A new book--what do the cards foretell?

I hope you're having a good night. I'm stepping in here to pass along news of my latest--news I've been anxiously waiting to share! :) If y'all have followed my writing journey thus far, you might recall a little story I've been working on for the last few years. One that stems from a Gothic short story I published back in 2011. That's right.... Lady of the Tarot has finally seen the light of day!

A little taste of it is as follows:

WHAT THE CARDS FORETELL MAY BE REAL, AFTER ALL

1793: Having escaped the Reign of Terror, Emilie Maigny took refuge in England, trying to come to grips with the life and loss she left behind. When her brother, Sinjon, returns, a terrifying evil swoops down upon her. Nightmares plague her now, providing strange clues ... but to what?

Scottish-born Linton Morrison spent his entire life in luxury, whiling away the hours in intense study of the tarot and the cards' hidden meanings, but until he met the lovely Emilie Maigny, he would never have guessed how important his study might be--to his life and Emilie's survival when terrible evil strikes.

A Cypher is all Emilie needs, but what is it? Is Linton the key? He may charm her heart--and he may be her only salvation.

Romantic, yes, but a little....suspenseful and paranormal-y too! :) If you'd like to check it out, it's available at Amazon for Kindle ebook and in paperback (This book has 304 paperback pages.)

If you enjoy Lady of the Tarot, could you please post a review at Amazon? Reviews and sharing news of your favorite books with others is very important to an author's growth and success. I appreciate them all!

As you know, this August, I participated in the Tarot Perspectives challenge and posted some blog posts about it. You can see them here.

Just to name a few. 

Also, I'm going to be participating in a Facebook event at the end of the month called Magickal Samhain. I'm scheduled for October 28 at 6-7PM. I will post the links to my blog, (and probably Facebook and Twitter too), as it creeps closer, so you shouldn't miss out. I hope ya'll can stop by. :)

Once again, thanks for reading and do enjoy Lady of the Tarot!  Have a nice, dark and spooky October!

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  Juli D. Revezzo is the author of the MOURNING DOVE LOCKET, the latest in the Antique Magic paranormal series, also the Celtic Stewards Chronicles fantasy romance series, as well as the Gothic Romance Lady of the Tarot. Her books are available at Amazon and elsewhere

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What is life without coffee?

So who needs a cup of coffee?  I've been finishing up some work around here today, and...why yes, I do need more. :)  

kaboompics.com     I have to be honest. Many of my friends are big fans of tea, but for the jolt in the morning, nothing is better, for me, than coffee. :) I hear tell I wanted to try it before the age of 12 but my mother wouldn't let me drink it. Said it would stunt my growth. Well..... too late! ;)   Once I was allowed to drink it, it's turned into my morning go-to drink. Probably because it was denied me for so long.   Don't get me wrong, I like tea, too. *waves to Mia* But I'm a coffee girl, for sure. :) Does it help fuel my writing? No doubt. I know for a fact that Caitlin and Trevor love it.     Ever since I began studying pagan folklore and magic, I've had a tendency to even have a certain way of stirring my coffee, to bring in all the good things of life. Sugar and cream isn't the only thing you can stir into your cup of joe, my dears! ;) Good intentions too can sweeten any elixir be it made from a bean or not. :)  
Did you know, coffee wasn't drunk in England until the 1580s? It's one of many fun facts that makes writing historical set novels a challenge! (No coffee? The horror! The shock!)

So, do y'all drink a lot of coffee? Did you have an extra cup, today?

    Juli D. Revezzo is the author of the MOURNING DOVE LOCKET, the latest in the Antique Magic paranormal series, also the Celtic Stewards Chronicles fantasy romance series, as well as the Steampunk romance Watchmaker's Heart. Her books are available at Amazon and elsewhere

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Autumnal Equinox--Honoring the darkness

Honoring the darkness

Today is the Autumnal equinox (or Mabon as it's sometimes known) and with it comes what most in the pagan community think of as the dark end of the year.

(And don’t you just love the word Autumnal? It’s so much more lyrical and poetic than “Fall”, don’t you think? Especially in our part of the world where the leaves don’t actually change colors and fall off the trees until—if at all—November).

