Guinevere - The Legend

The last time I talked of Guinevere, I spoke of her Welsh connections. If you missed it, you can read the post here. Today, I am going to look at the rest of her story. If you are a regular reader of my blog then some of what I am going to say may be familiar - Guinevere does tend to pop up when one talks about Arthur...or Lancelot, for that matter.

Guinevere was the daughter of King Leodegrance. Leodegrance was a loyal knight when Uther Pendragon sat on the throne and he was entrusted with the precious Round Table after Uther's death. He is sometimes referred to as The Keeper of the Table.

When Arthur took the throne, he did not have the support of all the kingdoms and he spent the early part of his reign fighting to prove his worth. Leodegrance was an ally and Arthur came to his aid when Rience attacked -- Rience wanted to control all 12 kingdoms of Britain, Arthur's Kingdom was the 12th. Once Arthur and his men had driven Rience from Leodegrance's kingdom, Leodegrance introduced Arthur to his daughter, Guinevere.

Arthur and Guinevere fall instantly in love and they married. Arthur couldn't be happier - all he needed now was for the rest of the kingdoms to recognise him, as High King and life would be perfect.

Guinevere is abducted by the evil Meleagant. Sir Gawain volunteers to rescue her. But he isn’t the only man intent on rescuing her.

It is Lancelot that finds her. It is Lancelot that saves her. How can she not love this brave and noble knight.  If you want to read the rest of this story, you can check it out here.

  

Lancelot and Guinevere by Herbert James Draper (c.1890)

 

Guinevere and Lancelot cannot help themselves. They find themselves playing a very dangerous game in the name of love.

When Arthur finds out of his wife's unfaithfulness and Lancelot’s disloyalty he accuses both his wife and his knight of High Treason. Guinevere begs Lancelot to leave before he is arrested. On her persistent urging he does. Arthur, in his rage and grief, sentences Guinevere to be burned at the stake as a traitor - what else can he do?

But let us not forget that Arthur is incredibly clever. I like to think that his sentence of Guinevere to death was merely a ploy to trap Lancelot. Arthur knew that Lancelot would find out. He knew that Lancelot would come for her. Arthur sends his most loyal knights to intercept the traitor. Lancelot must die. This treachery cannot be forgiven.

As angry as he is with Lancelot, Sir Gawain cannot bring himself to watch his Queen die, nor can he kill one of his bestfriends. He refuses to attend the execution.

Lancelot does rescue the Queen, but in doing so he kills Gawain's two brothers. Gawain will never forgive Lancelot for this - he wants revenge.

 

The Rescue of Guinevere by William Hatherell

Meanwhile Lancelot takes his lover to safety, but Guinevere is overcome with guilt and, despite everything that has happened, she loves her husband. She returns to Arthur. Lancelot reluctantly lets her go. There is nothing left for him here now, she has made her choice. He goes home to Brittany.

However, Lancelot has to pay for what he had done. Arthur will not let the insult go unpunished. Arthur takes his knights and his army across the water. He leaves Britain and Guinevere in, what he thinks, are the safe hands of Mordred. 

But while the cats away the mice will play….Mordred has an evil scheme to take over Arthur’s kingdom and marry his Queen. Guinevere finds out about Mordred's plot and flees, seeking sanctuary first at The Tower of London (because that was built then??? Correct me if I am wrong, but I was under the impression that was built after the Norman occupation) and then at a convent.  

Meanwhile, back in Brittany, Gawain, in a fit of rage, kills Lancelot's brothers in battle. He has had his revenge. But it didn’t taste as sweet as he had hoped it would. 

 News travels from Britain and Arthur learns of Mordred disloyalty. A truce is called. Lancelot tells Arthur that he will travel with him back to Britain and despite what Arthur thinks of him, his loyalty to Camelot has never wavered. Arthur refuses Lancelot’s request. But the battle between the two men is over. Arthur has to return to Camelot.

  

Arthur's army and Mordred's, meet at Camlann. Arthur kills Mordred, but he himself is gravely wounded. He is taken to the Isle of Avalon and no one knows what happened after that.

Guinevere meets Lancelot one more time. They say their farewells and she joins a convent while he joins a monastery.

That is one version of events anyway!

