The Tudor Prophecy Coming in January

The launch of the next title coming out from OC Publishing is The Tudor Prophecy, an historical fiction written by Dr. Julie Strong. Release day scheduled for January 25th. 

 Julie, a soon-to-be-retired family physician, is also an award-winning short story author and playwright born in Manchester, England, who grew up in Wales, Australia, and Ireland, and emigrated to Canada in 1980. Her medical degree is from Trinity College, Dublin University, Ireland, and she holds a BA in Classics from Dalhousie University, Halifax. This is her debut novel. 

 The Tudor Prophecy is set in 1541, when Henry VIII, increasingly decrepit and paranoid, reigns from a contested throne. In parallel storylines it follows two young women, Lady Alice Grantmire and Hester Vaughan, cousins who each suffer greatly from the King’s unjust decrees. Hester, betrothed to a Welsh bard whose mentor had visions foretelling Elizabeth’s ascendancy, encounters the eight-year-old Lady Elizabeth, and the two forge a relationship whereby Hester can persuade the future queen to temper her own rule with mercy. 

Early reviews have been glowing:

 “An astonishment of riches—impeccably researched, gorgeous detail; wry, earthy humour; nimble, beautiful prose—The Tudor Prophecy recreates a world in which nature’s resplendence and humanity’s place in its order outshine the brutal throne and dominion of Henry VIII. Strong’s novel is fiercely ambitious, deeply felt, at once playful and wise as it reveals the eternal feminine in an era driven by animus and marked by violent schism. No holds barred, it reflects upon the mystery of genuine power in the sphere of humble human relations, its players’ melodramas guided by true nobility: the spirit of benevolence and love.” 

Carol Bruneau, author of Brighten the Corner Where You Are.

"A fast-paced, exciting narrative that follows the trials and adventures of two young women in the turbulent times of Reformation England. Spanning a few hectic months, and ranging from London to North Wales, Julie Strong’s novel presents the struggles of ordinary women and their families as she traces the perilous journeys of Alice and Hester in parallel storylines while they attempt to keep their tattered lives together, and find love along the way. The plot twists and turns in surprising and entertaining ways, introducing a vile Henry VIII and leading us through the pagan remains of the Goddess in Wales, to an encounter with a princess. Careful research comes to life in engaging prose, and a vivid story carries the reader along swiftly."

Dr. Elizabeth Edwards, Inglis Professor, University of King's College, Halifax 

Julie Strong

"The Tudor Prophecy is a tremendous read and testament to Julie Strong’s diligent research into Henry VIII and his break with the Roman Catholic Church. Amid dips into Welsh mythology and folklore, the stories of Hester and Alice are told with pathos tinged with defiance. An epic tale of Tudor machinations thwarted by loyalty and love."

Apple Gidley, author of the novels Fireburn, Transfer, and Have You Eaten Rice Today?  

We will launch a virtual book tour on January 13. Next week, we will post the line-up with links to the sites where you'll find the review of the book and interviews with Julie. If you are a reviewer/book blogger/YouTuber or Book Toker, and would like an advance review copy, email anne@ocpublishing.ca. For more information, visit Julie’s page on the OC Publishing website at ocpublishing.ca/julie-strong.