Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Cats, Christmas, and Romance by Mae Clair

I am so excited to give the very talented Mae Clair the center stage so she can announce her new book, Food For Poe! This is a lovely Christmas Novella you won't want to miss!

(You can read my Review Here: )

Take it Away Mae!

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is looming just around the corner. I have no complaints though, because Christmas is my favorite holiday. Not only do I enjoy December 25th and Christmas Eve, but I love the entire month of December. It’s like one long holiday with all the merriment, festivities, and spirit of goodwill that leads up to that very special day. I’m a Christmas sap.

So it stands to reason I’d eventually get around to writing a Christmas story.

Those who know me also know there are two things (other than writing) I’m passionate about: folklore and cats. When it came time to dream up a Christmas story, I decided to weave both elements into the tale. The result is FOOD FOR POE, a short Christmas novella that is also a tale of sweet romance, twined with the paranormal, and even a wee smidgen of horror (just a smidge, I promise!).



Take a look:

Friday, November 20, 2015

What Lurks Inside the Forest of Cannock Chase...

So, you might ask, "Where on earth have you been, Debbie? I mean you haven't posted a thing for well over a month now...and really...how boring is that?"

Well, the answer to that question is---I've been busy catching up with life, and working on my latest work in progress. What could be better than all that? However, I do want to take a minute and tell you all that we now have an audio version of my sweet fantasy Romance, Bound by Oath and Honour, narrated by the fabulous Andrew McDermott! Do you love that "warms you all the way to the bone, spine tingling in a most fabulous way Irish accent? Then this audio book is definitely for you!

Cover created by Debbie Taylor! What do you think?

Yep!

Anyway, since malevolent shifters are the antagonists in this book, I thought I'd share some of the crazy goings on in England--all purported to be true--that inspired the villains in my book.

In central England there is a lovely, but spooky forest known as Cannock Chase. There are those who will tell you encounters with enormous felines, ghostly canines, werewovles, and even creatures akin to Bigfoot have become a common thing for those who venture inside the woodland. We even have a newspaper report as recorded in the Stafford Post, April 26 in the year 2007 relating to this that states:

Friday, October 9, 2015

Dragsholm Castle and the Ghosts Who Chose to Stay...

Near Copenhagen, on the islet by the draugh (or small stretch of land), proudly stands the Castle known as Dragsholm. Peder Sunesen, the Bishop of Roskilde erected the original fortress during the 12th century, but the imposing structure has changed many times since its first medieval design. 

Dragsholm Castle in Winter, by Niels Elgaard Larsen

As one might imagine, over the centuries, the castle served as a home to a variety of noblemen and kings. Then from the 14th to the 15th century, Dragsholm became a prison to men of no small reputation, such as the last Catholic Bishop in Roskilde. Joachim Rønnow, a former owner, was imprisoned within her walls. So was the 4th Earl of Bothwell, the third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. We also have Ejler Brockenhuus, deemed a raving lunatic…but was he really?

The castle now serves as a hotel, and if you’re thinking of booking a reservation any time soon, you might prepare yourself for encountering a few things from the past during your stay. No, I’m not talking about the antiques. I’m talking about those who call Dragsholm Castle home and have called it home for centuries.

Monday, October 5, 2015

All Hallow's Eve approaches....


We call the event Halloween, the Irish, Samhain, or La Samon. The Druids referred to it as Feast of the Sun, one of four ‘Fire Festivals’. They celebrated this festival on the first day of November. But since the ancient Celts marked their days from sundown to sundown, All Hallow’s Eve began with the setting of the sun on October 31st. 

The Fire Festival... The Druids built the only permissible fire on this particular day. Those who needed a hearth fire (and that included just about everyone) had to obtain a start from the sacred burning alters of the Druids, for a donation or a fee of course. After all, a Druid has to do what a Druid has to do to survive.

