Cathy MacRae's Blog, page 4
July 12, 2020
Medieval Monday with Cathy MacRae
Medieval Monday
week #11
This is the final snippet for this round of Medieval Monday. Thanks for joining us! I hope you've enjoyed reading our nature themed bits.
Medieval life was intimately linked with nature. I didn't have to look far to find a source for this season's snippets.
Snippet:
“Narfi isnae his real name,” the elder girl stated. “Narfi means skinny.”
Maggie tilted her head thoughtfully. “Then I suppose it suits him. But I see him as wiry and agile. He’s been a grand help to me.”
Narfi’s cheeks flushed. “Can I feed him this time?” Excitement lit the lad’s eyes.
“Nae. Colyn is my bird, and only I can feed him. But ye may watch and learn, and mayhap one day a falcon will come to ye and ye will know how to care for it.”
Narfi accepted Maggie’s decision with a reluctant sigh. “I can get more mice.”
“’Twill soon be time to teach him to hunt, and yer help in the meantime is greatly appreciated. But we dinnae wish to keep yer ma and the others waiting.”
Chattering excitedly, the girls grabbed Maggie’s hands and pulled her after them. Maggie cast a helpless look at Phillipe.
“May we speak later?”
A thoughtful look crossed his face and he smiled. “Of course, m’lady. I am ever at your service." Blurb:
Phillipe de Poitiers, a prince of Antioch, finds himself a breath away from wrongful execution. Risking everything, he leaves behind his crown, his family, his country—and a body sworn to be his by the Bishop, himself.
Free of court intrigue and drawn to Scotland by memories of a woman who once possessed his heart, Phillipe sells his sword to pay for his travels and accepts the task of guarding the daughter of Laird MacLaren.
When Maggie MacLaren’s abusive marriage fails, she wants nothing more than to retire to her childhood home on the banks of Loch Lomond. Trouble follows her, putting her clan in danger, and she travels to the Isle of Hola, placing her safety in the hands of a mysterious mercenary with a haunted smile and a kind heart.
As Maggie and Phillipe struggle with their pasts, love blooms. But when a pirate’s treasure offers a seductive lure, will it free them—or prove the downfall of all they hold dear?
* * *
Free of court intrigue, Phillipe seeks a new start in life. Falling in love was not in his plans. Until he met Maggie MacLaren.
Buy link:
Amazon: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
July 5, 2020
Medieval Monday with Jenna Jaxon
Medieval Monday
week #10
This round of Medieval Monday snippets is winding down, but I'm lucky enough to have Jenna Jaxon on my blog today with Time Enough to Love.
I'm over on her blog with a snippet from The Prince's Highland Bride here: http://jennajaxon.wordpress.com
Time Enough to Love
When Lady Alyse de Courcy is betrothed to Sir Geoffrey Longford, she has no choice but to make the best of a bad bargain. The hulking knight is far from her ideal man, and although he does possess some wit and charm, he is no match for the sinfully sensual man she secretly admires, Thomas, Earl of Braeton, her betrothed’s best friend.
From the first, Sir Geoffrey finds himself smitten by Lady Alyse, and, despite her infatuation with his friend, vows to win her love. When Geoffrey puts his mind to wooing Alyse, he is delighted to find her succumbing to his seduction. But when cruel circumstances separate them, Geoffrey must watch helplessly as Thomas steps in to protect Alyse—and falls in love with her himself.
As the three courtiers accompany Princess Joanna to her wedding in Spain, they run headlong into the Black Plague. With her world plunged into chaos, Alyse struggles with her feelings for both the men she loves. But which love will survive?
Snippet:
His body went rigid, as though turned to stone. He grasped her shoulders and pushed her away until he could look at her. A deep frown coupled with eyes that pierced her soul and the harsh set of his mouth made his face that of a stranger. “That was before Thomas died.” She nodded. “So you may be…”
“I know not for certain, but, aye, it may be that I carry Thomas’s child.” She dropped her gaze, no longer able to bear the look of betrayal in his eyes.
“Do you hope it is Thomas’s?”
She sobbed, for this question had tormented her ever since she began to suspect she was with child.
