Sharon Wray's Blog, page 19
March 19, 2025
Sarah Munro’s Hibiscus Raspberry Herbal Tea
The days are getting warmer, but the nights are still chilly. And such a change in daily temperature can still lead to illness and feeling tired. So one of my favorite rituals in the Spring is to buy my favorite tea ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs so I can make this Hibiscus Raspberry Tea. This herbal tea is caffeine free and is loaded with Vitamin C and beta-carotene. I admit that I add a dash of honey for sweetness and sometimes I’ll also add a cinnamon stick. And this tea is delicious hot or cold.
For those of you new to this series, Sarah Munro, the heroine in ONE DARK WISH, the second book in the Deadly Force series, is an 18th century historian who inherited a collection of colonial-era herbal and homeopathic remedies. And, in this blog space, I’ve been sharing her recipes with you all. I’m adding this recipe to this collection because hibiscus, raspberry, and rose leaves are filled with Vitamin C which can help boost your immune system this time of year. Hibiscus is also a natural diuretic and a natural source of iron, two things to consider when looking at your overall dietary needs.
Note: I am not an affiliate of Mountain Rose Herbs. I just love their website and buy most of my herbs and other special ingredients from them.
Ingredients:1 cup dried red raspberry leaf1⁄2 cup dried hibiscus calyx1⁄2 cup dried rose petal1⁄2 cup dried marshmallow root1⁄4 cup dried orange peelSterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lidhoney for sweetness (optional)cinnamon stick (optional)
Directions for Hibiscus Raspberry TeaIn a large bowl, mix together all of the herbs and then pour them into the sterilized jar. If you store them properly, the tea mixture can be stored for up to a year but I do think the quality begins to go down after six months. To make one serving of hot tea, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Meanwhile, put 2 Tablespoons of the dried tea blend into a tea ball and place into a mug. Once the water boils, pour over the tea ball in the mug.Brew for up to 4 minutes and remove the tea ball. Add a dash of honey and/or a cinnamon stick (if preferred) and enjoy! To make iced tea, use four cups of water to 1/2 cup of dried tea leaves. You can either heat the water for a hot brew that you then allow it to cool. Or use room temperature water, but that needs to brew for at least 8 hours. Strain out the leaves before serving over ice. If you want to add honey, use the hot water method and add it when you pour the hot water over the tea leaves. Store the leftover iced tea in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT WILD PLANTS, FORAGING
, AND MAKING HERBAL REMEDIES:I am not a medical professional and nothing written on this blog is medical advice. None of my statements have been evaluated by the FDA (I am legally required to give you this disclaimer).
It is important to do your due diligence before foraging, harvesting, and/or consuming any type of medicinal plant.
If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor about any potential drug interactions.If you are allergic to anything, make sure whatever you are foraging is not in the same family. Example: While dandelions are typically considered safe, those who are allergic to ragweed, latex, daisies, or any other plants in the same or similar families, may not be able to consume dandelion.Always research potential side effects, dosage recommendations, and how to properly prepare and consume each medicinal plant.
Always make sure you are foraging what you believe to be. Fully prepare and study the anatomy before harvesting wild plants.
Always make sure your kitchen/work area is clean and that all materials are sterilized.
Do not forage plants from areas that have been sprayed within the past 2 years at the very least.
I am not legally or morally responsible for the health of any of my readers. Please do your own research!
The post Sarah Munro’s Hibiscus Raspberry Herbal Tea first appeared on Sharon Wray.
March 18, 2025
A Cover Reveal for Luke’s Last Hot Summer
This coming June, I’m collaborating with a wonderful group of authors in a wedding-themed anthology called Finding Forever. But today I want to share the cover and blurb for my story within this anthology. It’s a new novella in my Kingsmill Courtships series called Luke’s Last Hot Summer. It’s the story of Luke Mosby, an adventurer who is terrified of settling down, who falls in love with Dr. Holly Westfield, a woman bound by rules, structure, and her fears of having a day that doesn’t go as planned. When Luke and Holly are forced to travel to a wedding together, they discover that all their hopes, insecurities, and dreams for the future have no chance of survival when pitted against the power of love.
Luke’s Last Hot SummerHe’s running from his past while she’s racing toward her future… but love is about to change everything.
Luke Mosby has always been the black sheep of his family. While his brothers settled down in their tiny hometown of Kingsmill, Virginia, Luke gave up practicing law to open a surf shop in Miami and seek out adventure. From fighting forest fires to riding rodeo bulls, he’s built a life far from home, avoiding the feeling that he doesn’t belong. But now he’s heading back to Kingsmill for his cousin’s wedding—a reunion he dreads with his now-married brothers who have love and life all figured out.
Dr. Holly Westfield thought she was ready for a major life change. After leaving Boston’s busy hospitals behind, she’s taken a job in Kingsmill, hoping to find the peace that’s eluded her. But her journey takes an unexpected turn when she’s forced to share a ride with Luke Mosby—a man who is free-spirited, spontaneous, and determined to live life by his own rules. He’s everything she’s not. Everything she’s afraid of.
