Brendon Patrick is here to tell us about Afghani, historical fiction.
There's also a great giveaway.
_____________________
Two souls,
one hundred years apart,
bound by lands that both
embrace and betray.
Afghani
by Brendon Patrick
Genre: Historical Fiction
War is a Racket, and
Culture is Blind: The True Cost of Conflict
Journey through a century of strife in this gripping
dual-timeline novel with:
George Sher Gul:
A Muslim cameleer fleeing early 20th Century Afghanistan, seeking hope in
Australia's unforgiving outback. He navigates harsh landscapes and the
prejudices of White Australia, with his dream of belonging hanging by a thread.
Patterson: An
Australian soldier in post-9/11 Afghanistan, questioning the war's true motives
amidst corruption and personal demons.
Their intertwined stories challenge our beliefs on war,
peace, and humanity.
Experience heart-wrenching choices, cultural clashes across
generations, and a quest for belonging spanning continents.
This thought-provoking historical fiction exposes
deep-rooted xenophobia, drawing parallels between early 20th century Australia
and today's complex geopolitical landscape.
Together, it offers a witty yet unflinching critique of
global politics—questioning the cyclical nature of conflict.
From sun-baked Australian deserts to war-torn Afghan
streets, immerse yourself in a powerful journey through time and culture.
Will George Sher Gul find his future in a land that views
him as an outsider?
Can Patterson discover peace amidst chaos and national
expectations?
Uncover these answers in a compelling tale of resilience,
hope, and the enduring human spirit.
Click Buy Now to
embark on an unforgettable adventure that will challenge your perspectives and
touch your heart!
What readers
are saying:
Between breathtaking descriptions of Afghanistan's
demonic and razor-sharp craggy edges and the sun-scorched Australian outback,
Brendon Patrick weaves a tale that will leave you questioning everything you
thought you knew about both nations' shared history.
Brendon Patrick is an emerging voice in historical fiction,
drawing upon his experiences as a veteran of the Australian Army and his
heritage as a descendant of Afghan Cameleers. His debut novel: Afghani explores
the untold stories of Australia’s multicultural past.
Based in Brisbane, Brendon is a self-taught writer who founded Bulldog Self
Publishing to bring authentic Australian stories to readers. When not writing,
he can be found spending time with his beloved bulldogs and advocating for
diverse voices in literature.
Mark Mustian is here to tell us about Boy With Wings, historical fiction, magical realism.
There's also a great giveaway.
________________________
Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back and
ends up in a freak show traveling the South in the 1930s. Is he an angel or a
devil? What does it mean to be different?
Boy With Wings
by Mark Mustian
Genre: Historical Fiction, Magical Realism
"Vibrant and
alive, the kind of book where the blood pumps mightily." —Kristen Arnett,
NYT bestselling author of Mostly Dead Things
What does it mean to be different?
When Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back in the 1930s
South, the locals think he's a devil. Determined to protect him, his mother
fakes his death, and they flee. Thus begins Johnny's yearslong struggle to find
a place he belongs. From a turpentine camp of former slaves to a freak show run
by a dwarf who calls herself Tiny Tot and on to the Florida capitol
building, Johnny finds himself working alongside other outcasts,
struggling to answer the question of his existence. Is he a horror, a wonder,
or an angel? Should he hide himself to live his life?
Following Johnny's journey through love, betrayal, heartbreak, and several
murders, Boy With Wings is a story of the sacrifices and
freedom inherent in making one's own special way-and of love and the miracles
that give our lives meaning.
