Tag Archives: historical romance

Medieval Monday #2 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

28 Monday Sep 2020

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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 ~ EYES OF THE SEER

22 Monday Jun 2020

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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! 🙂

Medieval Monday ~ THE PIRATE’S JEWEL

25 Monday May 2020

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  Our nature theme continues with stormy seas ahead!  I’m featuring The Pirate’s Redemption by USA TODAY bestselling author Ruth A. Casie.

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

Now, let’s enjoy her fourth snippet:

The ship glided out of the protection of the dock and sailed into the churning channel. Huddled under the sail, hugging her knees, Darla thought she might as well be blind. To add to her discomfort, the aroma of beer from the surrounding barrels was overpowering in the small space.

The rise and fall of the ship had her holding on to the barrels for dear life. Large raindrops that randomly pelted Darla’s shelter intensified. The ends of her canvas hideout fluttered and hammered a beat as gusts of wind plowed into the standing barrels sending sprays of water through the spaces between them. The tight ropes holding her sanctuary together sang as they strained against the pitching of the ship and onslaught of the wind and rain.

Did you miss excerpt three? Find it on Jenna Jaxon’s blog http://jennajaxon.wordpress.com

Join Ruth next week for another excerpt on Cathy MacRae’s blog https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/bits-n-bobs-author-blog

More about the book:

Deception and family honor are at stake – so is her heart.

Wesley Reynolds will do anything to avenge his family’s banishment from Dundhragon Castle even throw in with the notorious pirate, MacAlpin. His plan, ruin Lord Ewan’s trading network. He has a more devious plan for his father’s ‘best friend,’ the man who abandoned them at the eleventh hour. He’ll ruin the man’s most precious jewel, his daughter Darla. Wesley’s so close to ruining the trade network and succeeding he can almost taste it, but revenge is not nearly as sweet as Darla’s kisses.

Darla Maxwell, beloved by her parents has no prospects of marriage. Her father and Lord Ewan search to find her the right husband. Darla’s special gifts are frightening to many. She has visions that often come true. The murky image of a man haunts her, she’s sure it’s Lord Ewan’s soon-to-be son-in-law, but the vision morphs when she meets Wesley. The meaning couldn’t be any clearer to her, her destiny lies with Wesley.

When revelations surface indicating Wesley has been deceived and his revenge misplaced. Will he find the truth of what really happened to his family in time to stop the pirates? Will Darla ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?

“Ruth A. Casie’s vivid descriptions place you right in the story. It is a wonderful read I highly recommend.” ~ Deb

Where to buy it:

Amazon ($2.99 or Kindle Unlimited)

See you next Monday! 🙂

Medieval Monday ~ NIGHT OF THE OWL

04 Monday May 2020

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Welcome to a new round of Medieval Monday!  Our theme is “Nature”; perfect for this time of year!  The participating authors and I have each chosen an excerpt from a medieval romance and divided it into 11 snippets, which we’ll be sharing on our blogs.  Every Monday for the next 11 weeks, I’ll feature one snippet and tell you where to find mine.

Today’s snippet is from my own excerpt, from the award-nominated time travel romance Night of the Owl, the fourth of The Novels of Ravenwood.  I’m writing the 5th and final book in the series as we speak!  But for now, check out Snippet #1:

Hugh reined in his black stallion next to the burbling river. Ardyth, riding astride her brown palfrey, did the same. The hem of her violet gown rode too, all the way up to her knees, giving him a good view of a beautifully shaped, stockinged calf. The wooded valley was almost entirely surrounded by steep banks which formed a natural barrier to the world outside, and that was fine with him. He craved time alone with her. She filled so completely the lonely void created by his brothers’ leaving, and he wanted to learn everything he could about her.

Want to know what happens next?  You can read Snippet #2 next Monday on Bambi Lynn’s blog.

Or you can buy the book:

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

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.

Wishing you a lovely week ahead.  See you next Monday! 🙂

Medieval Monday ~ THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE

23 Monday Dec 2019

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday!  Our theme of “Celebrations” continues, and today I’m featuring Cathy MacRae’s The Highlander’s Crusader Bride, the third book in the Hardy Heroines series.