To the Romans, the time was called the Feralia and set aside for sacrifices, oblations, and prayers. This celebration, adopted by the Church in Rome, was a day to honor the dead and bring them peace. Originally held in February, the church moved the observance to November 1st.

Calan Gaeaf is the Welsh name for the first day of winter. They call the eve of Calan Gaeaf, Nos Calan Gaeaf. At this time, spirits converge upon the land. Those honest in heart will avoid churchyards, stiles, and crossroads, as they believe these are the places spirits gather.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Of Supermoons and Lovespoons...


By the light of the silvery moon,
I want to spoon, to my honey I'll croon love's tune,
Honeymoon keep a-shining in June,
Your silvery beams will bring love dreams, 
we'll be cuddling soon,
By the silvery moon.



With all the excitement building for the first "Supermoon Lunar Eclipse" to occur in over thirty years--coming to a place near you on September 27th-- this old song popped into my head. 

My mom still sings this song on occasion, but I heard her sing it most often in my childhood. I got to wondering then about “spooning,” which, in my mother’s generation meant showing love and affection by kissing... a lot... and most often in a car parked high on a hill while gazing at the sparkle of city lights below or taking in the glimmering luster from the stars and moon overhead. Most especially a full moon, harvest moon, blue moon and maybe even a supermoon!


Did you know there's even a black moon, which is sort of important in my fantasy romance, Bound by Oath and Honour...




Monday, August 31, 2015

End of Summer Sale: Solstice Island by Mae Clair is FREE 8/31 and 9/1 #cryptidfiction #romance #adventure!!

I'm so excited to pass along this great deal from my good friend and fellow author, Mae Clair! If you haven't read one of her books, now is a GREAT time to begin!  Take it away Mae!



I know summer isn’t officially over until the autumnal equinox rolls around mid-September, but by the time the calendar reads August 31, I’m already thinking fall. My husband and I will be closing our pool this coming weekend, Halloween stuff is stocked in most every store I visit, and the days are growing noticeably shorter. I live in the northeast where summer is much, much too short. Blink and it’s easy to miss. I love fall, but I thrive on summer. So…I’m lamenting the demise of my favorite season with an end of summer sale on SOLSTICE ISLAND, my breezy romantic adventure novella.

Why should you read it (other than the fact it’s like a shot of summer wrapped up inside Kindle pages)? I’m glad you asked. 

The Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Read Solstice Island by Mae Clair:

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

The Haunting Ruins of Pennard Castle...

Half buried in windblown sand along the Gower Peninsula in South Wales, is what's left of the once majestic, Pennard Castle.



By Eiona R

Commissioned by Henry de Beaumont, the first Earl of Warwick in the twelth century, the castle has slowly been consumed by time and sand after its abandonment right around the turn of the fifteenth century. Now all that's left is the gatehouse, the curtain wall, and the remains of the Norman Hall - oh - and the ghosts, of course.

They say that the Gwrach y Rhibyn (The scary banshee creature of Wales) haunts the area. Stories handed down through the centuries tell us that anyone daft enough to spend the night inside the castle, won't live to see the dawn! We also have tales of a ghostly woman, consumed by sorrow, who walks the grounds on moonless nights. Some say that despair caused her to walk into a nearby lake from which she never emerged--at least not in mortality. No one is quite sure who she is, or what caused her sorrow.

Personal Photo of Three Cliffs Bay near Pennard Castle

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

The Phantoms of Powis Castle...

Since many of the scenes in "Court of the Hawk" take place in an ancient castle, I thought I'd share some of the ghostly goings on inside the castle known as Powis.

Now, on a rocky promontory in Welshpool, Wales, Powis Castle has proudly stood for centuries. This magnificent fortress served a dynasty of Welsh princes and as one might expect, a host of residents died within its boundaries. Some have remained.

When it comes to the spirits of Powis, we have a little something for everyone!  There are shy spirits who lurk about the Dukes room and the ballroom wing. We also have accounts of a lady dressed in black. For whatever the reason, she sits in a chair facing the fireplace in the Duke’s Room. No one knows quite who she is though. Is she sad? Or just bored?

