Taken by His Sword by Florence A. Bliss, a Book Review.

A Review of…

Taken by His Sword by Florence A. Bliss

It’s 1654 in Provence, France and Philippe du Chevalerie, youngest son of Guillaume and Laure, the Duke and Duchess of Chevalerie is knocked off his feet when a beauty from his past once again enters his life, just as he is about to go on a mission for his father.

Alexandra De Voix fled years ago from humiliation at the hands of a young Philippe to become the famous Lady Guide of France. Only her loyalty to her mother’s best friend, Laure, could ever bring her back into his presence.

Now the two must put their past behind them and work together to save the kingdom, but can they stay focused on their mission without someone getting hurt?

Will the Duke need to send in his heir Michel or call in from the see his middle son Serge to help?

My blurb for Taken by His Sword by Florence A. Bliss, a historical romance set in mid 17th Century France.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ City Owl Press (June 11, 2024)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 264 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1648984606
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1648984600
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.8 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.66 x 9 inches
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aoWc2l

Click to read 8 Questions with Florence A. Bliss.

I must admit that I enjoy a good historical romance. I’ve read more than a hundred. Okay, I’ve read that many of the genre, but not all were ‘good’, but as long as I was entertained then they were not a waste of time.

Why I like Taken by His Sword:

I have to say that in a lot of historical romances I get frustrated by some of the cat and mouse games and the this-person-misunderstands-that-person type of thing, almost like a formulaic Hallmark Movie (yes, I even watch those). Very overplayed plot devices, but then I suppose if you read a lot, you see it a lot. Author Florence A. Bliss avoids that, although there is just enough to not let it be an easy go for Philippe, a young man people see as a typical wealthy, handsome, self-entitled, and egotistical son of a Duke. And not so easy for Alex who is an inexperienced woman of the world. Yeah, I know, ‘inexperienced’ and ‘woman of the world’ don’t seem to go together.

Philippe doesn’t come across that way during the story as it is told from his point of view as well as Alex’s. I’m not always a fan of the dual points of view from one chapter to the next, but this time it makes sense to do so.

The romance/relationship between the two protagonists is only one part of the story. The two must work together to discover who has been burning farms around Provence before it escalates and peace is lost. Philippe leads his men to join with Etienne, the Marquis du Ponce, to capture and bring the guilty to justice. The guilty that might be more powerful than Philippe thought.

Alex proves more valuable than some thought she would be. And eventually comes face to face with her most hated enemy.

Philippe proves he’s more than a pretty face who is a skilled swordsman.

What I may not have liked as much:

There is one point in the story where I think the reader is supposed to know more than they have been told. It pulled me out of the story for a moment because I had to think, “Did I miss something?” But I don’t think it takes away from the story itself.

I want to say up front the book is not laced with profanity like some can be. It’s not a bodice ripper, at least I don’t think Alex’s bodice gets ripped. If you are someone who just likes your read as if you were sitting in a pew at church, then the words you might not like appear less than 20 times in the 264 pages. If the F word is all you would count as profanity, it’s only used 3 times.

For word usage and profanity, although I don’t like using it in my own writing, there are environments, situations, and people that words are used for and by that are just real. And if you go too far the other way, then it’s fake. You can get around it, but for the F word here, it is used as an exclamation once, and it makes you blink. You’re like, “Well that got my attention. That definitely told me what that person thought at that moment.”

The other two times the F word is used, I have to say, made a point. I think the message intended by the character might only be delivered with this word.

Using words and phrases so little gives them impact when they are used. The author did this well.

What would I have wanted more or less of:

I can’t really think of anything I would want more of in this story, it was pretty complete.

You may have noticed Philippe has two older brothers, Michel and Serge. The series is called Swords of Chevalerie. Yes, ladies, the Duke and Duchess have two more sons who are single and ready to… get married?

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aoWc2l

8 Questions with Florence A. Bliss, author of Taken by His Sword.

He took her innocence…She took his honor. But when danger unhinges their world, someone will have to fall on their sword.

The lust. The betrayal. The love. Sometimes the hardest battle…is seducing your enemy.

Alexandra wants one thing: to train with her sword, never mind the outraged public. But when the achingly handsome Monsieur Philippe kisses her, she finds herself willing to give up her heart and even her blade to be with him. That is, until she learns Philippe took another woman to bed after giving Alexandra her first kiss. Shattered and humiliated, Alexandra is done with etiquette. She’s done with skirts and ruffles. And men. Now, five years later, she’s a mercenary, known for her quick wits, expert blade, and dedication to protecting the people she guides through the uncharted forests of Provence. And if, by chance, she ever sees Philippe again, she’ll have no problem knocking that seductive smile right off his goddamned face.

