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Judith Sterling

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Judith Sterling

Tag Archives: new series

TRIP THE LIGHT PHANTASMIC ~ Release Day

11 Friday Nov 2022

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

amateur sleuth mystery, Anastasia Abboud, Author Interview, excerpt, gothic cozy, gothic mystery series, gothic paranormal mystery, Judith Sterling, N. N. Light's Book Heaven, new release, new series, The Gothic Gwyn Mysteries, Trip the Light Phantasmic, worldwide release

Today’s the day! Trip the Light Phantasmic is now out and about, and I’m so excited about this new series. I hope you have as much fun reading the book as I had writing it. N. N. Light’s Book Heaven is spotlighting it here. In addition, author Anastasia Abboud interviewed me, not only about this new release but about writing in general. Check out her feature here.

Once again, here’s the blurb:

Gwyneth Camm has just inherited her great-aunt’s house in Salem, Massachusetts, along with an extensive collection of gothic romance novels. As a PhD student who prefers “serious” books, Gwyn has always avoided pulp fiction. Now, in honor of her beloved Aunt Ethel, she gives one of the gothics a try…and promptly falls asleep.

When she wakes, she finds herself inside the story, thrust by forces unknown into the heroine’s role. There’s magic afoot, and the only way back to her own life is to play her part and solve the mystery.

When fiction becomes fact, anything can happen…

I shared an excerpt a couple of days ago, but here’s another peek at the story:

The down comforter’s gentle weight soothed my tired frame. My thoughts drifted, and I hovered on the edge of sleep.

Bang!

I lurched upright. The nightlight’s glow bathed the room in blue. I was alone, and all was still.

Bang!

A door slam? Possibly. The noise came from downstairs, toward the back of the house. The library.

Frowning, I slipped out of bed. I tiptoed down the stairs, avoiding the spots that creaked the most. When I reached the bottom, I peered down the hall. A sliver of light spanned the width of the wooden floor. Its source was the library, whose door was ajar. I distinctly recalled turning off that light and leaving the door fully open before heading upstairs for the night.

My heart beat faster. Doors didn’t close themselves. Neither did lights switch themselves on. There must be an intruder.

With haste and not a little horror, I checked the front door, then the back. Both were still locked. Hmm. Okay.

I crept to the library and paused outside it. The silence within was absolute.

Only one choice led to an answer. Here goes nothing. I held my breath and peeked inside. The room appeared to be empty, apart from Aunt Ethel’s legion of books, her comfy chair, the large antique table she’d used as a desk, and…

A single paperback, lying in the center of the wide-plank floor.

“Where did you come from?” Obviously, from one of the built-in bookcases. But who placed it there?

I entered the room and approached the rogue book. Crouching, I picked it up. Then I stood and examined the cover. A scantily clad, windblown woman fled a dark, looming house. The title read Thornehaven.

A gothic, the genre Aunt Ethel preferred above all others. She had hundreds of them, from different periods, but the majority were published in the 1960s and ʼ70s.

My lips curled into a reminiscent smile. How many times had she sat snug in that chair, devouring one of these novels? Too many to count. I often kept her company, ensconcing myself at her desk to work on jigsaw puzzles.

Words I’d spoken as a teenager echoed in my mind. “But Aunt Ethel, you’re an English lit professor. Why are you reading gothic pulp fiction?”

She gave as good as she got. “You love gothic architecture and solving puzzles. Why aren’t you reading it?”

It was a fair question. I told her I preferred “serious” books and fitting together real-life clues: events which orchestrated key moments in history; the links between different languages, alive and dead; and the ultimate linguistic puzzle of how the human mind stored and computed all language. I joked with her about the tendency of gothic covers to feature a damsel in distress wearing a flowing gown of some sort. I was no doomed heroine, quivering with need for a man to come and rescue me. Not then and definitely not today.

I glanced down at my current attire. But I am running around in the middle of the night, wearing a nightgown. Grinning, I shook my head. She should see me now.

My right arm began to tingle. The sensation crept down to my fingers and up my neck to the right side of my face. Slowly, I turned my head in that direction. If I didn’t know better, I’d think…

“Aunt Ethel?”

I felt half-foolish, half-hopeful that she stood there beside me, vying with the material world for my attention. Had she slammed the door and moved the book?

I cleared my throat. “I don’t know if you’re actually here or I’m imagining things, but what’s the deal with this book?” A new thought hit me. “Don’t tell me you’re still trying to get me to read gothics, even in the afterlife.” Again, I shook my head. “Nah, that would be crazy.”

A delicate, floral scent filled my nostrils. Lavender! She’d always used lavender soap.

