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Sweet romance surrounded by snow and interesting characters? Yes, please! Even the title takes away winter's chill. In the mood for a heartwarming historical Christmas tale set in Regency times? Give The Warmth of Snow by Heidi Eljarbo a try. Read on! The Warmth of Snow There must be a way to thaw a heart long frozen. Can she help him, or does he have other plans? Sweden 1810. August Brandell, the count of Linborg, has returned home after four years of war against the French Empire under the direction of Napoléon Bonaparte. Wounded and downtrodden, he is a meager shadow of the man he used to be. One day, a lovely young woman comes calling. She’s strong and bright and, unlike the rest, seems unaffected by his wealth and unfortunate disability. He soon discovers he wants more than a sweet friendship, but a life of caring for him would not be fair to such a beautiful soul. Oh, how dearly, deeply he loves her and secretly wants her to stay, but he cannot and will not ask such a sacrifice from her…especially not when it’s out of pity for him. Erica Gustava Ebbesdotter has primarily been left to herself since she was orphaned at an early age. Although grateful to her aunt and uncle for taking her in, they pay her no attention and even keep her in the dark about her parents. Hearing about Count Brandell’s unfortunate fate on the battlefield, she knocks on the door at Castle Linborg to leave him a card of encouragement. Meeting Count Brandell changes Erica’s entire world. Falling for him is utterly unexpected. Soon, he fills her heart, but he is far above her station. How can a man like him see beyond her less refined clothes and past? Worst of all, he is already betrothed. This is a sweet and wholesome historical romance—a hauntingly beautiful tale of two hearts meant to be together. Buy the Book This title is available to read on Kindle Unlimited. Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon AU • Amazon CA A Snippet from The Warmth of Snow The count kept his gaze on her, his weary eyes full of empathy. “And how are those memories now? Do they still keep you awake at night? Do they make you angry? I’m only asking because that’s how I felt for a long time after my parents passed away from fever, leaving their fourteen-year-old son to learn from experience how to run this castle and estate.” He clasped his hands together. “So many people die during these times of war, but when a tragedy befalls those who are closest to us, it marks us for life, doesn’t it?” Erica offered a deep sigh and fumbled for a reply. How often had she imagined her parents’ fear and despair as they fought against the forces of nature, clinging to their only child, praying for help? “I’m sure your father taught you well,” she said. “But you must have had some help…a mentor perhaps…someone who guided you through how to take care of your inheritance.” © Heidi Eljarbo Meet Heidi Eljarbo Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of historical fiction and mysteries filled with courageous and good characters that are easy to love and others you don't want to go near. Heidi grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as an author, magazine journalist, and painter. After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, thirteen grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier. Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter. Heidi’s favorites are family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical. Connect with Heidi Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Pinterest BookBub • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads Love great books? Share with your friends and spread the book love! Book Details Title: The Warmth of Snow Author: Heidi Eljarbo Publication Date: October 24th, 2023 Pages: 210 Genre: Sweet Historical Romance / Scandinavian Fiction

Anna Belfrage is a wonderful storyteller, and I'm pleased to share a glimpse into her book, Times of Turmoil, with you. For those who enjoy historical fiction with romance and danger wrapped up in time travel, then read on for an excerpt. Note: Anna doesn't shy away from realism in her books, which is one of the great things about her storytelling. For those who might be sensitive to it, the scene shared in this post contains elements of beating, though nothing graphic. About Times of Turmoil It is 1718 and Duncan Melville and his time traveller wife, Erin, are concentrating on building a peaceful existence for themselves and their twin daughters. Difficult to do, when they are beleaguered by enemies. Erin Melville is not about to stand to the side and watch as a child is abused—which is how she makes deadly enemies of Hyland Nelson and his family. Then there’s that ghost from their past, Armand Joseph Chardon, a person they were certain was dead. Apparently not. Monsieur Chardon wants revenge and his sons are tasked with making Duncan—and his wife—pay. Things aren’t helped by the arrival of Duncan’s cousin, fleeing her abusive husband. Or the reappearance of Nicholas Farrell in their lives, as much of a warped bully now as he was when he almost beat Duncan to death years ago. Plus, their safety is constantly threatened as Erin is a woman of colour in a time and place where that could mean ostracism, enslavement or even death. Will Duncan and Erin ever achieve their simple wish – to live and love free from fear of those who wish to destroy them? Buy the Book This title is available to read on KindleUnlimited. Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon AU • Amazon CA Praise for Times of Turmoil “ … As a person of color the standout of Anna Belfrage’s series, and Times of Turmoil in particular, is the struggle of Erin and the radical shift of 300 years that, sadly, shows how little things have changed. As a father, I am always on the lookout for books with characters my daughters can see themselves represented in, and Belfrage gives this to us, wrapped up in a supremely engrossing time travel epic. There is a line where Duncan says, “This is what a white man considers is his right to subject a coloured woman to.” It’s beautiful and disheartening all at once. The plot itself is dynamic and fast-paced, with unexpected twists and turns. The use of ruses and strategies amplifies this, and all of the characters are multi-dimensional, with their own motivations and flaws. Belfrage’s writing is able to evoke strong emotions of empathy, anger, and hope, and this follow-up in the Time Locket series is a solid, worthy read. Very highly recommended.” (Anna sniffs happily) —Reader’s Favorite Read an Excerpt from Times of Turmoil Had someone told the young Lettie Graham that one day she’d stand cowering before a man, she’d have laughed. Not her, not when Lettie was the strongest and fastest of all the Graham cousins, the best marksman—whether with musket or bow and arrow—the best rider, the best swimmer. No, that Lettie would never have allowed a man to terrorise her. That Lettie had dreamed of becoming an Amazon, one of those ancient female warriors her grandmother told stories about, brave women who defended the weak and fearlessly rode into battle. But that was then, before Emrick, before days of being belittled and hurt, of being disciplined by her husband for any infraction. A wife must be dutiful. She must be obedient. She must hold her tongue. Emrick whipped that message into her back and thighs, leaving purple marks that never quite faded away. No Amazon, just a frightened woman who begged the man she’d promised to love, honour and obey not to hurt her anymore. But he did, and she tried to stop herself from crying out because it made Emrick angry if she didn’t take her punishment in silence. He slapped her. “You are a useless wife, incapable of keeping a clean house, of cooking a good meal.” Not true. She kept their home spotless, and from the Dutch oven came the smell of the baking meat pie, but it didn’t matter that she scurried like a frightened mouse from the moment she woke to the moment she fell into exhausted sleep. Emrick always found fault with something. He hit her again. “Please,” she begged, and shame clogged her throat. She shouldn’t beg, she should fight back. Her younger self would have done so, but these last few years with Emrick had eroded her courage, left her an insipid and weak woman who likely deserved his ire. After all, she disappointed him. She should do better: clean more, cook tastier meals, sew him nicer clothes. “Please?” He laughed nastily. “You are a barren shrew, Lettie Graham, and I’ll regret wedding you till the day I die.” He smiled, but his eyes were like jagged shards of glass. Once, she’d thought his green eyes beautiful. Now, they made her shiver with anticipated pain. “Or you die,” he added and swung again. His fist caught her full in the belly. He hit; she cried out. He hit and hit and hit, and only when she was lying on the floor did he stop. “Clean up the mess,” he ordered before making for the door. “If that floor isn’t as good as new when I get back, I’ll teach you another lesson.” It took her a long time to get off the floor. Tentatively, she stretched her limbs, wincing at the sudden spurts of pain. She rose to her feet and gasped when her entire midriff protested. Nothing to worry about, no bones broken, only bruises, she told herself before finding a bucket and a clean rag with which to scrub off the blood that dotted the floor. Emrick did not return home that night. He rarely did when he’d punished her as thoroughly as he’d done today. No, instead he’d be at one of the nearby inns, laughing with his friends before accompanying a whore upstairs. She wondered bitterly if he ever hit them as he hit her. Likely not: the madam would demand payment for any damage done to one of her girls. The morning after was always the worst. Every movement hurt, from crouching over the chamber pot to staggering out to the kitchen, there to start a bright new day. A tear landed on the worn wood of the table. Another, and she hid her face in her arms and wept. That was how her neighbour found her. Not that it was the first time Mrs Vincent had seen her like this, but it shamed Lettie nonetheless. The older woman studied her bruised face with evident concern. “Not good,” she said bluntly. “Unless you leave him, he will kill you. Men like that, they do not stop.” She crossed herself, blushed vividly when she realised Lettie was watching her. Papists were barely tolerated in most of the colonies. Not that Lettie cared, what with one of her aunts having voluntarily embraced the beliefs of the Holy Church, this despite having been raised a good