Would you like to actually feel a ghost if not see one? Over the years, some have reported physical contact by an otherworldly presence. They say they can feel a hand brushing their arm and when they turn to look, no one is there. At least, no one living.

Many hear the piano in the ballroom wing played by unseen hands, and some have even seen the stool moving when the room is empty of mortals. Loud knocking on doors and windows after the castle is locked up tight is a common occurrence as well.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

The Ghosts and Lost Treasure of Castle Coch...

I haven't written about a haunted castle lately and I've missed it! Since we're solidly into our Court of the Hawk book tour & Giveaway, I thought I'd tell you about a beautiful, fairytale Castle in Tongwynlais, Cardiff, Wales, known as Castle Coch.


Engraving titled "CASTELL COCH, ON THE TAFF." circa 1874

Now Castle Coch (or the Red Castle so named for the red sandstone used in its creation) had its origins way back in the year 1081 when the Normans built it to protect Cardiff after they conquered and took possession of the town. As fortunes come and go, they deserted the castle shortly thereafter and a century or two later, Gilbert de Clare used the earth motte left behind, and erected a stone fortress somewhere around 1275, give or take a couple of years in either direction. Then, early during the fourteenth century, the castle was destroyed during the Welsh rebellion. The Marquesses of Bute were then given the castle as part of a marriage contract in 1760. 

Suffice it to say, the castle changed hands many more times during its history and is now in the custody of the Welsh heritage agency.

Now for the fun stuff:

Friday, June 26, 2015

Y Ddraig Goch...The Red Dragon of Wales

Still feeling the dragons as Court the Hawk Book Tour and Giveaway continues, so...

Most Myths evolve. They take a story here and a story there. Here a Hero, there another hero...a villain or two...and in time, someone writes their version down. So it is with Y Ddraig Goch, the Red Dragon and symbol of Wales. 


5th century manuscript of Historia Regum Britanniae, Vortigern and the Red Dragon


Recorded in the 9th century's Historia Brittonum, we find the tale of Vortigern the Saxon tyrant, who was determined to build a fortified tower. Men were called to the task and every day they worked from the break of day until the setting of the sun.  Yet, all of their labors were in vain, for each night, something--or someone--completely destroyed the structure. Frustrated beyond measure, Vortigern turned to his wise men for a solution to this vexing problem.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Of Dragon Myths and Jörmungandr--The mighty Dragon of Midgard...


There's just something about dragons that I both love and respect. They are at once both majestic and terrifying creatures (Toothless aside)...And, I've included one that figures quite prominently in Court of the HawkThis being the case, I thought what better way to kick off our Book Tour, then share the Norse legend concerning Jörmungandr. Have you heard of him?


Lokis Gezücht. Loki's brood; Hel, Fenrir and Jörmungandr circa 1905

At the very dawn of time, according to this fascinating myth, Loki fathered three children during his liaison with Angrboða the giantess. Hel, Fenrir and last but cerainly not least, Jörmungandr, also known as the Mighty Serpent of Midgard. Shortly after his birth, an enraged Odin imprisoned him in the oceans surrounding Midgard where he lay eternally hidden from the mortal world. They say the dragon grew large enough to encircle the earth and grasp his tail with his teeth.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Myth and Magic by Mae Clair--and Her Gift to You!

I am absolutely thrilled to have my good friend, the very talented Mae Clair here for a visit as she introduces her latest novel, Myth and Magic! As a way of saying thank you to her many fans, she is also offering you a gift!

Tell us about it Mae!...

Free June 8 to June 10: ECLIPSE LAKE by Mae Clair #RomanticMystery

If you enjoy romance, mysteries, and suspense, I invite you to take advantage of my limited time offer for ECLIPSE LAKE. Grab your Kindle copy, June 8 to June 10 for FREE. This is a stand-alone full-length novel of old wounds, buried secrets, and sweet romance. It’s not part of a series, so you can enjoy the complete tale.