Winner, Grand Prize
for Fiction, Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Winner, da Vinci
Prize for cover art
Winner, Bronze Medal
for Historical Fiction from Independent Publishers Book Awards (IPPY)
Finalist, Hawthorne
Award for Fiction
Finalist, Cross-Genre
Fiction, International Book Awards
Finalist, Literary
Fiction, National Indie Excellence Awards
Shortlisted, Shelley
Ward for Paranormal Fiction
“…a magical, highly imaginative tour de force... Boldly original and unexpectedly
profound…" —Readers’ Favorite Reviews
“Mustian’s story is a study in acceptance, diversity,
kindness, and the possibility of marvels in life… Vibrant with discovery, Boy With Wings is a winner.” —Midwest Book Review
“Boy with Wings is a lyrical, mesmerizing blend of the magical—feathered wings—with
social realism…” —Historical Novel Society Reviews
“…riveting… An
evocative historical novel that celebrates distinctive individuals in the
Depression-era South.” —Foreword Book Reviews
“In this imaginative
novel filled with magical realism, religion and morality are turned inside
out and upside down.” —Southern Literary Review
Mark Mustian is the author of the novels "The
Return" and "The Gendarme," the latter a finalist for the Dayton
International Literary Peace Prize and shortlisted for the Saroyan
International Award for Writing. It won the Florida Gold Book Award for Fiction
and has been published in ten languages. The founder of the Word of South
Festival of Literature and Music in Tallahassee, Florida, his new novel,
"Boy With Wings," is the winner of the Grand Prize for Fiction from
Next Generation Indie Book Awards and has received numerous other honors,
including winning the Bronze Prize for Historical Fiction from Independent
Publishers Book Awards (IPPY) and being named a finalist for the Hawthorne
Award for Fiction.
Jane Loeb Rubin is here to tell us about A Gilded City Series, historical fiction trilogy.
There's also a great giveaway.
_________________________
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jane Loeb Rubin will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
In the Hands of Women, (June 2023) takes the reader on an electrifying ride through the dawn of the 20th century, delving into the restrictive state of women’s rights, backroom abortions, the plight of immigrants to the Lower East Side of NYC and the prison system at Blackwell’s Island, all through the voice of a young OB/Gyn, Tillie’s younger sister, Hannah.
Threadbare, (June 2024) is a historical novel written as a tribute to Jane Rubin’s great-grandmother, Mathilda (Tillie), who died from a ‘woman’s disease’ in the early years of the twentieth century. It explores the ultra-conservative late Victorian era through a Jewish female character living among the poor, struggling to build a garment company and pushing back against antisemitic and misogynistic values dominating the time. She acquired wealth, only to have life upended by a cruel, unexpected challenge.
Over There (June 2025) brings four family members of Threadbare and In the Hands of Women, all doctors and nurses, into The Great War, each facing down authentic challenges of the period. Meticulously researched and crafted on four stages, the reader experiences the jarring reality of trench warfare, magnificent rise of the American Hospital in Paris, unimagined medical innovations owed to the dedication of healthcare workers, and the universal, frightening impact war has on children.
Read an Excerpt from IN THE HANDS OF WOMEN
I glanced at Nurse Hammond. Her head was bent to the wood floor, hands squeezed so tightly, I could see the white in her knuckles. The navy muslin dress worn beneath her white apron matched the dark circles under her eyes. I held back from the pack of students as they left the ward.
Nurse Hammond was at the end of her night shift, little time left to hear the full story.
“Nurse, were you in delivery during the twins’ births?” I whispered.
“I was.” She straightened her back, darting her eyes to the nursery.
I took a step closer to her. “Did anything unusual happen?”
After a lengthy pause, she rubbed her fingers, eyes downcast.
“Nurse Hammond, what happened?” I persisted.
“You know Adams, always impatient.” She turned her eyes from the floor then to mine. “He couldn’t stand the mother’s screaming and knocked her out cold with ether. Then he went in deep with the forceps, taking forever. I think he would have had more luck if he kept her awake and changed her position.” She took in a sharp breath. “But who am I to say? You can’t utter a word. I need my job. I’ve four children at home.”
I nodded, understanding. “You can trust me. Go home and get some rest.” I scurried down the hall to the nursery.
“Where’ve you been, Isaacson?” Dr. Adams barked as I walked through the doorway.
“My apology doctor, lavatory.”
Dr. Adams crossed his arms on his chest, haughtily shaking his head at the ring of men standing around the twins’ bassinettes. “See there, gentlemen? That’s what happens when women are allowed into the profession. Always needing to fix their hair.”