* * *
For the final thrilling installment of this excerpt, please follow Jenna on her blog, next week.
* * *
GRAB YOUR COPY HERE
June 28, 2020
Medieval Monday with Ashley York
Medieval Monday
week #9
I have the talented Ashley York on the blog today with a snippet from Eyes of the Seer. This book is the second in her Warrior King series.
I'm on her blog today with another snippet from The Prince's Highland Bride here: https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/blog
Eyes of the Seer
He wishes to prove himself...
Marcán of Clonascra bears the bloodline of Brian Boru and his prowess as a warrior has earned him great respect from everyone but Astrid, the woman who holds his heart. Between her mother's condemning him as a pagan Seer and Astrid's total disinterest, he finds solace as the king's protector and confidant.
She is desperate to escape...
Astrid is more than ready to wed but her brother, the king, is in no hurry to see her married, so she decides to see to her own match-making. The man she approaches quickly reveals his lack of honor, but her overbearing mother pushes her to wed him anyway. When Astrid discovers Marcán's love for her, will it be too late to have the happiness she'd always dreamed of?
Snippet:
Marcán would admit to being taken aback at the confession. This was so unlike the Astrid he knew. The moon shining on her face revealed her dampened lips with their soft pink hue, slightly parted, calling to him. Urging him to move in closer. Marcán struggled with the crazy idea of kissing her. Then she smiled at him, and he’d swear it was a smile of encouragement.
He was more exhausted than he had believed.
* * *
Ready for more? Join me over at Barbara Bettis’ blog next week.
* * *
Buy links: HERE
June 21, 2020
Medieval Monday with Barbara Bettis
Medieval Monday
week #8
I'm welcoming award-winning author Barbara Bettis to this week's Medieval Monday round. She's offering a snippet from her book, A Winter Knight, and you're going to love it!
You can find my snippet from The Prince's Highland Bride on her blog here:
http://www.barbarabettis.com
He’s running from his past; she’s running from her future. But on a snowy
winter night, they find each other and the surprising gift of love.
Blurb:
Sir Nicholas has given up on marriage. These days he’s content to captain his friend’s troops and avoid entanglements—until one winter night when he rescues a half-frozen woman from a snowstorm. Her irrepressible spirit and kindness to others reminds him that all ladies aren’t like his former intended, who wed his brother while Nick was on crusade. But he can’t open his heart to Lady Clare. She’s bound to another, and Nick won’t forfeit his honor. Even if she were free, he has nothing to offer but love, and this lady deserves everything.
Lady Clare’s dying grandfather has arranged her betrothal, but the arrival of the man she’s to wed sends her fleeing into a snowstorm. Injured when her horse stumbles, she’s rescued by a mysterious knight. She recovers at his run-down manor, safe at last—until her betrothed tracks her down two days before Christmas. Trapped at home with the wedding imminent, she longs for the winter knight she’s come to love.
Only a miracle can bring Clare and Nick together. But at Christmas, anything is possible
Snippet:
Only a reminder of snow lingered now. No longer falling as ice pellets, flakes sauntered in dips and turns through the air, settling on surfaces with deceptive grace. The clouds had chugged on, leaving a three-quarter moon to sparkle down on the glazed landscape.
Nicholas had about decided he’d missed the lady, or there’d never been one in distress. The mare might have wandered away from a party which had moved on and were now snug and safe by a friendly blaze. Where he’d like to be.
Then Solomon side-stepped and whinnied. Nicholas pulled on the reins, reached forward, and patted the gelding’s neck. “What is it boy?” The mount tossed his head.
* * *
What has Solomon’s attention? See next week at Jenna Jaxon’s: http://jennajaxon.wordpress.com
And for last week’s installment, see Judith Sterling: https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/
* * *
Buy Links:
AMAZON
KOBO
June 14, 2020
Medieval Monday with Kelley Heckart!
Medieval Monday
week #7
Today I'm featuring another medieval romance steeped in fantasy. Kelley Heckart shares a snippet from her book, White Rose of Avalon.
