Helen Hollick's Website Blog: ANTHOLOGIES

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good reads by a variety of brilliant authors

Tales of History, Mystery & Magic - The binding theme; Destiny… Kismet… FATE!

If you had a crystal ball to predict what lay ahead, would you be tempted to use it? Or would you leave the future to the turn of Fate?

The authors, in order of appearance:

Introduction: Cathie Dunn

Bramble Creep by Annie Whitehead

Six Pomegranate Seeds by Jean Gill

One Black Dog by Marian L Thorpe

In the Shadow of Ghosts by Helen Hollick

A Fateful Encounter by Alison Morton

Following Fate by Elizabeth St.John

The Black Onyx Box by R Marsden

Beware the Crows by Anna Belfrage

Dame Fortune’s Wheel by J P Reedman

Saints Alive by Debbie Young

Tales of Variety. Tales of History, Mystery and Magic – some comprising just one of these popular fiction genres, others, a mild mixture of all three.

Perhaps you prefer historical fiction rather than a story about magic or fantasy? Maybe you enjoy exploring new themes or prefer sticking to the familiar? Historical fiction can often inform, imparting knowledge of the past, of its events and its people. Stories of mystery exercise the ‘little grey cells’ as Poirot would say, while fantasy and magic create new worlds and awed wonder.

Whatever the result, this is where anthologies come into their own, and where short stories are often appreciated as enjoyable, entertaining, quick or easy reads, shown through the eyes of a variety of extraordinary characters and situations.

In this instance: An Anglo-Saxon woman facing the consequence of conquest, the pursuit of alchemy, the concern of a mother for her daughter, the shifting of time, the necessity of hidden identity, souls who will linger as ghosts, a warning from the supernatural, the necessity for (justifiable?) revenge. All mingled with the rekindling of romance through a mutual quest, and the preparations for a Cotswold village celebration. (Along with a good tip if illicitly snaffling cakes.)

Publisher: Taw River Press ISBN: 978-1-0687721-4-6 ASIN: B0F9FVNXZ7

Historical Stories of Exile - An historical fiction anthology, based upon the theme of exile

Authors in order of appearance:

Annie Whitehead

J G Harlond

Helen Hollick

Anna Belfrage

Elizabeth Chadwick

Loretta Livingstone

Elizabeth St.John

Alison Morton

Charlene Newcomb

Marian L Thorpe

Amy Maroney

Cathie Dunn

Cryssa Bazos

With an introduction by Deborah Swift

Exile: a risky defiance, a perilous journey, a family’s tragic choice – or an individual’s final gamble to live. Exile: voluntary or enforced, a falling-out between friends, a lost first love, a prejudiced betrayal – or the only way to survive persecution?

In this historical fiction anthology thirteen authors (they are not superstitious!) have written exclusive short stories on the theme of exile. Some are based on true history, others are speculative fiction. All mine the depths of human emotions: fear, hope, love, and the fortitude to survive.

Join an inspiring Anglo-Saxon queen of Wales, a courageous Norwegian falconer, and a family fleeing back in time to escape the prospect of a ruthless future.

Oppose the law with the legendary Doones of Exmoor, or defy the odds with two brave WWII exiles. Meet a Roman apprehensively planning exile to preserve the 'old ways', and a real Swedish prince forcibly expelled in heart-wrenching circumstances.

Thrill to a story based on the legend of Robin Hood, sail with a queen of Cyprus determined to regain her rightful throne; escape religious persecution, discover the heart-rending truth behind the settlement of Massachusetts and experience the early years that would, eventually, lead to the founding of Normandy.

Experience the stirring of first love, and as an exclusive treat, special guest author Elizabeth Chadwick reveals a tale about the 12th-century’s heiress, Isabelle de Clare, and the Greatest Knight of all time – William Marshal.

With an introduction by multi-award-winning author Deborah Swift, enjoy these tales of exile across the ages. Some are hopeful, some sad, some romantic, some tragic, but all explore the indomitable spirit of resolute, unforgettable characters.

~ Reviews from Amazon ~

"This anthology is a captivating compilation of stories penned by a roster of many of my favorite authors! I’m enjoying delving into these narratives that traverse diverse landscapes and eras."

"Exile is an especially poignant topic at present and it has been part of the lives of so many people throughout history. As a background to fiction it enables us to become closer to the characters as they respond to their new environment while experiencing Hiraeth or Saudade.