When their trip hits unexpected delays, sparks fly between the wandering adventurer and the careful doctor. Can they find common ground in a place they both want to call home, or will Luke’s fear of being an outcast keep him from the love he never saw coming?
This book releases on June 3, 2025.
Preorder Now!
Luke’s Last Hot Summer will be included in the Finding Forever Limited Edition Romance Anthology, release date June 3, 2025.
You are cordially invited…
All rise for a sizzling collection of wedding romances that explore what happens when love takes center stage. In Finding Forever, these couples are thrown into whirlwind romances at weddings that range from glamorous affairs to last-minute disasters. Whether it’s a grumpy groomsman falling for a sunshine bride’s maid, or a second chance romance reigniting amidst wedding bells, each story is packed with passion, humor, and heart.
From forced proximity situations that lead to slow-burning chemistry, to mistaken identities that turn into the sweetest surprises, Finding Forever brings the perfect mix of tension, tenderness, and heat. As each couple navigates their happily-ever-afters, readers will be swept away by the charm and chaos that only weddings can inspire.
The post A Cover Reveal for Luke’s Last Hot Summer first appeared on Sharon Wray.
March 17, 2025
The Happiest St. Patrick
Saint Patrick is one of the most famous, and most popular, of all the Catholic saints. March 17th (the likely day of his death in 461 AD) is celebrated all over the world, even in areas that aren’t historically Catholic. And it’s not just because he was a big party guy or because he banished all the snakes from Ireland. He is still celebrated because he is still considered one of the greatest examples of a life lived with faith, love, and humility.
[image error]Around the end of the fourth century, St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain to a family that was neither christian nor pagan. His family was wealthy enough to stay above the growing religious fray, and they appeased (with money) whoever was in power at the time. When St. Patrick was 14, he was abducted by Irish pirates during a raid and taken to Ireland as a slave. (some say he was in County Mayo near Killala and others say he was taken to Mount Slemish in County Antrim). During this time, Ireland was a land of pagans and druids who were vehemently opposed to anything that reeked of change, whether it be invasions by the Romans or the drive to become christian.
Anyway, St. Patrick spent most of the next six years alone as he tended sheep. Since he was lonely, scared, underfed, and cold, he turned to the christian faith he’d learned about but had never relied upon before. St. Patrick later wrote in his memoir Confession, “The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was rosed, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same. I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain.”
When St. Patrick was twenty, he received a vision that told him to run away toward the coast and escape his captors. He traveled, by foot, over 200 miles until he reached the coastline and found sailors willing to take him back to Britain. Years later, while home with his family, he received another vision. He describes this vision in his memoir Confession: “I saw a man coming, as it were from Ireland. His name was Victoricus, and he carried many letters, and he gave me one of them. I read the heading: ‘The Voice of the Irish.’ As I began the letter, I imagined in that moment that I heard the voice of those very people who were near the wood of Foclut, which is beside the western sea-and they cried out, as with one voice: ‘We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us.'”
Prompted by this revelation, he joined the priesthood. Four years later St. Patrick was ordained by the Bishop of Auxerre, and left for Ireland, the country that had held him as a slave for six years. Up until this point, only a few priests dared to bring the Gospel to Ireland. The Irish were known as fierce fighters, resistant to all types of change. But St. Patrick ignored the warnings and arrived in Slane, Ireland on March 25, 433 with two goals: to minister to the few christians who were there and to convert the rest. Because St. Patrick could speak the Irish language fluently, and knew the culture and rituals well, he was able to incorporate ancient Irish beliefs into this new christian faith. An example of this is the Celtic cross. It is a sun (a powerful pagan Irish symbol) superimposed on a cross.
There were already a few christians in Ireland, but they practiced a more nature-based, pagan version. That meant that St. Patrick had an uphill battle with warriors and chieftains always trying to kill him… until one day he performed what is considered a miracle. St. Patrick converted an Irish Druid Chieftain. Although that was a huge success, and more people became interested in the Gospel, it was still a slow process. Eventually he (along with St. Brigid and St. Columba) converted thousands of people who built small stone churches all over the Island.
One of St. Patrick’s most enduring legacies, besides banishing all the snakes from the island, is his use of the shamrock to describe the Holy Trinity. After forty years of struggling, preaching, converting, and serving the poor with a happy heart, he died on March 17, 461. But, after his death, all of Ireland–including the pagans–celebrated his life. Because, despite all the miracles and epic stories (of which there are many), he was known as a humble, generous man who helped all people, not just those he converted. His churches and monasteries offered solace and help to everyone, regardless of their beliefs.