But I digress. In ancient days the approach of the dark half of the year struck dread into the hearts of our ancestors—the sun was dying, in their view, after all. With the advent of modern society, “the death of the sun” doesn’t bother us quite so much. In fact, we do tend to look forward to the lower temperatures and the change from shorts to sweaters; which seems a time of rejoice for the knitters who can start planning that autumn wardrobe (at least in some parts of the world *points  designers to that 90 degrees on the temperature gauge*--come on winter!) ahem...

But there is another phenomena tied to the “dark half of the year”.

Let’s face it, this year has been an incredibly, erm, shall we say aggravating one? Just step onto Facebook or Twitter for five minutes and you can’t help but be thwacked in the face with indignation and strife. I’m looking forward to autumn, not just for the idea of getting the freakin’ election behind us, but hoping that with the change in seasons, moods will change too.

They do tend to, around this time of year, to an inward focus. I think some of us in the pagan community are more sensitive to it. I hear many witches refer to it and to being able to sense the wild hunt in full swing. Even those in the tarot community speak of changing to “darker” decks this time of year (I’ve found myself using one with a bit of a heavier vibe the last few weeks: The Fenestra tarot). Some of us find we’re inundated with stuff that ain’t too sunshiny and rainbows and for those I send hugs. You’ll get through this, you always do.

So with the darkness folding itself out for us starting today, how does one weather it? Simple. Honor the darkness. It comes, and thankfully here in the modern world, we’ve come to realize (with apologies to my friends in colder climes) it goes just as quickly.

How does one honor it?  That’s a personal choice. Of course you can pull out the harvest decorations, the pumpkins and cornstalks (personally, I usually keep those for a little later in the autumn). Sometimes, you’ll hear people refer to this being the time of the harvest, so try to harvest the good life’s given you this year, and like any good farmer, throw the gunk on the dung heap. 

Also, giving yourself a break isn’t a bad idea. Stop. Breathe, and repeat. Shut off the Internet if necessary, get a cup of spiced tea, pick a good book,  (of course, I have a *cough* thought on some titles for you ;)), and hunker down. Hey, if you like you can even put on some fall like music. (Vivaldi has a symphony for that! And Loreena McKennit's Mummer's Dance and All Hallow's Eve is always good).  If you like, you can bake some apples, or apple pie. Or if you want to pamper yourself,  pick an autumnal color of nail polish and paint your fingers and toes! :) But whatever you do,  don’t lose your cool over stupid shit. Let the aggravation go. Take a breather, be nice to each other.

That’s what I intend to do. Breathe, let it go, repeat.

May your autumn harvest be full of happiness, warm sweaters, (or light jackets if it suits), and magic!

Related Posts:
YT Pagan Challenge--Wheel of the Year
Saturday Snapshot: Fall Flowers
So, Lughnasadh
Gratitude for Today

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Juli D. Revezzo is the author of the Antique Magic paranormal series and the Celtic Stewards Chronicles fantasy romance series, as well as the Steampunk romance Watchmaker's Heart. Her books are available at Amazon and elsewhere.   *** *photo credit: blogmistress

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Mary Morgan--Dragon Knight's Shield blog tour & #giveaway

I'm pleased to have best selling author Mary Morgan here today. She's just released her latest paranormal romance novel, Dragon Knight's Shield, and though she takes her characters to Scotland, they are devoted to our favorites here: dragons and our beloved Tuatha dé Danann. :) I think my readers here will enjoy her work. Read on for a little about Dragon Knight's Shield, and a giveaway.



Mary Morgan Q&A





How did you first come to write paranormal romance? What drew you to the genre?

Mary: I’ve always had a fascination with mythology, especially Irish and Scottish. In addition, my love for a good fairytale. Growing up with an overactive imagination, I would constantly weave my own stories within my mind. Therefore, it made sense that I would be drawn to write what I truly love.



This series includes something we’re very fond of here: The Tuatha dé Danaan. Can you tell us how you first discovered their myths? What’s your favorite, if you have one? J And how do they work into Dragon Knight’s Shield?

Mary: I’ve been reading and listening to the tales of the Tuatha dé Danann for decades. They’ve always been a favorite when reading about the invasions of Ireland. Perhaps it’s in my DNA—my Irish heritage. I have many favorites, but here are a few: The Legend of Cu Chulainn, The Red Branch, and The Children of Lir.

