For those of you wishing to view more information about Lizzi’s books, here you go!

Dr Elizabeth Thompson aka Lizzi Tremayne Author

Unpretentious, Eminently Readable Contemporary and Historical Fiction… and Veterinary Fiction and Nonfiction!

Number one bestselling historical fiction author Deborah Challinor says of Lizzi’s historicals:

“Very descriptive, rich with research woven into the narrative, fairly informal and therefore eminently readable.”

Lizzi’s awarded historical and contemporary suspense, women’s, YA, and veterinary fiction have an equestrian flair, part and parcel of her other life as an equine veterinarian and carriage competitor.

The Long Trails historical fiction sagas follow a growing list of dashing heroes and heroines from the wilderness of 1860 Utah to Colonial New Zealand, Historical Scotland, and Tsarist Russia. Not necessarily in that order!

In the Once Upon a Vet School series, you’ll find the tale of a gutsy equestrian who dreamed of becoming a vet—her life on the way and beyond. Did YOU ever dream of becoming a vet?

Lizzi grew up riding wild in the Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods, became an equine veterinarian at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, and practiced in the California Pony Express and Gold Country before emigrating to New Zealand. Her writing is awarded in fiction and veterinary nonfiction.

When she’s not writing or reading, she’s swinging a rapier or shooting a bow in medieval garb, riding, driving a carriage or playing on her hobby farm, singing, working in her equine veterinary referral dental practice.

 About the Author

Lizzi grew up riding wild in the Santa Cruz Mountain redwoods, became an equine veterinarian at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and practiced in the Gold and Pony Express Country of California before emigrating to New Zealand. She is the proud mother of two boys in that sea of green. When she’s not writing, she’s swinging a rapier or shooting a bow in medieval garb, riding or driving a carriage, playing in the garden on her hobby farm, singing, cooking, being an equine veterinarian or high school science teacher. She is multiply published and awarded in special interest magazines and veterinary periodicals.

With her debut novel, A Long Trail Rolling, she was Finalist 2013 RWNZ Great Beginnings; Winner 2014 RWNZ Pacific Hearts Award for the unpublished full manuscript; Winner 2015 RWNZ Koru Award for Best First Novel and third in Koru Long Novel section; finalist in the 2015 Best Indie Book Award and Winner True West Magazine’s Best Western Romance 2016.

Lizzi’s two current series are: The Long Trails saga of Historical Suspense/ Women’s Fiction novels and the Once Upon a Vet School series of multiple semi-autobiographical, age-relative works of Contemporary Women’s through Children’s Fiction.

Her books are independently published under her own imprint, Blue Mist Publishing.

Lizzi’s author website is at https://lizzitremayne.com

Her FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/lizzitremayneauthor/

By the Author:

The Long Trails Series

Can an orphan, with only her Mustang and a Cossack sword, survive alone on the frontier?

From the deserts of Utah, through the gold mines of California, to the turbulent wilderness of Colonial New Zealand, Aleksandra rides, loves, and fights—with only her Cossack skills to keep her alive.  Historical Western Family Saga: Books 1-3

Book One: A Long Trail Rolling

A dangerous job. Is it a convenient escape route…

             or a death trap?

UTAH TERRITORY, 1860. Alone. Aleksandra has spent her whole life training for the inevitable. So when a brutal Cossack tracks down and kills her father, she knows what she must do. Now orphaned, she flees, disguised as a Pony Express rider to keep her pa’s killer from discovering their family’s secret.

Xavier has kept the world, especially women, at arms-length since he ran from his troubles as heir to his Californio rancho family. As a Pony Express Station Keeper, having a girl riding the Pony out of his station wasn’t ever part of his plans… but somehow it happened, blackmail being what it is. Curiously, he didn’t want to let this one out of his sight.

They begin to let each other into their hearts, but the cards are stacking against them as the minutes tick by and Aleks rides full speed into the Indian Paiute War. Can they learn to trust in time to escape the Indians, evade the killer, and save both their love and Aleksandra’s family legacy?