"I enjoyed this opportunity to discover the talent of several authors whose novels I will now seek out. "

Publisher: Taw River Press ISBN: 978-1-7392720-1-2 ASIN: B0CLGGK74L

FREE e-book

Historical Stories of Betrayal - A collection of short stories exploring the topics of betrayal, treason and perfidy.

Loyalty breaks as easily as a silken thread

Misplaced trust, power hunger, emotional blackmail, and greed haunt twelve characters from post-Roman Britain to the present day. And betrayal by family, lover, comrade can be even more devastating.

A dozen tales by twelve accomplished writers who explore these historical yet timeless challenges.

The authors are:

AD455 Derek Birks

Roman leader Ambrosius is caught in a whirlpool of shifting allegiances.

AD940 Annie Whitehead

Alyeva and cleric Dunstan navigate the dangers of the Anglo Saxon court.

1185 Charlene Newcomb

Knight Stephan fights for comradeship, duty, and honour. But what about love?

1330 Anna Belfrage

The powerful Edmund of Kent enters a tangled web of intrigue.

1403 Mercedes Rochelle

Thomas Percy must decide whether to betray his sovereign or his family.

1457 Amy Maroney

Estelle is invited to the King of Cyprus’s court, but deception awaits.

1483 Elizabeth St.John

Has Elysabeth made the right decision to bring Prince Edward to London?

1484 Judith Arnopp

Margaret Beaufort contemplates the path to treason.

1577 Tony Riches

Francis Drake contends with disloyalty at sea.

1650 Cryssa Bazos

Can James Hart, Royalist highwayman, stop a nemesis destroying his friend?

1718 Helen Hollick

Pirate Anne Bonny, her lover Calico Jack, and a pirate hunter. Who will win?

1849 / Alison Morton

Carina must discover her ancestor’s betrayer in Italy or face ruin.

present day

~ Reviews ~

"I read this anthology from start to finish in a matter of days… Each story is gripping."

Publisher: Historical Fictioneers ASIN : B08NGJXM6L

1066 Turned Upside Down - A collection of alternative 'what if' history short stories to celebrate the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings

The authors are:

Anna Belfrage

Joanna Courtney

Richard Dee

Helen Hollick

G K Holloway

Carol McGrath

Alison Morton

Eliza Redgold

Annie Whitehead

With a foreword by writer and actor C C Humphreys

1066 is the most known year in English history, and the most intriguing. It represents a key turning point; a year in which everything was up for grabs, a year in which England's historical story could have gone any number of ways - a year of 'what ifs'…

What if King Edward's great-nephew, Edgar, had been thought old enough to rule, and chosen as king? What if the Northern Earls has defeated the Norwegian, Harald Hardrada and King Harold's own brother, Tostig, at Gate Fulford - or what if Harald Hardrada had won the Battle of Stamford Bridge in Yorkshire? What if Harold had defeated the Normans at sea? What if Svein of Denmark had invaded or a European political power had intervened? What if William had died when he was unhorsed at Hastings or had been defeated at London Bridge in November? What if the Bayeux Tapestry carries a hidden, secret meaning about the truth of 1066 - or a time machine could alter the past?

So much could have been different and now, at last, we can explore some of those 'what ifs' in this exciting collection of 'virtual history' short stories, written by known and loved writers of the period - and a few from

outside of it.

The collection includes historical notes of what really did happen alongside the fictional re-interpretations, as well as authors' notes on what fascinates them about 1066 and why they chose to 'change' what they did.

Each story will also have a couple of suggestions for 'discussion' points for schools, writer's groups - or just your own curiosity!

~ Reviews ~

"The real joy of a collection of stories like this is, of course, that you are likely to be introduced to writers you may not have come across before."

"1066 Turned Upside Down is the exemplar for how counterfactual history should be done, combining the best elements of fiction and non-fiction to create an immensely impressive achievement. I can only hope that we see more anthologies like this and that it is used as a template by future authors and publishers."

"This is a brilliant anthology. The stories add an alternative twist to one of England's most important events - the Anglo Saxon loss to the Normans at the Battle of Hastings-- with the question, what if? All the stories are richly drawn and for those who aren't familiar with what really happened, an author's note is included with each story so you know what was changed. Well worth a read."