Our June event has come to an end, and we would like to thank Catherine Delors for providing us with such an intriguing read and allowing us to host her on our websites! Thank you followers for visiting and commenting! Below is our complete schedule with links. If you haven’t entered all of the giveaways, make sure to drop by our sites! If you’re not lucky enough to snag a copy, however, FOR THE KING is available to purchase July 8, 2010! Also, make sure to visit the author’s website and blog for more on her books and projects!
REVIEWS
http://www.passagestothepast.com/2010/07/review-for-king-by-catherine-delors.html
Arleigh @ Historical-Fiction.com
GUEST POSTS
“Napoleon and Josephine in 1800″
“The King and the Emperor: Louis XVIII and Napoleon”
“How I Imagine My Fictional Characters”
CREATIVE POSTS
“The Arc de Triomphe” by Susie
“History in Fashion Photography: The French Revolution” by Allie
“Caught on Tape: Napoleon” by Heather
GIVEAWAYS
@ The Burton Review (ends July 2, 2010)
@ Historical-Fiction.com (ends July 9, 2010)
@ Enchanted by Josephine (ends July 15, 2010)
@ Hist-Fic Chick (ends July 13, 2010)
@ The Maiden’s Court (ends July 7, 2010)
@ All Things Royal (TBA)
@ Historically Obsessed (ends July 5, 2010)
OTHER
Book Review: Mistress of the Revolution (by Allie) @ Hist-Fic Chick
For The King had us Round Table Bloggers hooked from the start. What an amazing novel by by the oh-so- interesting Catherine Delors! Here, at Historical Fiction Bloggers Round Table, we anted to learn more about this grand author and so we were especially pleased when she agreed to this interview. To learn more, read on and you’ll agree that this is most interesting!
FOR THE KING takes place a few years after the French Revolution and your prior book, MISTRESS OF THE REVOLUTION, takes place during the Revolution. What is it about this time period that piques your interest and makes you want to tell their stories?
What I love about history is what it tells us about ourselves and our own times. During the French Revolution and its aftermath, the political issues eerily foreshadowed the ones we face today. For instance, in FOR THE KING, I describe, beyond the mechanics and forensics of the investigation, the political exploitation of an attack on the civilian population of a major city. To me, the parallels with 9/11 are inescapable.
How did the idea come to you write a novel of Roch Miguel based on real events? Was it easier to insert these few new characters into the setting you were basing your novel on?
The idea behind FOR THE KING was to write a novel, not a dissertation. That meant that, if I wanted to be able to play with the arc of the plot, I had to combine fictional characters like Roch and Blanche, his mysterious mistress, and historical figures like Napoléon and Fouché, the Minister of Police. This is part of the fun and challenge of writing historical fiction.
This novel and the next one you are writing are themed as historical mysteries or thrillers. What draws you to this genre as opposed to writing just a historical fiction story?
I have been an avid reader of mysteries and thrillers since childhood, and believe they make for excellent historical fiction. Some of my very favorite historicals belong to that genre, like The Name of the Rose and the Judge Dee mysteries.
What are the next projects that you are working on? Has your writing been able to surpass the need to require you to have a day job yet?
The day job (I am an attorney) is here to stay until I hit the NYT best-seller list. I am working on two literary projects right now. The first is a prequel to my first novel, MISTRESS OF THE REVOLUTION, and also a historical thriller like FOR THE KING. It is also inspired by the Gothic novels of the 18th and 19th centuries. So you could call it a Gothic historical thriller.
My other project is very different, and still at the research stage. And the amount of research happens to be particularly daunting, because it deals with Jane Austen and her family. The Austens have been particularly adept at keeping their secrets, so it behooves me to become equally adept at uncovering them.
Your blog Versailles and More and your novels are focused on French history. Do you feel you will branch out into a different region or are you most comfortable staying within French themes?
Well, I was born and raised in France, and I currently split my time between Paris and London. I have French research materials at my fingertips and, to be candid, I love French settings, Paris in particular. But my Jane Austen book will take my readers to both sides of the Channel. See? I am not prejudiced.
Who have been some of your greatest influencers for your writing style?
In English, my second language, definitely Jane Austen. In my native French, Balzac and Flaubert. With such writers, I can’t go wrong, can I?
