MORE book signings at The Book Worm Saturday

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Stop in and meet some fabulous authors! We have inspiration, childrens and historical fiction genres all brought to you in just one day! Show your support and come on by!

 

 

Christy English

Saturday, October 16 @ 12pm-2pm

 

 

 

A historical novel of the legendary Eleanor of Aquitaine and the one person she loved more than power-her rival for the throne.

At only nine, Princess Alais of France is sent to live in England until she is of age to wed Prince Richard, son of King Henry II and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Alais is an innocent pawn on the chessboard of dynastic marriage, her betrothal intended to broker an uneasy truce between the nations.

 

Estranged from her husband, Eleanor sees a kindred spirit in this determined young girl. She embraces Alais as a daughter, teaching the princess what it takes to be a woman of power in a world of men. But as Alais grows to maturity and develops ambitions of her own, Eleanor begins to see her as a threat-and their love for each other becomes overshadowed by their bitter rivalry, dark betrayals, conflicting passions, and a battle for revenge over the throne of England itself.

 

 

 

 

 

Joseph Justice

 

Saturday, October 16 @ 1pm-3pm

 

 

 

 

'Twas a week before yuletide and things were asunder within the law office of Bluff, Bluster, and Blunder. This attorney-oriented parody of the popular poem focuses on large fees, paralegals, and torts--all in good fun. The lawyers at this firm proudly proclaim, "Merry Christmas to all! We do slips and falls here!"

 

Lynn Pugh

Saturday, October 16 @ 11am-1pm

 

 

 

America Remembered is a compilation of patriotic/inspirational/nostalgic stories written by 33 writer members of the Christian Authors Guild from Woodstock, GA. The book captures the imagination of how life in America was years ago, sheds light on where we have been, and captures the essence of what it means to be an American. The book warms the hearts and souls of all who embrace its' message, and who cherish the values that make us the proud country we have become.

 

For more information, please visit: www.ChristianAuthorsGuild.org

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I'm very excited to meet Christy! Her book is a must read for historical fiction fans! Here's a copy of my review:

 

REVIEW OF The Queen’s Pawn by Christy English BY ARLEIGH @ historical-fiction.com

 

This debut novel, set in late Twelfth century England, coversa handful of years near the end of Henry II’s reign, in which he is fightinghis three teenage sons over the power to rule Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine. Alais, Princess of France and Countessof the Vexin, has been sent to England to await marriage with Richard, Duke ofAquitaine. While the young couple seems inclined toward one another, Henry alsopreys on Alais’ mind. She finds herself strangely drawn to him, and he has madeno secret of his interest in her.

 

The story is written in parallel first person narrative,each chapter switching between the characters of Eleanor and Alais. Theirwords, thoughts and feelings are cleverly intermingled, usually one startingthe story where the other finished, but in some cases we see events happen fromboth perspectives. It can get very emotional with these two fiery womenfighting for the same power.

 

One of the peculiar, yet perfectly feasible dynamics of thecharacters is the relationship between Eleanor and Alais. Eleanor immediatelyrecognizes many of her own traits in Alais and decides that she will guide herin becoming a great and powerful woman, which will serve her interests whenAlais becomes her daughter-in-law. With the support of her sons, she will stillwield great power—which, besides Richard, is the only thing left to her worthliving for. Though Eleanor loves Alais as a daughter, and Alais loves her as amother, they never quite enjoy an open unconditional love. There is anunbreakable bond deep inside, but it comes out only when the worse befallsthem.

 

In this book, Eleanor is not yet imprisoned, yet does notlive with Henry as a husband and wife should. They haven’t shared a bed inyears, though they are still cordial to one another. There is no love or trustbetween them, but a mutual respect. Eleanor knew instantly that Henry wasattracted to Alais, but never did she think his ardor was reciprocated. Soonshe finds that the girl she thought to mould has more courage and defiance thanshe had previously given her credit for; and this knowledge did not disconcerther, but made her proud—and cautious.

 

The events that occur between Eleanor, Alias, Richard andHenry make this story so believable. I have never read a version of theirrelationships where Eleanor and Richard both loved Alais, but it makes sense inthis story. The characters were placed in only a couple of settings—two castlesto be exact—and the reasons for this are touched on in the Author’s Note at theend of the book. She also gives reference to other facts some may believe to beskewed, so make sure to read it if you are bothered with small details.

 

I found The Queen’s Pawn to be balanced historically andvery readable. The psychological focus on relationships, rather than overlydetailed descriptions kept my interest and moved the story along. I was verysatisfied with the ending, though a bit sad, it ties up loose ends and gives afeeling of forgiveness and redemption, as well as a promise to a future for thecharacters.