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Judith Sterling

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Judith Sterling

Monthly Archives: November 2020

Medieval Monday #11 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

30 Monday Nov 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

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

Welcome back to another Medieval Monday! Today, I’m sharing Snippet #11 from Shadow of the Swan. Remember to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook for links to other authors’ excerpts. (#MedMonFall20)

At the end of last week’s installment, Constance realized she had to know whether or not her husband, Robert, still desired her. Yet she’s not entirely sure of the best way to broach the subject. Let’s see how she does it in the 11th snippet:

            After supping on roasted venison and frumenty, she and Robert retired to the solar with a jug of mulled wine.  She leaned back in her chair as he poured their drinks.

            He handed her a cup.  “You were quiet as a mole during supper.”

            She took a long draft of wine.  The mixture of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves tickled her tongue.  “I was thinking.”

            “About?”  He raised his cup to his lips.

            “Lovemaking.”

            He choked on his drink.  After a fit of coughing, he cleared his throat.  “Lovemaking.”

            “Aye.  You gave me a general idea before, but I want specifics.”

            “Oh, I think I gave you one or two of those.”

A bit 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 now. Join me next Monday for the final snippet of this round of Medieval Monday. Until then, have a beautiful week!  🙂

N. N. Light’s Holiday Gift Guide ~ NIGHT OF THE OWL

27 Friday Nov 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

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#holidaygiftguide, fantasy romance, holiday gifts, Judith Sterling, medieval romance series, N. N. Light's Book Heaven, Night of the Owl, Return of the Raven, The Novels of Ravenwood, time travel romance

Happy Friday! My time travel romance, Night of the Owl–the fourth of The Novels of Ravenwood–is one of the titles featured in the Fantasy Romance category of N. N. Light’s Holiday Gift Guide today. Check it out here!

In related news, I’ll soon have eyes on the final galley of Return of the Raven, the fifth and final book in the series. It won’t be long until I can share the cover, blurb, and release date with you!

Wishing you a wonderful day and weekend ahead!  🙂

Medieval Monday #10 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

23 Monday Nov 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! Our nature theme continues, and today, I’m sharing Snippet #10 from Shadow of the Swan, the third of The Novels of Ravenwood. Be sure to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook to find links to other participating authors’ excerpts. (#MedMonFall20)

Last week, Constance gazed into Woden’s Pond, and a vision of her future took hold. Then a whoop-whoop sound jarred her back to the present (spring of AD 1102). Let’s see what happens next…

            A swan looked up at her. She glanced at the opposite side of the pond, where the original swan remained, then regarded the bird below her.

            “Why are you here with me? Look. There’s another swan right over there.”

            Again, the bird whooped. Then it swam off and out of sight. The air was mild once more.

            Or perhaps the vision warmed me. Her stomach twitched at the memory of it.  How many men could boast a body such as her husband’s? Not many, surely. And he was hers. If she had the courage to claim him.

            And if he still desired her.

            There’s one way to find out. She stood, wiped the dirt from her tunic, and headed toward the castle.

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 it for now. Have a lovely week, and for those who celebrate Thanksgiving, have a joyful one. See you next Monday!  🙂

N. N. Light’s Holiday Gift Guide ~ THE SWORD UNSHEATHED

17 Tuesday Nov 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

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#holidaygiftguide, Guardians of Erin, holiday gifts, Judith Sterling, N. N. Light's Book Heaven, paranormal fantasy, The Spear Alight, The Sword Unsheathed, young adult series

Good morning! The Sword Unsheathed–the third book in my Guardians of Erin YA paranormal fantasy series–is one of the titles featured in the Paranormal category of N. N. Light’s Holiday Gift Guide today. Check it out here!

In related news, I’ve finally begun writing the fourth and final book in the series, The Spear Alight. It’s always sad to say good-bye to characters and worlds I’ve created, but I’m also excited to share the conclusion of the story with you! The manuscript is due to my editor on April 1, 2021, so I have lots to do! Wish me luck and have a beautiful day. 🙂

Medieval Monday #9 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

16 Monday Nov 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 16 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! It’s Week 9 of our nature-themed round, so I’m sharing the ninth snippet of my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan. Remember to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook for links to more authors’ excerpts. (#MedMonFall20)

Last week, Constance considered seeking a vision from Woden’s Pond. Let’s see what this week brings in Snippet #9:

            She knelt down for a closer view and waited.  As she stared, a new picture emerged.

            The pond at dusk, enshrouded in fog.  Robert, standing naked before her.  He opened his mouth to speak.  “Come to me, Constance.”

            Whoop-whoop!

            The sound jarred her out of the vision.

