Historical novelist Melissa Addey recently featured my novels in her newsletter, and here is a little information on her work. Addey searches through history for stories to share with readers who love detailed research and forgotten stories. So far, her travels have taken her from Ancient Rome to medieval Morocco, 18th century China and Regency England. You can download a free novella and browse her fifteen novels on her website: www.MelissaAddey.com.
The Moroccan Empire series
11th century Morocco and Spain. A vast Muslim empire is rising as the lives of four women weave together to tell a story of war and love, magic and faith. Based on the rise of Morocco’s Almoravid dynasty, which created a North African and Spanish empire and defeated El Cid. Set out on an epic journey of complex choices and opposing faiths told by the voices of forgotten women. https://mybook.to/MoroccanSeries (kindle, paperback and audio)
The Cup (prequel novella)
Hela has powers too strong for a child – both to feel the pain of those around her and to heal them. But when she is given a mysterious cup by a slave woman, its powers overtake her life, forcing her into a vow she cannot hope to keep.
A String of Silver Beads
Kella is a girl disguised as a boy, travelling the trade routes and beating all comers in the camel races. When she is sent home to the family desert camp to be taught women’s skills, she risks marriage to its general, hoping for adventure. But while Yusuf conquers North Africa, Kella finds herself a rival to his infamous queen consort, Zaynab.
None Such as She
Love-struck Zaynab makes a false prophecy: that she is destined to marry a man who will create an empire. Although her plan backfires, Zaynab’s intelligence, beauty and ambition leads to four marriages, leading to her co-founding an empire. But her need to be loved turns her into a vicious rival to the other women in Yusuf’s life.
Do Not Awaken Love
Isabella is a nun in the Christian kingdom of Galicia. But on a rare journey outside of the convent, she is taken by raiders and sold to Morocco as a slave. Salvation comes from an unlikely source: Yusuf, leader of a vast Muslim army. Isabella must struggle to survive her new life and hold true to her faith, which is tested by great dangers… and by love.
“Superbly plotted, with a vividly described setting and packed full of memorable characters.”
— Wishing Shelf Book Awards
“Ms Addey’s world-building is superb.” — Discovering Diamonds
“Evocative and intriguing… highly recommended.” — Historical Novel Society
