Eliza Knight's Blog, page 52

Castle of the Week: Dunrobin Castle (and a bit of Scottish setting)

This week's castle is Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands of Scotland, and happens to be the major setting for my latest release,  The Highlander's Reward (the first in a series of novels, centering around the Sutherland clan). Dunrobin is located in Sutherland (the name of my hero—Laird Magnus Sutherland), on the east coast of Scotland.
The castle as it sits now was completely rebuilt in the mid 1800's by the same architect who worked on the Palace of Westminster. They did retain the 14th century tower as well as the 17th and 18th century extensions. You'll see the castle now looks very palatial and reminds me of fairy tales with its tall spires and circular towers. Originally it was a stronghold--a fortified square keep with walls that were 6-feet thick, with vaulted ceilings and thin windows. The keep is surrounded by a curtain wall and within the bailey are several outbuildings. The name Dunrobin mean’s Robin’s Hill (or fort) which is what it was built for, and possibly named after the first earl to hold the stronghold. (The earldom was created in 1235. For creative purposes, I have tweaked this date in my family saga…)
When my story begins in the late 13th century, I chose to have the castle under construction. They are rebuilding towers and soon will have a stone keep as it does appear there was most likely a wooden keep on location prior to the stone keep being built. My Sutherlands are a growing clan, recently having become powerful and wealthy, they continue their upward climb.
Dunrobin sits on a cliff top overlooking the Moray Firth which leads into the North Sea. Truly a beautiful place. Modeled after the gardens at the Palace of Versailles, Dunrobin has a magical garden of its own. Although the current garden was designed 150 years ago, I chose to have a garden in my book as well, however my garden is filled with vegetables, herbs and fruit. In fact, my heroine, Lady Arbella is keen on seeing this garden grow and adds a list of new plants.
Dunrobin Castle is an extremely popular tourist site and recently was awarded with a tourism Oscar. If you visit the castle, not only can you explore the castles and its gorgeous grounds, but there is a museum there as well with an amazing private collection. The castle also is well known for its Falconry displays.
I look forward to further explorations of the Sutherland lands and surrounding areas with subsequent books in my Stolen Bride series.
Here are some pics of the current castle (the castle on my book cover is what I imagine my setting to be) as well as some pictures to give you a feel for the setting in my novel.
Dunrobin Castle Image of the castle before the renovations.
The gardens overlooking the sea at Dunrobin.
One of many beautiful beaches in Sutherland. Ben Hope is a mountain in the Western lands of Sutherland (my story takes place in the eastern lands) Scottish heather moorlands. 
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She belonged to another… But was destined to be his…
Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she arrives in Stirling, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Besieged by rebels, she is whisked from her horse by a Highland warrior who promises her safety. But when he kisses her she fears she's more in danger of losing herself.
The last thing Magnus Sutherland wants is to marry the beautiful English lass he saved. As the laird of his clan, he has a responsibility to his clan and allies. But when Arbella is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to make her his. A decision that promises to be extremely satisfying.
Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands. And that’s where the trouble begins… Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who've been scorned are out for revenge. Can their new found love keep them together or will their enemies tear them apart?
“Eliza Knight has crafted a wonderfully entertaining, emotional and sensual read. I loved the sizzling romance and the exciting adventures. Magnus, the hot Highland hero, stole my heart just as he did Arbella’s.” Vonda Sinclair, Award-Winning author of Scottish romance
Buy Links:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords
Read Chapter One in its entirety
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Eliza Knight is the multi-published author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor. Visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog History Undressed: www.historyundressed.comTwitter:@ElizaKnight and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor

Ancient Egyptians at Home by Jean Drew

Welcome to today's guest blogger, fellow Hearts Through History chaptermate and author, Jean Drew! She's bringing a taste of Egypt of our blog today. Enjoy!


THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS AT HOMEby Jean Drew
There are many fallacies people of our time believe about ancient Egypt and I want to put that right.
They were preoccupied with death. 
Quite the opposite — they were preoccupied with life. If anyone believed in life after death, it was the Egyptians. They loved life so much that they wanted to recreate their current life in the hereafter. This is why scenes of their life were painted on tomb walls — so the gods would know the kind of life they wanted to carry on. It was also why their drawings of people looked off balance, (square shoulders). They were letting the gods know they had two arms in this life so they would have two in the next.
They were a pretty sombre lot.
No one loved a celebration like the Egyptians. Almost every day of the year was celebrating one festival or another. That meant copious amounts of beer and wine, not to mention food.
Incomplete calendar of ancient Egyptian festivalshttp://www.angelfire.com/realm3/shado...
Women were kept in their place.Not in ancient Egypt. If ever there was a place in the ancient world to be born a woman, it was ancient Egypt. Egyptian women had a free life, compared to her contemporaries in other lands. She could have power and position if she was in the right class. She could hold down a job, or be a mother if she chose. She could live alone and run her own business. She could buy and sell property. She followed the latest fashions and learned to write if she wanted to. She loved and laughed and ate and drank. She partied and got sick. She helped her husband, she ran her household. Ancient Egyptian women had hopes and dreams of her own, not too much different from today's woman. She married for love and was entitled to a generous settlement should a divorce occur. It was only after various invasions—Persians, Greeks, Romans— that Egyptian women lost all claims to independence.
Their cities were built by slaves.Perhaps the biggest fallacy of them all.  I mean, what do you think the average Egyptian did for a crust while “slaves” were doing all the work? Sure the Egyptians had slaves, but not as many as we have been led to believe. Their cities were built by Egyptians, many of whom were conscripted into pharaoh’s service from outlying farms and villages. Many workers were also farmers, who, during the months when the Nile was in flood (the inundation), signed on to help so they could feed their families. They were very protective of their religion and its symbols, so no other religion would have been allowed to mess with theirs. And have you ever heard of slaves going on strike? One group of tomb workers did just that. They sat down on the job until pharaoh sent their wages—bread, eye paint and garlic.
As for me, I’m besotted with ancient Egypt and have several books on the subject, not to mention Internet references, right down to Egyptian plumbing.
Caption:  Egyptian revellers at the Festival of Opet.
Caption:  Statue of Raherka and Meresankh, in  a loving pose.
AUTHOR BIO: Jean has been a member of Hearts Through History for several years. Writing as Jean Adams she wrote ETERNAL HEARTS, a time-travel, set in ancient Egypt available on Kindle or paperback, or through Highland Press. She is currently working on an historical trilogy set during the reigns of three different pharaohs. Visit her at: http://www.jeandrew.co.nz/
ETERNAL HEARTS available from Highland Press.
She found the love of her life 3000 years too late.When Alexandra Kelly returns a broadcollar to Egypt, she is swept through a time portal on a breathtaking yet terrifying journey to a land of majesty and splendour, the land of pharaohs.Death is Lord Khafra's fate if he embarks upon his dangerous quest. Can Alex's arrival save him from his date with a lonely, fiery death?Together they find love and face terrible danger and hardship but the sexy charioteer could make any woman believe the gods were smiling on her.At the next full moon Alex must return to the 21st century, where Khafra has been dead for several millennia.
BUY LINKS: Amazon / B&N

The Highlander's Reward has released!!!

THE HIGHLANDER'S REWARDby Eliza Knight
Book One in the Stolen Bride Series
Now Available!
She belonged to another… But was destined to be his…
Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she arrives in Stirling, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Besieged by rebels, she is whisked from her horse by a Highland warrior who promises her safety. But when he kisses her she fears she's more in danger of losing herself.
The last thing Magnus Sutherland wants is to marry the beautiful English lass he saved. As the laird of his clan, he has a responsibility to his clan and allies. But when Arbella is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to make her his. A decision that promises to be extremely satisfying.
Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands. And that’s where the trouble begins… Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who've been scorned are out for revenge. Can their new found love keep them together or will their enemies tear them apart?



