Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours: Isabella Unashamed

Isabella Unashamed by Helen R. Davis and Carolina Casas

Publication Date: September 7, 2017

Editorial Caliope

eBook & Paperback; 144 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Alternate History

Isabella of Castile is known as Europe's first great queen. Renowned for her marriage to Ferdinand of Aragon and birthing of modern day Spain, Isabella is also known as the queen who launched the Inquisition, completed the Reconquista and expelled the Jews from her nation. Not long after her triumph in 1492, her dynasty came apart and unraveled, and it was whispered by many that the Trastamara line was cursed. But, What if Isabella had been wiser and not expelled the Jews, some of the very people who ironically helped put her on the throne of Castile? What if Isabella had had more foresight and had her successor be Catalina, who, although the youngest, was the most like her and the wisest of her children? How would the power balance of 15th and 16th century Europe shifted if Catalina had been the powerful queen regnant of Spain and not one of the 'merry wives' of Windsor? A joint effort, Isabella Unashamed is written by two authors from very different cultural backgrounds who have nonetheless joined together to create a haunting portrait of Spain's most famous queen, as well as a glimpse of what might have been had Isabella been wiser.

Available in eBook and Paperback on Amazon

Review: I've never read an alternative history before. I've always found the what if premise to be very intriguing, and since I was familiar with Helen's writing from the book on Evita, I decided to give this one a try as Isabella was a interesting queen and one I've always been fascinated with.

I like Helen's writing style. This book is Carolina's debut, and I found I really enjoyed the writing by both of these authors. It was very intriguing and a quick read. (It is easy to say it would be great if it were longer). When I enjoy something I always want more.

Isabella is an interesting queen, whichever way you look at her, but this what if, alternative history gives some other characters in history a different fate as well. Yes, Catherine of Aragon! I have to say of all the wives of Henry VIII she is my favorite. She's smart and capable and she really was quite pretty, and she deserved a lot better than what she got. So to change her fate made me smile, a lot.

I looked at this book as something similar to the "Turn Left" episode of Doctor Who. What would happen if Isabella made different decisions. I wouldn't say so much if she were wiser, because for her time Isabella was really a strong and intelligent woman.

A lot of Isabella's changes are a result of visions. For me these were the best parts of the book, especially the changes that result in the end of inquisition.

The epilogue is beautiful, even though Jesus delivers Isabella a shocker about her confessor.

This is a fabulous read for fans of alternate history.

Rating 5 flowers

About the Authors

Helen R. Davis is an American author. Her first novel, Evita: My Argentina was previously published as Evita: My Life and republished with Custom Book Publications in Hong Kong. Her second novel, CLEOPATRA UNCONQUERED, which is the first in a series, imagines a world in which Antony and Cleopatra, rather than Augustus Caesar, are the victors of the Battle of Actium. the sequel, CLEOPATRA VICTORIOUS, will be released soon, followed by the titles CLEOPATRA MAGNIFICA and CLEOPATRA TRIUMPHANT. Her third novel, or at least, her third historical novel/alternate history, THE MOST HAPPY, will be published with Callipe Editorial, based out of Madrid Spain, on July 25th, 2017. For more information, please visit Helen Davis’ website. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

   

Carolina Casas has a BA in History and a minor in women's studies. Her debut novel "Isabella Unashamed" was co-written with the author of "Cleopatra Unconquered" & "The Most Happy", Helen R. Davis and it is a powerful alternative historical novel that asks the important question that has been on everyone's mind: what-if? What if Isabella had taken a different route than the one she did following the surrender of Granada at the beginning of 1492. A young woman who enjoys life and giving to others, she is also a self-proclaimed nerd who currently resides in the lone star state of Texas where she spends her free time writing, drawing, reading about her favorite historical subjects and watching classical horror and rom-coms with her friends. Carolina's journey into the realm of alternate history began when she was very little. After a frightful and sleepless night, she was introduced to the legend of King Arthur and his knights through Sir Thomas Mallory's epic "Le Morte d'Arthur" which started her fascination with the medieval period and later with other eras. This, along with her curiosity, has led her to delve into the realm of alternate history. Carolina has several pages on Facebook where she works alongside other history buffs and novelists (Tudor Nerds with Glasses and Tudor Facts vs. Fiction), as well as a history blog where she shares her thoughts on movies and TV shows as well. You can also find her on Twitter and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, November 27 Kick Off at Passages to the Past
Tuesday, November 28 Feature at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots
Wednesday, November 29 Review at A Chick Who Reads Feature at Just One More Chapter Thursday, November 30 Excerpt at What Is That Book About
Friday, December 1 Review at The Maiden's Court Interview at Author Dianne Ascroft's Blog Saturday, December 2 Feature at WS Momma Readers Nook
Monday, December 4 Review at Locks, Hooks and Books
Tuesday, December 5 Review at So Many Books, So Little Time Feature at The Hungry Bookworm Wednesday, December 6 Feature at Mello & June, It's a Book Thang!
Thursday, December 7 Review at History From a Woman's Perspective

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away an eBook of Isabella Unashamed! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 7th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Isabella Unashamed