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Beware the Midnight Train
Author Corner
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Beware the Midnight Train -Are you sure you're doing the right thing?


A time travel romance: part mystery, part historical, part romance. Misjudging the man she loves, Laura leaves for America in 1814, but is shipwrecked on treacherous sands and washed ashore in 2009. Too late, she learns the truth about him.
She is assisted in adjusting to twenty-first century living by a psychologist who is fascinated by her and her story of Regency times, highwaymen and her escape to safety.
Events confirm Laura's suspicion that the destiny of a woman she meets is linked with her own and she sees a way to restore happiness to the man she still loves and cannot forget. She risks her life and chance of fulfilment to return to 1814. Fortunately someone very special understands.
And what do people say about Hide in Time?
A GR reviewer says:
"What a beautifully written book. I instantly fell in love with the characters and cared about what happened to them. I loved the history, the little gems of information which sent me off to research further and the concept of the story. I found it believable even though it’s a work of imagination and fiction. Hide in Time is a must read for all those looking for a well written book in which to lose oneself. Highly recommended."
I hope you will take a look and perhaps read it and if you do, I hope you will enjoy it as much as the 5* reviewer above.


This time travel romance is 99c until Wednesday midnight.
Here's an extract when a girl from the 21st century, Xandra, finds herself in the early 19th century with some doubtful travelling companions:
"Upon her return, the man was slouched across the entire seat facing the front where Parson Raffles had been sitting; Parson Raffles was remonstrating with him.
“My good man,” said the parson in a manner that conveyed doubts about his own choice of adjective, “I feel I should apprise you of the fact that I am a poor traveller and I need to face the front.”
“Good man? D’you know who you’re talking to?”
His doubts confirmed, the parson replied, “I can see you are no gentleman, despite your attempt at a gentleman’s garb.”
Ooh, thought Xandra, this could turn into an interesting journey.
“I am Alfred Smith. You’ll know my name, of course.”
“I do not, and I have no wish to hear more of it.”
Alfred Smith, no more than twenty-five years of age, held high a bulging, chinking, pouch. “Alfred Smith shall soon be one of the richest men in the county and you’ll be saying you had the good fortune to meet the great man.”
Parson Raffles climbed in the carriage and sat next to, and almost on top of, the aspiring great, but currently drunk and scrawny, Alfred Smith."
If you have not yet read Hide in Time, I hope you will take a look at the ebook on Amazon and, if you buy it, I hope you will enjoy it.


Lucy has arrived at the farmhouse where she works and finds someone who can make her blush just by being there.
"To reach the porridge on the stove, Lucy had to pass Daniel and the dog, and neither moved. Rather than squeeze between him on her left and the kitchen table, she walked around the other side, collecting a bowl as she went. Still Daniel did not make way for her. “I would be obliged, Mr Tynton, if you would move just enough for me to reach the pot.”
“Say that again and I’ll move.”
Lucy raised her eyes to meet his sparkling blue ones. He was jesting. “Why?”
“I like to hear you talk.”
“Why?” Lucy wondered if it was wise to hold her ground now that Daniel was no longer a boy.
“It’s good to see you’ve still a lot of fight in you, Lucy. I’ve been hearing a few tales.” He nodded his head in the direction of the scullery. “But I can hold out longer and I’ll not move until you say that again for me.”
“Why?” The word had come out quicker than she’d intended. Should she play these games with someone who held her livelihood in his hands?
Daniel took hold of her frozen hand. Lucy withdrew it and immediately regretted her instinctive reaction. His eyes had not left her since she’d walked through the door and her nerve was failing. “You don’t talk like the rest of us round here. I’ve missed your voice and, like me Ma says, you sound like you’re from the gentry.”
He meant it. Lucy could see that gentle look appearing in his eyes, the one she took to bed with her and to her sanctuary on the cliffs, the look which warmed her and fought to stay in her fading stock of cherished memories. Playfully, Lucy dropped him a curtsey and said, “Kind sir, I would be obliged if you would move just enough for me to reach the pot.”
Hope you like it if you read it.

