Cathy MacRae's Blog, page 5

Medieval Monday with Mary Morgan!

                                     Medieval Monday

                                              week #2


This week, Mary Morgan is with me to share a snippet from her book, To Weave a Highland Tapestry.

You'll find my bit for this week from The Prince's Highland Bride on Mary's blog: https://www.marymorganauthor.com/blog

Do they dare unravel the past for a future of love?

​Blurb:
​
Patrick MacFhearguis, hardened by battles won and lost, desires what he can never have—peace within his heart and soul.  Yet, the ever-meddling Fae weave a new journey for him to conquer—a task this highlander is determined to resist.

When skilled weaver, Gwen Hywel, is commissioned to create a tapestry for the MacFhearguis clan, she embraces the assignment. While seeking out ideas, she finds herself clutching the one
thread that can alter the tapestry of her life and heart.

A man conflicted by past deeds. A woman with no family of her own. Is it possible for love to unravel an ancient past, in order to claim two badly scarred hearts? Or will the light of hope be
doused forever? Snippet:
​
Confused and wary, Gwen scooped up some snow in an effort to clean and remove the blood trickling forth on the back of her hands. “I must get away from here.”
A brisk wind slapped at her face, mocking her. In reality, there was nowhere she could flee. Gwen was trapped solidly in this castle and century.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noted movement near a rosemary bush. Her previous anguish
diminished as she moved cautiously toward the dog. He appeared to be part wolf and missing
part of one leg.
Gwen crouched down to his level. “Are you injured, my friend?”
                                                                                      * * *

Follow along next week for part #3 of Mary's snippet on Barbara Bettis' blog: http://barbarabettis.blogspot.com/ Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
AppleBooks
Book Page

Medieval Monday Spring 2020

Welcome to Medieval Monday for Spring 2020!

Our theme for this season is Nature.

​In historical novels, nature touches lives in so many ways. Nature can be beautiful, dangerous, inspiring.

What will it bring for this round of Medieval Monday excerpts?

I'll be featuring excerpts from my and DD's newest novel, The Prince's Highland Bride, which releases May 13!
​
Maggie MacLaren has an island. Phillipe de Poitier has protected her on her journey to the isle, but when he sees its lack of defenses, he decides to remain long enough to be certain she comes to no harm.
Nature can provide beauty and inspiration. It can also bring danger. Maggie’s island is a place of solace and great beauty, but it is also completely without defenses, something Phillipe must correct before he completes his task of protecting the woman he has come to love—and says good-bye to her forever.

Excerpt:
​
The sight of Phillipe and Balgair drew Maggie’s steps to a halt. She waved Asatrus and Gils on. The soldiers and men of Hola hesitated only a moment at her bidding then vanished down the trail between the cliffs. She set her gaze on Phillipe. Balgair pushed away from his stance against a rock and sent her a respectful nod.
“M’lady.”
He clapped Phillipe’s shoulder then followed the others down the trail. Phillipe’s gaze lingered on Balgair a moment before he faced Maggie.
Her heart raced. “Is aught amiss?”
Phillipe shook his head and ventured a brief smile which did not reach his eyes. “Not at all. Balgair and I have assessed the defenses of the isle and I wish to offer a proposal. Will ye walk with me?”
Not for the first time did Maggie note the sorrow in his eyes, at odds with the reassurance he offered. She bit her lip, halting the impulse to draw her fingers over the short beard covering the long scar running along the side of his face. To smooth the lines of worry on his brow.
“Aye.” She sent him an encouraging look and paced at his side to the opening in the abbey wall where he halted.
“Ye must have a way to defend yourself and the people of Hola. The people of the isle are not warriors, and I have no desire to change them. But I would have ye safe.” He lifted a hand, indicating the path they’d just trod.
“’Tis the only easy access to the abbey. Though it winds between two cliffs which are not overly tall, the narrow passage allows no more than two men to pass through abreast.”
Maggie glanced at the path, framed by the tall stones. “That ’tis helpful.”

                                                                                                 * * *
Join me next week on Mary Morgan's blog for the next snippet:  http://www.marymorganauthor.com

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?

Buy links:
Amazon: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B086Z153VH
Kobo: https://bit.ly/TPHB_Kobo
B&N: https://bit.ly/TPHB_B_N
 
Preorder now for only 99 cents!
Book releases May 13, 2020

The Prince's Highland Bride

Only ten more days until The Prince's Highland Bride releases on all your favorite sites!

Have you preordered your copy yet?

Here are the links:
Amazon:   https://bit.ly/TPHB_zon
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/TPHB_B_N
Kobo:  https://bit.ly/TPHB_Kobo​

Forced to abandon his crown to avoid certain death, falling in love was the last thing on Phillipe's mind.

Until he met Maggie MacLaren.

A heart-warming romance with the beautiful Hebrides as a backdrop, Phillipe's and Maggie's story is the 6th book in the Hardy Heroines series by Cathy & DD MacRae

The Ultimate Valentine's Day Giveaway!

