Cathy MacRae's Blog, page 3
November 22, 2020
Medieval Monday, Fall 2020 - week #10
Medieval Monday
week #10
Welcome back to Medieval Monday where Phillipe and Balgair have let off more than a little steam. Be sure and check out the continuing snippets from the other Medieval Monday authors here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14013...
The adventure continues . . .. Snippet:
His fists scuffed and bruised, and his purse a few bits of silver lighter to help pay for damages to the inn, Phillipe leaned over the rail and inhaled the salty sea air. Gulls, their black heads a stark contrast to their white bodies and brilliant orange beaks, waddled unconcernedly among the people on the dock, pecking at anything that might prove to fill their bellies.
Balgair stood next to him. The big man stretched his arms into the air then winced and rubbed his left shoulder.
“That last laddie got in a lucky punch,” he grumbled. He glanced at Phillipe with a grin, giving no further heed to his injury. “We make a fine pair, aye? Held ’em off six to one!”
* * *
Blurb:
The Prince's Highland Bride
by Cathy & DD MacRae
He gave up his crown. She found her freedom. With pain in their past, can they claim a bright future together?
The Holy Land, 1224. Ousted Armenian king Phillipe de Poitiers is paying the price for breaking his moral code of honor. Surviving a savage coup, he’s forced to flee wrongful execution by selling his sword and chasing fond memories of his foster family to Scotland. But the former prince of Antioch finds a chance of redemption when he meets a beautiful woman who he suspects shares an equally painful history.
Maggie MacLaren refuses to be betrayed again. After she‘s discarded by her husband when she doesn’t produce a child, she seizes control of her life. But when she travels to her only remaining home off the bleak western Scottish coast, she’s struck by her handsome guard’s chivalry.
Drawn to the rejected woman’s strength and spirit, Phillipe protects her as fiercely as he once did his subjects. But Maggie’s discovery that her remote isle hides a huge pile of pirate treasure could cut apart their growing love with one thrust of a thieving dagger.
Can two wounded souls leave their troubles behind and fill their hearts with riches?
The Prince's Highland Bride is the absorbing sixth standalone book in the Hardy Heroines historical romance series. If you like royal stakes, stories inspired by true events, and rugged settings, then you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s heartwarming tale.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
Or read for free in KU!
November 15, 2020
Medieval Monday -- week 9
Medieval Monday
week #9
Only a handful of weeks left in this round of Medieval Monday! I'm so glad you're here. Don't forget to follow the other authors as they post links to their snippets here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14013...
A fight has errupted at the inn! Will Phillipe be able to walk away? What does he have to lose? Snippet:
Phillipe rose, having no intention of joining the squabble. A man staggered against him, nearly sending Phillipe to his knees. He caught the edge of the table and straightened. Someone jumped him from behind, wrapping an arm about his throat. Phillipe ducked and stepped to the side, bringing the man partially over his shoulder. Staying low, he took a quick step backward then reached behind his assailant and grabbed his knees. With a forward pull, he swept the man off his feet and dropped him to the ground, following him to the floor with a knee in his chest. The man’s head thumped against the stone like a ripe melon and his eyes rolled back in his head.
“Och, aye!” Balgair shouted, shooting his fist into the air with approval. “Ye’ll do, laddie!”
Phillipe met Balgair’s gaze, the fierce surge of battle singing in his veins. With a reckless grin, he rose and Balgair at his back, dove into the fray.
* * *
Blurb:
The Prince's Highland Bride
by Cathy & DD MacRae
He gave up his crown. She found her freedom. With pain in their past, can they claim a bright future together?
The Holy Land, 1224. Ousted Armenian king Phillipe de Poitiers is paying the price for breaking his moral code of honor. Surviving a savage coup, he’s forced to flee wrongful execution by selling his sword and chasing fond memories of his foster family to Scotland. But the former prince of Antioch finds a chance of redemption when he meets a beautiful woman who he suspects shares an equally painful history.
Maggie MacLaren refuses to be betrayed again. After she‘s discarded by her husband when she doesn’t produce a child, she seizes control of her life. But when she travels to her only remaining home off the bleak western Scottish coast, she’s struck by her handsome guard’s chivalry.
Drawn to the rejected woman’s strength and spirit, Phillipe protects her as fiercely as he once did his subjects. But Maggie’s discovery that her remote isle hides a huge pile of pirate treasure could cut apart their growing love with one thrust of a thieving dagger.
Can two wounded souls leave their troubles behind and fill their hearts with riches?
The Prince's Highland Bride is the absorbing sixth standalone book in the Hardy Heroines historical romance series. If you like royal stakes, stories inspired by true events, and rugged settings, then you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s heartwarming tale.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
Or read for free in KU!
