Ushering in Autumn & Medieval Monday

Medieval Monday, autumn-style

Welcome to the start of Medieval Monday for autumn! For the next few months, I’ve joined up with the authors of Medieval Romance Lovers as we embark on the fall theme of "Nature" in our excerpts from our medieval stories. Snippets you'll see each Monday on our blogs will be from our own stories. I am no stranger to nature—I breathe in the scents, glory in the sights, and revel in the sounds, and as a result, nature always plays a role in my novels.

I encourage you to follow along with all the other Medieval Monday authors on the Facebook page here. You will find the links to their blogs where they are sharing their snippets. There may be even be some giveaways on the page…

You can also find us on Twitter at #MedMonFall20

This week’s snippet…

Set-up:

Domhnall is a Seer who descends from powerful Ancients with mystical abilities. He suffers from terrible visions of the Sight, an affliction that comes with each touch, except with Rosalie. He is taking Rosalie on a stroll through the village. They come upon the loch shore and he suggests they collect pebbles for her necklace-making. Rosalie is a crafter and fortune-teller, scrimping to make ends meet and support her uncle and aunt, but she is also on the run from a vengeful noblewoman not pleased with her readings. She tells lies for a living. Domhnall believes her to be a true seer.

“Look. We’re here.” He loosened his hold on her and hurried ahead to the water’s edge. He squatted, running fingers through a tidal pool.

She came closer, scrutinized. “What is it?”

“Thought you might like these stones. For some reason, this spot always has an abundance of unique stones, pearly, shiny, and interesting colors.” He swept a hand to the horizon as he stood.

“Fascinating.”

“Skye is that way, west, and then the deep wide sea. Then the isles from where my ancestors hailed.”

“I see.” She squinted in the distance. She didn’t crouch, and he turned to face her. Perplexed surprise crossed her expression. He wiped a wet hand on his tunic and took her hands in his. Cheeky. Tempting fate, repeatedly, like a child against a tyrannical parent. He was tired of living life on the periphery, protecting himself from the pain. It was time to live. Time to jump.

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Is their love just one more lie?

1322, Scotland

Rosalie Threston's fortune-telling lies have caught up with her. Uprooted yet again, she's on the run from a ruthless English noblewoman. She flees to Scotland and seeks refuge in the arms of a laird's son who happens to be a real Seer.

A bloody past and inevitable future plague Domhnall Montgomerie. He avoids physical contact with others to ease the painful visions. When an accidental touch reveals only delight, he wonders if Rose is the key to silencing the Sight.

Mystical awakening unravels with each kiss. But can Domhnall embrace his gift in time to save her life, even if it means exposing her lies?

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~  iBooks ~ Bookbub ~

Goodreads ~ Kobo ~ Google

If you love to see photos of nature, then check out my Instagram!

A HUNDRED LIES - is here!

It’s release day. All the planning, nerves, to-do list a mile long…and…

It’s here!

Ah. Time to breathe.

And celebrate!

Since my brain is numb and eyes fried from all the anticipation and work, I’m keeping it short. A Hundred Lies, the final book in my historical romance trilogy, is here. Check it out. Read. Review! Oh, how I love reviews. Now to go have a second cupcake since it is my kiddo’s birthday, too! Extra special day of celebrating. I am not big on selfies, but here you go.

Here I am with all 3 books from the Hundred Trilogy. A Hundred Breaths (February 2019), A Hundred Kisses (May 2017), and A Hundred Lies (August 2020). Yes, yes, I did publish the trilogy a wee out of order, but don’t despair! Now they are all here - and yes, you can read just one of them or read out of order, too. Whatever you want. Don’t forget to check out the EXTRAS page, too with a map, glossary, and family lineage chart.

Psst.

Find it here. Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Google

Review it here. Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Bookbub ~ Barnes and Noble ~ iBooks ~ Kobo ~ Google


THANK YOU! :)

Sending out so much gratitude to all who have helped bring this trilogy to life! And to print. Many thanks to my husband, my editor, my writing bud Lorraine (L. Ryan Storms), fellow authors from The Wild Rose Press and Women’s Fiction Writers Association as well as my writers fellowship group, and last but never least, my children for their patience while I have carved out a corner of their playroom as my own (but wait….just this week I moved my desk to my bedroom!).

Best and kindest regards,

Jean

The party continues - live Zoom book launch August 7th!

It’s party time!

Join me for a live Zoom Book Launch party on August 7th at 7 p.m. (EDT).

Join the event and get information on my Facebook page.

Come celebrate the launch of my fifth book and final in the "Hundred" trilogy. I'll share photos from trip to Scotland several years ago: hikes, glens, castles, crags…and even a viking ship I toured recently. We’ll play games, do some Q&A, and of course there will be a big giveaway at the end! Check out the recipes below if you'd like to make any of the delicious treats beforehand.

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Time so to share some recipes to prepare for the event. First up, Atholl Brose. According to history, the 1st Earl of Atholl (15th century) made this drink, put it in a well, and intoxicated the men in a Highland rebellion for easier capture. Yup, he got them drunk. It's a creamy whisky drink made from oats, whisky (or scotch), water, and honey. Feel free to add spices such as cloves, cinnamon, or anise. Very tasty! Note: straining oats takes a night, start preparations a day before. Historically, people would save the oats and make porridge out of it. Bonus: smooth, soft hands after straining!

Another tried and true recipe (also courtesy of Outlander Kitchen, though it's been around for hundreds of years before): Bannocks! These were actually quite tasty served with a side of butter, jams, and cheeses. This is a more modern (and tastier) version of simple medieval bannocks.

Last but not least, Another buttery snack: shortbread. Though this one did not come around to the 1700s, it did originate in Scotland. Scots were known for stews, haggis, oatcakes (see the Bannocks post), pancakes, and shortbreads, among other foods.
Some history: https://www.historic-uk.com/…/Historyo…/Scottish-Shortbread/

See you there!