What is the most difficult aspect of writing historical fiction, and what is the most alluring?
There can be no decent historical fiction without thorough research. It is helpful to read scholarly works as a sort of short cut, but nothing replaces one’s own investigation. So the research is the most time-consuming difficult part, and also the most exciting part of writing historical fiction. I am an archives rat, and it is a wonderful feeling to open a dusty box of documents, and find there things no one has bothered to uncover for centuries.
The French Revolution has fascinated many historical enthusiasts but what drew you into writing about one of the first real examples of police work in Paris instead of the grisly story of the Royals of that time?
This novel is not titled FOR THE KING by chance. In 1800 the surviving Bourbons lived in relatively comfortable exile (King Louis XVIII in Russia, and his younger brother the Comte d’Artois, later Charles X, in London) but they were not content to bide their time. Their supporters were actively conspiring to assassinate Napoléon and restore the monarchy. FOR THE KING deals precisely with one of those failed attempts, and its repercussions on the lives of ordinary people like Roch and Blanche. It may be that, deep down, I find the lives of regular people more complex and interesting than those of royalty. It’s my Jane Austen side, all things being equal…
From all of us here at Historical Fiction bloggers round Table, Thank you so much, Catherine for gracing us with this terrific interview:)
- June Event
See the CALENDAR for the list of events!
We will have giveaways on the blogs also!
This June, the Round Table is honored to be hosting Catherine Delors, author of Mistress of the Revolution and her newest novel, For The King. Here is the book trailer for For The King:
The Round Table ladies will be reading and reviewing For The King for our June event which begins June 21st. Some of our favorite authors have been selected to “blurb” the back cover of the dustjacket, such as future Round Table Author Susan Holloway Scott, and our last Round Table Author, C.W. Gortner.
Please visit the calendar page when the event starts to see which Round Table ladies have posted about Catherine Delors’ For The King.
Visit Catherine at her fabulous blog, Versailles and More.
In bookstores today all across the world “The Confessions of Catherine De Medici” by C.W. Gortner has officially released! I am so excited this has been a long time coming and I knew this was going to be a great read and I think many ladies of the Round Table would have to agree it was well worth the long wait for it.
As for the necklace, the to die for faux replica of Catherine De Medici’s necklace that us ladies are honored to have C.W. himself contribute this lovely piece just for the HFBRT event. Thank you C.W. you are too kind to us, the kindness and support you have given to our Ladies of the Round Table is much appreciated. We look forward to many more good reads from you in the future.
I think it is time for the moment everyone has been waiting for…
The Winner of The Confession’s Necklace is….
Michelle @ The True Book Addict
The two winners of the hardback final copies of “The Confessions of Catherine De Medici” are…
Chris and Jenni @ Falling Off The Shelf
Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all who entered, it was fun! I hope that we can do this again in the future and once again thank you C.W. Gortner for having such great taste in books and jewelry!
Just in case you missed it here is the link to the full final schedule for Mays feature of “The Confessions of Catherine de Medici” by C.W. Gortner. Stay tuned for the next feature “For The King” by Catherine Delors
It has been a blast to feature this incredible read with such a fun group of ladies. What better way to wrap up this portion of the event with the full schedule and a cool excerpt from the book.
Please do not forget to enter for your chance in the two giveaways we have going on right now; 2 copies of the book and Catherine’s necklace will all run until the release date. Winner’s will be announced on Confession’s release day May 25, 2010. A big Thank you to C.W. Gortner for making this fabulous event possible and for the wonderful ladies who worked so hard to bring this event to life for the readers; Thank You it was a blast.
Saturday, May 8th – Two-book Giveaway at the HFBRT.
Sunday, May 9th – “Symbols and Emblems of 16th Century French Monarchs” by Arleigh at historical-fiction.com, Book Review by Marie at The Burton Review, Author video at HFBRT.
Monday, May 10th – “An Italian in the Court of France,” a Guest Post by CW Gortner at Enchanted by Josephine, “Quoteables: Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers” by Allie at Hist-Fic Chick, Book Review by Lizzy at Historically Obsessed.