November 8, 2020
Medieval Monday -- week 8
Medieval Monday
week #8
Welcome back to Medieval Monday! There's a lot going on with the snippets, so be sure and check out the other authors here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14013...
A new friend, warm sea breezes, and the best food Malagar has to offer. What could possibly go wrong? Snippet:
Raised, angry voices erupted two tables away. The floor cleared around two men as if by magic, benches scraping the wooden floor. Pottery tumbled, spilling food and ale. Fists flew, landing with meaty thuds. Phillipe’s glance slid to Balgair. A broad grin split the man’s face.
“A fight!”
* * *
Blurb:
The Prince's Highland Bride
by Cathy & DD MacRae
He gave up his crown. She found her freedom. With pain in their past, can they claim a bright future together?
The Holy Land, 1224. Ousted Armenian king Phillipe de Poitiers is paying the price for breaking his moral code of honor. Surviving a savage coup, he’s forced to flee wrongful execution by selling his sword and chasing fond memories of his foster family to Scotland. But the former prince of Antioch finds a chance of redemption when he meets a beautiful woman who he suspects shares an equally painful history.
Maggie MacLaren refuses to be betrayed again. After she‘s discarded by her husband when she doesn’t produce a child, she seizes control of her life. But when she travels to her only remaining home off the bleak western Scottish coast, she’s struck by her handsome guard’s chivalry.
Drawn to the rejected woman’s strength and spirit, Phillipe protects her as fiercely as he once did his subjects. But Maggie’s discovery that her remote isle hides a huge pile of pirate treasure could cut apart their growing love with one thrust of a thieving dagger.
Can two wounded souls leave their troubles behind and fill their hearts with riches?
The Prince's Highland Bride is the absorbing sixth standalone book in the Hardy Heroines historical romance series. If you like royal stakes, stories inspired by true events, and rugged settings, then you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s heartwarming tale.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
Or read for free in KU!
November 1, 2020
Medieval Monday--week #7
Medieval Monday
week #7
The fall session of Medieval Monday is back with more excerpts for you to enjoy from some amazing books! Check out the links to other authors here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14013...
We're following Phillipe and Balgair as they enter in a cautious friendship in an inn on the beautiful coast of Spain. But has Phillipe said too much? Snippet:
Phillipe eyed the man curiously. He was massive of frame and likely outweighed Phillipe by more than a couple of stones, and he ate his prawns with gusto—yet was quite conversant about the wines in the area. A warrior with a knowledge of wine and a sweet tooth?
“What brought ye to Spain?” Phillipe asked, breaking the rule he’d lived by for the past few weeks of not inviting personal conversation.
“Fourth son,” Balgair mumbled around a mouthful. “Naught to do but sell my sword, and what better place than in the Holy Land, protecting Jerusalem from the Saracens?”
“Indeed.” Phillipe managed another bite of buttery prawns then washed it down with a sip of the sweet white wine.
“Same with ye? A younger son with nae prospects?” Balgair dragged a chunk of bread through the oil and herbs. “Returning to France?” He bit into the bread, oil beading in his beard.
“Much the same,” Phillipe agreed. A warning instinct prickled the back of his neck. He’d tarried too long, spoken too much. Though the Sea Falcon would not depart for another hour or two and Phillipe had looked forward to supper ashore, it no longer seemed a good idea.
* * *
Join me next week for the next part of Medieval Monday!
Blurb:
The Prince's Highland Bride
by Cathy & DD MacRae
He gave up his crown. She found her freedom. With pain in their past, can they claim a bright future together?
The Holy Land, 1224. Ousted Armenian king Phillipe de Poitiers is paying the price for breaking his moral code of honor. Surviving a savage coup, he’s forced to flee wrongful execution by selling his sword and chasing fond memories of his foster family to Scotland. But the former prince of Antioch finds a chance of redemption when he meets a beautiful woman who he suspects shares an equally painful history.
Maggie MacLaren refuses to be betrayed again. After she‘s discarded by her husband when she doesn’t produce a child, she seizes control of her life. But when she travels to her only remaining home off the bleak western Scottish coast, she’s struck by her handsome guard’s chivalry.
Drawn to the rejected woman’s strength and spirit, Phillipe protects her as fiercely as he once did his subjects. But Maggie’s discovery that her remote isle hides a huge pile of pirate treasure could cut apart their growing love with one thrust of a thieving dagger.
Can two wounded souls leave their troubles behind and fill their hearts with riches?
The Prince's Highland Bride is the absorbing sixth standalone book in the Hardy Heroines historical romance series. If you like royal stakes, stories inspired by true events, and rugged settings, then you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s heartwarming tale.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
Or read for free in KU!
