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Judith Sterling

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Judith Sterling

Monthly Archives: October 2020

A ghost story for Halloween…

31 Saturday Oct 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

ghost story, Halloween, Judith Sterling, Sweden

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! It’s my favorite day of the year, and I thought I’d celebrate by sharing one of many paranormal experiences I’ve had in my life. At the time, I was 24 and newly arrived in Sweden, where I would study for the next six months under a Swedish Institute scholarship.

This was long before I met my husband, so my Swedish-American boyfriend (back in the States) had arranged for me to stay in his grandmother’s empty house in Stockholm for the week leading up to nyårsafton (New Year’s Eve), after which my studies would begin. It was a small, quaint dwelling with numerous knick-knacks and—as I would soon discover—a tragic past.

The bedroom where I slept opened onto an alcove, above which the trap door to the attic was poised. My first night, I woke with a start…to darkness and an acute sense of someone hovering in the alcove. The space was alive with creaking floorboards and a bluish light.

A flashlight? An intruder?

My heart pounded. I shifted in bed to gain a better view.

No one was there. Or so it seemed.

I slid out of bed and tiptoed around the house, just to be sure I was alone. The doors were locked, and by the time I climbed back into bed, the strange light was gone. I fluffed up my pillow and rearranged the bedcovers.

All at once, scraping, scratching sounds filled the alcove. Had rats infested the attic?

Then a sudden rush of emotions slammed into me. Despair. Dread. Distress. Not mine but another’s.

Every night brought the same experience: the light, the sounds, and the mood. When the phenomena ceased, I sought sleep again, but as you can imagine, it took a while before I drifted off.

Months later, I learned the truth. My boyfriend’s uncle had committed suicide years before. He’d hung himself in the alcove, not ten feet from where I slept. If I’d known that at the time, I would’ve tried to help him move on. I hope he has since found peace.

And I hope you have a wonderful Halloween. Stay safe and enjoy yourself tonight!  🙂

Medieval Monday #6 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

26 Monday Oct 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

#MedMonFall20, excerpt, Judith Sterling, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, Medieval Romance Lovers, Shadow of the Swan, The Novels of Ravenwood

Welcome to another Medieval Monday! We’ve reached the halfway point in our nature theme, so it’s a good thing today’s snippet from Shadow of the Swan features a little nature. Finally!

As usual, you can find links to the other participating authors’ excerpts on Facebook. Just visit the Medieval Romance Lovers page here! (#MedMonFall20) And now…Snippet #6:

            At week’s end, shortly before supper, she stood alone on the bridge above Woden’s Pond.  A swan glided across the calm water, creating symmetrical ripples that stretched beyond the bird’s wake.

            With head tilted, Constance followed its progress.  Our actions influence everything around us, just as the swan affects the pond.

A little more about the book:

Lady Constance de Bret was determined to be a nun, until shadows from the past eclipsed her present. Marriage is the safest option, but she insists on a spiritual union, in which physical intimacy is forbidden. Not so easy with a bridegroom who wields unparalleled charm! But a long-buried secret could taint his affection and cloak her in shadow forever.

Back from the Crusades, Sir Robert le Donjon craves a home of his own and children to inherit it. From the moment he meets Constance, he feels a mysterious bond between them. When she’s threatened, he vows to protect her and agrees to the spiritual marriage, with the hope of one day persuading her to enjoy a “real” one. She captivates him but opens old wounds and challenges everything he thought he believed.

Two souls in need of healing. Two hearts destined to beat as one.

Buy the book or audiobook:

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Apple | Kobo | Audible | Apple Audio

That’s it for this Medieval Monday. Have a great week and a happy Halloween!  🙂

Medieval Monday #5 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

19 Monday Oct 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

#MedMonFall20, excerpt, Judith Sterling, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, Medieval Romance Lovers, Shadow of the Swan, The Novels of Ravenwood

Welcome back to Medieval Monday! I’m sharing Snippet #5 from Shadow of the Swan today, and as you’ll see, Constance is definitely rethinking her relationship with Robert.

