Tag Archives: excerpt

Medieval Monday ~ CAMERON

16 Monday Dec 2019

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  Our theme of “Celebrations” continues, and today I’m featuring Lane McFarland’s Cameron, the first book of The Daughters of Alastair MacDougall series.

If you’re following my excerpt from Night of the Owl, you can find the fifth snippet on Lane’s blog: http://www.lanemcfarland.com/blog/

Now, let’s enjoy her fifth snippet:

“M’lady.” He stopped beside her and watched the revelers.

Stilted silence passed between them before she spoke. “Yer leg is doing well?”

“Aye, it is.” He rubbed his thigh. “It’s a wee bit sore, but it’s better.”

“That’s good.”

They turned back to the dancers. She searched for something to say, not sure where she stood with him. The last time she saw him, he had railed at her, making it clear he didn’t want her near him.

Follow along next week on Mary Morgan’s blog at https://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog

A little more about the book:

Determined to band Scots together against English tyranny, Laird Robert Graham seals a truce with his feuding neighbors, the MacDougalls. But after his brother is nearly killed in a treacherous attack, Graham kidnaps the laird’s daughter in an act of revenge.

Cameron MacDougall has devoted her life to the healing arts. She’s long rebelled against her father’s feuding ways, but when Robert Graham abducts her, she’s finds herself at the center of the dispute between their families. She expects the anger she feels, not the simmering attraction to the powerful warrior, or the love she develops for his clan.

Can she stop further violence between the clans with her escape? Or will she find her surrender leads to a lasting peace and her own heart’s desire?

Where to buy it:

Amazon

See you next Monday!  🙂

TO WEAVE A HIGHLAND TAPESTRY by Mary Morgan

12 Thursday Dec 2019

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My dear friend and sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press) Mary Morgan is here today!  We’re celebrating her new release, To Weave a Highland Tapestry, and she’s written a wonderful guest post about the legend of the yew tree.  Let’s read on…

In To Weave a Highland Tapestry, I considered it time to give the hero, Patrick MacFhearguis his own “happy ever after.” He’s been a huge secondary character since my first book and series, Dragon Knight’s Sword, Order of the Dragon Knights. I sensed he was brooding at his home in Scotland. What he needed was a wife and a purpose. In truth, he has been a favorite of mine since he stepped into the first story. I made his castle, Leòmhann, as the center of this love story, along with an ancient yew tree.

Allow me to take you back in time to ancient Scotland…

When the ancient MacFhearguis clan settled near the Great Glen in Scotland, the Chieftain wished to bless the land, and his castle known as Leòmhann—the lion. Druids came from far away, bestowing their approval over stone, land, and people. Afterwards, they took part in a grand feast. Drink and food overflowed in the Great Hall. The bards recounted the great tales. Minstrels played songs of past triumphs, and the dancing and feasting lasted for countless days.

However, another tale lay buried within the stone walls of Leòmhann and only those brave enough could relate the true account.

It was whispered there were those in the clan—weavers from an ancient order from the west—not happy with the Chieftain’s refusal to offer a gift to the Fae who had graced his land before him. He deemed their request foolish and banished these irritating women to the forest.

Saddened by this act from their Chieftain, the women grew concerned the Fae would not give their own blessing over this new land, leaving their people without a compassionate and wise leader. Regardless of his order to silence them, they sought another path to right this injustice.

Gathering around a bonfire on a moonlit Samhain eve, each woman brought with them one long golden thread from their looms. On a whispered prayer, they knotted them all together. Traveling deep into the forest far away from Leòmhann, they came upon a young yew tree. As they swayed softly, the women wrapped the knotted threads around the tree. After they were finished, they joined hands and sang out as one.

“Seasons will ebb and flow—battles shall be fought.

The loom of the land shall not see rebirth.

From left to right, the strands of time will knot and break.

Only when a weaver threads the true color on a winter full moon night, shall the land, stone, and clan be cleansed.”

Smiling, they embraced each other, deeming their prayer had been received by the Fae. As the leaves rustled beneath their feet, none of them ever fathomed that the true master weaver to claim the heart of a MacFhearguis would not appear for over eight hundred years.

