 May peace and plenty bless your world With joy that long endures. May all life’s passing seasons Bring the best to you and yours. Happy Medieval Monday! Welcome, May! Nestled between the spring equinox and summer solstice, the first of May has been celebrated since ancient times. It was Floralia to the Romans, Beltane to the Gaels, and in many countries has been called May Day for centuries. Beltane was -- is -- a celebration of life, nature, and fertility. Although not yet the summer solstice, it's considered the beginning of summer. For the medieval Celts -- and many other medieval peoples -- it was a time of joy and anticipation. Crops were beginning to grow, fruit trees were budding, and animals could finally be led to pasture. The dark days of winter were well and truly over. Also, according to pre-Christian beliefs, it was a time when the veil between the worlds was thin. Bonfires were lit for protection against evil. Rituals, dancing, and feasting took place around the fire. While Beltane traditions waned in later centuries, they never completely disappeared. In many places, Beltane and other May Day celebrations have made a comeback. Edinburgh's Fire Festival on Calton Hill, for one, is a huge, unique, and important cultural event. Beltane Fire Society A Detailed History of Beltane At its core -- now as much as in days of old -- Beltane is a celebration of hope. Isn't that nice? I, with my agrarian tendencies, will smile upon my little garden, think of my loved ones, and consider the world. And I will send up prayers of hope and gratitude. For more Medieval Monday, be sure to visit medieval ladies Mary Morgan and Barbara Bettis. Wishing you a beautiful day -- and a beautiful May!
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 photo by Laurens Antoine  The last book I read by Linda Griffin was Bridges, a beautiful, tender romance that left me smiling and blinking back tears. You can imagine that I'm thrilled to celebrate her latest book, Reluctant Hearts, with an interview! Before we get to the book, let's learn more about this talented author. Welcome, Linda! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? An early favorite was Half Magic by Edward Eager. I read it so often that I can still recite the first few pages word for word: “It began one summer about thirty years ago, and it happened to four children…” Later my sister and I read the Williamsburg series by Elswyth Thane out loud to each other while we did the dishes, and over the years I must have read them at least twenty times. I also loved Robert A. Heinlein’s science fiction “books for boys,” especially Farmer in the Sky and Time for the Stars. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I read a wide variety of fiction, but lately I’ve also been reading a lot of memoirs. A former YA librarian friend keeps recommending YA books to me, so I’ve enjoyed quite a few of those too. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I knew I wanted to be a “book maker” as soon as I learned to read and realized that somebody had to create those words. I wrote my first story, “Judy and the Fairies,” when I was six, using a plot device I stole from a “Little Lulu” comic book.  Little Miss Sunbeam! SUCH A CUTIE! 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? I wrote a story called “The Wind” for an eighth grade English class, and it earned an A+. My mother didn’t like it, though, because I wrote, “She cursed the wind.” 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I have no idea. Sometimes I get what I call glimmers, and sometimes I don’t. It happens most often when two different ideas come together. I think the level of creativity in the universe is higher at some times than others. 6) What’s your writing space like? I have two. My desk in the den is where I write during the day. I like the straight chair because it’s better for my back, but it’s also an heirloom that originally belonged to my grandmother. In the evenings I write in the living room in front of the TV, which gets very little of my attention, but sometimes gives me a name when I need one and occasionally sparks a glimmer. A conversation between the Winchester brothers on Supernatural somehow triggered a romance! That chair is a treasure! And you make an excellent case of writing in front of the television!  7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I don’t really have a choice. If I did, it would be in the morning when my creative energy is the highest, but I’m at the mercy of my characters, who are partial to bedtime and the middle of the night. I have to keep a notebook next to the bed so I can take dictation when they start having a conversation. LOL! Your characters dictate your writing schedule! I can understand that. 8) Time to talk about Reluctant Hearts (rubbing hands together). But first, how did you come up with the idea for the collection? Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? Each of the four novellas had its initial trigger. A TV show bank robbery for “No Regrets,” a newspaper article about registered sex offenders and Halloween for “Probation,” a meditation on “The Shape of Life,” and the TV show House Hunters for, of course, “House Hunters.” Each story includes at least one character who isn’t ready to love again, so I brought them together with the theme of unexpected romance overcoming reluctant hearts. 9) I comprehend that you’ve just recently published a book. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? Next up is a suspense novella, The Axe. I entered the first 500 words in a competition and one of the judges, Morena Stamm of the Wild Rose Press, asked to see the full manuscript. Much to my surprise, it’s now under contract! Oh, wow! That's wonderful!  cover art by Jennifer Greeff Linda, thank you for sharing your time and travels with us. Congratulations on your new release! And now, Reluctant Hearts!  