Tuesday, May 11th – Giveaway: Win Catherine’s Necklace! at the HFBRT, “Nostradamus – Visionary or the Best Fraud Ever” by Heather at The Maiden’s Court, Book Review by Arleigh at historical-fiction.com.
Wednesday, May 12th – “Two Women, One King,” A Guest Post by CW Gortner at Hist-Fic Chick, Book Review by Amy at Passages to the Past.
Thursday, May 13th - Round Table Discussion Q&A at the HFBRT, “Catherine de Medici’s Gift” + Nostradamus Giveaway at Enchanted by Josephine, Book Review by Heather at The Maiden’s Court.
Friday, May 14th – Re-cap of CW Gortner’s books at the HFBRT, “The Woman Behind the Legend,” A Guest Post by CW Gortner at Passages to the Past, “Sunday’s Art: The Huguenot, Pre-Raphaelites 1851-2? at Historically Obsessed, Book Review by Susie at All Things Royal.
Saturday, May 15th – Post by Susie at All Things Royal, Book Review by Lucy at Enchanted by Josephine.
Sunday, May 16th – “Catherine de Medici & Family: A Portrait Retrospective” by Amy at Passages to the Past, Book Review by Allie at Hist-Fic Chick, “Lucy’s Art: A Young Catherine de Medici” at Enchanted by Josephine.
Tuesday, May 25th – Release Date, Book and Necklace Giveaway Winner Announced at the HFBRT.
Also for your enjoyment here is an excerpt from “The Confessions of Catherine De Medici” by C.W. Gortner.
Blois, 1589
I am not a sentimental woman.
Even during my youth I wasn’t given to melancholia or remorse. I rarely looked back, rarely paused to mark the passage of time. Some would say I do not know the meaning of regret. Indeed, if my enemies are to be believed, my unblinking eyes stare always forward, focused on the future; on the next war to fight; the next son to exalt; the next enemy to vanquish.
How little they know me. How little anyone knows me. Perhaps it was ever my fate to dwell alone in the myth of my own life, to bear witness to the legend that has sprung around me like some venomous bloom. I have been called murderess and opportunist, savior and victim. And along the way, become far more than was ever expected of me, even if loneliness was always present, like a faithful hound at my heels.
The truth is, none of us are innocent.
We all have sins to confess.
PART I 1527 – 1532
The Tender Leaf
One
I was ten years old when I discovered I might be a witch.
I sat sewing with my aunt Clarice, as sunlight spread across the gallery floor. Outside the window I could hear the splashing of the courtyard fountain, the cries of the vendors in the Via Larga and staccato of horse hooves on the cobblestone streets, and I thought for the hundredth time that I couldn’t stay inside another minute. “Caterina Romelo de Medici, can it be you’ve finished already?”
I looked up. My late father’s sister Clarice de’ Medici y Strozzi regarded me from her chair. I wiped my brow with my sleeve. “It’s so hot in here,” I said. “Can’t I go outside?”
She arched her eyebrow. Even before she said anything, I could have recited her words, so often had she drummed them into my head: “You are the Duchess of Urbino, daughter of Lorenzo de Medici and his wife Madeleine de la Tour, who was of noble French blood. How many times must I tell you, you must restrain your impulses in order to prepare for your future?”
I didn’t care about the future. I cared that it was summer and here I was cooped up in the family palazzo forced to study and sew all day, as if I might melt in the sun.
I clapped my embroidery hoop aside. “I’m bored. I want to go home.”
“Florence is your home; it is your birth city,” she replied. “I took you from Rome because you were sick with fever. You’re fortunate you can sit here and argue with me at all.”
“I’m not sick anymore,” I retorted. I hated it when she used my poor health as an excuse. “At least in Rome, Papa Clement let me have my own servants and a pony to ride.”
She regarded me without a hint of the ire that the mention of my papal uncle always roused in her. “That may be but you are here now, in my care, and you will abide by my rules. It’s mid-afternoon. I’ll not hear of you going outside in this heat.”
“I’ll wear a cap and stay in the shade. Please, Zia. You can come with me.”
I saw her trying to repress her unwilling smile as she stood. “If your work is satisfactory, we can take a stroll on the loggia before supper.” She came to me, a thin woman in a simple gray gown, her oval face distinguished by her large liquid-black eyes—the Medici eyes, which I had inherited, along with our family’s curly auburn hair and long-fingered hands.