“Oh my God. Is it really you?” Hot tears pricked my eyes. “I miss you so much. I…” A lump formed in my throat, but I pushed through the emotion. “All right. Have it your way. If you’re so determined I read this, I’ll do it.”

I sniffled. The lavender scent was gone, as was the tingling sensation. She’d made her point, and I’d made a promise. Done and done. With book in hand, I settled onto the cushioned chair and heaved a weary sigh. “Only for you, Aunt Ethel.”

I inspected the back-cover copy. “Linda Brett had come to Thornehaven to do a job, but the old house harbored secrets…and murder.”

It had potential. More of the plot waited below, but I decided to ignore it and let said “secrets” unfold in their own time. A lion’s yawn escaped me as I flipped the book back over and opened it. According to the copyright page, Thornehaven was published in 1966. The musty smell and yellowed pages confirmed it.

Yawning again, I turned to the first page of the narrative. How much I read, I can’t recall, but no more than a few paragraphs. Fatigue set in fast, crossing my eyes and tempting me toward sleep.

The next thing I knew, I stood on a sloping lawn in front of a Gothic Revival mansion hewn from somber gray stone. The place was massive and imposing, with numerous turrets and classic Gothic tracery, and it perfectly matched the description I’d read moments before. According to the story, the expansive property sat on the Hudson River in upstate New York.

Is this a dream? If so, it was more vivid than any I’d ever experienced. The faint, smoky trace of a bonfire haunted the air. The trees flanking the property displayed the red, orange, and yellow leaves of fall. They flaunted their bright colors in seeming defiance of the leaden sky, rustling in the chill wind which grazed my cheeks and raised goose bumps on my legs.

My legs. Why are they colder than the rest of me? I looked down, and the answer was clear. Apart from two charcoal gray suitcases, one on either side, only pantyhose shielded my limbs, which were thinner than they should be.

Whose legs are those? And what the hell am I wearing? An open coat revealed a blue knit suit whose skirt fell just short of my knees, and I wore matching, low-heeled shoes. I was a walking—well, standing—tribute to the mid-1960s. Wait a minute. That’s what the protagonist wore in the book.

And what did she do next? She picked up her luggage and proceeded to the manor’s entrance. I might as well do the same.

The suitcases were heavy, more substantial than a dream should allow. What does she have in these things? Slabs of granite?

As I lumbered forward, the front door opened to reveal a tall, thin, thirty-something woman in a black dress. Her short, dark hair had petal-shaped layers, giving the overall “do” the semblance of an artichoke. She looked me up and down and attempted a smile, then abandoned the effort. “Miss Brett, I presume? Welcome to Thornehaven.”

Buy the book:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | Apple | Kobo | Goodreads | BookBub

Thank you for your interest and support. Have a great weekend! 🙂

TRIP THE LIGHT PHANTASMIC ~ Available for Preorder!

28 Friday Oct 2022

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

amateur sleuth mystery, Amazon preorder, gothic paranormal mystery, Judith Sterling, new series, Salem Massachusetts, The Gothic Gwyn Mysteries, Trip the Light Phantasmic, upcoming release

Good morning! I have great news: my gothic paranormal mystery, Trip the Light Phantasmic, is now available for preorder on Amazon. The official release date is November 11, 2022, but in the meantime, here’s the scoop on the story:

Gwyneth Camm has just inherited her great-aunt’s house in Salem, Massachusetts, along with an extensive collection of gothic romance novels. As a PhD student who prefers “serious” books, Gwyn has always avoided pulp fiction. Now, in honor of her beloved Aunt Ethel, she gives one of the gothics a try…and promptly falls asleep.

When she wakes, she finds herself inside the story, thrust by forces unknown into the heroine’s role. There’s magic afoot, and the only way back to her own life is to play her part and solve the mystery.

When fiction becomes fact, anything can happen…

It will be available at most online retailers and in paperback by the release date, but you can order your digital copy from Amazon here! I’ll start writing the second book in the series soon.

Have a beautiful weekend! 🙂


MAGNAR by Mary Morgan

27 Thursday Aug 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

award-winning books, bestselling author, Judith Sterling, Magnar, Mary Morgan, medieval romance, new release, new series, paranormal fantasy, Scotland, The Vikings, The Wild Rose Press, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland

Today, we’re celebrating the new release of my dear friend and sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press), Mary Morgan. Magnar is the first book in her highly anticipated new series, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, and she’s here to tell us all about it. The floor is yours, Mary!

Hello Judith! I’m thrilled to be here on your lovely blog today!

One of the fascinating parts about writing a historical (and paranormal) story is the wonderful world of research. I spent hours devouring books and talking to experts on Norse mythology. The ancient Vikings had a complex and layered belief system, and I found it mesmerizing to study.