Of course, since Ireland was a land of oral histories and rich in traditions and legends, the stories about St. Patrick sometimes seem exaggerated. But regardless if you believe the stories about this famous saint, we still celebrate his life on March 17th. Not because he was known as a party guy, but because he was a man of great faith, great compassion, great humility, and great love. So today, when you raise your glass, offer a toast to Saint Patrick. A prisoner who became a priest, who became a saint, who died in poverty… who was also known as one of the happiest men who ever lived.
The post The Happiest St. Patrick first appeared on Sharon Wray.
March 14, 2025
The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Cranberry Irish Soda Bread
In a few days we’ll be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in our house, and that means I’ll be serving my favorite corned beef and Irish Soda Bread. I love soda bread with a cup of tea in the afternoon, and a few years ago I posted my favorite Irish Soda Bread recipe.
[image error]But this new recipe has dried cranberries along with raisins, and it uses melted butter instead of chilled butter. So it’s a bit different from my original recipe, but just as delicious. And now that I’m on deadline again with a special project for my agent, I think I’ll make two soda breads and bring one, along with my pot of tea, into the my writing cave so I can get all the words down this weekend. I hope you all have a wonderful early Spring weekend!
[image error] PrintCranberry Irish Soda BreadCourse BreadPrep Time 30 minutes minutesCook Time 1 hour hourServings 8Calories 426kcalIngredients1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1 Tablespoon baking powder3/4 cup sugar3 1/2 cups flour1 1/4 cups buttermilk1/4 cup melted butter2 eggs slightly beaten2 Tablespoons caraway seeds1 Tablespoon caraway seeds1 cup raisins1/2 cup dried cranberries1 Tablespoon milk to crush on topsugar for sprinkling on top optionalInstructionsPreheat the oven to 350 ℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a large bowl, use a fork to stir together the baking soda, salt, baking powder, flour, and sugar. Still using a fork, stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, and eggs. Using clean hands, mix in the caraway seeds, raisins, and cranberries. Keep mixing with your fingers until a dough ball begins to form. Then turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.Still using your hands, knead the dough ten times until it forms a bread ball and the dough sticks together. Lightly grease the parchment paper and place the bread on top. Cut a cross into the top of the bread and brush with a milk wash. Then sprinkle a dash of sugar on top, if you'd like. Bake for 55-60 minutes, making sure to check in the last 15 minutes to make sure it doesn't overbake. It should be a nice golden brown.
The post The Hungry {Romance} Writer: Cranberry Irish Soda Bread first appeared on Sharon Wray.
March 13, 2025
Updated: A Romance Writer’s Favorite Movies for St. Patrick’s Day
Since St. Patrick’s Day is in a few days, I wanted I’d share an updated list of my favorite movies that I watch around this time of year. I’ve divided the list into three categories to making choosing what to watch a bit easier. Some of the movies are based on historical events, and those tend to be more violent. But others include sweet romantic comedies, musicals, and animated films perfect to watch as a family.
[image error]I will say that two of my all-time favorite movies on this list to watch with kids are The Secret of Roan Inish and The War of the Buttons. While not super-sappy movies, they are charming stories about younger kids who learn that magic exists in spite of the difficulties of the world around them. I hope you enjoy the movies on this list. While there were more that I could add, I didn’t want to make the list too long.
Blurbs and links courtesy of Amazon & IMDB.Family Friendly/Animated MoviesFinian’s Rainbow – “An Irish immigrant and his daughter move into a town in the American South with a magical piece of gold that will change people’s lives, including a struggling farmer and African American citizens threatened by a bigoted politician.”
This musical, with Fred Astaire, always seemed ahead of its time. But I love the music and the dancing… and I’m not even a huge fan of musicals. But I do love Fred Astaire and Petula Clark.
The Quiet Man ~ “John Wayne stars as Sean Thornton, a retired American boxing champion trying to put tragedy behind him by returning to Innisfree, the bucolic Irish village of his birth. He purchases his birthplace from its current owner, enraging the wealthy and bellicose Red Will Danaher (Victor McLaglen), who had designs on the property. On arriving at his cottage, Thornton finds it being swept out by Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara), a redheaded vision from whom he steals a not completely unwelcome kiss. After engaging in a subterfuge involving a horse race, some of the locals manage to get the disgruntled Red Will to allow his sister to be courted by the American. But the courtship ritual of the village is only the first of many local practices that the bewildered Thornton must endure if he is to have Mary Kate.”
I’ll be honest, I love this movie but it is anachronistic and I don’t think it could be made today. Maureen O’Hara’s character takes some physical abuse toward the end of the film that would never be filmed now. So if watching films with behavior that was once considered comedic (but no longer is now), you may want to skip this one. This film is beautifully shot, though, and this movie walked away with a ton of Oscars. Oh, and there is a great fight scene at the end of this movie between Sean and Red Will that is still considered a classic.
War of the Buttons ~ “The children of two Irish towns located on either side of an inlet in County Cork, form small armies and battle against each other in a neverending quest for supremacy.”