My own twist: The Dragon Knights were created by the Tuatha dé Danaan. They were the protectors of the last remaining dragon belonging to the tribe of the Goddess Danu.



What else can you tell us about your new release, Dragon Knight’s Shield?

Mary: As the oldest, Angus MacKay suffers greatly over the death of sister, Margaret. It was his brother’s sword that killed her, and as a result, Angus bears the burden of failure—for not controlling his clan. Yet, even on his journey, Angus showed me he still was a leader. Oh, he tried to discard the mantle of leadership, but it never really left him. Of course, he needed a strong woman to stand by his side, and Deirdre Flanagan was the perfect warrior woman for him.

It’s the fourth book in my series and the longest. Bringing together all four MacKay brothers took some time. They all had something to say, including their wives.

There are twists and turns, a birth, and a surprise revelation. One I hope my readers will embrace.





By what authors would you say you are influenced?

Mary: I’m not influenced, but in awe of their storytelling. One that stands out: Marion Zimmer Bradley.



Now that Dragon Knight’s Shield is out, what can curious fans expect from you next?

Mary: I’m working on the fifth and final Dragon Knight’s story, who was revealed in Dragon Knight’s Shield. I’m hoping to have it out in late summer. Also, I’m working on a Christmas novella with one of the characters from the series. It’s a surprise!



If you weren’t a writer, what career might you have pursued instead?

Mary: Archaeology or History professor.



What authors are you currently reading and keeping an eye on?

Mary: Currently, I’m reading “Agincourt” by Bernard Cornwell, and “I’ll Know It When I See It” by Alice Carey. I tend to read fiction and non-fiction at the same time.



Where can my readers learn more about you?

Mary: I love making new friends, Juli! Here are a few of my favorite places:

WEBSITE http://www.marymorganauthor.com

BLOG http://www.marymorganromancewriter.com

Twitter http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1





Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

Mary: I love hearing feedback about my stories, and I always take the time to answer your questions. It’s been an incredible journey, but I wouldn’t be here without so many embracing the Dragon Knights!





Dragon Knight’s Shield
Order of the Dragon Knights
Book Four
Mary Morgan

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Date of Publication: January 8, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-5092-0542-4

Number of pages: 407
Word Count: 99,950

Cover Artist: Debbie Taylor

Book Description:

Angus MacKay, leader of the Dragon Knights, failed his brothers and his clan upon the death of his sister. Now he must fight the darkness of despair tempting his soul. Back on Scottish soil, he comes face to face with Deirdre who can wield a sword as mightily as his warriors, and takes her captive. Yet, with each passing day, the fire dragon inside him roars to claim the one woman fate has destined for him.

Famed mystery writer, Deirdre Flanagan, is unprepared for the next chapter in her life. On a vacation to Scotland, she steps through the mists and enters into a skirmish alongside a Highlander. However, the fight has only begun, and now she must battle Angus as well as evil in order to claim the love of this Dragon Knight.

Will their love be powerful enough to shield them from danger, or burn them to ashes?



Excerpt:

Excerpt One:

His look was predatory, lustful, inviting, and she took a step backward. Words failed her as she took another step back.

He arched a brow and his smile became seductive. “Do I frighten ye?”

“No!” she lied. Like hell you do! You’re as gorgeous as sin standing there, and I want to rip your clothes from your body.

Pushing off from the wall, he stepped into the room and silently closed the door behind him, his eyes never leaving hers. His hair hung in soft waves past his shoulders, and her fingers itched to twine within them. Her body ached in places so deep—longing for even the slightest touch.

“Are ye unwell, my lady?”

The burr of his voice so low—so sexy, she could only stare at him until his words resonated in her mind. “No,” she replied softly, feeling the flames of desire heat not only her face, but also her entire body.

This time when he took another step closer, Deirdre didn’t back away. Now he stood so close she could feel the warmth of his breath across her face—a mix of wine and pure male.

She watched mesmerized as he reached for a lock of her hair, twining it around his finger. “So verra soft.”

Deirdre couldn’t breathe, as he let the curl unravel and cupped her face in his hands. “Ye confuse me. Ye torment me in my dreams,” he whispered against her cheek, sending a wave of pleasure down her spine.