Blood shot to my face. How long would he get away with his negligence? I stifled my annoyance, while studying the infants. The smaller baby’s hand began to tremor.
About the Author: Author, Jane Loeb Rubin has won numerous awards including the Historical Novel Society's First Chapters short list for Over There, released May, 2025 by Level Best Books. She will be speaking at numerous Florida events as listed on her website.
With an extensive healthcare background Ms. Rubin began writing in 2009 after a serious cancer diagnosis. She now has a four-book deal with Level Best Books (Threadbare-2024, In the Hands of Women-2023, Over There-2025, The Hat Trick-2026), following the fictional life of her great-grandmother’s family.
In the Hands of Women, (June 2023) takes the reader on an electrifying ride through the dawn of the 20th century, delving into the restrictive state of women’s rights, backroom abortions, the plight of immigrants to the Lower East Side of NYC and the prison system at Blackwell’s Island, all through the voice of a young OB/Gyn, Tillie’s younger sister, Hannah.
Threadbare, (June 2024) is a historical novel written as a tribute to Jane Rubin’s great-grandmother, Mathilda (Tillie), who died from a ‘woman’s disease’ in the early years of the twentieth century. It explores the ultra-conservative late Victorian era through a Jewish female character living among the poor, struggling to build a garment company and pushing back against antisemitic and misogynistic values dominating the time. She acquired wealth, only to have life upended by a cruel, unexpected challenge.
Over There (June 2025) brings four family members of Threadbare and In the Hands of Women, all doctors and nurses, into The Great War, each facing down authentic challenges of the period. Meticulously researched and crafted on four stages, the reader experiences the jarring reality of trench warfare, magnificent rise of the American Hospital in Paris, unimagined medical innovations owed to the dedication of healthcare workers, and the universal, frightening impact war has on children.
The Hat Trick, Ms. Rubin’s work in process (May 2026) transports her family characters into the mid-1920’s in the years before the Borscht Belt in Sullivan County, NY.
Ms. Rubin, a graduate of the University of Michigan (BS, MS) and Washington University (MBA), retired from a 30-year career as a healthcare executive to begin writing full-time. She lives with her husband, David, an attorney, in Northern New Jersey. Between them, they have five adult children and seven grandchildren. Ms. Rubin’s work is available at all on-line retailers, Indigo Books, select Barnes and Noble Book stores and upon request from Level Best Books.
Michael J. Cooper is here to tell us about The Rabbi's Knight, Prequel to Wages of Empire, historical fiction.
There's also a great giveaway.
**On sale for only .99cents from Sep 28- Oct 5!**
_______________________
In possession of a cryptic ancient scroll, Rabbi Samuel, St.
Clair and the others will risk everything to fulfill their shared and sacred
destiny as guardians of the Temple Mount.
The Rabbi’s Knight
Prequel to Wages of Empire
by Michael J. Cooper
Genre: Historical Fiction
"The Rabbi's
Knight is instantly compelling and fascinating in its arcane plot and
propulsive pacing. Literally, a page turner!" -Sylvia Boorstein,
PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Happiness Is
an Inside Job
"A well-written
historical adventure story . . . with unexpected twists and turns that keep you
hooked . . . an exciting and historically fascinating read." -Andrew
Kaplan, New York Times bestselling author of Blue
Madagascar and the Homeland novels
The year is 1290. At the twilight of the Crusades, war-weary
Knight Templar Jonathan St. Clair is garrisoned in the port city of Acre in the
Holy Land. In possession of an ancient scroll with a cryptic inscription, he
learns that it holds the key to unlock the secrets of Jerusalem's Temple Mount.