Winner of:

2016 True West Magazine’s Best Western Romance

2015 RWNZ Koru Award

2014 RWNZ Pacific Hearts Award

Book Two: The Hills of Gold Unchanging

As the Civil War rages, secessionists menace California. The Confederates want the state and they’ll stop at nothing to they’ll stop at nothing to take it.

UTAH TERRITORY, 1860. On a wagon train headed for the Golden State, Aleksandra makes a dangerous enemy of a gun-running Confederate when she fights her way out of his unwelcome embrace.

After a late-night poker game, Xavier’s new friends realize he’s heard too much to be allowed to live.

Embroiled in the Confederates’ fight to drag the new state from the Union and make it their own, can Aleks and Xavier survive? The secessionists mean business.

Book Three: A Sea of Green Unfolding

They set sail for the peace and calm of New Zealand, but they hadn’t counted on murderers, mutineers, and a land war in paradise.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AND NEW ZEALAND, 1863. Aleksandra and Xavier have finally found happiness on their Rancho de las Pulgas, but tragedy and death strike far too soon. Sickened further by the U.S. government’s treatment of their Native American friends, they only want out. Of everything.

They are thrown a lifeline by an old friend of Xavier’s from the California goldfields. This Gustavus von Tempsky, with his shadowed past, is now a newspaperman in Coromandel, New Zealand. His invitation draws them to a new start, with a part to play in the development of the peaceful young country—but by the time they arrive in Aotearoa, everything has changed.

Aleks thought mutineers and scoundrels aboard ship were the worst of their worries, but she hadn’t planned on disembarking into a turbulent wilderness and befriending the helpful local Māori, only to find von Tempsky leading the colonial troops into the bush against the natives who’d saved her life.

The Equine Vet Today Series:

The new series of veterinary books for horse owners to let you use what vets know to keep your horses healthier and happier.  

Book One: Modern Equine Dentistry for Horse Owners!

The Once Upon a Vet School Series

Drama and humor abound as Lena pursues her childhood dream of becoming an equine vet—and beyond—in this unique series of six independent sequences:

Three books are currently available in in the series (in the middle, of course, I wrote them started before I knew they were a series…). See below for the whole planned series!

From the ~Vet School 24/7~ sequence:

Fifty Miles at a Breath

Horses bring them together and their future looks rosy—it’s the present they can’t handle.

When equine veterinary student Lena and veteran pilot Blake fall in love, vet school and the past intrude. Add in a long-distance relationship, and things get just plain hard. A grueling endurance race forces them to draw on their strengths and face their fears—together.

Lena Takes a Foal

She needs help… he needs to stay away…

Lena’s got a problem—one that might prevent her from graduating. When her horse flips over and lands on her, it has to be the dashing resident, Kit, who finds her. Luckily, she’s sworn off relationships after her last debacle and sea-green eyes and rugged good looks are the last things on her mind. Besides, to a veterinary school faculty, relationships between residents and students are like oil and water.

They just don’t mix.

From the ~ Practice Time ~ sequence:

Greener Pastures Calling

A new country, a great job, and a good Kiwi bloke. Life couldn’t be better.

Until it gets worse.

Newly emigrated to New Zealand, Lena wants a ‘good Kiwi bloke’, but they’re elusive as their nocturnal namesake. Nigel’s avoiding females, unless they’re cows, horses, or his mother after his first marriage. Sparks fly when  they meet—but not the first time, over the dirty instruments in a filthy cowshed. They seem to be made for each other, until Nigel remembers where he first saw her. And then the questions start.

Upcoming Books:

The Odin in Covid Series

Odin can’t go to his grandma’s New Zealand farm, but look what he’d do if he could!

Odin usually goes to grandma and grandpa’s farm to stay every Friday, but when COVID-19 hits New Zealand, Odin can’t go to the farm or see his friends anymore because of the lockdown! What will he miss on the farm? Check out Odin in Lockdown: on the Farm and Odin in Lockdown: at the Farmhouse to see what he would have gotten up to if he had been able to visit!

The Odin in Lockdown books will be Kiwi and international treasures which will be sure to be favourites in years to come, long after lockdown is a distant memory.