And as the centuries passed, the legend of the Yew tree became more of a curse, and the land around Leòmhann suffered.

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?

A peek between the pages:

His kiss was urgent, demanding. Patrick thrust his tongue into her soft heat. The air swirled in a tempest of passion as the kiss deepened. No longer caring if anyone came upon them, Patrick continued to feast on her mouth.

“How many kissing boughs have our wives placed in this castle?” asked Stephen.

“In every nook, stone, and chamber. I would not be surprised to find one in the stables or lists,” replied Duncan.

Stephen laughed. “By the hounds, I do love Midwinter.”

Gwen stiffened against Patrick. Placing a finger over her mouth, he waited for the conversation to fade before relaxing his stance and stepping back. Glancing over his shoulder, he watched as the men made their way into the feasting hall. Returning his attention to Gwen, he pulled her out of the alcove.

Her cheeks were stained a becoming pink, and full lips begged to be kissed again. Patrick raked a hand through his hair, doing his best to refrain from backing her inside the hidden enclosure again.

She giggled and stole a glance upward within the alcove. “Yes. We can blame it on the kissing boughs.”

He laughed nervously. “This is a first.”

“Are you confessing you’ve never kissed another under these boughs?”

Reaching for her hand, he caressed her fingers. “Never. Leòmhann has seen many a Midwinter feast, but no one dared to place these kissing boughs within the castle.”

She tilted her head to the side. Her joyful expression faded. “May I ask why?”

Once again, Patrick was reminded of the curse which surrounded his home. He looked down at her tiny hand. What could he offer Gwen? Why did he continue to pursue her without the promise of tomorrow? Should he confess all to her now?

She squeezed his hand. “If it’s too painful to talk about, I’ll understand. Let us enjoy this evening and not dwell on unhappy thoughts.”

Her words brought comfort to Patrick’s tortured spirit. Giving her a weak smile, he brought her hand into the crook of his arm. “Ye are correct. Let us welcome the light of Midwinter tonight.”

Patrick’s steps slowed as he guided them into the hall. The atmosphere was one of cheerfulness, laughter, and music. Greenery adorned the entire room—from wooden beams to tables. Children scurried past them in glee, and his heart leaped at the sight.

“My goodness. It’s beautiful,” observed Gwen, leaning against him. “And look, they’ve brought Meggie’s tapestry back inside the hall. The MacKays surely know how to celebrate.”

Within that moment, Patrick made a silent vow that one day he would see the same light enter his home. His heart soared at the possibility. With ye by my side, Gwen, I shall give ye this beauty.

Where to buy the book:

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

More about Mary:

Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.

Where to find her:

WEBSITE/BLOG:  https://www.marymorganauthor.com/

TWITTER:  http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/      

GOODREADS:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/

PINTEREST:  www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-morgan-2634a77a/

AUDIBLE AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.audible.com/author/Mary-Morgan/B00KPE3NWI

Best of luck with the book, Mary!  🙂

TODAY, TOMORROW, ALWAYS by Peggy Jaeger

10 Tuesday Dec 2019

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I’m thrilled to have a sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press) here with me today.  We’re celebrating her new release, Today, Tomorrow, Always, and she’s written a lovely guest post about secondary characters who move the story along.  Let’s see what she has to say:

When I decided to write my first romance series, I knew I needed to have engaging primary characters the reader could root for. I also knew I needed great secondary characters who’d pop up from book to book and who, also, the reader would want to connect with.

In my Match Made in Heaven series, the second book of which – TODAY, TOMORROW, ALWAYS – is out now, that secondary character is 93-year-old O’Dowd grandmother, Nanny Fee.

Her real, full name is Fiona Bridget Mary Darcy Sullivan O’Dowd Heaven Scallopini because she’s been married 4 times and widowed 4 times, each husband’s passing more difficult emotionally than the one before it. Fiona hasn’t only let her romantic heart be guided to the matrimonial bed. In her younger years she was a classical pianist and traveled with a world famous symphony all through Europe where she had affairs  (between hubbies, of course) with a Duke, a Baron, an Earl and one or two other, lesser royals.  With her flaming and natural red, waist length hair, sparkling periwinkle colored eyes, a quick wit and a naughty mind, Fee can charm the pants off any man – and has! But she’s also fiercely loyal and protective of her granddaughters.