Philippe never forgot the tender kiss he and Alexandra shared, and he never forgave himself for acting so badly. Years later, when he finds himself tracking a mysterious band of foes, the mercenary hired to lead him is none other than the enticing girl he unwittingly destroyed. But Alexandra is a woman now, a breathtaking and dangerous woman. Though he must balance his mounting desire for her with his duty to tame the venomous nest of criminals, Philippe soon realizes that winning Alexandra’s affection will mean he must strip his pride, lay his title on the line, and fight harder than ever before. And if dodging a few of her punches means he can maybe get another taste of her, then this adventure might be more explosive than he ever expected.

Get Taken by His Sword (Swords of Chevalerie Book 1) at Amazon.

Read my review here.

What genre do you write and why?

I have a soft spot for historical romance because those were my first romance books. I like the added social constraints of historicals, but I have some ideas for contemporary and sci-fi romances as well.

Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

I’ll be walking along and suddenly BOOM–story idea. Sometimes it will come from an interaction I see between two people. An exchange I hear, a portrait, a dream. For Taken by His Sword, I had a very vivid dream of a girl holding a sword while everyone around her was wearing fancy, historical clothes. I’m an introverted people watcher so I’m constantly imagining stories involving the strangers I see. Be careful about catching my eye–I might write about you one day…

How did you do research for your book?

Since my book is historical I spent a lot of time reading about French culture, history, and sword fighting in the 1600s. The nice thing about doing a historical is that there isn’t anyone alive that can confirm or deny what I say. If I have some obscure question (did they eat at parties? What type of feather did they use for quills?) and I don’t find the answer in one or two searches, then I just invoke creative license and make it up!

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing for over 20 years! I had a few little literary stories published years ago, but other than that I was struggling to find something to write about that really resonated for me. That’s when I started with romance because I loved romance novels so much growing up.

Do you have another profession besides writing?

Yes! I am a middle school English teacher! But don’t tell my students I wrote a romance novel because they will use it against me.

In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?

The first step for me is handwriting the plot in a stream of consciousness style flood in a spiral, college-ruled notebook. This gives me the basic story structure to go off of. When I get stuck on a scene, I go back to the notebook and free write until I spark an idea.

What is something you had to cut from your book that you wish you could have kept?

Oh my goodness I cut about 40 thousand words from that sucker. In the director’s cut, I explored much more of how young Alex came to live with the Duchess and then fall in love with swordfighting and Philippe. I actually think the version that got published is much tighter, but those were really hard cuts at the time!

Do you snack while writing? Favorite snack?

Just coffee. So much coffee.

Get Taken by His Sword (Swords of Chevalerie Book 1) at Amazon.

Author Bio:

Florence A. Bliss is an author from Las Vegas, NV who has a keen eye for writing love stories full of drama, heartache, humor, and enough seduction to light the pages on fire. With an MFA in creative writing from UNLV, Florence loves to write across genres but has found her home in romance. She lives with her fancy Italian husband and two children. Together they love to travel, explore the ghost towns around Las Vegas, road trip up and down the Pacific coast, and of course drink coffee out of tiny cups (milk for the kids). Florence is an avid people watcher and strives to understand why people do what they do, and she never tires of imagining the stories of what couples have had to overcome in order to come together.

Website: https://www.florenceabliss.com/

Instagram: @florence.a.bliss

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aoWc2l

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213784980-taken-by-his-sword

Love That Moves the Sun by @LindaCardillo a Review.

Love That Moves the Sun: Vittoria Colonna and Michelangelo Buonarroti

Linda Cardillo

Synopsis

He was the genius of his age; revered sculptor, painter, architect and poet; fiercely devoted friend; beleaguered artist to the popes; and a pilgrim in search of an elusive redemption.

She was a celebrated poet; dutiful daughter; adoring yet betrayed wife; powerful political voice; spiritual seeker; suspected heretic; and the only woman Michelangelo ever loved.

Review

LOVE THAT MOVES THE SUN is not a simple Historical Romance, or love story. Yes, you have a telling of the friendship that the poet and what I would call a religious/social activist, Vittoria Colonna and the great artist Michelangelo shared, albeit it in a somewhat different manner, but who is to say what is what.

This is a book for every person that wants to learn about strong and influential women in Europe in the 1500s. The well described settings, character development and emotional atmosphere of the day envelope you in perfection and you forget to come up for air until the hour is so late your eyes drop or your stomach growls in protest of your neglect.

