About Vanessa Riley

I love History, Romance, the Regency, Food, Family, Faith and Friends.

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Vanessa Riley

 

Queen of Exiles

Queen Marie-Louise Coidavid Christophe is a forgetten queen, elegant, loyal, a survivor. You need to know more about her and the Regency-Georgian Times of her reign.  Queen of Exiles releases July 2023.

 

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Murder in Westminster

 

The first in a vibrant, inclusive new historical mystery series by acclaimed author Vanessa Riley portrays the true diversity of the Regency-era, as a widow whose skin color and notorious family history have left her with few friends she can rely on - just as the local vicar names her the prime suspect in a murder case. . .

"Snappy dialogue, abundant intrigue, and Abbie and Stapleton's increasingly flirtatious antagonism keep the tension high and the narrative drive strong. Smart, fun, and full of moxie." --- Kirkus Reviews

"A great read to add to your current must-read lists." -- Essence Magazine
 
"Fans of Regency-era historical mysteries featuring intelligent heroines (such as Andrea Penrose's Lady Arianna or Tasha Alexander's Lady Emily) will find this series a welcome addition to the genre." -- Library Journal
 

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Sister Mother Warrior

Two women join together to defeat their oppressors and help a nation become free. Based on the true lives of Adbaraya Toya and Marie-Clair Bonheur.

Sister Mother Warrior is a Summer Pick or Starred Review for the following:

starred review Hot Audiobook pick for July 2022                 

 

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Library Journal Review - "Riley follows up Island Queen with another sweeping, powerful historical novel based on two remarkable real women."

 

Island Queen

A remarkable, sweeping historical novel based on the incredible true life story of Dorothy Kirwan Thomas, a free woman of color who rose from slavery to become one of the wealthiest and most powerful landowners in the colonial West Indies.

Bookclubs and Booksellers' Picks and Starred Reviews:

GMA BUzz Pick of Island QueenIndie Next pick for July 2021Booklist Starred Review of the Audio Island selected for Delilah Bookclub 

 

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New York Times Book Review - "Island Queen provides an incisive interior view of some of the thorniest aspects of West Indian colonial culture. Evocative and immersive, Riley's narrative bears that weight with grace; discovering Dorothy's story is a singular pleasure."

 

Click For More News on Island Queen 

Island Queen has been optioned for an adaptation to Television by Longboat Pictures with Julie Anne Robinson, Adjoa Andoh, and Victoria Fea as executive producers.