Eight authors and eight different takes on four dramatic elements selected by our readers—an older heroine, a wise man, a Bible, and a compromising situation that isn’t.Set in a variety of locations around the world over eight centuries, welcome to the romance of the Bluestocking Belles’ 2017 Holiday Anthology.1181 The Piper’s Lady by Sherry EwingTrue love binds them. Deceit divides them. Will … Deceit divides them. Will they choose love?
1354 Her Wounded Heart by Nicole Zoltack
A solitary widow, a landless knight, and a crumbling castle.
1645 A Year Without Christmas by Jessica Cale
An Earl and his housekeeper face their feelings for one another in the midst of the English Civil War.
1795 The Night of the Feast by Elizabeth Ellen Carter
One night to risk it all in the midst of the French Revolution.
1814 The Umbrella Chronicles: George & Dorothea’s Story by Amy Quinton
The Umbrella Strikes Again: St. Vincent’s downfall (aka betrothal) is assured.
1814 A Malicious Rumor by Susana Ellis
A harmonious duo is better than two lonely solos for a violinist and a lady gardener.
1886 Forged in Fire by Jude Knight
Forged in volcanic fire, their love will create them anew.
1916 Roses in Picardy by Caroline Warfield
In the darkness of war, hope flickers. In the gardens of Picardy, love catches fire.
It’s Never Too Late to find love.
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This compilation of novellas is truly amazing. Each author on their own has many books to their credit, but together you get a taste of how good each one writes.
The Piper’s Lady -Sherry Ewing -This is a sweet novella that will warm your heart. If you have read Sherry’s books this story will fall right into place. But this is fine as a stand alone. Lady Coria has spent many years traveling with and taken care of her grandfather so has had no opportunity for courtship. After he is gone she travels to Berwyck Castle to stay with the Laird and his wife. Unexpectedly, she meets Garrick, a knight ( or so she thinks!) and they have an instant attraction. But misunderstandings and ghostly sightings might hold them apart. Can they find love and be happy? As with all of Ms Ewing’s stories you will be enchanted until the last page!
Her Wounded Heart by Micole Zoltack – Mary was desperate. Winter was upon her, she had little to eat it to keep her warm and her home was crumbling around her. What to do? Doran had been out hunting but the weather had turned bad and he sought shelter at Mary’s. House. Unable to turn him away, he ends up staying and helping her. Secrets and mystery surround Mary but Doran helps her as much as he can around the house. Can a broken knight and a scared lady find happiness? This was an enjoyable read and a good addition to this anthology
A Year Without Christmas by Jessica Cale – Love can happen anytime. Earl Edward Rothschild returns from War almost a broken man. His best friend Henry Virtue was killed and he finds Henry’s widow, Lillian as only one of two people left at his estate. Lillian has been his ever faithful housekeeper for a long time and she has always held a special place in his heart. Lillian has always love the Earl but of course she is a servant. Can Lily and Ed find each other and celebrate Christmas that has been banned by the King? Such a sweet story of wounded hearts finding redemption and caring
The Night if the Feast by Elizabeth Carter – Michael St John was hoping he was in the right place. A spy deep in the French Revolution he is trying to make use of his life by helping the town of Vendor to counter the enemy. His contact was Fl be met in a tavern that was owned and run by Jacqueline Archanbeau, a women who is wary and feels she will not feel love again. Surprise is the least of what Michael feels when he finds out Jacqueline is his contact ! Can two lonely hearts save each other as they help their country? A lovely story of hearts found
The Umbrella Chronically by Any Quinton – What a delightful story!! George St Vincent was at the Marquess of Dansbury’s house party. At he walked out of his room, there was the dreaded Black umbrella leaning against the wall!! It had been making its rounds of the ton and the Rumor was having the umbrella meant you were fated to be married!! Indeed the umbrella was owned by none other than Lady Harriet Ross who was renowned for her matchmaking! Miss Dorothea Wythe seemed fated to be his target when he found her in the library, while her was looking for a book he misplaced. Dory was not much noticed by society due to her Bluestocking mind and intellect. George found her very interesting and Dory has felt half in love with him for years. Can these two be able to find love? I think this author should take the umbrella and Lady Harriett ( which I found delightful) and make an entire series!! Really enjoyed this story!
A Malicious Rumor by Susana Ellis – Alice Crocker is head gardener at Vauxhall Gardens. A position that was hard to earn as a woman and has to defend herself from men at times. Peter de Luca is the new violinist at the gardens and somehow strikes up a friendship with Alice and her grandfather. Peter loses his job as his is wrongly accused of a scandal but Alice becomes determined to clear his name. Can the two survive the outcome and find love? This is a sweet story that will hold your attention to the end!
Forged in Fire by Jude Knight – As storyteller Jude Knight always delivers, this is more of a unique setting than usual. But so very interesting! New Zealand 1886 finds Lottie finds herself as companion to her cousin Mytle who has taken her in when she had nowhere else to go. Constantly being berated by Mytle. Lottie finds solace in talking to their tour guide Tad Berry. When a volcano erupts and leaves Tad and Lottie trapped, two hurt souls begin to heal each other even in the furnace that may take their lives. Loved this story
Rises by Picardy by Caroline Warfield – Set in 1916, two years after the war, Harry finds himself lost from all the death he has witnessed and feels little hope. Finding widow Rosmarie Legrand and her small son, help him see some hope for the future. This is an inspiring story of the good that can be found after lose and the strength to carry on
Do not miss this great selection of stories