October 25, 2020
Medieval Monday Fall 2020- part 6
Welcome to another Medieval Monday! We're on week #6, which is halfway through the fall season. Be sure to follow the other authors in the group. You can grab links to their snippets here: www.facebook.com/groups/1401384450126130/In last week's snippet, Phillippe, stopping at an inn on the coast of Spain on his way to Scotland, has encountered a man who is a bit larger than life. As wary as Phillipe is of strangers, Balgair makes himself at home at Phillipe's table. Snippet:
The serving lass deposited a portion of seafood, bread, oil and herbs before Balgair, then added a corked bottle between them. She propped one hand on an ample hip and thrust the other beneath the Scotsman’s nose. Without a qualm, he dug a small coin from beneath his tunic and slapped it in her palm. She peered at it then slipped it down the front of her gown and sauntered away.
Balgair motioned to the bottle. “The wine is excellent. Try it.”
Phillipe poured a bit into his mug and breathed gently, catching the scent of jasmine. A sip drew a sigh of pleasure from him as the deep flavor of the grapes rolled over his tongue, leaving behind lingering citrus notes.
“’Tis very sweet.”
Balgair nodded, hurriedly swallowing, and waving his knife in the air. “The grapes in this region are dried in the sun before pressing. I like it.”
* * *
Join me next week for part #7 of the excerpt from The Prince's Highland Bride!
Blurb:
He gave up his crown. She found her freedom. With pain in their past, can they claim a bright future together?
The Holy Land, 1224. Ousted Armenian king Phillipe de Poitiers is paying the price for breaking his moral code of honor. Surviving a savage coup, he’s forced to flee wrongful execution by selling his sword and chasing fond memories of his foster family to Scotland. But the former prince of Antioch finds a chance of redemption when he meets a beautiful woman who he suspects shares an equally painful history.
Maggie MacLaren refuses to be betrayed again. After she‘s discarded by her husband when she doesn’t produce a child, she seizes control of her life. But when she travels to her only remaining home off the bleak western Scottish coast, she’s struck by her handsome guard’s chivalry.
Drawn to the rejected woman’s strength and spirit, Phillipe protects her as fiercely as he once did his subjects. But Maggie’s discovery that her remote isle hides a huge pile of pirate treasure could cut apart their growing love with one thrust of a thieving dagger.
Can two wounded souls leave their troubles behind and fill their hearts with riches?
The Prince's Highland Bride is the absorbing sixth standalone book in the Hardy Heroines historical romance series. If you like royal stakes, stories inspired by true events, and rugged settings, then you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s heartwarming tale.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
Or read for free in KU!
October 18, 2020
Medieval Monday Fall 2020, part 5
Medieval Monday
week 5
Welcome to week #5! We're well into this season of Medieval Monday, and I hope you're finding some snippets that are drawing you into new stories you're sure to love.
This week, Phillipe is a little uncertain how to respond to Balgair's easy assumption of friendship. Phillipe has barely escaped from the Levant with his life. Letting his guard down won't be easy. Snippet:
Phillipe repressed a grin at the man’s easy-going nature. “I am Phillipe.” He nodded at his trencher. “Please join me.”
Balgair waved a hand. “Och, the lassie’ll be back with me own food in a moment. Ye sound French.”
Phillipe mulled this over. The man’s supposition was close enough. His family roots were the House of Poitiers which ruled much of western France. He was of French and Genoese blood—by way of Antioch, though that need not be stated. He nodded then retreated into his dinner to avoid further explanation.
Blurb:
He gave up his crown. She found her freedom. With pain in their past, can they claim a bright future together?
The Holy Land, 1224. Ousted Armenian king Phillipe de Poitiers is paying the price for breaking his moral code of honor. Surviving a savage coup, he’s forced to flee wrongful execution by selling his sword and chasing fond memories of his foster family to Scotland. But the former prince of Antioch finds a chance of redemption when he meets a beautiful woman who he suspects shares an equally painful history.
Maggie MacLaren refuses to be betrayed again. After she‘s discarded by her husband when she doesn’t produce a child, she seizes control of her life. But when she travels to her only remaining home off the bleak western Scottish coast, she’s struck by her handsome guard’s chivalry.
Drawn to the rejected woman’s strength and spirit, Phillipe protects her as fiercely as he once did his subjects. But Maggie’s discovery that her remote isle hides a huge pile of pirate treasure could cut apart their growing love with one thrust of a thieving dagger.
Can two wounded souls leave their troubles behind and fill their hearts with riches?
