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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!  🙂

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!  🙂

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!  🙂

Medieval Monday #2 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

28 Monday Sep 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

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

Welcome back to another Medieval Monday! Our nature theme continues, and today I’m sharing Snippet #2 of my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan. Remember to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on Facebook to find other participating authors’ snippets. (#MedMonFall20)

For anyone unfamiliar with Shadow of the Swan, here’s the blurb:

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.

Now, here’s the second snippet:

            They retired to the bedchamber and peeled off layers of clothing until all that remained was her chemise and his breeches.  Constance willed her gaze from Robert’s torso to his eyes as he approached.

            He halted an arm’s length away.  “Thank you for your honesty…and your trust.”

            She grinned.  “Thank you for marrying me.”

            His dimples appeared.  “My pleasure.”

            Pleasure.  The word hung in the air between them like a watchful, seductive spirit.

Buy the book of audiobook:

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

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

Medieval Monday ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

21 Monday Sep 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

excerpt, Judith Sterling, Medieval Monday, medieval romance series, Night of the Owl, Return of the Raven, Shadow of the Swan, The Novels of Ravenwood, time travel romance

Welcome to another round of Medieval Monday! Once again, our theme will be “Nature.” Last time, I contributed snippets of an excerpt from Night of the Owl, the fourth book in my medieval romance/time travel series, The Novels of Ravenwood. (By the way, my editor should be sending me the preliminary galley of the fifth and final book, Return of the Raven, soon. Stay tuned for updates!)

For this round of Medieval Monday, I’ll share snippets of an excerpt from the third book, Shadow of the Swan. The “nature” elements won’t become apparent until Snippet #6…unless we’re talking about human nature!

This round will also be different from our usual routine. For the next 12 weeks, I and the other participating authors will post only our own snippets, instead of each other’s. To find links to all of our excerpts each week, visit the Medieval Romance Lovers Facebook page and look for the Medieval Mondays post. (#MedMonFall20)

Now, on with the show! Here’s a little about Shadow of the Swan:

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.

Here’s the first snippet:

            He cradled her face with his hands. “I feel I finally know you. At least, more than I ever have.”

            She smiled through her tears. “I want to be known.”

            “Do you?”

            She nodded. “In every way.”

            He dropped his hands to his sides. “When you say ‘every’…”

            “I want our marriage to be more than spiritual.”

            His eyes widened, and hope shone within them. “You mean physical?”

            “Aye.” Heat flowed into her cheeks. “But not tonight. I still need time to adjust. Please be patient.”

            His gaze probed her soul. “I’ll be anything you want, Constance. Whatever you need, I shall give.”

Buy the book or audiobook:

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

Well, that’s it for now. Have a lovely week, and I’ll see you next Monday!  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ NIGHT OF THE OWL

13 Monday Jul 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

excerpt, Judith Sterling, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, Night of the Owl, The Novels of Ravenwood, time travel romance

Welcome to the eleventh and final week of Medieval Monday…for this round, at least!  We’re finishing our nature theme, and I’m sharing the conclusion to the excerpt from my time travel romance, Night of the Owl.  So without further ado…

Hugh frowned. “What is it?”

“Naught. I’m sure I’m wrong. Anyway, we found you, and the rest you know.”

“Not in full. You said you kicked and punched the man called Degarre. I would I’d seen you.”

Ardyth jumped to her feet. “I’ll show you now, if you’d like. I promise to be gentle.”

A wicked grin spread across her face. God’s teeth, but she was alluring!

He stood, all too aware of his stiff manhood. “Show me.”

She stepped closer. “I kicked here…” Swiftly, she lifted her leg between his, thankfully stopping short of the obvious goal. “…and he bent forward.” Grasping his shoulders, she made him fold over at the waist. “Then I punched him right here.” Her fist tapped his temple. “He fell to the ground, and your mother hit him over the head with a rock. Then I tied his hands and feet with my stockings.”

He whistled as he straightened. “Pray, remind me not to anger you in future.”

Again, she grinned. “Fear not. You’re safe with me.”

“Am I?” He inched closer, and an invisible cloak of intimacy wrapped around them.

Her smile disappeared, and her eyes darkened in a subtle yet soulful invitation. “Always.”

A little more about Night of the Owl:

PhD student Ardyth Nightshade has renounced men and pursues her twentieth-century career with single-minded focus. When fate whisks her to medieval England, she meets her match in a man whose passions mirror her own. Can she sacrifice ambition for a love she never sought?