I'm over on her blog with this week's snippet from The Prince's Highland Bride. Click here: https://kelleysrealm.blogspot.com/
White Rose of Avalon
Blurb:
Do you like captivating, passionate historical fantasy featuring King Arthur, Gwenhwyfar, Merlin, Nimue, Morgaine, and Lancelot? Inspired by The Mists of Avalon, this sensual retelling of the Arthurian romances brings these legendary characters to life.
Destiny cannot be altered.
With Britannia falling to the Saxon hordes, Morgaine, Queen of the Faeries, has no choice but to make a pact with the Christian monks. She promises to give them a High King who will unite the Britons against the Saxons if he takes a queen from the faery realm. Morgaine hopes this will restore the Goddess faith
and return Avalon to its rightful place. She sends Lancelot to guard the future High King, but when a love potion falls into the wrong hands, all seems lost.
Gwenhwyfar is the only hope for the future, but betrayal, revenge, and forbidden love surround her, all
of which could send both Britannia and Avalon into ruins. Snippet:
Morgaine watched her go, feeling hopeful that Gwenhwyfar would make a perfect queen. She grabbed the horse’s reins and took her inside the stables, handing her to an initiate named Mari. Believers in the Old Religion sent their daughters to Morgaine so they could learn the teachings of the Goddess.
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Check out next week's snippet on Ruth’s blog June 22: http://ruthacasie.blogspot.com
Buy links:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paperback
Also available in KU
June 7, 2020
Medieval Monday with Judith Sterling!
Medieval Monday
week #6
True love transcends time . . ..
A beautiful and appropriate sentiment from Judith Sterling as she shares from her time-travel Medieval romance, Night of the Owl.
Don't forget to hop over to her blog today where you'll find a snippet from The Prince's Highland Bride:
https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/
Night of the Owl
Blurb:
PhD student Ardyth Nightshade has renounced men and pursues her twentieth-century career with single-minded focus. When fate whisks her to medieval England, she meets her match in a man whose passions mirror her own. Can she sacrifice ambition for a love she never sought?
Hugh, Lord Seacrest confounds all who know him. He refuses to marry without a meeting of minds and hearts, and no lady has even approached his ideal…until Ardyth. But she's an odd one, with unique skills, shocking habits, and total conviction she needs no man. She also harbors secrets, and in the midst of rumors, plots, and murder, trust is fragile.
A woman outside of her time. A man ahead of his. They must take a leap of faith to forge a bond
that will shape history. Snippet:
They shared drink from the wineskin. Every time he took a draught, he reveled in the fact his mouth touched the same spout as hers. Oh, to kiss those lips again! He would do it, when the time was right.
* * *
Follow along next week on Barbara’s blog: http://barbarabettis.blogspot.com/
Buy links:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Barnes and Noble
Apple Books
Kobo
May 31, 2020
Medieval Monday with Ruth A. Casie!
Medieval Monday
week # 4
Welcome to this week's snippet from USA Today bestselling author Ruth A. Casie and her book, The Pirate's Jewel!
You'll find my snippet from The Prince's Highland Bride on her blog, here: http://ruthacasie.blogspot.comruthacasie.blogspot.com
Blurb:
Deception and family honor are at stake – so is her heart.
Wesley Reynolds will do anything to avenge his family’s banishment from Dundhragon Castle even throw in with the notorious pirate, MacAlpin. His plan, ruin Lord Ewan’s trading network. He has a more devious plan for his father’s ‘best friend,’ the man who abandoned them at the eleventh hour. He’ll ruin the
man’s most precious jewel, his daughter Darla. Wesley’s so close to ruining the trade network and succeeding he can almost taste it, but revenge is not nearly as sweet as Darla’s kisses.
Darla Maxwell, beloved by her parents, has no prospects of marriage. Her father and Lord Ewan search to find her the right husband. Darla’s special gifts are frightening to many. She has visions that often come true. The murky image of a man haunts her, she’s sure it’s Lord Ewan’s soon-to-be son-in-law, but the vision morphs when she meets Wesley. The meaning couldn’t be any clearer to her, her destiny lies with Wesley.
When revelations surface indicating Wesley has been deceived and his revenge misplaced. Will he find the truth of what really happened to his family in time to stop the pirates? Will Darla ever forgive him? Will he ever forgive himself?