Most people see Michelangelo as one thing, an artist, perhaps too some he is the greatest. But you see with the turning pages and through Colonna’s voice that he had other depths, another purpose.

If you are not a normal fan of the Romance genre, with LOVE THAT MOVES THE SUN you receive a thoroughly researched and well-presented historical lesson that is wrapped in the velvet glove of Romance, just to trick those Romance fans into becoming History fans.

I recommend to the aforementioned genre lovers Linda Cardillo’s latest offering, as well as to those who are wanting to test the waters of Historical Romance for the first time.

This is where I would tell you a little about the author, Linda Cardillo, The problem is, there is no way I can do a cliff notes version of her life. Visit her website http://lindacardillo.com/ to see how a love of writing and Harvard Business School produce an award-winning author.

You can purchase her book at the following: (Indie Bound is the third logo in case some are not familiar with it.)

#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “Genteel Secrets,” BY AUTHOR @SARAHMALLERY1

Title: Genteel Secrets
Author: S. R. Mallery
File Size: 4027 KB
Print Length: 118 Pages
Publication Date: November 27, 2016
Sold By: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B01MTU6KNE
Formats: Paperback and Kindle
Goodreads
Genres: Historical Romance, Victorian, Military

In the Author’s Words:

“What do a well-bred Southern Belle and a Northern working class Pinkerton detective have in common? Espionage . . . And romance. At the start of the U.S. Civil War, while young men begin dying on American battlefields and slavery is headed toward its end, behind the scenes, female undercover work and Pinkerton intelligence are alive and well. But in the end, can this unlikely Romeo and Juliet couple’s love survive, or will they be just another casualty of war?”

My Recommendation:

Anytime S. R. Mallery releases a new book is a great day for the enthusiasts who follow her historical romances. So, you can imagine my excitement when she released, Genteel Secrets, a Civil War romance with a unique twist – Alan Pinkerton, who served as head of the Union Intelligence Service, and who created the famous Pinkerton Detective Agency.

Set in 1861 in Washington, D.C., we are introduced to James Neely, an Irish immigrant who has worked his way out of the slums to become a doctor. In a chance encounter in a city park, he meets Hannah Mayfield, an educated woman from the Confederate South. In addition to their irresistible attraction, is a mutual admiration in the way they both express the politics of the day. Most Southern women do not engage in such things, and James is clearly smitten.

A series of life events interrupts their blossoming love affair. James finds his calling by joining the Pinkerton’s, where he is thrust into the middle of an investigation into that of a notorious spy ring, running out in the open within the capital. Little does he know, the elusive Hannah, has been blackmailed into taking part in the political intrigue by members of her own family. The challenge is whether their love can stand the test of time and win out in the end.

However, this story is bigger than James and Hannah’s love affair. It is also a political commentary on America’s Civil War and the treatment of slaves. It is about loyalty and friendship and the choices people made to hold close their personal freedom and beliefs.

At the beginning of each chapter, the author inserted quotations that shared the political climate of the times. I enjoyed these passages because it added a sense of credibility to the story. I’ve added this book to my “Me-Time,” category because I loved it so much. I could not turn the pages fast enough to find out what happened next. The ending was unexpected and restored my faith in humanity.

If you like fast-paced historical drama, this is one book you will not want to miss. I loved it!

My Rating:

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 stars

Author, Sarah Mallery

About Sarah Mallery:

S.R. Mallery, Gold Medalist winner of the 2016 READER’S FAVORITE Book Awards for Anthologies, has been labeled nothing short of ‘eclectic.’ She has been a singer, a calligrapher, a quilt designer, and an ESL teacher. As a writer, History is her focus and is woven into her stories with a delicate thread. When people talk about the news of the day or listen to music, Sarah’s imagination likens the story to a similar kind of news in the past and is conjuring up scenes between characters she has yet to meet.

What readers are saying about S. R. Mallery’s books:

“A master storyteller has been at work, and this marvelous piece of writing is the result.” ~ Thomas Baker Thomas on Unexpected Gifts.

“Honestly, I haven’t read a book this unique in quite some time.” ~ John H. Byk on Sewing Can Be Dangerous and Other Small Threads

“Mallery is an extremely talented writer. Her style lures the reader; you actually become a part of her tapestry of expression.” ~ Melinda Hines on Tales to Count On.