Remember to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook to find links to the other authors’ excerpts. (#MedMonFall20) Now, on to the fifth snippet:

            For the next week, their bedtime ritual followed a similar pattern.  He kissed her forehead and said good night.  Sometimes they talked in bed about the day’s activity; sometimes not.  For the most part, she was content.  But she couldn’t help comparing their situation to the fervid affair between Alice and Guy.  The squire made nightly visits to the handmaiden’s chamber while Meg busied herself elsewhere.

            The comfort of friendship versus the passion of love.  The latter appealed to Constance, more with each passing day.

A little more about the story:

Lady Constance de Bret was determined to be a nun, until shadows from the past eclipsed her present. Marriage is the safest option, but she insists on a spiritual union, in which physical intimacy is forbidden. Not so easy with a bridegroom who wields unparalleled charm! But a long-buried secret could taint his affection and cloak her in shadow forever.

Back from the Crusades, Sir Robert le Donjon craves a home of his own and children to inherit it. From the moment he meets Constance, he feels a mysterious bond between them. When she’s threatened, he vows to protect her and agrees to the spiritual marriage, with the hope of one day persuading her to enjoy a “real” one. She captivates him but opens old wounds and challenges everything he thought he believed.

Two souls in need of healing. Two hearts destined to beat as one.

Buy the book or audiobook:

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Apple | Kobo | Audible | Apple Audio

That’s all for today. Have a lovely week, and I’ll see you next Monday!  🙂

HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC by Tena Stetler

13 Tuesday Oct 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

A Witch's Holiday, A Witch's Journey, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Salem Massachusetts, Tena Stetler, The Wild Rose Press

Please welcome Tena Stetler! She’s a sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press) and here to tell us all about her inspiration for her latest release, Hidden Gypsy Magic. It’s set in Salem, Massachusetts, a city I’m fortunate to call “home.” Take it away, Tena!

Hi Judith! Thank you so much for hosting me and HIDDEN GYSPY MAGIC on your beautiful blog.  I’m thrilled to be here and so excited to share with you the inspiration for my fantasy, time travel, adventure.

Part of the inspiration for Hidden Gypsy Magic was the characters themselves. Gwen was introduced in A Witch’s Journey. Brock came to fruition in A Witch’s Holiday Wedding. They insisted on their own story. Then my friend adopted three baby desert tortoises. A storyline began to play out in my head since Gwen is a wildlife rehabilitator and Brock is a veterinarian. They live and work in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem has always intrigued me, so I put a twist on the witch trials and a trip back in time. Then I threw in poachers in present time and a dog and owl rescue. Still, the what if’s just kept coming and Hidden Gypsy Magic was born.  

Additional inspiration was the Salem Witch Trials.  How can you set a story in Salem Massachusetts and not mention the Salem Witch trials? Okay, I admit it, I’ve always been enamored with the Salem Witch Trials since I was involved in a high school play The Crucible. Research into the Salem Witch Trials led me to believe that things were not always as they seemed. I wondered if the accounts of those judging the supposed witches had something to hide or were they on some kind of power trip.

Researching one highly visible individual Judge in the witch trials, I had an epiphany. What if that person was not who or what he claimed to be? What if he had intimate knowledge of witchcraft and not just as a bystander?  Well, that could put a kink in the accounts of the Salem Witch Trials. Don’t you think? That’s what’s fun about writing fiction. LOL

How about a little more about Hidden Gypsy Magic?

  The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor’s life work.  Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care.  But even her magical skills can’t help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.

The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen’s sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter’s lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide. 

Touring the only “non-haunted” house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic.  A trip to his family’s cabin uncovers a heritage he didn’t know existed.  If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.

A sneak peek between the pages:

“It feels like all the air is being sucked out of this room.” His brother’s face turned ashen white as Beth’s ghostly form took shape in the center of the room.

Brock moved to the little group gathered and glanced at the grandfather clock standing in the hallway. Fifteen minutes until midnight. The witching hour on All Hallows Eve. A nervous chuckle rose up in his throat. How cliche. His brother would be a believer after this night.

He cleared his throat and wrapped an arm around Gwen’s waist. “Can we help you, Beth?” Misfit’s howling could be heard clearly from the upstairs bedroom.