Without thought, she groaned and leaned into him—his beard grazing her cheek. She no longer battled her mind for the man. “Kiss me, Angus.”

Excerpt Two:

“God’s teeth, woman,” hissed Angus taking a glance around and noticing that everyone else had survived. He stormed to where she was standing and grabbed her arm. “What were ye thinking taking up a sword and fighting? Ye could have been killed.”

“You could have been killed. You required my help.”

She started to mumble, and Angus found it difficult to follow the flow of words. Narrowing his eyes, he understood her to be English. However, this did not explain her outlandish clothing. A woman should never be allowed to wear trews, he thought, as he took in her form.

“What? Never seen a woman before?” Her voice wavered. “Do I have to fight with you, too?”

He looked down into the most beautiful hazel eyes he had ever seen. “Nae.”

“No, you’ve never seen a woman, or no, you don’t want to fight? Because I’m a bit concerned by your grip on my arm and the way you’re leering at me.”

Angus swallowed. “My pardons.” Releasing her, he took a step back. “Are ye hurt?”

She shook her head. “I’ll have bruises from the fight to brag about come evening, but I’m fine.”

Seeing Egan riding toward Gunn, Angus nodded to him. “Best we leave and go into the trees. There may be more of the enemy.”

“Umm, excuse me? Don’t you think you owe me an explanation? And shouldn’t we call the police?” Waving her hand about, she added, “Why are you fighting with swords? And how did you manipulate the fire?”

He glared at her. “For the love of Danu, cease your chatter and come with me. I do not understand your words, and we waste time being out in the open.” Bending to retrieve his dirk, he was stunned when he glanced back to see the fool lass walking in the opposite direction.

“By the hounds,” he hissed. In two strides, he stood blocking her path. “Did ye not hear me?”

Her eyes blazed with fury when she spoke. “I heard you just fine. I’m going to find a policeman and report this incident. Now, if you’ll move aside, I can go get us some help.”

“Ye are not going anywhere, but to those trees. I dinnae ken what all ye are babbling, but ’tis madness we linger any longer in the clearing.” His patience had snapped and grabbing her arm, he was unprepared for the blow she landed against his jaw. “God’s blood, woman!”

“You grab me again and next time I won’t use my fist.” Her tone, this time, brittle.

Angus took a step closer, daring her to challenge him again. “And what would ye use?”

With one swift move, she flashed the dirk up between them, mere inches from his face. “This—slicing through your artery.”

He leaned to the side, feeling the coolness of the blade against his skin. “Like the one I hold at your side?” He saw her jaw clench, but not before he noticed the slight tremor. “’Tis good to ken one’s place, nae?”



“You’re a rude barbarian,” she hissed.

Dragon Knight's Shield is available at Amazon, All Romance books, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, The Wild Rose Press



About the Author:

Bestselling paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Elk Grove, California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling. Writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

Visit Mary’s website at http://www.marymorganauthor.com where you’ll find links to all of her books, blog, and pictures of her travels.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/m_morganauthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

Tour giveaway

1 prize pack featuring- Signed print copy of Dragon Knight’s Shield, $25 Amazon gift card and swag.



Click here to enter the giveaway:a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Review: Last Man on Earth starring Vincent Price-- October Frights bloghop--#‎Octoberfrights‬ #giveaway #zombies #movies

I am participating in paranormal author Clarissa Johal's October Frights Blog hop.

As I mentioned in my last post, Richard Mattheson's book I Am Legend has been made for the big screen more than once. The 1964 movie, The Last Man on Earth, starring Vincent Price, is just one. People around the world are dying from a mysterious illness.
 Though he and his colleagues at the CDC try, they can’t find a cure for it. Some three years later, the dead have been rising from the grave to return and walk the streets as vampire-like zombies. There's only one survivor of this catastrophe: Dr. Robert Morgan. He’s lost his wife, his child, and all his friends to the plague. The entire world’s population has been wiped out…or at least he hasn’t seen any other unaffected human in three years. Society has degenerated, and Robert lights his home with generators and forages the abandoned markets during the day, to stay alive. And when not doing that, he seeks out hives of the infected to destroy them before they come and destroy him.