cover art by Jennifer Greeff Four couples, four stories: Darien Francis and Richard Li meet during a bank robbery, but she’s afraid to love again. Shane Kenniston and Beth Parker are reacquainted years after she had a crush on him, but she is a recent widow, and Shane’s life was upended by a false accusation. David Early and Kate Howard meet in the Laundromat, but her life is consumed by the needs of her disabled child, and David isn’t ready for the responsibility. Realtor Frank Ellison meets Kayla Barnes at an open house, but a mistaken first impression derails any chance of romance. Can they all overcome the obstacles to love? ExcerptsWe are lucky enough to have short excerpts from each novella in Reluctant Hearts. Thank you, Linda! No Regrets “Well, you are too good to be true, aren’t you?” She grinned, and then she sobered, and their eyes met. They stopped walking. The dogs tugged at the leashes and strayed from the path, sniffing at everything they could reach. Richard tossed the remains of his lunch in a trash container and put his arms around her. The sounds of traffic grew distant, muted. Manning walked in a circle, wrapping the leash around their legs. They both laughed, and they kissed quickly and then not so quickly. “In a public place,” she said in mock disapproval. Probation “So, you don’t smoke, you don’t drink, and you don’t do Halloween? What do you do?” “Whatever you’ll let me do, I guess,” he said. He hadn’t used that old line since college. She was surprised, but she didn’t seem upset. She gazed at him speculatively for a few seconds and then leaned towards him. He didn’t want to take anything for granted, so he waited for her to kiss him first, but he responded without hesitation. She tasted of beer and cherry-flavored lip gloss. “Oh, gosh,” she said. “Wait till I tell Patty I kissed Mr. Kenniston.” The Shape of Life They backed away from the stove, the coffee forgotten, drifted, as if without purpose, through the living room, quietly past Chris’s room, into Kate’s bedroom. “I may hate you in the morning,” she warned. “I’ll risk it,” he said. He stood close to her in the half-darkness, feeling the soft contours of her body against his while he freed her bright, velvety hair. “Very nice,” he said, and his hands slid down to find the hook of her halter top. “David,” she said, her voice a little blurred, as in a dream. “Promise me we won’t be sorry.” House Hunters Her shape had never bothered him before. But right now, it was distracting him to know she had that lovely, decidedly female body under her jeans and sweater. He turned his head toward her, and she looked up at him, and he leaned in to kiss her. “Don’t,” she said, but she kissed him back. The gesture was more friendly than passionate, but her lips were soft and sweet all the same. He knew it wasn’t supposed to be happening, but he couldn’t remember why, and he liked it—more than he liked the Canaletto.  About the Author Linda Griffin was born and raised in San Diego, California and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. She earned a BA in English from San Diego State University and an MLS from UCLA. She began her career as a reference and collection development librarian in the Art and Music Section of the San Diego Public Library and then transferred to the Literature and Languages Section where she managed the Central Library’s fiction collection. She had a short story published in the SDSU literary journal, The Phoenix, but most of her magazine publications came after she left the library to spend more time on her writing. Her stories, in every length from short shorts to novellas, have been published in numerous journals, including Eclectica, Thema Literary Journal, The Avalon Literary Review, and most recently Willow River. In addition to the three R’s—reading, writing, and research—she enjoys Scrabble, movies, and travel and has visited 48 states and three countries.  Welcome, Silver Dagger Tours and Heather Boyd!  Scandals rarely take place in the center of the ballroom, but on the fringes anything is possible.   From the moment George Sweet stole his intended, Roman Crawford has pursued every possible manner of revenge against the nasty scrub. Though he does have his limits. Debauching Sweet’s sister, a veritable paragon of vestal goodness, is beyond the pale—yet that is exactly what the lady herself requests. Roman isn’t willing or able to refuse when Amity Sweet quite literally begs him to participate in her ruin. But instead of a shy, virtuous flower, Roman finds himself in the arms of a wickedly passionate beauty…who disappears from Town immediately after their tryst. If public humiliation is the only way Amity can escape an arranged marriage to one of her vicious brother’s cronies, then it will be on her terms. She enlists the aid of George’s greatest enemy, who she’s certain will be happy to see her brother brought low by her corruption. But Amity is no fool. She also chose Roman because of his reputation in the bedroom. She expects to find pleasure in her ruin. She does not, however, expect to find Roman Crawford nigh unforgettable. When the pair meet again, their wicked attraction is stronger still, but Amity despairs of falling for a man pining for another, while Roman knows any offer for her hand may further alienate Amity from her family. Neither are aware that their worries may be for naught. That their combined fate—and destiny—may already be sealed.   Born female, but living the whole of her life as a male, Dane Winston has stumbled into the employ of Lord Stratford, youngest brother of the Duke of Ravenswood. As his valet, she can barely keep the chatty lord on schedule…nor can she keep his hands off her person, once he discovers her true gender. The only thing more surprising than his attention is how much Winston enjoys it. But their dalliance must be short-lived. As she navigates a house party where certain guests are keen to cause trouble for the duke, she discovers trouble of her own in the form of jealous servants…and someone from her past she hoped never to meet again. Lord Stratford Sweet has returned home to find his deceased father has left the duchy in dire financial straits. As he scrambles to help his eldest brother, the new duke, hide the extent of their insolvency from a houseful of guests, he certainly needs no further distractions. But he finds one in the form of his new valet, a man who looks too young, too soft…too good in a pair of breeches. When Stratford discovers her secret, keeping Win in his employ could cause a scandal the likes of which the estate can scarcely afford. But the more he learns about Win, and the uncanny connection they share, it may be a scandal he’s willing to endure…forever.    