Every book in the series has at least one recipe which your child or grandchild can make along with you, plus find your link to a YouTube video showing Grandma making the recipe to show you and your young ones just how Odin and Grandma would have made it!

Read Aloud: Come along with Odin for the rhyming, rollicking read-aloud story!

Early Reader:  Read along with Odin in this early-reader version, created for those children reading picture books!

The Tatiana Series

(with links to The Long Trails series)

Book One: Tatiana I

Stableman’s daughter Tatiana rises to glamorous heights by her equestrienne abilities—but the tsar’s glittering attention is not always gold.

MOSKVA, RUSSIA 1842. Tatiana and her husband Vladimir become pawns in the emperor’s pursuit of a coveted secret weapon. While Tatiana and their infant son are placed under house arrest, Vladimir must recover the weapon or lose his wife and young son. With the odds mounting against them, can they find each other again—half a world away?  

The series is set from early 1860s Moscow through to 1860s USA, the series comprises three (Matthew says four…) novels. Book One: Tatiana

The Somewhere Series

(also with links to The Long Trails series)

Book One: Somewhere Called Home

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS 1813. Lachlann is disowned for refusing to become clan tacksman after his father and heads for the city, alone, to build a life for himself and his beloved Annis. Annis’ waiting turns to despair when her mother buys safety during the clearance of their village—leaving Annis at the mercy of the laird’s degenerate son. Lachlann emerges from the hell of Waterloo wanting only to see Annis again… and his father. 

The three-novel saga continues as the pair journey south, searching for a home, following their kin through England, through the sugar cane islands and to the Civil War-torn United States. Book One: Somewhere Called Home

The Long Trails, Tatiana, and Somewhere series will meet up in a searing conclusion…

The Once Upon a Vet School Planned series:

Drama and humour abound as Lena pursues her childhood dream of becoming an equine vet—and beyond—in this unique series of six independent sequences:

Cameos are placed on the covers of the books in each sequence for reader orientation.

~Junior Years~                                                                                 

After Lena hears she needs good grades to become a veterinarian, things start to get tricky. Even her pony doesn’t get out unscathed. (Middle Grade) USA 1972–1976. Series of four books.

~High School Days ~

When your high school counsellor says vet school’s too hard for you and your HS sweetheart offers you a dream life of farming, writing, and babies, what do you do? Is vet school really the be-all, end-all? (Young Adult) USA 1976–1979. Series of four books.

~College Nights

How can you have a life when you need an A in every class for four years to get into vet school… on top of 800 hours vet practice work? Something’s got to give. (Young Adult and up) USA 1980–1984. Series of four books.

~Vet School 24/7~

Now they’re in, the pressure for grades is off and vet school social life is upon them… there’s only the tsunami of 200 years of veterinary knowledge to pack into their heads. Can Lena and her friends stay afloat? (Young Adult and up) USA 1984–1988. Series of four books.

~Practice Time~

Finally graduated, prima ballerinas of the university, Lena and her vet school classmates disperse to far-flung practices… and real life. What could possibly go wrong? Late nights on-call, mud, blood, and finally, a light at the end of the tunnel… unfortunately, it’s only the penlight of a dictatorial vet technician in Lena’s eyes after she passed out on the floor. (Women’s Rural Fiction with Romantic Elements) USA & New Zealand 1988–2012. Series of four books.

Hosts have said…

“Lizzi has a fascinating writing style as she wraps verifiable history into an adventure novel. She writes with accuracy and a rare talent for describing events and places. A fourth book is awaited with interest.

As a public speaker Lizzi rivals her talent as a writer. She has an engaging personality and an enthusiasm for describing her life and works.

I would strongly recommend her as a guest speaker to any organisation with an interest in history. You won’t be disappointed.”

   —Murray Reid, Mangatangi Historical Group, New Zealand (full review  at end)

“It was a real pleasure to have Lizzi speak at the Gore Library. Her research and knowledge about the subjects of her novels shows in the passion she has when presenting. We would love to have Lizzi back again in the future!”

