Anastasia Abboud's Blog, page 9

Medieval Monday Week 7 with Cathy MacRae

Will the theft of the wrong ship land her in a hangman’s noose? Or a Highlander’s arms? Another wonderful Medieval Monday! It's Week 7 of "First Kiss", and I'm excited to feature The Highlanders Pirate Bride by Cathy and DD MacRae. I absolutely love the main characters and all of the high seas action, and the romance is delicious!

For more amazing authors and snippets, be sure to check out Medieval Romance Lovers on FB. We can also be found on Twitter, #MedMonSpring21.

For this week's snippet from Tremors, visit Cathy's blog, Bits 'n Bobs.

Now for the snippet: 
She reined in her thoughts before they became full panic. He asked for a kiss, not a tupping on her da’s desk. Inhaling a slow breath, she composed herself and gave a nod.
​
“Preparing for battle, eh?” Pedr shook his head. “I’ll nae storm yer decks, cutlass in hand. I’ll nae be that sort of husband. Ye have my word. I’ve a different sort of wooing in mind.”

About the book: 
As the pirate The Black MacNeill, Rona MacNeill has stolen more than one English ship to keep her clan from starving. With Yule only days away, will the theft of the wrong ship land her in a hangman’s noose? Or the arms of a Highlander?

Rona MacNeill has done everything she can to help her small, impoverished clan—except marry for money. Her luck seems to lie in stealing ships, not attracting suitors. Only days before Yule, she seeks one last ship with stores to keep her people fed over the long, harsh winter. Too bad her luck has run out.

Pedr MacLean is happy to be the younger (by three minutes) son of Baron MacLean. His days are filled with running the family’s shipping business and sailing the world. His heart belongs to the sea—or so he thinks, until one of his ships is stolen, and the woman responsible turns his world upside down.

Drawn to Rona’s strength and love of the sea, Pedr will agree to her father’s demand—information on the whereabouts of his ship in exchange for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Will Rona find herself caught between a marriage of convenience and a hangman’s noose? Or will she discover something far more compelling?

The Highlander’s Pirate Bride is the swash-buckling seventh addition to the Hardy Heroines series. If you like pirates, rags-to-riches, and swoon-worthy Highlanders, you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s newest high-seas romance.  

​Availabe at Amazon.

If you missed last week's snippet from The Highlander's Pirate Bride, visit Barbara Bettis' blog.

Follow along next week on Ruth Casie's blog.

This and that... and this...

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

I am so ridiculously distracted. Our house and garden (= our home) are in shambles at the moment. We were already looking at a lot of garden renovation, but since the deep freeze and subsequent house damage, it’s a whole new ballgame. It’s okay, too. It’s just… even if I wasn’t a list maker, which I am, I would be making, arranging, and rearranging all sorts of lists! Also, I need to up my shopping game pronto! In my case, that pretty much means starting right above basic necessities.

I am finally beginning to comprehend that if you avoid shopping as much as possible, you really will never know what’s out there – and sometimes, you should know. Aaaagh.

So… what first? Plan? Research? Shop? I wonder if I can find articles on how to begin?

Begin which?

Garden plans, floor tiles, light fixtures, paint… closet. Closet! Our closet will be “torn asunder” – floors, walls, ceiling, shelving. How do I want it set up? I say “I” because, really, it might be the last thing on Joseph’s mind right now. But I love the possibilities and up till now, I only know of a few.  We have simple tastes, but I would hope to maximize every inch of space. Pinterest, here I come! 

The fact that our garden needs major work, especially now that it’s clear that some of the plants won’t return, is both exciting and alarming. I suppose that if we drag it on through mid-summer, it will be okay. No matter what, for the first time in many years, we won’t be able to host Easter at our house.

Today’s weather has mirrored my state of mind. Early on, it was blah – damp, humid, muggy. Then the sky grew dark and eventually broke in a torrent. Now, midafternoon, it’s sunny and cool! I’m going out to the garden. I’ll work for a couple of hours. I might even take a glass of wine with me. Or a Guinness. Now, that makes sense, doesn't it? Cheers!

You can expect garden photos! I might post closet photos one day, but nothing’s happened yet. It will be a while.

I might fret and fume at times, but in my heart, I am grateful. I hope I am very grateful always.

St. Patrick's Day 2021

I just love this stained glass image of Saint Patrick from Saint Patrick Church, Junction City, Ohio. The colors are so vivid and the saint looks so determined! St. Patrick lived a long time ago, in the fifth century. Myths and legends about him abound, but some of his writings have survived as well, and there are some beautiful poems attributed to him.

It is generally accepted that he was a missionary, that he converted Ireland from paganism to Christianity. I like to focus on this aspect of his life. Being a missionary could not have been easy. He would have had to be extraordinarily unselfish. 

Can we do that? Dedicate our lives to our missions? And what would those missions be? 

Of course, a little celebrating can do wonders! In Dublin, the Saint Patrick Festival has created a wonderful online event with days of videos portraying Irish food, music, and history. On St. Patrick's Day, 11:25 GMT, Pat Liddy will be tour guide In the Footsteps of Saint Patrick.  I recommend the website. It's amazing!

