Marina Pacheco

ALLi Author Member

Location: Europe

Genres: Commercial Fiction, Fantasy/SciFi/Speculative, General Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Children's general

Skills: Press/Media Interview, Self-publishing Workshop/Training, Speaking Engagement/Lecture, Writing Workshop

Marina Pacheco was born and raised in Johannesburg South Africa. After getting a Zoology and Psychology degree she moved to Portugal for four years, London for 22 years and she has recently returned to Portugal. She realised pretty quickly that everybody in London was writing a novel and decided to give it a try herself. She now has thirty-three completed first drafts and twelve first drafts in progress. So she decided it was time to do something about it and start publishing. She writes mainly romance, fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction.
She is an introvert and writes books for introverts, the kind that are perfect to curl up on the sofa and read on a rainy day. They are feel-good stories where good triumphs over evil and the girl gets the boy with some bumps along the way.

Marina Pacheco's books

Sanctuary, a Romantic Medieval Mystery

He’s fleeing his past, she’s running from her future. Could they be each other’s salvation?
When Baron Castlemere wiped out Mal’s village during the peasant revolt of 1381, Mal was taken as a child soldier by the sheriff. Fifteen years later the sheriff and his men, who made Mal’s life a misery, are killed in an ambush and Mal flees to a nearby convent looking for sanctuary. All he wants is a quiet place to heal and then to hop on a boat that will take him far away so he can start a new life.
Anne Cook is by far the prettiest girl at the convent. She’s just got round to contemplating marriage when a scheming Sir Ingram announces he intends to make her his wife. Anne rejects him but he’s not willing to take no for an answer.
When Ingram’s subsequent violent actions puts everyone in danger, Mal reluctantly breaks his cover and steps in. But is it enough? Will Mal and Anne be able to face the consequences of their actions and band together to save the convent and themselves?

Tom and the Dragon

Once upon a time…
Tom’s story begins when a huge dragon attacks the kingdom. The queen needs somebody to step up and deal with it. Tom has a plan, but, will anybody listen to him?

This book was written using the OpenDyslexic font. It makes it easier for any child to read the book but is particularly helpful for some of the difficulties experienced by children with dyslexia. It is intended to address: contrast/blindness, letter confusion or rotation, and crowding.

Noah & the Baby Who Won't Stop Crying

What can Noah do? His new baby sister never stops crying. It’s making him mad and it’s making mom sad. Will grandma be able to fix this mess before it all gets out of hand?
This book is co-authored by an occupational therapist who has spent decades helping babies, moms and older siblings adjust. She has guided generations to solve problems we all grapple with, like babies who just won’t stop crying no matter what you do.
This book was written using the OpenDyslexic font. It makes it easier for any child to read the book but is particularly helpful for children with dyslexia. It is intended to address: contrast/blindness, letter confusion or rotation, and crowding.

The Duke's Heart, a Sweet Victorian Romance

Not all heroes are tall dark and handsome
Felix Vivian Alexander Decimus Peergrave, 10th Duke of Morley and Earl of Chestmere and Pembleston, has just turned 21 and is in search of a bride. His heart condition means he can’t leave his home, so a procession of young ladies is being introduced to him by his domineering aunt. It’s hardly a recipe for success and Felix fears he will never meet the woman of his dreams this way.
Honour Seaborn has recently returned to England after a life on the road and at the key battles of the empire following her soldier father. His death has left her at the mercy of a vain cousin who has her own reasons for taking in her penniless relative. Honour urgently needs to set up a life of her own, where she has some independence and freedom.
When Felix falls madly in love with her cousin, Honour isn’t surprised. After all, Isolde has been taking London by storm. It hardly seems fair, though, when Honour knows how shallow and heartless her beautiful cousin really is and when she is developing feelings for the charming duke herself.

Duchess in Flight: a Swashbuckling Romance

Sometimes a woman needs to give a man a little push to turn him into a hero

Lady Beatrix, duchess of Falconia, is about to lose everything, her husband, her home and her fortune. If her husband’s bastard son has anything to say in the matter she and her children will soon lose their lives. She has no choice but to run.

Erasmus lost everything a long time ago and now lives in a limbo of could have beens and should have beens. He’s bored, frustrated and uncertain of what to do next. He fears the war that is inching ever closer to his home and what it will bring for him.

When Beatrix crashes into Erasmus’s life, his first inclination is to hide from her. His second, more puzzling wish, is to help her. But will he be able to do that without revealing the deeper bond that binds him to her family?

Noah & Emma Learn How to Keep Calm

Noah has just started school. He has a new best friend, called Emma. Noah and Emma love their new teacher, Mrs Miller. But school can also be challenging. Sometimes Noah and Emma get really anxious about making new friends and taking tests. That makes their tummies hurt and their heads spin. Fortunately, Mrs Miller has the solution!

