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CHAUCER Book Awards for pre-1750 HISTORICAL FICTION 2016 FINALISTS
The CHAUCER Writing Competition recognizes emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of pre-1750s Historical Fiction. The Chaucer Awards is a division of Chanticleer International Novel Writing Competitions.

More than $30,000.00 dollars worth of cash and prizes will be awarded to Chanticleer Book Reviews 2016 writing competition winners at the Chanticleer Authors Conference April 1, 2017!

Because we received an unprecedented amount of entries for the 2015 Chaucer Awards we divided the writing competition into two separate awards for 2016: The Chaucer Awards for pre-1750’s historical fiction and the Goethe Awards for post-1750 historical fiction. We have moved entries that are post 1750 to the 2016 Goethe Awards tracking and judging rounds.

This is the Official Finalists List of the Authors and Titles of Works that have made it to the Finalists of the Chaucer 2016 Novel Writing Contest.

NOTE: This list is COMPLETE as of January 27, 2017.

The Chaucer Awards FIRST IN CATEGORY sub-genres are: Pre-Historical Fiction, Ancient Historical Fiction, World/International History (non-western culture historical fiction), Americas-Historical Fiction Pre-1750s, Dark Ages/Medieval, Renaissance, and Elizabethan/Tudor 1600’s.

The following titles will compete for the Short List and then compete for the First Place Category Positions and Awards Packages.
- Hana Samek Norton – The Serpent’s Crown: A Novel of Medieval Cyprus
- Kate Braithwaite – Charlatan
- Carol M. Cram – The Towers of Tuscany #2
- Gerald W. McFarland – The Last of Our Kind, Third in the Buenaventura Series
- Sandra Vasoli – Truth Endures: Je Anne Boleyn Book Two #2
- Jean Gill – Plaint for Provence
- Laura Kitchell – Lady of the Bridge #2
- Edward Parr – Kingdoms Fall
- N.M. Bell – No Absolution
- Lorraine Buck – The Last Rosary
- Gina M. Bright – 1381: The Forgotten Revolt
- Leonide Martin – The Visionary Mayan Queen: Yohl Ik’nal of Palenque
- H.J. Reynolds – A Treachery of Spies
- Michal Strutin – Judging Noa: a Biblical Woman’s Journey
- Austin Hernon-Robert – The Wayward Prince, Book Two
- Lilian Gafni – The New World: Flower from Castile
- Catherine T Wilson and Catherine A Wilson – The Gilded Crown
- Laura Kitchell – Lady of the Imperial City
- Bruce Gardner – Hope of Ages Past
- Helena P. Schrader – Envoy of Jerusalem: – Balian d’Ibelin and the Third Crusade
- Mike Hartner – I, James
- Prue Batten – Tobias
- Charlene Newcomb – For King and Country
- Gail Avery Halverson – The Boundary Stone
- Sandra Vasoli – Struck With the Dart of Love: Je Ane Boleyn Book One
- James Conroyd Martin – The Boy Who Wanted Wings
The Chaucer Finalists will compete for the Chaucer Awards First In Category Positions, which consists of Four Judging Rounds. First Place Category Book Award winners will automatically be entered into the Chaucer GRAND PRIZE AWARD competition, which has a cash prize of $200. The CBR Grand Prize Genre Winners will compete for the CBR Overall Grand Prize for Best Book and its $1,000 purse.
- All First In Category Book Award Winners will receive high visibility along with special badges to wear during the Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Gala.
- First In Category winners will compete for the Chaucer Awards Grand Prize Award for the $200 purse and the Chaucer Grand Prize Ribbon and badges.
- TEN genre Grand Prize winning titles will compete for the $1,000 purse for CBR Best Book and Overall Grand Prize.
- A coveted Chanticleer Book Review valued at $345 dollars U.S. CBR reviews will be published in the Chanticleer Reviews magazine in chronological order as to posting.
- A CBR Blue Ribbon to use in promotion at book signings and book festivals
- Digital book award stickers for on-line promotion
- Adhesive book stickers
- Shelf-talkers and other promotional items
- Promotion in print and on-line media
- Review of book distributed to on-line sites and printed media publications
- Review, cover art, and author synopsis listed in CBR’s newsletter
- Default First in Category winners will not be declared. Contests are based on merit and writing craft in all of the Chanticleer Writing Competitions.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at Info@ChantiReviews.com.

Congratulations to the Finalists in this fiercely competitive contest!
Good Luck to all of the Chaucer Finalists as they compete for Semi-Finalists positions.

First In Category announcements will be made in our social media postings as the results come in.

The Chaucer Grand Prize Winner and First Place Category Winners will be announced at the April 1st, 2017 Chanticleer Writing Contests Annual Awards Gala, which takes place on the last evening of the Chanticleer Authors Conference that will be held in Bellingham, Wash.