USA Today Bestselling Author Heather Boyd believes every character she creates deserves their own happily-ever-after—no matter how much trouble she puts them through. With that goal in mind, she writes steamy romances that skirt the boundaries of propriety to keep readers enthralled until the wee hours of the morning. Heather has published over fifty regency romance novels and shorter works full of daring seductions and distinguished rogues. She lives north of Sydney, Australia, with her trio of rogues and a fluffy four-legged overlord. Website * Facebook * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads     Gorgeous Italian locales, fine art stolen by Nazis, a side of romance... I'm thrilled to welcome multi-published author Marilyn Baron, whose books whisk us away to beautiful destinations around the world. Her latest, The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard, is set in Florence. It launched just a few weeks ago. We'll learn more about this tantalizing new cozy mystery -- including a great excerpt -- but first let's get to know Marilyn a little better. Marilyn, congratulations on your latest release! 1) What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? The author who inspired me to become a writer was Laura Ingalls Wilder who wrote the “Little House” series of children’s novels. I loved those books. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I enjoy Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Literary Fiction and Suspense. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? In the third grade, I wrote my first short story, “The Gold Lace Dress.” In fourth grade, I wrote a novel called “East West Island,” which featured all of the children in my class. My teacher read it aloud in installments after lunch. I had some great teachers who inspired me to write. Throughout grade and high school I was either editor or feature editor of my school newspaper and I wrote programs for school assemblies. When I was eleven, I got a poem published in Highlights for Children, the one you get in the dentist’s office. It was called The Spider Web. I majored in Journalism and Creative Writing at University of Florida and had a career in corporate Public Relations and then started my own PR firm. So, I’ve been writing my entire life. But I didn’t start writing books until I joined Georgia Romance Writers. Oh, wow! You were a busy little author in grade school! 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? In addition to writing projects like annual reports and marketing brochures for corporate clients, my first novel, Under the Moon Gate, an historical romantic thriller set in contemporary and World War II Bermuda about a German spy and a British socialite was probably what I was most proud of. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I’ve wanted to write for as long as I can remember. I’ve written in a variety of genres from women’s fiction to historical romantic thrillers, from romantic suspense and paranormal to cozy mysteries. I’ve written in a number of formats, from novel length to short stories to anthologies. My sister and I even wrote a musical called “Memory Lane,” about Alzheimer’s. 6) What’s your writing space like? We live in a high-rise condo on the 35th floor in Midtown Atlanta. Since COVID, my husband and I share an office, which comes in handy when I have computer questions or issues. I have a great view of Peachtree Street and the Atlanta skyline. It’s really more of a library that we turned into an office.  Amazing view! 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I love to write looking at the ocean, but we sold our Florida beach condo. I write mostly in the morning, since I find myself taking a cat nap in the afternoon and I’m too tired to write at night. I majored in Journalism and have my own PR business, so I work better under deadline. 8) Time to talk about your latest release (rubbing hands together). But first, how did you come up with the idea for the series? Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? Yes, I spent six months in college living in Florence, Italy, studying art history, English and Italian. My favorite painting is “The Birth of Venus,” by Sandro Botticelli in the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, so I featured Botticelli in my first book [The Case of the Missing Botticelli] in the Massimo Domingo Mystery Series. Book 2, also contained in The Case of the Missing Botticelli, features the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. And the third, in The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard, features French artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard. I set many of my books in Florence, but this series is my first attempt at cozy mysteries. The series is all set in Florence and, the heroine and her sexy carabiniere boyfriend (later husband) travel to different cities in Italy—Venice, Lake Como and Rome—in search of Nazi stolen art. I’ve traveled to those cities many times, so I enjoyed going back there in the books. I am fascinated by World War II (my father was a top-turret gunner on a B-17 flying bombing missions over Europe, including on D-Day) and I love art history, so I’ve combined the things I love most in this series. Such a wonderful idea for a series!  9) Now let’s hear about The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard. Hadley Evans Ferrari, art detective in Florence, Italy, is on the scent of a forgotten Fragonard painting at a villa in Rome when she stumbles across a treasure trove of stolen artwork—from Hermann Göring’s personal World War II stash. Here is the YouTube link for the book trailer: https://youtu.be/SizQ3LXSc9o The trailer is FABULOUS! 10) I comprehend that you’ve just recently published a book. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? I just signed a contract for a short story called, “Blame it on the Moon,” for the Wild Rose Press series Jelly Beans and Spring Things. It will be published June 21, 2023. It’s about a woman who goes out on her balcony to watch the Blood Moon and when she comes back inside it’s three years later on the night of the next Blood Moon and everything has changed. I have also been researching an historical fiction to be set in Portugal, a country I just visited. 11) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I write destination fiction and love to set my books in locations I’ve visited, from Bermuda and Australia to Scotland, Austria, Italy, Greece, St. Petersburg and Germany, as well as places I’ve lived like Miami, Tallahassee and Atlanta. Next year, I will celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary. My husband and I have two daughters and two granddaughters. Marilyn, thank you for sharing your time and travels with us! Wishing you new adventures and joyful celebrations with your family for many years to come! Time for The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard!  