The Vikings followed a set of guidelines known as the Nine Noble Virtues. These were a set of moral codes and edicts taken from several sources, mainly the Hávamál (ancient Norse poems that are ascribed to the God Odin), and other Icelandic sagas. These virtues contained insight into the wisdom and values of the Vikings. Here they are:

Courage, truth, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, self-reliance, and perseverance.

Therefore, when writing Magnar’s story, I thought to give the Wolves of Clan Sutherland their own set of virtues and expanded on them. This elite guard for King William of Scotland also happens to be men who are part wolf. Here they are:

The Nine Noble Virtues of Sutherland Wolf Lore

~ Learn to control the beast within. If not, the man will cease to exist.

~ First lesson for the wolf—the man is always Alpha.

~ Scotland is our home. Orkneyjar calls to our soul.

~ When conflicted, follow the path of the stars. Odin will shine his light upon you.

~ Keep your weapon as strong as Thor’s hammer.

~ Discipline your beast to honor the code of the Brotherhood.

~ Honor the Gods. Do not beg at their feet for mercy.

~ When All Father calls you to His table, storm proudly across the void.

~ Remember your ancestors and honor their wisdom.

Sounds like a wonderfully magical story and series, Mary! I can’t wait to read it and wish you all the best!

A little more about Magnar:

Known as the Barbarian, Magnar MacAlpin is a fierce ruler for those under his command. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, his loyalty and obedience lies with Scotland. However, the king’s last demand is not something Magnar will tolerate.

After Elspeth Gunn’s brother the Chieftain of Castle Steinn is murdered, she flees with her nephew, and finds a safety amongst a band of men who are rumored to be part wolf. When the king forces her to wed a heathen Northman, she fears losing her heart and soul not only to the man, but the beast as well.

In order to restore peace to a shattered clan, Magnar and Elspeth travel a treacherous path that challenges their beliefs. When evil seeks to destroy ancient traditions, will Magnar be compelled to restrain his wolf or allow him free to protect those he loves?

A peek between the pages:

She stomped the ground with her foot. “I will not be forced to marry a…a heathen!”

He gritted his teeth—her words sparked outrage from his inner beast. Glancing over his shoulder, he offered, “Then which would you prefer? Halvard or me? Make your choice, Elspeth. Did you not consider I do not favor this union either?”

Confusion marred her features. She fisted her hands on her hips and glanced upward. “Did you argue against this marriage with King William?”

“Aye.”

“Yet he convinced you?”

“Aye.”

When she returned her gaze to him again, resolve and a bit of stubbornness filled them. “Why, Magnar?”

 “The king will permit me to continue with my duties with the elite guard, including an important task which requires my attention after our marriage.”

Chewing on her bottom lip, she nodded slowly. “Then you will be absent most months from Steinn?”

“Most assuredly, and when I am there, Erik will be my focus.”

Her face softened as she moved slowly toward Magnar. “Therefore this marriage is in name only for Erik’s protection, aye?”

Annoyed with the direction of his thoughts, he looked away. How Magnar longed to tell the lie on the tip of his tongue. The word ached to be released. He turned and stared into her jeweled eyes in an attempt to offer her any hope of what she wanted to hear.

When she placed a hand on his arm, she whispered, “Tell me honestly, Magnar.”

He swallowed and removed her hand from his arm. Placing it securely over his heart, he stated, “Our marriage will be binding in all ways, Elspeth—in name and body. You may worship your God and I shall do so with mine, but ken this, you will be mine completely.”

The battle of emotions splayed across her face. She stepped closer and pulled her hand free from his. “Then you understand this, Magnar MacAlpin, you can have my body on my terms. The time of my choosing. I am tired of having men telling me what to do. Will you accept my terms?”

By the hounds! Her words sparked his lust further. Magnar concluded he did not want a simpering wife by his side. For the first time, he yearned to have one challenging him—in mind and body.

Grasping her around the waist, he ignored her gasp and cupped her chin. Her eyes widened as he slowly lowered his head. “Agreed.” He breathed the word against her cheek.

Buy the book:

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

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.

Connect with her:

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

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

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

TWITTER:  http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

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

PINTEREST:  www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

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

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

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

Recent Posts

  • PRG Reviewer’s Choice Award ~ TRIP THE LIGHT PHANTASMIC
  • PRG Reviewer’s Choice Nominee ~ TRIP THE LIGHT PHANTASMIC
  • Wintertime Reading Bookish Event ~ NIGHT OF THE OWL
  • New Year New Books Fete ~ TRIP THE LIGHT PHANTASMIC
  • New Year New Books Fete ~ N. N. Light’s Book Heaven

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