Hugh, Lord Seacrest confounds all who know him. He refuses to marry without a meeting of minds and hearts, and no lady has even approached his ideal…until Ardyth. But she’s an odd one, with unique skills, shocking habits, and total conviction she needs no man. She also harbors secrets, and in the midst of rumors, plots, and murder, trust is fragile.

A woman outside of her time. A man ahead of his. They must take a leap of faith to forge a bond that will shape history.

Buy the book:

Amazon | Amazon UK | B & N | Apple Books | Kobo

Thanks so much for joining us for this round of Medieval Monday.  We’ll be back with another one soon!  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ TO WEAVE A HIGHLAND TAPESTRY

29 Monday Jun 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 26 Comments

Tags

A Tale from the Order of the Dragon Knights, excerpt, Judith Sterling, Mary Morgan, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, Night of the Owl, Scottish historical romance, The Novels of Ravenwood, time travel romance, To Weave a Highland Tapestry

Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  Our nature theme continues, and I’m thrilled to feature my dear friend Mary Morgan’s To Weave a Highland Tapestry (A Tale from the Order of the Dragon Knights).  Such a magical cover, don’t you think?

If you’re following my excerpt from Night of the Owl, you can find the ninth snippet on Mary’s blog today.  Now, let’s enjoy her ninth snippet:

His features grew serious, and he brought her hand to his chest. “I can learn. Ye can start by telling me why ye ran out of the chambers.”

And tell you I’m from a land eight hundred years in the future? Nope. Not going to confess that to you. I’ll pretend some silly female problem.

“I think one of those awful men hit me too hard on the head,” she lied.

“Ye seemed taken aback by the year.”

She tried pulling him along, but the man was apparently built of steel. “Not really. You need to get out of this biting chill.”

Patrick lifted his hand and smiled. “’Tis mild.”

Follow along next week on Ruth A. Casie’s blog here: http://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/

A little more about To Weave a Highland Tapestry:

Patrick MacFhearguis, hardened by battles won and lost, desires what he can never have—peace within his heart and soul.  Yet, the ever-meddling Fae weave a new journey for him to conquer—a task this highlander is determined to resist.

When skilled weaver, Gwen Hywel, is commissioned to create a tapestry for the MacFhearguis clan, she embraces the assignment. While seeking out ideas, she finds herself clutching the one thread that can alter the tapestry of her life and heart.

A man conflicted by past deeds. A woman with no family of her own. Is it possible for love to unravel an ancient past, in order to claim two badly scarred hearts? Or will the light of hope be doused forever?

Buy the book:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | APPLEBOOKS | BOOK PAGE

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

Medieval Monday ~ EYES OF THE SEER

22 Monday Jun 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 23 Comments

Tags

Ashley York, Brian Boru, excerpt, Eyes of the Seer, historical romance, Judith Sterling, Medieval Monday, medieval romance series, Night of the Owl, The Novels of Ravenwood, The Warrior Kings

Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  Our nature theme continues, and I’m excited to feature Eyes of the Seer, the second book in the Warrior Kings series by the lovely Ashley York.  If you’re following my excerpt from Night of the Owl, you can find the eighth snippet on Ashley’s blog today.

Now, let’s enjoy her eighth snippet:

“And I will not.”

Astrid wasn’t sure what to say to convince him that she was sincere in her desire to see to his needs. His chest rose and fell and she noticed his breathing getting faster. Looking from blue eye to green eye, she said, “Allow me to assist ye. I have wronged ye, and I know that. Believe me, I do. I ask ye to allow me to show ye the respect due every warrior. Respect I have been sorely lacking.”

Snap! See what happens next when I’m over at Cathy MacRae’s blog next week.

A little more about Eyes of the Seer:

He wishes to prove himself…

Marcán of Clonascra bears the bloodline of Brian Boru and his prowess as a warrior has earned him great respect from everyone but Astrid, the woman who holds his heart. Between her mother’s condemning him as a pagan Seer and Astrid’s total disinterest, he finds solace as the king’s protector and confidant.

She is desperate to escape…

Astrid is more than ready to wed but her brother, the king, is in no hurry to see her married, so she decides to see to her own match-making. The man she approaches quickly reveals his lack of honor, but her overbearing mother pushes her to wed him anyway. When Astrid discovers Marcán’s love for her, will it be too late to have the happiness she’d always dreamed of?

GRAB A COPY HERE

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

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