This is still one of my all-time favorite movies to watch with my kids. It’s a charming coming-of-age story about children in pre-war Ireland who battle every afternoon after school and where the battle trophies are buttons. Yet, in spite of the rivalry, these children form friendships which will save them all when they become young men who are forced to march off to a real war.
The Secret of Roan Inish ~ “Young Fiona lives with her grandparents in a small fishing village where she takes an active role to unravel the mysterious secrets.”
My other all-time favorite family movie on this list. This movie is about a young girl who lives on a very remote Irish island who decides to unravel the mystery of the Selkies (seals who turn into mysterious women) who supposedly stole her younger brother years earlier.
Darby O’Gill and the Little People ~ “The story of an Irish caretaker who manages to exact three wishes from Brian, king of the leprechauns.”
This is a Disney movie made in 1959. While it’s a bit silly, and the technology is a bit dated, it’s still a sweet story for the entire family.
Ondine ~ “A fisherman (Colin Farrell) hauls in an unexpected catch when a beautiful and mysterious woman gets tangled in his nets, in this charming and thrilling romance about fairy tales colliding with real life.”
This is a PG-13 romance that is a perfect movie for older kids. It’s a lovely story about the power of story and fairy tales and how love can save anyone.
Song of the Sea ~ “An Academy Award-nominated, hand-drawn masterpiece. The last seal-child, Saoirse, and her brother Ben, embark on an epic journey to save the world of magic in this enthralling fable for viewers of all ages.”
This is a new animated movie about a child Selkie (a seal-child) who is desperate to save the remaining magic left in this world. It’s a perfect move to watch with younger children.
The Secret of Kells ~ “In a remote medieval outpost of Ireland, young Brendan embarks on a new life of adventure when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying a book brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him into the enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the falry Aisling, a mysterious young wolf-girl, who helps him along the way. But with the barbarians closing in, will Brendan’s determination and artistic vision illuminate the darkness and show that enlightenment is the best fortification against evil?”
Another lovely animated film that weave Irish history and mythology into a story of a young boy who must face his greatest fears in order to save his world.
Thriller/War/Suspense/Detective/Dramatic MoviesCavalry – “After he is threatened during a confession, a good-natured priest must battle the dark forces closing in around him.”
A bit scarier than other movies on this list, but it looks at all different kinds of struggles: physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Belfast – “A young boy and his working-class Belfast family experience the tumultuous late 1960s.”
Both sad and uplifting, a bit similar to Angela’s Ashes. If you watch this, bring tissues!
The Banshees of Inishereen – “Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.”
A dramatic take on long-standing friendships and how stubbornness and pride and can undo a lifetime of love and happiness.
~ “Daniel Day-Lewis stars in this superb drama about an Irishman and his fight to overturn his wrongful conviction in an IRA bombing.”
Daniel Day-Lewis is such a great actor that I will watch any movie he’s in. But this movie, based on a true-life event, is one of my favorites. It’s tough to watch and quite gritty, but gives you a good feel for what life was like in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
Southie ~ “Three years ago when Danny Quinn left Southie, a tough Irish working-class neighborhood in South Boston, he left behind a world of crime and betrayal. Upon his return, Danny is forced to make a risky decision.”
This movie takes place in South Boston and is both a romance and a suspense movie. The romance is so subtle, yet so sweet, it helps take away the pain and hopelessness that all of these characters feel.
The Boxer ~ “Imprisoned for 14 years, a respected former IRA member returns home to open a boxing club – but rekindling an old romance and run-ins with militant friends threaten to derail his life.”
Another one of my favorite Daniel Day-Leis movies. This one is also both a romance and a suspense story where both storylines are so well intertwined, you really think—up to the very last minute of the movie–that things won’t work out. Until they do.
My Left Foot ~ “Daniel Day-Lewis won the 1989 Oscar(R) for Best Actor for his brilliant portrayal a physically challenged writer and painter Christy Brown.”
This story about an Irish artist with cerebral palsy will make you cry and cheer at the same time. It’s a great movie about the power of believing in oneself and how the human spirit can overcome any amount of suffering.
’71 ~ “Jack O’Connell (UNBROKEN) stars as a soldier caught behind enemy lines in this intense action thriller.”
This is a dark movie with a huge redemption arc about a young Protestant soldier working for the British who gets stuck in Belfast after dark in 1971, at the height of the Troubles. On the run from the IRA, he is saved by local Catholics who just want the war to end. Although it’s a violent, scary movie, it’s well worth watching.
Black ’47 ~ “One soldier’s ruthless pursuit of justice plays out against the darkest chapter of Irish history in this riveting revenge thriller.”
This is one of the darkest revenge movies I’ve ever seen. It’s violent and tragic and scary… but it’s so compelling I couldn’t turn it off. If you’re in the mood for a revenge thriller, this is the movie for you.