Have a wonderful Saint Patrick's Day!

Medieval Monday Week 6 With Sophia Nye

A murder, a mix-up, and a midnight missive make for one unforgettable Highland romance…​

Welcome to Medieval Monday Week 6! Our theme is "First Kiss" and I'm proud to host author Sophia Nye. I just started reading the featured book A Highland Autumn from her Seasons of Scotland series. I absolutely love it. There is not a dull nanosecond -- things are hopping from the start -- and the characters are wonderful.

For more First Kiss snippets, be sure to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on FB! We can also be found on Twitter, #MedMonSpring21.

For this week's snippet of Tremors, stop by Sophia's blog. 

Now for the snippet: 

“I’m terribly sorry to intrude,” she apologized. The solar was reserved for the use of the family. Only invited guests were typically allowed entry. Her blunder was clearly making her uncomfortable.
Ronan approached her, noticing for the first time that she carried a small ceramic jar. Adelina saw him inspecting it, and quickly offered an explanation.

About the book:

When a fiery, red-haired Englishwoman falls for the laird’s charming, off-limits son, their passion ignites a fire that threatens to engulf the clan.
 
Ronan Calder, eldest son of Clan Calder's laird, is going to stay as far away from marriage as he can get. After losing his mother and beloved sister during childbirth, Ronan knows there is no way he could ever inflict such a fate upon any woman. Things get a little complicated when he meets the enchanting new scholar and mistakes her for his future bride. 
 
Adelina Matheson has every intention of becoming the first female scholar at Oxford, and the quick wit to prove it. The only thing she's missing is permission to attend lectures. When the masters challenge Adelina to serve as advisor to a Highland laird in exchange for entry, she is left with little choice. She agrees to the challenge - surely she can manage such a simple task to prove herself.
 
Except that once Adelina arrives at Calder Keep, she realizes that nothing about her task is simple. She must battle her alarming attraction to the laird's handsome son while enduring the laird’s beastly temper. The only other Englishwoman is also her competition for Ronan's affection, and the entire clan is under threat of attack at the upcoming Samhain celebration. Can Ronan and Adelina put aside their personal troubles and save Clan Calder, or will they doom the entire clan?

See last week’s snippet on Bambi Lynn’s blog: www.bambilynnblog.wordpress.com

Follow along next week on Daryl Devore’s blog: https://daryldevore.blogspot.com

Medieval Monday Week 5 with Barbara Bettis

He must pursue his enemy; she must protect her people. Can their love survive the duties that drive them apart?
Welcome to Medieval Monday Week Five! This season's theme is "First Kiss" and I'm delighted to host author Barbara Bettis, who writes deliciously medieval romance. The Lady of the Forest is from her Knights of Destiny series. I absolutely love this story -- the feeling of being deep in a medieval forest with beautiful characters who are endearing from the start. 

For more amazing medieval romance, be sure to visit Medieval Romance Lovers on FB! We can also be found on Twitter, #MedMonSpring21.

About this book:

When her elderly husband dies, Lady Katherine fakes her own death and disappears into the forest with others escaping the brutish new lord. Determined to protect her people, she knocks the wrong man senseless. But Lord Henry isn’t an enemy, he’s the brother of her childhood friend. Although his tender confidence tempts her, she’s bound by duty.

Henry of Chauvere has found the one lady he wants for his own, never mind she’s tied him hand and foot. When he learns the king has ordered her to wed Stonehill’s ruthless new master, he insists Kate seek haven with his sister. But she won’t desert her friends. Henry vows to solve her problem, provided he catches a traitor before the threat from Kate's past catches her.

When a daring rescue compels Henry and Kate to join forces, their attraction grows into love. If only duty didn’t drive them apart.

And now for the romantic snippet!

What had led Lady Katherine of Glenmore Manor to become his lady of the forest?
“How is it Sir Mortimer believed you had died?”

She tensed and made to straighten.  His hands gently curled around her upper arms.

 “Never mind. We needn’t speak of it,” he said. “Rest now. Today has been a trial. I can think of no other woman who could have done what you have.”

Kate angled around as if to speak, the movement bringing her closer. So close, her warm breath traced along his cheek, a tantalizing taunt of want and need and shouldn’t-have. His skin itched and his lips tingled. Light from a particularly bright star reflected in her eyes. Surely it wasn’t tears. 

Available at Amazon. 

For last week's snippet from The Lady of the Forest, visit Mary Morgan's Tavern.

Follow along next week at Cathy MacRae's blog!

For this week's snippet from Tremors,  see Barbara's post. 

Medieval Monday Week 4 with Bambi Lynn

​ Duty is the essence of manhood. Welcome to Week 4 of Medieval Monday! I am delighted to host Bambi Lynn this week. I'm in the middle of reading her medieval romance, A Knight in Rusted Armor. It's sexy, action-packed, and the characters are wonderful.