This book is co-authored by an occupational therapist who has spent decades helping babies, moms and older siblings adjust. She has guided generations to solve problems we all grapple with, like how to keep calm when you’re at school, and everything just seems overwhelming.

This book is written using the OpenDyslexic font. It makes it easier for any child to read the book but is particularly helpful for children with dyslexia. It is intended to address: contrast/blindness, letter confusion or rotation, and crowding.

Fraternity of Brothers, Life of Galen – Book 1

Cast out for a crime committed against him, his future looks bleak. Until an unexpected visitor gives him hope for justice.Medieval Europe, 996 AD. Fifteen-year-old Galen survived a horrendous assault, only to be exiled by his family. Taken in by monks and grateful to be spared as a suspected sinner from the execution block, he ekes out a lonely existence of unrelenting pain. But he gains a chance to prove himself worthy when a famous young illustrator arrives at the abbey and selects him to help with an important manuscript.Thrilled to be handpicked for his superb scribing skills, Galen fears the other members of the order will sabotage his newfound fellowship with their whispered accusations. But when more brutal attacks rock the quiet community, a confrontation with his assailant might force him to finally speak his truth.Will Galen find his voice and triumph over trauma and tragedy?Fraternity of Brothers is the first book in the compelling Life of Galen historical fiction series. If you like fighting for acceptance, finding absolution, and authentic depictions of the harsh Middle Ages, then you’ll love Marina Pacheco’s riveting novella.Buy Fraternity of Brothers to win redemption today!

Comfort of Home, Life of Galen – Book 2

Proven innocent, he’s returned from exile. Can he recover all that he lost?Anglo-Saxon England, AD 997. Brother Galen is anxious anxious about the haven of his abbey. Suddenly reconciled with his father after being disowned, he fears he will never again fit in with his estranged family. But when he’s commissioned to produce a manuscript for the king, the shy scribe has the chance to visit his relatives after three years of banishment.Relieved by the warm welcome from his sisters and mother, Galen still struggles to face those who once cast him aside. And with the village’s priest refusing to believe his innocence, this young man’s reputation could bear deadly consequences.Can Galen finally find the peace he needs to move on?Comfort of Home is the second book in the absorbing Life of Galen historical fiction series. If you like captivating characters, chances for redemption, and uplifting quests, then you’ll love Marina Pacheco’s immersive tale.Buy Comfort of Home to restore a wounded man’s hope today!

Kindness of Strangers, Life of Galen – Book 3

Trapped in a land plagued by vikings, can a small miracle be what they need to survive?Anglo-Saxon England, 997 AD. 16-Year-old scribe, Galen, and his friend Alcuin the illuminator, are running late. Galen’s frailty has delayed their mission – to produce the most glorious book in honour of the king. They are crossing the treacherous marshes of eastern England when vikings attack.After the battle, a child claims that Galen performed a miracle. Ill, surrounded by strangers and expecting a second viking raid at any moment, Galen struggles to understand what actually happened.Did Galen perform a miracle? What does it mean for him and the people around him if he did? Will it even matter if they are overrun by vikings?Kindness of Strangers is the third book in the absorbing Life of Galen historical fiction series. If you like historical detail, human dilemmas, and a heartwarming story, then you'll love Marina Pacheco’s absorbing tale.Buy Kindness of Strangers and witness the power of miracles today!

Will & Sue Kick up a Hornet's Nest

Can two kids solve a mystery that’s even got the police scratching their heads?The summer holidays are here and instead of an adventure, Will Harris is stuck at the childminder with a bully and a pair of wailing twins. Enough is enough, Will escapes and sets off home only to discover that a crime spree has struck his street. Somebody has stolen their furniture!With his reluctant neighbour, Sue, trailing along, Will races against the clock to find the missing furniture. What the duo discovers is even more surprising than they expected, but no grown up will ever believe them. So now it’s up to Will and Sue to put an end to the crime spree and all before his mum gets home.Will and Sue Kick up a Hornet’s Nest is an exciting tale for adventurous and curious kids. If you like mysteries and relatable characters, then you’ll love Emily Echo & Liam Rodrigues Pacheco’s stinging tale..Buy Will and Sue Kick up a Hornet’s Nest to experience a buzz of excitement today!