Monday, May 25, 2015

Court of the Hawk! A Fantasy Romance...

For those who might be wondering, I am still alive and well. I have just been really busy making a few revisions to my latest WIP for my lovely editor at The Wild Rose Press  (who, by the way, has won the "Best Print/Electronic Book Publisher" Award given out by Preditors and Editors Reader Poll for SEVEN years in a row!) and getting ready for my Book Tour for "Court of the Hawk" hosted by the lovely ladies at Goddess Fish!





The Tour, which begins June 16th and ends September 8th, promises to be fun! The Guest Posts topics and Interviews Questions given to me by my lovely hosts have been a delight to answer. In addition, a $15.00 gift certificate for Amazon will be given to a randomly drawn winner, so be sure to visit each of our stops to increase your chances of winning! 

In the meantime, take a minute and stop by "I love to Read and Review Books" for my first Editorial Review of Court of the Hawk! This Review was such a delight to wake up to this morning!

Monday, May 4, 2015

Some Guests Have Never Left The Goldfield Hotel in Goldfield, Nevada...

I've been wanting to do another post on Ghost Towns for a while now, and decided I'd go ahead and do it today. However, this one will focus more on "the" hotel, rather than "the" town... So here we go.

About halfway between Las Vegas and Reno, lies the teeny, tiny little town of Goldfield, Nevada or what's left of it anyway. As one might deduce from its name, gold was discovered in the area in 1902. By 1904, a bevy of miners produced 800 tons of ore worth over two million dollars. News traveled fast and in no time at all, Goldfield became the largest town in the state.

Miner's pack animals in front of mining supply stores, Goldfield, Nevada, ca.1900

Prominent men arrived with bag and baggage. Among the notable, we find Wyatt and Virgil Earp. By January of 1905, Virgil wore the badge of a deputy sheriff. Sadly, however, he came down with pneumonia a few months later and after a six month illness, he died. A heartbroken Wyatt left town shortly thereafter. However, neither of these men having anything to do with the hotel... just history.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Release Day for The Devil's Wingman, by J.M. Davs!

A Paranormal Romance published by The Wild Rose Press!




Blurb:

After the death of her father and her own serious issues, Kara Maven decides to move back to her hometown to complete her senior year at Belman University. She settles into life on campus when her world is shaken by a handsome bad boy with a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Dominic Benenati is a half-demon Damamah, or whisperer, whose role on earth is to ensure Hell's population thrives by pushing humans to act upon their sinful thoughts.

To complicate matters, enter Cayden Adams who is an angel determined to save Kara from Dominic's influence. But does Kara really want to be saved?

Excerpt:

Friday, April 24, 2015

Gwynn ap Nudd, King of the Fair Folk...

Well, Court of the Hawk has had its official release and is now available worldwide. This story is a bit different than my previous novels published by The Wild Rose Press. Although this one has a ghost (who I promise will eventually get his own story), Court of the Hawk is probably more fantasy, than it is paranormal, but it still has its paranormal elements, like a shifter for instance, who won't get his own story. And in a round about way (as the mind goes) that brings me around to Gywnn ap Nudd, king of the Tylwyth Teg, who is very much part of the tale. However, I have used some creative license when it comes to the mythical Welsh Faerie king...well, a lot actually...you'll have to read it to see what I mean.




Gwynn Ap Nudd is a son of Nudd, who is a son of Don the mother-goddess and Beli, the god of death. In the early Welsh poems, Gwynn is known as a god of battle and of the dead. As time went on, historians described Gwyn as one whom God placed over "the brood of devils in the world of Annwn, lest they should destroy the present race.” Finally, the Welsh people came to know him as king of the Tylwyth Teg, the Welsh fairies or the Fair Folk.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Marlene Bateman, author of A Crooked House, Gives Tips on Characterization!