Lucy Yorton, dragged away from her privileged early life, finds it impossible to know who to trust, while those around her suspect she is a spy and treat her accordingly. Her problems increase when two men enter her life.
Lieutenant Karl Thorsen, sworn to avenge the death of his father, is a King's man. He is determined to stop the violent smugglers, hang them, and hang and gibbet one in particular.
Daniel Tynton has smuggling in his blood. Undaunted by Thorsen's threats, he is respected and feared. When he witnesses a murder, he makes a bold decision, and many lives will never be the same.
Until Monday 2nd May

will be 99c/99p on a Kindle Countdown Deal
I think NZ gets it cheaper too even though my author charts don't show that. I'd be grateful if someone would let me know how much you have to pay up til 2nd May.
NZ friends told me it's cheaper during Countdown Deals. I'm dual nationality and currently in England.
If you buy it, I hope you'll get the cheaper price, and I also hope you'll really enjoy it.

Lucy Yorton, dragged away from her privileged early life, finds it impossible to know who to trust, while those around her su..."
It is currently US$3.08 for NZ purchases.

Are there any kind bloggers who would like to interview me?
I'll try to sound interesting. Promise.
It's a sequel to

Thank you for reading this.

There's tons more at that site for assisting book launches but it's a big site and you will have to read through it all to find what you want.


Hide in Time is about Laura who finds herself washed up from a shipwreck early in the 21st century - she'd stormed off from her betrothed in 1814 so she's somewhat confused as to how this could happen. She likes her new life but she realizes she has made a horrible mistake.
Meanwhile, Xandra even hates her name as well as all the other bothersome things of modern day life and Laura happens to notice this. Could she...? Yep, she could, and she does. Back goes Xandra to 1814 only to be met with suspicious travelling companions, a highwayman and a delicious man who is still mourning the death of the girl he loved
How do these two cope with their puzzling new lives? And how does Laura manage not to upset the course of history despite her meddling? And oh boy can she meddle!
If you'd like to know more, then please grab a copy from Amazon and curl up somewhere warm and cosy and visit another time, another place.

Read free on Kindle Unlimited
I'm always hopeful that as you buy via .com on Amazon, you'll one day be able to get the reduced prices


If this is on your reading list, it's a good time to buy it if you haven't already done so because the sequel is soon to be released.
It is 1821 and smuggling is rife on the English coast. Lucy Yorton, dragged away from her privileged early life, finds it impossible to know who to trust, while those around her suspect she is a spy and treat her accordingly. Her problems increase when two men enter her life.
Lieutenant Karl Thorsen, sworn to avenge the death of his father, is a King's man. He is determined to stop the violent smugglers, hang them, and hang and gibbet one in particular.
Daniel Tynton has smuggling in his blood. Undaunted by Thorsen's threats, he is respected and feared. When he witnesses a murder, he makes a bold decision, and many lives will never be the same.
"Beautifully written, the story is populated by interesting characters that I grew to love." GR reviewer


I am really looking forward to the sequel to


And here is the sequel - at last!

The meaning behind the title:-
Dark star (Newtonian mechanics, 18th century), a star that has a gravitational pull strong enough to trap light…
On an island off the south coast of England, there are activities worse than smuggling and all the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man. The women on the island call him the Dark Star.
This is Book Two in The Dark Moon Trilogy but it stands alone if you haven't already read One Dark Night

The theme of Under a Dark Star is a quotation that is usually attributed to Edmund Burke. Born in Dublin, Ireland, he became a British politician in the 18th century.
"All that it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."
Two good men oppose the evil of smuggling even if they have to put their lives and the lives of those they love in jeopardy.
Under a Dark Star is set in 1823, on an island off the south coast of England known as the 'Diamond Isle'.
Due for publication on Tuesday 30th August.


All that it takes for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing. Fortunately, two good men decide to act, putting their lives and the lives of those they love in jeopardy.
Daniel Tynton, a reformed smuggler, and his old enemy, Lieutenant Karl Thorsen, embark on a quest to rid the ‘diamond isle’ of corruption by those who lure cargo ships onto rocks – wreckers. Against Daniel’s wishes, his wife Lucy follows him to the island where she plays a pivotal role in rescuing him from almost certain death.
All the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man.
In the midst of all the turmoil, Karl finally finds a woman he can love but she belongs to that man.
Book Two in The Dark Moon Trilogy
If you haven't read book 1 yet, there's still time...