Then one day, he finds a dog, and then a woman shows herself, clearly, like him, unaffected by the plague. Or is she? Whatever she is, he learns from her that the infected seek his death—for the crimes he’s committed against them. Crimes? He’d never thought of his hunts as any such thing.

So the question here becomes, are the creatures the monsters? Or is Morgan?

This version retains the Us vs. Them, feel, and Vincent Price is as ever, great, and one can see comparisons between the zombies here and George Romero’s famous shambling zombies.

There are a couple scenes where they mis-edited things (it’s supposed to be night and Price turns a corner and it’s daylight, etc); the director also (in contrast to I Am Legend) included voice-overs so you get Morgan’s thoughts, but still, it’s intense and  enjoyable. If you'd like to check it out, it's available at Amazon.

(And yes, it too is an influence on my zombie story, Bicycle Requiem. You can check out the giveaway for it here.)

Have you seen this movie? If so, what'd you think of it?
Thanks for stopping by. You can see the rest of the participants in the hop by clicking the blue button below. Happy Halloween!!




THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER.

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I Am Legend review--#‎Octoberfrights‬ #giveaway #zombieapocalypse

So every time I think of Halloween this subject comes up. What books and movies can I talk about? Well, I realize I haven't done a review in a while. So, I pulled out my favorite of the last few years: I Am Legend. Yeah, yeah. I've heard a lot of people grumble about this movie, but I loved it. So! I thought why not. I'll probably review Vincent Price's 1964 movie version, The Last Man on Earth, later, so stay tuned.
The premise of Will Smith's version of I Am Legend, the movie is  pretty much the same. Sort of.

I Am Legend starts out with a newscaster interviewing a doctor (played by Emma Thompson) announcing the cure for Cancer has been found. YAA!!!

Well, not so fast. Three years later, we're shown a New York City that's completely abandoned and in ruins, overrun by wild animals, flora and fauna. Turns out, that so-called cure launched a virus that wiped out 90% of the world's population. Only 10% survive and, as far as our main character Dr. Neville knows, only one person has survived. Himself. The others have all turned into twisted, animalistic creatures, more zombie than human. Not to give any spoilers away but he works tirelessly to create a cure for this virus and distracts himself as he can, doing everything from working out, to watching every movie the local video stores have to offer (yes, this movie was made in 2007--before the collapse of the video stores!) and listening to cds, and scouting for supplies. On said-missions around NY Neville hopes to find survivors, but all he finds...are the infected. And
animal-er-zombie-like they see him as a possible food source. EEP!

Those scenes, particularly when he must go into a dark building where the zombies (or Darkseekers, as the movie calls them) are quite harrowing. The world itself, or what it has become with only one man left walking around tending to it, actually seems *snark* less far-fetched than most End of the World set pieces. But the story itself is just riveting in my opinion. Fans of Richard Mattheson's novel complained because the movie is different from the book, and those differences are probably why it got so many bad reviews. However,  I think Will Smith and crew did a fine job and despite the differences, I loved it. The message is just great, it's the end of the world as we know it, but we'll survive, we'll fix it, and be just fine.

*And yes, in case you're wondering, both I Am Legend/Last Man on Earth did have an influence on the little zombie story I'm giving away: Bicycle Requiem. Click here to find and fill out the Rafflecopter for said-giveaway.

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Giveaway is now over.

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Witch or what?

Witch?

Me?

Well... You know, that's a hard question to answer. When I started out, lo many, many decades ago, I studied all the Wicca books, leaned toward the Farrars, and Cunningham. Cunningham is still one of my favorite writers on the subject. But in recent years, due to allergies and lack of time and whatnot, I moved away from the strict ritual forms and schedules followed by most Wiccans. Most of my ritual forms moved into my storytelling, and one wouldn't be surprised to find my characters noting the phase of the moon. As my signature states, even my characters are witches of some sort.

