Tag Archives: Shadow of the Swan

Medieval Monday ~ KNIGHT ERRANT

22 Monday Jul 2019

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday! I’m excited to have the talented Rue Allyn here today. We’re featuring her medieval romance, Knight Errant (Knight Chronicles, Book One).

If you’re following my “Bad Guy” excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the fifth snippet on Rue’s blog. Remember to leave a comment there for a chance to win digital copies of the first three books in The Novels of Ravenwood series! Here’s the link: https://RueAllyn.com

Now, let’s enjoy Rue’s fifth snippet:

“My apparel need not concern you,” she said politely. Her brain dashed between what she knew of Basti and how to escape him.

“Oh but it does.” He moved forward and took her chin between fingers and thumb.

Juliana’s skin crawled. Careful to remain calm, she held his gaze while she shifted her hands to grip the dagger. She knew from past encounters that Basti fed on the reactions of his victims.

Be sure to leave a comment for Rue to be in the running for her giveaway — an eCopy of Knight Errant. A winner will be randomly selected and announced on Medieval Monday, September 9, 2019.

Miss last week and a chance to comment? Check it out here: http://marygillgannon.blogspot.com

Follow Rue to next week’s snippet (July 29, 2019) here: https://www.marymorganauthor.com

A little more about the book:

Set during the early days of the Inquisition, Sir Robert Clarwyn must find a way to compel Lady Juliana Verault to return to England, or he’ll lose any chance of regaining his family lands and redeeming his heritage. Yet Juliana must complete her mission to ensure a safe future for her gender in the church. With danger and intrigue mounting, Robert and Juliana must rely on each other and risk everything … including their hearts.

Buy the book:

Amazon | Kobo | Smashwords | Apple Books

See you next Monday!  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ THE HIGHLANDER’S ENGLISH WOMAN

15 Monday Jul 2019

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday! I’m excited to have USA Today bestselling author Ruth A. Casie here today. We’re featuring her medieval romance, The Highlander’s English Woman.

If you’re following my “Bad Guy” excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the fourth snippet on Ruth’s blog. Remember to leave a comment there for a chance to win digital copies of the first three books in The Novels of Ravenwood series! Here’s the link: www.RuthACasie.blogspot.com

Now, let’s enjoy Ruth’s fourth snippet:

He stilled her trembling hand. Her brows creased in pain over eyes that stared off without seeing. He waited.

“I find it difficult to comprehend we’ll not see Richard again.” Laura’s voice choked and she shrugged with resignation despite tears that threatened at the edges of her eye.

“Me as well,” Jamie said. He had the same thoughts.

“How long are you staying with us?” Her question was reasonable but he dreaded answering.

“I return to Caerlaverock tomorrow.” He took a deep breath and saw a momentary flash of disappointment in her eyes.

Follow Ruth to next week’s snippet (July 22) here: https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com

Miss last week and a chance to comment? Check it out here: https://RueAllyn.com/blog

Be sure to leave a comment for Ruth to be in the running for her giveaway – an eCopy of The Highlander’s English Woman. A winner will be randomly selected and announced on Medieval Monday, September 9th.

A little more about the book:

Laura Reynolds is in love with her long-time friend, Jamie Maxwell Collins. She adores his playful sense of humor, caring nature as well as his strong sense of family and honor.

Jamie lives across the border in Scotland. Outwardly carefree, he hides a dark secret. He can’t involve Laura in this deception. He can’t give her hope for a future together.

Laura stumbles upon Jamie’s secret. In her heart of hearts she knows Jamie is innocent. Their relationship in tatters and with no hope of reconciliation, she plays a deadly game to exonerate Jamie, she agrees to a political marriage. She has no idea the entire game has been orchestrated by her future husband, Jamie’s greatest enemy.

Buy the book:

Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

See you next Monday!  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ THE VALIANT VIKING

01 Monday Jul 2019

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday! Our theme of “Bad Guys” continues, and today I’m featuring the inimitable Bambi Lynn’s work, The Valiant Viking.

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the second snippet on Bambi’s blog. Remember to leave a comment there for a chance to win digital copies of the first three books in The Novels of Ravenwood series! Here’s the link: www.bambilynnblog.wordpress.com

Now, let’s check out Bambi’s third snippet:

“Boddi!”

She recognized Rolf’s voice and tried to snatch away from her captor’s meaty fist as he approached them. Red gripped her arm in a vice so strong she feared the bone would snap.

“I thought you had turned tail and sailed for home.” He stopped before them, effortlessly hauling a struggling Wulf. Her baby brother’s hands were tied behind him, or he might have been too much for a man of lesser strength than Rolf.

“Rolf Bloodhands. We thought you perished with the rest of the king’s crew.”