“No, but I hope we can help you.” Ghost Beth glanced back at the painting and sadly shook her head. “The ghost of Judge John Hathorne stands outside ready to curse or worse all those involved in sullying his reputation. The house stands between all of you…protecting—” The ghost’s hand and arm made a sweeping motion toward their group, “— against his magic ability.”

A soft almost hysterical giggle burst from Gwen. “Doesn’t he know that by his actions this night, he has not only outed himself but proved the rumors and article are true?”

“I don’t believe he’s considered that point.” Beth’s ghostly grim face twitched into a half-smile. “He’s bent on revenge, but apparently had trouble passing through the veil this evening.” She pointed to the clock and then laid a finger on her lips.

Buy the book:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | B & N | Apple

A little more about Tena:

Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance with an over-active imagination.  She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.

 Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.

Where to find her:

Website | Authors’ Secrets Blog | My Say What Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Newsletter | Pinterest | Triberr | BookBub | Instagram | Tumblr | BookGorilla

Great to have you back, Tena. Best of luck with the book!

Medieval Monday #4 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

12 Monday Oct 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

#MedMonFall20, excerpt, Judith Sterling, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, Medieval Romance Lovers, Shadow of the Swan, The Novels of Ravenwood

Welcome back to Medieval Monday! I’m sharing Snippet #4 from Shadow of the Swan today. As always, you can find links to the other participating authors’ snippets by visiting Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook. (#MedMonFall20)

Now, here’s my fourth snippet:

            “Good night, Constance.”  His breath was hot on her flesh.

            She found her voice.  “Good night.”

            He pulled away and strode toward the bed.

            My dear Robert, you are patience incarnate.  She hastened toward her side of the bed and sighed as the feather mattress embraced her weary frame.  ’Twas a glorious thing to lie down with a clear conscience.  Finally!  Within minutes, she slipped into sleep.

A little more about the book:

Lady Constance de Bret was determined to be a nun, until shadows from the past eclipsed her present. Marriage is the safest option, but she insists on a spiritual union, in which physical intimacy is forbidden. Not so easy with a bridegroom who wields unparalleled charm! But a long-buried secret could taint his affection and cloak her in shadow forever.

Back from the Crusades, Sir Robert le Donjon craves a home of his own and children to inherit it. From the moment he meets Constance, he feels a mysterious bond between them. When she’s threatened, he vows to protect her and agrees to the spiritual marriage, with the hope of one day persuading her to enjoy a “real” one. She captivates him but opens old wounds and challenges everything he thought he believed.

Two souls in need of healing. Two hearts destined to beat as one.

Buy the book or audiobook:

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Apple | Kobo | Audible | Apple Audio

That’s all for this Medieval Monday. See you next week!  🙂

Medieval Monday #3 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

05 Monday Oct 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

excerpt, Judith Sterling, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, Medieval Romance Lovers, Shadow of the Swan, The Novels of Ravenwood

Welcome back to Medieval Monday! Today, I’m sharing Snippet #3 from Shadow of the Swan. Remember to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook to find other authors’ snippets. (#MedMonFall20)

If you’re new to Medieval Monday or unfamiliar with Shadow of the Swan, here’s the story:

Lady Constance de Bret was determined to be a nun, until shadows from the past eclipsed her present. Marriage is the safest option, but she insists on a spiritual union, in which physical intimacy is forbidden. Not so easy with a bridegroom who wields unparalleled charm! But a long-buried secret could taint his affection and cloak her in shadow forever.

Back from the Crusades, Sir Robert le Donjon craves a home of his own and children to inherit it. From the moment he meets Constance, he feels a mysterious bond between them. When she’s threatened, he vows to protect her and agrees to the spiritual marriage, with the hope of one day persuading her to enjoy a “real” one. She captivates him but opens old wounds and challenges everything he thought he believed.

Two souls in need of healing. Two hearts destined to beat as one.

Without further ado, here’s my third snippet:

            She held her breath.  What is he thinking?  Will he kiss me?

            He hesitated, then stepped forward and leaned closer.  His lips connected with her forehead in a soft, lingering kiss.

            His nearness was at once a balm and a temptation.  But I’m not ready!

Buy the book or audiobook:

Amazon | Amazon UK | B&N | Walmart | Apple | Kobo | Audible | Apple Audio

That’s all for this week. See you next Monday!  🙂

FREE AUDIOBOOKS!

