Category: Katenews

Richard Bassett‘s new book, MARIA THERESA: EMPRESS: The Making of the Austrian Enlightenment, was published by Yale University Press on 25 February 2025.  This is a gripping study of one of the world’s most influential leaders, revealing how Maria Theresa confounded gendered expectations and left a lasting mark on Europe.

“Assured and revisionist … an impressively researched book … Maria Theresa emerges as an impressive if absolutist monarch, committed to bringing her Catholic faith to bear on her rule and making things better for those living in her lands.  Less Queen of the Night; more Queen of the Light.”  The Times

“An absolute tour de force.” Nancy M. Wingfield

UNDER THE BLACK MOUNTAIN by K.T. Fitzpatrick was published in audio by Bolinda on 1 May, the first of the Eva Willoughby series set in 1919 Australia.  

“A sharply written, fast-moving mystery set in a wonderfully evoked post-Gallipoli Australia. A deeply pleasurable read.” Andrew Miller, author of the Costa Book of the Year winning PURE

“Utterly enthralling.” NetGalley reviewer 5 stars

Apollo/Head of Zeus publish STEEL RIVER: Walking the Tees – a Journey through Nature in a Human World  by Steve Nicholls on 6 March 2025. This is an evocative and richly informative account of a journey along the river Tees, presenting its valley as a microcosm of an environmentally damaged and endangered world.

“The north-east has long been a place of proud industry. Beneath the sweat and grime, however, the region’s biodiversity has taken a battering for generations. In STEEL RIVER, Nicholls deftly examines whether nature – and by extension, humanity – can ever truly heal and regenerate.”  Sally Coulthard author of A SHORT HISTORY OF THE WORLD ACCORDING TO SHEEP

“An admirable book… Nicholls has a powerful message for us: that environmental degradation and social inequality are twin facets of the rush to rob the planet of its resources.”   Max Adams author of THE KING IN THE NORTH

Ewa Jozefkowicz‘s SHYLA’S WOOD WIDE WEB beautifully illustrated by Gillian Flint, the second title in The Woodland Explorers Club series for readers aged 5-7 following BENJI’S EMERALD KING, was published by Zephyr/Head of Zeus on 7 November. Inspired by Forest School, this is a magical new series in which a group of friends solve mysteries and protect the animals of Willow Wish Woods.

“With magic, mystery, forest school fun, a whole natural world to explore, and the added bonus of outdoor activities to try out, youngsters will be pulling on their wellies and heading for the great outdoors!”  Lancaster Guardian

 

Catherine Hanley’s new book, LIONESSHEART: The Life and Times of Joanna Plantagenet, was published by The History Press on 27 March 2025. 

“This is an engaging, exciting and hugely enjoyable book that cleverly brings to light the multiplicity of challenges, restrictions and opportunities that faced royal women in the medieval period, moments without power but also, with careful judgement, occasions to exert power.” Jonathan Phillips, author of THE LIFE AND LEGEND OF THE SULTAN SALADIN 

“An educational, absorbing and accessible narrative full of historical detail, always keeping the women at the forefront of the story. Superb.” Annie Whitehead, author of WOMEN OF POWER IN ANGLO-SAXON ENGLAND

“Hanley weaves a gripping tale of a little-known English princess who led an extraordinary life. Joanna’s tale is one of drama, and Hanley expertly brings her to the forefront, trying to find Joanna’s own thoughts and agency in a life directed by the men around her.” Gemma Hollman, author of THE QUEEN AND THE MISTRESS

Congratulations to Catherine Hanley on 1217: The Battles that Saved Britain, published by Osprey, being shortlisted for the Military History Matters 2025 Book of the Year Award.

 

Laura Starkey‘s fourth novel, LOVE OFF SCRIPT, a workplace romantic comedy where sparks fly, was published by Bonnier Embla on 11 March 2025.

“This book was completely captivating, brilliantly written, and beautifully romantic from start to finish. I loved it!”  Emma Cooper, author of THE ONE BEFORE THE ONE

 

 

Jane Corry‘s  ninth novel, I DIED ON A TUESDAY, was published by Penguin on 20 June 2024.   One day.  Three stories.  Who do you believe?

Jane Corry is a seven times Sunday Times Top Ten paperback fiction bestseller.  Congratulations to Jane on I DIED ON A TUESDAY spending four weeks on the Globe and Mail’s paperback fiction bestseller list in Canada in January/February 2025 reaching #2.

“A gripping and emotional thriller about dark family secrets coming back to haunt you. I loved it!” Claire Douglas
“A clever, twisty story of unravelling secrets, with a huge heart at its core. A joy for crime lovers.” Andrea Mara
“Jane Corry has done it again. A page-turning, intricately woven plot full of colourful characters that was too hard to put down.” Heidi Perks
“This story about long-buried secrets captivated me from the very first page to the absolutely explosive ending.” Ashley Tate

 Sandy Taylor’s ninth novel, RETURN TO THE IRISH BOARDING HOUSE, was published by Bookouture on 13 May 2024.

“This gut-wrenching story is phenomenal. Heartbreaking… Bringing you to tears, and then bringing a smile to your face and joy to your heart… Completely unputdownable.” Page Turners, 5 star review

Congratulations to Sandy on THE IRISH BOARDING HOUSE, the prequel to RETURN TO THE IRISH BOARDING HOUSE, reaching #30 in the UK Kindle Top 100 and #31 in the US Kindle Top 100 on the same day.

 

 

The fourth Shaw family Victorian Liverpool saga, AN ORPHAN’S DREAM, by Judy Summers was published by Mountain Leopard Press on 10 April 2025.

“Judy is a natural storyteller.” Lyn Andrews