City of Night, Eternal City - Book 1

They come from opposite ends of the city, but it might as well be different worlds. Will a demon threat be what’s needed to bring them together?2650 CE, The Eternal City, Italy. Artema Salonoy is looking forward to a restful tenure as the University of Magic’s sole demonologist until a persistent premonition destroys her peace. Something is brewing in the midnight black underbelly of the suburbo. If Artema is to go down there, she’s going to need a guide.As Artema and Eladio dig deeper, they unearth a riddle that could not only destroy their city but the world. Can the pair outwit a devilish enigma to save the planet?City of Night is a futuristic urban sci-fi/ fantasy with a satisfying ending. If you enjoy odd couples, mysteries and unusual settings, then you’ll love the unique world Marina Pacheco has created.Buy City of Night today and immerse yourself in a compelling conundrum!

The King's Hall, Life of Galen - Book 4

As if being commissioned to create a book to turn back the Apocalypse isn’t enough, intrigue and romance threaten to destroy everything he’s come to rely upon.Medieval London, 997 AD. Galen and Alcuin finally arrive at the King’s Hall only to be plunged into the middle of a dangerous blood feud, a forbidden romance and a miracle that brings more questions than answers.Surrounded once again by harsh men with full knowledge of the shocking event that led to his banishment, Galen has only one person he can depend on. But Alcuin is being pulled away by family duty and a new obsession. Is it time for Galen to stop relying upon others and solve his own problems? Will Galen survive this dangerous new world and forge a safer future for himself and his friend?The King’s Hall is the fourth book in the compelling Life of Galen historical fiction series. If you like stories about friendship overcoming the odds, mystery and intrigue at court and authentic depictions of the early Middle Ages, then you’ll love Marina Pacheco’s riveting novel.Buy The King’s Hall to witness the power of friendship today!

Restless Sea, Life of Galen - Book 5

When the Pope calls, can a pious man survive dangerous seas to prove a miracle?Medieval England Spring, 998 AD. Brother Galen of Yarmwick is desperate to return to friend and family. So after the triumphal unveiling of the king’s gem encrusted Book of Hours, he’s ready to rush home.But just as he thinks life will go back to normal the Bishop of Crowland orders Galen to accompany him to Rome. Galen thought the journey to Lundenburh was gruelling. How will he face an epic voyage of thousands of miles?Fortunately, he has his friend Brother Alcuin to support him. The first step of their journey is just a short voyage across the English Channel. What could possibly go wrong? Will Galen and Alcuin weather the storms of a restless sea and make it safely to the other side?Restless Sea is the fifth book in the compelling Life of Galen historical fiction series. If you like journeying to a distant age, slowly unravelling mysteries, and tales of friendship triumphing over adversity, then you’ll love Marina Pacheco’s riveting novel.Buy Restless Seaand sail away on an adventure today!

Living, Loving, Longing, Lisbon

Can you love a city? Yes, and Lisbon is a great example. This European capital city is a bustling metropolis that averages 300 days of sunshine a year. Tourists flock here in ever-increasing numbers for the history, culture, great food, and people that have inspired this short anthology of Lisbon stories. The authors in this book come from all corners of the world. Some live here, while others have visited and fallen in love. Each of their tales shines a new and unique light on the city. Take a ride in an iconic tram with a broken-hearted tourist; find love in unexpected places; comb through the fragments in its nooks and crannies; go on a journey of healing that begins with loss; discover the city’s quirks through the eyes of an observant writer; despair of its new architecture; take a surrealist flight of fantasy; step back in time for a glamorous cruise; and meet the eclectic residents of this ancient city with a modern heart.

What the Pauper Did

WHAT THE PAUPER DID
A body swap, mystery romance set in historic Lisbon.

How do you define yourself? Is it through your appearance, your memories or your soul?

Lisbon, 1770, Herculano wakes up in a strange body in an unfamiliar house. All he wants is to know who he is. So why is he chasing after a missing man? And what does this have to do with the prince and a power struggle for the kingdom?

The man Odete loves no longer returns her feelings. Meanwhile, a man she distrusts has appeared in court. When Odete discovers Herculano shares the same mission, will she have to swallow her pride and join forces?

Can Herculano and Odete overcome their differences and save the kingdom, or will tyranny prevail?

Scent of Love

Never trust a Zeller, her grandmother always told her.

In a quaint little shop in the heart of historic Sintra, Portugal, Diana Luna constantly strives to create quirky, unique perfumes for her clients. She refuses to change despite the financial pressure of the lockdown. But stumbling across an old family foe might just finish her for good.

Armando Zeller’s life is constantly disrupted by people’s coffee breath, fabric cleaner and body odour. He hates it. He just wants to be left alone to create luxury perfumes in his high-tech, antiseptic lab in Lisbon.

So when a very drunk Diana stumbles into Armando, accuses his family of industrial espionage and throws up on him, you’d think he’d never want to see her again. But there was something about that shocking encounter that might just have got him hooked.

Will these two polar opposite perfumers be able to overcome their differences and create a unique blend all of their own?