Michael Collins ~ “Michael Collins, the man and the movie, stands tall. The man is a hero whose fighting tactics became a model for other 20th-century struggles.”
A dramatic account of the real-life Michael Collins who fought for Irish independence and became a national hero.
The Wind that Shakes the Barley ~ “Legendary director Ken Loach’s epic tale of two brothers torn apart by the Irish revolt against the British. Cillian Murphy stars in this dramatic Cannes Palm D’Or winner.”
Another Irish revolutionary movie about two brothers who must go their separate ways. It’s tragic and sad but also compelling enough to keep you glued to the screen until the very end.
The Departed ~ “Martin Scorsese’s crime drama “The Departed” is set in South Boston where the state police force is waging an all-out war to take down the city’s top organized crime ring.”
Another film based in the Southie neighborhood in Boston. This is a classic Scorsese crime movie with lots of violence and bad guys and tough moral choices. It’s also great and if you’re in a crime drama mood, this is the one to watch.
Comedy/Romantic Comedy/MusicalsThe O’Briens – “Two years after his wife’s death, an Irish father summons home his daughter and two sons, causing all to fear the worst, but he is not the only one with a secret.”
I don’t know how I missed this one when it came out, but it’s adorable and charming and it’s now one of my favorites.
Irish Wish – Lindsay Lohan’s 2024 rom-com. “When the love of Maddie’s life gets engaged to her best friend, she puts her feelings aside to be a bridesmaid at their wedding in Ireland.”
A charming rom-com that has all the wedding/Ireland/romantic feels.
Wild Mountain Thyme – “A pair of star-crossed lovers in Ireland get caught up in their family’s land dispute.”
A charming romantic tale filled with found family, beautiful scenery, and all the romantic feels.
Waking Ned Devine ~ “A winning lottery ticket transforms the lives of the inhabitants of a rural Irish village.”
A super-cute comedy about a man who has a heart attack after he wins the lottery… and how his friends and neighbors seek to both honor his life and find his winning ticket.
Once ~ “An Irish street performer and a Czech pianist inspire harmonious music together in this film.”
This musical romance takes place in Dublin, with a true Dublin “busker” who falls in love and just wants to make beautiful music while he wins the girl of his dreams.
P.S. I Love You ~ “A young widow discovers that her late husband has left her 10 messages intended to help ease her pain and start a new life.”
This romance, based on a book, will make you cry… until you stop and realize that true love never dies.
Leap Year ~ “An Irish leap year legend spurs a feisty Boston lass to follow her boyfriend to Dublin to propose marriage in this romantic comedy.”
Cute romantic comedy with lovely photography of Ireland. If you love RomComs, this is a great one to watch!
Intermission ~ “Cillian Murphy stars in this urban story about the journey in the search for true love. The film explores the nature of human lives, the damage of routines and the effects of having to change.”
This is a love story, but it’s also deeper than that. The characters are broken and tragic yet somehow find a way to heal themselves and each other in the midst of the turmoil of growing up.
The Commitments ~ “Jimmy Rabbitte aspires to manage the world’s greatest band, with only one music in mind: soul. By advertising for applicants in a newspaper and asking around to promising acquaintances, Jimmy holds auditions at his parents’ home and assembles a band together.”
This is an Irish musical movie about the power of friendship and how important it is to believe in yourself and those you love.
Sing Street ~ “Aiming to win the heart of the über-cool and beautiful Raphina, 14-year-old Conor forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos in 1980s Dublin.”
Another Irish musical movie that, so I’ve heard, may be coming to Broadway. It’s cute and sweet and snarky–just like fourteen-year-olds tend to be.
The post Updated: A Romance Writer’s Favorite Movies for St. Patrick’s Day first appeared on Sharon Wray.
March 12, 2025
March Book Fairs & Reading Events
March is half over, but that doesn’t mean that book fairs and events are done! Today I’ve included my charity anthology (again, because it’s for charity!), Bookfunnel promos, and another live author interview. These are great events to help you find new books and authors. There are tons of books for every type of romance reader that are guaranteed to make your Spring extra beautiful.
1Just Add Love Charity AnthologyAn Instalove Romance Anthology! Dive into a world where love ignites in the blink of an eye with “Just Add Love,” a captivating collection of contemporary romance short stories. Each tale weaves the enchanting theme of instalove, exploring the magic that happens when two hearts collide unexpectedly. From encounters in bustling city cafes to chance meetings at picturesque parks, these stories celebrate the exhilarating spark of immediate connection. Follow characters as they navigate their emotions, face their fears, and discover the transformative power of love at first sight. Perfect for readers who believe in the beauty of spontaneous romance, “Just Add Love” invites you to experience heartwarming moments, laughter, and a few delightful surprises along the way. All proceeds go to Breast Cancer Research. Oh, and this anthology includes my Kingsmill Courtships novella His Perfect Valentine.