The Prince's Highland Bride is the absorbing sixth standalone book in the Hardy Heroines historical romance series. If you like royal stakes, stories inspired by true events, and rugged settings, then you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s heartwarming tale.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
Or read for free in KU!
October 11, 2020
Medieval Monday Fall 2020, part 4
Medieval Monday
week 4
Welcome back! I hope you're enjoying the snippets from The Prince's Highland Bride! Be sure to follow all the Medieval Monday authors' posts by checking the link on facebook each week:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1401384450126130/
Phillipe of Antioch is on his way from the Holy Land to Scotland, and has settled in Malaga, Spain for a bite at a dockside inn, La Posada del Sol. He will find more than seafood and Almojabana (cheesecake). At a time when Phillipe doesn't know who he can trust, will he encounter a friend?
Snippet:
“An unusual name,” Phillipe ventured, still wary. The man’s casual confidence did not change the fact he was well-armed.
“It’s me beard,” Balgair explained, ruffling the impressive mane with a flick of his fingers. “Balgair means fox in Scotland where I’m from. ’Tis nae the name me ma christened me with, but it stuck just the same.”
Blurb:
He gave up his crown. She found her freedom. With pain in their past, can they claim a bright future together?
The Holy Land, 1224. Ousted Armenian king Phillipe de Poitiers is paying the price for breaking his moral code of honor. Surviving a savage coup, he’s forced to flee wrongful execution by selling his sword and chasing fond memories of his foster family to Scotland. But the former prince of Antioch finds a chance of redemption when he meets a beautiful woman who he suspects shares an equally painful history.
Maggie MacLaren refuses to be betrayed again. After she‘s discarded by her husband when she doesn’t produce a child, she seizes control of her life. But when she travels to her only remaining home off the bleak western Scottish coast, she’s struck by her handsome guard’s chivalry.
Drawn to the rejected woman’s strength and spirit, Phillipe protects her as fiercely as he once did his subjects. But Maggie’s discovery that her remote isle hides a huge pile of pirate treasure could cut apart their growing love with one thrust of a thieving dagger.
Can two wounded souls leave their troubles behind and fill their hearts with riches?
The Prince's Highland Bride is the absorbing sixth standalone book in the Hardy Heroines historical romance series. If you like royal stakes, stories inspired by true events, and rugged settings, then you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s heartwarming tale.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
Or read for free in KU!
October 4, 2020
Medieval Monday part 3
Medieval Monday
week #3
Welcome to the 3rd installment in our Nature theme. Can you envision the Inn of the Sun? Sun-kissed, white-washed walls, sea breezes and chirping birds, the scent of ale and seafood . . ..
Did someone just order wine?
Snippet #3:
Phillipe glanced up at the bland instruction and the outrageous accent. Whoever had just saved him from drinking warm ale had only been in Spain long enough to learn how to order wine, not perfect his accent. A blue-eyed man with shocking red hair and a bristling beard of the same hue took a seat opposite Phillipe, motioning with one hand for the girl to bring him the same.
“Name’s Balgair,” the man said, a smile showing remarkably white teeth and a winsome manner.
* * *
The Prince's Highland Bride
by Cathy & DD MacRae
He gave up his crown. She found her freedom. With pain in their past, can they claim a bright future together?
The Holy Land, 1224. Ousted Armenian king Phillipe de Poitiers is paying the price for breaking his moral code of honor. Surviving a savage coup, he’s forced to flee wrongful execution by selling his sword and chasing fond memories of his foster family to Scotland. But the former prince of Antioch finds a chance of redemption when he meets a beautiful woman who he suspects shares an equally painful history.
Maggie MacLaren refuses to be betrayed again. After she‘s discarded by her husband when she doesn’t produce a child, she seizes control of her life. But when she travels to her only remaining home off the bleak western Scottish coast, she’s struck by her handsome guard’s chivalry.
Drawn to the rejected woman’s strength and spirit, Phillipe protects her as fiercely as he once did his subjects. But Maggie’s discovery that her remote isle hides a huge pile of pirate treasure could cut apart their growing love with one thrust of a thieving dagger.
Can two wounded souls leave their troubles behind and fill their hearts with riches?
The Prince's Highland Bride is the absorbing sixth standalone book in the Hardy Heroines historical romance series. If you like royal stakes, stories inspired by true events, and rugged settings, then you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s heartwarming tale.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
Or read for free in KU!
September 27, 2020
Medieval Monday Fall 2020 part 2
Medieval Monday
week #2
Ever meet someone by chance who turns out to be a great friend? Were you skeptical at first? Concerned? Charmed?