Sky Therapy

A detective and the son of a serial killer, what could go wrong?

Jaq should know better. As a detective in the homicide division, she’s worked hard to get there. The last thing she needs is to fall in love with a criminal.

Simon has buried his past and any hopes for a meaningful relationship with it. His only aim in life is to keep his head down and stay out of trouble.

But fate keeps bringing Jaq and Simon together. That, a dollop of attraction, and a whole lot of guilty convenience. Or is the latter just a handy excuse?

Do opposites really attract? Will Jaq and Simon decide it’s safest to stay apart, or will they risk everything for love?

Friend of My Enemy, Life of Galen - Book 6

Captured by an implacable enemy, their future looks bleak. Will escape even be possible?
Al-Andalus 998 AD. Galen and Alcuin have been taken prisoner by the Moors. Galen is a Moorish doctor’s latest project. Alcuin languishes in the dungeons, watching over the bishop, who is slowly being tortured to death for a treasure.
Galen and Alcuin must learn how to survive in a strange new kingdom which is rapidly turning hostile towards Christians. Martyrdom, a life of slavery, or escape are their only options. But how can they escape when they have been separated?
Will Galen touch the heart of his captors and win their freedom?
Friend of My Enemy is the 6th book in the compelling Life of Galen historical fiction series. If you like exploring the lives of people in the past and tales of friendship enduring under the harshest of conditions, then you’ll love Marina Pacheco’s ongoing medieval saga.
Buy Friend of My Enemy today to be spirited away to ancient times.

Road to Rome, Life of Galen - Book 7

Will Galen find the answers he seeks?

Europe, 998 AD. Galen and Alcuin have finally escaped the clutches of the Moors. Now they’re adrift in an unsettled continent where invasions, cults, plagues, drought and the looming millennium have upset the world order. Do these two young monks have what it takes to fulfil Alcuin’s promise to get to Rome?

The journey over the Pyrenees and across the Mediterranean isn’t even the greatest challenge. Galen needs to decide whether he’s a saint. Can he find the answer amongst the people he meets or will he have to look deeper within himself to find the truth?

Road to Rome is the seventh book in the compelling Life of Galen Historical Fiction series. If you like quests for truth, friendship under the harshest conditions and realistic depictions of early Medieval life, then you’ll love Marina Pacheco’s riveting short novel.

Buy Road to Rome today and journey into a turbulent past!

Eternal City, Life of Galen Book 8

Delve into a corrupt and decaying city.

Rome 998 AD. Galen and his friends have taken shelter in an abbey where there is much to learn from the local scribes and illustrators. Galen is grateful for the order and tranquillity of their temporary new home, but is it a false peace?

Galen seeks the truth about his sainthood and Alcuin must inform the pope of Bishop Sigburt’s demise. But the pope might be behind a massacre, and human and supernatural forces conspire to block their path to the pontiff.

Can Galen and Alcuin overcome these obstacles? Will they finally get to speak to the pope, or will fate intervene once more?

Join Marina Pacheco’s epic journey today and discover the captivating secrets of Eternal City, the eighth book in the compelling Life of Galen series, where struggle, philosophical questions and vivid portrayals of the Middle Ages collide.

Loves of Lisbon

An Advent Calendar of 24 Short, Sweet Romances
Embark on a heartwarming journey through the enchanting streets of Lisbon where love blossoms as Christmas approaches. Loves of Lisbon invites you to unwrap a story a day like a delicious, literary advent calendar. Or, if you have no patience devour the whole lot in a single sitting.
Indulge in feel-good, sweet tales that range across the full spectrum of romance, from friends turned to lovers, second chances, older romances, young lovers, enemies to lovers and affluent individuals falling in love with the boy or girl next door. While each story stands alone, Lisbon is a small city, and some characters pop up in more than one place.
Read Loves of Lisbon for a celebration of love, where the spirit of Christmas and the charm of Lisbon collide in tales that will warm your heart throughout the holiday season.

Living, Loving, Longing, Lisbon Vol 2

Discover the captivating essence of Lisbon in this collection of tales from residents, visitors and people who have fallen in love with this ancient and quirky city. Uncover what the locals really think of tourists — wherever they come from; feel your heart race as the sea life’s vengeance unfolds; accompany a solo visitor on a voyages of internal and external discovery; bear witness to a life changing tragedy that unfolds within the walls of a café; take a walk with an inspirational poet; succumb to the allure of a beguiling mermaid and shudder at the chilling presence of a werewolf; embark upon a daring gamble up a monumental landmark; and take a crisp bite out of a custard and cinnamon flavoured romance. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tales of Lisbon, where ancient traditions and eccentricities collide, delivering a collection that will leave you longing for more.

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