Loose as my practice became, within the last year I started I attending monthly drum circles. I still "lock up" the house at night as I always have, I still stir my cooking dinner clockwise for good intentions and health. Yet I've gotten more interested in Druidic belief and forms. I follow the Druidic gods I've followed for the last ten years of my life and doubt that will ever change. I don't know where that might lead, but those that have followed this blog for a while will remember, I'm nothing if not a bookworm. ;) I've delved back into my reading about the ancient Celts and that research is showing up in my stories, and elsewhere. The drum circles may not have been part of the life of the ancient Celts (although I do know they drummed) it somehow fits in if only in that I've enjoyed attending them once a month.

I've even gone, as you can see from my previous posts, a little more organic. I believe in Karma, and reincarnation, and always will; whatever title I want to use for myself, or you want to use for me, I seriously doubt that will ever change. So is that witchy? Druidic? An evolution and a combination of both, I'd say.

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Interview with Jillian Roring, the heroine of The Ice Captain’s Daughter

Tooling around London today, I had the pleasure to have tea with a sweet young lady who I’m sure many of you have heard of her before: Jillian Roring. She’s the daughter of the infamous Ice Captain. Well, you know how the London gossips can be so I thought, while I was able to have her as a captive audience, I’d get the real scoop. Here’s what she (and her pal author Suzanne G. Rogers) told me…

Hi Jillian! Thanks for being here. I know you’ve had a heck of a time recently, so I appreciate it.

Jillian Roring: Yes, thank you, Miss Revezzo. I have had a rather adventuresome time of it, but fortunately my scar is now barely visible at all.

Glad to hear you’re doing better. Why don’t you tell us how it all started? You were heading to your very first Season in London, but something sidetracked those plans, I hear?

Jillian: My story seems unbelievable to me, as I sit here in this warm, comfortable drawing room, but my carriage was actually waylaid by a highwayman! I could scarcely believe it, since it’s 1899 and highwaymen rarely appear anymore.

Shocking, you’re right! Who woulda thought? Thank God for Mackenzie Logan! Speaking of the gentleman, what’d you really think of Mackenzie when he first showed up? Seems to me you’re a resourceful girl. You almost had that brigand in hand.

Jillian: I’m not a sea captain’s daughter for nothing! I was determined to escape the lout, and almost did… until he grabbed the back of my skirt and held me fast. The blackguard was pulling back toward the woods when Mr. Logan appeared with a shotgun. Although Mr. Logan looked a bit like a wooly bear at that point, I was ever so glad to see him.

Awww….he’s more teddy bear than wooly bear, I’m sure! What’d you think when you first heard the rumors of Mackenzie’s philandering?

Jillian: The rumors rather put me off, to be completely honest. Although I must admit, after Mr. Logan had shaved off his beard and changed his clothes, I could scarcely stop looking at him.

Oh yeah. I mean who wouldn’t? He’s so cute!!! Now for a wicked question: If you could go and choose any of his friends, which would it be?

Jillian: Mr. Hawkins, who is Mr. Logan’s particular friend and neighbor, is a gentlemanly sort of man, and pleasant company. Please don’t tell anyone, but my feelings for him could never be quite so warm as they are for Mr. Logan.

Your secret’s safe with…oops! I guess not! Sorry. At any rate, you’re no stranger to the papers are you? The gossip about your father for instance, the Ice Captain, is quite intriguing, tell us the truth, is he as infamous as he seems?

Jillian: I’m given to understand from my Aunt Letty, that the ladies were simply mad for him during the Season he met my mother. His fair coloring and handsome good looks have something to do with it! Plus, I think there’s something about a sea captain that sets the imagination on fire.

Oh, I agree. Finally, the papers have been buzzing about you two lately, care to divulge any future plans between you and Mackenzie?

Jillian: Oh, Miss Revezzo! Despite my regard for you, I beg you not to force a confidence.

Oh all right. I won’t twist your arm.

Jillian: I am determined, however, not to marry unless it is to a man who adores me as much as my father adored my mother.

Honestly, I agree. That is the best way to go. ;) So we’ll just hope it’s with Mackenzie. Dreamy gentleman that he is. And one for your creatrix: S.G. dear what are we really looking forward to in Jillian and Mackenzie’s future? Can you give us a hint? And for those who haven’t read The Ice Captain’s Daughter, care to give us a little taste?