   —Penelope Perry, Senior Librarian, Gore District Libraries, New Zealand

“…a most enjoyable and informative talk as she talked us through her first three books and her passion for history. Her books are based around historical fact with fictional characters… and her talk drew a lot of questions from the floor.”

  —Eric Muir, President, Franklin Historical Society, New Zealand

“In October 2020, Lizzi Tremayne joined Tauranga Writers’ monthly Sunday Focus professional development series to present a two-hour workshop on creating authentic believable characters. Workshop material was based on Lizzi’s own experience as an award-winning historical fiction novelist as well as relevant strategies gleaned from her colleagues, and included slides, examples, anecdotes, and practical exercises. Lizzi’s workshop was engaging, entertaining, and informative, offering actionable advice and practice, and with comprehensive notes provided for attendees. The workshop was fully subscribed, and our members came away inspired and enthused. As a presenter, Lizzi is prompt, professional, and polished. I have no hesitation in recommending her to any festival or conference looking for an exceptional speaker floor.”

  —Lee Murray, three-time Bram Stoker Award®-nominee and author of Into the Ashes

Author Speaking Engagements

2015 04 16      LTR Launch Historical Talk  Waihi Library

2016 06 20      Author Historical Talk            National Pony Express Association, Utah

2016 08 13      Swordplay for Authors           RWNZ Conference

2017 03 04      Panelist                                   Auckland Library

2017 07 01      You Can Do Scrivener!          Coast to Coast RWNZ Waihi

2017 07 12      Author Historical Talk            Mangatangi Historical Society

2017 07 27      Meet the Author Talk             Queenstown Library

2017 09 16      Author Historical Talk            Franklin Historical Society

2018 08 11      Better Together: Multi-Author Anthologies  RWNZ Conference

2018 11 07      Event with Deb Challinor       McLeods Booksellers

2019 01 29      Meet the Author Talk             Gore Library

2019 02 01      Meet the Author Talk             Hokitika Library

2019 02 02      Meet the Author Talk             Westport Library

2019 07 18      Meet the Author Talk             Waikouaiti Library

2019 07 18      Author Event                          Palmerston Branch Library

2018 07 18      Author Event                          Oamaru Library

2019 07 19      Author Event                          Dunedin City Library

2019 07 27      Compelling Characters W/S   Words Will Work, So Auckland Writers

2019 10 12      Compelling Characters W/S   RWNZ Coast to Coast Branch Retreat

2019 10 18      Developing Character W/S    Tauranga Writers Sunday Focus Session

2019 10 26      Panelist                                   Historical Novel Society Australasia, Sydney

2019 12 17      Author Historical Talk            Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District                        Docents Meeting, Portola Valley, California

2021 08 21      Compelling Characters W/S   RWNZ Annual Conference, Wellington NZ

Speaker recommendation from the Mangatangi Historical Group

Lizzi Tremayne was guest speaker at our monthly meeting in July 2017.

We chose Lizzi as one of our members had recently read her series of books, the third of which was Sea of Green Unfolding.

That novel followed the journey of Aleksandra and Xavier in New Zealand in 1863 at the beginning of the Waikato Wars. They travelled from California to the East Coast of the North Island where they were separated following a shipwreck. Most of the tale chronicles the solo trek of Aleksandra from Coromandel to Auckland via the Hauraki swamps and North Waikato. Near Miranda (Pūkorokoro) she came across the newly built defensive Redoubt and was then escorted by soldiers through the district to Auckland.

The Mangatangi Historical Group has its base in the area through which her trek was made. As such we were very interested in how Lizzi recorded the history of our patch, 150 years later.

Lizzi has a fascinating writing style as she wraps verifiable history into an adventure novel.

She writes with accuracy and a rare talent for describing events and places. A fourth book is awaited with interest.

As a public speaker Lizzi rivals her talent as a writer. She has an engaging personality and an enthusiasm for describing her life and works.

I would strongly recommend her as a guest speaker to any organisation with an interest in history. You won’t be disappointed.

Murray Reid

Mangatangi Historical Group

Leamington

Cambridge, New Zealand