If you’re following my excerpt from Night of the Owl, you can find the sixth snippet on Cathy’s blog: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/bits-n-bobs-author-blog

Now, let’s enjoy her sixth snippet:

“Ego congelo vos in matrimonium in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen,” Father Sachairi concluded.

Arbela jerked her gaze to the priest and Alex’s shoulders shook. Caelen made to rise, but Arbela did not budge. He sent her a look of surprise.

“’Tis a bit late to balk, my lady,” he murmured.

To read Cathy’s seventh snippet, follow her next week to Laurel O’Donnell’s blog: http://www.laurel-odonnell.com/blog.html

A little more about The Highlander’s Crusader Bride:

Born in the Holy Land only a few years after the Third Crusade, half-Armenian, half-Scot Arbela MacLean is a true daughter of the desert, beautiful and untamed. Trained to be a warrior to avoid her gentle mother’s fate, Arbela has honed her skills with Turkish bow and arrow, sword, and throwing darts—and dreads the day her father chooses a man for her to marry.

After more than thirty years in the Holy Land, Donal MacLean, Baron of Batroun, is recalled to Scotland, the last son available to take up leadership of clan MacLean. He brings with him knights, treasure, trade—and a daughter of marriageable age.

Caelen MacKern, known as the Bull of the Highlands, is cynical about women. His first marriage formed an alliance, and he did not grieve when his spoiled, immature bride passed away. He has agreed to marry again—against his better judgement—for the men, means, and coin to recover from a devastating pestilence that all but wiped out his clan.

More than a little resentful at finding himself forced to remarry, Caelen’s proposal to Donal MacLean’s headstrong daughter nevertheless piques her interest. Each will receive what they want most from life—the ability to live as they please without interference from a meddling spouse. But their marriage of indifference will soon change to one of passion that neither Arbela nor Caelen could have predicted.

Where to buy the book:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

See you next Monday!  🙂

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!  🙂

A Holiday Cookbook, a Guest Blog, and a Readathon Spotlight

27 Wednesday Nov 2019

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My fiction publisher, The Wild Rose Press, has put together a free holiday cookbook, and if you’d like a copy, just email me at judithsterlingmarshall@gmail.com.  I contributed a recipe passed down from my maternal grandfather, Poppy, who sadly passed away in 2007.  But his spirit lives on, and I wrote about a couple of his post-death visits for The Wild Rose Press blog.  You can read the post here.

In other news, the Snuggle Up with These Books Readathon continues on N. N. Light’s Book Heaven, and today, the spotlight shines on my recent release, Night of the Owl.

Check it out here.  And while you’re at it, don’t forget to enter the giveaway.  You could 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

Good luck!  And to all who celebrate Thanksgiving, have a wonderful holiday!

 

A Release Date for NIGHT OF THE OWL and a Post about Salem, MA

25 Wednesday Sep 2019

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The worldwide release date for Night of the Owl, the fourth of The Novels of Ravenwood, will be October 21, 2019!  It happens to be my husband’s and my 19th wedding anniversary and smack dab in the middle of Salem, MA’s busiest season!  Because I work at The Witch House and my husband works at The House of the Seven Gables, we’ll be right in the thick of things!

Speaking of Salem, author Kathryn Hills has written a wonderful post about it.  I’m one of the Salem residents she featured, and you can read it here.

That’s all for now.  I’ll let you know when Night of the Owl is available for preorder.  And I should have news about The Sword Unsheathed, the third book in my Guardians of Erin YA paranormal fantasy series, soon.

Wishing you a great Wednesday!  🙂

Cover Reveal ~ NIGHT OF THE OWL

12 Thursday Sep 2019

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I can finally reveal the cover for the book I finished writing in January! A big thanks to cover artist Debbie Taylor.  Here’s the scoop on the story itself:

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.

I should have a release date soon, and I’m currently writing the fifth and final book in the series, Return of the Raven.  Time travel features largely in that one, too.

Well, that’s all for now.  Wishing you a beautiful Thursday!  🙂