I am pleased to take part in Marlene Bateman's Blog Tour as she presents A Crooked House and some tips on Characterization!




Every author wants to capture their reader’s interest and one of the best ways to do this is by using effective, efficient characterization. Your story will only succeed if the people in it fascinate, anger, please, tickle, or otherwise affect the reader. You have to have believable, interesting characters. Readers want to become involved with the characters they read about.

To make your readers feel something for your character, you must make your character a specific person—you must strike a chord you know to be universal; such as fear, love, revenge, ambition, insecurity, etc. Work to give your readers someone they can identify with. To do this, you’ll want to pick out useful characteristics from the following list. Pick out a few things—not everything:

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

The Wild Rose Press Releases Court of the Hawk!

The time has just flown since  The Wild Rose Press issued the release date for my sixth novel,  Court of the Hawk, and I have been so busy with my current Work in Progress that I didn't notice the days slip-sliding away. Nonetheless, here we are and so to celebrate the release of both ebook and paperback this week, I thought I'd not only give you the blurb, but an extended excerpt as well!  Are you ready? (Come on now, you just have to share the excitement with me!)






Blurb:

When a single moment challenges your perception of truth… 

Epigraphist Dr. Essie DeSpencer travels to an ancient Welsh castle in order to decipher an Ogham inscription discovered by the handsome and enigmatic, Garreth ap Daffyd. But the journey is not what she expects. She doesn’t plan to fall for the Lord of the castle, or to find herself deeply entrenched in legends, myths, and magic. Real legends, and real magic, that have devastating consequences. 


Garreth didn’t plan for Essie to stay any longer than it took her to decipher the pictograph. Instead, he finds himself falling in love for the first time in his very long life. Now the Lord of Llys y Gwalch must find a way to attain the heart of his soul mate and keep her safe from the dangers that threaten them both.

Excerpt:

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Tylwyth Teg or The Fair Folk of Ancient Welsh Legend.

The Tylwyth Teg--or the Fair Folk--are the ethereal, fair-haired, beautiful fairies of ancient Welsh myth. They were kindhearted as well as mischievous, and they were a curious mixture of both good and evil. However, according to Owen's Welsh dictionary, unlike other fairies that dwell within Great Britain, these fairies are not your typical Tinker Bell Fairies which fit nicely in the palm of your hand. You see, as a whole, these fairies are quite tall.




Take the Fair Face of Woman by Sophie Anderson 1823-1903



These lovely beings are said to live very happily in lakes or streams or in the hollows of the hills. The women folk are called y mamau or mothers. They dance gracefully in the moonlight, make fairy rings, heap treasures on those they favor, steal little children (especially those with fair hair) and substitute them for gifts or changelings. They also create fairy paths and those that follow such a path should do so with caution.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Full Moon, by Kristy Centeno Cover Reveal!

I am really excited to participate in the cover reveal for this new book by my Inkspell Publishing sister, Kristy Centeno!




Title: Full Moon
Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
Release Date: April 1st, 2015
Genre: Paranormal


Synopsis:

Hidden lies...hidden demons…hidden battles…All leading to the ultimate sacrifice…

She knows what really brought me here.
She knows the motives that lead to our friendship.
She doubts what’s in my heart.
What she doesn’t know…all I’m willing to sacrifice in order to ensure eternity for her.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

The Devil's Wingman by J.M. Davis Cover Reveal!

I'm excited to be part of the cover reveal for author, J.M. Davis, which will be published April 29th by The Wild Rose Press! Isn't it just gorgeous?



Add caption

Want the blurb for this Paranormal Romance? (Well, who wouldn't, right?):

After the death of her father and her own serious issues, Kara Maven decides to move back to her hometown to complete her senior year at Belman University. She settles into life on campus when her world is shaken by a handsome bad boy with a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Dominic Benenati is a half-demon Damamah, or whisperer, whose role on earth is to ensure Hell’s population thrives by pushing humans to act upon their sinful thoughts.