2The Isn’t it Romantic Book Club Group Monthly LivestreamThe Isn’t It Romantic Book Club Group will be live-streaming on Thursday, March 27th at 3 pm EST while we interview our very own Diana Munoz Steward and her newest release Fatal Promises! It’ll be live-streamed on our YouTube channel and we hope you’ll join us there!
3All Romance All Kindle Unlimited Bookfunnel PromoThis collection includes sexy sci-fi romances, billionaires, fantasy, and paranormal romances, all in Kindle Unlimited.
4March Fantasies Free with KU Bookfunnel PromoThis bookfunnel promo includes Kindle Unlimited romances, including small-town, sweet romances, historical, billionaires, and other popular contemporary romance sub-genres.
5Free Paranormal & Fantasy Romance Bookfunnel PromoFree Paranormal & Fantasy Romance Bookfunnel Promo includes free romances, including fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal, urban fantasy and other popular fantasy/pnr romance sub-genres.
6Bookspry.com Free Romance GiveawayBookspry.com Free Romance Giveaway on Bookfunnel is a free romance giveaway that includes historical, fantasy, billionaires, dark romance, sci-fi, paranormal, urban fantasy and other popular romance sub-genres. There is a good mix in this collection for all romance readers, including some less-spicy novels and women’s fiction novels.
The post March Book Fairs & Reading Events first appeared on Sharon Wray.
March 11, 2025
Leprechauns or Fairies?
Since all of my relatives, dating back generations, originally came from Ireland, I grew up in a family with a strong storytelling tradition. And around this time of year, the stories inevitably turned toward the smallest members of the Tuatha De Danann, the family of Irish fairies. The word “Leprechaun” has two possible origins. The first is from the Irish word luchorpán which means small body, not too surprising since they are only 2-3 inches tall. The other possible origin word is leath brogan which means shoemaker because Leprechauns are known as the shoemakers to other fairies.
[image error]According to most legends, stories about Leprechauns appeared in the Celtic world around the 8th century. Leprechauns were known to be water fairies who lived in the streams and wells that dotted Ireland. Eventually the stories of Leprechauns merged with the idea of household fairies (who helped busy mothers with childcare and chores). Except since Leprechauns were male (there are no female leprechauns, which defies biology), the stories say that these tiny fairies would end up in cellars drinking all the whiskey. Their only redeeming virtue was that, while the family slept, they would emerge and repair all the shoes in the house.
Those Leprechauns who didn’t live in a home chose to abide near streams and wells, often in the hollows of sacred oak trees or in underground caves. As time went on, Leprechauns became associated with wealth because the Tuatha De Danann would pay Leprechauns lots of gold to fix their shoes. (Sturdy shoes were a really big deal back then!) This led to the belief that Leprechauns store their gold in pots and bury them at the end of rainbows, where only the fairy folk could travel. The end of a rainbow was one of the doorways to their home in the “Otherworld”.
As the tales of Leprechauns evolved, they became known as hard-drinking tricksters who used the gold that they didn’t need to trick humans into doing things in the “Real World”. Some storytellers believe that Leprechauns were actually the ugly children of the Tuatha De Danann who were despised because of their lack of beauty and grace. Unlike other fairies of the Tuatha De Danann, once Leprechauns were born, they were forced to live between the “Otherworld” and the “Real World”. Except their size made things difficult in the human world. So Leprechauns used their gold to get people to do things for them. They were also known as mischievous creatures who could eat an entire larder of potatoes and a barrel of whiskey in one sitting while playing fairy instruments and dancing, all of which kept the home’s inhabitants awake all night.
But if you were actually able to catch a Leprechaun (a hard feat, indeed!), the rules of the Tuatha De Danann were clear–Leprechauns would have to grant you three wishes in exchange for their release. It was considered a stroke of luck to catch a Leprechaun which led to the saying “The Luck of the Irish”. Originally, Leprechauns wore red jackets and tricorn hats. But in 1831, a writer named Samuel Lover described Leprechauns as wearing all green in his book Legends and Stories of Ireland. After the publication of Lover’s book, people associated Leprechauns with anything green, not surprising since Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle.
The legend of Leprechauns dates back over a thousand years, yet there are still sightings today. In 1989, a man named P.J. O’Hare owned a pub in Carlingford, County Louth. He claimed that he was walking by a well in the woods and heard screams. When he investigated, he found a Leprechaun who’d perished. So he brought it back to his pub and placed it on display. (Ack!). To this day, the town has an annual Leprechaun hunt to find a plastic Leprechaun that has been hidden somewhere around the town.
But it’s not just in pubs that you’ll find people who swear they’ve seen Leprechauns. Under EU law, Leprechauns are now considered a protected species. And, near the pub in Carlingford, there is a walking trail called the Sliabh Foy Loop which is officially protected as the land where 236 Leprechauns live. Somehow, a local man named Kevin Woods convinced the EU that the land should be protected and the whole area is now under the European Habitats Directive.