S.G. Rogers: It’s so hard for young ladies and gentlemen in London society, especially when they aren’t prepared for interference from gossips and rivals… most especially from scheming former fiancées such as Sophia Watkins! Here’s a small preview, so you can see what I mean for yourself:

Excerpt:
“Your papa…he’s the Ice Captain, is he not?” Sophia asked.

Jillian smiled. The nickname never failed to delight her. “Yes.”

“You might not want to mention that to anyone else.”

“Why not?”

Sophia wrinkled her pert nose. “I’m sure he’s a very good sort of man but importing ice is an awful lot like being in trade.”

Shocked, Jillian didn’t know how to respond. Sophia mistook her expression for fear.

“Oh, don’t worry. We’re friends, so your secret is safe with me.”

“I thank you, truly, but I don’t have anything to conceal as far as my father is concerned.”

Sophie gave Jillian a pretty little pout, as if she were a small child who’d just been caught doing something naughty. “Please don’t be vexed with me. Mama says I blurt out truths in an unvarnished fashion and it’s frightfully rude.

****

Sophia sounds like a complete…erm, not very nice person! I’m sure, Jillian, you will get the upper hand eventually! Thanks for spending some time with me today.

Folks, I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I! Here’s just a tad more about Jillian’s story.

The daughter of a wealthy ice merchant, Miss Jillian Roring intends to marry for love. En route to her first Season in London, however, a failed kidnapping sends her into the arms of the most jaded bachelor in England. When Logan and Jillian unwittingly violate the rigid rules of propriety in Victorian-era England, he is obliged to make her an offer of marriage. Because she aspires to be more than an obligation, Jillian refuses the match. Logan follows her to London to woo her properly, but his scheming ex-fiancée has other plans.

Can Logan convince Jillian that his love for her is real or will the cruel gossip and sharp tongues of London society tear their budding relationship apart?

If you’d like to check out Jillian’s story it’s available for Kindle at Amazon and Smashwords for other ereaders, and for more of Suzanne G. Rogers’ fine works you can check out her website at: http://childofyden.wordpress.com
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Juli D. Revezzo has written the Victorian romance novel WATCHMAKER'S HEART. Check it out at Amazon.

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Passion for Vengeance by Patty G. Henderson.

Patty G. Henderson’s new Gothic Romance, Passion for Vengeance tells a tale of a family torn apart. Jane Havens,  has watched her father the illustrious Colonel Havens die, and her brother Cole slip into alcoholism, while her youngest brother Henry still needs a firm hand. She’s done all she could with the boy but needs help. When Miss Emma Stiles arrives on her doorstep, she thinks she’s found a savior in a fine dress.

There is an instant—and forbidden—attraction between the two women, but Emma comes with baggage of her own. Not all of it able to contain a wardrobe. She is a woman with a haunted past, and apparently, a grudge. She has a strange proclivity for dancing under the stars, a love for Absinthe, and also has a very odd talent. Known as sin eating she can take a person’s sin on herself, thereby erasing the dead person’s deeds and sending them off to meet their maker with a clean soul.

Because of this she feels she owes a debt to society. But her own soul isn’t completely spotless to begin with. Jane’s old, dear nursemaid thinks she knows why, especially given all the evidence against Miss Stiles. Truly, did any of the strange accidents that begin befalling the Havens family begin until Miss Stiles arrived?

Impossible! How could the woman Jane loves have anything to do with all these things?

How can she? I can’t tell. You’ll have to read Passion For Vengeance yourself. Patty’s latest Gothic is sure to please fans of lesbian romance, as well as the old Gothic Romances of the 60s and 70s. If you’d like to check it out, it’s available at Amazon for Kindle and paperback and in epub from Barnes and Noble.



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Juli D. Revezzo has written the Victorian romance novel WATCHMAKER'S HEART. Check it out at Amazon.

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Bloglovin'

Follow my blog with Bloglovin
This post still applies, so please do follow me there! :)

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My Mailing List

Well, by now y'all know I am a writer as well as a reader. I have three books out currently (well, okay, a book and a novella and a short story) with two at least coming next year. That said, If you are interested at all in my literary works, please do sign up for my mailing list. :) I use it very infrequently, and will never give out your email addresses. So no need to worry there. But if you'd like to know when my current releases are due, be in the know before your pals ;), and maybe win some freebies sometime (for instance I offered a free copy of Caitlin's Book of Shadows to my subscribers before its release), please sign up.

