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Joan: Put on a Happy Face: Dual-timeline fictional memoir

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"Not only have I found myself alone, homeless, almost penniless in a strange hospital, but I've discovered that my husband is accused of killing our son — an unthinkable act unless another truth exists.

The Siege of Calais, 1558 - It all began to go wrong after my family and I were caught in battle, my father was killed outright and my family was gravely injured. When given a healing potion by John Dee, a family friend, we were saved, but unbeknownst to us all, it came at a steep price - immortality!

London, 1977 - I woke up in a hospital my memory shattered, my voice gone. A myriad of questions rushed through my mind, but one driving thought was paramount—my son was like us, he was immortal. To prove my husband was no murderer I had to find my son, but to do so, I must regain my voice... and my memory - and face a truth that my mind is hiding from me...

Inspired by true historical events, this emotional, heartbreaking story follows Joan's journey to confront her past and reclaim her life in this first book in the series ‘The Elixir Chronicles’ a 20th-century easy-to-read historical fiction saga."

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2020

19 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Carol M. Mottershead

3 books12 followers
I am a private person most of the time, but I love talking about my varied work life. I have brought much of my life experience to bear in my writing, and it has been quite a cathartic experience.

I never imagined that I would become an author, but now I find myself a published one. It's amazing how our lives can change.

One morning, while watching Good Morning Britain on TV, I saw an interview with a Punch and Judy professor. The presenters challenged him to change his show, as they felt it promoted domestic violence and racism. The professor refused and became frustrated, saying, "I don't know what all the fuss is about... they're only blocks of wood!"

This phrase resonated in my brain for days, and little did I know at the time, it was the beginning of my journey into authorship. Find out more about my journey at https://carolmmottershead.blogspot.com/.

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5 stars
9 (47%)
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1 (5%)
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4 (21%)
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2 (10%)
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
1 review1 follower
November 5, 2020
Loved this book! A definite page-turner and easy Sunday chill read. I loved all the subtle references and historic notes and I look forward to reading more from Carol!
1 review
May 27, 2021
Loved the read, was not expecting the way that Carol has done the story to play out across the eras found it to be a thrilling read.
2 reviews
October 17, 2020
An excellent read

A fascinating tale of life through the ages. Truly a must read of 2020! I look forward to seeing what's next!
Profile Image for Brenda Timmins.
Author 7 books3 followers
January 26, 2021
Very well researched and basically a good story line but couldn't help noticing some similarities to the film 'Judy and Punch'
1 review1 follower
November 3, 2020
I've really enjoyed this book. An interesting mix of plot points that cover everything from historical fiction and fantasy, to an in depth study of marital abuse and the strength of character to rise above it. I hope the author continues this story as I really liked the ending too.
Profile Image for Carol Mottershead.
Author 3 books12 followers
March 21, 2021
A friend without internet sent this review by text after reading this book:
'Hallo Carol, thank you for the book. I finished it the next day. Easy to read and quite a page turner. It deserves to become popular. I enjoyed the tantilising summary and was especially interested how you rehabilitate Joan as a warm resilient and enterprising character. PH'
It's a #FREE DOWNLOAD at #KindleUnlimited
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08HKQDQDS
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

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