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!  🙂

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!  🙂

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!  🙂

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.  🙂

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!  🙂

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!  🙂

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!  🙂

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!  🙂