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The Novels of Ravenwood #5
Return of the Raven
Margaret, Lady Ravenwood, is trapped in a loveless marriage and firmly entrenched in the medieval world. Along comes Griffin Nightshade, a historian from the future whose soul resonates with hers. He persuades her to return with him to the 1950s, but heeding her heart means courting danger from a curse that could spell her doom.
Haunted by his parents' sudden deaths, Griffin knows all too well the pain born of love lost. He guards his emotions, but Margaret delves deep and goes straight to the soul. She's hard to resist…and harder to set free.
The heart's desire and history's demands don't always agree. Yet true love is eternal.
Haunted by his parents' sudden deaths, Griffin knows all too well the pain born of love lost. He guards his emotions, but Margaret delves deep and goes straight to the soul. She's hard to resist…and harder to set free.
The heart's desire and history's demands don't always agree. Yet true love is eternal.
218 pages, Paperback
First published February 17, 2021
62 people want to read
About the author
Judith Sterling
13 books631 followersJudith Sterling is an award-winning author whose love of history and passion for the paranormal infuse everything she writes. Through gothic cozy mystery (The Gothic Gwyn Mysteries), medieval/time travel romance (The Novels of Ravenwood) and young adult paranormal fantasy (the Guardians of Erin series), she loves to whisk readers away from their troubles and remind them of the hidden magic all around us.
Her nonfiction books, written under Judith Marshall, have been translated into multiple languages. She has an MA in linguistics and a BA in history, with a minor in British Studies. Born in that sauna called Florida, she craved cooler climes, and once the travel bug bit, she lived in England, Scotland, Sweden, Wisconsin, Virginia, and on the island of Nantucket. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her husband and their identical twin sons.
Her nonfiction books, written under Judith Marshall, have been translated into multiple languages. She has an MA in linguistics and a BA in history, with a minor in British Studies. Born in that sauna called Florida, she craved cooler climes, and once the travel bug bit, she lived in England, Scotland, Sweden, Wisconsin, Virginia, and on the island of Nantucket. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her husband and their identical twin sons.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 31, 2021
This was one wild ride through the ages!
Margaret was one tough heroine considering the time she lived in. But that same time held her in constraints she despised. Watching her move from a place of fear to one of confidence and certainty was great. Griffin kept his heart guarded until he yielded it to Meg and holy heck, the implications of that are long ranging. I loved how he was protective of her and willing to do what was needed to ensure their past and future.
This is definitely a romance, but the actual falling in love portion of the story isn’t what this book is focused on. I was okay with that because it was their relationship that was the catalyst of so much of the conflict, drama and action that followed. And all that conflict, drama and action, was jaw dropping as various elements of the story continued to be revealed.
It’s been a while since I’ve read the last book in this series so I didn’t immediately pick up on the connection between them and this addition. But when I did, I savored every moment of it. With a mixture of medieval and paranormal, this book kept me hopping. It’s fast paced, well written, and had a plot that kept me turning the pages as quickly as possible.
The fact that this ends with an epilogue that connects all the dots and had me grinning from ear to ear even as I shook my head in admiration of this author’s ability to layer stories, is testament that not only this book, but the series, should be read by those who love time travel romance.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Margaret was one tough heroine considering the time she lived in. But that same time held her in constraints she despised. Watching her move from a place of fear to one of confidence and certainty was great. Griffin kept his heart guarded until he yielded it to Meg and holy heck, the implications of that are long ranging. I loved how he was protective of her and willing to do what was needed to ensure their past and future.
This is definitely a romance, but the actual falling in love portion of the story isn’t what this book is focused on. I was okay with that because it was their relationship that was the catalyst of so much of the conflict, drama and action that followed. And all that conflict, drama and action, was jaw dropping as various elements of the story continued to be revealed.
It’s been a while since I’ve read the last book in this series so I didn’t immediately pick up on the connection between them and this addition. But when I did, I savored every moment of it. With a mixture of medieval and paranormal, this book kept me hopping. It’s fast paced, well written, and had a plot that kept me turning the pages as quickly as possible.
The fact that this ends with an epilogue that connects all the dots and had me grinning from ear to ear even as I shook my head in admiration of this author’s ability to layer stories, is testament that not only this book, but the series, should be read by those who love time travel romance.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
May 11, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
This is a magical time traveling love story that takes the reader on a journey from the past to the present.
Read full review in the 2021 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This is a magical time traveling love story that takes the reader on a journey from the past to the present.