We are now accepting submissions into the 2017 Chaucer Awards and the Goethe Awards writing competitions for Historical Fiction. Please click here for more information or to enter the contests.
October 10, 2016
The ORDER of the LILY by Catherine A. Wilson and Catherine T. Wilson, a captivating and breathtaking14c tale

Twin sisters separated at birth, one cosseted in a lavish lifestyle, the other hidden away behind convent walls meet through letters. In Book 1, The Lily and the Lion, the sisters Cécile d’Armagnac and Catherine Pembroke begin to puzzle out the political reasons behind the separation. They finally are united, but soon their lives are threatened by the power-hungry William Montagu, Earl of Salisbury. Separation being safer than staying together, the sisters part ways once more, this time as fugitives.

This second installment opens with Cécile and Catherine on the run with their protectors, the knights Simon Marshall and Gillet de Bellegarde. Cécile, having sacrificed her virginity to Edward, the Black Prince, to save her sister’s life, lies in the hull of an England-bound ship, sick from pregnancy and the rough seas. When the Prince’s men commandeer the vessel, Catherine quickly returns the favor by masquerading as Cécile. She’s whisked away to the Prince, while her sister continues to England.

Lovers’ misunderstandings ensue in the two kingdoms. Cécile and Gillet spar prettily at his Kent family estate, passion and jealousy taking turns as her belly blooms and lovers both threatening and tempting appear. Catherine, on the other hand, quietly falls for Simon, who masks his affection as he keeps her safe from the Prince’s lustful eye. Catherine’s charade lasts only until Salisbury uncovers the truth, compelling Catherine and her cadre of protectors to find a way to escape.

Their route, however, carries its own agenda. Simon takes Catherine first to a monastery, and then on to the Paris seat of the Knights Templar, as he continues his quest to find the missing, mysterious Lady of Scotland. It’s a subplot that fits into the sisters’ breathtaking saga when the Earl of Salisbury appears, seeking the Lady as well as Catherine. The chase ends at her beginnings, at the convent in which she grew up. Danger quelled for the time being, relationships are allowed to blossom, both for Catherine and for Cécile, whose day of happiness is embellished by an unspoken mission Gillet must attend in the near future.

This teaser caps a string of events that carry the story forward with expert pacing, passionate entanglements, and a rich language full of clever colloquialisms and a good deal of humor. In contrast, however, the scenes of subjugation remind us of the maltreatment of women that was common and condoned by society. Early in the tale, Cécile is shocked to see Gillet’s sister-in-law routinely beaten by her husband, and then horrified to find her encased in a scold’s bridle. Cécile’s attempt to help the woman results in being subjected to harsh punishment for interfering.

If there’s one positive outcome to this horrible subjugation is that Cécile stands up against injustice–no matter what the cost. And that is the arc of Book 2: the sisters finding their power in a cruel era of patriarchal oppression. To witness this maturation shines a hopeful light on the third book of the series, The Gilded Crown. The authors have written a captivating and historically accurate story with characters that are vividly portrayed.

Historical romantics of all ages will enjoy this rollicking affair that continues the story of spirited twins who do battle with cruel relatives, nefarious noblemen, misunderstood suitors, and above all, the constraints on women’s power in 14th-century England and France.

October 10, 2016
October Spotlight: Two Spooktacular Contests in Time for All Hallows Eve

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October is upon us bringing tricks, treats, and fanciful delights in the form of submissions to the brand new OZMA Awards for Fantasy Fiction and the long running Paranormal Awards for Supernatural Fiction. We can’t wait to see what kind of submissions we get this year. Get your manuscripts ready! The deadline is October 31.

OZMA – Something new for fantasy

Our Cygnus Awards have been home to both Science Fiction and Fantasy since the Chanticleer International Writing Competitions began, but the cup is overflowing and a new cauldron (it’s October after all) was needed to hold the fantasy entries. The OZMA Awards were the perfect answer. A lot of thought went into creating this new home for our fantasy entries, choosing the name OZMA as a nod to L. Frank Baum’s Princess Ozma from the Oz series and then a painting of Joan of Arc by Dante Rossetti (a Chanticleer favorite!) as the image to represent the awards. L. Frank Baum, a feminist in his time, created in Ozma a great ruler, both protector and pacifist, who eliminated poverty and need in her realm. And Joan of Arc, as we all know overcame impossible odds to become a warrior and a leader in a time when such roles were reserved for men. We wanted do our bit to encourage and foster a place for strong female characters in fantasy fiction.

Paranormal – A haunting history

The Paranormal Awards are an old soul with a lot of spirit and winners going back to our beginning.

The Paranormal Awards History of Winners:

2015

The Aurora Affair by Carolyn Haley won the Paranormal Award category for “Supernatural Powers” and then went on to take home the 2015 Paranormal Grand Prize.
“Supermodel-turned-artist Madeline LaRue has been suppressing her psychic gifts all her life. Now she’s stranded in a remote musicians’ enclave, called in by her twin sister to explain away some spooky goings-on that are more than merely spooky. Devout skeptic or not, Madeline has walked into a cosmic storm where, along with her sister, an ex-lover, and a charismatic New Age musician, she is targeted by forces she has always denied, and that only her artist’s eye can discern.“

Carolyn Haley is a writer, editor, and reviewer living in rural Vermont. Through her business, DocuMania, she writes a mix of magazine articles and catalogue copy, along with her own books. She also helps other authors with diverse projects through editing, proofreading, production, and education. When not working, Carolyn enjoys several outdoor pursuits—gardening, paddling, walking, riding, birdwatching—along with autosports and spectating the arts. Her enduring passion, however, is books.