Kaylla did not miss the clench of Rolf’s fists, the flush of his cheeks. Still, he kept his tone light.

He handed Wulf off to Stumpy. “Stake your claim as you will, but put the boy with the others.”

Click here to follow along next week by visiting Cathy MacRae. https://www.cathymacraeauthor.com/bits-n-bobs-author-blog

A little more about The Valiant Viking:

Can a foundering seaside village survive the onslaught of marauding Vikings bearing down on them?

Desperate to save her village from a band of Norsemen sweeping down the coastline, Kaylla catches her first ray of hope when she discovers one of the pillaging heathens washed ashore. Perhaps they can use this captive to bargain for the safety of their village. Rolf Bloodhands, sole survivor of a traitorous attack on his king’s fleet, assures her that his kinsmen will not spare the easy conquest of their waning village for the life of one man. Instead he teaches them the basics of defense and combat with the meager weapons they have available. If they fail to stave off the invaders, the few villagers left will either be killed or enslaved.

With only two days to prepare for an invasion sure to decimate her village, Kaylla is shocked by her attraction to the hunky Norseman she has enslaved. Who knew fear of imminent death could drive an innocent woman to explore the oldest sins known to man.

Buy the book on Amazon!

See you next Monday!  🙂

 

Historical Romance Sampler and an Audiobook Spotlight

27 Thursday Jun 2019

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Daring Liaisons, a free historical romance sampler (99 cents on Amazon) is now available at Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and GooglePlay.  Enjoy the first chapter of 10 books, including Flight of the Raven, the first book in my medieval romance series.


In other news, N. N. Light’s Book Heaven is spotlighting the audiobook of Shadow of the Swan, the third of The Novels of Ravenwood.  Check it out here!

That’s all for now.  Have a lovely Thursday.  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

24 Monday Jun 2019

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It’s time for a new round of Medieval Monday! For this round, our theme is “The Bad Guy,” and let me tell you, I flat-out loathe my villain, Archdeacon Dominy.  I know I created him, but still…

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 the award-nominated Shadow of the Swan, the third of The Novels of Ravenwood.  For all of you waiting for the fourth book, Night of the Owl, we’re moving swiftly toward publication.  I’ll keep you posted!

If you comment on my snippets, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win digital copies of the first three books in the series.  Then you’ll be all caught up when the fourth comes out.  I’ll announce the winner on Monday, September 9.

So without further ado, let’s see how Lady Constance de Bret reacts to “the bad guy.”

Basking in the solitude and serenity of Ravenwood’s chapel, Constance knelt before the altar and stared up at the stained-glass window. She had no idea how long she’d been there, but her nerves had finally smoothened. Her knees, however, needed a break. With a sigh, she stood and stretched.

The window and chapel darkened as the sunlight faltered outside. The shuffle of footsteps invaded the sanctum, and she turned.

Her breath caught in her throat. Her pulse quickened.

Dominy!

She stared in disbelief at his hated eyes. His ruddy cheeks and greasy, graying hair.

He smirked. “Miss me?”

Remember to leave a comment for a chance to win digital copies of the first three books, and read the next snippet next Monday on Bambi Lynn’s blog:  www.bambilynnblog.wordpress.com

A little more 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.

Where to buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Walmart

iBooks

Kobo

Amazon Audio

Audible

Apple Audio

See you next Monday!

Summer, a Giveaway, and a Spotlight

21 Friday Jun 2019

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Happy first day of summer!  Hope you find at least some time to relax this season.  If you’re looking for a beach read, there’s still time to enter my SUN AND SAND GIVEAWAY on Facebook.  You could win a signed print copy of any one of my books; your choice!  Remember to comment on the post pinned to the top of the page by 11:59 p.m. EST on July 6.

In other news, “The Captivating Quill” is spotlighting my award-nominated medieval romance, Shadow of the Swan, the third of The Novels of Ravenwood today.  They’re featuring an excerpt, and I’m telling why the book is close to my heart.  Check it out here.


By the way, Medieval Monday is starting up again this Monday, June 24.  Watch for excerpts from one of my books and from those of other talented authors of medieval romance.

Well, that’s it for now.  Have a lovely weekend!  🙂

Online Cocktail Party Romance Giveaway

11 Tuesday Jun 2019

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Who wants to win bestselling romance books and Amazon gift cards, while schmoozing with authors and the characters they’ve created? You do! Join us for a rockin’ party featuring 13 giveaway rooms loaded with prizes and fun conversation.

My giveaway room (#12) features Shadow of the Swan, the third of The Novels of Ravenwood, and my hero, Sir Robert le Donjon, is sharing his favorite recipe for mulled wine.  Also featured in Room #12 are works by Mariah Stone and Anna Durand.  Together, we’re sponsoring a great prize pack:  a $25 Amazon gift card and an e-copy of Kaitlyn and the Highlander by Diana Knightley.