The Dolan Girls “was so enjoyable. At times rollicking, at times poignant, but always authentic, well researched and a beautifully told story. Highest recommendation. Five stars.” – B. Nelson

Sarah loves to hear from fans and readers.
Find Sarah on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1abYVyP
Follow Sarah on Twitter: @SarahMallery1
Visit her on http://srmallery.wordpress.com/home/
Follow Sarah and other award-winning authors on http://enovelauthorsatwork.com
Catch Sarah’s history/vintage clothing/old flicks Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sarahmallery1/

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of colleenchesebro.com

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#BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “The Heart of Annie – The Strength of God,” BY AUTHOR MARIANNE COYNE

Title: The Heart of Annie… The Strength of God
Author: Maryanne Coyne
File Size: 655 KB
Print Length: 88 pages
Publisher: Maryanne Coyne, 1^st Edition
Publication Date: March 30, 2015
Sold by Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B00VGNP8UC
Formats: Kindle
Goodreads
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Romance, Religious & Inspirational, Christian Literature

In the Author’s Words:

“Fifteen-year-old Annie Salvatore loves the opportunities and excitement of growing up in early twentieth century America. Her dream of falling in love and escaping the tradition of an arranged marriage, much as her mother did years ago in Italy, is her future hope. But sometimes life doesn’t give us what we want in the package we had envisioned. As the year’s pass, Annie discovers that the love in her heart is not enough without strength.

Through life’s joys and woes, Annie’s faith presses her closer toward God. He gently teaches her heart to forgive and to love more deeply, as her spiritual journey unfolds. In surrendering her heart to His strength, Annie discovers the ability to conquer. Step back in time into Annie’s shoes and walk her journey, as it leads her to make one of the most important decisions in her life and the life of another.

Based on a true story of faith, courage, sadness and joy, The Heart of Annie…The Strength of God will uplift, encourage, and entertain you from the first page to the last.”

My Recommendation:

*The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review which follows*

You know, sometimes I just want to read a book that is inspiring and uplifting. Believe me, this is one of those books! The Heart of Annie… The Strength of God will make you feel like you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Prepare to be awakened to the joys and sorrows of one woman’s life and how your own life journey can be renewed through love and compassion.

So much of our news today centers on immigration and the plight of immigrants across the world. It was important for me, to step back in time and remember that most of us in America would not be here but for our brave immigrant ancestors that started their lives anew in a foreign country. As the child and grandchild of immigrant parents and grandparents from Russia, I was deeply touched by Annie’s journey. Her story is one that will resonate with many women.

The novel is set in West Orange, New Jersey. It is the early 1920’s. Born in Italy, Annie balances between the two cultures, Italian and American, in a society that desperately clings to their Italian heritage. At the same time, she wants to embrace the language and customs of her new country. It appeared the younger generation of men and women were excited to embrace the new land, while the older men and women struggled to maintain their way of life from the old country.

Annie’s story is unique because of how she learns to deal with life. When fate deals some harsh blows to Annie and her husband, she rises to the occasion. Through her faith in God, she finds the strength to change and grow. What she finds is a gift of the purest kind, love, and compassion.

I read this book in one night. I loved this family and how they stuck together through thick and thin. The fact that the story is based on true incidents and people made it all the more special to me. No matter what your belief system is, you will love this story. Annie shows that through faith and compassion, we can overcome anything!

My Rating:

Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 stars

Author, Maryanne Coyne

About Marianne Coyne:

Marianne Coyne is a licensed artist, an author, independent publisher, a published writer with Blue Mountain Arts, and an occasional public speaker. She finds immense joy in creating and affecting others in a positive way with her work. Marianne’s unique ability to inspire and encourage others is admired and respected by many.

She shares:

“I started as an artist. When I painted a picture it told a story. Presently I tell stories that paint pictures. As an artist and writer, I find immense joy in creating. Sharing what I create is the icing on the delectable cupcake of life. Painting and writing have impacted my journey in a remarkable and positive way, and I hope what I share with you will impact your journey in a positive way, too. I am a published writer with Blue Mountain Arts and have self-published two novellas and short stories, now offered as ebooks in Amazon Kindle. I have written children’s stories and songs, fairy tales, poetry, and much more. Many of these are being prepared to share with the public.”

Make certain to connect with Maryanne through her blog, Leisurelane.wordpress.com.

Book Review by @ColleenChesebro of silverthreading.com

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Starting This Sunday…The Blue Diamond – The Razor’s Edge by @PSBartlett ON #SALE ONLY $.99!!!

Of the fiction I’ve read this year, this is my Five Star Read of the Year.~Ronovan Writes

From Author P.S. Bartlett

Please Share!!!

Own The Blue Diamond – The Razor’s Edge on Kindle for Only $.99!!!

Countdown Sale From December 21-28, 2014! It starts at $.99 but for how long?