She swiped up my embroidery. Her lips pursed when she heard me giggle. “I suppose you think it’s funny to make the Holy Mother’s face green? Honestly, Caterina; such sacrilege.” She thrust the hoop at me. “Fix it at once. Embroidery is an art, one you must master as well as your other studies. I’ll not have it said that Caterina de Medici sews like a peasant.”
I thought it best not to laugh and began picking out the offensive color, while my aunt returned to her seat. She stared off into the distance. I wondered what new trials she planned for me. I did love her but she was forever dwelling on how our family prestige had fallen since the death of my great grandfather, Lorenzo Il Magnifico; of how Florence had been a center of learning renowned for our Medici patronage, and now we were but illustrious guests in the city we had helped build. It was my responsibility, she said, to restore our family’s glory, as I was the last legitimate descendant of Il Magnifico’s bloodline.
I wondered how she expected me to accomplish such an important task. I’d been orphaned shortly after my birth; I had no sisters or brothers and depended on my papal uncle’s goodwill. When I once mentioned this, my aunt snapped: “Clement VII was born a bastard. He bribed his way to the Holy See, to our great shame. He’s not a true Medici. He has no honor.”
Given his prestige, if he couldn’t restore our family name I didn’t know how she expected me to. Yet she seemed convinced of my destiny, and every month had me dress in my uncomfortable ducal finery and pose for a new portrait, which was then copied into miniatures and dispatched to all the foreign princes who wanted to marry me. I was still too young for wedlock, but she left me no doubt she’d already selected the cathedral, the number of ladies who would attend me—
All of a sudden, my stomach clenched. I dropped my hands to my belly, feeling an unexpected pain. My surroundings distorted, as if the palazzo had plunged underwater. Nausea turned my mouth sour. I came to my feet blindly, hearing my chair crash over. A terrifying darkness overcame me. I felt my mouth open in a soundless scream as the darkness widened like a vast ink stain, swallowing everything around me. I was no longer in the gallery arguing with my aunt; instead, I stood in a desolate place, powerless against a force that seemed to well up from deep inside me . . .
I stand unseen, alone among strangers. They are weeping. I see tears slip down their faces, though I can’t hear their laments. Before me is a curtained bed, draped in black. I know at once something horrible lies upon it, something I should not see. I try to stay back but my feet move me toward it with the slow certainty of a nightmare, compelling me to reach out a spotted, bloated hand I do not recognize as my own, part the curtains, and reveal—
“Dio Mio, no!” My cry wrenched from me. I felt my aunt holding me, the frantic caress of her hand on my brow. I had a terrible stomach ache and lay sprawled on the floor, my embroidery and tangled yarns strewn beside me.
“Caterina, my child,” my aunt said. “Please, not the fever again. . .”
As the strange sensation of having left my own body began to fade, I forced myself to sit up. “I don’t think it’s the fever,” I said. “I saw something: a man, lying dead on a bed. He was so real, Zia . . . it scared me.”
She stared at me. Then she whispered, “Una visione,” as if it was something she’d long feared. She gave me a fragile smile, reaching out to help me to my feet. “Come, that’s enough for today. Let us go take that walk, si? Tomorrow we’ll visit the Maestro. He’ll know what to do.”
Excerpt from The Confessions of Catherine de Medici © C.W. Gortner 2010.
The Last Queen
Juana of Castile, the last queen of Spanish blood to inherit her country’s throne, has been for centuries an enigmatic figure shrouded in lurid myth. Was she the bereft widow of legend who was driven mad by her loss, or has history misjudged a woman who was ahead of her time? In his stunning new novel, C. W. Gortner challenges the myths about Queen Juana, unraveling the mystery surrounding her to reveal a brave, determined woman we can only now begin to fully understand.
The third child of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand of Spain, Juana is born amid her parents’ ruthless struggle to unify their kingdom, bearing witness to the fall of Granada and Columbus’s discoveries. At the age of sixteen, she is sent to wed Philip, the archduke of Flanders, as part of her parents’ strategy to strengthen Spain, just as her youngest sister, Catherine of Aragon, is sent to England to become the first wife of Henry VIII.