No matter your favorite romance subgenre…whether you like it sweet, sexy, or steamy, we have the prize pack for you. Enter now for your chance to win by visiting us here!

And remember to visit me on Facebook to enter my SUN AND SAND GIVEAWAY.  Have a lovely Tuesday!  🙂

Medieval Monday Winner!

06 Monday May 2019

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As you know, Medieval Monday finished up last week.  I received so many lovely and supportive comments throughout, and I’m thankful for every one.  Now it’s time to announce the winner of the signed copy of Shadow of the Swan…

Congratulations to Melissa Combrink!

Melissa, please send an email to judithsterlingmarshall@gmail.com with your mailing address so I can send your gift on its way.


Thanks again to all who followed along and commented.  Wising you a lovely week ahead!  🙂

Medieval Monday ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

29 Monday Apr 2019

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday and the final week of our “First Encounter” theme.  Without further ado, here’s the last snippet of my excerpt from the award-nominated Shadow of the Swan, the third of The Novels of Ravenwood:

Constance’s gaze darted to and fro. “I can travel without my belongings, but I’ll need a mount.”

Robert nodded. “Guy and I passed the horse market earlier. Mostly pack mules and nervous colts, but I did spot a palfrey among them. Have you means to buy it?”

“Not with me, but—”

“Say no more. I’ll take care of it.”

She bit her lip. “Someone should also notify the Mother Prioress.”

“I’ll take care of that too.”

Her smile rewarded him. “Sir, you are generosity itself.”

Grinning, he puffed out his chest. “I am, aren’t I?” Helping her felt good. Great, in fact. He turned to his squire. “Buy your cloth, Guy, and stay close to her ladyship. I’ll return anon.”

He hastened to the nunnery and easily gained an audience with the prioress in the courtyard.

She accepted his tidings with a furrowed brow but more civility than he’d expected. “How long will she be away?”

He shrugged. “Her ladyship didn’t say, but I wouldn’t anticipate a long absence.”

“And you make for Ravenwood immediately?”

“Aye, Your Reverence.” A sudden movement caught his eye, and he looked left.

Close enough to eavesdrop, Archdeacon Dominy peered out from behind a stone pillar. He stared hard at the knight, then sank back into the shadows of the cloister.

A warning seized the pit of Robert’s stomach. The archdeacon was trouble. What hold had he over Lady Constance? Her fear was not unfounded. Of that, he was certain.

“Thank you for informing me of her plans,” the prioress said, oblivious to the snake in her garden. “God go with her.”

Robert clenched his fists. I don’t know about God. But I’ll be there.

And there you have it!  Leave a comment for a chance to win a signed print copy of Shadow of the Swan.  I’ll announce the winner next Monday, May 6th.

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 links:

Amazon https://amzn.com/B078JYQDTX

Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadow-of-the-swan-judith-sterling/1127751024?ean=2940158925597

Walmart https://www.walmart.com/ip/Shadow-of-the-Swan-eBook/946761489

iBooks https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/shadow-of-the-swan/id1332023091

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/shadow-of-the-swan-3

Amazon Audio https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Swan-Novels-Ravenwood-Book/dp/B07CMKMMWN

Audible https://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Shadow-of-the-Swan-Audiobook/B07CMDCL7D

See you next Monday, when I’ll announce the winner!

Medieval Monday ~ TIME ENOUGH TO LOVE

22 Monday Apr 2019

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Welcome back to Medieval Monday! Our “First Encounter” theme continues with bestselling author Jenna Jaxon’s Time Enough to Love.  Isn’t this a lovely cover?

If you’re following my excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, you can find the twelfth snippet on Jenna’s blog. Remember to leave a comment there for a chance to win a signed print copy of the book! Here’s the link: www.jennajaxon.wordpress.com

I’ll feature the final excerpt from Shadow of the Swan right here on my blog next Monday.  But for now, let’s enjoy Jenna’s twelfth snippet from Time Enough to Love:

Instead of taking the direct route to her table, a mere half dozen steps away, his course now included the entire Great Hall. King Edward laughed in approval at his courtier’s boldness as Geoffrey proceeded to stop at every table to present her as his betrothed.

At each one, she silently cursed him anew. Could this great hulking oaf not see her discomfiture? Did he not care about her feelings at all? And she must be married to this man?

Oh, Father, what have you done to me?

Catch Jenna’s final installment next week on her blog, Jenna’s Journal.

A little more about the book:

When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.

From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.

As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?

Buy link: Amazon

See you next Monday!

https://video214.com/play/CK3WmqPSNzg24QuDVtmNrg/s/dark