It’s the BIGGEST Valentine’s Day Giveaway yet!❤️

  ❤️

Medieval Monday- final Celebration post

                                  Medieval Monday

                                       week #11

Today's the final snippet in our 2019 Winter Medieval Monday blog hop. Thank you so much for joining us! We'll be back with more soon.

​I hope you've enjoyed reading these lively, heart-felt, celebration-themed excerpts! If you've missed any of my previous snippets, here are the links:

Week #1:
Week #2: http://www.marymorganauthor.com
Week #3:  https://bambilynnblog.wordpress.com
Week #4:  https://sherryewing.com/blog/
Week #5:  https://sherryewing.com/blog/
Week #6:   https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/
Week #7:  http://www.laurel-odonnell.com/blog.html
Week #8:  http://barbarabettis.blogspot.co.uk
Week #9:  https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com
Week #10:  http://lanemcfarland.com/blog/


After a bit of a bobble at her and Caelen's wedding, Arbela prepares to settle into a new life as wife--and mother.

Excerpt:

Cut flowers spilled from swaths of fabric draped from pillar to post. More bouquets graced large vessels on the tables, their scent mingling with the aroma of roasted meats. Arbela sat in the chair Caelen offered, the wooden back draped with more garlands of the sweet-smelling flowers. Bram gave her a hopeful look and she invited him to share her seat. He climbed up and leaned against her, his sweet weight going straight to Arbela’s heart.
If nothing else, I will have the joy of raising his child. Encouraged, she hugged Bram against her briefly, then released him to his exploration of the laden table.
Tray after tray was brought to the cloth-draped boards, adding to the already crowded surface. Arbela filled her plate and Bram’s, and she noted Caelen’s attempt to sample a few of her favorite dishes. Pleased, she turned her attention to the tumblers in the center of the room.

Will Arbela give up her life as a warrior? Or will her skills be important now more than ever?
Find out more at your favorite book vendor.

Buy links:
Amazon: https://www.amzn.com/dp/B0762TL89Z
B&N: http://bit.ly/THCBB_N
Kobo: http://bit.ly/THCB_Kobo

Medieval Monday with Lane McFarland

                                      Medieval Monday

                                              week # 10

 I'm thrilled to have Lane McFarland on my Medieval Monday blog   today. You'll find my excerpt from The Highlander's Crusader Bride on   her blog here: http://www.lanemcfarland.com/blog/

 Lane's excerpt is from her book, Cameron, The Daughters of Alastair   MacDougall: Book 1.

 The celebration has been a merry one. Here's a glimpse of what   happens next.

  Excerpt:

  “It really is getting late, and I must go in.” When she moved to leave,   Robert stepped in front of her and blocked her path.
  “Wait.” He hesitated. “I’d like to thank ye for yer care of my family and   my people.”
  Cameron tilted her head. Did he try to make amends? “Ye’re welcome.”
 The breeze blew a lock of hair onto her face. Robert brushed it away, his rough fingers tracing a line down her cheek. He slowly lowered his head, placing his mouth on hers in a sweet, gentle kiss. He straightened and briefly hesitated before capturing her lips in a more possessive, seductive manner. His tongue slid into her mouth, and he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her hard against his body.
She molded to him. Her hands eased up his chest and around his neck, her fingers entwining in his soft hair. She relished the feel of his strong embrace, his hands roaming across her back. She inhaled his male scent of leather mixed with ale, while his mouth played havoc on her senses. Her heart beat wildly, and her body trembled.

Follow along next week for the final snippet on her blog http://www.lanemcfarland.com/blog/ Blurb:

Determined to band Scots together against English tyranny, Laird Robert Graham seals a truce with his feuding neighbor, the MacDougalls. But after his brother is nearly killed in a treacherous attack, Graham kidnaps the laird’s daughter in an act of revenge.
Cameron MacDougall has devoted her life to the healing arts. She’s long rebelled against her father’s feuding ways, but when Robert Graham abducts her, she’s finds herself at the center of the dispute between their families. She expects the anger she feels, not the simmering attraction to the powerful warrior, or the love she develops for his clan.
Can she stop further violence between the clans with her escape? Or will she find her surrender leads to a lasting peace and her own heart’s desire?

Buy Link: Amazon

Medieval Monday with Ashley York

                          Medieval Monday

                                     week # 9

Happy Medieval Monday! Today, Ashley York brings us a snippet from her book, Daughter of the Overking.

You'll find this week's excerpt from The Highlander's Crusader Bride on Ashley's blog here: https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/blog

Darragh's bride has been whisked away. Waiting and speculating couldn't be more difficult.

Excerpt:

 “They want to be certain she cooperates with the bedding.”
 Darragh glanced toward the heavens. Then he shook his head in   disbelief. “And not a spot of wine or mead to dull her reactions to   me, to her first experience of intimacy with a man? This is going to   be hell.”
  The two men stared at each other, neither one daring to speak   their  morbid thoughts.
  “And how will this play out?” Darragh asked, admittedly afraid to   hear the answer.
  “The ladies will come to the hall and escort ye to her once they’ve   prepared her.”

