Historical Fiction
Captain Mary, Buccaneer
by Jacqueline Church Simonds It is 1721 and aboard the brigantine Fury, Captain Mary and her pirate crew fight their way across the Caribbean creating a financial empire and founding the free nation of Cache Island. While embroiled in her enterprises, Captain Mary also juggles the demands of her three lovers: Dr. Alphonse Coulances, a French doctor and traitor; the first mate, a former slave and master pilot named Petronius; and Elaina Mayhew, at first a hostage to be ransomed, but later, so much more! This adventure of greed and romance will carry you to a distant time when violence was the norm, and the difference between the good and the bad was the flag they flew from the masthead. Captain Mary is more than an ordinary pirate; she is both principled and ruthless, a robber baroness and a generous patron. She is as much loved by her allies as she is hated by her enemies who will stop at nothing to destroy her and her empire. . . . .
Gudrun's Tapestry
by Joan Schweighardt Gudrun's Tapestry is the silver medal winner for historical fiction in the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award and runner-up for the Independent Publisher's Book Awards (IPPYs) announced at BEA (Book Expo America) in Chicago. Gudrun’s Tapestry is a powerful, enchanting and vivid tale of a lone woman’s quest to face the Fifth century’s greatest terror, Attila the Hun. The only thing she bears is a cursed sword and a belief that she must act to preserve her people, the Burgundians. Along the way Gudrun unexpectedly discovers the capacity to love a man who may be a mortal enemy. In finally confronting her true self, she must embark on an inner journey to cope with adversity in the outer world. Grounded in history and loosely based on the Poetic Edda , Gudrun’s Tapestry takes the reader on a quest of self-discovery in a tale of magic and courage that resonates through the centuries to touch the reader’s heart and soul. . . . .
The Witch from the Sea
by Lisa Jensen " Jane Eyre goes to Treasure Island ." That's how Jacqueline Simonds, author of Captain Mary, Buccaneer characterized this extraordinary book. In 1823, Tory Lightfoot is a runaway from Boston’s soul-stifling Worthen Academy for Women where her rebellious nature and mixed blood are the source of constant scorn and abuse. Seeking freedom that she knows she’ll never find at the school, she disguises herself by dressing like a young man and stows away aboard a heavily laden merchantman bound for Barbados – only to be captured by pirates. Through a series of well-meant but disastrous choices, Tory winds up accepting the pirates' invitation to join their crew. She quickly takes to the life of an outlaw – plundering ships while playing cat and mouse with the American "West India Squadron," a flotilla of warships out to decorate their yardarms with hanged buccaneers. But the authorities turn out to be the least of her troubles, for it is her heart that tests her character and ability to survive. First there is Matty, a handsome gentleman’s-son- turned-pirate out to prove himself on his own terms. There’s also Jack, her pirate mentor, who reluctantly helps her adapt to the brigand's life. . . . .
Ursula's Maiden Army
by Philip Griffin "[D]ebut author Griffin has written a powerful story of friendship, courage, loyalty, and faith.... Historical fantasy at its best.” — Library Journal "Fiercely entertaining." — Midwest Book Review Published in Germany by Rowohlt Taschenbuch. Published in Italian by Mondadori/Harlequin. Published in Russian by AST. Britannic Princess Ursula hatches a bold scheme when the men of her country go to defend the crumbling Roman Empire—that an army of women can defend their island home! She and her friends Pinnosa, Brittola, Cordula, Martha and Saula, create an all-female force who successfully defend their homeland from the Picts, Hibernians and Saxons. . . . .