Juana finds unexpected love and passion with her handsome young husband, the sole heir to the Hapsburg Empire. At first she is content with her children and her life in Flanders. But when tragedy strikes and she inherits the Spanish throne, Juana finds herself plunged into a 
battle for power against her husband that grows to involve the major monarchs of Europe. Besieged by foes on all sides, her intelligence and pride used as weapons against her, Juana vows to secure her crown and save Spain from ruin, even if it could cost her everything.
With brilliant, lyrical prose, novelist and historian C. W. Gortner conjures Juana through her own words, taking the reader from the somber majesty of Spain to the glittering and lethal courts of Flanders, France, and Tudor England. The Last Queen brings to life all the grandeur and drama of an incomparable era, and the singular humanity of this courageous, passionate princess whose fight to claim her birthright captivated the world.
The Secret Lion (The Spymaster Chronicals, Book 1
In this rousing historical adventure set in the Tudor court, we are swept back to the final days of Edward VI’s reign, and a time of danger, deceit, and courage. Brendan Prescott, a foundling reared in Dudley household, arrives at court to serve as a squire to the arrogant Lord Robert Dudley. Keen and ambitious, Brendan hopes to gain advancement in his new post – until Lord Robert dispatches him on an illicit mission to the King’s enigmatic sister, the Princess Elizabeth, and Brendan discovers that nothing in his world is as it appears. A dark plot brews around Elizabeth’s quest to unravel the truth about her brother King Edward VI’s disappearance. Lured into her service as a spy, with only a bold stable boy and audacious lady-in-waiting at his side, Brendan plunges into a ruthless gambit of half-truths and lies, pitted against the wiles of a vengeful opponent who may hold the secret of his own mysterious birth – a secret that could shatter everything he believes in, and cast an inescapable shadow over him, Elizabeth, and the future of England itself. Filled with the intrigue and pageantry of Tudor England, The Secret Lion is the first book in The Spymaster Chronicles.
This book is out of print and the paperback brand new copy price keeps going up and up. It now is at a hot $1,266.33
In 2011 expect to hear more from Gortner
“For those who are interested, “The Secret Lion” is now out of print, hence the outrageous price! However, it was recently sold in a 3-book deal to St Martin’s Press and will be reissued in 2011 with some editorial manicuring as THE TUDOR SECRET, Book I in the Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles.
You can always find out more about my work and access special features at my website at http://www.cwgortner.com“.
Isabell has always been another interesting woman I would love to read about. I have all the time in the world to wait for it.
We wanted to shake things up a bit this time and instead of doing a Q & A between the ladies after the read we decided maybe we should do one before since we all wrote reviews that go into detail of our final thoughts and feelings. You can find all of the reviews that have been posed so far in the event and yes we do have more coming later in the schedule. Thought it would be enjoyable to get some of the ladies iniatal thoughts on Catherine De Medic.
Do not forget to enter our two Gortner giveaways!
2 Book Giveaway of “The Confessions of Catherine De Medici”
What is it about Catherine that has drawn your interest into reading about her?
There are many suppositions about her, especially involving the occult, and I would love to learn more about her true character and find out for myself if she was as sinister as history paints her.
Arleigh
I have always liked the fact that she has all of these conspiracies about her and her beliefs in the predictions of Nostradamus. She is unlike any other queen that I have been able to read about and it just sets her apart from the rest in my eyes. She is also a very strong woman; you have to be with Medici blood.
Heather
I really just wanted to know what happened to her. How was it that the massacar happened so many people died while she ruled or for all I knew not ruled.
Lizzy
For me, I love Catherine- and personally, I believe that she set the stage for the whole French Court-After all she was the ancestor of Louis XIV who thought up Versailles..She put the wheels in motion-but alot more than just the wheels.
Lucy
I have always wondered what type of a person she really was, as she does not have the best reputation, and I am intrigued by her supposed interest in the occult and her relationship with Nostradamus.
Marie
I have read several novels that include her as a background character, the most memorable being Courtesan by Diane Haeger, which is based on the life of her husband’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers. I’ve read a young adult novel on her early life in convents and plan to read Plaidy’s trilogy sometime this year.