But time is running out. Acre will soon come under siege,
and the one man able to divine the scroll's meaning, Rabbi Samuel of Baghdad,
has been targeted for assassination. St. Clair apprentices himself to Rabbi
Samuel and together they travel to Jerusalem. On their pilgrimage, they are
hunted by scheming emirs in the service of a bitter enemy of Rabbi Samuel. But
they are aided in their quest by others: a brilliant young scholar, Isaac of
Acre; a powerful young Scotsman, William Wallace; a learned Muslim mathematician,
physician, and cartographer, al-Hasani; and a beautiful independent-minded
woman, Zahirah, who avoids serving in an emir's harem by hiding in a leper
colony on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
Rabbi Samuel, St. Clair and the others will risk everything
to fulfill their shared and sacred destiny as guardians of the Temple Mount.
Winner — 2025 Pacific
Book Award for Best Historical Fiction
Winner — 2025 International Impact Award for Historical Military Fiction
Grand prize winner -
2022 CIBA Dante Rossetti Award for YA fiction
First place honors - 2022 CIBA Hemingway Award for wartime fiction
#1 Amazon Best Seller—Jan 2024—Historical World War I Fiction
In the summer of 1914,
sixteen-year-old Evan Sinclair leaves home to join the Great War for
Civilization. Little does he know that, despite the war raging in Europe, the
true source of conflict will emerge in Ottoman Palestine, since it's from
Jerusalem where the German Kaiser dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor.
Filled with such
historical figures as Gertrude Bell, T.E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Faisal
bin Hussein and Chaim Weizmann, Wages of Empire follows Evan through the
killing fields of the Western Front where he will help turn the tide of a war
that is just beginning, and become part of a story that’s still being written.
“Masterful storytelling
will keep you furiously turning the pages of this compelling (historical WWI)
novel. A winner!”–Andrew Kaplan, New York Times Best-Selling Author of Blue
Madagascar and the Homeland Novels
“The characters,
historical and fictional, come to life on the page as the storyline drives
relentlessly forward. Bravo!”–Matt Coyle, bestselling author of the Rick Cahill
novels
“A beautifully written
tale...exhibits seamless research in illuminating unforgettable historical and
fictional characters...a tour de force!” –Professor Ronit Meroz, Dept of Jewish
Philosophy and Talmud, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
“This superb historical
novel is a must read...directly relates to issues we face today.” –Rizek
Abusharr – Emeritus Director General of Jerusalem International YMCA
“Cooper has made this
period of history come alive. It is a treat to read.” –Rabbi David Zisenwine,
Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Education, Tel Aviv University
“A Young Indiana
Jones–style adventure.” –KIRKUS reviews
“Story is gripping and
the characters that he describes come alive through his skillful writing. I
couldn’t put it down!” –Rabbi Gordon Freeman, Ph.D., Rabbi Emeritus, B’nai
Shalom, Walnut Creek, CA
Winner — 2025
International Impact Award for Historical War & Military Fiction
Winner of
the 2024 CIBA Hemingway First Place Prize for 20th Century Wartime
Historical Fiction
2024 SF Writers
Conference Writing Contest Finalist-Adult Fiction
". . . both a
gripping page turner and a series of carefully observed character studies.
Beautifully written in a voice and in details that capture the era, Crossroads
of Empire is a must-read for readers of all ages" -Chanticleer
Book Reviews
The story of Evan
Sinclair that began in Wages of Empire continues in Crossroads
of Empire. Having survived German artillery, poison gas, and friendly fire
in helping to turn the tide of the war in its first months, Evan barely
survives his hospital ship's sinking by a German U-boat. Left with amnesia, he
no longer remembers who he is.
Likewise, Evan doesn't
recall that, despite the European war, the true source of conflict is in
Ottoman Palestine, since it's from Jerusalem's Temple Mount that Kaiser Wilhelm
II dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor over Arabian oil reserves and the Suez
Canal.
The Middle East Front
soon explodes with pitched battles at Suez and Gallipoli as Evan's story is
interwoven with those of historical figures Gertrude Bell, T. E. Lawrence,
Winston Churchill, Faisal bin Hussein, and Chaim Weizmann.
During his quest to
recover his memory Evan will discover far more: love for his father, grief for
his late mother, and hidden secrets of his bloodline-an unbroken lineage that
stretches back to the Crusades and will determine his future role in the Great
War.