One of her many quirks is calling her granddaughters by the numerical number of their birth. Cathy is referred to as “Number One,” Maureen, “Number Four.” Her twin, Eileen was three, but she died. Colleen is the one scarred the most by the use of the numerical naming system because as the second child, she’s called  “Number Two,” a name she can’t stomach and really hated as a child. Especially since Nanny taught communion classes. Colleen was referred to one too many times as Number two in front of a classroom of her peers, and has been emotionally traumatized because of it.

The reason behind the numerical names is that Fiona and her daughter-in-law despise one another. When the girls’ mother named them all with the same sounding names (Cathleen, Colleen, Eileen & Maureen) Nanny thought it sounded obnoxious and voiced her opinion on the topic loud and long. To get back at her DIL, the number names were born. But Nanny didn’t figure in how the numbers would affect her granddaughters into adulthood.

I adore Nanny Fee and she plays a prominent role in TODAY, TOMORROW, ALWAYS, so when you read it, I hope you love her as much as I do.

The story in a nutshell:

Lawyer Cathleen O’Dowd wants to break free from her boring image. Widowed young, she’s toed the good-girl line but now wants a little fun and laughter in her days…and nights. Living in a small town, though, she can’t do anything that would tarnish her professional reputation.

Mac Frayne’s tragic past has turned him into a sullen loner. In town to write a book on the city’s founder, his plan is to get it done, then head home to his solitary existence.

When circumstances force them to work together, their opposing personalities clash, but the sexual attraction between them is palpable.

Can a simple affair with an end date be just the thing to brighten up their lives?

A peek between the pages:

His expression changed from wide-eyed with excitement to something entirely different. Something deep and dark and—gulp—wild.

He repeated my name, and before I could blink, a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist and a torso I knew was as solid and defined as a redwood tree flattened against the front of me.

He dipped his head, those dreamy eyes dark now with desire, and zeroed in on my own like a laser pointer. Hypnotized by the naked need facing me, I took a breath—a physical and a mental one—and pushed up on my unshod toes until my lips pressed against his.

For a nanosecond, Frayne stilled. The notion that he didn’t want this blew across my mind. A beat later and the thought died as his arms tightened and he pulled me fully against his body.

And then kissed me back.

Where to buy the book:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books

More about Peggy:

Peggy Jaeger is a contemporary romance writer who writes Romantic Comedies about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them. If she can make you cry on one page and bring you out of tears rolling with laughter the next, she’s done her job as a writer!

Family and food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, she brings all topics of daily life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she’s created the families she wanted as that lonely child.

When she’s not writing Peggy is usually painting, crafting, scrapbooking or decoupaging old steamer trunks she finds at rummage stores and garage sales.

A lifelong and avid romance reader and writer, Peggy is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter.

As a lifelong diarist, she caught the blogging bug early on, and you can visit her at peggyjaeger.com where she blogs daily about life, writing, and stuff that makes her go “What??!”

Where to find her:

Website/Blog

Twitter

Amazon Author page

Facebook

Pinterest 

Goodreads

Instagram

BookBub

You-Tube

Best of luck with the book, Peggy!  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ THE PIRATE’S REDEMPTION

09 Monday Dec 2019

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  Our theme of “Celebrations” continues, and today I’m featuring Ruth A. Casie’s The Pirate’s Redemption.

If you’re following my excerpt from Night of the Owl, you can find the fourth snippet on Ruth’s blog: http://www.RuthACasie.blogspot.com

Now, let’s enjoy her fourth snippet:

“I thought ye were hungry,” Moira said.

“In truth, I had to move you off the ship. If you licked your lips again, I’d never let you leave.” Gareth bent down and kissed her softly.

Her heart nearly burst. She put her hands on either side of his face, pulled him closer, and kissed him back.