2014

An Ex to Grind by Ann Charles won the Paranormal Award category for “Blended Genre” and then went on to take home the 2014 Paranormal Grand Prize.
“The Deadwood Mysteries offer a welcomed new twist for cozy mystery lovers! Fresh writing, lovable quirky characters, a good dose of randiness, peculiar situations…and clever surprises at every twist and turn. An Ex to Grind keeps the laughs coming or the suspense building. Get ready for another hilarious and spooky suspenseful read from Ann Charles.“

Ann Charles is a USA Today Best-Selling author who writes award-winning mysteries that are splashed with humor, romance, and whatever else sounds fun.She is currently toiling away on her next book, wishing she was on a Mexican beach with an ice-cold Corona in one hand and her Kindle in the other. When she is not dabbling in fiction, she is arm wrestling with her two kids, attempting to seduce her husband, and arguing with her sassy cat.

2013

The Watcher by Lisa Voisin won the Paranormal Award category for “Angels & Demons” and then went on to take home the 2013 Paranormal Grand Prize.
“Voisin transports us visually into Mia’s world with rich details, from places as mundane as a wall locker in a school corridor, to a thrilling winged flight high above the city. We ache with Mia for Michael’s touch when he is near, and feel Michael’s pain for resisting…The Watcher will keep you guessing, and feeling, and leave you with great hope.“

A Canadian-born author, Lisa Voisin spent her childhood daydreaming and making up stories, but it was her love of reading and writing in her teens that drew her to Young Adult fiction. As someone who believes in giving back, she leads the Young Writer’s Club sponsored by the Lynn Valley Literary Society every month. In her spare time, she teaches meditation. So when she’s not writing, you’ll find her meditating or hiking in the mountains to counter the side effects of drinking too much coffee. She lives in Vancouver, B.C. with her fiancé and their two cats.

2012

Sacred Fires by Catherine Greenfeder, winner of the 2012 Romantic Paranormal Award.
“Casey is a journalist who is trying to prove her reporting chops when she joins up with Miguel, a U.S. Customs agent whose mission is to solve the mystery of missing ancient artifacts and recent bizarre cult murders. Their leads take them to Mexico City and the lush, sultry tropics of Acapulco…Sacred Fires is a well written and crafted romantic paranormal novel with elements of intrigue and suspense along with a story set in a lush locale with mystic Aztec undercurrents. Greenfeder has succeeded in writing a fast-paced romantic suspense novel that is refreshingly different.“

Born and raised in New York City, the American West and the pioneer days has been a fascination for Catherine Greenfeder since her fifth grade teacher created a “pioneer day” complete with square dancing and venison stew.A fan of romance fiction since high school, Catherine decided to write her first romance novel after careers in public relations and retail advertising. Trips to Oklahoma to visit family sparked Catherine’s interest in the plight of Native Americans and those early settlers in the frontier states. Wildflowers is the product of years of research and writing. Catherine is a language arts teacher and a romance novelist in New Jersey.

All you have to do is to enter your manuscript or published novel in either of these terrific contests!

The October 31th deadline for submissions is going to be here before you know it. Don’t miss this opportunity to earn distinction for your novel. Enter our contests today!

All category winners have the opportunity to attend our spring Award Gala ceremony that takes place during the 2017 Chanticleer Authors Conference where they will be whisked up on stage to receive their ribbon in a magical evening including dinner, networking opportunities, and celebrations–not to mention free reviews, and the chance to win the grand prizes and cash![/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20px” padding_bottom=”20px” padding_left=”0px” padding_right=”0px” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_title size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”single solid” sep_color=”transparent” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]What are the OZMA and Paranormal Awards?[/fusion_title][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”3_5″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Our OZMA Awards are the Chanticleer Reviews search for the best Fantasy books of 2016!

Chanticleer Book Reviews is looking for the best books featuring magic, the supernatural, imaginary worlds, fantastical creatures, legendary beasts, mythical beings, or inventions of fancy that author imaginations dream up without a basis in science as we know it. Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Dragons, Unicorns, Steampunk, Dieselpunk, Gaslight Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, or other out of this world fiction, we will put them to the test and choose the best among them in the OZMA Awards for Fantasy Fiction International Writing Competition.

Our Paranormal Awards are the Chanticleer Reviews search for the best Supernatural Fiction books of 2016!

Chanticleer Book Reviews is looking for the best books featuring magic, the supernatural, weird other worldly stories, super humans, magical beings and supernatural entities, vampires, werewolves, angels, demons, Fairy, Magical systems and elements, we will put them to the test and choose the best among them.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_5″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”1px” border_color=”#606060″ border_style=”solid” padding=”10px” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]

Our Chanticleer Review Writing Contests feature more than $30,000.00 worth of cash and prizes each year!