Arleigh I have read one novel about her early life up through her marriage – Jean Plaidy’s Madame Serpent. From that point on in her life, I don’t really know anything. She lived for a long time after that, so I’m in the dark about a lot.
Heather
Nothing I know nothing not how she lived or how she died. What I did know is she was Italian, married to Francios I son, she wore a lot of black.
Lizzy
I read quite a bit about her (some academic and some here and there)- traveling to Italy often has helped me form quite an opinion (good one) on her:)
Lucy
I have read The Twilight of a Queen by Susan Carroll, but cannot recall reading any other books that are centered on Catherine de Medici. I had known Gortner’s book was coming for a year now so I also didn’t want to read any until I read this Medici novel first. She was also present in many of the books that I read concerning Mary Queen of Scots.
Marie
The ladies of the Round Table are proud to announce one of the most unique giveaways we have had yet to date. I have been extremely excited about this one. C.W. Gortner has outdone himself, to the benefit of his readers! In the creative whirlwind, the thought came to mind: Would it not be interesting to have a replica of Catherine de Medici’s necklace created? Readers this is where you come in, here is your chance to win big…
This giveaway for Catherine’s necklace is open to US residents only and will end on release day, May 25th. Just leave a comment with a way to contact you, and you are in the draw!
Here is the the down-low from Gortner on the necklace:
“I also wanted to let you know that I’ll be offering your readers a free Renaissance-style necklace inspired by the book; I’m having it custom-made. It is black pearls, with a sapphire-color pendant. In the book, Diane de Poitiers gives Catherine a black pearl necklace after Catherine gives birth to an heir, so I thought it would be fun to offer your readers bling as part of my HF Round Table appearance.”
C.W. it is beautiful and I know you are going to make one lucky winner very happy with this beauty. Thank you and good luck to all who enter. Without further delay, the giveaway is OPEN! Keep in mind the necklace is not made with real jewels but it still is a beautiful necklace that someone is going to rock until there is no tomarrow.
May’s The Confessions of Catherine de Medici Event Schedule To-Date:
Saturday, May 8th – Two-book Giveaway at the HFBRT.
Sunday, May 9th – “Symbols and Emblems of 16th Century French Monarchs” by Arleigh at historical-fiction.com, Book Review by Marie at The Burton Review, Author video at HFBRT.
Monday, May 10th – “An Italian in the Court of France,” a Guest Post by CW Gortner at Enchanted by Josephine, “Quoteables: Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers” by Allie at Hist-Fic Chick, Book Review by Lizzy at Historically Obsessed.
Tuesday, May 11th – Giveaway: Win Catherine’s Necklace! at the HFBRT, “Nostradamus – Visionary or the Best Fraud Ever” by Heather at The Maiden’s Court, Book Review by Arleigh at historical-fiction.com.
A chat with C.W. Gortner on The Confessions of Catherine De Medici and his next leading lady. I think I also saw “The Secret Lion” on the shelf in the background, which the paperback is up right now on Amazon for a hot $976.98!
The spectacular May Event is on a roll, and our ladies are proud to announce that it is time for our readers to get in on the goodies!
It is officially time to kick off the first giveaway for the amazing upcoming release, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner.
The Historical Fiction Bloggers Round Table is proud to announce that we have *two finished hardback copies* of Confessions up for grabs.
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only. The giveaway will end at midnight on the 24th of May and the winners will be announced on May 25th, the big release day.
To enter, all you need to do is leave your name & email on this post!
Good luck to all and stay tuned for another banging giveaway coming up very soon here at the Round Table.
For fun check out the book trailer video below – it is really interesting!