So this St. Patricks’ Day, listen carefully. You may hear Leprechauns tapping their cobbler hammers, playing traditional Irish music, and dancing jigs. And, if you’re so inclined to try and catch a Leprechaun, I’ve included a recipe below for one of their favorite treats: Irish Potato Candy aka Leprechaun Candy. It is neither candy nor made out of potatoes, but these sweet treats are easy to make and will fool even the most discerning of Leprechauns.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit! A happy St. Patrick’s day to you!
[image error] PrintLeprechaun CandyCourse DessertPrep Time 1 hour hourServings 32Ingredients4 ounces cream cheese softened4 Tablespoons butter softened1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract¼ teaspoon Kosher salt4 cups powdered sugar2 cups unsweetened coconut shredded1 Tablespoon ground cinnamonInstructionsIn a large bowl with a hand mixer (or the bowl of a stand mixer), mix together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy.Slowly beat in the confectioner's sugar and beat until smooth. Then mix in the shredded coconut until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Chill the dough for 20 minutes, at least.On a dinner plate, pour the cinnamon into the center. Then, using the chilled dough, make small balls of dough with an ice cream scoop or a Tablespoon. Form the balls between your hands and roll in the cinnamon until lightly coated. Set the finished balls on a lined dish or baking sheet to set. Repeat until all the dough is used up, adding more cinnamon if necessary.Serve immediately. These candies may be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for one week.The post Leprechauns or Fairies? first appeared on Sharon Wray.
March 10, 2025
Irish Myths: The Children of Lir
The Children of Lir is one of my favorite, as well as one of the most famous, tales from Irish mythology. It is a tragic and poignant legend from the Mythological Cycle of Irish folklore, which deals with the gods and mythical figures of early Ireland. The story begins in ancient Ireland with Lir (sometimes spelled Lear) who was a noble king and member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of gods and magical beings. Lir had four children whom he loved dearly: Fionnuala, the eldest daughter, and her three younger brothers, Aodh, Fiachra, and Conn. All four of Lir’s children were known for their beauty, innocence, and intelligence, and their father loved them deeply.
But then one day, Lir’s wife, Aoibh, who was a kind and loving mother to their children, died. Lir and the four children were devastated and heartbroken. But Lir, who wanted to ensure his children had a maternal figure and desperately needed to strengthen political alliances, decided to marry Aoibh’s sister, Aoife. Aiofe, like Lir and Aoibh, was also a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann and part of their royal family. At first, Aoife was kind and loved the children, who were also her niece and nephews. But then, she slowly became more and more jealous of the close bond Lir had with his kids. Aoife, who’d always been jealous of her her now-dead sister, resented the love and attention the children received from their father. Eventually, Aoife’s jealousy festered into hatred.
One day, consumed by envy, Aoife decided to rid herself of the children. She took them on a journey to their grandfather Bodb Derg’s kingdom, under the guise of visiting him. Along the way, by the shore of Lough Derravaragh, Aoife used her magical powers to cast a terrible spell on the children, transforming them into swans. But even in her cruelty, she couldn’t kill them outright. So, instead, she cursed them to live as swans for 900 years. The first 300 years they were to spend on Lough Derravaragh, the lake where she cursed them. The next 300 years were to be spent on the Sea of Moyle, a cold and treacherous strait between Ireland and Scotland. The last 300 years, they’d spend on the Isle of Inishglora, a desolate and lonely island. The horrible spell also ensured that they would retain their human minds and voices but remain in the form of swans for the duration of the curse. Aoife cruelly added that they would only be freed from the spell when they heard the sound of church bells, which would signify the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.
After transforming the children into swans, Aoife continued to her father Bodb Derg’s palace, where she was immediately confronted for the absence of the children. Unable to lie, Aoife confessed her evil deed. Bodb Derg, furious, banished Aoife and turned her into an air demon as punishment for her treachery. Meanwhile, the four swan-children remained on Lough Derravaragh. Although they were swans, their voices were as beautiful as ever, and their singing enchanted anyone who heard it. Their father, Lir, was heartbroken when he discovered what had happened to his children, but he visited them often on the lake, where they sang and spoke to him with their human voices.
After 300 years, the children were forced to move to the Sea of Moyle. This period was the hardest for them, as the sea was cold and turbulent, and they endured many storms and hardships. Yet, they survived together, comforted by their love and the sound of each other’s voices. Then, after another 300 years, the children moved to the remote Isle of Inishglora, where they lived out their final 300 years of the curse in loneliness and sadness.