~$1,000 Overall Grand Prize Winner
~$2,800 in Genre Grand Prizes
~$28,980 in reviews, prizes, and promotional opportunities awarded to Category Winners

[/fusion_text][fusion_button link=”/services#!/Fantasy-Writing-Contests-Sword-&-Sorcery-Fiction-Chanticleer-Book-Reviews/p/57162380/category=5193080″ color=”darkgray” size=”” stretch=”” type=”” shape=”” target=”_blank” title=”” gradient_colors=”|” gradient_hover_colors=”|” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”1px” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” modal=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”1″ animation_offset=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””]Enter OZMA Awards[/fusion_button][fusion_button link=”/services#!/Paranormal-Writing-Competition/p/25917402/category=5193080″ color=”darkgray” size=”” stretch=”” type=”” shape=”” target=”_blank” title=”” gradient_colors=”|” gradient_hover_colors=”|” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”1px” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” modal=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”1″ animation_offset=”” alignment=”center” class=”” id=””]Enter Paranormal Awards![/fusion_button][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Don’t delay. Enter today!

October 6, 2016
Chanticleer Collections Hits the Road for Fall Trade Shows

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]September 30th Chanticleer Reviews hits the road to attend the first of our fall trade show line up, the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association Fall Trade Show (PNBA) in Tacoma Washington. Booksellers, Exhibitors, Authors, Publicists, Librarians and more will be in attendance. Chanticleer has reserved three tables to display the books of the authors who have registered their books with us to exhibit and promote.

We are excited to show off the books and distribute sell sheets to all the interested booksellers and librarians to order for their bookshelves. We have also printed a catalogue to show off all of our books and made it available online as well.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]

Chanticleer Collections Fall 2016

Check out the books Chanticleer will be displaying on our trade show tables this fall at PNBA, NCIBA, and MPIBA. The catalog includes ISBNs, covers, and other information that book sellers need to order these books for their shelves.

Books displayed in this magazine and on our trade show tables are first place or higher winners in our International Writing Competitions and/or have received a 4 or 5 star review from Chanticleer Reviews.

Qualifying authors who want to be a part of our trade show collection can register via our website.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_position=”all” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”” animation_speed=”0.1″ animation_offset=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]

View our online catalog Chanticleer Collections

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]After the PNBA show, we will also exhibit at the trade shows in San Francisco and Denver. The Northern California Independent Bookseller Association (NCIBA) and the Mountain & Plains Independent Bookseller Association (MPIBA) Fall Discovery Shows and PNBA shows exhibit spaces are sold out, but Chanticleer managed to procure tables and will be displaying vetted books by Chanticleer Reviews.

It can be difficult to get tables at trade shows, especially for individual Indie authors, and it is expensive to register for and travel to show shows. Chanticleer Reviews Collection helps today’s best books to become discovered by librarians and book sellers at a fraction of the cost along with the prestige of being associated with a vetted collection of Indie books.

Find out more about registering for our trade show collection.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

September 29, 2016
DEATH at the END of the ROAD by John Morsell – an Alaskan murder mystery

If you enjoy being transported to the last frontier, and want to be taken for a dramatic plot ride on a boat called the Otterly Ridiculous, with DEA agents, a character named The Mole, and a couple of dead bodies, then you’re in for a treat with John Morsell’s novel “Death at the End of the Road.” A semi-retired biologist and environmental consultant, Morsell draws from his more than 30 years working and living in Alaska to craft this engaging and well-written piece of mystery fiction.

As the story goes, Charlie Skyler, a boat-dwelling eco-tour guide and some of his unusual comrades, get tangled up in an adventure that involves murder, an eccentric drug lord, psychopathic assassins, and mysterious government agents. What makes the book even more compelling and appropriate, is that it’s set in Homer, Alaska, population 5,000, a small town known as a docking station for artists, fishermen, and ex-hippies.

Often tagged “quirky,” Homer also has been referred to as “the end of the road” due to its geographical location on the Kenai Peninsula about a 220-mile drive south of Anchorage. And perhaps you know Homer from hometown notables like singer Jewel or writer Tom Bodett (it’s his voice in the ads for Motel 6). See? It’s quirky.

With a knack for storytelling, first-time author Morsell is especially adept with dialogue, one of the most challenging aspects of fiction. Rather than revealing his characters through straight narrative, Morsell resorts to lively banter, in this case between two federal agents, one of whom is cranky, and an easy-going caretaker:

“Do you mind if we look around?” [Agent Milford] Beverly asked. “Actually, we have a search warrant, so it doesn’t matter whether you mind or not,” Agent March interjected.
“Help yourselves. You can spend the whole winter here if you want,” Don [the caretaker] said as he handed Beverly a ring of keys and winked lasciviously.

In some instances, Morsell shows further literary talent by employing alliteration (“The Lieutenant signaled the spooked soldiers…”). Also, he uses metaphor to disguise what could otherwise be construed as explicit language, as in this episode between two characters, one of whom has consumed a bit of herb:

“Frank was not at all interested in the details of Brett’s horrible night. After colorfully suggesting that Brett perform[s] various anatomically impossible acts, he told Brett to make himself permanently scarce by leaving the state or possibly the country, implying that if either he or the authorities caught him he would likely not be long for this world.”