Presbyterian. Lettie sighed. They’d had this conversation before. “And where would I go?” She rubbed a finger over a stain on the wood. “I am his wife. As such, he can always demand I return to him.” “Only if he finds you,” Mrs Vincent said. Unfortunately, Emrick knew there was only one place for her to run to: home. And while both her father and her uncles would do their best to protect her, they would risk serious fines should they attempt to keep her away from her husband. And Emrick had friends in high places, starting with that despicable Nicholas Farrell, as much of a bully and abuser as Emrick himself. Besides, to return home like a whipped cur—it had her innards twisting with shame. End of Excerpt. © Anna Belfrage Read Historical Note on Anna's site. Meet Anna Belfrage Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests: history and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England. Anna has also published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. Anna has recently released Times of Turmoil, the sequel to her 2021 release, The Whirlpools of Time. Here she returns to the world of time travel. Where The Whirlpools of Time had Duncan and the somewhat reluctant time-traveller Erin navigating the complexities of the first Jacobean rebellion in Scotland, in Times of Turmoil our protagonists are in Colonial Pennsylvania, hoping for a peaceful existence. Not about to happen—not in one of Anna’s books! All of Anna’s books have been awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion, she has several Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choices, and one of her books won the HNS Indie Award in 2015. She is also the proud recipient of various Reader’s Favorite medals as well as having won various Gold, Silver and Bronze Coffee Pot Book Club awards. Find out more about Anna, her books and enjoy her eclectic historical blog on her website, www.annabelfrage.com. Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram Amazon Author Page • BookBub • Goodreads Love great books? Share with your friends and spread the book love! Book Details Book Title: Times of Turmoil Author: Anna Belfrage Publication Date: September 29th, 2023 Publisher: Timelight Press Page Length: 382 pages Genre: Historical Fiction / Time Travel Romance

Hello Dear, Readers! Do you have a minute or two to answer a few questions about what you love to read? Because there are so many genres, settings, and tropes, except for the last one, these are open-ended questions, because I feel like you can speak more for yourself rather than be directed to specific options. This survey will remain open and active, so revisit to complete it whenever you have a couple of minutes to spare to talk about one of our shared loves—books! Take the Survey Note that the form may take 1-3 seconds to load depending on your internet speed. Many thanks!

The Ghost of Greyson Hall is now available on Kindle Unlimited, so KU readers, enjoy! Amazon Kindle Get the Free Kindle App For the paper people: Paperback Large Print May you always have a fire to warm your body, a book to warm your mind, hope to warm your soul, and love to warm your heart. I hope you enjoy the book. —MK McClintock

The Ghost of Greyson Hall is now here to fill your hours (and e-readers) with joy. It's also available in print for those who like to hold paper. Don't waste another minute! Join me and the dashing British Agents and their families as we welcome Lady Grace Canterbury and a heroic Highlander to Greyson Hall. The Ghost of Greyson Hall will be available in Kindle Unlimited on 08/07, so you have a few more days to get the book via your favorite retailer. For devoted e-readers: Amazon Kindle All options For the paper people: Paperback Large Print Once a year, an ancient secret walks the corridors of Greyson Hall, a place shrouded in mystery and whispered legend. The agents and their families must now unravel a century-old mystery if they are to save a love that transcends time. The Ghost of Greyson Hall is a long novella set in Northumberland in December 1782 and 1892. Learn more about the book and read an excerpt → A note . . . The Ghost of Greyson Hall is not so much a ghost story, but rather a tale of love that happens to feature a ghost. You'll know what I mean when you meet Lady Grace Canterbury and the wonderful characters who made telling her story possible. May you always have a fire to warm your body, a book to warm your mind, hope to warm your soul, and love to warm your heart. I hope you enjoy the book. —MK McClintock