But as the 900 years passed, Ireland changed, and the old ways of the Tuatha Dé Danann faded. After 900 years of exile, the children of Lir finally heard the sound of church bells ringing across the land, signaling the arrival of Christianity. A holy man named Saint Mochaomhóg found the swan-children and, recognizing their tragic story, brought them to his monastery. Upon hearing the bells, the curse was broken, and the children were transformed back into their human forms. However, 900 years had taken their toll, and they were no longer the youthful children they once were. They aged rapidly, becoming frail and old, with only moments left to live. Saint Mochaomhóg baptized them, ensuring they would be at peace in the afterlife. The children of Lir, now free of their curse, passed away, and they were buried together in a single grave, united in death after centuries of sorrow.
Today, the swans in this story are an important part of Irish mythology because of their association with transformation and deep loss. This myth is also seen as a metaphor for the fading of the old Celtic ways and the rise of Christianity in Ireland. Children of Lir remains one of the most beloved stories in Irish folklore. It is remembered in art, literature, and even music. There are even monuments and sites (like lake, statues, and wells) across Ireland to keep this legend alive for future generations. I know it’s one of the sadder fairytales I’ve discussed on this blog, but it’s one of my favorites due to its enduring themes of love, loyalty, and the power of hope.
Note: My summary is an abridge story based on a few sources: Richard Duffy’s 1883 book, “The Fate of the Children of Lir,” written in Irish and translated to English, (a revision of Eugene Curry’s 1863, “Three Most Sorrowful Tales”), Bard Mythologies and Short Kid Fairy Stories, and the Wilderness Ireland website.
The post Irish Myths: The Children of Lir first appeared on Sharon Wray.
March 6, 2025
Save the Date Cover Reveal
As usual, I’m late to the party. I won’t bore you with the details, but I recently joined this wedding-themed anthology, Save the Date, after the cover had been released and the book has been on preorder for months. But since this cover is new to me, and to my readers, I’m celebrating my cover reveal today. And I’m so excited to be a part of this anthology! All of these contemporary romances stories revolve around a wedding, and it will include a novella in my Kingsmill Courtships series. My story in this anthology, A Room with a Groom, came out in an abridged format last year but I’ve included the longer version in this anthology. This small-town romance, starring Ben Mosby and Sophie Sinclair, is about their race to the alter while being hunted by an outlaw motorcycle club. It’s filled with excitement, love, and passion with the question being, “Will Sophie and Ben get to the church on time?”. This is one of my favorite stories in this series, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I loved writing it. Although I feel like I say this with every one of my books!
Save the DateA Contemporary Wedding AnthologyThe cake is ordered, the dresses are tailored, and the guests are ready—love is in the air, and it’s time to Save the Date!
From grand celebrations to intimate elopements, Save the Date is filled with heart-warming and swoon-worthy tales of love found, lost, and rediscovered on the road to happily ever after. Perfect for readers who believe in the magic of love and the romance of weddings, this anthology is your invitation to fall in love, one story at a time.
This book releases on June 18, 2025.
Authors include:
Carrie DiRisio
Deaia Sanders
VK Holt
Michelle Moncrieff
Melinda Pine
Chele MacCabe
Gabbi Grey
Sharon Michalove
Laura M. Baird
Susan Horsnell
Freyja Frost
Clarice Jayne
Annee Jones
Kathleen Ryder
Kristine Charles
Ebony Snow
Juliet Martini
Alexa Santi
MacKade
JCC Downing
Anna Klein
Harper Michaels
Sharon Wray
Preorder Now!The post Save the Date Cover Reveal first appeared on Sharon Wray.
March 5, 2025
Ashes to Ashes
Today is Ash Wednesday which marks the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer and fasting that ends on Easter Sunday. For those of you not familiar with this custom, I thought I’d write a short (well, short for me!) post on what this all means. Especially if you see people walking around with a thumbprint of ashes on the forehead and wonder what’s going on. 
Ash Wednesday is observed by many Western Christian denominations, including Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and some Protestant churches. The practice of observing this day dates back to at least the 8th century. Although many historians suspect it dates back even earlier. In the early Christian church, public penitents would begin their penance on this day by wearing sackcloth and being sprinkled with ashes as a symbol of their repentance. Over time, this ritual became more widely adopted as a way for all Christians to recognize their sinfulness and mortality.
The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are traditionally made by burning the palm branches from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. These ashes are then blessed by a priest and used to mark the sign of the cross on the foreheads of the faithful. The ashes represent repentance and come from bible stories where people cover themselves in ashes as an outward sign of their sorrow for sin. For example, in the Book of Jonah, the people of Nineveh repented in sackcloth and ashes (Jonah 3:6). Ashes also remind Christians of their mortality, with the words often spoken as they are applied: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). This phrase reminds believers of their eventual death and their dependence on God’s mercy and grace.
Ash Wednesday is intended to be a time of self-reflection, humility, and preparation for the Lenten season. By receiving ashes, Christians are reminded of the need for inner transformation, the importance of repentance, and the hope for spiritual renewal in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. Whether or not you participate, I hope you have a wonderful early Spring and enjoy these last days of winter.
The post Ashes to Ashes first appeared on Sharon Wray.