“If ye kept yer shirt off, ye wouldna have been able ta make me leave.” She clamped her hands over her mouth. She was the chieftain of Clan MacDougall.

A look of surprise spread across his face. Moira wondered why, until Gareth threw back his head and burst into laughter.

“You bear the weight of the clan on your shoulders. I, on the other hand, bear the weight of a barrel of ale on mine. Let’s join the others.” He took her hand and led her along.

His hands were gentler than she had hoped, and his kiss, more powerful than she had ever imagined.

Follow along next week (December 16) for snippet #5 here: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com

Please leave a comment below. Miss last week and a chance to comment? Check it out here: http://lanemcfarland.com/blog/

A little more about The Pirate’s Redemption:

After her beloved father dies, Moira MacDougall becomes chieftain of their small clan. She is tested on every level, not only by her councilors who question her every move, but also by an exiled Englishman who raids her village under the guise of a notorious pirate, Gareth Talbot.

He wants the secret weapon Moira possesses, and will do anything to get his hands on it—including committing murder so he can give it to King Henry to prove his worthiness and be welcomed home.

Moira will follow her destiny and do whatever is necessary to protect her clan.

The real Gareth Talbot is through with love. His last romance did not end well. He suffered a broken heart and doesn’t trust women.

Humiliated, Gareth goes to sea and becomes a captain for MacAlpin, the pirate king. When raids along the Scottish coast are blamed on him, he seeks revenge. Nothing less than death will do.

Moira and Gareth are on different missions but seek the same goal. Can they work together and eliminate their greatest enemy, and in the process, find the one thing they didn’t know they were searching for, true love?

Where to buy the book:

Amazon KU

See you next Monday!  🙂

CHARM ME AGAIN by Tena Stetler

04 Wednesday Dec 2019

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I’m excited to feature a sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press) today.  Bestselling author Tena Stetler has a new release, Charm Me Again, and it looks like a great read.  Here’s the scoop:

For several months a Scottish Highland Ghost has haunted Daylan, in his personal life, his professional life and at his forge. Yet, being a talented warlock, he is no closer to discovering what the ghost wants or why he chose Daylan. A trip to his estranged sister’s home in Colorado may have unforeseen consequences especially when family history leads him to a shocking discovery.

As his attraction blooms for Josie, a yoga instructor in his sister’s studio, he realizes there may be more to Josie than he can imagine. When an ancient rogue Fae Warrior set on revenge kidnaps her in an attempt to claim her as his own, a devastating curse comes to light.

Daylan’s world spirals out of control as he searches for Josie. Can he break the age old curse to save her and their future, or will she be lost to him forever?

A peek between the pages:

Suddenly the wind increased and changed direction bringing a cold chill to the warm day. She tugged her sweater close around her as a thin maroon line formed along the flat bottom of a dark, boiling cloud spreading across the sky. Moments before there’d been only an occasional fluffy white cloud floating in the bright blue sky. Oh, no, not again.

The line slowly drifted to vertical and spread open to reveal a sparkling interior. Four striking creatures, sharp-angled features with fierce expressions on their inhumanly handsome faces appeared. Gleaming swords hung at their sides as they slipped out of the cloud and stepped onto the ground not more than fifty feet from her and Daylan along the tree line of the property. Holy shit. This can’t be happening.

She rubbed her eyes but when she opened them the men were still there. Dressed in heavy boots, jeans, and formfitting leather vests, shimmering silver bands adorned their muscular upper arms. Two of them had thick shoulder length blond hair, the others had jet black hair hanging in waves past their shoulders.

She jumped up and opened her mouth to scream. But Daylan reacted faster clapping his hand over her mouth while still facing the advancing creatures. To her surprise, a soft giggle escaped from her lips. They look like a group of medieval bikers. Their apparent leader, his reddish sable hair hung well beyond his shoulders in waves, paused a few yards in front of them.

Available now for preorder:

Amazon  | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

More about Tena:

Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance novels. She has an over-active imagination, which led to writing her first vampire romance as a tween to the chagrin of her mother and delight of her friends.

