08 Sep STEVE M. GNATZ THE WISDOM OF THE FLOCK COFFEE POT BOOK CLUB BLOG TOUR #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @maryanneyarde

FEATURED AUTHOR: STEVE M. GNATZ

It is my pleasure to feature Steve M. Gnatz as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held from September 6th  – September 17th, 2021. Steve M. Gnatz is the author of the historical fiction novel, The Wisdom of the Flock: Franklin and Mesmer in Paris, which was released by Leather Apron Press on November 2020 (541 pages).

Below are highlights of The Wisdom of the Flock, Steve M. Gnatz’s author bio, and an excerpt from his book. 

For a schedule of the complete blog tour, click Tour Schedule Page.

HIGHLIGHTS: THE WISDOM OF THE FLOCK

The Wisdom of the Flock

by Steve M. Gnatz

A WORLD OF ENLIGHTENMENT, REVOLUTION, AND INTRIGUE  

1776: Benjamin Franklin sails to Paris, carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence, freshly signed. His charge: gain the support of France for the unfolding American Revolution. Yet Paris is a city of distractions. Ben’s lover, Marianne Davies, will soon arrive, and he yearns to rekindle his affair with the beautiful musician.

Dr. Franz Mesmer has plans for Marianne too. He has taken Parisian nobility by storm with his discovery of magnétisme animale, a mysterious force claimed to heal the sick. Marianne’s ability to channel Mesmer’s phenomena is key to his success.

A skeptical King Louis XVI appoints Ben to head a commission investigating the astonishing magnétisme animale. By nature, Ben requires proof. Can he scientifically prove that it does not exist? Mesmer will stop at nothing to protect his profitable claim.

The Wisdom of The Flock explores the conflict between science and mysticism in a time rife with revolution, love, spies, and passion.

Trigger Warnings:

Mild sexual content

Buy Links:

Available on Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon UK  ♦  Amazon US  ♦  Amazon CA  ♦  Amazon AU  ♦  Barnes and Noble  ♦  Waterstones

Book Trailer:

https://www.facebook.com/101810865019591/videos/3881313301879562

AUTHOR BIO: STEVE M. GNATZ

Steve Gnatz is a writer, physician, bicyclist, photographer, traveler, and aspiring ukulele player. The son of a history professor and a nurse, it seems that both medicine and history are in his blood. Writing historical fiction came naturally. An undergraduate degree in biology was complemented by a minor in classics. After completing medical school, he embarked on an academic medical career specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. There was little time for writing during those years, other than research papers and a technical primer on electromyography. Now retired from the practice of medicine, he devotes himself to the craft of fiction. The history of science is of particular interest, but also the dynamics of human relationships. People want to be good scientists, but sometimes human nature gets in the way. That makes for interesting stories. When not writing or traveling, he enjoys restoring Italian racing bicycles at home in Chicago with his wife and daughters.

Social Media Links:

Website  ♦  Blog  ♦  Facebook  ♦  BookBub  ♦  Amazon Author Page  ♦  Goodreads 

EXCERPT: THE WISDOM OF THE FLOCK

As Ben entered the Masonic Lodge of the Nine Sisters, he was almost bowled over by apprentices dashing around carrying every form of decoration for the ceremony. Golden compasses, swords, aprons, and amulets came out of their storage bins. These would be placed prominently to honor a great man tonight. Ben walked briskly across the expansive carpet of black and white squares toward the kitchen, seeking a glass of Madeira. He patted his inside coat pocket to reassure himself that he had not forgotten his notes for the eulogy he would deliver this evening. Under his left arm, he carried a satchel containing his black trousers and shirt, leather apron, and cap.

Ben entered the kitchen to find John Paul Jones and another man he recognized as Antoine Court de Gébelin sitting at a huge wooden table. De Gébelin was a gaunt, sickly appearing fellow with a complexion the color of gray clay. Both men were already dressed completely in black for the occasion. Jones wore his naval cap, but De Gébelin sported a dark red fez embroidered with the traditional compass and square motif. In front of the two men lay an array of Tarot cards.

“You possess many batons, my friend, which foretell success, advantage, and fortune,” de Gébelin was expounding as Ben approached. The young naval officer appeared to be enthralled.

“Superstitious nonsense,” Ben said.

John Paul jumped up as if Ben had caught him with his pants down once again.

“Hello, Ben,” he said sheepishly.

“Brother Jones, you should know better than to believe in such mystical fabrications,” Ben admonished.

“I resent that, Brother Franklin,” de Gébelin said. A pained look came over his face. “I have gone to great lengths to document the ancient Egyptian knowledge locked in these cards.”

“Excuse me, Brother de Gébelin,” Ben said. He was only slightly apologetic. “I do not mean to impugn your character or your work, but I am unconvinced of the scientific basis of these cards—especially any ability you might claim for them to foresee the future.”

Ben walked over to the cupboard, withdrew a crystal snifter, and poured a good measure of Madeira from the decanter on the table. The vessel was already more than half empty.

“However, if you two drink any more of this, I can foretell your future,” Ben said.

He put his fingers to his forehead and closed his eyes. “I predict that you will be retching up your guts before supper.”

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