Category Archives: Historical Fiction

April 17, 2025 · 9:16 am

Diana’s April Book Review ~ The Shadow Sister by Lucinda Riley

This was a wonderful find on the shelves of Waterstones Kirkcaldy. I only had a few minutes to browse and had no idea what I was looking for ~ not crime, sci fi or too much fantasy. I was drawn to this book and it was excellent for me because it was dual time zones, now and Edwardian England. Perfect!

Fantastic characterisation, Star and Orlando especially, but Mouse grew on me, (as he was supposed to do!)

Contrasting Settings of The Thames, London now, the Lake District in the early 20th century and the enigmatic ‘Atlantis’ in Switzerland.

Family History ~ as Star followed her step father’s clues and coordinates, given on his passing (he seems a bit like a guardian angel to me) Flora Mac Nicoll unravels her past as she tries to find her own path in life away from her dominant sister. (and domineering)

Not only did I find it most enjoyable to read, but I now have six more in the series to look forward to, since there were seven adopted sisters.

Thanks for the pleasure of reading!!!

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Filed under Book reading, Book reviews, Book Shops, Historical Fiction

February 21, 2025 · 9:52 am

Exciting News ~ Released today on Kindle

The scene is set, for this mid 19th century novella, in North East Scotland in the small village of Dunphail. The story leads us to the Channel Island of Alderney, off the coast of Cherbourg.

This is my parents’ novella, edited by myself, released in memory of them both.

It is the prequel to Riduna and Ancasta.

Janus ~ Gateway to Heaven on Earth

is released on Kindle today ~ 21st February 2025

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Filed under Alderney, Ancasta, Book launch, Channel Islands, Family History, Historical Fiction, History of Alderney, Riduna, Scotland

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February 6, 2025 · 10:37 am

5 star Review for MISSING Past and Present

Here is a reflection on my last novel, released at the start of lock-down.

I’m still Chuffed by this 5 star review on Untold Reads for ‘MISSING Past and Present’. A few year’s later and I wonder why it hasn’t fared so well as my first in the series ‘MURDER Now and Then’.

5 star Review from UntoldReads.com!

A reader once said, having read MISSING, you have really and truly found your voice in this book Diana. The funny thing is that many people thought it was autobiographical, but that was far from the truth.

Was this because it was in the first person, my only novel to be written that way?

I didn’t consciously choose to do this. That is what my head told me to write and it gave me so much joy doing so.

Well, just to give the book a boost and find those hidden readers out there … I know you’re there!

We are having a discount on Kindle this week to £0.99, from 6th to 12th February 2025 for

MISSING Past and Present

Unfortunately then you will not experience the joy of the cover, for which I am also quite proud. I let Les, my cover designer know that on one twitter survey it was voted the best in the group.

This book is very special to me. I hope you enjoy it. Do let me know.

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Filed under Bedfordshire, Book reviews, Historical Fiction, MISSING Past and Present

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