“Eliza Knight has crafted a wonderfully entertaining, emotional and sensual read. I loved the sizzling romance and the exciting adventures. Magnus, the hot Highland hero, stole my heart just as he did Arbella’s.” Vonda Sinclair, Award-Winning author of Scottish romance
Excerpt:
Chapter One
September, 1297Northern EnglandArbella de Mowbray contemplated running away. The forest was conveniently to her left and still thick with leaves. Perhaps she could join a ring of outlaws hidden within the imposing foliage.She shifted restlessly on her mare, arranging her skirts first one way and then another. The horse responded with an annoyed snort. If only she weren’t with a dozen guards and her father.“Oh, hush, Bitsy,” she scoffed. The animal had no idea what was at stake here.Anything would be better than permanently leaving England—and for Scotland! The land of heathens, barbarians… Oh, the horrors she’d heard went on there! The men ate their young. The warriors kept the bones of their victims tied to their beards. The horses were trained to sniff out an English lady and trample her to death. The women were witches. The children ran naked, even in the dead of winter. And the winters, how could she forget? No person of truly English blood could survive one.She was glad that her maid Glenda had told her all she needed to know of Scotland. Although she could have done without the woman’s tears and fainting when Arbella asked her to join her on the journey. As a result, her old maid was not with her—in fact none of the female servants at Mowbray Manor would accompany her. She was alone, without help. Not that she needed help, but it would have been nice when she arrived in a foreign country to have someone with her from home. And while her father promised her husband would provide a maid, that maid would be Scots.She would die before the new year—either from frostbite or at the hands of the dreaded Scots.Now granted, her father said she would be marrying an English baron, but that mattered little. They would still reside in Scotland. And no doubt her baron husband would be just as brutal, if not more so, than the savages she’d heard tales of. Indeed, he would have to be if he kept them all tightly reined in. She knew little of her intended. Never met the man. Never heard any stories. He was a mystery. She discounted the things her father told her. He only honeyed the character of Marmaduke Stewart, hoping to sweeten the horror of her upcoming nuptials.Arbella shivered, and rubbed her cloak-covered arms, contemplating the forest along the edge of the road. Late in the afternoon, the sun was hidden behind the trees making the road to Scotland chilly. A slight breeze blew, wrenching her hood from her head and pulling a few strands of hair from her tight chignon. Arbella tucked the hair back into the knot and pulled her hood over her ears. She hated the cold. Death might take her before the week was out. She’d no doubt shiver like mad in her new bed since the Scots abhorred warming their homes by fire. Another fact from Glenda. One thing was certain—she didn’t want to die anytime soon.Click here to read all of Chapter OneBuy Links:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords

The Only Living Man With a Hole in His Head by Todd Colby Pliss

Recently, Todd Colby Pliss' novel, The Only Living Man With a Hole in His Head, released. It is the story of Phineas Gage. I can't wait to read it! Beyond that, I asked Mr. Pliss the following question...
What would you like people to know about Phineas Gage?
Phineas was a hard working, well liked railroad foreman before the accident. This was in an era when many of the ones not well-regarded were lynched. He was aware of changes in him due to the accident and as much as he knew he “wasn't right in the mind” after his injury, he simply couldn't control his actions and behavior. He wanted his injury to benefit other people and for this reason, agreed to Dr. Harlow's request that he be examined by the medical community. He would be amazed that people are still referring to him today.


Book Information

Summary:One man. One Tamping Iron. One medical marvel.
Based on a true story, “The Only Living Man With A Hole in His Head” tells the tale of railroad foreman Phineas Gage, whom in 1848, had a three-foot long, inch-and-a-half in diameter, thirteen pound iron rod blast though his skull, taking out part of his brain, and the doctor who treated him and valiantly fought the medical establishment to prove the authenticity and merit of the case as Phineas Gage entered a journey into changed personality, the P.T. Barnum freak show and driving stage coaches in South America. It ended with medical science forever changed.
Goodreads link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12398460-the-only-living-man-with-a-hole-in-his-head
Purchase on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Only-Living-With-Hole-Head/dp/0983868174/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1341853526&sr=8-7&keywords=the+only+living+man
Purchase on Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-only-living-man-with-a-hole-in-his-head-todd-colby-pliss/1108347887
Author Site: http://www.toddplissnovelist.blogspot.com/

Featured Author: Her Wild Texas Heart by Elysa Hendricks

MEET ELYSA HENDRICKS...

