Belle of the Library

Astor + Blue Editions is proud to release perhaps the most passionate work of master storyteller, John L’Heureux, in The Medici Boy [ISBN:  978-1-938231-50-6 (Hard Cover); ISBN: 978-1-938231-48-3 (E-book); US $25.95; Historical / Literary Fiction; 346 Pages, April, 2014].  Described as “one of America’s greatest living writers” by the Financial Times of London, L’Heureux returns with a long-awaited new historical fiction novel; the result of years of research—backed by a Guggenheim Grant—on location in Europe. Donatello: Art, Pain, Passion, Murder Renowned Literary Writer Renders Controversial Life of Mysterious Renaissance Genius “ John L’Heureux has built a gripping story of love, genius and betrayal.” --JM Coetzee, Nobel Prize for Literature, Booker Prize Winner “Deeply enjoyable, The Medici Boy soars like an operatic aria, before breaking our hearts.” --David Henry Hwang, playwright, M. Butterfly, Chinglish “ L’Heureux ’s is certainly one of America’s greatest living wri...

about the book Emily and Charlotte Brontë are about as opposite as two sisters can be. Charlotte is practical and cautious; Emily is headstrong and imaginative. But they do have one thing in common: a love of writing. This shared passion will lead them to be two of the first published female novelists and authors of several enduring works of classic literature. But they're not there yet. First, they have to figure out if there is a connection between a string of local burglaries, rumors that a neighbor's death may not have been accidental, and the appearance on the moors of a mysterious and handsome stranger. The girls have a lot of knots to untangle—before someone else gets killed. my thoughts Wonderfully written novel featuring two of my favorite authors as protagonists. Charlotte and Emily Bronte (along with the rest of the family) are the main characters in this fantastic book. We see the growth and development of the characters as they progress through the story. We see th...

The new novel The Chalice, by Nancy Bilyeau, sends readers on a page-turning historical quest. Set in Henry VIII's England, the story is driven by plot twists, deceptions, spiritual searching and romantic tension. Readers fall in love with protagonist Joanna Stafford, a Catholic novice forced to leave her priory and find her answers. "She is strong and determined and very likable," says one blogger. "Exhilarating," says Good Housekeeping, and "The novel is riveting and provides fascinating insight into into the lives of displaced nuns and priests, with fully realized characters," says RT Book Reviews. Launching in paperback on March 18 and available in ebook too. The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau Publication Date: March 18, 2014 Touchstone Publishing Paperback; 496p ISBN-10: 1476708665 Series: Joanna Stafford, Book Two Genre: Historical Mystery READ AN EXCERPT . Between the crown and the cross stands one woman... IN 1538, ENGLAND is in the midst of bloody ...

You’re never too old to have one more adventure   Brought to life by Steve Ferchaud’s vibrant drawings, this story for all ages by Dan O’Brien lets us know that it is never too late to have one more adventure.  An Excerpt: Robert Pendleton opened one eye as the light of a passing car flashed over the window, shattering the darkness into prisms. He rolled onto his back on the beat-up couch and yawned as he reached his hands up and rubbed his eyes unceremoniously.  He looked out over the darkness at the digital clock. The red digits spelled out a quarter ‘til midnight––nearly fourteen hours of sleep. He smiled and grabbed one of the cushions of the couch, burying his head in it. Just enough sleep, he reminded himself. Robert felt that anything less than twelve hours of sleep was very nearly too little.  He grasped blindly for the TV remote.  Groaning as he lifted his head, he looked at the empty table––his eyes drawn by another flash of a passing car. He couldn’t ...

Tour Schedule: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/queenelizabethsdaughtertour Tour Hashtag: #QueenElizabethsDaughterTour Publication Date: March 18, 2014 St. Martin’s Griffin Paperback; 320p ISBN-10: 0312662122 Mistress Mary Shelton is Queen Elizabeth’s favorite ward, enjoying every privilege the position affords. The queen loves Mary like a daughter, and, like any good mother, she wants her to make a powerful match. The most likely prospect: Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford. But while Oxford seems to be everything the queen admires: clever, polished and wealthy, Mary knows him to be lecherous, cruel, and full of treachery. No matter how hard the queen tries to push her into his arms, Mary refuses. Instead, Mary falls in love with a man who is completely unsuitable. Sir John Skydemore is a minor knight with little money, a widower with five children. Worst of all, he’s a Catholic at a time when Catholic plots against Elizabeth are rampant. The queen forbids Mary to wed the man she loves. When...

bookblast and GIVEAWAY!! The recent release of The Frost of Springtime, by debut author Rachel L. Demeter, transports readers to the war torn streets of nineteenth century Paris. Driven by paradoxical characters, steamy encounters, and a compelling storyline, it’s a bittersweet tale of revolution, redemption, and the healing power of love. Described as “poignant,” emotionally devastating,” and “beautiful,” The Frost of Springtime is sure to please historical and romance readers alike. Available now in both eBook and paperback. Currently Amazon Prime members can read the Kindle edition for free! Publication Date: February 14, 2014 Black Lyon Publishing Formats: Paperback, Kindle eBook Genre: Historical Romance/Historical Fiction To rescue her was to rescue his own soul. On a cold Parisian night, Vicomte Aleksender de Lefèvre forges an everlasting bond with a broken girl during her darkest hour, rescuing her from a life of abuse and misery. Tormented by his own demons, he finds his first...