March news from Applecross
Hello from all of us at Applecross HQ. To our newest subscribers, welcome – and to those who have been here a while, welcome back!
Scoop – Shepherd’s Delight – Amazon #1 Best Seller!
I’m rather pleased with myself this week. That teeny tiny brown banner is much sought after.
OK, so it may only be the Historical Australasian and Oceanic Fiction category, and it only stays in place for a day or two, but it is still recognition for sales. So, thank you to all those of you who chose to continue with the Applecross series beyond book 1. If you haven’t done so yet, please do get into the 2nd book, Shepherd’s Delight. I promise you will enjoy meeting Captain Shepherd and the handsome Guy Pender, though you may not be so pleased to make the acquaintance of Mr Basil Drummond!
BOOK NEWS
Research for the next book means I’ve been learning a lot about New Zealand’s fascinating contribution to the Boer War (1899-1902). Here are 15 interesting facts.
First Overseas Military Campaign: The Boer War marked New Zealand’s first overseas military involvement as a nation.
Volunteer Spirit: Over 6,000 New Zealanders volunteered to fight in South Africa, with around 6,500 actually serving. This was a significant number given the small population at the time (around 800,000).
Mounted Rifles: Most New Zealand troops served as mounted riflemen, known for their mobility and ability to fight on horseback, which was particularly useful on the South African veldt.
Support for Britain: New Zealand was the first British colony to offer troops, with the first contingent leaving in October 1899, just days after war broke out.
Contingents: New Zealand sent a total of ten contingents to South Africa, with each contingent being made up of volunteers who were paid and equipped by the government.
Kiwi Resourcefulness: New Zealand troops were known for their practical skills, horsemanship, and ability to adapt to harsh conditions, earning a reputation as tough and reliable fighters. – Note, however, the term ‘kiwi’ was not used until the 1st World War. New Zealand soldiers were often called Maorilanders before that.
Casualties: Around 230 New Zealand soldiers died during the war, most from disease rather than combat, as conditions were harsh, and diseases like typhoid were rampant. Many horses were killed too, only a few returned after the war.
Distinguished Service: Four New Zealand soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the conflict.
Women’s Contributions: Although women did not fight, some New Zealand nurses served in South Africa, providing medical care under challenging conditions.
Financial Commitment: New Zealand’s government funded the deployment of its contingents, a point of pride that demonstrated loyalty to the British Empire.
Impact on Identity: The Boer War marked a turning point in New Zealand’s emerging national identity, as it was the first time New Zealand soldiers served under the New Zealand flag rather than the British.
Welcome Home and Memorials: Returning soldiers were celebrated as heroes, and many towns and cities erected memorials to honor those who served and died, which are still visible across the country today.
Māori Involvement: Although Māori were initially not allowed to enlist, some individuals with mixed heritage joined the contingents, reflecting evolving attitudes toward race and military service.
Lessons Learned: The experience gained in the Boer War would later shape New Zealand’s approach to military training and tactics, influencing their involvement in World War I.
Public Sentiment: Initially, enthusiasm for the war was high, but as news of British tactics (like concentration camps) spread, public opinion became more divided.
COVERS
I’ve been playing with ideas for the new book cover. I don’t think I am entirely happy with either of these ideas – definitely a work in progress. But, what do you think? Please do let me know.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING?
I am looking forward to the 2nd book in the Bookshop Detectives Series, ‘Tea and Cake and Death‘ due out in April, made even more special by having the chance to meet the authors, Gareth and Louise Ward at my wonderful local bookshop, Emma’s at Oxford. Can’t wait!
Some of these are worth a look too – Free Historical Fiction
Don’t forget that all of the Applecross Saga books are available from your usual outlets as ebooks and paperbacks.The ebook version of Book 1, ‘The Wideawake Hat’ is free to download. The audiobook of ‘The Wideawake Hat’, narrated by Su Melville, is also available from all the usual outlets and free to listen on YouTube.
Checkout my website for all the details – www.amandagiorgis.com
Authors love to hear from their readers – please do consider leaving a review wherever you like to do so – and I really do enjoy receiving emails from my readers, so feel free to reply to this post or engage on Facebook or Instagram.