“Ruth A. Casie’s vivid descriptions place you right in the story. It is a wonderful
read I highly recommend.” ~ Deb
Snippet:
From her hiding place, she had no sense of what happened beyond its boundary. No way to prepare for the next roll of the ship, gust of wind or drenching rush of water. Shouted orders along with the grunts and salty words of the crew reached her ears above the sound of the howling wind and crashing water.
“Take in the sail. Toss out the sea anchor. We need to keep the ship headed into the wind. Tie a bag of oil to the windward side and toss it over. Let’s hope that keeps the waves from breaking over the side.”
* * *
Did you miss excerpt four? Find it on Judith’s blog: https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/
Join Ruth next week for another excerpt on Barbara Bettis’ blog: http://barbarabettis.blogspot.co.uk
May 24, 2020
Medieval Monday with Sherry Ewing!
Medieval Mondayweek #4
Sherry Ewing has a new book out, and you get to read a snippet here! Love Will Find You is book #4 in her The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time series.
I'm on her blog today with my 4th snippet from The Prince's Highland Bride which released last week! Click here:
https://www.SherryEwing.com/blog
Blurb:
Sometimes a moment is all we have…
Ella Fitzpatrick is a woman with a secret. As she comes and goes from Berwyck Castle, seeking refuge within its gates, she yearns to be reunited with the one for whom she crossed time from the twenty-first century. She has lived another lifetime in the twelfth century waiting for the date of their reunion and it is almost upon her. But how could she have known the man she believes she loves is not the person she needs?
Killian of Clan MacLaren has been infatuated with Ella for many a year but has guarded his heart, knowing her affection lies with another. When Ella must flee Berwyck, Killian vows to escort her to her encounter with destiny. But passion flares between them and there is no doubt the bond they have is far greater than either of them expected.
Their time together is running out. Killian has a decision to make that might give him and
Ella a future together. If you could change someone’s past, would you seize the moment?
Snippet:
Mystic whinnied, causing Killian to chuckle while he turned his mount towards the nearby trees. “You treat me as if I am but a naughty child and then insult my horse. Whatever am I tae do with you, Ella?”
That question could have so many different meanings, she thought, even while she listened to the beat of his heart beneath her ear. Even her own traitorous emotions were a mess while he held her. She should be thinking of being reunited with Henry instead of pondering the horrible task of saying goodbye to Killian. He had always been so very kind to her and she would miss his company when she no longer journeyed to Berwyck.
* * *
Did you miss week three? Find it on Judith Sterling’s blog here:
https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/
Join Sherry next week for another excerpt on Barbara Bettis’ blog here:
http://barbarabettis.blogspot.co.uk
Buy Links:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3cixJPC
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3cjFMvq
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/3crq6pU
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2PB7Dh9
May 19, 2020
New Book from Sherry Ewing! And a Give-away!
I'm going to sit here a moment and just stare at this romantic cover. . ..Ok, back to business!
I'm so excited to share Sherry Ewing's new release with you! Love Will Find You is the fourth book in her The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time series. If you haven't read the first three, you can grab them here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753FZF95?searchxofy=true&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt
Now, let's talk about Love Will Find You.
One lucky person will win the ebook of his/her choice from any of Sherry's previously released books.
Be sure to comment below to enter your chance to win! Sometimes a moment is all we have…
Blurb:
Ella Fitzpatrick is a woman with a secret. As she comes and goes from Berwyck Castle, seeking refuge within its gates, she yearns to be reunited with the one for whom she crossed time from the twenty-first century. She has lived another lifetime in the twelfth century waiting for the date of their reunion and it is almost upon her. But how could she have known the man she believes she loves is not the person she needs?
Killian of Clan MacLaren has been infatuated with Ella for many a year but has guarded his heart, knowing her affection lies with another. When Ella must flee Berwyck, Killian vows to escort her to her encounter with destiny. But passion flares between them and there is no doubt the bond they have is far greater than either of them expected.
Their time together is running out. Killian has a decision to make that might give him and Ella a future together. If you could change someone’s past, would you seize the moment?