For more medieval romance, be sure to check out Medieval Romance Lovers on FB! We're also on Twitter. #MedMonSpring21

About the book:

Allys Stone would risk repute as a ruined woman to gain control of her life. Thorin Svenson would battle the most skilled knights in the realm to win her. Theirs is a love story of fairy tales and wild passion, a battle of wills as well as brawn.

Allys wants to choose her own husband, one who loves life and laughter as much as she does. One who considers her a partner instead of a possession. She has never had any choice but to live by her father’s decisions, and now he’s offering her as grand prize in a tournament.

Thorin must win the hand of a nobleman’s daughter to regain the wealth and position of his family. Consumed by guilt, he will risk his very life to win. Not even her attempts to sabotage his victory will get in his way.

And now for the snippet!

He removed his own helmet and looked up at her. “You favor this coward?” He pulled himself up onto the edge of the dais, holding on the rail and balancing precariously before her. Without a word, he tossed the scarf at her feet. 

The Frenchman pulled her from the edge and led her away.

​BUY LINK: 
Amazon

For last week's snippet from A Knight in Rusted Armor, check out Jenna Jaxon's blog.

Next up, Sophia Nye!

For this week's snippet from Tremors, be sure to visit Bambi Lynn's blog!

Book Review: The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey

For the Buzzwordathon challenge this month, I chose to read The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey. It's good -- passionate and well-written, a bittersweet fictional account of one woman's struggles as her beloved Ireland fractures and her family falls apart. I found the story to be heavy and painful at times, but also realistic and not without hope. If you are interested in the history of Northern Ireland, you should definitely give it a try.

Book Review: Jodi Picoult's small great things

Astonishing book, amazing narration. There are surprises through to the end. Trust Jodi Picoult to tell a great story! Five stars!

Medieval Monday Week 3 with Mary Morgan

The Wolf surrenders to no one. Welcome to Medieval Monday, Week 3! The theme for #MedMonSpring21 is "First Kiss" and I am excited to be hosting Mary Morgan! She's sharing a snippet from Magnar, which I have already read, loved, and reviewed. This is a first kiss you won't want to miss!

For more medieval romance, check out Medieval Romance Lovers on FB!

Enjoy the snippet!  
 
Elspeth lifted her head as a long tear trickled down her cheek. “Then there is hope?”

“Aye. You shall marry me. The king desires this union.”

Her mouth dropped open as she gaped at him like a forlorn fish. Quickly snapping it shut, she struggled to be free from his hold. “Nae!”


About the Book:

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

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

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

Buy Links:
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | APPLE BOOKS | KOBO

Last week’s snippet on Ashley’s York’s blog: https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/blog-old

Follow along next week on Barbara Bettis’ blog: http://www.barbarabettis.com/index.php/blog/

​For another peek at Tremors, be sure to visit Mary's Tavern.

Up Close and Personal

It doesn't look so bad, I know, but it’s been a little bit rough here in Texas the past few days.

t’s crazy, really, how I had allowed myself to be lulled into a false sense of security – unusual for me where the garden is concerned. I’ve gardened in Texas for many years now, and I’m familiar with the uncertainty and extremes of our weather.
 
It was feeling like spring. I had been consumed with ambition and worry over our spring garden – whether we would be able to rebuild or reinforce some of the planter boxes by Easter, what needed to be moved, pulled, sown…  I had pretty much started to fret. And then a historic winter freeze put things back into perspective.
 
Like so very many across the state, we lost power for days and then running water because of the deep freeze. Our pipes busted, drenching our main living areas with the notable exception of the kitchen.
 
And yet our loved ones – our family, our friends – were with us, supporting us through it all. Those who had generators – or power – provided sanctuary. They not only insisted; they hosted multiple families. My brother-in-law and sister-in-heart and their sons made it feel like a beautiful family party at their house – for days. Our (grown) children and their friends helped us move furniture and clothing out of the damaged areas. It was cold, literally freezing, and still they worked. My brother was here instantly, offering shelter, providing food, and contacting a contractor when we hardly could think. It was very cold (in the teens) and raining inside our house.
 
Love and care and help and hugs – we didn’t have to seek those necessities any more than warm beds and food. And our dear ones have stayed with us, checking us, sharing updates, and food so that we don’t have to worry about it as we try to organize our chaos.
 
Thank you, God, for these dear ones, for everything.
 
The contractor showed up with plumbers almost immediately, as if by magic. She wants to help as many as she can, to get water running in as many homes as possible, and take care of restoration after. As much as possible, she doesn’t want anyone who comes to her waiting for water. Some people are on a two-week waiting list. That’s scary, isn’t it?
 
We are so grateful to have running water again as well as electricity. The temps will dip into the 20s again tonight, so we’re beyond glad that the house is warm.
 
We are blessed to have these loving people in our lives. I know that Valentine’s Day was last weekend, but I recommend extra hugs to your loved ones, those precious blessings, today, yes, and as often as you can.

Take no one and nothing for granted.
 
And the garden? I won’t say “what garden”. I have not forgotten it. But it's stronger and better than I gave it credit for. It can take care of itself for a while.
 
Wishing all a great weekend.
​