This weekend consisted of cutting down and removing a stubborn stump and deep roots from an evil shrub tree that decided this year it would grow out of control, attract yellow jackets, and develop a disease unknown to the internet. It was a cringe-worthy experience, but a beautiful yellow tree rose is now planted in its place, so worth the back ache. After all that work, a relaxing break with muffins, tea, and reading was in order. We're mad for muffins in my house, mostly because they are easy to make and eat, and are a delicious accompaniament to an afternoon cup of tea (or at any time). Of course, I believe in taking time to relax and enjoy each meal, no matter how small (even if I don't always practice it). I recall a conversation with the couple who ran (and still runs) the country house hotel where I spent a glorious week in Scotland. They worked hard day in and out to give their guests an incredible experience (they succeeded), but I noticed one major difference between their day and most of the people I know in the U.S., and that is they took the time to do what mattered most. As I was leaving the small hotel for one of my excursions, I passed them on my way to the car. I don't think they noticed me, nor should they have. Their focus was on each other as they strolled quietly, side-by-side, enjoying the crisp September breeze and quiet rustling of leaves. It has been many years since the image from that moment gave me pause. When we meet a person who works as hard as anyone, but knows when to stop and enjoy life's most precious moments, it is time to stop ourselves and emulate them. At least, that is what I am telling myself to do. Such a shift in focus takes some careful planning, a lot of juggling, and a willingness to scratch tasks off our lists that don't benefit us or make a positive difference in the lives of others. It's okay to reprioritize. It's okay to say no when it doesn't make sense to say yes. Now that I'm done reminiscing about treks in the Scottish Highlands (Oh, how I miss it!), let us return to the subject of this post—muffins! These moist, fluffy muffins are loaded with bright strawberry flavor and are the perfect base for the coconut streusel topping. They are a great treat for breakfast, tea, or even dessert. Serve them warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of soft cream cheese for an extra-special treat. No matter how you serve them, these delicious muffins will be sure to please. For your convenience, you can download a PDF copy of the Strawberry Muffin recipe here. It's back to writing for me. I hope you try and enjoy the muffins! Stay Connected! Have a question or want to share a thought? Contact me! Like pretty pictures and losing yourself in creative ideas? Join me on Pinterest! Never want to risk missing a new release? Follow on Amazon or BookBub!

One of the most exciting prospects of reading a book is the anticipation of traveling to another time and place. The wild and beautiful estate of Greyson Hall first appeared in Clayton's Honor, where it quickly became symbolic of home and family for Devon Clayton. It is to here I longed to return, for this grand stone ediface in Northumberland remained with me as a place that deserved further exploration. 3 Reasons to Visit Northumberland in The Ghost of Greyson Hall (with mini teasers from the book) 1. Breathtaking Scenery Winter has descended upon the inhabitants of Greyson Hall, with Christmas soon to come, and the landscape glistens with fresh snow beneath rays of sunshine when it dares to sneak through the clouds. Snow-covered hills and open land rolled into woodland beyond the farms, and where the sun and wind contrived to clear away snow, patches of brown grass yearned for spring. 2. Mystery and History Historical facts serve as building blocks in the foundation of every historical work of fiction worth reading, and yet, history is often a tertiary character, appearing only when necessary to propel or anchor the story in the past. The mystery is sprinkled here and there to keep the characters wondering. Descendants of the family attempted to unravel the mystery of the eighteenth-century puzzle, alas to no avail. Few took the matter seriously—after all, it was long before their time—and the image of a graceful beauty with hair as pale as the risen moon and eyes the color of waves on the sea faded into history. 3. Romance Love is at the heart of this story, and the love comes in many forms: Romance between those destined to be together, but also love of family, friends, and even an untouchable yearning. He grazed her with his eyes until his penetrating stare touched every inch of visible flesh. It wasn’t enough, and she knew that when this man kissed her, when their bodies found a way to come together, no force would dare pull them apart. The Ghost of Greyson Hall Once a year, an ancient secret walks the corridors of Greyson Hall, a place shrouded in mystery and whispered legend. When Devon Clayton inherited the stately mansion in England’s wild north from his uncle, he never imagined what secrets lurked within its walls, hidden for centuries. When his friends and brothers join him for the holiday, the British Agents and their families discover that their most unusual case will bring new meaning to Christmas spirit. They must now unravel a century-old mystery if they are to break the curse and save a love that transcends time. A long novella set in Northumberland in December 1782 and 1892. Also Available: Alaina Claiborne Blackwood Crossing Clayton's Honor Note: The British Agent series books are written to be read as stand-alone novels. However, they each have cross-over characters, meaning characters from each book will appear in the others. The only reading order is chronological, but each title can still be read as stand-alone. The mini teasers/excerpts from The Ghost of Greyson Hall © copyright MK McClintock. Stay Connected! Have a question or want to share a thought? Contact me! Like pretty pictures and losing yourself in creative ideas? Join me on Pinterest! Never want to risk missing a new release? Follow on Amazon or BookBub!