Find out what happens next week here:   http://www.barbarabettis.com/index.php/blog/                                                                         Daughter of the Overking

A mistaken identity. A gruesome murder.
Trained as a warrior...
Brighit of Clonascra despises the trappings and demands of womanhood and is far more comfortable training for battle. Long held alliances require she set aside selfish dreams and take Darragh as her husband. The union intended to promote peace between the clans is interrupted by the shocking murder of a neighboring king and she quickly discovers there are far worse things than being wed.
​
Trained to be king...
Darragh of Drogheda has no wish to be king, but he is an obedient son and supports his father's plans. His marriage to Brighit, however, will be no hardship at all since he finds her most intriguing when she fights him at every turn. A she-warrior indeed. Her persistent dismissal of him merely blows the fire aflame and sets him down the path to discovery of all her most tightly held secrets—secrets that could cost him his life.

Available in e-book or paperback https://www.ashleyyorkauthor.com/daughter-of-the-king

Medieval Monday with Barbara Bettis

                                      Medieval Monday

                                            week #8

 Today on Medieval Monday, Barbara Bettis is sharing an excerpt from her book, For This Knight Only. Enjoy!

You'll find my snippet from The Highlander's Crusader Bride on Barbara's blog here:  http://barbarabettis.blogspot.co.uk

 Excerpt:
 Her lips tightened into a line, and Roark mentally cursed his rough   words. Even when he tried to be reasonable, still he sounded like a   warrior, not a courtier. Well, she needed plain speaking, if only she’d   recognize the rightness of what he said. Roark’s words had Alyss   rebelling at any attempted coercion as usual, but he was likely right.   Her displays of independence, her boasts of driving away the   Windom army and its lord had been that, boasts. If Chauvere just had more fighters, she could manage. None was coming.

She may be about to bend her stubbornness at bit. See next week on Lane McFarland’s blog:
http://lanemcfarland.com/blog/
Read last week’s snippet here: https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/ Blurb:

He’ll do anything for land, even marry her; she’ll do anything for her people, except marry him.
If only either had a choice. It’s a marriage only love can save.
Sir Roark will do anything to gain land, even beguile an unwilling lady into marriage. He knows she’s much better off with a man to take control of her besieged castle, to say nothing of her desirable person. But it isn’t long before he discovers that, although her eyes sparkle like sunlight on sea waves, her stubbornness alone could have defeated Saladin.  
 
Lady Alyss is determined to hold her family’s castle, protect her people, and preserve her freedom— until her brother’s dying wish binds her to a stranger. Still, she’ll allow no rugged, over-confident, appealing knight to usurp her authority, even if she must wed him. Especially since he thinks a lady’s duties begin and end with directing servants. Alyss has a few surprises
for her new all-too-tempting lord.
 
But when a common enemy threatens everything, Roark and Alyss face a startling revelation.
Without love, neither land nor freedom matters.

Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
iTunesbooks.apple.com/us/book/for-this-knight-only/id1453327255

Medieval Monday with Laurel O'Donnell

                                Medieval Monday

                                        Week #7

 Who else thinks this is a beautiful cover? I just love it!
 Laurel O'Donnell is sharing an excerpt from A Knight Before   Christmas today's Medieval Monday blog.

 You'll find my snippet from The Highlander's Crusader Bride on   Laurel's blog here: ​ http://www.laurel-odonnell.com/blog.html

 Excerpt:
 Gabriel had stood beside her, hearing the callous words, as he
 approached. His brother was a cad. But when Eve lifted her tear
 ringed eyes to him, Gabriel felt his stomach drop. All he wanted to do
 was go into the room and bash his brother in the face.
 Instead, he hooked an arm around her shoulders and guided
 her away, down the hall, away from the Great Hall, away from the
 room with his brother.
 He felt a hitch in her breathing as they walked and squeezed
 her tight. “Do not waste your tears on such hateful words,” he
 whispered. “You are far from repulsive.”

                                                                                      * * *

Drop by to continue reading the excerpt from A Knight Before Christmas next week at Ruth A Casie’s website –
www.RuthACasie.blogspot.com Blurb:

Blamed by her father for her twin sister'ss death on Christmas Eve, Lady Eve Chandos agrees to marry a man she does not love to please him and appease his years of wrath. Betrayed by his brother at an early age, Sir Gabriel Bedford decides it is time to make amends and attends his brother's marriage, but he is unprepared for the beauty Lady Eve has grown into and the attraction that quickly sparks between them.
As Christmas approaches, can Eve and Gabriel find the happiness they seek, or will the secrets of their past doom them to remain apart forever?

Buy Links:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Amazon AU

Medieval Monday with Judith Sterling

                                      Medieval Monday

                                             week #6

Join me in welcoming Judith Sterling on my blog today with an excerpt from her book, Night of the Owl.

You'll find my excerpt from The Highlander's Crusader Bride on her blog here: https://judithmarshallauthor.com/blog/

Excerpt:

Beside Constance, Robert grinned. “What else is a younger son to do? Other than work toward knighthood, as William and I did.”
A long-buried ache resurfaced and tugged at Hugh’s heart. He dismissed it and looked to their mother.
She nodded. “Thankfully, knighthood suits you both, though it has given my nerves a beating on several occasions.”


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

Buy links:
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble
iBooks
Kobo