bound by the chains of their circumstances, and deeply impacted by the Master and his family.

These women, each bearing a unique perspective, must learn to navigate their relationships with each other and their captors. As they grapple with their brutal reality, their courage is put to the ultimate test. Will they risk a daring escape, knowing full well that it could result in their demise? Or will they remain, hoping to influence their fate and possibly alter the course of the war in the American South?

Rise of the Pale Moon explores the intricacies of loyalty, sacrifice, and love amidst harsh adversity. The characters' relentless pursuit of hope is a testament to their determination and resilience, offering an inspiring portrayal of human spirit. As the birth of a new nation unfolds around them, their journey reveals the transformative power of unity and friendship.

This riveting narrative is more than just a historical fiction; it is a timeless exploration of the human condition, capturing the essence of shared struggles, shared dreams, and the shared determination to survive. The characters' journey serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of hope, even in the darkest of times.

Rise of the Pale Moon is a captivating read, that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving you with a renewed perspective on life, love, and the power of resilience. The story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the courage to fight for freedom. A must-read for anyone who appreciates a compelling historical narrative laced with poignant life lessons.

***

Praise for Rise of the Pale Moon:

"... a captivating read, that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving you with a renewed perspective on life, love, and the power of resilience. The story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the courage to fight for freedom. A must-read for anyone who appreciates a compelling historical narrative laced with poignant life lessons."
~ Yarde Book Promotion, 5* Editorial Review

"Set in Charleston, South Carolina during the Revolutionary war, this novel takes the reader on a journey through the past while teaching about history and friendship in a way that readers, especially middle grade readers, will surely connect. As a teacher, I was hooked at the beginning when the main character, and indentured servant, faces unbelievable hardship on the passage to America. Readers will learn about the history of that era while being entertained with the story."
~ Sophia, 5* Amazon Review


***

Buy Link:


Patricia Brandon


 Patricia Brandon is a winner of a Carrie McCray Memorial Literary Award (South Carolina Writers’ Association.

Her first novel, The Center of Gravity, earned a Coffee Pot Book Club (UK) “Highly Recommended” 5-Star Award. It recently was awarded a bronze medal (fiction-mystery-historical category) in the Readers Favorite International Book Contest.

 Her second novel, A Rule of Live, was selected as a gold medal (YA, Historical Fiction category) 2021 Book of the Year by The Coffee Pot Book Club. It also was recently selected as a bronze medal (YA Mystery category) winner in the Readers Favorite International Book Contest.

Rise of the Pale Moon was selected as a finalist for the American Writing Awards 2025.

All novels have gleaned several excellent editorial reviews.

Connect with Patricia:

 

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Thursday, 4 June 2026

Daughter of Mercia (Dr Anna Petersen Mysteries #1) by Julia Ibbotson



Daughter of Mercia  
(Dr Anna Petersen Mysteries #1) 
By Julia Ibbotson


*First Book Anniversary Blog Tour*

Publication Date: June 6th, 2025
Series: Dr Anna Petersen Mysteries
Publisher: Archbury Books
Pages: 301 ebook / 392 pb
Genre: Medieval Dual-Timeline Mystery Romance


A brand-new Anglo-Saxon time-slip full of mystery and romance.

Echoes of the past resonate across the centuries as Dr Anna Petersen, a medievalist and runologist, is struggling with past trauma and allowing herself to trust again. When archaeologist (and Anna's old adversary) Professor Matt Beacham unearths a 6th century seax with a mysterious runic inscription, and reluctantly approaches Anna for help, a chain of events brings the past firmly back into her present. And why does the burial site also contain two sets of bones, one 6th century and the other modern? 

As the past and present intermingle alarmingly, Anna and Matt need to work together to solve the mystery of the seax runes and the seemingly impossible burial, and to discover the truth about the past. Tensions rise and sparks fly between Anna and Matt. But how is 6th century Lady Mildryth of Mercia connected to Anna? Can they both be the Daughter of Mercia?

For fans of Barbara Erskine, Elena Collins, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley and Christina Courtenay.