With the Rocky Mountains outside her window, she sits at her computer surrounded by a wide array of paranormal creatures, with a Navy SEAL or two mixed in telling their tales. Her books tell stories of magical kick-ass women and strong mystical 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:

Author Website,   Facebook,     Twitter,

Bookbub,      Goodreads,   Amazon Author Page,  

Authors’ Secrets Blog,    My Say What Blog

Quarterly Newsletter Sign up,    Pinterest,  and  

Instagram

Best of luck with the book, Tena!  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ TO LOVE A SCOTTISH LAIRD

02 Monday Dec 2019

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  Our theme of “Celebrations” continues, and today I’m featuring bestselling author Sherry Ewing’s To Love a Scottish Laird.

If you’re following the excerpt from my time travel romance, Night of the Owl, you can find the third snippet on Sherry’s blog: https://www.SherryEwing.com/blog/

Now, let’s read her third snippet:

He had no time to ponder the matter, for the very lady strolled into the hall with her brother and, Douglas assumed, the earl’s family. The resemblance was uncanny, and with the exception of the earl’s wife, they all had the same physical traits. But as he further observed Catherine from across the room, he could tell she was upset considering the pallor of her face. He knew the cause.

Follow along next week at Cathy MacRae’s blog: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com

A little more about To Love a Scottish Laird:

Sometimes you really can fall in love at first sight…

Lady Catherine de Wolfe knows she must find a husband before her brother chooses one for her, but none of the knights and lords she knows have caught her eye. A tournament to celebrate the wedding of the Duke of Normandy might be her answer. She does not expect to fall for a man after just one touch.

Laird Douglas MacLaren of Berwyck is invited to the tournament by the Duke of Normandy. He goes to ensure Berwyck’s safety once Henry takes the throne. He does not expect to become entranced by a woman who bumps into him.

Before they can express their feelings, the Duke orders them wed to strengthen ties between his English supporters and the borderland, and then separates them by commanding Douglas’s escort to his home.

Yet, nothing is ever quite that simple. Not everyone is happy with the union of this English lady and a Scottish laird. From the shores of France, to Berwyck Castle on the border between their countries, Douglas and Catherine must find their way to protect their newfound love.

Where to buy the book:

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2UbuMKB

AU: https://amzn.to/2OvonVg

CA: https://amzn.to/2uzkwNO

NL: https://amzn.to/2JIZCGe

UK: https://amzn.to/2uzR3TI

See you next Monday!  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ MAREK

25 Monday Nov 2019

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  Our theme of “Celebrations” continues, and today I’m featuring Bambi Lynn’s Marek, the first book in her time travel romance series, The Knights of Stonebridge.

If you’re following the excerpt from my time travel romance, Night of the Owl, you can find the second snippet on Bambi’s blog: https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.com/

Now, let’s read her second snippet:

There was no corn or sweet potatoes, but Vale and Bryn had managed to hunt down a flock of birds, remarkably like turkeys. There was no end to the bread stuffing, gravy, even stewed cranberries. Kitty herself had been guiding the cooks for a week to prepare enough food for everyone. They had even baked over one hundred pumpkin pies for dessert.

A little more about Marek:

Boring accountant, Kitty Petty, struggles to get through each day one at a time since the brutal murder of her husband. She spends every free moment caring for her young daughter, until the night she wakes to find her bed on fire.

Kitty doesn’t know how she got to the year 1196, much less how to get back. But if she doesn’t, her daughter will be institutionalized. Having failed to save her child from the clutches of a madman, Kitty vows to protect her future. But going back to her time means risking her own life and separating her from the knight she has grown to love.

Marek Stone wants to protect his wife from the people of Stonebridge. Katherine has been declared a demon after her miraculous rise from the funeral pyre, and the villagers want justice.

Kitty must return if she has any hope of saving her daughter. However, the knight who loves her will do anything to make her stay.

Where to buy the book:

Amazon

See you next Monday!  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ NIGHT OF THE OWL

18 Monday Nov 2019

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Welcome to a new round of Medieval Monday!  Our theme, “Celebrations,” is perfect for this time of year.  Every Monday for the next 11 weeks, I’ll feature a snippet from a medieval romance (mine and others) and tell you where to find the next bit of the story.