Read full review in the 2021 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 12, 2021
Can love break her curse? Will she find happiness in the future?
Judith Sterling weaves an intricate tale as she ties together the entire series in this last book, Return of the Raven. Each book in the series has led up to an incredible tale of love and family. You can’t help but to root for Margaret and Griffin as the story progresses.
There are many twists and turns in the story, with awesome reveals that are only hinted at in the other books. You will laugh and cheer and cry as you read. Definitely a satisfying ending to a series well-done!
Judith Sterling weaves an intricate tale as she ties together the entire series in this last book, Return of the Raven. Each book in the series has led up to an incredible tale of love and family. You can’t help but to root for Margaret and Griffin as the story progresses.
There are many twists and turns in the story, with awesome reveals that are only hinted at in the other books. You will laugh and cheer and cry as you read. Definitely a satisfying ending to a series well-done!
March 12, 2021
What a wonderful story. Lady Margaret would love to change her life. There is a possibility when she meets someone from the future. Who knows how this will all play out. Impossible to not enjoy.
May 25, 2021
Yes! After Flight of the Raven, Soul of the Wolf, Shadow of the Swan, and Night of the Owl I was very happy to finally read Meggie's story. Throughout the different stories, Meg has popped up every now and then and it was at first very unclear who she was and what her relationship with all the characters was. But in Return of the Raven my curiosity was finally fulfilled! I cried for Meg, because all that she had to endure, but I also smiled for her wit and clever thinking.
And although the story sometimes gets you dizzy because of all the timeloops it is certainly a wonderful ending to this series. Thank you very much Judith for this great series! A bit sad that it is over now, but I'll think I'll just hop over to the Guardians of Erin. Five out of five stars from me.
And although the story sometimes gets you dizzy because of all the timeloops it is certainly a wonderful ending to this series. Thank you very much Judith for this great series! A bit sad that it is over now, but I'll think I'll just hop over to the Guardians of Erin. Five out of five stars from me.
February 18, 2021
Return of the Raven by Judith Sterling
Betrayal, passion, love, loyalty, hope, abuse, murder, and magic—Judith Sterling’s Return of the Raven has it all! For fans of this series this book will answer the questions that have been sitting in your mind from the first and those added along through the others. There is no possible way to divulge a single snippet of this novel without giving away too much as it is so intricately intertwined; and yet, flows so well and effortlessly that readers will devour it joyfully with little effort.
Return of the Raven follows Margaret, Lady Ravenwood and Griffin Nightshade through life and time as they experience and chase mysteries that surround their very existence. She, knowing she must escape the life she is in, and he fearing love due to its all-encompassing power over one’s heart these to find themselves pulled to each other by seen and unseen forces. The characters are vivid and easily relatable. Though Margaret starts out doubting herself, as many do in life, she quickly comes into her own; and once she realizes her worth is a force to be reckoned with and a guiding light to those around her. Griffin is no slouch as he is fiercely loyal, as well as caring and gentle when it’s needed the most.
Sterling’s writing has never failed to enchant this reader, but I must confess, this book stands special amongst its series brethren. It regales readers with the memories of the other books, while tying up the mysteries neatly and still maintains the magic of a well-woven tale with the ability to proudly stand alone. Return of the Raven is well-written, flows smoothly and feeds the imagination with new twists on the classic stance of good versus evil. Readers will not be disappointed in this book or any of the books in this series.
Betrayal, passion, love, loyalty, hope, abuse, murder, and magic—Judith Sterling’s Return of the Raven has it all! For fans of this series this book will answer the questions that have been sitting in your mind from the first and those added along through the others. There is no possible way to divulge a single snippet of this novel without giving away too much as it is so intricately intertwined; and yet, flows so well and effortlessly that readers will devour it joyfully with little effort.
Return of the Raven follows Margaret, Lady Ravenwood and Griffin Nightshade through life and time as they experience and chase mysteries that surround their very existence. She, knowing she must escape the life she is in, and he fearing love due to its all-encompassing power over one’s heart these to find themselves pulled to each other by seen and unseen forces. The characters are vivid and easily relatable. Though Margaret starts out doubting herself, as many do in life, she quickly comes into her own; and once she realizes her worth is a force to be reckoned with and a guiding light to those around her. Griffin is no slouch as he is fiercely loyal, as well as caring and gentle when it’s needed the most.