Tracking stolen art in gorgeous Italian villas…secrets and danger… Hadley Evans Ferrari, art detective in Florence, Italy, is on the scent of a forgotten Fragonard painting at a villa in Rome when she stumbles across a treasure trove of stolen artwork—from Hermann Göring’s personal World War II stash. When she and the palazzo’s interior decorator are held hostage by the head of a secret Nazi organization and required, in a race against time, to appraise all the artwork in the house for private sale, she fears they will never escape with their lives. Can her sexy carabinieri husband Luca Ferrari and the police department’s Art Squad get there in time to come storming in and “save the day” before the villa’s evil Count “ties up loose ends”? Excerpt: The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard “How do you know me?” “Who in Italy doesn’t know the famous and beautiful Signora Ferrari of Massimo Domingo Art Detective Agency?” “I wasn’t aware anyone knew my name. My boss is the premier art expert.” “Signora, you’re too modest. Your reputation precedes you, as does the highly questionable and fading reputation of your boss. And your particular expertise will be put to very good use here, I assure you. It’s a special job that requires your particular skills.” “What exactly are we doing here?” Hadley demanded, acting more courageous than she felt. “Okay, let’s dispense with the niceties, if we must. I have inherited a number of paintings, and I’m in need of your talent in authenticating and tracking the provenance of what I believe are masterworks.” “You mean stolen Nazi art.” The man straightened. “Certainly not. I have the records that maintain these paintings were legally sold to the buyers and that I now own Palazzo Allegretti and all of its contents.” “But I understood that Herr Muller had purchased the palazzo.” “Herr Muller works for us. He’s what you could call an anonymous third party. We’ve been waiting a long time to release these paintings onto the open market. I simply need your assistance in verifying their authenticity, perhaps giving us an idea of their current value, which has undoubtedly risen since they were…” “Confiscated?” Hadley posed. “Is that the word you were looking for?”  About the Author
Marilyn Baron writes in a variety of genres from women’s fiction to historical romantic thrillers and romantic suspense to paranormal/fantasy and cozy mysteries. She’s received writing awards in Single Title, Suspense Romance, Novel with Strong Romantic Elements and Paranormal/Fantasy Romance. She was also The Finalist in the 2017 Georgia Author of the Year Awards (GAYA) in the Romance Category for her novel, Stumble Stones, and The Finalist for the 2018 GAYA Awards in the Romance category for her novel, The Alibi. Her novel, The Case of the Missing Botticelli, has been nominated for the 2023 Author of the Year Awards in the Romance category. Her latest novel, Book 3 in the Massimo Domingo Mysteries series, is The Case of the Forgotten Fragonard. Released March 22, 2023, the cozy mystery is Baron’s 29th work of fiction. Her short story, Blame it on the Moon, will be released June 21, 2023. A public relations consultant in Atlanta, Marilyn is past chair and current member of Roswell Reads (a one city-one-read program) and serves on the Atlanta Authors Series Committee. Past Roswell Reads authors have included Geraldine Brooks, Ann Patchett, Delia Owens, Rick Bragg and Laura Morelli. Marilyn is also a reviewer for The Book Review Crew and Authors on the Air. To find out more about what she writes, visit her website at: www.marilynbaron.com/.  Forêt Brocéliande en automne, Thérèse Gaigé, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons "And for nearly a whole day thus, I rode along, as best I could, Till at last I issued from the wood that was in Brocéliande." Chrétien de Troyes, Le Chevalier au Lion, c. 1170 Located near Rennes, in Bretagne, northwestern France, also known as Paimpont Forest, Brocéliande is literally a forest of legend -- as in, it's in the legends! We're talking Merlin and the Lady of the Lake (Viviane), Morgan le Fay, and the Knights of the Round Table! There's the enchanted Val Sans Retour - Valley of No Return, Merlin's tomb-- I know, right? -- standing stones, a fountain of youth, a haunted castle or two, and more than one mystical lake. It was in Brocéliande that Lancelot confessed his love to Guinivere. Fountain of Youth -- The Celts called the fountain Jaouanc, meaning "youth". Historians say that on the summer solstice, druids would wash the year's newborns in the fountain and mark their names in the marith (register). If the parents couldn't make it that year, they would go the next and the babe would still counted a "newborn" -- one year younger!  Fontaine de jouvence, Brocéliande, Giogo, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Merlin's Tomb -- where the fairy Viviane trapped him to keep him with her forever.  Tombeau_Merlin, Raphodon, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons The Fairy Viviane's House --actually a neolithic burial chamber.  Hotié de Viviane, Fab5669, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Valley of No Return -- King Arthur's half-sister, Morgan Le Fay, caught her lover in the arms of another woman and turned them to stone. She then cast an enchantment upon the whole valley so that those unfaithful in love would be stuck there, lost in time for eternity. Sir Lancelot, true in his love for Guinevere, broke the curse. Good ole Sir Lancelot...  Val sans Retour, franek2, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Erected 4500 to 3000 B.C., there are megaliths throughout the forest. The Menhirs of Monteneuf are arranged in seven rows, east to west. Dolmens (also called "portal tombs", each usually consisting of a large, flat stone (table or capstone) on top of two upright ones) and burial chambers are nearby. Paths branch out from the site into the forest.  