Praise for Daughter of Mercia:

“Ibbotson’s prose immerses you in the vivid world of the Anglo-Saxon era, richly layered with sensory detail that brings both the past and present timelines to life. I could feel the atmosphere—the cold stone and the wind on the hills. Her writing weaves the two eras seamlessly, connecting people across time and creating a mysterious, slow-building tension that keeps you turning the pages.”
~ Alis Page, Reviewer, 5*

“... an atmospheric, and wonderfully immersive, novel that has it all: characters with their own conflicts, both in the past and the present; a mystery that links the eras; the intrigue of Mildryth's fate and Anna's secrets; and all within the fascinating setting of archaeology.”
~ Ruins & Reading, 5* Review



Buy Link:


This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Julia Ibbotson


Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and the concept of time. She is the author of historical mysteries with a frisson of romance. Her books are evocative of time and place, well-researched and uplifting page-turners. Her current series focuses on early medieval time-slip / dual-time mysteries.

Julia read English at Keele University, England, specialising in medieval language / literature / history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics. After a turbulent time in Ghana, West Africa, she became a school teacher, then a university academic and researcher. Her break as an author came soon after she joined the RNA’s New Writers’ Scheme in 2015, with a three-book deal from Lume Books for a trilogy (Drumbeats) set in Ghana in the 1960s.

She has published five other books, including A Shape on the Air, an Anglo-Saxon timeslip mystery, and its two sequels The Dragon Tree and The Rune Stone. Her latest novel is the first of a new series of Anglo-Saxon dual-time mysteries, Daughter of Mercia, where echoes of the past resonate across the centuries.

Her books will appeal to fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, and Christina Courtenay. Her readers say: ‘Julia’s books captured my imagination’, ‘beautiful story-telling’, ‘evocative and well-paced storylines’, ‘brilliant and fascinating’ and ‘I just couldn’t put it down’.

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The Agincourt King – Audiobook Plantagenet Legacy Series by Mercedes Rochelle


The Agincourt King – Audiobook

Plantagenet Legacy Series
By Mercedes Rochelle


Publication Date: April 8th, 2024
Publisher: Sergeant Press
Pages: 260
Genre: Historical Fiction

Audiobook :
Publication Date: May 4th, 2026
Publisher: Sergeant Press
Narrator: Kevin E. Green
Listening Length: 8 hours 36 minutes


From the day he was crowned, Henry V was determined to prove the legitimacy of his house.

His father's usurpation weighed heavily on his mind. Only a grand gesture would capture the respect of his own countrymen and the rest of Europe. He would follow in his great-grandfather Edward III's footsteps, and recover lost territory in France. Better yet, why not go for the crown?

Poor, deranged Charles VI couldn't manage his own barons. The civil war between the Burgundians and Armagnacs was more of a threat to his country than the English, even after Henry laid siege to Harfleur.

But once Harfleur had fallen, the French came to their senses and determined to block his path to Calais and destroy him. By the time the English reached Agincourt, they were starving, exhausted, and easy pickings. Or so the French thought.

Little did they reckon on Henry's leadership and the stout-hearted English archers who proved, once again, that numbers didn't matter when God was on their side.



Universal Buy Link:
All titles in the series are available to read on #KindleUnlimited.




Mercedes Rochelle


Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channeled this interest into fiction writing.

Her first four books cover eleventh-century Britain and events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. The next series is called The Plantagenet Legacy about the struggles and abdication of Richard II, leading to the troubled reigns of the Lancastrian Kings. 

She also writes a blog: HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story.

Born in St. Louis, MO, she received by BA in Literature at the University of Missouri St.Louis in 1979 then moved to New York in 1982 while in her mid-20s to “see the world”. The search hasn’t ended!

Today she lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.

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Tuesday, 2 June 2026

What the Ocean Brings by Tonya Ulynn Brown



What the Ocean Brings 
By Tonya Ulynn Brown


Publication Date: June 4th, 2026
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Pages: 393
Genre: Historical Romance


Quebec, Canada, 1847. While trying to escape the Potato Famine, shipwrecked Irish immigrant Breanna Clarey awakens injured and alone on an unfamiliar beach. To make matters worse, she has been separated from her family, and her friend, Crow, is lying dead at her feet. But when Dawson Roberts, a reclusive fisherman with a guarded past and big dreams for his future, finds Breanna, he puts his plans on hold to offer her shelter and help find her family.