To complicate matters, enter Cayden Adams who is an angel determined to save Kara from Dominic’s influence. But does Kara really want to be saved?

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Author Nicki Greenwood Stops by for an Interview!

I am really happy to have Nicki Greenwood with us today! She has graciously agreed to answer a few questions so we can all get to know her--and her books-- a little better! I also want you to know that her newest book, Air (which sounds absolutely wonderful) will be released April 3rd, 2015, so be sure to mark that on your calendars!


Blurb: 

Air Elemental Elsa Pemberley is a born idealist. Instead of resenting her power over the wind, she uses it to help others. The best way to do that is to chase storms in the heart of Tornado Alley. She meets her match in Harrison Litchfield, a man who is fleeing from a past both treacherous and tragic. Masquerading as a traveling blues singer, he has managed to keep moving, but beautiful Elsa stops him in his tracks. 

She makes a life out of chasing. He’s made a living by running. When Harry’s past catches up to them both during a devastating storm, there’s only one thing to do—hold on tight with both hands...

Okay then on with the questions!

Friday, March 13, 2015

Beneath the Sea... The Kingdom of Cantre'r Gwaelod...

Llys Helig isn’t the only kingdom to have disappeared beneath the sea in Wales. We also have Cantre'r Gwaelod (or the Lowland Hundred as translated into English), sometimes called the Welsh Atlantis. This fertile tract of land once existed between Bardsay and Ramsay Islands. However, if you want to visit it now, you might have to get yourself a wet suit and scuba gear, and then dive to the bottom of what is now Cardigan Bay, West Wales.

Sunset Over Cardigan Bay by Peter Broster


As with other lost kingdoms, a legend or two is also associated with Cantre'r Gwaelod. If we go way back in history and take a look at the Black Book of Carmarthen, we find mentioned therein, the land of Maes Gwyddno or the plain of Gwyddno. According to this book, the sea swallowed Cantre'r Gwaelod when a maiden named Mererid ignored her duties and in consequence of the neglect, the well overflowed. (Doesn’t make any real sense to me either…)

Monday, March 9, 2015

Wales' Lost Kingdom of Llys Helig...

Atlantis isn't the only one you know...

According to a legend that began a very, very long time ago--the sixth century to be precise--a Welsh prince by the name of Helig ap Glanawg had a kingdom in North Wales. He built an opulent castle in which he lived and ruled his people. He and everyone in the principality lived well enough for the day and time, but then one day a raging torrential storm caused the sea to overstep its bounds and the massive waves swallowed the entire kingdom. People, buildings, castle, everything...just gone.

Ocean Waves by Amada44


This legendary lost kingdom is mostly thought of today as nothing more than a myth with no truth based in fact. No surprise there, right?  Except...

Several expeditions have been launched in the past to prove--or disprove--the existence of Llys Helig. One such expedition, undertaken in the year 1864 by Reverend Charlton Hall, Reverend Richard Parry, and a geologist (accompanied by two local boatmen), found a submerged ancient wall off the coast of Penmaenmawr that could date to the sixth century. The team, therefore, said it could very well be part of Helig's castle. Some scoffed over the discovery. They said it was nothing more than a natural rock formation which just happened to run a very straight, regular course 100 yards in length. I'm sure if we looked hard enough we could find hundreds of formations just like this one underneath the sea...no really, I'm almost sure of it.

Ahem...

Monday, February 9, 2015

Heidi Wessman Kneale, Author of For Richer, For Poorer - Her Book and Family History!

I am thrilled to have Heidi Wessman Kneale, author of For Richer, For Poorer and a sister author from The Wild Rose Press visiting with me today. She and I share a passion for family history and it's this subject she has chosen to share with us us today, along with a little bit about her wonderful book! So take it away Heidi!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I love family history. It’s not so much the hatches, matches and dispatches, but the stories of my ancestors that intrigue me so.