Sterling’s writing has never failed to enchant this reader, but I must confess, this book stands special amongst its series brethren. It regales readers with the memories of the other books, while tying up the mysteries neatly and still maintains the magic of a well-woven tale with the ability to proudly stand alone. Return of the Raven is well-written, flows smoothly and feeds the imagination with new twists on the classic stance of good versus evil. Readers will not be disappointed in this book or any of the books in this series.
February 22, 2021
… A woman desperate to outlive a curse. A man anxious to help. Together, as they forge a bond, they reshape the past as well as the future...
In January 2020, we read Night of the Owl, for us the first of Judith Sterling's time traveling historical romances. There we met Ardyth Nightshade, a woman with a brain, imagination and courage. Fast forward to February 2021 as we met her parents [Margaret, Lady Ravenwood, and Griffen Nightshade], we knew immediately where Ardyth got her spunk.
Margaret is functioning under the ages old Ravenwood Curse: unless a child is conceived in love, the mother will die in childbirth. Sadly, she is saddled with a brute of a husband who not only loathes her but is after her holdings. Not exactly what we’d call a loving union. Enter, by accidental discovery of Woden’s Stairs on his newly inherited Elizabethan manor, Griffen Nightshade, concert pianist and newly conferred PhD in medieval studies. The attraction is immediate and intense. Their actions to break the curse—and save their love and the lives of future children—is inventive and action-packed.
We have often said, writing historical fiction of any sub-genre is not for the wilting lilies of the world. Author Sterling entertained us with her intensive research into herbs and medicinals of the day as well as her delicious sense of humor. Imagine an 11th century woman viewing a telephone, then an automobile, followed by the workings of an electric light switch. A complete and utter hoot.
On a scale of 1-5, Return of the Raven, bk 5 of the Novels of Ravenwood, earns a 6
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
In January 2020, we read Night of the Owl, for us the first of Judith Sterling's time traveling historical romances. There we met Ardyth Nightshade, a woman with a brain, imagination and courage. Fast forward to February 2021 as we met her parents [Margaret, Lady Ravenwood, and Griffen Nightshade], we knew immediately where Ardyth got her spunk.
Margaret is functioning under the ages old Ravenwood Curse: unless a child is conceived in love, the mother will die in childbirth. Sadly, she is saddled with a brute of a husband who not only loathes her but is after her holdings. Not exactly what we’d call a loving union. Enter, by accidental discovery of Woden’s Stairs on his newly inherited Elizabethan manor, Griffen Nightshade, concert pianist and newly conferred PhD in medieval studies. The attraction is immediate and intense. Their actions to break the curse—and save their love and the lives of future children—is inventive and action-packed.
We have often said, writing historical fiction of any sub-genre is not for the wilting lilies of the world. Author Sterling entertained us with her intensive research into herbs and medicinals of the day as well as her delicious sense of humor. Imagine an 11th century woman viewing a telephone, then an automobile, followed by the workings of an electric light switch. A complete and utter hoot.
On a scale of 1-5, Return of the Raven, bk 5 of the Novels of Ravenwood, earns a 6
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
January 16, 2021
This is one of the most heartwarming as well as heart wrenching stories I've ever read! The author, Judith Sterling, brings you into a world of time travel which involves fate having to be allowed to happen in the past as well as in the future. The two are closely intertwined and with the help of some magical forces, Margaret and Griffin are in charge of making sure all goes as it should.
Margaret is from the medieval world and Griffin is from the 1950's. When Griffin finds himself in the medieval world and meets Margaret, the attraction is very strong but she's married (to an evil man) and carries the curse of dying in childbirth if the child is not consummated by a love matched marriage. With danger surrounding them, Griff begs Meg to come back with him into the future and what follows is such a delightful time, experiencing the joy she finds in all the modern technologies:)
Unfortunately, fate has a steady path and they must embark on another journey into the past. Some readers might find it all a bit complicated but the author does a great job of explaining it all. The ending overwhelmed me a bit and I admit I did some ugly crying but it was also the perfect ending for this story.
I was given an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Margaret is from the medieval world and Griffin is from the 1950's. When Griffin finds himself in the medieval world and meets Margaret, the attraction is very strong but she's married (to an evil man) and carries the curse of dying in childbirth if the child is not consummated by a love matched marriage. With danger surrounding them, Griff begs Meg to come back with him into the future and what follows is such a delightful time, experiencing the joy she finds in all the modern technologies:)
Unfortunately, fate has a steady path and they must embark on another journey into the past. Some readers might find it all a bit complicated but the author does a great job of explaining it all. The ending overwhelmed me a bit and I admit I did some ugly crying but it was also the perfect ending for this story.