But life for an Irish immigrant isn't easy. Facing a deadly quarantine station, dangerous immigration officials, and grief over her missing family, Breanna struggles to exert her independence and navigate her new world. While Breanna confronts an unknown future, Dawson is plagued by a painful past. They each must determine their own course, even if it means ignoring the pull they have on each other.

When the future takes an unexpected turn, only the ocean that has brought them so much devastation can help them find their way back to where they belong.


Excerpt

Now that his ribs were taken care of, she turned her attention to his wounded brow, and to another matter of importance—the fact that he had gambled his boat money. ‘Twould be a safer topic, at least.

She dabbed at the gaping wound above his left eye and asked, “Why do ye take such risks, Dawson? Ye worked so hard for that boat money.” 
 
He shrugged and waited a heartbeat before saying, “Why do you take risks?” It was an unfair swipe, but she chalked it up to the effects of the alcohol. Perhaps he couldn’t resist.

“I don’t take risks. I like to know exactly what I am getting myself into before I commit.” 

“Liar.” He looked at her with accusing eyes, and for a moment, she didn’t know how to respond. “You took a risk once when you boarded the Carricks.”  

“And ye see where that got me.”

“And then again, when you went into town that first time.”

“That didn’t end well either, if ye recall.” 

“And then there was that little scheme to put yourself on a crabbing boat. You saw how I almost died, yet you were right back out there the next day. You don’t call those risks?” His voice was husky and full of emotion now, and it made her pulse quicken beneath her skin.
 
She moved across the room to retrieve a needle and some thread—or to escape. She wasn’t sure which need was more urgent. She cleaned the needle, taking a moment to regain her wits before returning to him. She pulled the edges of his open wound together and cautioned, “This might sting a little.”  
 
He barely flinched when she poked the needle through the tender flesh. She finished quickly, then tied the end off in a little knot.  
“There. Now ye be good as new.” She made to turn away from him, but before she could move, he grabbed the back of her thigh, holding her securely to him. 

She looked down into the liquid warmth of his amber eyes. There was a storm brewing there and they glowed now with an intense heat that left no doubt as to the thoughts in his head. 

“I told ye,” she said, feeling breathless, “I’m not one for taking risks. I be one for needing assurance.” 
 
He held her tightly to him, staring into her eyes for a moment. His hand seared her flesh where he gripped, sending flames nipping at her core. His thumb swiped a smoldering lick across her leg. It was faint but she felt it, nonetheless. Breanna was thankful for the barrier of her skirts, for they kept her from completely melting. 

After a moment, his eyes fell to her mouth, and she instinctively bit her bottom lip. Then he suddenly released her, cursing under his breath. He did not push her away, but the loss of his hold was forceful—and painful. 
 
“Forgive me. I fear I’ve had a little too much to drink.” He stood to go, and his body pitched forward as he lost his footing. From loss of blood or the drink, she knew not. But one thing was certain, if he collapsed trying to make it to his bed in the barn, she’d never be able to get him up.  
 
Rushing to him, she propped up his bulk with her hands. The energy between them seemed to vibrate as he stared down into her face.
 
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered. The words felt like warm honey being poured over her limbs. No one had ever said those words to her before. Fair was a common compliment she received. And becoming. But never beautiful.  

She let out a soft laugh. “And ye are drunk.” She shifted her hold on him. “I hear spirits can make a barmaid look like a princess.” 

“That’s not the alcohol talking.” His voice was dangerously low. “I’ve always thought that.” His lips were so close to hers now that she ran her tongue over hers without thinking. His eyes blew wide in response, and he dragged a long breath through his nose like he was trying to steady himself.
       
He leaned forward and set his mouth against her temple. He planted a soft kiss along her hairline and lingered there as if he were drinking her in. They stood like that for several minutes until Breanna could feel the bulk of him leaning even more heavily upon her. She turned slightly and slipped his arm over her shoulder, then led him to the sofa.  

“Why don’t ye just lie down here for tonight?”  
 
“I thought you weren’t a risk taker, Breanna Clarey. Aren’t you afraid your reputation might be damaged?” 
 