Elysa Hendricks is 5'6" tall. She has brown eyes and curly hair. She's an author, a wife, a mother and a daughter. Everything else is subject to change without notice. Oh, and she loves hearing from readers and other authors. You can reach through herWebsite or Facebook page.
About the Book...
In a lawless west Texas border town, a woman has two choices: death or dishonor. Doctor's apprentice and former Comanche slave, KC O'Connor finds a third--she buries her femininity and longing for love beneath a boyish disguise. But the arrival of an injured greenhorn shatters the shell around her hidden heart.
Read an excerpt...
Peaceful, Texas 1870
The smoke filled air of the cantina made Christopher Goodwin's eyes burn. His growing sense of unease prompted him to try the questionable liquid forced on him by his unwelcome companions. Reluctantly, he finished the whiskey in his glass and grimaced in distaste as the rotgut seared a path to his belly.
"Gentlemen, please, as you can see I've nothing left with which to wager. Perhaps we can call it an evening. I, for one, have to rise early tomorrow to proceed on my journey." Christopher kept his voice steady, but couldn't stop the slight tremor of his hands as he stood.
He glanced from the men surrounding him to the unsavory group's leader, Rico. The man's beady eyes stared back. Rico's short, fat form reminded Christopher of a well-fed rat.
The men grumbled. The sound made Christopher think of a pack of wild dogs closing in for a kill. Apparently, winning all his money wasn't enough to satisfy this group. Fear gripped Christopher. Fear, not for himself, but for Christina sleeping in the room above the cantina. Only he stood between her and this pack of animals masquerading as men.
Rico grabbed Christopher's arm. "No, my gringo friend. You must stay. Sí? Drink with us. Miguel, get our friend a drink."
Reviews for HER WILD TEXAS HEART
"HER WILD TEXAS HEART (previously published as Rawhide Surrender) is a romantic tale that takes you into the untamed Wild West, with characters that are brought vividly to life in the descriptive narrative. All of the characters come across as believable in their actions for this time period. There are several side plots that blend smoothly in with the main plot. HER WILD TEXAS HEART is an adventurous story with light and dark moments. I found it an entertaining read. With every page I turned I became more involved in the story. If you are a lover of Western Historicals I am sure you will find this an enjoyable read."~ Carol Durfee, Romance Communications
"HER WILD TEXAS HEART (previously published as Rawhide Surrender) is an engrossing book set in the Old West. I was soon caught up in this story of strong characters - KC fighting her past and Christopher fighting his present. Some of the details were explicit, more than I needed to know, but didn't detract overall. For lovers of romantic westerns, this is a must-read." 4-1/2 Stars!~ Scribes World Reviews
"HER WILD TEXAS HEART (previously published as Rawhide Surrender) gallops into our imagination and lassos our affection for two strong characters and their gritty new love. This book's a lusty silver." ~ Bridges Romance Magazine
BUY LINKS:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Horrible Histories Game Day!!!

We love games, really anything that has to do with fun and history and humor! So today's game day is from the Horrible Histories website.

Follow this link to play any of the following games: Knight Invaders; Chop and Drop; Putrid Pirate Battleships; Mummy Madness; Chops Away; Tomb of Terror; Powder Monkey Peril; The Rat Runs

Apologies in advance for the hours you may spend playing :-)

Enjoy!
Eliza

Thursday Video: Horrible Histories -- Royal Messenger

LOVE my Tudor videos.... And this one is AWESOME! Enjoy :)

Happy 4th of July U.S.A.!!! A short historical video...

On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and in the U.S. we celebrate our independence every year. Here is a short video around the history of the declaration produced by the History Channel.

Historical Game Day!

Today we are going to suck away your time with these fun games we found at History.com :-)

Expedition: "Balance risks and rewards to see how long you can survive the treacherous journey. Beware—any step could be your last."


Ultimate History Quiz

Warriors: "How do you stack up against history's most legendary warriors? Watch out: As your skills improve, so will your enemies' resolve."


Enjoy!!!
Eliza

Video of the Week: Horrible Histories -- Love You to Death

This is hilarious!!! Had me rolling. Favorite line: "I don't blame you."

Enjoy!




P.S. We are on vaca this week, so enjoy videos and other time-sucking posts ALL WEEK!!!