Discussion Guides
These guides are designed to stimulate discussion around my books and the topics they raise. Click the links to download each one.
Your Book Club
I love connecting with readers who enjoy exploring Tudor England through the lives of strong, fearless women who refuse to be constrained by the expectations of their time. If your book club is looking for historical fiction that sparks lively discussion – about the roles of women in the 16th century, the delicate balance between historical accuracy and creative storytelling, or the thrill of adventure in a dangerous era – I’d be delighted to help, with:
- Discussion guides
- Author visit to your discussion.
What makes my books great for Book Clubs?
My novels feature protagonists like time-travelling Lady Mary de Beauvais, Mary Fox, Ophelia Williams and Olivia Melrose – women who wield weapons as skillfully as they navigate court politics, and who challenge the gender dynamics of Tudor society at every turn. Their stories offer rich material for discussion – such as:
- Historical accuracy vs. authenticity
Where does the documented history end and the novelist’s imagination begin? My books are grounded in meticulous research, but they’re also adventures that ask what if? I love discussing the choices writers make when bringing the past to life, and the responsibility we have to both history and storytelling.
- Strong female characters & gender dynamics
How did women exercise power in a male-dominated world? What does it mean to write modern sensibilities into historical settings? These questions come alive through characters who must balance period authenticity with contemporary resonance.
Recommended starting points
While all seven of my novels offer engaging group reading experiences, two books make particularly good entry points:
The first adventure for time-traveller Justine Parker; a modern woman navigating the dangerous world of Tudor England and finding she needs to fight to survive.
Meet Mary Fox, a headstrong young woman whose skill with a blade equals her determination to forge her own path.
What readers say
“Mary Fox is a great heroine. Very readable with non-stop action to keep you engaged. The historical authenticity adds a great period feel to the story of a woman with a modern mindset.”
“The story features some wonderful female characters, plot twists and a superb sense of time and place. A great read.”
“Posner has a great mind for adventure and his [heroines] are no fainting damsels, they are right there leading the action.”
“Descriptions of life, and the people of all stations in Tudor England is brought vividly to life by the author who has clearly done his research.”
“This bewitching historical novel is clever, entertaining, atmospheric and absorbing.”
Connecting with your Book Club
I offer flexible ways to connect with your book club:
- In person – if you happen to be in the South West of the UK – otherwise…
- Live video call (my preferred option – I love the energy of real-time conversation!)*
- Pre-recorded video message tailored to your group
- Written Q&A where I respond to your questions in detail
- Phone call for groups who prefer audio-only.
* Being based in the UK, I prefer reasonable times for a call that don’t start in the middle of the night! But I can always be flexible. We can also discuss session lengths that work for your group’s schedule.
What to expect
Every book club is different, and I genuinely enjoy tailoring each visit to what interests your group most. Whether you want to dive deep into Tudor history, explore the writing process, discuss character development, or learn about the challenges and rewards of independent publishing, I’m happy to follow your lead. Come with questions, insights, or simply a curiosity about the world of these books – I’ll make sure our conversation is engaging and worthwhile.
Discussion guides
To help your book club prepare for rich conversations, I’ve created downloadable discussion guides for the two novels above. These guides include thought-provoking questions, historical context, and themes to explore together.
How to arrange a visit
Interested in having me join in a discussion with your book club? I’d love to hear from you! Please contact me through my contact page with details about your group and preferred meeting date. I ask for 2-3 weeks’ notice to ensure I can give your visit the attention it deserves.
Get the books
My novels are available in paperback and ebook formats from:
- Amazon (UK and worldwide)
- Other major online retailers
- Direct from my website store (signed copies available).
Stay connected
Follow my writing journey and Tudor action adventures. Join my mailing list for exclusive content, historical insights, immersive challenges and news about upcoming releases.
I’m passionate about creating historical characters who feel alive, stories that keep you turning pages late into the night, and adventures that transport you to another time. If your book club shares that love of being whisked away on an adventure in the 16th century, I can’t wait to meet you and discuss these stories together.
Looking forward to joining your conversation!
Jonathan Posner