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 this week. See you next Monday!  🙂

An Interview with Debby Grahl, author of MOUNTAIN BLAZE

11 Wednesday Nov 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Author Interview, contemporary romance, cozy mystery, Debby Grahl, His Magic Touch, Judith Sterling, Mountain Blaze, North Carolina, paranormal romance, The Silver Crescent, The Wild Rose Press

I’m excited to welcome another sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press) today. Say hello to award-winning author Debby Grahl! Her latest release is Mountain Blaze, and I’ll give you the scoop on that in a moment. But first, let’s learn more about Debby herself.

Thanks so much for joining me today, Debby! At what age did you write your first story? Around sixteen. I used to entertain my girlfriends with my stories as we walked to school.

A fun way to liven up your walk! Tell me, which genre was the first to hook you? I’ve always loved mysteries. The first manuscript I submitted was a mystery cozy. The editor at the time told me that type of book wasn’t selling. If I wanted to get published, I needed to write romance. This is a genre I also liked, so now all my books have both a mystery and romance.

What was your first published book? A paranormal romance titled The Silver Crescent. The story has romance, a mystery, a treasure hunt, and Victorian ghosts.

Sounds like an exciting read! What’s your favorite part of the writing process? Brainstorming?  Research?  Outlining? Writing?  Editing? I enjoy both outlining and writing. Although, my outline is pretty short. I decide on location, my characters’ personalities, and plot. After that, my imagination takes over. 

What are you working on now? Island Heat, which takes place on Hilton Head Island, is the sequel to Mountain Blaze.

Of all the settings you’ve used (or created!) for your books, which is your favorite and why? This would have to be New Orleans. My husband and I first went to the French Quarter in 1988 and fell in love with the city. Since I love ghosts, witches, and legends, there couldn’t be a better setting than New Orleans. Not to mention the great food, fun atmosphere, and unique people.

I’ve always wanted to go there! Speaking of things otherworldly…if you could have a conversation with anyone—dead or alive—who would it be? Agatha Christie. I’d love to hear how she comes up with her plots.

I’d love to meet her too! If you could travel to any time and place, when and where would that be? I’d have two choices: Regency England, and London during the Twenties.

Both of those would be amazing to experience firsthand! If you could step inside any book or series and live there for a week, which would you choose? Carola Dunn’s Daisy Dalrymple series. These take place in Britain during the Twenties. I’ve always wanted to be a flapper.

That would be so cool! If a fairy godmother appeared and offered you one thing—anything at all—what would you request? A thatch roofed cottage in the English Cotswolds.

Gosh, I’d want one of those too! Now, it’s time to learn some of your favorites!

Sound: laughter

Eye color: deep blue

Foreign language (whether or not you speak it!): Italian

Song: “Mony Mony,” by Tommy James and the Shondells

Book: Love Story

Movie: French Kiss

TV show: Alias Smith and Jones

Cuisine: Italian

Cookie: peanut butter

US location: New Orleans

Foreign location: England

And finally, list your preference from the following choices:

Tea or coffee? coffee

Cake or pie? pie

Halloween or Christmas? Christmas

Nancy Drew or Sherlock Holmes? Sherlock Holmes

Jane Austen or the Brontë sisters? Jane Austen

A mortal, vampire, ghost, or fae for a lover? mortal

English gent, Scottish highlander, European count, or all-American guy? English gent

I love your answers! Now, let’s learn more about your recent release, Mountain Blaze:

Disillusioned by his wife’s betrayal, rodeo star Dillon McCoy comes home to the mountains of North Carolina to lick his wounds. When he agrees to take over the family ranch, the Lazy M, he’s unaware danger waits.

Diana Thompson is having doubts about her engagement to Trent Sawyer. She agrees to leave Chapel Hill and spend Thanksgiving with her friend Jenn at the Lazy M. When Diana and Dillon meet, neither can deny their attraction, but both must resolve past relationships while fighting their growing desire.

After Dillon turns down an anonymous offer to purchase the ranch, attempts are made on his life. When a body is found, Dillon sets out to discover who wants the McCoy land enough to commit murder.

A peek between the pages:

Dillon smiled and Diana thought it the sexiest smile she’d ever seen. There was a slight cleft in his chin, and fine lines formed at the corners of his eyes. Diana inwardly groaned. The butterflies were back.

“I’d hold onto you. I wouldn’t let you fall,” he softly said.

With his slow southern accent, the words sounded like warm honey rolling off his tongue. The depth of his eyes and the sound of his voice mesmerized her.