 
Hugo Charlemont - Stillleben mit Folianten 1939

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

The Ghosts of Battery Point Lighthouse...

I suppose because Aliyana, the heroine of Heart of the Storm  (now in Ebook, Paperback and Audio!) met her handsome, 17th century captain, Wolf, in an old deserted lighthouse somewhere in the "in between" corridor between parallels (and because I love lighthouses in general) I thought I'd make a visit to another haunted lighthouse...

The Battery Point Lighthouse, in fact.



Battery Point Lighthouse, by Bobjgalindo

Thursday, January 22, 2015

COVER REVEAL! Myth and Magic by Mae Clair....

I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the cover reveal for my dear friend and fellow author,the very talented  Mae Clair! I am really excited for the release of this book. Not only is it on my TBR list, I have also already preordered it...and so should you!




BLURB:


AS CHILDREN THEY PLAYED GAMES OF MYTH AND MAGIC…

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

The Famous Flying Dutchman




Now, most everyone knows that Wolfert Dircksen Van Ness, the handsome hero of Heart of the Storm is a 17th century sea captain from our world. However, after going through a tumultous storm in the Bermuda Triangle, he and his crew find themselves in another dimension altogether. Despite his change in venue, our dashing captain has discovered that he can cross back and forth between our world and his. But the thing is, during his visits, he, his crew, and his ship, appear as ghostly shadows of their former selves. Kind of like the Flying Dutchman...  

Yes indeed...The Flying Dutchman...almost everyone recognizes the name. But did you know the moniker refers to the Captain of the ship, and not the ship itself?

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Feminine Rulers of the Sea... Nehalennia and Salacia...

In the year 1645, after a raging storm destroyed the dunes in Domburg, Zeeland, twenty-eight inscriptions revealed the remains of a temple dedicated to the goddess Nehalennia. Again, between 1971 and 1972, more inscriptions were uncovered in Colijnsplaat. A few more turned up in Cologne, Germany, all of them giving credence to her worship. Have you ever heard of her?


Domburgs Nehalennia altaar volgens Plaat 7 Public Domain


This lovely Germanic goddess, whose origin remains murky, reigns over the portion of the North Sea where Dutch mariners make their crossing from the Netherlands. She is most often depicted with various marine symbols, a large dog at her side who gazes loving into her eyes, a basket of apples and a loaf of bread. (I don't know, maybe she's hungry.)

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Wolf and Aliyana Seek a Little Ghostly Help... Shadow of the Witte Wieven Book Tour Continues!

Can you believe it's January 2015 already? Where did the last year go...



Anyway, as we head into the New Year and the final month of our Shadow of the Witte Wieven Book tour, I thought I'd give you a never before shared excerpt, chosen by my lovely daughter. This is the part of the book wherein Wolf and Aliyana ask for a little ghostly help to catch the bad guy...

Excerpt:

“Buenos días, Padre,” he said in greeting.

“He is here?” asked Aliyana, as her eyes darted about the area.

“Yes, he is standing right in front of me. At this moment, he is looking at me with a bit of suspicion, so perhaps you might want to take over and give him the reassurance he seeks.”

Monday, January 5, 2015

Release Day for "The Angel Killer" by Lisa Voisin!

I'm excited to announce the new release of the very talented Lisa Voisin!


The Angel Killer by Lisa Voisin

Blurb:
Now that she’s found him again, all Mia Crawford wants is some downtime with her fallen angel boyfriend, Michael. But the call of duty keeps him away—from school and from her—with more demons to smite than ever.
When Michael is mortally wounded by a cursed sword, Mia must perform an ancient blood ritual to save him. But the spell exacts a price. Haunted by visions of war, torture, and despair, Mia discovers the world is in more danger than she ever imagined. Behind the scenes, an evil adversary pulls all the strings.
After redemption, there’s Hell to pay.