Victoria Magazine has been a favorite in my house since I was a young girl, and several issues from the 80s and 90s still fill the shelves. These days, I'm most partial to their tea time issues filled with delicious recipes meant to entice one to enjoy a respite with tea and a tasty treat. And it works! Carrot Pound Cakes Alaina Claiborne Bits & Bobs From the Garden Tea Time with Carrot Pound Cakes I recently tried their recipe for mini Carrot Pound Cakes, and wow are they good. Breakfast, tea, or dessert, there is no wrong time to enjoy them. Rich and moist, half a mini cake is quite satisfying. Here they are garnished with lavender and served with lavender and chamomile tea. Find the recipe for the Carrot Pound Cakes on Victoria Magazine's website. Bits & Bobs about Alaina Claiborne Gallagher's Pride may have been my first published book, but I started working on Alaina Claiborne more than a decade earlier (we won't go into how much earlier, and I've learned a lot since), writing a chapter here and there over the years. After the first two Gallagher books were published, I had planned to finish Gallagher's Choice. Instead, I decided to send Alaina Claiborne through rewrites and editing in honor of my younger sister who passed away, and who was my biggest cheerleader, and who thought Tristan was sexy. For a long time I was obsessed with everything British, or at least my perception of it. Research later revealed that I harbored many misconceptions. This is in large part why I started writing this story. I started to drink tea from fancy teacups (still do), explored all the options I could in order to live over there (including going to culinary school in London), and learning how to speak with a British accent. (It turned out that Scotland is where my heart truly longed to be.) The original title of the book was Claiborne Manor. I don't recall when or why I decided to change the title. I do remember thinking, "Alaina is such a strong heroine, why shouldn't she get a book named after her?" Alaina Claiborne was going to be a stand-alone book. It wasn't until I'd finished writing the book, and fell in love with Charles and Devon, that I decided they, too, deserved their own stories. We'd already been through so much together; I didn't want it to end. A decade later and the fourth installment, The Ghost of Greyson Hall, will join the series in Oct 2023. I never tire of revisiting beloved characters, which is what makes writing a series so much fun. Learn all about the book and read an excerpt → From the Garden (for fun) If you're anything like me, flowers make you smile. Enjoy! Stay Connected! Have a question or want to share a thought? Contact me! Like pretty pictures and losing yourself in creative ideas? Join me on Pinterest! Never want to risk missing a new release? Follow on Amazon or BookBub!

Once a year, an ancient secret walks the corridors of Greyson Hall, a place shrouded in mystery and whispered legend, and on Oct 3, 2023, you'll be able to join the British Agents and their families in Northumberland! It's now up for preorder, which means you can click now and the story will then magically (with the help of a little tech) appear on your device the day of release. The print editions will be available on release day. Pre-order for Kindle It's also available to preorder from Nook | iBooks | Kobo The Ghost of Greyson Hall Once a year, an ancient secret walks the corridors of Greyson Hall, a place shrouded in mystery and whispered legend. When Devon Clayton inherited the stately mansion in England’s wild north from his uncle, he never imagined what secrets lurked within its walls, hidden for centuries. When his friends and brothers join him for the holiday, the British Agents and their families discover that their most unusual case will bring new meaning to Christmas spirit. They must now unravel a century-old mystery if they are to break the curse and save a love that transcends time. A long novella set in Northumberland in December 1782 and 1892. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for excerpts and special offers. Also Available: Alaina Claiborne Blackwood Crossing Clayton's Honor Note: The British Agent series books are written to be read as stand-alone novels. However, they each have cross-over characters, meaning characters from each book will appear in the others. The only reading order is chronological, but each title can still be read as stand-alone. Stay Connected! Have a question or want to share a thought? Contact me! Like pretty pictures and losing yourself in creative ideas? Join me on Pinterest! Never want to risk missing a new release? Follow on Amazon or BookBub!