The horses stood side by side. Her and Dillon’s legs touched. He leaned toward her, and the light aroma of wood smoke, hay, and his spicy cologne filled her nostrils. Diana knew what he was about to do but had no willpower to stop him. He cupped her cheek and their lips met.

Gentle at first, his lips glided over hers. He increased the pressure until she opened her mouth and his tongue slipped in. Diana moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. His arms around her waist, he deepened the kiss. Before she realized what he was doing, without breaking their kiss Dillon lifted her from Flora and placed her across his lap.

Cradled in his arms, Diana clung to him, delicious sensations filling her. Her body came alive in a way that surprised her. The only thing that mattered was this man and this moment.

Flame moved, bringing her back to reality. Diana’s eyes fluttered open, and she stared into Dillon’s, deep with passion and need.

Buy the book on Amazon!

More about Debby:

Award winning author, Debby Grahl, lives on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with her husband, David. Besides writing, she enjoys biking, walking on the beach and a glass of wine at sunset. Her favorite places to visit are New Orleans, New York City, Captiva Island in Florida, the Cotswolds of England, and her home state of Michigan. She is a history buff who also enjoys reading murder mysteries, time travel, and, of course, romance. Visually impaired since childhood by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), she uses screen-reading software to research and write her books. His Magic Touch, a paranormal romance, was released by The Wild Rose Press December 5, 2018. Her latest book, Mountain Blaze, was released November 2.

Where to find her:

Website | Facebook | BookBub | Twitter | Goodreads

It’s been a pleasure having you here, Debby! Wishing you all the best with Mountain Blaze.

Medieval Monday #8 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

09 Monday Nov 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

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

Welcome to Week 8 of our nature-themed Medieval Monday! Today, I’ll be sharing the eighth snippet of my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan. Be sure to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook to get links to the other authors’ snippets. (#MedMonFall20)

Now for mine. Last week, we left Constance standing alone on the bridge above Woden’s Pond, reevaluating her relationship with her husband, Robert. Let’s see what happens next…

            A sudden chill commanded the air.  Shivering, she rubbed her arms, then felt compelled to look down.

            The undulating water warped her reflection.  Might it also bend reality and grant her another vision?  Nothing like that had ever happened to her, not until the day of the help-ale.  And though it seemed strange, her heart insisted an experience so profound must derive from the mind of God, that source of all creation to which she’d always gravitated.

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 it for this Medieval Monday. Have a wonderful week, and I’ll see you next time.  🙂

N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Holiday Gift Guide

06 Friday Nov 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

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#holidaygiftguide, books, holiday gifts, holiday shopping, Judith Sterling, N. N. Light's Book Heaven

The holiday season is fast approaching, and books make great gifts! N. N. Light’s Book Heaven has created a multi-genre shopping guide, and two of my books are among the 137 titles listed. Every day for the rest of the month, different genres will be posted with links to some wonderful books! The guide will be available until December 31, and you can find it here.

I’ll let you know when my books are listed. In the meantime, stay safe, be well, and enjoy all that November has to offer.  🙂

Snuggle Up with These Books ~ N. N. Light’s Book Heaven

03 Tuesday Nov 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

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Amazon gift card, Barnes and Noble gift card, giveaway, Judith Sterling, medieval romance, N. N. Light's Book Heaven, Snuggle Up with These Books, Soul of the Wolf, The Novels of Ravenwood

Calling all readers! Fill your library with N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s SNUGGLE UP WITH THESE BOOKS picks. 43 books from multiple genres 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. My book, Soul of the Wolf, is featured here. I also talk about what I’m thankful for this year.

Bookmark this bookish party and tell your friends:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/snuggle-up-with-these-books

This giveaway is open internationally and runs through November 30. The drawing will be held on December 1. Enter here and good luck!  🙂

 

Medieval Monday #7 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

02 Monday Nov 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 14 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! Our nature theme continues, and today, I’m sharing Snippet #7 from Shadow of the Swan. As you’ll see, Lady Constance’s desires are changing in a big way.

Remember to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook to find links to other authors’ excerpts. (#MedMonFall20) Now, here’s my seventh snippet:

            Her revelation about Dominy certainly changed Robert.  He showed even more courtesy than before, treating her almost like a harp with worn strings which might snap if played.  She wanted to make music.  At least, she wanted to try.  But his gallantry seemed to know no bounds.

            She frowned and wiped the sweat from her brow.  Why should that bother me?  Her lips twisted.  Because I fear he’s lost interest.

            Had he?  Could any man truly possess such restraint?  He demonstrated it at every bedtime.  Every single one.  What if it continued?  For weeks.  Months.  Forever and ever, amen.

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 this week. See you next Monday!  🙂

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