* * * * *
An excerpt to tempt you further:
Yanking on the reins of his mount, Killian moved forward to stand before Ella. Looping the leather straps around the pommel, he offered her his assistance in order to mount the huge animal.
“May I, Lady Ella?” he inquired, holding out his hand to her.
She gave a weary sigh. There was no sense in attempting to remain indifferent to the orders he had been given. “If you must obey your lord, then I suppose I must too. But for heaven’s sake, please call me Ella.”
“’Tis not seemly ye should ask such of me, my lady.”
Her brow rose at his obstinacy. ’Twas most irritating and she preferred to forget the part of her past that made such a statement true. “I must insist. I do not profess to be a lady of high rank and refuse to be treated as such. I am just Ella.”
He turned his back on her momentarily, walking towards the ocean waves grumbling to himself about the stubbornness of some women. He returned with his decision. “If ye insist, then I must needs humor ye, I suppose. Let us away, Ella.”
“A wise choice, Sir Killian.”
“Just Killian,” he replied, and his eyes twinkled in suppressed merriment, as if he expected her to resist dropping all formality between them.
With a small smile, she nodded her head. “Killian, then.”
* * * * *
Here's where you can find Love Will Find You. Just click on the link(s) below:
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3cixJPC
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3cjFMvq
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/3crq6pU
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2PB7Dh9
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2I63FJ2
BR: https://amzn.to/2wdDbCU
CA: https://amzn.to/398ZGrh
DE: https://amzn.to/3ckV4jx
ES: https://amzn.to/2TCde8b
FR: https://amzn.to/32Bwer8
* * * * *
About Sherry:Sherry Ewing picked up her first historical romance when she was a teenager and has been hooked ever since. A bestselling author, she writes historical and time travel romances to awaken the soul one heart at a time. When not writing, she can be found in the San Francisco area at her day job as an Information Technology Specialist.
Website & Books: www.SherryEwing.com
Bluestocking Belles: http://bluestockingbelles.net/
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1TrWtoy
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sherry-ewing
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SherryEwingAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomsherry_ewing
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sherry.ewing
Pinterest: http://www.Pinterest.com/SherryLEwing
Tumblr: https://sherryewing.tumblr.com/
Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/Sherry_Ewing
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SherryEwingauthor
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May 17, 2020
Medieval Monday with Bambi Lynn
Medieval Monday
week #3
Welcome to another exciting Medieval Monday! Today, I'm trading snippets with Bambi Lynn and her mystic, medieval romance, Mask of the Highlander.
You'll find my snippet from The Prince's Highland Bride on her blog here: bambilynnblog.wordpress.com/
The Ardennes Forest - A thousand years after the birth of the Son...
BLURB:
Once she was afraid to touch him. Now she’s afraid to let go.
Forced to marry to avoid war between clans, Kenna Cleary endured three days of her new husband's painful brutality, unaware of his demon heritage. Leaving her for dead, he rode off to battle the English.
In the five years of his absence, she bore him a daughter, increased his
holdings, and gained the love and respect of his people. Now he's home. Must she and the clan learn to endure his cruelty once more?
Can an ancient Celtic god find peace in the mortal world?
The Laird of Domhnul has returned from war a changed man—moreso than his wife can possibly know. Now the warrior faces a new battle, one for his wife's heart, and his peoples' trust. He must walk the knife's edge of deception and danger, all while learning to manage the supernatural power flaring inside him and discovering a heritage he never imagined.
But when his father embroils both them in a deadly plot, can the couple find a way to prevent war between their clans? Snippet:
The cobbled streets had fallen into disrepair since the Romans left. Gradually, the Celts they left behind had succumbed to a dark age, darker than the gods could remember for many thousands of years. But thanks to the warm spring water that bubbled out of the ground in this part of the forest, the village had fared better than others. Of late, a thin veil of intellect and learning had been draped over the land. Too bad the gods could not claim credit for that.
Arduinna still bristled. Injustice was something she was supposed to guard with diligence. Yet she had failed miserably, more times that she could count. When the Romans had come, they brought their gods with them. Those deities had eagerly followed their legions, anxious to gain more worshippers and thus greater power over the other pantheons.
* * *
BUY LINK:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0797VSX71
