C.L.R. Peterson Blog
Book Reviews & More
Saved by the Cow!
The pandemic of the past year has given us all cause for mourning, but today I’m thankful for cows, modern science, and the speedy development of vaccines, and I’m hopeful that all the world’s peoples will gain access to this lifesaving protection. Renaissance Italy,...
Is there anything new under the sun?
After only one week of this new year, you may agree with me that 2021 will be unique and unforgettable. Just as new events emerge from the background of the past, so new stories (especially historical novels) spring up, building on the raw material of old stories....
THE CASE OF THE MISSING HUGUENOTS
Today I have a historical mystery for you, based on my novel research, with a few questions and clues to help solve it. Who were the Huguenots? French Protestants who held to the Reformed, or Calvinist, tradition of Protestantism At their peak,they made up as much as...
Heroes, Kings, Cannons–Twists in Historical Fiction
We love to read novels that keep us turning pages, but what keeps you reading? Maybe it’s: A hero/heroine you identify with and root for A villain you love to hate An historical personality (king, queen, pope, rebel) you enjoy observing ‘in action’ But how often does...
Hidden Gems from Bygone Times
Lucia, my protagonist, is approaching the end of her next adventure. Along the way, I’ve discovered stories from history that came to life as I read them. This month, I’ll highlight two fascinating stories: Fontevraud (English spelling, Fontevrault) is a French...
Netherlands, ahoy!
As I continue to trace my characters’ journeys, I discover new places or interesting new things about places I thought I knew—including the Netherlands. Since many of us are limited in our travels now, it’s a perfect time to travel back in time to experience life in...

Get My New Short Story!
Verona, 1571.
When Caterina welcomes her husband’s brilliant student, Alessandro, into their home, she has no idea how he will heighten the danger her family faces as the Inquisition closes in.
Immerse yourself in rich historical detail and high emotional stakes in this dramatic story of danger and conscience!