The oven is broken and I'm dreaming of scones and muffins and all sorts of wonderful breads and pastries that I'm not baking (or eating), so this is a post about scones I've already made and wish I had. Apparently, there are so many people right now in need of appliance repair that they are weeks out. So, I wait and dream, and use the mini Cuisinart oven/air fryer a lot. There is little more indulgent and relaxing than afternoon tea served with scones. These delicious British-style scones are amazing. The consistency of these scones is somewhere between cake and muffin, with a light and fluffy texture. Jump to the recipe ↓ or keep reading. I read on historicalcookclasses.com that "the first appearance of the word "scone" in print was in a Scottish version of The Aeneid in 1513." (I'm going to assume she's right.) Never having read The Aeneid, I was unaware. Nor do I have a desire to read it now, but yay for scones and their long history. An American biscuit is more like a British scone, though that is not always the case depending on what we put in said biscuits. While the base of this recipe is in the British-style, the addition of zest, extracts, and blueberries, plus the glaze, make them American-style. The tangy, lemon glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness, which is why it's added. British scones are plainer, though no less delicious, and are meant to be topped with some kind of cream or preserve, or even just butter, again, like American biscuits. Without the blueberries in this recipe, the scones would have risen a bit more. “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” — Henry James Pull apart one of these scones, and you will notice a light treat that has no need for additional topping. Each bite packs quite a flavorful punch. You can taste lemon and blueberry in every bite. This charming flower is called Nemesia, and the color is Escential Blueberry Custard. I've always thought these adorable flowers resembled mini snapdragons. A fresh bouquet of yellow tulips, white carnations, and purple lilacs pair nicely with the Nemesia and the lovely teacups. "You wanted to find me so you would have someone to take afternoon tea with?" She teased, but Tristan was serious. "I didn't want to lose a friend." His voice remained steady but lowered as he finished. "I didn't want to lose you." He spared a glance at her and found her smiling. (Tristan and Alaina in Alaina Claiborne) The process for these scones is different from a traditional American-style scone. First, you don't need cold butter. Room-temperature butter works best. This particular recipe calls for a food processor, and while it is much easier with a processor, one is not required. It's always wise to make sure you have all your ingredients ready. This is in part to make sure you have everything you need, and also to save you a little time once you get started. As mentioned earlier, a food processor was used to create a fine, sandy texture when combining the dry ingredients and the butter. You may use a pastry cutter, your fingers, or a hand mixer instead of a processor. However, we don't want butter chunks in this recipe. The fine texture and use of less butter help to create a less dense scone. My mother, who is not usually a fan of scones, gives these lighter versions a big thumbs up. Flavor in every morsel! Herbal teas are restorative and calming, helping both the body and mind. Taking a few minutes out of your day to sit, relax with a cup of tea, read a book or engage in calming conversation, can do wonders for a person. Even when life is hectic, a few minutes of quiet in a break room, your kitchen, on a patio, or on a park bench, can help reduce stress levels. Scones are a tasty bonus. For your convenience, you can download the PDF recipe here. Enjoy! - MK “Is it as beautiful as here? As Scotland?” “No more or no less. It is merely different.” Charles walked to the tea service brought in earlier. “Would you care for a cup?” “You remember how I like it.” She accepted the tea and the chair he offered. “I tell myself that I know you, but we are still strangers in some ways.” “Not in the ways that matter.” (Charles and Rhona in Blackwood Crossing)

History, intrigue, and the love of a woman for a man - all the elements of wonderful historical fiction. Patricia Bernstein visits with her debut novel, A Noble Cunning, set in eighteenth-century Britain. About the Book Meet the Author Giveaway “This is a riveting and largely unknown story, based on true events, about a remarkable woman’s strength, love and courage against formidable odds. Set amidst English and Scottish hostilities in the early 1700s, and the terrible religious persecution of the period, Patricia Bernstein brings the countess’s extraordinary tale to dramatic life.” – Karen Brooks, International Best-selling Author of The Good Wife of Bath and The Locksmith’s Daughter A Noble Cunning by Patricia Bernstein Publication Date: March 7, 2023 History Through Fiction LLC Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian A thrilling tale, based on a true story, of one woman’s tremendous courage and incomparable wit in trying to rescue her husband from the Tower of London the night before he is to be executed. The heroine of A Noble Cunning, Bethan Glentaggart, Countess of Clarencefield, a persecuted Catholic noblewoman, is determined to try every possible means of saving her husband’s life, with the help of a group of devoted women friends. Amid the turbulence of the 1715 Rebellion against England’s first German king George I, Bethan faces down a mob attack on her home, travels alone from the Scottish Lowlands to London through one of the worst snowstorms in many years, and confronts a cruel king before his court to plead for mercy for her husband Gavin. As a last resort, Bethan and her friends must devise and put in motion a devilishly complex scheme featuring multiple disguises and even the judicious use of poison to try to free Gavin. Though rich with historical gossip and pageantry, Bethan’s story also demonstrates the damage that politics and religious fanaticism can inflict on the lives of individuals. Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound iBooks | Kobo | Add to Goodreads “Patricia Bernstein’s sumptuously detailed historical novel, A Noble Cunning: The Countess and the Tower, is set in 18th century Scotland and is based on the remarkable true story of a fiercely courageous woman fighting tirelessly against political and religious tyranny to save her husband, imprisoned and condemned to die in the Tower of London.” – Kathleen Kent, NY Times Bestselling author of The Heretic’s Daughter Read an excerpt from A Noble Cunning on the author's website. Meet the Author Native Texan Patricia Bernstein grew up in Dallas. After earning a Degree of Distinction in American Studies from Smith College, she founded her public relations agency in Houston. In 2018, her third book was named a Finalist for the Ramirez Family Award from the Texas Institute of Letters. The Austin American Statesman named the book to a list of 53 of the best books ever written about Texas. Patricia’s nonfiction was previously published by Simon & Schuster and Texas A&M University Press. Patricia lives in Houston with her husband, Alan Bernstein, where she pursues her other great artistic love, singing with Opera in the Heights and other organizations. She also basks in the glory of her three amazing daughters. A Noble Cunning is her debut novel. You can learn more about Patricia and her work at PatriciaBernstein.com. “In A Noble Cunning, Patricia Bernstein paints a compelling and dramatic portrait of Scotland in the perilous time of the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion, seen through the eyes of the courageous Bethan Carlisle Glentaggart, Countess of a Clarencefield, a Catholic noblewoman who defies danger to undertake an ingenious plot to save her husband from a traitor’s terrible death. Fans of historical fiction will find much to enjoy in this immersive tale of adventure, rich with period detail.” – Gillian Bagwell, author of The September Queen Enter the Tour Giveaway Enter to win a copy of A Noble Cunning by Patricia Bernstein. We have 3 copies up for grabs! Enter the Giveaway The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on May 26, 2023. You must be 18 or older to enter. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. Follow the Tour Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? I hope you'll support these authors by sharing with your friends.

I'm pretty sure I mentioned sharing healthier recipes, and while my intentions were pure, I cannot resist a delicious cake. Add in lavender, and a winning warm-weather dessert is born. Beautiful, fragrant, and ubiquitous, lavender is used in everything from natural home products to bath products, food, and beverages. Lavender activates all the senses, especially when one stands amid it or holds fresh-cut stems. The calming fragrance helps reduce stress in a chaotic world, and the flowers provide color and beauty to the home and garden. And I love the addition of it in my office. Jump to Recipe ↓ I use lavender in almost everything I make for the house and personal beauty products, but I didn't always use it in baking. This coconut cake's infusion of lavender and lemon results in a rich, airy, and delicious dessert where all three flavors work harmoniously. Did You Know? Lavender flowers have a variety of meanings, including purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness. Beneath that creamy frosting are three layers of delicious coconut and lavender cake with thin layers of lemon-lavender filling. Did You Know? An infusion of lavender flower heads added to a cup of boiling water is used to soothe and relax at bedtime. I'm fond of lavender and chamomile tea at the end of a long day. The combination of filtered, natural sunlight, soothing lavender, and soft colors offers relaxation, conversation, and an invitation to sit, relax, and enjoy a few peaceful moments. When you slice into the cake and bite into the first layer of moist crumbs, your taste buds journey through each flavorful layer. Now, before you get to the recipe and get frightened away by how long it is (seriously, don't be scared), know that I consider this a special occasion cake. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or summer garden party, this is a cake that most people would only make once, maybe twice a year. And, despite the different steps, it's not a difficult cake if you follow the recipe. Okay, are you almost ready to try the cake? Have you thought of the perfect occasion, even if it's "just because"? It's such a delicious treat! Okay, are you ready? Click here for the printable PDF recipe. Enjoy, and thank you for visiting!