03 Saturday Oct 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

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Tags

Benjamin Fife, Bill & Mia Belew, Charity Bradford, coming of age, Emily Heebner, free audiobooks, Guardians of Erin, Halloween read, Jean M. Grant, Judith Sterling, Laura Heffernan, listen and review, new adult romance, Seneca Lake, Shereen Vedam, Story Origin, The Cauldron Stirred, Uvi Poznansky, women's fiction, YA paranormal fantasy, YA series, young adult

What’s better than audiobooks? Free audiobooks! I’ve teamed up with several authors in a month-long event on Story Origin, featuring the following genres: young adult, women’s fiction, coming of age, and new adult. All of the audiobooks in this promo–including The Cauldron Stirred, the first book in my YA paranormal fantasy series, Guardians of Erin–are FREE for listeners willing to review.

I have US and UK audio codes to give away, so don’t be shy about requesting a copy!

This event will run through October 31. (Halloween, my favorite holiday!) Coincidentally, the climax in The Cauldron Stirred takes place on Halloween, so it may just be the “listen” you’ve been looking for to put you in a magical mood. Here’s a little about the story:

Ashling Donoghue never dreamed moving to Ireland would rock her perception of reality and plunge her into a mystery that brings legend to life.

At seventeen, she’s never had a boyfriend, but she feels an immediate connection to Aengus Breasal, the son of the wealthy Irishman who’s invited her family to stay at his Killarney estate. For the first time in her life, a guy she likes seems attracted to her.

But Aengus is secretive, with good reason. He and his family are the Tuatha Dé Danann, ageless, mythical guardians adept at shifting between this reality and the magical dimension known as the Otherworld. Evil forces from that world threaten the Breasals, the Donoghues, and all of Ireland. Ashling must open her heart, face her fears, and embrace a destiny greater than she could ever have imagined.

Request it and/or other titles you’d like to review on Story Origin (free account needed) by following this link.

Happy listening, and have a great weekend!  🙂

TRICK OR TREAT BOOK BONANZA ~ N. N. Light’s Book Heaven

02 Friday Oct 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

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Amazon gift card, Barnes and Noble gift card, giveaway, Guardians of Erin, Halloween read, Judith Sterling, N. N. Light's Book Heaven, The Cauldron Stirred, Trick or Treat Book Bonanza

Trick or Treat! ‘Tis the month to celebrate all things paranormal, supernatural, suspenseful, and mystical. If you’re like me, you’ll want to accept this special invitation to join the festivities at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s 2nd annual Trick or Treat Book Bonanza. 46 authors share what they’d dress up as for Halloween as well as 53 books featured plus a chance to win one of the following:

~ $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

~ $50 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

~ $25 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

~ $15 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

~ $10 Amazon (US) or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

I’m thrilled to be a part of this event. The Cauldron Stirred is one of the featured books today. Wait until you read what my Halloween costume would be. Check it out here!

Bookmark this event and tell your friends:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/trick-or-treat-book-bonanza

Enter the giveaway here!

Open internationally.

Runs through October 31.

Drawing will be held on November 1.

Good luck, and have a wonderful October!  🙂

SPOOKY HALLOWEEN BOOKISH GIVEAWAY ~ N. N. Light’s Book Heaven

01 Thursday Oct 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Halloween read, Judith Sterling, literary giveaway, medieval romance, N. N. Light's Book Heaven, paranormal, Soul of the Wolf, Spooky Halloween Bookish Giveaway, The Novels of Ravenwood

October is here, and it’s one of my favorite times of the year. The weather turns chilly, the leaves change color, and I get an excuse to binge-eat Halloween chocolate. As the wind shakes my windows, I love to curl up with a good book. N. N. Light feels the same way, and they’re hosting a spooktacular giveaway. No tricks, just treats for booklovers! Everything from romance to paranormal to audiobook codes are being given away. You can even enter to win one of my books: Soul of the Wolf, the second of The Novels of Ravenwood.

Go on, indulge your inner kid and enter this giveaway. If there’s a particular book or prize you’d like to win, be sure to say which one when you enter via Rafflecopter. Enter below and good luck!

Spooky Halloween Bookish Giveaway

Literary Giveaway Portal

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