-
Events
-
June 2010
For the King by Catherine Delors
September 2010
The Countess and the King by Susan Holloway Scott
December 2010
A Royal Likeness by Christine Trent
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
May 2010
The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C. W. Gortner
April 2010
Claude and Camille by Stephanie Cowell
March 2010
The Scarlet Lion by Elizabeth Chadwick
February 2010
The Secret of the Glass by Donna Russo Morin
January 2010
O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell
Kick-Off Event
Notorious Royal Marriages by Leslie Carroll
-
Stalk Us
-
Categories
-
Recent Posts
- Event Wrap-up: FOR THE KING by Catherine Delors
- Interview with CATHERINE DELORS
- For The King by Catherine Delors
- In Stores Today and Winner of Catherine’s Necklace
- Summary of Events and Excerpt of THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI
- More Reads from C.W. Gortner
- Group Q & A on Confessions by C.W. Gortner
- THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI Necklace Giveaway
- A Chat With C.W. Gortner and Book Trailer
- THE CONFESSIONS OF CATHERINE DE MEDICI Giveaway
-
Archives
-
About Us
Welcome to the Historical Fiction Round Table's official website! We are a group of 8 historical fiction bloggers who have collaborated to celebrate specific new releases throughout the year. Take a look at our exciting line up and read about each of us below!
-
Charter Members
...::: Allie of :::... Hist-Fic Chick ...::: Amy of :::... Passages to the Past ...::: Arleigh of :::... Historical-Fiction.com ...::: Heather of :::... The Maiden's Court ...::: Lizzy of :::... Historically Obsessed ...::: Lucy of :::... Enchanted by Josephine ...::: Marie of :::... The Burton Review ...::: Susie of :::... All Things Royal
Allie has been working in PR in the fashion industry and is looking forward to starting a new gig in January at an NYC literary agency. She is an avid history buff and her favorite time periods are Ancient Greece and Rome, the Renaissance, Georgian and Napoleonic eras. When she isn't reading about controversial women from history, she loves painting and attending weekend classes at The Art Student's League of New York in her spare time. Allie lives in Manhattan with her other half Ron.
Amy is an admin by trade and a reader by passion. Her obsession with Historical Fiction began with The Other Boleyn Girl and she hasn't looked back since! I, Elizabeth, The Sunne in Splendour, The Swan Maiden and Signora da Vinci are among some of her favorite HF novels.
Arleigh works in a bookstore by day and tries her hand at writing by
night. Eras she enjoys reading are Medieval Europe, Restoration England and French
Revolution. Her favorite authors are Jean Plaidy, Robin Maxwell,
Margaret Campbell Barnes, Diane Haeger, etc. She has 2 beautiful daughters and lives in Georgia.
Heather is a recent college graduate. She would have majored in her first love - history - if she had the opportunity (but criminal justice sounded more practical). She always loved reading and never knew that it would open a world of opportunities. With all things considered - it should come as no surprise that she has made some great friends in the historical fiction world. Some of her favorite authors include: Philippa Gregory, Robin Maxwell, Michelle Moran and Jean Plaidy.
Lizzy is a at home mother of two little monsters. An avid animal lover and obsessed with everything relating to historical fiction. Regularly escaping to the pages of history every free second of everyday. I enjoy all forms of creativity and occasionally post my own art work if a novel inspires me to do so. My favorite authors are Robin Maxwell, C.W. Gortner, Kate Emerson, and of course the goddess of historical fiction Jean Plaidy.
Lucy is a Language Consultant by profession- but her real passion is history. Lucy loves reading historical fiction and non-fiction based on her favourite periods (16th to 18th c) set in France and Italy-especially Venice. It's safe to say she is a bit obsessed with anything Venetian...or Josephine Bonaparte related. Her favourite authors are Jean Plaidy, Sandra Gulland, Michelle Moran, Susan Holloway Scott. Besides teaching, reading and book reviewing, Lucy is also an aspiring writer and illustrator. She's a happily married mom of five amazing kids.
Marie works full-time as a bookkeeper but mostly enjoys keeping her large collection of historical fiction books at home. Her favorite topic is still the Tudors, but is slowly expanding on that as she blogs about it at The Burton Review. She is also a loving wife, has two spoiled brats who manage to drive her crazy daily.
Susie manages an insurance office during the day and pursues her hobbies at night. She has been researching her family history for over 30 years and has found some interesting characters for ancestors that she has created her blog around. Her favorite reading material is British royal historical fiction. Her favorite era(s) would be Medieval and Tudor history. She loves her three Westie's Malcolm, Isabelle, and Hermione~they are the light of her life. She has several favorite authors, topping the list would be Jean Plaidy, Barbara Erskine, Margaret Campbell Barnes and Phillipa Gregory.
-
Search
-
Blogroll
-
Subscribe
-
Meta