My excerpt–broken into 11 snippets–is from my new release, Night of the Owl, the fourth of The Novels of Ravenwood.  Hugh, Lord Seacrest, and his mother have just welcomed the hero’s youngest brother, Sir Robert, and his new bride, Lady Constance, to Seacrest, and the scene begins in the great hall, where they’re sharing their first meal together since the impromptu wedding.  Also new to the table is Ardyth Nightshade, an independent woman from the year 1986 who has already caught Hugh’s eye.

Now that you know the basics, onward to the snippet!

Seated between Isobel and his mother at the high table in the hall, Hugh relished a bite of strawberry tart and turned his attention to Giles, who’d been a minstrel at Seacrest for more than thirty years.  From his position in the wraparound gallery, the gray-haired musician strummed his harp and began to sing.

ʼTwas a new tune, though the subject matter was old.  A treasure beyond measure, hidden in the sea cave beneath the castle.  Or so the story went.  Whispered around the hearths of nobles and commoners alike, rumors of the Seacrest treasure had existed since before Hugh was born.

Follow along next week on Bambi Lynn’s blog: www.bambilynnblog.wordpress.com

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.

Where to buy the book:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Where I’ll be on each Medieval Monday:

Nov. 25 – Bambi Lynn

Dec. 2 – Sherry Ewing

Dec. 9 – Ruth A. Casie

Dec. 16 – Lane McFarland

Dec. 23 – Cathy MacRae

Dec. 30 – Barbara Bettis

Jan. 6 – Ashley York

Jan. 13 – Mary Morgan

Jan. 20 – Laurel O’Donnell

Jan. 27 – Right here on my blog!

See you next Monday!  🙂

Snuggle Up with These Books Readathon ~ N. N. Light’s Book Heaven and a Giveaway!

01 Friday Nov 2019

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Calling all readers! Fill your library with N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s Snuggle Up With These Books Readathon picks. 56 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 new release, Night of the Owl, will be featured on November 27th. I even talk about what I’m thankful for this year. You won’t want to miss it.

Bookmark this bookish party and tell your friends:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/snuggle-up-readathon

Enter the giveaway here!

In other news, author Sherry Ewing is featuring Night of the Owl on her First Kiss Friday Blog today.  You can read an excerpt (the scene in which the hero and heroine first kiss), and there’s a giveaway!  You could win a copy of the book.  Check it out here.

Wishing you a beautiful day.  Happy November!  🙂

NIGHT OF THE OWL ~ Worldwide Release on My Wedding Anniversary

21 Monday Oct 2019

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Today’s the day: the worldwide release of my time travel romance Night of the Owl, the fourth of The Novels of Ravenwood.  N. N. Light’s Book Heaven and The Captivating Quill are both spotlighting the book today.  Click on the links to read more.

The hero and heroine’s mutual love of history reflects my husband’s and mine.  You might say history brought us together because right around the same time, each of us decided independently to move from different parts of the country to Virginia, specifically to seek work at Colonial Williamsburg.  Nowadays, we work (respectively) at The House of the Seven Gables and The Witch House here in Salem, MA.  There’s a lot of both of us in Night of the Owl.  That’s why the release date is perfect; today is our 19th wedding anniversary.  As if that isn’t enough, I wore my hair almost exactly like the cover model’s on the big day.  Neither my publisher nor the cover artist knew about either coincidence.  Pretty cool, right?!

Here’s a little about the story:

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.

A peek between the pages:

            Ardyth looked from one tunnel entrance to the next, and then the next.  The ledge in front of them was substantial.  It ran along the rock wall to the right, all the way to the mouth of the cave, winding around it to continue along the outer cliff.

            Again, she pointed.  “Where does that lead?”

            “Shouldn’t you be doffing your clothes?”

            Her eyes narrowed.  “In other words, you don’t intend to answer my question.”

            He grinned.  “Clever, aren’t you?”

            She returned his smile.  “I like to think so.”