Originally from Wisconsin, Morsell has taken a circuitous (read: quirky) route to fiction himself. In the mid-1970s, he moved to Alaska to work as a Field Environmental Specialist for the company building the Trans-Alaska oil pipeline and ended up staying for 30 years. He eventually formed his own small consulting company researching fish and aquatic habitats and went on to travel extensively throughout all regions of Alaska. Today, he lives in Washington state with his wife.

“The characters are loosely based on actual people and events,” Morsell said in an interview on The Whatcom Wordsmith podcast. Further inspiration came in the form of Seldovia, another Alaskan city with its natural beauty, as in this passage halfway through the novel:

“…Facing north toward the mouth of Seldovia Bay, Kate could see across Cook Inlet to the other side, where two volcanic peaks were visible, sunlight glinting off their snowy slopes. Artistic wisps of remnant fog completed the picture. A sea otter floated off the bow in casual nonchalance. A dozen gulls squabbled over a piece of food.”

A delightful suspense with splashes of humor, and some romance, “Death at the End of the Road” is a book you won’t want to miss, especially if you yearn to live vicariously through characters of nontraditional lifestyles and appreciate the natural scenery of one of the most beautiful places in the US.

September 23, 2016
September Spotlight: Fall leaves shed to make way for new beginnings, and a new contest from Chanticleer!

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September winds blow away leaves to make way for the new, but at Chanticleer the new and the old walk hand in hand, as we call for submissions to the brand new Little Peeps Awards for Early Readers and the long running Clue Awards for Suspense/Thriller/Mysteries.

Young Adult has been one of our most popular competitions since Chanticleer began. The number of entries was getting larger and larger, and we were stretching the limits of “YA” more and more. Finally, it became clear we needed to divide the contest. We decided to make 2 contests: the Gertrude Warner Awards for Middle Grade Books, which we introduced earlier this year, and the Little Peeps Awards for Children’s Books.

So bring us your chapter books, story books, picture books, activity books, and educational books for children. We are excited to see all of your entries!

The Clue Awards have, on the other hand, have had a long history of winners.

The Clue Awards for Thriller/Suspense Fiction, History of Winners:

2015

Blood Relations by Lonna Enox won the Clue Award category for “Mystery” and then went on to take home the 2015 Clue Grand Prize.
“Not many books leave me with the urge to immediately re-read them, but Blood Relations most certainly did. The subtlety of the details and clues written throughout the mystery surfaced only after I finished reading. It is an amazing talent for an author to leave you wanting to re-read her novel. And this well-written and entertaining book made me do so.”

Lonna Enox is a former high school and college English instructor. She grew up on a ranch in New Mexico, where she learned to love critters, reading, and “wide open” spaces. She is a wife, mom, and grandmother, as well as the proud owner of 4 rescue pets–3 cats and a dog. Aside from an early stint as a newspaper reporter, she also spent 10 years as a freelance magazine writer. She is happiest exploring a wildlife refuge, cuddling little ones and critters, or snuggled up reading a good mystery.

2014

The Red Ribbon by Rachel B. Ledge won the Clue Award category for “Historical Thriller” and then went on to take home the 2014 Clue Grand Prize.
“The Red Ribbon proves a satisfying romp for fans of historical fiction, with its glittering ballrooms, bloody frays, mysterious subplots, mistaken identities, and voices from the grave.”

Award winning author Rachel Ledge grew up in Idaho, Texas, Utah and California attending 14 schools by the time she graduated high school. She never could quite settle down in one place and now lives in Singapore and Sydney, Australia, with her husband. She can be found sitting up late at night reading anything with a compelling story line.

2013

The Raggedy Man by Clyde Curley won the Clue Award category for “Classic Detective” and then went on to take home the 2013 Clue Grand Prize.
“Mr. Curley has written an engrossing debut novel that immerses the reader in the lives of the characters and the city they inhabit. His story world is one that you don’t want to leave behind. His characters are fully-realized, living and breathing human beings struggling to make their way through days complicated by the best and worst of the human condition, and his writing is exquisite in its detail.”

Clyde Curley earned a B.A. and a California Teaching Credential at San Francisco State College (followed later by an M.A.T. from Portland State University) and went on to a 31-year career teaching high school in Oregon. He chaired the English Department at Milwaukee High School and taught Special Ed. Language Arts to ninth-graders and Honors Survey of English Literature to twelfth-graders. An avid folk musician, he resides with his wife, Susan, in Bellingham, Washington.

2012

Saving Hope by Liese Sherwood -Fabre won the first CLUE Award for Mystery/Thrillers.

“Sherwood-Fabre creates a cliffhanging thriller not only with literary skill and authenticity regarding life, crime, and medicine in Russia (Sherwood-Fabre lived there as an adult), but also with great emotion and story telling ability. Deception, underworld crime, the FSB (formerly the KGB), a mother’s love, and a ticking clock to save the world from a deadly virus makes for a great page-turner.”

In Moscow in 1998, Liese Sherwood-Fabre came across a New Yorker article about Iran recruiting unemployed bio-weapon scientists. That story, along with her own experiences and observations during her five years in Russia inspired her novel Saving Hope—now available through Musa Publishing. Dr. Sherwood-Fabre had joined her husband four years earlier in Moscow after he moved there to assist in the privatization of Soviet businesses and industries. “Those were heady days,”Dr. Sherwood-Fabre recalls. “The country experienced a huge influx of foreign assistance and interest from Western companies in expanding into that region.”