"Cooper
masterfully crafts a novel that intertwines vivid characters and complex
themes, blending historical fiction with elements of mystery and intrigue. This
unique combination makes it a must-read for fans of both genres."
—BookTrib Review
"In page after
page of Crossroads of Empire, I was thrilled with how the plot widened with
various actors added as history unfolded one step at a time. The book picked up
speed as it moved along with rising tension as disparate subplots charged forward
to the conclusion. I loved it! Bravo!"
—Sylvia Boorstein, PhD, bestselling author, teacher of
Buddhist Insight Meditation, and co-founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center
"Crossroads of
Empire dives into the tumultuous waters of World War I, presenting a
thrilling narrative enriched by a blend of historical and fictional characters.
Cooper's writing is compelling and richly detailed, offering a tapestry of
scenes that bring early 20th-century conflicts vividly to life."
—Literary Titan Review
Michael J Cooper writes
historical mysteries set in the Holy Land at major turning points of history—all
the while subtly promoting the notions of coexistence and peace. His books have
won multiple awards and include; set in 1948 Jerusalem Foxes in the Vineyard (winner of the 2011 Indie Publishing Contest
Grand Prize); set at the twilight of the Crusades in 1290, The Rabbi’s Knight (finalist for the CIBA 2014 Chaucer Award for
historical fiction); set at the start of WWI in 1914, Wages of Empire (winner
of the 2025 Pacific Book Award for best historical fiction, winner 2025
International Impact Award for historical military fiction, the CIBA 2022 Grand
Prize for young adult fiction as well as the Hemingway first prize for wartime
historical fiction); A sequel of Wages of Empire, Crossroads of
Empire (winner of the 2025 International Impact Award for historical war
& military fiction as well as first place in the 2024 CIBA Hemingway for 20th
Century wartime historical fiction, placed as a finalist in the 2024 SF Writers
Conference and won first prize honors in the 2023 CIBA Hemingway wartime
historical fiction category).
A native of Berkeley,
California, Cooper absconded to Israel after high school and spent the next
eleven years studying and working there. He lived in Jerusalem during the last
year the city was divided between Israel and Jordan, studied at Hebrew University,
and graduated from Tel Aviv University Medical School. He returned to the US to
specialize in pediatric cardiology, and after 40 years of practice, he
continues to return to the Middle East for biannual volunteer missions serving
Palestinian children who lack access to care. Otherwise, he lives in Northern
California with his wife and a spoiled-rotten cat. Three adult children
occasionally drop by.
Joel Burcat is here to tell us about Whiz Kid, historical fiction.
Read on for details...
________________________
Historical Fiction
Date Published: 07-01-2025
Publisher: Sunbury Press, Inc.
Whiz Kid is a powerful coming-of-age novel set in 1950 Philadelphia,
where Jewish Navy veteran Ben Green faces impossible choices.
Pressured by his pregnant wife to finish his novel or take a secure job at a
prestigious ad agency, Ben must also navigate the era’s class divisions
and antisemitism. His best friend’s elite world clashes with his
working-class South Philly roots and Jewish identity.
Temptation, ambition, and loyalty collide—especially when Ilene, a
captivating classmate, threatens to unravel his carefully balanced life. As
the Phillies’ Whiz Kids chase a pennant, Ben’s own reckoning
builds to a climax, culminating in a surprising decision that redefines his
future.
Co-written with David S. Burcat, Joel Burcat’s late father, Whiz Kid is
a deeply American story of resilience, legacy, and the true cost of following
one’s heart.
Excerpt
[Ben Green is talking with his friends about his professor’s
reaction to a chapter of his novel. He’s glum.]
Ben sat next to Stan, facing Ilene. She looked at him and gently touched
her fingers to the top of his hand. “What is it, Benji? You don’t
look so good.”
Ben slowly pulled his hand out from under hers, turning it over briefly to
squeeze her fingers before letting go. “Oh, it’s nothing. You know
I’m writing this novel. I showed it to Chesterfield. He called it
‘interesting.’”