Menhirs de Monteneuf, François de Dijon, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Comper Castle -- where Viviane, Lady of the Lake and Merlin's lover, swam with baby Sir Lancelot. Merlin built her a crystal palace here. It's said to be buried at the bottom of the lake. The site is believed to have been home to King Saloman of Brittany in the ninth century. The castle has been built and rebuilt many times through the centuries.  Château de Comper, Brocéliande, Centre de l'Imaginaire Arthurien, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Trécesson Castle -- The site dates back to the 700s or before -- no one knows the origin of the castle. But it's believed that the present castle was constructed in the fourteenth century. This one is purportedly haunted, but not by Merlin or the Knights of the Round Table. One story tells of a young woman -- hundreds of years ago -- dressed in white and with a wreath of roses on her head, who was pulled from a carriage and buried alive at the castle. She can be seen roaming the castle, most notably on the roof during a full moon. A ghostly game of cards has also frequently been reported.  Château de Trécesson, Audrey Le Tiec, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons Mystical Forest of Brocéliande  La Voie Royale, Philippe Manguin, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons  Old Oak, Brocéliande, Kilobug, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons This is just the tip of the iceberg! Paimpont Forest is filled with historical sites, prehistoric megaliths, and sites linked to Arthurian legend. It is also a great place for naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts with forests, lakes, moors, and plenty of wildlife. For more of Brocéliande in literature, check out Chrétien de Troyes' romance Le Chevalier au Lion, Lord Alfred Tennyson's Idylls of the King, Robert de Boron's poem Merlin, and Claris et Laris, to name a few. For a bit more information on Brocéliande: The Good Life France Tourisme Brocéliande Wikipedia Brocéliande There are plenty of tourism websites about the area to choose from. I hope you've enjoyed this wee, little tour! Be sure to visit Mary Morgan and Barbara Bettis. Mary's blog isn't strictly medieval today, but it's a wonderful post (as always). Wishing you a grand Medieval Monday! Release Day for If Jelly Beans Were Kisses! Congratulations, Virginia Barlow!  He has her back when no one else does and entices her into his arms one jelly bean at a time. “Can I give you a lift?” A sexy male voice spoke to her right. Turning, she met Tillman’s blue-eyed gaze. Tempting. Getting into his car would break her vow to keep men a minimum of six feet away. This one possessed black hair, mesmerizing blue eyes, a sexy smile, and a killer body. Gazing down at his handsome face and breathing in the warm musk of his skin sent tingles through her. The man’s sex appeal hit her like a semi-truck, and her stomach fluttered with excitement. With little effort, he could have her naked in bed doing all the things Doug said she wasn’t any good at. Her brow wrinkled. She couldn’t risk the pain of rejection, and recent experience taught her all men were douchebags, no matter how appealing. Shaking her head, she answered his question the only way she could. “No thanks. I need the exercise. See you at work.” “You’re wet, cold, and you’re in your bare feet. Not to mention your broken arm and the bruises I know you’ve got. Get in the car, Andy, and tell me why your scumbag ex took your wheels.” “You saw Doug?” Jill tripped on a rock and stubbed her toe. Cursing, she hobbled on one foot to see the damage, ignoring Tillman. “I did.” He shifted into park and climbed out. Striding toward her, he opened the passenger door and waved her toward it. “What would my grandma say if she knew I let a lady in distress walk home alone, wounded, in the rain and did nothing to help?” Jill stared at him and then at the car. She’d be too close and breathe the same air…  About the Author
I have always loved reading romance novels. I used to sneak them from my mom’s room as a young girl and read them while she was gone. As I grew older, my reading and tastes expanded to sci-fi, dystopian, paranormal, and fantasy. I considered becoming an author in my late twenties but as a busy mother with toddlers; I didn’t have the time. Later, in my fifties, I tried it and have enjoyed every word since. I recently signed my thirteenth contract and am doing my happy dance as I type this. My husband of forty-one years is my greatest support as are all my kids. Most of them are grown and carving out lives for themselves. They are the beat of my heart and with every grandchild; the rhythm gets stronger. I enjoy every moment of my life. Congratulations to Author Terry Segan on her new release, The Jelly Bean Jump Project! I'm so pleased to spotlight this enjoyable time travel romance. I've included my review at the end of the post -- following everything you need to know about the book plus an excerpt. Enjoy!  Fate drew them together. Will their dream of time travel keep them apart? Keira longed to do something amazing with her life. When offered a chance to join a time travel program, she didn’t hesitate. With her soulmate by her side, nothing could be more perfect. Grayson never believed happiness would find him until he met Keira. Lightning struck twice when both got accepted into The Jelly Bean Jump Project, a time travel experiment. Only a handful of applicants made the cut each year. One of the requirements—no family ties. Keira and Grayson were alone in the world except for each other. An adventure of a lifetime awaited, until a glitch in the system threatened to tear them apart. Would they walk away from their fantasy or surrender their hearts in exchange? Excerpt After picking up my tray, I searched for my boyfriend. He hadn’t arrived yet, so I took a seat next to my roommate, Sandra. I set my book on the chair to my right. “Sometimes I feel like we’re in prison wearing these dang uniforms,” Sandra said. “I must admit, I do miss my skirts and capris, and it’s only been a week! At least we don’t have to wear those nerdy boots like the security staff.” I sprinkled sugar over my cereal and mixed it in. “Someone’s got a sweet tooth.” The chair beside me scraped back. “Desmond, I’m saving that for Grayson.” He tossed my book onto the table before placing his own tray down and sitting. “You two aren’t joined at the hip, you know. He can sit across from you.” His shoulder rubbed against mine. “Besides, why should he get all the attention from the best-looking doll here.” I