I’m thrilled to say that wonderful Helen Hollick – bestselling author, historian, and tireless supporter of fellow writers – featured my new book series Blood of Kings, Heart of Shadows with When Secrets Bloom as volume one, on her blog! Helen’s wevsite has long been a gathering place for readers and authors who love stories rooted in history, mystery, and imagination. Her generosity in championing new and established voices alike makes this feature especially meaningful.

You can read the full post on Helen’s blog here: Serious about a Series Spotlight: Today Patricia Furstenberg

Helen Hollick: Weaving History, Mystery, and the Sea

Helen Hollick is as enthusiastic in her support of fellow authors as she is in her writing career. She sails effortlessly between genres, always guided by story, character, and heart. What began as a deep passion for historical fiction evolved into a lifelong literary voyage: from the windswept decks of her nautical adventure series The Sea Witch Voyages to the nostalgic charm of her Jan Christopher Cosy Mysteries, inspired by her years as a library assistant in 1970s North London or the historical fiction series King Arthur – The Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy, as well as many more.

Helen’s work has captivated readers across continents. Her novel The Forever Queen (A Hollow Crown in the UK), the poignant tale of Queen Emma of Normandy, earned her a place on the USA Today Bestseller list. Harold the King (I Am the Chosen King in the US) vividly reimagines the events leading to the 1066 Battle of Hastings, while her acclaimed Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy strips away the fantasy from Arthurian legend to reveal the man behind the myth—a warrior, a leader, a legend born of grit rather than magic.

Known for her trademark hats and sharp wit, Helen remains a fixture at literary gatherings whenever her health allows. A tireless supporter of fellow authors, Helen’s blog is a warm harbor where new and established writers alike are celebrated.

Her writing, whether steeped in history or mystery, always carries that rare quality: truth wrapped in imagination, emotion anchored in reality.

If you haven’t yet, set sail with Captain Jesamiah Acorne in The Sea Witch Voyages, enjoy Gallows Awake (whose plot I found “plot is intricate yet captivating, with moral complexity, historical accuracy, and a hint of the magical”), or step into the tender nostalgia of A Mirror Murder and the Jan Christopher mysteries (which I thought it was “an engrossing story that combines suspense, romance, and the tragedy of human weakness”). And if you crave the legend behind the legend, follow Arthur through The Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy or pick up FATE: Tales of History, Mystery and Magic (here Hollick’s writing is full with sensory detail while her voice, honest, lingers long after the story ends).

Helen Hollick doesn’t just tell stories. She invites you to live them. Discover her books and work on her blog here.

Thank you, Helen, for showcasing When Secrets Bloom on your blog! 🙂