“Interesting? That’s good, isn’t it?” asked Stan,
raising his eyebrows and smiling.
“That might be the single-most intentionally vague word in the English
language. It means absolutely nothing. Nothing. Interesting painting.
Interesting play. Interesting manuscript. It’s a nice way for the
professor to say ‘no comment.’” Ben rested his elbow on the
table and put his hand on his chin. “Hey, Ilene, give me one of those
Kents, would you?”
About the Author
Joel Burcat is a novelist and retired lawyer living in Harrisburg, Pa.
His previous novels, Reap the Wind, Drink to Every Beast, Amid Rage, and
Strange Fire have been award-winning thrillers. He is a Gold Medal Winner from
Readers’ Favorite, a Finalist of the Next Gen Indie Book Awards, and a
winner of the PennWriters Annual Writing Contest. Strange Fire was a Kirkus
Reviews Best Book of the Week.
David S. Burcat was a Navy corpsman in World War II, a graduate of University
of Pennsylvania (English Literature and Dentistry), and a proud son of Camden
NJ and his adopted town of Philadelphia. He worked in advertising in the 1950s
before returning to Penn to study dentistry. He wrote Match Point, the novella
within the novel, in about 1950. He died in 1998. Whiz Kid- A Novel is his
first published book. Dave was the father of co-author, Joel Burcat.
Stephen D Owen is here to tell us about Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice, Iceni Book 1, historical fiction.
There's also a great giveaway.
____________________________
The revolt of Queen Boudica and the Iceni against the might
of Rome has echoed down the centuries. Nearly 2000 years ago, during the early
years of Roman Britain, Boudica, a victim of Roman injustice, raised the Iceni
tribe in rebellion against Rome.
Iceni: The Year of
Sacrifice
Iceni Book 1
by Stephen D Owen
Genre: Historical Fiction
Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice is the first
thrilling instalment in this historical trilogy.
60 AD. The death of Prasutagus, the Iceni king, leaves his
kingdom divided between Rome and his daughters. The Roman Procurator Catus
Decianus seizes the entire territory and brutalizes Boudica and her family.
Driven by vengeance, Boudica rallies the Iceni tribe and
allies including the Trinovantes, Coritani, and Catuvellauni. As Roman forces
are preoccupied in the north, Boudica's rebel army advances on Camulodunum, the
Roman provincial capital, where a vastly outnumbered Roman defence struggles to
hold.
With the fate of Roman Britannia hanging in the balance, the
epic tale of sacrifice, rebellion, and fierce determination unfolds.
Stephen D Owen, an enthusiast of Roman Britain and the Iceni
Revolt, wished to bring the dramatic story of Queen Boudica, a druid priest and
the Iceni Revolt to life in his debut novel, Iceni: The Year of Sacrifice.
Stephen explains: “The revolt of Queen Boudica and the Iceni
against the might of Rome has echoed down the centuries. Nearly 2000 years ago,
during the early years of Roman Britain, Boudica, victim of Roman injustice,
raised the Iceni in rebellion against Rome.
On 1st of August 1984, millennia later, a mysterious link
with the drama of the Iceni Revolt may have been uncovered. The remnants of a
male peat body were found at Lindow Moss Wilmslow Cheshire, England.
At first the peat body was thought to be a murder victim,
yet in time the body was proven to be far older. As old as the Iron Age in
Britain at the time of the Roman Conquest.
Known as Lindow Man, or Pete Marsh, archaeologists and
experts were called in. A theory was put forward, Lindow Man was in fact a
high-born sacrificial victim. A druid priest, perhaps close to Boudica herself,
who was a witness and key to the Iceni revolt.
The discovery of Lindow Man inspired me to write Iceni: The
Year of Sacrifice. Was this man a priest?
Fundamental to the fate of Boudica and the Iceni? Although
my version is fictional, I decided a good challenge would be to write my
version of what could have happened, but I would encourage any reader to look
into the history to form their own opinions!”
