Author Donna Jones Alward

Historical Fiction

Paperback Release Day – US and UK!

Aug 1, 2024

Huzzah! It’s the first of August which means it’s release day for the paperback of WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT in the US and UK!

Check your local bookseller in the US and if it’s not on the shelf, you can have it ordered in! Are you more into libraries? Request it at your local branch! Libraries have limited budgets, but reader requests help. And if you prefer to shop at an indie bookshop, check out Bookshop.org and support indies.

In the UK, head on over to my publisher’s page at One More Chapter and click on the drop down for retailers – you’ll get a lovely list of places where you can find it.

If you happen to be out and about (imagine me saying that in my best Canadian accent!), and you spy a copy of WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT, snap a pic and send it to me letting me know where you saw it – you can tag me on socials or send it in a dm – and I’ll post it to my stories!

 

Interview with Sarah Phalen – The Bookish Knitter!

Jul 24, 2024

I’m so pleased to share with you an interview I did with Sarah Phalen, aka The Bookish Knitter! Sarah is such a wonderful support to the reading and author community, and it was such a pleasure to “see” her again to celebrate the release of WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT!

Watch now!

Happy Publication Day to Me!

Jul 19, 2024

As my best friend, Barb Wallace, pointed out, I have officially made my career pivot as WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT releases today! I guess that’s reason enough to celebrate!

It’s out in Ebook and Audio today, with paperback coming in the US and UK on August 1 and in Canada on August 6. Get it at Amazon or look for it wherever you purchase your books!

My favourite books to read are ones where ordinary people do extraordinary things. In WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT, the characters don’t change the tide of the war, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t heroic. When your entire world is turned upside down, finding the strength and resilience to go on, to rebuild your life despite huge obstacles, is a big thing. Even bigger when the choices you make come with heart-wrenching sacrifice.

Early reviews are lovely… I’m just so pleased this is now available for you all! Happy reading!

A Canadian Tragedy…

Jul 3, 2024

This is high praise for WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT from Lecia Cornwall, another Canadian historical fiction author. Thank you Lecia! I’m still blushing at the “brilliant writing” bit…
If you haven’t tried any of Lecia’s books yet, I highly recommend trying THE WOMAN AT THE FRONT which is on sale at amazon.com for under $10 in paperback. It’s beautiful. https://amzn.to/3zpFH9A

On the edge of your seat….

Jun 27, 2024

I’ve known Gen Graham for several years, and have read her Halifax Explosion book, TIDES OF HONOUR, twice. I am so honoured that she gave this an advance read and also honoured to call her a friend. 🙂 She has been so generous to me as I venture into historical fiction territory!
Thank you, Gen, for the fabulous quote! Preorder WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT
And don’t forget to pick up her new book, THE SECRET KEEPER, out now!

Step into the Story Month in Review!

Jun 22, 2024

This month Barb and I read two very different books: WANDERING STARS, the latest by Tommy Orange, and THE UNLOCKED PATH, the debut by Janis Robinson Daly. You can catch all our book discussions and author interviews on YouTube on our channel, @stepintothestorybooks.

We would love it if you subscribed!

 

Atlantic Book Fair Dinner

Jun 21, 2024

Last Sunday I was delighted to attend the Atlantic Book Fair dinner to chat about my upcoming book. I’m a BIIIIG introvert, so walking into the cocktail hour alone was daunting, and I only recognized a few people. I hadn’t met my publisher rep from HarperCollins Canada, but a kind soul pointed her out and she was amazingly lovely. I got to hold the arc of WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT, met lots of incredible booksellers, and chatted a lot with Tom Ryan, who was also there to talk about his new book, The Treasure Hunter’s Club from Simon and Schuster. I *think* my presentation went just fine and while introvert me always finds these kinds of things challenging, I’m inevitably always so glad I did them because once I get to know people I really enjoy them. Not long until this baby is out in the world… July 20 in ebook and audio, August 6 in paperback in Canada! (August 1 in the US and UK!)

Prepare to fall in love…

Jun 21, 2024

Many many years ago, I held a first chapter contest for unpublished authors, and the winner would get me as a mentor for the year. Soraya was one of my first mentees and went on to sell with Harlequin Romance – where I was writing. She then also wrote stories for St. Martin’s – and then I went there too! Then I kept writing rom and she branched out in an entirely new direction – historical fiction! Now, here I am, a total fan of her hist fics with my first one coming out in July. She has gone on to have a BRILLIANT career and when I asked if she’d read and blurb my book, she readily agreed. Thank you, Soraya – and congratulations on your new release, THE BERLIN SISTERS!

Preorder your copy of WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT!

 

A Bonus from When the World Fell Silent: Recipe

May 23, 2024

With the release of WHEN THE WORLD FELL SILENT only 2 months away, I wanted to share a little something from the book.
I didn’t know when I first had it that War Cake originated during WW1. While there’s shortening in this recipe, it uses no butter, eggs, or milk. My mother-in-law first made it for me, and I LOVED it as at the time I wasn’t a fan of fruit cake (that has also since changed!). In fact, when we did Groom’s Cake for our wedding (a tradition to look up if you’re unfamiliar), we did War Cake instead of Fruit Cake.
It’s spicy and tasty and fantastic with a cup of tea. I don’t make it often, but I usually make one around Christmas time. 🙂
Here is the recipe!

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