I was given an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
February 22, 2021
People who know me can tell you I’m picky about my time travel stories. Let’s just say, they aren’t my first choice. However, this one was good.
A man, Griffin, is a historian who has studied medieval times and learned to speak the Old English language. So, when he comes across a portal that takes him back to the eleventh century he can communicate with the people and fit in. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t get into plenty of trouble. He’s attracted to the beautiful and married lady of Ravenwood, Margaret.
Margaret is trapped in a loveless marriage to an evil man. Her life has been threatened by him and his equally evil sister. She thinks love isn’t possible for her until Griffin comes along. It may not seem like it from what I’ve said so far but Margaret is a strong, intelligent, and brave woman. She also has certain magical powers. Soon, she agrees to travel through the portal to the twentieth century with Griffin in order to save herself. And, that’s not the only trip they make between his time and hers.
What I loved about the story – the dialect this author writes sounds true to my mind. The author has definitely done her research. Also, her scene descriptions are great, no matter the century. Both main characters earn the title hero and heroine.
If you like good time travel I strongly encourage you to read this book.
A man, Griffin, is a historian who has studied medieval times and learned to speak the Old English language. So, when he comes across a portal that takes him back to the eleventh century he can communicate with the people and fit in. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t get into plenty of trouble. He’s attracted to the beautiful and married lady of Ravenwood, Margaret.
Margaret is trapped in a loveless marriage to an evil man. Her life has been threatened by him and his equally evil sister. She thinks love isn’t possible for her until Griffin comes along. It may not seem like it from what I’ve said so far but Margaret is a strong, intelligent, and brave woman. She also has certain magical powers. Soon, she agrees to travel through the portal to the twentieth century with Griffin in order to save herself. And, that’s not the only trip they make between his time and hers.
What I loved about the story – the dialect this author writes sounds true to my mind. The author has definitely done her research. Also, her scene descriptions are great, no matter the century. Both main characters earn the title hero and heroine.
If you like good time travel I strongly encourage you to read this book.
February 16, 2021
Another brilliant read from Judith Sterling, this is definitely one of my favourite reads of this series a little sad that the adventures I have been taken on are over, stepping back in time with Griffin and Margaret their story is on of a strong heroine and Griffin who is strong and protective wants to keep her safe,full of drama,conflict, magical moments and love,plays with your emotions I loved every word as the vision of the characters and surroundings played though my mind, when an author describes her story and her characters come to life for me,As I am pulled into the book I know I am in for a great read .
I was given an advance copy of an amazing story and brilliant series, thanks Judith for the adventure!!!
Page turner a must read series
I was given an advance copy of an amazing story and brilliant series, thanks Judith for the adventure!!!
Page turner a must read series
January 18, 2021
Just when I thought the last book in The Novels of Ravenwood was one of the best time travel books I had read Judith Sterling comes out with yet another amazing tale. This book is Margaret’s “Meg’s” story, and what a story it is! It is full of excitement, suspense, romance and yes, heartache. I definitely needed my box of tissues for this one. I absolutely loved this book and will definitely be re-reading it, as I will be the entire series. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys medieval romance with a touch of magic. Thank you Judith Sterling for giving me the opportunity to read this touching book and thank you for all of these wonderful stories.
October 4, 2021
The fifth and last book in the Novels of Ravenwood series a well written story that had me devouring each page. I was not putting this book down until I had finished it. It is a good thing I had the Kleenex near by as I found it to be a great but emotional story. Margaret, Lady Ravenwood and Griffin Nightshade's story and the ups and downs they went through. The story goes from 1950 to the past with suspense, drama, villains, twists, turns, a curse, and love. I would recommend not only this book but also the series. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2021
Get the tissues ready for the emotion-filled fifth book in "The Novels of Ravenwood" series. I have loved all 4 of the previous books and "Return of the Raven" just makes me love this series even more. Judith Sterling is a master of character creation, world building, and story telling - and I cannot rate her work highly enough. My advice? Buy all 5 books and binge read them!
My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
October 1, 2021
She has a terrible husband and a curse stands that without love she will die. A man drops in from the far future.
The connection to the two of them is undeniable. Circumstances drive them to escape to the future. Alas, they must return to the past. It is truly a remarkable tale that is well written and fun to devour. I just loved reading it and experience the gambit of emotions it brings forth. Thanks to the author!