scooted closer to Sandra. “Do you mind? I’m eating.” While Desmond’s looks rivaled the most dashing actors in Hollywood, his arrogance raked through me like fingernails on a chalkboard. His relentless flirting repulsed me, especially because Grayson and I were obviously a couple. “Good morning, ladies. Ready for another day of Time Travel 101?” Grayson plunked down across from me. “I could do that stuff in my sleep. Why do we have to get stuck with an instructor who is such a snooze?” Desmond shoveled eggs into his mouth. “Sorry to take your seat, Gray. Keira insisted.” He nudged me with his elbow. Before I could protest, Grayson jumped in. “Don’t worry about it, Des. From here I get to stare into those amazing blue eyes.” He kept his sight locked on my face. A warm blush filled my cheeks. I looked down, batted my eyelashes, and giggled like a schoolgirl. “Why thank you, sir.” “I don’t know whether to feel ill or jealous at the way you two fawn over each other,” Sandra said. Her comment had been directed at Grayson and me, but her gaze focused on Desmond.  About the Author Terry Segan, originally from Commack, NY, now resides in the desert where she’ll never require an ice scraper or snow shovel again. The beach is her happy place, but any opportunity to travel soothes her gypsy soul. The stories conjured by her imagination while riding backseat on her husband’s motorcycle can be found throughout the pages of her paranormal mysteries. Growing up immersed in sarcastic humor and science fiction movies, Terry’s goals are to cause her readers to laugh out loud, cry with joy, or cower under the covers wondering if the noise under the bed was real or imagined. Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Amazon  Book Review: The Jelly Bean Jump Project by Terry Segan
A fun, refreshing, and suspenseful time travel romance! The main characters Keira and Grayson are young, smart, ambitious -- and completely loveable. They're also brave, willing to participate in a time travel experiment that can guarantee neither their safety nor their return. They will travel ahead a decade at a time, and they look forward to sharing the experience together. All they know is that it's a great opportunity, that they can contribute, and that they love each other. When they are unexpectedly forced to choose between separation or giving up their dreams, what will they do? How much stress, separation, and treachery can love endure? My heart squeezed for them. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! The Jelly Bean Jump Project is a fun read with an adorable romance, twists and turns, and an interesting take on time travel. Five stars.  Call me no longer Locksley, my Liege, but know me under the name, which, I fear, fame hath blown too widely not to have reached even your royal ears. I am Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest. -- Sir Walter Scott, Ivanhoe Happy Medieval Monday! I was having coffee out on our patio this weekend, staring at the trees dotting our view and reflecting on how much I love forests. Then it came to me! How fun would it be to research some of the more famous forests from medieval legend? And so today it’s not Robin Hood we’re after, but Sherwood Forest. While we might never be entirely sure who Robin Hood was, it’s nice to know that there really was a King John, Nottingham, and Sherwood Forest. It lends credence to the possibility of the Prince of Thieves, don’t you agree? The earliest mention of a mention that I can find of Sherwood Forest follows – and it’s repeated in several places on the web. The name ‘Sherwood’ was first recorded in 958 A.D. when it was called ‘Sciryuda’ meaning "the woodland belonging to the shire". It seems to me the name “Sciryuda” was recorded, not “Sherwood”. I’m not even sure what language that is and evidently don’t know where to look to find out. I’m going to email one of the sources, however. We shall see who knows what! In any case, it’s been a recognized area for at least a few thousand years.  Sherwood Forest_(9532)_Nilfanion The Domesday Book of 1086 mentions the forest as covering most of Nottinghamshire. According to various UK government agencies, it comprised around 100,000 acres in medieval times. Romans cleared some of the forest during their occupation of the area. Later, following William the Conquerer’s invasion in 1066, it was designated a Royal Hunting Forest. When Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, powerful dukes were granted the lands. Called “the dukeries”, most of the estates are still intact and well worth visiting. Today, Sherwood Forest is much smaller than it once was. Excluding the vast estates, it’s comprised of around 1,049 acres, filled with pine, birch, and ancient oak trees. The oaks are major players, some of the oldest oaks in Europe -- about a thousand of them. The Major Oak has its own trail. Estimated to be between 800 to 1,000 years old, this huge and venerable tree has a circumference of around 36 feet, is approximately 52 feet tall, and its canopy spreads around 92 feet.  All the usual woodland creatures make their home in Sherwood Forest -- deer, rabbits, hedgehogs, squirrels, bats, birds, and plenty of insects! Cattle can also be found grazing. It’s surrounded by Nottinghamshire, which includes the city of Nottingham. To my surprise – I don’t know what I was thinking – well, I do know. I was thinking King John and Robin Hood. It’s a bustling, modern metropolis with lots to offer both historically and otherwise. There are manmade caves, a castle, great restaurants and museums. I begin to think it’s a must-see! I did not realize what a vast undertaking research on Sherwood Forest would turn out to be. Each estate is worthy of several posts of their own. I have to say – I’m writing this after reading back over the full post – finding exact and matching numbers and information has not been easy. It might be that it’s out of of my realm of experience. This is British land – trusts, private estates, counties, reserves, so much history… There's doubtless a great deal of information that a citizen might take for granted that I'm completely unaware of. While I don’t believe there are any wild discrepancies, please feel free to share your knowledge! Links for more information: Visit Nottinghamshire Visit Sherwood Historical UK Geographical I hope you will have enjoyed this brief foray into the home of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Next week, King Arthur’s forest, Brocéliande! For more medieval fun, be sure to visit medieval ladies Mary Morgan and Barbara Bettis.  Robin Hood proposing to Maid Marion, St. Mary's Church, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire
 Spectacular worldbuilding. Memorable characters. Suspense. Everylyn C. Thompson's new book Grave-Reaping Hermit has it all! We're going to learn about it -- and we have a great excerpt -- but first let's get to know Everlyn a little better. Everlyn, congratulations on your splendid new release! 1)What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? Anything I could get my hands on. Nancy Drew was great, and when I finished all those books, I moved on to the Hardy Boys. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? My favorites will always be urban fantasy books (told in first person by a kickass heroine that uses sarcasm and sass along with sharp pointy weapons to protect those she loves) and paranormal romance books (with strong alpha males, told with dual points of view) But I’ve also been swapping ARCs with anyone willing, so I’ve gotten to try some new genres lately that I’ve enjoyed. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? When I was 12 years old I started writing stories on my family's old PC. As an adult, I’ve always wanted to write my own book, but never made time for it until the covid lockdown happened. Once all 3 of my library cards were maxed out with digital downloads (and I had nothing to read) I decided it was time to try writing again. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? A Mother’s day poem when I was about 7 or 8 years old. Aww! Love that. 5) What’s your writing space like? If the kitchen table isn’t busy, I’ll set up my laptop there and write. If that’s not possible, I’ll sit on the couch or in the bedroom. Anywhere I can steal a few minutes. 6) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? Any free time is writing time. It doesn’t happen every day, but I can usually find a few minutes to myself right before bed. 7) Time to talk about Grave Reaping Hermit (rubbing hands together). What a book! So good! But first, how did you come up with the idea for the series? Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? My latest release is Grave-Reaping Hermit (April 10, 2023) I came up with the idea because I spend a lot of the summer months up north at my family’s cabin. The place is beautiful and secluded. The only thing that would make it better would be if I discovered a magical portal somewhere in the yard that led to another realm.  That's simply gorgeous. 8) I comprehend that you’ve just published a book. I know what that takes. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? The second book in my Grave Reaper series, Grave-Reaping Shrew, is being released on July 24th, 2023, and I’ve been offered a contract for the third (and final) book in the series. Hooray and Congratulations! 9) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I’ve still got 2 feet of snow in my backyard, so I’d like to share a little bit of sunshine with anyone that needs some. Everlyn, thanks so much for sharing your time and talent with us. Once more, congratulations again on Grave=Reaping Hermit! It's amazing. And now for a look at the book! Enjoy!  Homicidal vampires, homeless werewolves, and hot fae guardians are no match for one sarcastic hermit. When self-professed hermit Theodora Edwards is attacked by a dark fae and infected with his magic, she finds herself thrust into the supernatural spotlight as the first possible changeling in centuries. As if surviving the transition isn’t hard enough, Theo has to deal with an attempted abduction by her newly turned vampire ex-husband, unwanted courting offers from salacious fae suitors, and her growing attraction to the guardian of the gate to Fairie. Caught in a cruel tug of war between the queen of the fae and a surly law-enforcement agent, Theo must find a way to free herself before she loses her hard-earned independence for good. Excerpt I mentally hiked up my big girl panties and lunged for the hammer. It was heavy, and I lost my balance as I spun and swung upward with both hands. Whatever Ozzy had been saying was cut off with a sickening thud as the hammer connected with his head. I was pretty sure I’d read somewhere that the softest part of the human skull is the temple—and I nailed his like it had a big red bull’s-eye on it. Momentum from the blow flung us apart. Ozzy was knocked backward, releasing his death grip on my elbow. I floundered at the top of the stairs for a few seconds before gravity won, and I toppled backward with a shriek. The staircase of five steps was not too far a fall, but with my hands still zip-tied in front of me, it was like falling off a cliff in slow motion. The stairs rushed past in a blur, and my entire body tensed in anticipation of hitting the cold hard ground. I had a moment to be grateful that, if I was going to fall, at least I was landing on my backside where I had some extra padding to cushion the fall. My butt never made it as far as the ground. Strong arms seized me from behind, and I landed against a hard chest that knocked the air out of me with an oomph! I blinked in the near darkness and realized Farranen had caught me. He spun us around so that he was between me and the cabin, then gently turned me in his arms so that we were face-to-face. His expression was just as serious as the last time I’d seen him; the slight wrinkle in his forehead was a mix of thoughtful and concerned. “Are you all right?” My first thought was, He IS real! I knew it! “Theodora?” I realized he was still talking, probably waiting for a coherent response from me. Not that I had one. I mean, other than some chafing from the zip ties, I was okay. But the whole abduction thing was really, really not okay. Thoughts flitted back and forth in my head, but my mouth decided to go with “Farranen? You’re real.” Smooth, Theo. Real smooth. His mouth quirked a small half smile, and I found myself smiling back. With lips like that, he really should smile more often. “Yes, I am real. Did you doubt it?”  About the Author Born and raised on the beautiful Canadian prairies, Everlyn prefers to spend her time outdoors with her family kayaking, skating, fishing, and hunting. She loves reading and writing about vampires, witches, fae, and zombies that get to live their own version of happily ever after. Website Goodreads TikTok  Northern Lights, Saskatchewan