She snickered. “I doubt there be any risk tonight, Dawson Roberts. Besides, no one comes this far out on the peninsula. I think my reputation will be safe.” He lay back, and she helped him lift his legs onto the sofa. Breanna went to her room to grab a blanket from the trunk, but by the time she returned, he was already snoring softly.


Buy Link:

Tonya Ulynn Brown


Tonya Ulynn Brown is an award-winning historical romance author who writes emotionally rich tales of ancient castles, treacherous plots, and forbidden love. With a deep passion for the turbulent histories of England and Scotland, she brings the past vividly to life through stories where danger and desire walk hand in hand.

Tonya holds a master’s degree and teaches Reading and Writing at the elementary level. Fueled by iced coffees, beautiful books, and an enduring obsession with Mary, Queen of Scots, she fills her days writing, teaching, and researching the lives of long-dead monarchs and other historical figures.

Most of all, she loves spending time with her husband, two sons, and one very spoiled French bulldog.


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Thursday, 21 May 2026

FIVE MINUTE HISTORY - What happened to the Romanov treasure?


Escape of the Grand Duchess
By Susan Appleyard


Publication Date: 27th July 2025
Publisher: Ingenium Books Publishing Inc.
Page Length: 412
Genre: Biographical Historical Fiction 

Escape of the Grand Duchess by Susan Appleyard is a gripping historical novel that shatters the notion that royalty is synonymous with privilege and ease. At its heart is Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, the youngest sister of Tsar Nicholas II—a Romanov who defied a doomed destiny and survived.

Unlike her ill-fated brother and his family, Olga’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and daring escape. Trapped in a loveless marriage to a reckless gambler—who harbours secrets of his own—she finds hope in the arms of a dashing army lieutenant. But before she can claim her own happiness, she must first endure the brutal realities of World War I, where she serves as a nurse on the frontlines.

As the Russian Empire teeters on the brink of collapse, the infamous Siberian mystic Rasputin tightens his grip on the imperial court, setting the stage for revolution. With the Bolsheviks seizing power and the Romanovs marked for death, Olga faces an impossible choice: risk everything to stay or flee into the unknown with her true love and their children.

Rich in historical detail and driven by an unforgettable heroine, Escape of the Grand Duchess is a sweeping riches-to-rags tale of survival, love, and the strength it takes to forge a new life in the face of unimaginable upheaval.

FIVE MINUTE HISTORY - What happened to the Romanov treasure?

That was a question frequently asked after the tragic death of Tsar Nicholas II and his family. Anna Anderson, the imposter claiming to be Grand Duchess Anastasia, sued to obtain ‘her father’s’ millions, and some people supported her hoping to get a share of her riches. Exiled imperials were also interested in the question. Before his death, Nicholas was assumed to be one of the richest men in the world along with the Rockefellers and Rothschilds and those other American multi-millionaires of the time. But was he? 
What were Nicholas’s assets?
He lived in opulent palaces, but they belonged to the state. They were filled with eye-popping valuables, priceless works of art, gilded ornaments, dinner services for a hundreds, carpets and tapestries. Apart from some personal items, gifts from family, friends and foreign leaders, all belonged to the state. In fact, Nicholas owned very little of the riches surrounding him. Tsarina Alexandra possessed fabulous jewellery. Some were given to her as gifts; the rest were in her keeping only until she passed them on to the next tsarina. Many pieces of the imperial regalia were sold in London during the twenties and thirties to raise money for the new government. When they were arrested, the Tsarina and Grand Duchesses, assuming they would be exiled, sewed jewels into their corsets and the hems of their clothing. Their executioners stripped the bodies, and it can be reasonably assumed they made off with those jewels. The imperial jewels are believed to be valued at eighty million dollars and included the Orloff diamond of 194.1/2 carats, bought in Amsterdam by Count Alexis Orloff and presented to Catherine the Great.
Nicholas’s income derived from three sources. 1) The government appropriation paid annually to the imperial family to allow them to maintain their state – about six million dollars. 2) The proceeds from the estates owned by the imperial family: hundreds of thousands of acres of cotton plantations, vineyards, farms and orchards. The combined income was between one and two million dollars – a small amount because they were badly managed. 3) Interest accrued on deposits in English and German banks.
Altogether, he could count on about twelve million at the beginning of each year.
What did he spend it on?
His family. One hundred thousand annually went to each grand duke. At the time of his coronation, he had two brothers, four uncles, one great uncle, and twelve cousins, all bearing the title of grand duke. Each grand duchess received a dowry of five hundred thousand dollars at the time of her marriage.
Palaces. There were a few residences scattered throughout Russia but the main money-pits were the Winter Palace and Anichkov in St Petersburg, the capital; the Alexander and Catherine Palaces in Tsarscoe Selo, set in a vast park that required six hundred workers; the amazing aqua-paradise of Peterhof on the Gulf of Finland; Livadia on the Black Sea; Gatchina, a fort-like palace. All the palaces had to be kept in good order by at least a skeleton staff.
Servants. Three thousand person served the Tsar and his family, ranging from grand marshals to assistant cooks. All were provided with monthly salaries, food, uniforms and gifts at Christmas and on the Tsar’s birthday. The higher in the echelon of servants, the costlier the gift, such as gold watches and cigarette cases with the Tsar’s monogram, brooches, and rings.
Theatres and charities. The Tsar subsidized three theatres in St Petersburg and two in Moscow, all of which were losing money. He also supported the Imperial Academy of the Arts, many charities, and was open-handed to individuals in need.
There was also the imperial yacht, Standart, which had to be maintained.
It is impossible to say how much Nicholas spent on his expenses, but it is known that he received a legacy from his great grandmother of two million dollars which he used for charity and spent it all within three years. Nicholas the Tsar had, of course, to surround himself in regal splendor. Nicholas the man lived simply.
The last years of his reign were war years. Whatever capital he had left probably went to building hospitals and supporting the inadequate Russian army. It was also the time of the Russian revolution. The Bolsheviks seized everything they could lay their hands on.