The Little Peeps Awards have yet to make history, but we are excited to see what authors and illustrators will submit.

Your book could earn a place in our hall of fame for 2016 Best Books.

All you have to do is to enter your manuscript or published novel in either of these terrific contests!

The September 30th deadline for submissions, for both writing contests, is going to be here before you know it. Don’t miss this opportunity to earn distinction for your novel. Enter our contests today!

All category winners have the opportunity to attend our spring Award Gala ceremony that takes place during the 2017 Chanticleer Authors Conference where they will be whisked up on stage to receive their ribbon in a magical evening including dinner, networking opportunities, and celebrations–not to mention free reviews, and the chance to win the grand prizes and cash![/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container backgroundcolor=”” backgroundimage=”” backgroundrepeat=”no-repeat” backgroundposition=”left top” backgroundattachment=”scroll” video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” bordersize=”0px” bordercolor=”” borderstyle=”” paddingtop=”20px” paddingbottom=”20px” paddingleft=”0px” paddingright=”0px” menu_anchor=”” equal_height_columns=”no” hundred_percent=”no” class=”” id=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_title size=”2″ content_align=”left” style_type=”single solid” sep_color=”transparent” class=”” id=””]What are the Little Peeps and Clue Awards?[/fusion_title][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”3_5″ last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Our Little Peeps Awards are the Chanticleer Reviews search for the best Children’s books of 2016!

Chanticleer Book Reviews is looking for the best books featuring stories of all shapes and sizes written to an audience of Early Readers. Story books, Chapter Books, Picture Books, Activity Books & Educational Books we will put them to the test and choose the best Children’s Books among them.

Our CLUE Awards are the Chanticleer Reviews search for the best Thriller/Suspense Fiction books of 2016!

Chanticleer Book Reviews is looking for the best books featuring suspense, thrilling adventure, detective work, private eye, police procedural, and crime solving, we will put them to the test and choose the best among them. (For light-hearted Mystery and Suspense entries see ourMystery & Mayhem Awards)[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_5″ last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”1px” border_color=”#606060″ border_style=”solid” padding=”10px” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]

Our Chanticleer Review Writing Contests feature more than $30,000.00 worth of cash and prizes each year!

~$1000 Overall Grand Prize Winner
~$2800 in Genre Grand Prizes
~$28,980 in reviews, prizes, and promotional opportunities awarded to Category Winners

[/fusion_text][fusion_button link=”/services#!/Little-Peeps-Fiction-Writing-Contests-Chanticleer-Book-Reviews/p/58078150/category=5193080″ color=”darkgray” size=”” type=”” shape=”” target=”_blank” title=”” gradient_colors=”|” gradient_hover_colors=”|” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”1px” shadow=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” modal=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”1″ alignment=”center” class=”” id=””]Enter Little Peeps![/fusion_button][fusion_button link=”/services#!/Mystery-Thriller-Suspense-Writing-Contest/p/21521209/category=5193080″ color=”darkgray” size=”” type=”” shape=”” target=”_blank” title=”” gradient_colors=”|” gradient_hover_colors=”|” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”1px” shadow=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” modal=”” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”1″ alignment=”center” class=”” id=””]Enter CLUE Awards![/fusion_button][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

September 23, 2016
YISHAR KOACH: FORWARD with STRENGTH – the Story of Shoah Survivor Ferdinand Fragner by Susan Lynn Sloan

Did you know that only one percent of all Jewish children in World War II Europe survived the war?

Yishar Koach: Forward with Strength shares the account of a man who was entrusted with inspiring some of these precious few orphans to find strength and hope after experiencing tremendous loss. At Aglasterhausen, a United Nations school for WWII orphans, Fred Fragner took on the mantle of principal and teacher at the school—a daunting responsibility for most, but not for Fragner—a fighter of the Nazi regime who was shot, captured, and interrogated by the Gestapo and then imprisoned for five years in Buchenwald Concentration Camp.

The life of this most remarkable man of integrity and altruism was the inspiration for Susan Sloan to write Fragner’s biography—a five year project that she undertook with great passion after being introduced to him at a café in Bellingham, Washington. Sloan researched transcripts of lectures and speeches made by Fragner, she refers to newspaper clippings and documents about him, listened to audio and video tapes, and interviewed many who knew him as mentor, coach, friend, family member, and teacher. Most importantly, Sloan had access to Fragner’s own scrapbook about Aglasterhausen that vividly tells how “the children gave him his life back” as he tried to help restore theirs.

The author took on this project with the hope that it will inspire others “to understand the importance of persevering even in the midst of the most daunting challenges.” Yishar Koach: Forward with Strength is a most timely and much needed reminder for today’s unstable times when there are the most people, worldwide, who have been forcibly displaced since WWII. (The United Nations reports 60 million people are currently displaced as refugees from brutal acts of war, political coups, and religious intolerance.)