DATES OF DEAL: 12/21/2014 – 12/28/2014

US LINK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OEYUKOY

GENRE: Regency/Historical Romance

TWITTER NAME: @PSBartlett

TWITTER LINK: https://twitter.com/PSBartlett

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/PSBartlett

WEBSITE: http://psbartlett.me/

How About A Little Fantastic Video Voyage? Well, Are Ya Comin’?

Check out Lit World Interviews very on 5 Star Historical Romance Read of the Year Author PS Bartlett as she narrates her journey to her voyage to her most recent novel The Blue Diamond: The Razor’s Edge available at Amazon.

Author P.S. Bartlett

Tonight I ventured into a strange and unforgiving world…the YouTube VIDEO.

Nope, I wasn’t brave enough to get in front of the camera so I put together a video narration of an article I wrote not too long ago, complete with pictures and flubbed words.

Hey gang, I did the best I could under circumstances I would never bore you with. TRUST ME though…it was a challenge.

So, without further adieu, I give you my very first narrated article…

Right or Wrong – I Write for Me

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BOOK REVIEW BY @COLLEENCHESEBRO OF “The Reach of the Banyan Tree” @SASSEVN

Title: The Reach of the Banyan Tree

Author: Mark W. Sasse

Publisher: Mark W Sasse (June 29, 2014)

ISBN-10: 1499713002

ASIN: B00LE5MNP0

http://mwsasse.com/

Pages: 301

Genre: Historical romance, Contemporary romance, Fiction, Historical fiction

*A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, which follows.

I was instantly transported back into time to August 1945, French Indochina, where Charles Regal Carson, an American soldier with the OSS Deer Team, was tasked to assist Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen to fight against the Imperialist Japanese in World War II. What ensues is a hauntingly lovely contemporary romance filled with suspense and intrigue that brought me to tears, as I lived through the lives of Charles (Cha Le), Mai, Long, Thuy, and Charles III.

From there, Charles’ (Cha Le’s) story unfolds through the chaotic life of his grandson, Charles Regal Carson III, (Chip) who in the year 2000 left the family oil business to pursue his own ventures in Vietnam. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Vietnam, Chip falls in love with a young woman named Thuy. Their love leads them on a journey of discovery though cultural differences, language barriers, and age old traditions that lead them to face some ultimate truths in their own lives.

This romance spans fifty years through three generations of American men whose lives are interwoven through the women they love, their courage to face reality, and the lifetime friendships they forged. I loved the richness of the characters and the rites of passage into adult-hood that each endured.

The banyan tree plays an integral part in this story. To me the banyan tree represented the hearts of the people of Vietnam. The tree celebrates life by leading you through the lives of Chip, his father, and his grandfather representing the reach of family ties through the generations. I also gained a new insight into the ancient culture of Vietnam where family loyalty at all costs is still represented in modern society.

Sasse’s descriptions of the Vietnamese countryside placed me within the story. I could see the emerald green rice paddies, and I could feel the heat and humidity that is Vietnam. At times, I felt like I could even taste the food and wine, so detailed were the descriptions.

The cultural and societal differences between Vietnam and America were an uncomfortable truth I had to reconcile with myself. Women in many Asian cultures are not valued as much as males are. I was struck by how the death of the only male child in the family was viewed as a total sense of failure for the family. The loss was such a deep scar that it consumed them and left them unable to move forward. I was awed that these feelings and beliefs were so deeply ingrained within the culture of Vietnam and still exist today.

What struck me the most was that even though these cultural differences plagued the characters, their love and honor to each other overcame all obstacles placed before them. I was taught that love and family truly live on through the reach of our ancestors.

Sasse is an expert story teller. He weaves colorful characters that possess great compassion and an emotional complexity that I seldom see in romance novels. I was deeply drawn to these characters.

This book has something to offer everyone. A splash of true historical facts, passionate love, action, and intrigue will take you on a journey you will not easily forget. This story will remain in a soft place within your heart.

Mark Sasse’s Author Interview here on LitWorldInterviews appears Friday, Dec. 5.

RATINGS:

Realistic Characterization: 5/5

Made Me Think: 5/5

Overall enjoyment: 5/5

Readability: 5/5

Recommended: 5/5

Overall Rating: 5

Buy it at: Amazon

FORMAT & PRICING:

Paperback: $11.25 USD

Kindle: $2.99 USD

Colleen Chesebro

@ColleenChesebro

SilverThreading.com

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Tag: Historical Romance

Taken by His Sword by Florence A. Bliss, a Book Review.

8 Questions with Florence A. Bliss, author of Taken by His Sword.

Love That Moves the Sun by @LindaCardillo a Review.