You can do so at the following Subscribe to my Mailing List or see the links in my sidebar.

Thanks for your time. Have a lovely Sunday!

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Southern morning

Hi everyone. I hope you're doing well. I am. So far. Getting some #writing done today I hope, and should have an announcement soon. ;) More on that in the coming days.

For today though, I'm just dropping in to say I've got, yes, another guest slot. I'm visiting with my favorite Southern Belles over at Southern Fried Gothic today, talking about the Battle of Fort Pickens, that tiny fort that features in The Artist's Inheritance.

Fort Pickens, HD Roberts/hdroberts / photo on flickr

The post is up here. Do drop by if you'd like to read it.

BUY JULI'S BOOKS NOW AT AMAZON"

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Suzanne G. Rogers--The Need for Mead

Today, I have another special treat for you. Talented Fantasy YA author Suzanne G. Rogers has come to talk a little bit about her new book, DANI & THE IMMORTALS –ooh, and do I see something interesting in her hands, why, yes! Come on up to the mic, dear. Don’t worry, parents, we’ve got goodies for your little ones too. I think they’ll like this book.

Go ahead,  Suzanne.  Tells us a little bit about what you’ve brought.

The Need for Mead

by

Suzanne G. Rogers

Mead; photo credit: Grapetonix,
CC Attribution, Tobias Radeskog

Throughout Norse mythology, many references are made to mead. This nectar of the gods was so highly prized it was on the menu at Valhalla, served by no less than the lovely Valkyrie. Death isn’t so bad when you can belly up to the bar afterwards for a horn of lip-smacking deliciousness, right?
Mead, also called honey wine, is viewed as the Father of Fermentation. It’s not quite as old as dirt, but it dates back to around 7000 BC. Basic mead is produced by fermenting a solution of water and honey. No meadery around the corner? No problem. Brew your own, at home, with this time-tested recipe:
First, use rainwater kept for several years;
Next, measure out a sextarius (which is one sixth of a congius) of water;
Mix the water with a pound of honey;
Expose the mixture to sunlight for 40 days, and then leave on a shelf near the fire.
(If you’re out of rainwater, boiled spring water may be used as a substitute in a pinch)
(Recipe courtesy of Columella, De Re Rustica, AD 60.)
I don’t know about you, but if it’s good enough for Odin, it’s good enough for me.
~ Suzanne G. Rogers

Here here! For those of us who don’t imbibe alcohol, I wonder what a non-alcoholic version might taste like–just a bit of honey and rain water? Mmm…..honey. How about an excerpt of your book, Suzanne?

Synopsis:

After Dani is kidnapped by Odin’s Ravens and taken to Asgard, she becomes enmeshed in a quarrel between immortals. Worse, when the theft of a magical artifact becomes an explosive political debacle, accusations of blame turn her into an outlaw. To avert disaster, she must undertake a dangerous quest involving ogres, dark fairies, and underworld criminals. Ultimately, however, she'll have to defy Odin himself.

Excerpt:
“Right. How about you trade me the magical shield in your pocket for directions to the Rainbow Bridge?”
Dani peered at him. So Rein had been watching her and the Ravens. Although she wasn’t about to give up the brooch, maybe she could strike another bargain with him. According to The Asgard Adventure, elves were supposed to love challenges.
“No deal,” she said. “But I challenge you to hand-to-hand combat. If I win, you show me how to find the Rainbow Bridge. If I lose, the shield is yours and I’ll be on my way.”
The band of elves hooted and hollered in derision, but Rein grinned.
“You’re on,” he said. “Do I get my choice of weapons?”
“No weapons,” Dani said.
“No weapons?” he scoffed. “Fine. I’ll try not to hurt you too much.”
“That’s excellent,” she replied, tossing her backpack to the ground. “I don’t enjoy pain.”

****

DANI & THE IMMORTALS  is available in all formats from Amazon.
Author links:
Blog: www.childofyden.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SuzanneGRogers
Twitter: https://twitter.com/suzannegrogers

Thanks for being with us, Suzanne. Good luck with DANI & THE IMMORTALS! It sounds fun. Now, about that bottle next to you…..

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