Sloan’s illuminating biography captures Fragner’s lifelong altruism and strength so that it may continue to shine for future generations to come and act as a guidepost and a cautionary tale for today’s challenges.

~~~~~

A timely and thoughtful work that documents and honors Fred Fragner whose unconditional love, respect of others, and perseverance in the face of insurmountable odds still inspires and heals. Yishar Koach: Forward with Strength, authored by Susan Sloan, is an illuminating biography of this amazing man who made a difference to so many people throughout his life. Sloan’s biography captures Fragner’s lifelong altruism and strength so that it may continue to shine for future generations to come and provides a guidepost for today’s challenges.

September 22, 2016
ALONG the WAY HOME by Christi Corbett — a harrowing cross-country journey in 1843

A headstrong young woman, her much younger brother, and their widowed father procure the services of a reluctant trail guide to take them from their well-to-do home in Virginia across the country to their new homestead in the Oregon territory in 1843.

The wealthy Davis family, though burdened by the loss of their mother, is doing well tending to their profitable hardware business in Virginia. Kate Davis is quite happy spending her days helping her father take care of the business, despite the disapproval of those who thinks she should be more focused on finding a husband than balancing budgets. But Kate’s father shocks her and her brother one day by announcing his plan to sell family business and start anew in Oregon, packing up the life she has known and loved.

Though they are able to find an experienced guide for their journey, they are starting late into the season missing opportunities to join up with a wagon train. The small party heads out on their own on the unforgiving Oregon Trail.

Their guide, Jake, finds himself struggling to convince a privileged family of the sacrifices they must make in order to make to survive the journey across country along with just how untamed the Wild West is.

Christi Corbett’s “Along the Way Home” is a thoroughly researched examination of the troubles and misfortunes faced by hundreds of thousands of settlers, ranchers, farmers and families that made their way across the perilous Oregon Trail in the mid-19th century. Though the plot has expected moments, they are scenes that many readers will not have seen coming. The unexpected pitfalls and sidetracks mirror the unpredictability travelers faced along the infamous route.

The historical plot and research definitely aren’t the only draw of this novel. Corbett’s characters are all layered with rich backstories and relate-able misgivings as they learn and adapt to the harsh journey. Kate is an easy heroine to get behind as she matures from being pampered by servants and overly concerned about societal expectations to transforming into a persevering young woman who endures pain and heartache while braving incredible dangers and taking risks. Readers will also root for Jake, a weary trail guide with a tragic childhood who respectfully and tirelessly helps the Davis family despite all that their ignorance of the dangers that awaits them, which puts him in harm’s way again and again as he rescues them from their own guileless ways.

The rich and heartwarming romance that develops through connection during hardships and loss will be an endearing point for many readers. Natural dialogue and rich imagery make the novel flow well and allow the reader to focus on the plot and the adversities of the adventurers.

Along the Way Home by Christi Corbett is sure to satisfy those seeking a heartwarming read but will really attract pioneer history buffs and those who enjoy reading about the real-life drama of the Wild West. It is a page-turning novel that accounts the harrowing cross-country journey of courageous pioneers whose risk everything to follow their dreams.

September 21, 2016
The 2016 FINALISTS for the DANTE ROSSETTI Book Awards for Young Adult Fiction – Official Listing
The Dante Rossetti Writing Competition recognizes emerging new talent and outstanding works in the genre of Young Adult Fiction. The Dante Rossetti Awards is a division of Chanticleer International Novel Writing Competitions.

More than $30,000.00 dollars worth of cash and prizes will be awarded to Chanticleer Book Reviews 2016 writing competition winners!

The Dante Rossetti Awards FIRST IN CATEGORY sub-genres are: Contemporary Young Adult, Science Fiction/Fantasy/Paranormal, Dystopian/Edgy/Urban, Mystery/Thriller/Suspense, Historical Young Adult, YA Adventure.

The following titles will compete for the FIRST IN CATEGORY Positions and Book Awards Packages.

This is the COMPLETE OFFICIAL Finalists List as of Jan. 26, 2017 for the Dante Rossetti 2016 Novel Writing Contest for Young Adult Fiction.
- Jennifer Lynn Catz – The Darkest Legacy: Hints of Betrayal
- Edward Corcoran – The Earth, the Sky, and the Heaven Above
- Bryan Ney – Calamity Jane: How the West Began
- Eric Kephas – The Purity Council
- Jodie Esch – Little White Lies
- Kimberly Bernard – Lost Prophecy:Awakening
- Alex E. Carey for Earth’s Embrace
- T.S. Pettibone for Hatred Day
- D. J. Adamson for Outre
- Tory Gates for A Moment in the Sun
- Wende Dikec for Tiger Lily
- Harold Coyle – The Other Side of the Wire
- Susan Faw for Seer of Souls
- E.Z. Graves for Love Zombies of San Diego
- Ben Sharpton for Camp Fear: 13 Days of Fear
- K.C. Finn for Legion Lost
- Alan Sproles and Lizanne Southgate for The Train from Outer Space
- T. M. Murray for Teramar
- Richard Mann for Wasted in Waldport
- Philip Carlisle for Time’s Will: Eyes of Phire