More details at https://linktr.ee/amandagiorgis
Hello from all of us at Applecross HQ. To our newest subscribers, welcome – and to those who have been here a while, welcome back!Scoop – Shepherd’s Delight – Amazon #1 Best Seller!
I’m rather pleased with myself this week. That teeny tiny brown banner is much sought after.
OK, so it may only be the Historical Australasian and Oceanic Fiction category, and it only stays in place for a day or two, but it is still recognition for sales. So, thank you to all those of you who chose to continue with the Applecross series beyond book 1. If you haven’t done so yet, please do get into the 2nd book, Shepherd’s Delight. I promise you will enjoy meeting Captain Shepherd and the handsome Guy Pender, though you may not be so pleased to make the acquaintance of Mr Basil Drummond!
BOOK NEWS
Research for the next book means I’ve been learning a lot about New Zealand’s fascinating contribution to the Boer War (1899-1902). Here are 15 interesting facts.
First Overseas Military Campaign: The Boer War marked New Zealand’s first overseas military involvement as a nation.
Volunteer Spirit: Over 6,000 New Zealanders volunteered to fight in South Africa, with around 6,500 actually serving. This was a significant number given the small population at the time (around 800,000).
Mounted Rifles: Most New Zealand troops served as mounted riflemen, known for their mobility and ability to fight on horseback, which was particularly useful on the South African veldt.
Support for Britain: New Zealand was the first British colony to offer troops, with the first contingent leaving in October 1899, just days after war broke out.
Contingents: New Zealand sent a total of ten contingents to South Africa, with each contingent being made up of volunteers who were paid and equipped by the government.
Kiwi Resourcefulness: New Zealand troops were known for their practical skills, horsemanship, and ability to adapt to harsh conditions, earning a reputation as tough and reliable fighters. – Note, however, the term ‘kiwi’ was not used until the 1st World War. New Zealand soldiers were often called Maorilanders before that.
Casualties: Around 230 New Zealand soldiers died during the war, most from disease rather than combat, as conditions were harsh, and diseases like typhoid were rampant. Many horses were killed too, only a few returned after the war.
Distinguished Service: Four New Zealand soldiers were awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during the conflict.
Women’s Contributions: Although women did not fight, some New Zealand nurses served in South Africa, providing medical care under challenging conditions.
Financial Commitment: New Zealand’s government funded the deployment of its contingents, a point of pride that demonstrated loyalty to the British Empire.
Impact on Identity: The Boer War marked a turning point in New Zealand’s emerging national identity, as it was the first time New Zealand soldiers served under the New Zealand flag rather than the British.
Welcome Home and Memorials: Returning soldiers were celebrated as heroes, and many towns and cities erected memorials to honor those who served and died, which are still visible across the country today.
Māori Involvement: Although Māori were initially not allowed to enlist, some individuals with mixed heritage joined the contingents, reflecting evolving attitudes toward race and military service.
Lessons Learned: The experience gained in the Boer War would later shape New Zealand’s approach to military training and tactics, influencing their involvement in World War I.
Public Sentiment: Initially, enthusiasm for the war was high, but as news of British tactics (like concentration camps) spread, public opinion became more divided.
COVERS
I’ve been playing with ideas for the new book cover. I don’t think I am entirely happy with either of these ideas – definitely a work in progress. But, what do you think? Please do let me know.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN READING?
I am looking forward to the 2nd book in the Bookshop Detectives Series, ‘Tea and Cake and Death‘ due out in April, made even more special by having the chance to meet the authors, Gareth and Louise Ward at my wonderful local bookshop, Emma’s at Oxford. Can’t wait!
Some of these are worth a look too – Free Historical Fiction
Don’t forget that all of the Applecross Saga books are available from your usual outlets as ebooks and paperbacks.The ebook version of Book 1, ‘The Wideawake Hat’ is free to download. The audiobook of ‘The Wideawake Hat’, narrated by Su Melville, is also available from all the usual outlets and free to listen on YouTube.
Checkout my website for all the details – www.amandagiorgis.com
Authors love to hear from their readers – please do consider leaving a review wherever you like to do so – and I really do enjoy receiving emails from my readers, so feel free to reply to this post or engage on Facebook or Instagram.
More details at https://linktr.ee/amandagiorgis
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