            “If you’re stalling because you cannot swim—”

            “Oh, I can swim.”  She could hardly wait to feel the cool water on her skin.

            He folded his arms, and his intense, gray eyes held a dare.  “Then show me.”

            “Hold this.”  She handed him the folded smock.  Get ready to eat crow, buddy!  Quickly, she removed her boots, hose, and tunics.  When only her thin, white chemise remained, she stole a peek at her skeptical host.  He stared at her bare feet.

            She sighed.  “I know.  My feet are hardly attractive.  In fact, I’ve always thought my toes resemble…”

            He raised his eyebrows.  “What?”

            Astronauts.  But I can’t tell you that.  “Nothing.”

            His eyebrows settled again, but the orbs beneath them seemed to glow with a new light.  “I beg to differ with your opinion.  Your feet are quite…lovely.”

            She almost laughed, until heat flooded her cheeks.  I’m blushing?  “Thank you,” she muttered.  With an inward groan, she started toward the water.  For crying out loud!  He only complimented your feet.  Your pale, crazy, NASA-evoking feet.  Get a grip!

            The ocean breeze caught the hem of her smock as she stepped into the surf.  Foamy water—colder than she would’ve liked—enveloped her feet.  Thank God for the heat of the sun!  But this was the closest she’d come to a bath in days, and she was determined to prove her skills to the man who underestimated her at every turn.  She waded forward, and the brisk, undulating water swallowed her calves, knees, thighs, and hips.

            “Lady Ardyth!”

            She turned.  Her dry smock in his hands, Hugh stood with feet well apart on the wet sand.

            “You needn’t prove your courage further!” he called above the lapping, swishing voice of the sea.  “Come back before—”

            “Courage isn’t the point!  Swimming is!”  The level of the surrounding water lowered to her thighs, signaling a coming wave.

            She turned just as it crested and dove headfirst into it.  Completely submerged in the chill, rushing water, she headed left and allowed herself to rise to the surface.  She swam freestyle for several strokes, then flipped onto her back and floated with abandon.  After a minute or two, she flipped over, and swam in the opposite direction.  Then she stood with the water at her ribs, waited for the next wave, and indulged in bodysurfing, which carried her with a whoosh back toward shore.

            Satisfied, she straightened, knee-deep in the water.  Her wet chemise clung to her frame, and she knew Lord Seacrest was getting a lordly eyeful.  Her nipples were rock-hard from the cold.

            She rolled her eyes toward the bright, blue sky.  My kingdom for a bra!  And throw in a pair of underwear, too!  But both articles of clothing were back at Nihtscua and not likely to appear anytime soon.  For the first time since plunging into the surf, she regarded Hugh.

            Eyes wide, her dry smock clutched in his hands, he stood as if frozen.  Only his gaze moved, traveling from her breasts to the apex of her thighs.

            She pulled the smock away from her flesh as best she could and advanced toward him, stopping an arm’s length away.  “I told you I could swim.”

            He blinked.  Then his full, sensual lips curled into a smile.  “Indeed, you did.”

            “And?”

            “And what?”

            “You’ve doubted me twice already.  Perhaps you owe me an apology.”

            His eyes widened, then relaxed.  “Perhaps I do.  Pray…forgive me.”

            The words couldn’t have come easily, and the fact he’d said them made her grin.  “I forgive you.  This time.  But I ask respectfully that you not underestimate me again.”

            For two seconds, he hesitated.  “ʼTis a reasonable request, and I shall endeavor to honor it.”  He gave her a quizzical look.  Then he shook his head and chuckled.  “Is there anything you cannot do?”

            She thought for a moment.  “I’ve never ridden aside.  If I’m going to ride something, I spread my legs.”  The instant the words left her mouth, she cringed inside.  Good God.  That came out all wrong!

            Humor curved his lips, but his eyes smoldered.  Did his thoughts mirror hers?  He took a step closer, and his masculine aura invaded her personal space.  “Tell me more.”

If that piques your interest, here’s where you can buy the book:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Wishing you a beautiful Monday and a great start to your week!  🙂