The connection to the two of them is undeniable. Circumstances drive them to escape to the future. Alas, they must return to the past. It is truly a remarkable tale that is well written and fun to devour. I just loved reading it and experience the gambit of emotions it brings forth. Thanks to the author!
February 25, 2021
Griffin Nightshade is a historian in the 1950s who's just inherited a property. As he is inspecting the property, he hears about the stairs that go nowhere. Curious, he walks the stairs and then steps through time to the past. There, he meets Lady Ravenwood, Margaret, and a budding romance blooms. Margaret's love penetrates all the walls he's built around his heart. Convincing her to join him in the future will take risking even her life to break a family curse. Fate brings these two souls together but can he and Margaret figure out how to forge a happy life together or will the past slam the door on their love forever?
Wow, Return of the Raven is one of the best time-travel romances I've ever read. I've thoroughly enjoyed Judith Sterling's The Novels of Ravenwood series and with Return of the Raven, all the loose ends are tied up as well as a secret glimpse into one of the couples we've gotten snippets of in previous books. Margaret is an independent heroine who goes after her happiness, which is impressive considering she's in medieval times. I connected with her right away. It was delightful to see Margaret adjust to the 'modern day'. Return of the Raven is a feast for historical and contemporary romance readers. The descriptive narration is intricate and filled with emotion. The plot moves at an excellent pace. What makes this such a fantastic read is the contrast between medieval and modern eras. Judith Sterling's writing prowess has grown over the course of the Ravenwood series and this is the crown of excellence. It was refreshing to have the time travel move from the past to the present. The romance between Griffin and Margaret is sweeping and fraught with obstacles but when they finally get together, it filled my heart with joy. A brilliant conclusion to the series, Return of the Raven is a must-read. It can be read as a standalone, too. Fans of Diana Gabaldon will swoon over Return of the Raven. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
Wow, Return of the Raven is one of the best time-travel romances I've ever read. I've thoroughly enjoyed Judith Sterling's The Novels of Ravenwood series and with Return of the Raven, all the loose ends are tied up as well as a secret glimpse into one of the couples we've gotten snippets of in previous books. Margaret is an independent heroine who goes after her happiness, which is impressive considering she's in medieval times. I connected with her right away. It was delightful to see Margaret adjust to the 'modern day'. Return of the Raven is a feast for historical and contemporary romance readers. The descriptive narration is intricate and filled with emotion. The plot moves at an excellent pace. What makes this such a fantastic read is the contrast between medieval and modern eras. Judith Sterling's writing prowess has grown over the course of the Ravenwood series and this is the crown of excellence. It was refreshing to have the time travel move from the past to the present. The romance between Griffin and Margaret is sweeping and fraught with obstacles but when they finally get together, it filled my heart with joy. A brilliant conclusion to the series, Return of the Raven is a must-read. It can be read as a standalone, too. Fans of Diana Gabaldon will swoon over Return of the Raven. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
March 10, 2021
Return of the Raven was a wonderful conclusion to Judith Sterling's Novels of Ravenswood series. I've enjoyed all the books in this historical/time travel romance series, and Sterling ties everything together in this book. I stand in awe of Sterling's ability to weave the multitude of threads from the previous stories together, into this beautiful tapestry of a novel. There are so many twists and turns and surprises, I don't want to say anything that will give them away in this review. Suffice it to say, if you've read the other books in this series, do yourself a favor and read the Return of the Raven. You won't be sorry!
April 27, 2021
This time travel romance is the fifth and final offering in The Novels of Ravenwood series. It's the story of Griffin Nightshade (from the 1950s) and Margaret, Lady Ravenwood (from the 11th century). They share a soulful, abiding love which has consequences in both the modern era and the medieval one.
I'll miss these characters and all the others in the series. How could I not? We’ve spent a good portion of the past five years together. Tears welled in my eyes a number of times as I wrote the last two chapters, and at one point, I bawled like a baby. But I also smiled a great deal. I’d done justice to the characters and the overarching story I envisioned when first plotting the series years ago. I hope you'll agree and take something positive from the experience of reading it.
I'll miss these characters and all the others in the series. How could I not? We’ve spent a good portion of the past five years together. Tears welled in my eyes a number of times as I wrote the last two chapters, and at one point, I bawled like a baby. But I also smiled a great deal. I’d done justice to the characters and the overarching story I envisioned when first plotting the series years ago. I hope you'll agree and take something positive from the experience of reading it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews