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Judith Sterling

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Judith Sterling

Tag Archives: The Novels of Ravenwood

A Sneak Peek Inside RETURN OF THE RAVEN ~ Now Available for Pre-Order!

12 Tuesday Jan 2021

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Return of the Raven is now available for preorder! Here’s the overall story of this time travel romance:

Margaret, Lady Ravenwood, is trapped in a loveless marriage and firmly entrenched in the medieval world. Along comes Griffin Nightshade, a historian from the future whose soul resonates with hers. He persuades her to return with him to the 1950s, but heeding her heart means courting danger from a curse that could spell her doom.

Haunted by his parents’ sudden deaths, Griffin knows all too well the pain born of love lost. He guards his emotions, but Margaret delves deep and goes straight to the soul. She’s hard to resist…and harder to set free.

The heart’s desire and history’s demands don’t always agree. Yet true love is eternal.

A sneak peek between the pages:

Dressed in blue-striped pajamas, Griffin stood in front of his bed. His gaze shifted back and forth between two books. Usually, he was a decisive reader, but tonight was different. He’d had Margaret on the mind the entire time he perused the library shelves, and even now, the sound of her bathwater filling the tub next door plagued his focus.

Nevertheless, he’d narrowed the choice to two books: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles or Dennis Wheatley’s The Devil Rides Out. He’d read both before and enjoyed them immensely, so he couldn’t go wrong with either one.

So what’s it going to be? Murder on the moors or black magic on Salisbury Plain?

Margaret’s clear-toned voice penetrated the wall between their bedrooms. She was humming the first part of the sonata he’d played tonight. Not only did she have an ear for language; she also had one for music. She had perfect pitch, too, as did he, which allowed him to discern that she hummed the exact same notes he’d played on the Steinway. Her singing voice was just as lovely as he’d imagined it might be.

His brow furrowed. He had no business imagining anything about her, least of all her naked body slipping into a warm bath and—

Stop! He huffed and rubbed his mouth with his hand. Then he refocused his attention on the books for the umpteenth time. Come on now. Murder or magic? Magic or murder?

“Griff!” A note of panic tinged her voice.

Meg! In trouble!

He dashed into the hall and into her bedroom, then flung open the bathroom door. She stood in the bathtub, clad in bubbles whose brethren spilled over the side of the tub onto the floor. Luckily, the white foam covered all but her neck, head, and one shoulder.

“There’s too much of it.” She gestured to the mess and sent a cluster of bubbles flying through the air.

“I can see that. Are you hurt?”

“No, just unnerved. They kept building and building until I feared they might cover the entire chamber.”

“First, let’s turn off the water.” He reached into the sea of foam, found the faucets, and twisted each one in turn. “How much of the soapy liquid did you use?”

“The whole bottle.”

His eyes widened. “Well, that explains it. Only a small amount is necessary.”

“When Hannah showed me how to use it, she simply turned the bottle upside down to demonstrate pouring. I assumed all of the liquid was needed.” With a rueful expression, she looked around her. “Obviously not.”

She was adorable. And underneath those bubbles, she was nude. Time to go!

“Well, I’m glad ʼtwas nothing serious. I’ll just be going now.” With an about face, he headed for the door.

“Wait.”

Uh oh. What does she want now? He turned back around.

“I must know something, and you’re the only one who can help me know it.”

A warning bell pealed in his mind and urged his heart to quicken its pace. “What do you want to know?”

“Earlier, you called me attractive, but you haven’t seen all of me.”

Only by the grace of those bubbles! Did she intend to bare all? No…modesty would prevent that. But the look in her eye—that steady gleam of determination—made him nervous. “Surely you don’t mean—”

“I do. All of my married life, Evoric has mocked me and deemed me unappealing.”

“To him mayhap.” Or eunuchs. Otherwise…

Adamantly, she shook her head. “To all men. Or so he says.”

He is such a sleaze. “He’s just trying to make excuses for his own failure.”

“That may be, but I’ll never know for certain unless you look upon me yourself and give me your honest opinion.”

Dear God. How did I get myself into this mess? “I really think ʼtis better if—”

“Griff.” Her violet eyes pleaded with him. “I know I’ve asked a lot from you, but I need this. Otherwise, I’ll wonder about it the rest of my life.”

How could he deny her the chance to rebuild her self-confidence? He took a deep breath, pushed it out, and braced for what would come. “Very well. Show yourself to me.”

Buy the book to see what happens next!

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA |Amazon AU | Barnes & Noble | Apple

Thanks for checking out this preview of the fifth book in the series. The Novels of Ravenwood will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ll truly miss these characters and their world!

The first four books will soon be on sale for 99 cents; I’ll let you know when. Enjoy the rest of your week!  🙂

RETURN OF THE RAVEN ~ A Release Date!

28 Monday Dec 2020

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Judith Sterling, medieval romance series, release date, Return of the Raven, The Novels of Ravenwood, time travel romance

I just got my release date for Return of the Raven: February 17, 2021. Finally! This is the fifth and final book in my medieval/time travel romance series, The Novels of Ravenwood. Here’s the scoop on the story:

Margaret, Lady Ravenwood, is trapped in a loveless marriage and firmly entrenched in the medieval world. Along comes Griffin Nightshade, a historian from the future whose soul resonates with hers. He persuades her to return with him to the 1950s, but heeding her heart means courting danger from a curse that could spell her doom.

Haunted by his parents’ sudden deaths, Griffin knows all too well the pain born of love lost. He guards his emotions, but Margaret delves deep and goes straight to the soul. She’s hard to resist…and harder to set free.

The heart’s desire and history’s demands don’t always agree. Yet true love is eternal.

I can’t wait to share it with you! I’ll be putting the previous books in the series on sale soon. Stay tuned!  🙂

Christmas and Holiday Book Festival ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

10 Thursday Dec 2020

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Amazon gift card, Barnes and Noble gift card, Christmas and Holiday Book Festival, excerpt, giveaway, holiday read, holiday traditions, Judith Sterling, N. N. Light's Book Heaven, Shadow of the Swan, The Novels of Ravenwood

The Christmas and Holiday Book Festival continues at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven! Today, they’re featuring an excerpt from Shadow of the Swan, the third of The Novels of Ravenwood. I also share a family holiday tradition. Check it out here!

 

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway! You could win one of 5 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift cards. Wishing you luck and a joyous holiday season!  🙂

 

Medieval Monday #12 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

07 Monday Dec 2020

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#MedMonFall20, excerpt, Judith Sterling, Medieval Monday, Medieval Romance Lovers, medieval romance series, Return of the Raven, Shadow of the Swan, The Novels of Ravenwood

Welcome to the final Medieval Monday of our current round. Hard to believe it’s coming to a close! To find links to the other participating authors’ excerpts, visit the Medieval Romance Lovers Facebook page here. (#MedMonFall20)

When we left Constance and Robert last week, she was testing the waters. They’ve spoken about lovemaking in the past, but now she’s asking for more particulars, trying to determine whether or not he still desires her. See what you think after reading this twelfth and final snippet:

            She sipped her wine, then placed the cup on the table.  “Remind me, if you would.”

            He shifted in his seat.  “I told you where I’d put my mouth.”

            “I recall it now.  You said every inch of me, even…”  Heat raced through her body.  “But you exaggerate.  Kissing every inch would take all night.  There must be areas you would focus on.”

            “Constance, what are you about?  Is this mere curiosity or something more?”

            “Perhaps both.”  Her cheeks burned.

            He sipped his wine, but his gray eyes smoldered above the rim of the cup.

Want to know what happens next? You can buy the award-nominated book or audiobook at these online stores:

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

In related news, Return of the Raven–the fifth and final book in The Novels of Ravenwood series–is moving swiftly toward publication. I’ll keep you posted!

Thanks so much for following along for this round of Medieval Monday. We’ll be back with another themed excerpt soon. Until then, I want to wish everyone a joyous holiday season. Take care and enjoy!  🙂

 

CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY BOOK FESTIVAL ~ N. N. Light’s Book Heaven

01 Tuesday Dec 2020

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Amazon gift card, Barnes and Noble gift card, Christmas and Holiday Book Festival, giveaway, holiday read, holiday-themed books, Judith Sterling, N. N. Light's Book Heaven, Shadow of the Swan, The Novels of Ravenwood

N. N. Light’s Book Heaven is celebrating Christmas and the holidays all month long with their Christmas and Holiday Book Festival. 48 books featured–many of them holiday-themed–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 book, Shadow of the Swan, will be featured on December 10th.

Each author will share a family holiday tradition, including me. You won’t want to miss it.

Bookmark this event and come back every day:

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/christmas-holiday-festival

Enter to win here!

Open internationally.

Runs December 1 – 31.

Drawing will be held on January 4.

Good luck!  🙂

Medieval Monday #11 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

30 Monday Nov 2020

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#MedMonFall20, excerpt, Judith Sterling, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, Medieval Romance Lovers, Shadow of the Swan, The Novels of Ravenwood

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!  🙂

N. N. Light’s Holiday Gift Guide ~ NIGHT OF THE OWL

27 Friday Nov 2020

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#holidaygiftguide, fantasy romance, holiday gifts, Judith Sterling, medieval romance series, N. N. Light's Book Heaven, Night of the Owl, Return of the Raven, The Novels of Ravenwood, time travel romance

Happy Friday! My time travel romance, Night of the Owl–the fourth of The Novels of Ravenwood–is one of the titles featured in the Fantasy Romance category of N. N. Light’s Holiday Gift Guide today. Check it out here!

In related news, I’ll soon have eyes on the final galley of Return of the Raven, the fifth and final book in the series. It won’t be long until I can share the cover, blurb, and release date with you!

Wishing you a wonderful day and weekend ahead!  🙂

Medieval Monday #10 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

23 Monday Nov 2020

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#MedMonFall20, excerpt, Judith Sterling, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, Medieval Romance Lovers, Shadow of the Swan, The Novels of Ravenwood

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!  🙂

Medieval Monday #9 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

16 Monday Nov 2020

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#MedMonFall20, excerpt, Judith Sterling, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, Medieval Romance Lovers, Shadow of the Swan, The Novels of Ravenwood

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!  🙂

Medieval Monday #8 ~ SHADOW OF THE SWAN

09 Monday Nov 2020

Posted by Judith Sterling in Uncategorized

≈ 12 Comments

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#MedMonFall20, excerpt, Judith Sterling, Medieval Monday, medieval romance, Medieval Romance Lovers, Shadow of the Swan, The Novels of Ravenwood

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.  🙂

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