As Phillipe of Antioch leaves the Levant behind, chance puts a braw Scotsman in his path. Read on! Snippet #2:
A serving girl placed a trencher before him. Steam rose from a dish of steamed prawns. Phillipe peeked beneath a worn piece of linen and the aroma of fresh bread wafted up. A small bowl held olive oil adrift with herbs for dipping. His mouth watered, but he resisted the urge to shove the food into his mouth, waiting impatiently while she poured a mug of an earthy-scented brown liquid.
A hand touched the servant’s forearm, halting her mid-pour. Phillipe clutched the hilt of his dagger beneath the edge of the table, alert for danger.
“Vino, por favor. Blanco.”
* * *
The Prince's Highland Bride
by Cathy & DD MacRae
He gave up his crown. She found her freedom. With pain in their past, can they claim a bright future together?
The Holy Land, 1224. Ousted Armenian king Phillipe de Poitiers is paying the price for breaking his moral code of honor. Surviving a savage coup, he’s forced to flee wrongful execution by selling his sword and chasing fond memories of his foster family to Scotland. But the former prince of Antioch finds a chance of redemption when he meets a beautiful woman who he suspects shares an equally painful history.
Maggie MacLaren refuses to be betrayed again. After she‘s discarded by her husband when she doesn’t produce a child, she seizes control of her life. But when she travels to her only remaining home off the bleak western Scottish coast, she’s struck by her handsome guard’s chivalry.
Drawn to the rejected woman’s strength and spirit, Phillipe protects her as fiercely as he once did his subjects. But Maggie’s discovery that her remote isle hides a huge pile of pirate treasure could cut apart their growing love with one thrust of a thieving dagger.
Can two wounded souls leave their troubles behind and fill their hearts with riches?
The Prince's Highland Bride is the absorbing sixth standalone book in the Hardy Heroines historical romance series. If you like royal stakes, stories inspired by true events, and rugged settings, then you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s heartwarming tale.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
September 20, 2020
Medieval Monday, Fall 2020
Welcome to Medieval Monday
Fall edition, 2020
I'm so excited to begin another round of Medieval Monday! We decided to do something a little different this time around and post all of the snippets from our excerpt on our own blogs.
Join us on the Medieval Romance Lovers Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/1401384450126130/ for a complete list of authors and links! You can also find us on Twitter at #MedMonFall20
Let's get started!
This season's theme is Nature, and I've chosen a scene where our hero, Phillipe, has come ashore for a meal in Malagar, Spain, on his way from the Holy Land to Scotland. His recent past has left him reeling with suspicion of any who approach him, but his chance encounter with a brawny Scotsman will stand him in good stead throughout the book. I hope you enjoy their meeting as well as all the lovely sights, sounds, and smells of La Posada del Sol...
Excerpt 1:
January 1225
La Posada del Sol
Malagar, Spain
Phillipe’s gaze roamed the interior of the tiny inn before he committed himself to entering. The whitewashed walls matched the exterior of other buildings along the bay, and cheerful sunlight fell through open windows that allowed fresh air and a chirping bird inside the crowded dining area.
Inn of the Sun. My last stop on the Mediterranean. I pray my past is now behind me. The scent of fresh food and spilled ale drifted to his nose. He found an empty seat at a table, ignoring the mild looks of curiosity. One more stranger on the docks of Malagar was of little interest. Out of habit, he kept his face averted.
* * *
Join me next week for excerpt #2!
The Prince's Highland Bride
by Cathy & DD MacRae
He gave up his crown. She found her freedom. With pain in their past, can they claim a bright future together?
The Holy Land, 1224. Ousted Armenian king Phillipe de Poitiers is paying the price for breaking his moral code of honor. Surviving a savage coup, he’s forced to flee wrongful execution by selling his sword and chasing fond memories of his foster family to Scotland. But the former prince of Antioch finds a chance of redemption when he meets a beautiful woman who he suspects shares an equally painful history.
Maggie MacLaren refuses to be betrayed again. After she‘s discarded by her husband when she doesn’t produce a child, she seizes control of her life. But when she travels to her only remaining home off the bleak western Scottish coast, she’s struck by her handsome guard’s chivalry.
Drawn to the rejected woman’s strength and spirit, Phillipe protects her as fiercely as he once did his subjects. But Maggie’s discovery that her remote isle hides a huge pile of pirate treasure could cut apart their growing love with one thrust of a thieving dagger.
Can two wounded souls leave their troubles behind and fill their hearts with riches?
The Prince's Highland Bride is the absorbing sixth standalone book in the Hardy Heroines historical romance series. If you like royal stakes, stories inspired by true events, and rugged settings, then you’ll love Cathy & DD MacRae’s heartwarming tale.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