Pick up your copy of
Escape of the Grand Duchess

Susan Appleyard



Susan was born in England, which is where she learned to love English history, and now lives in Canada in the summer. In winter she and her husband flee the cold for their second home in Mexico. Susan divides her time between writing and her hobby, oil painting, although writing will always be her first love. She was fortunate in having had two books published traditionally. Since joining the ebook crowd, she has published nine books, some of which have won various awards.

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Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Some Starry Night by Irene Latham



SOMe Starry Night

By Irene Latham



Publication Date: April 14th, 2026
Publisher: Historium Press
Pages: 264
Genre: Historical Fiction


Under the pale glow of a Parisian spring in 1886, two restless souls move toward the same horizon-unaware that their meeting will ignite a love as luminous and fleeting as the stars themselves.


Vincent van Gogh arrives in Paris with little more than paint-stained hands and an aching determination to create something worthy of the world. Living in the cramped apartment of his brother Theo, he struggles against poverty, doubt, and the relentless pull of his own restless mind.


Across the ocean in Amherst, Emily Dickinson receives news that changes everything. Faced with the nearness of death, the reclusive poet does the unthinkable: she leaves the quiet safety of the Homestead and sails for Paris, determined to taste life before it slips beyond her reach.


When Emily agrees to sit for Vincent's portrait, their worlds collide in a blaze of color, poetry, and dangerous intimacy. Through letters, poems, and whispered confessions, the two artists discover in one another a fierce, unguarded understanding-one that will shape their art, their faith, and the fragile hours they have left.


But love between stars is never simple. As time grows short and darkness gathers, Vincent and Emily must decide whether beauty is meant to last...or simply to burn bright enough to change the night forever.


Some Starry Night is a sweeping, lyrical imagining of the hidden story behind Vincent van Gogh's most iconic painting – an unforgettable tale of love, creativity, and the courage to live fiercely, even in the shadow of the end.



Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link

Historium Press Buy Link


Irene Latham


Irene Latham writes poems and stories from the Purple Horse Poetry Studio & Music Room in Blount County, Alabama. She is the author or co-author of many books for young people, including African Town, winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Outstanding Historical Fiction.

This is her first novel for adults.




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The Queen’s Sister by Carol McGrath

The Queen’s Sister Carol McGrath Publication Date: Jun 4th, 2026 Publisher: Headline Accent Pages: 300 Genre: Historical Fiction A mother, a...