- T.C. Miller for BlackStar Bomber
- Mike Hartner for I, James
- Lisa Y. Potocar for Train to Glory
- Jesikah Sundin for ELEMENTS (The Biodome Chronicles #2)
- K.J. McPike for XODUS
- Christopher Mannino for School of Deaths
- Alex Paul for SeaJourney
- Anne Sweazy-Kulju for Grog Wars
- Sheena Snow for Sparked (The Metal Bones Series Book 1)
- Linda Covella for Yakimali’s Gift
- Nancy Pennick for 29
- Jeffrey Stagg for A Campfire Nightmare
- Alex E. Carey for Water’s Reflection
- Norma Hinkens for Immurement
- Edward Mountain for Cerulean Skies
This is the Official List of Finalists for the 2016 Dante Rossetti Awards
The Dante Rossetti Finalists will compete for the Dante Rossetti First In Category Positions, which consists of Four Judging Rounds. First Place Category Award winners will automatically be entered into the Dante Rossetti GRAND PRIZE AWARD competition, which has a cash prize of $200. The CBR Grand Prize Genre Winners will compete for the CBR Overall Grand Prize for Best Book and its $1,000 purse.
- All First In Category Award Winners will receive high visibility along with special badges to wear during the Chanticleer Authors Conference and Awards Gala.
- First In Category winners will compete for the Dante Rossetti Awards Grand Prize Award for the $200 purse and the Dante Rossetti Grand Prize Ribbon and badges.
- TEN genre Grand Prize winning titles will compete for the $1,000 purse for CBR Best Book and Overall Grand Prize.
- A coveted Chanticleer Book Review valued at $345 dollars U.S. CBR reviews will be published in the Chanticleer Reviews magazine in chronological order as to posting.
- A CBR Blue Ribbon to use in promotion at book signings and book festivals
- Digital book award stickers for on-line promotion
- Adhesive book stickers
- Shelf-talkers and other promotional items
- Promotion in print and on-line media
- Review of book distributed to on-line sites and printed media publications
- Review, cover art, and author synopsis listed in CBR’s newsletter
- Default First in Category winners will not be declared. Contests are based on merit and writing craft in all of the Chanticleer Writing Competitions.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions at Info@ChantiReviews.com.

Congratulations to the Finalists in this fiercely competitive contest!
Good Luck to all of the Dante Rossetti Finalists as they compete for the coveted First Place Category positions.

First In Category announcements will be made in our social media postings as the results come in.

The 2016 Dante Rossetti Grand Prize Winner will be announced at the April 1st, 2017 Chanticleer Writing Contests Annual Awards Gala, which takes place on the last evening of the Chanticleer Authors Conference that will be held in Bellingham, Wash.

We are now accepting submissions into the 2017 Dante Rossetti Awards writing competition. The deadline for submissions is May 30th, 2017. Please click here for more information or to enter the contest.
September 19, 2016
DOCTOR KINNEY’S HOUSEKEEPER by Sara Dahmen — The LARAMIE Grand Prize winner – captivating and heartwarming

A timeless and heartwarming romantic historical fiction amidst a dramatically painted panorama of pioneer life in America’s heartland.

Recently widowed, easterner Jane Weber hopes for a secure, quiet position as a housekeeper to a physician in the newly forming Dakota Territory, never imagining the many turns that life has in store for her.

Dr. Patrick Kinney welcomes Jane’s application because she did simple nursing chores during her late husband’s illness. Arriving in Flats Junction she is met by the auburn-haired doctor, the independent and rather acerbic general store proprietress Kate, and an enigmatic Sioux landlady, Widow Hawks.

Each evening when she leaves the doctor’s house after their companionable supper, a cowboy named Bern walks her to Widow Hawk’s strange dwelling. To the doctor’s delight, Jane displays talents as a cook, gardener, and secretary. But, still depressed after a dutiful marriage and sudden widowhood, she cannot fathom that the Doctor would show an interest in her as a woman, believing instead that he is courting Kate.

Soon she begins to perceive some fault lines in the pleasant exterior of Flats Junction, notably the violent prejudice of some people, including Bern, against Native Americans like her newfound confidante, Widow Hawks. And soon, too, Jane will have to reveal that she is pregnant with a child conceived shortly before the death of her husband.

After a series of traumatic events force Jane to acknowledge her strong feelings for Patrick, she resolves to leave Flats Junction and start her life over yet again. But she doesn’t reckon on the good doctor’s equally strong feelings or the lengths he will go to in winning her over.

Author Sara Dahmen has clearly researched the era, vernacular and settings of her richly complex story. She brings into focus the joys and deprivations of life on the American frontier, the rigid proprieties that pertained in relations between the sexes, and the cutting edge of racial hatred that rankled towards the local displaced and marginalized American Indians.

She sheds light on fascinating small details of everyday life in 1881—cookery, clothing and medical care. Dahmen also conveys a keen awareness of the sometimes desperate needs of a woman’s heart, as her heroine wavers between her unexpected passion for Patrick and the possibility of a respectable, but unexciting, match with someone else.

Captivating and vividly portrayed, “Doctor Kinney’s Housekeeper, ” is a delightful read that is refreshing and original as it is entertaining.

September 16, 2016

Chanticleer Book Reviews