 Today I'm proud to welcome multi-published author Virginia Barlow! It's launch day for her new historical romance, A Gamble of Hearts! So exciting! Congratulations, Virginia! I'm astounded at the rate this talented, prolific author turns out books. Her next one, If Wishes Were Jelly Beans, releases next week! Amazing! We'll learn about A Gamble of Hearts -- one great excerpt coming up! But first, let's get to know Virginia a little better. 1)What sort of books did you enjoy reading as a child? Did you have a favorite book or series? I read The Little House on the Prairie series probably ten times. I loved those books! Oh, I loved the Little House books, too. 2) What sort of books do you enjoy reading nowadays? I read romance or self-improvement for the most part. Occasionally I read paranormal fiction. 3) Around what age did you realize that you liked to write? And when did you know that you wanted to write books? I didn’t decide to write until I was in my twenties, but by then I had tiny children and didn’t have the time to write. 4) What’s the first thing you wrote that you remember being proud of? When I was in high school I wrote a short story for the Pen and Quill Literary Club, My story won second place. I wrote for the high school newspaper. 5) Tell us about the creative force within you. What inspires you to write, to create? I like to create stories in my head and make up plots first thing in the morning or right before I fall asleep at night. 6) What’s your writing space like? My writing space is a wonderful little office with pictures of my children, the little gifts they give me, a bookshelf with my book stock, and fairy tale themed items like a gold pumpkin, A picture of a knight in armor receiving a lady’s favor, and roses. A lovely, inspiring space! 7) Do you have a favorite time of day to write? Any habits or little rituals that put you in a writing mindset? I like to write in the afternoon and evening, when it’s quiet. To get in the right mindset, I often pour a glass of wine and pace. 8) Time to talk about Gamble of Hearts (rubbing hands together). Are there any interesting tidbits you’d care to share with us? I came up with the idea of Gamble of Hearts one day at a redlight. I have no idea why. LOL. 9) Now let’s hear about Gamble of Hearts. This story takes place in Regency England. A powerful duke loses his only nephew to a card shark and cheater. The Earl of Hargrove. Seeking revenge, the duke learns the games and lures the earl to a high stakes game where he loses everything. Only when the duke comes to collect does he discover the earl has a sister. And he used the sister to ante up for the final hand. With no other relatives to care for her, the duke becomes her reluctant guardian and sets out to find her a husband -- only to fall for her himself. 10) I comprehend -- actually, I can't quite comprehend -- that you have two book launches within a week. Still, I can’t help but ask – do you have anything waiting in the wings? Yes. I have a Christmas in the Castle book entitled Once Upon a Christmas Castle coming this holiday season. That sounds lovely! I love the title! 11) Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? I would like to say thank you to all my readers and to my family. They keep me going in the right direction. Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us today, Virginia! Congratulations again on A Gamble of Hearts. Wishing you a great book launch! And now, time for A Gamble of Hearts by Virginia Barlow.  The Highest Stakes Come With the Gamble of Hearts! When a powerful duke arrives to collect his winnings from her brother, Lady Amora Hargrove discovers she is one of them. Following her brother's arrest, she becomes the duke's ward and falls for him hard and fast. Problem is, the duke has a violent hatred for gamblers, and she possesses a natural ability. Something he can never discover, or she will lose him forever. The Duke of Ravencroft exacts revenge for his nephew's death and gains a ward. Irresistibly drawn to the villain's sister, he must play and gamble with their hearts or lose everything. Excerpt from A Gamble of Hearts He stared at her mouth as he ran a thumb over her bottom lip. “I have wondered for days what you taste like. You asked if I thought your mouth resembled a rose petal, and I have decided I must know the answer.” Her lips parted in anticipation, and she dared not breathe for fear the spell would break. He leaned close, blocking the moonlight above her as his warm lips covered hers. Afterward, she would always equate the scent of magnolias with her first kiss, for they surrounded her along with the duke’s heat beneath the magical night sky. He slid his firm mouth over hers, searching and applying gentle pressure while his hands caressed her face. She could not believe this was happening and leaned against him, wrapping her arms high around his neck. His embrace comforted her as no one else had, and for the first time since Nathan dragged her to London, she felt safe. With a groan, he tipped her head to the side. “Open for me.” She opened her mouth to ask what he meant but never got the chance, for his tongue slid between her lips and stroked along hers, sending shivers of delight through her body. She trembled against him, wanting each moment to last for an eternity. The taste of him in her mouth intoxicated her, and she could not get enough. Her blood sang, and heat filled her belly. Amazon B&N Goodreads BookBub  About the Author I have always loved reading romance novels. I used to sneak them from my mom’s room as a young girl and read them while she was gone. As I grew older, my reading and tastes expanded to sci-fi, dystopian, paranormal, and fantasy. I considered becoming an author in my late twenties, but as a busy mother with toddlers; I didn’t have the time. Later, in my fifties, I gave it a try and have enjoyed every word of it since. I recently signed my thirteenth contract and am doing my happy dance as I type this. My husband of forty-one years is my greatest support as are all my kids. Most of them are grown and carving out lives for themselves. They are the beat of my heart and with every grandchild; the rhythm gets stronger. I enjoy every moment of my life.    If Jelly Beans Were Kisses -- Release Date April 19!
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