Publication Day draws close! Here's a short excerpt from Chapter One:-
Karl Thorsen arrived, as usual, like a drum roll prior to battle. Dismounting from his black stallion, he flung the reins around the hitching post and strode across to the open door of the early Georgian farmhouse.
“I need your help.”
“Another impossible task you wish to undertake?” Daniel Tynton dipped his head in greeting to his old foe, now promoted to almost a friend. “What is it this time?”
Karl gave him a wry smile and stamped his feet impatiently after his long, cold ride. “All that it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Would you agree?”
Daniel, a little taller and fairer than Karl, stood aside to allow him to enter. “A notion you have acquired from your Parliamentary friends?”

Here's another excerpt from the first chapter:-
“However,” said Daniel clasping his chin, “coming from the mainland, I doubt you could become one of them. You’d be an outsider. And if you are to challenge wreckers rather than smugglers, you are directly threatening men who clearly have no regard for taking lives. Your life will mean nothing to them.”
Karl stared at Daniel. “A ship lured onto the rocks, smashed, looted. Crew and passengers desperately struggling to the safety of the shore. Throats slit. I hear the sea ran red.”
Lucy shuddered.
Daniel glanced at his wife, her big brown eyes now staring at him; she’d been listening to every word. He looked at the parson and read his mind. Why had Karl crudely spilt the lurid details of this atrocity in front of her? Why was he always so dramatic? Then a pinpoint of light, like a star on a dark night, flashed into his blue eyes. Leaning forward he whispered, “You’ve come for more than information.”
Karl grinned. “If you and I put our energies and strengths together, we’d be a formidable force.”
* * *
Under a Dark Star is almost ready to be snatched from Amazon. An ebook you might like? I hope so.


August 30th has arrived! Today it is possible to buy this book I've been rattling on about. A tale of daring heroes risking more than they should and a young woman worthy of the name heroine.
Here's a few chapter titles to help you decide if this book is for you. The chapter titles are direct quotations.
Chapter One
January 1823 - Bethlehem Farm, Wintergate, Kent, England
Daniel
“The sea ran red”
Chapter Two
“Are you calling my officers chickens?”
Chapter Three
Sunday 26th January
“The imperious voice of God”
Chapter Four
Lucy
“All that it takes”
Chapter Five
Saturday 15th February 1823 - Isle of Wight - Daniel
“Bailing or vomiting”
Chapter Six
“Surly Silence”
Chapter Seven
“Akin to the fires of hell”
Chapter Eight
“The Dark Star”
Free to those with Kindle Unlimited. Otherwise please pay to keep me alive ;o)


Under a Dark Star, Book Two of The Dark Moon Trilogy is just a few days old and alive and kicking.
Short blurb: On an island off the south coast of England, there are activities worse than smuggling and all the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man. The women on the island call him the Dark Star.
Excerpt from an early chapter where Daniel sets out to infiltrate the wrecking gang.
“Good leather that.” The innkeeper screwed up his eyes to take a clearer look. “You planning on keeping it?”
Daniel rubbed his fist in his palm: his old ways were returning. “Aye, I’ll keep it.”
The innkeeper slammed a tankard of ale down in front of Daniel and held out his hand. “Shilling.”
“And one for Polly.” A green feathered parrot screeched from a cage atop the end of the bar.
Any other time he might have been amused – but not today. “Shilling! Most of it’s on here.” Daniel pointed to the puddles on the bar.
“Shilling.” The innkeeper insisted.
“Shilling this time.” He flexed his fingers before grasping the handle and staring hard at the short, stout man, he whispered slowly, “Never again.”
“Never again,” screeched Polly.
It’s not essential to read Book One of The Dark Moon Trilogy One Dark Night first but, like dinner, it’s often preferable to have the main course before treacle pudding and custard.

My Recommendation of the Book, Hide in Time
When I think about it carefully, I know there were several reasons why I really liked this book and why I would highly recommend it to anyone.
First, it shows us that we can completely change the course of our own lives when needed and find happiness in a new place. It might take some time to readjust, but we can survive and adapt to new surroundings and people.
Second, it highlights how people are basically the same today as they were hundreds of years ago. Evil still abounds and good people still exist to maintain the balance that is our world.
And, last but by no means least, I like the concept about time travel in "Hide in Time". You can't go back! Once you have crossed into a different place in time, you can't return and just pick up where you left off. Yes, Laura returns, but she cannot be seen. She can whisper to the living and they hear her, but they believe she is what most of us would think of as a "ghost".
A truly fascinating exchange of lives. It was a very interesting twist to doppelgangers trading places and I really, really liked it a lot. So much so, I plan to read it again! I feel like I may have missed some hidden nuggets in the story.
Cynthia Sylvestermouse of Review This! (Reviews of Movies, Music, Books and More)
~
Ms Sylvestermouse said a lot more - for which I am very grateful! And she's quite right, there's definitely hidden nuggets!


Here's an excerpt from Under a Dark Star where Karl Thorsen is trying to improve the anti-smuggling unit on a remote part of the Isle of Wight in 1823.
“Gentlemen.” Karl supposed, correctly, that they were not used to being addressed as such but he’d need them on his side. “I am Lieutenant Thorsen. Welcome to your new appointment.” Much would depend on these two hand-picked good men from the north of the island.
Having loosely tethered their horses to the post, both men stood to attention and saluted. Karl returned their salute. “Your names?”
“Lieutenant Thorsen, I am William Tutte.”
“And I am Thomas Flowers, sir.”
Tutte and Flowers were tall and well-built and Karl eyed them as if they were prize bulls. “Were you seen?”
Tutte replied, “I doubt we were seen, sir, even though the moon is bright, but it is known, even as far north as Cowes, that nothing gets past Tridd.”
“Until now,” Karl said with a broad grin. “I’m sure he would like a surprise from time to time.” He rubbed his hands together then said, “At ease.” The two men relaxed. Karl pointed to the stables. “Flowers, you look like you’re good with horses. How are you with geese?”
“Geese sir? They love me!”
That was the spirit he liked to hear. He could only hope it was true. “They’ve not arrived yet but to avoid the stables being vulnerable to attack, as well as Watch House, of course, there’ll be a delivery of as many as can successfully be transported. They will be arriving in a day or so. In the meantime, be aware that my stallion doesn’t take well to surprises, so stable your horses but go carefully. Tomkins is already nursing a bruised leg. He’s lucky it isn’t broken.”
I hope that gives you the flavour of the writing and the story and I hope you'll like it enough to bankrupt yourself and buy it.
$2.99/£1.99
As you probably know, geese were the 19th century equivalent of a burglar alarm.

The above link takes you to Kay's very clever idea - an Advent Calendar showcasing indie writers' work. Each day another two books pop up.
Today's a good day to take a look ;o)
The whole site is well put together and worth a browse.


A quotation from Kevin Marsh, a Goodreads Reviewer:
"Under a Dark Star is a beautifully written story with a plot that had me believing that I was really there."
An excerpt:
" “Tutte!” William Tutte came immediately to his side. “We are being watched or it could be the parson they are interested in. Follow me and we’ll follow them.”
It was indeed the parson they were intent upon and as he closed the church door, put on his hat and strolled towards the once-imposing and sizeable parsonage, the men roused themselves and picked up three wooden clubs. Once the parson had gone inside, they moved swiftly to the gate. One stayed watching and the other two stood on the doorstep. Moments later they knocked on the door.
Parson Raffles, smiling broadly, opened the door. “Good day to you, gentlemen.” He flung his arms wide as if in greeting, seized their heads and banged them together. They dropped to the ground. The third man raised his wooden club then thought better of it, he turned and ran – straight into the arms of Karl.
Raffles picked up the stunned men by the scruffs of their necks, which ripped their flimsy coats, dragged them inside the doorway and deposited them on the bare floor of the empty drawing room. Karl and Tutte pushed their captive ahead of them and shoved him on top of his now stirring comrades.
“Tutte, is there a gaol nearby?”
Raffles did not give Tutte the chance to reply. “Lieutenant, I think these men were bringing me an offering of firewood. It is clear to me that they are hoping to benefit from a good fire in next Sunday’s service.”
Tutte whispered in Karl’s ear. “They’ll be too afraid to attend if Tridd is behind this.”
Karl could not restrain himself. “Afraid! Then it’s the town gaol for them.”
Tutte leant towards Karl. “The magistrate is also afraid.”
“Then it’s my gaol they’ll be kept in until we replace these lily-livered magistrates!”
“Replacing them isn’t easy, sir. They are put there to do the will of those who have made their fortunes through what they call free-trading.”
“And I call smuggling!” barked Karl. "
So if you want to read a book that will make you think you're really there, follow Kevin Marsh, the GR reviewer (I hope he won't mind!) and see if you would fare well in the early 19th century.
Free on Kindle Unlimited and not much more if you want to buy it.


“A great read! I love all the historical detail and I learnt much about smugglers. It's fast paced, and it really grips you until the end. The characters are very well portrayed. I was sorry to finish the book, always the sign of a good story.” - ‘Amazon Customer’ UK site.
It is 1821 and smuggling is rife on the English coast. Lucy doesn’t know who to trust, while those around her suspect she is a spy and treat her accordingly. Her problems increase when two men enter her life:
Lieutenant Karl Thorsen, sworn to avenge his father’s murder, is determined to hang the violent smugglers.
Daniel Tynton has smuggling in his blood. When he witnesses a murder, he makes a tough decision, and many lives will never be the same.
99c/99p until 3rd January or Free on Kindle Unlimited

In 1823, on an island off the south coast of England, there are activities worse than smuggling and all the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man. The women on the island call him the Dark Star.
Lieutenant Karl Thorsen enlists the help of his old enemy, reformed smuggler Daniel Tynton who infiltrates the gang to defeat the evil that brings poverty to ‘the diamond isle’. Karl has the misfortune to fall for the woman belonging to the Dark Star.
Book Two of The Dark Moon trilogy - It’s not essential to read Book One first but, like dinner, it’s often preferable to have the main course before strawberries and cream.
Free with Kindle Unlimited or reduced to 99p/99c until 12th January


https://www.loveindieromance.com/
But the reason it becomes an opportunity for every author in this group is because, if you scroll down from the feature you will find there's a chance for authors to post their favourite line from one of their books and you can add a link to it.
Anna Faversham wrote: "Jane Blythe 'Princess Jane' is kindly featuring One Dark Night on her super blog. The link is here:
https://www.loveindieromance.com/
But the reason it becomes an opportunity for every author in ..."
Yay Anna! & lovely writing in the excerpt.
https://www.loveindieromance.com/
But the reason it becomes an opportunity for every author in ..."
Yay Anna! & lovely writing in the excerpt.



"She uses language expertly and the result is an immersive experience for the reader. I can’t stress enough how reading this book was like gazing through a window to a bygone era filled with smugglers, scoundrels, gentlemen, and heroes.” Amazon Customer
Now reduced to $0.99 or worldwide equivalent at least until 20th September.
In 1823, on an island off the south coast of England, there are activities worse than smuggling and all the conflict points to one cruel and ruthless man. The women on the island call him the Dark Star.
Lieutenant Karl Thorsen enlists the help of his old enemy, reformed smuggler Daniel Tynton who infiltrates the gang to defeat the evil that brings poverty to ‘the diamond isle’. Karl is captivated by a French woman ‘owned’ by the Dark Star. The Dark Star takes his revenge.
"Think Poldark" said a UK Amazon reviewer.
Sit back, and journey into a dark world.
Book Two of The Dark Moon trilogy – Can be read as a Stand Alone

By 1825 Lucy has escaped from poverty and found true love married to a good man. Knowing Lieutenant Karl Thorsen still feels a hopeless passion for her, Lucy tries to help him find happiness with Elizabeth, a feisty young American. Then a charming and talented artist comes into their lives. Intrigued by him, Lucy does not see the signs of impending tragedy stealing towards them. She ignores all warnings and pays a high price for her folly. Can she free herself from the chains she’s forged?
It's 99p/99c until 15th April.
#3 in The Dark Moon Trilogy.
I hope you will grab a copy while it's going cheap!

Here it is:

#3 in The Dark Moon Series
Journey into a dark, wounded heart.
By 1825 Lucy has escaped from poverty and found true love married to a good man. Knowing Lieutenant Karl Thorsen still feels a hopeless passion for her, Lucy tries to help him find happiness with Elizabeth, a feisty young American. Then a charming and talented artist comes into their lives. Intrigued by him, Lucy does not see the signs of impending tragedy stealing towards them. She ignores all warnings and pays a high price for her folly. Can she free herself from the chains she’s forged and save her family?
It's 99p/99c until 15th April.
Also both One Dark Night #1 and Under a Dark Star #2 of The Dark Moon Series are in a Kindle Countdown Deal for 99p/c from 30th March - not sure if you can get access to these through .com
Grab all three copies and enjoy!

I don’t have a vast army of Twitter or Facebook followers – I don’t even belong! If you would like to vote for Under a Dark Star (Best Historical Fiction) you can probably imagine how pleased I’d be :)
Here’s a link to the voting form:
https://bardsandsages.com/efestivalof...

I haven't a hope of competing with those who have armies of followers but I'd like to get at least some votes!
Thank you to those who take the time to vote.


I am surprised and delighted to tell you that Under a Dark Star has just been declared the winner in the Best Historical Fiction category in the Bards and Sages 2018 eFestival of Words.
And what's even nicer is that my work in progress (I'm just starting on chapter 3) is set in my wonderful New Zealand.
Anna Faversham wrote: "
I am surprised and delighted to tell you that Under a Dark Star has just been declared the winner in the Best Historical Fiction category in the Bards and Sa..."
Congratulations Anna!

I am surprised and delighted to tell you that Under a Dark Star has just been declared the winner in the Best Historical Fiction category in the Bards and Sa..."
Congratulations Anna!


I am surprised and delighted to tell you that Under a Dark Star has just been declared the winner in the Best Historical Fiction category in the Bards and Sa..."
Congratulations! Well worth the win. I enjoyed the trilogy very much and look forward to your new work with eagerness.

Feel-good, easy read stories:
One Stolen Kiss and other short stories
Deep in the World of the Dead (a soldier finds himself homeless)
Judge Not (a true story)
A Wonderful World (loneliness conquered)
One Stolen Kiss (an introduction to two characters in One Dark Night - where that love started)
Of course it is free if you have Kindle Unlimited, but it is also free if you haven't - just until 2nd September. Hurry! Then enjoy.
Anna Faversham wrote: "Something, Lesley, until the new one!
Feel-good, easy read stories:
One Stolen Kiss and other short stories
Deep in the World of the Dead (a soldier finds himself homeless)
Judge..."
Thank you Anna! :)
Feel-good, easy read stories:
One Stolen Kiss and other short stories
Deep in the World of the Dead (a soldier finds himself homeless)
Judge..."
Thank you Anna! :)

#1 top librarians
#51 top reviewers
#44 most followed
#4 best reviewers
Wow!
Anna Faversham wrote: "You're very welcome and it looks like you deserve a little free gift -
#1 top librarians
#51 top reviewers
#44 most followed
#4 best reviewers
Wow!"
Ha! This is just for NZ - Goodreads still not that popular here. Very few active Librarians.
I entered your award the other day, but you will only see it in the desktop view of the site. :)
#1 top librarians
#51 top reviewers
#44 most followed
#4 best reviewers
Wow!"
Ha! This is just for NZ - Goodreads still not that popular here. Very few active Librarians.
I entered your award the other day, but you will only see it in the desktop view of the site. :)

I'm not sure I follow you on 'desktop view'? But I do thank you for entering the award there!
Anna Faversham wrote: "Well, as authors are always being advised, find yourself a niche genre and you can be top! You're even cleverer, you've found yourself a fabulous niche country - sorry 'nice country'! ;o)
I'm not
sure I follow you on 'desktop view'? ..."
The award field isn't in the app.
I'm not
sure I follow you on 'desktop view'? ..."
The award field isn't in the app.
So I'll attempt to do just that.
I've only written two books so far. One is a time travel set in 2009 and 1814 called Hide in Time The other is a romantic thriller set in 1823 One Dark Night
They are both ebooks available through Amazon.
I'm currently writing a sequel to One Dark Night.
If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them.
I'll post more information about my books every now and again and a few excerpts so you can see what they're all about.
I hope to get to know a few of you as the months roll by.