  
Guinevere by Henry Justice Ford (c.1910)

Artifact cop to author * Spotlight * Larry Shackelford and The Keresa Headdress @larrydshack

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming fellow author, Larry Shackelford, onto my blog.

The “The Keresa Headdress” was inspired by my lifelong interest in archaeological science and American Indian cultural traditions.  During my 25-year federal law enforcement career, I also investigated a number of criminal cases involving site vandalism and artifact theft on America’s public lands.  During the latter part of my career, I served as the Utah Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Special Agent in Charge. Approximately 70% of Utah’s landscapes and natural resources are managed by the federal government, and there are literally thousands of cultural sites still hidden throughout millions of acres of public land. Thankfully, the United States has similar laws to England (such as the Treasure Act of 1996) that protect historical treasures.  Specifically, the Archeological Resource Protection Act (ARPA), and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) are two federal laws that effectively detour illegal theft and degradation of cultural sites.

My varied and often surreal on-the-job experiences as an "artifact cop" in Utah definitely helped inform this unique and engaging narrative. I developed a reverent respect and appreciation for the abundance of pristine, undiscovered archaeological sites that harbored the rich histories of Utah’s indigenous cultures. Utah’s Redrock country was home to Ancestral Puebloan groups (Anasazi) that flourished in the southwest for thousands of years.  To the north, the Fremont cultures inhabited the Great Basin region. Unfortunately, some people’s idea of “outdoor recreation” is desecrating these prehistoric burial sites and stealing sacred grave goods for personal profit.  The problem is not confined to rural Utah: artifact looting is systemic throughout the American west. Artifacts such as stone projectile points, beaded moccasins, ghost dancer shirts, and ceremonial headdresses are looted and sold for literally thousands of dollars on the black market.  The looters’ selfish actions rob all Americans from our shared natural and cultural heritage—which is priceless. Part of my motivation for writing this novel was to bring national attention and renew discussion pertaining to this important legal and moral issue.


My goal was to sensitively and accurately portray modern scientific and American Indian perspectives. A new challenge emerged when I added another layer to the story: the complex and secretive modern polygamous community in southern Utah.  It is difficult for others living around the world to believe that polygamy still is practiced by thousands of people right here in America. These communities have all the modern day amenities and technologies we enjoy, except they still carry on religious traditions and with customs that were established in the seventeenth century.  This includes women wearing full length prairie-style dresses lined with lace borders, and bouffant hair styles that symbolize “sister-wife” status. One of the main characters is a schoolteacher named Ruth who lives in a tight-knit polygamous community in Hilldale, Utah. Even though Ruth’s character is fictitious, I wanted her voice to be authentic and connect with readers. I wanted to show audiences what she was thinking, and reveal her humanity and many dimensions.  How would a woman like Ruth think or feel about certain situations we in larger society take for granted? How would someone like Ruth, who’s never experienced personal freedom, respond to these bizarre, life-changing circumstances? The events that unfold in The Keresa Headdress ultimately redefine all of the key characters in unique ways. This woman was able to leave a closed community and fulfill a dream of becoming in individual, pursuing an education, and meeting the man of her dreams. I also wanted her soul mate, Lee, to have a non-traditional background to enhance their relationship.


I believe one of the most important aspects of writing historical fiction is to create an “original” plot that touches multiple genres, along with a memorable cadre of sympathetic characters. I wanted readers to see a different side of law enforcement and the “human” challenges that come with different types of investigations. I also believe that a great romance story always brings two lonely people together who bond in ways that surprise and fulfill them both. I confess I’m just another hopeless romantic, and a story like The Keresa Headdress keeps my hopes and dreams alive.

Where can I buy this fabulous book? 

 

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About the Author

Larry was raised in southwest Missouri where he received his college degree, but he received his education after he graduated and began working in a maximum-security federal prison. After spending two years behind bars, he continued his law enforcement career as a criminal investigator, residing and working in eight states and two foreign countries. Larry retired from law enforcement after twenty-five years of service and resides in Salt Lake City with his wife and cat

The Battle of Camlann - The final battle of Arthur Pendragon

"The Strife of Camlann in which Arthur and Medraut perished"

Annales Cambriae ( The Annals of Wales)

The Battle of Camlann is reputed to have been the last battle that Arthur fought in, although there is no mention of it in Nennius famous list of battles. The first documented evidence of the battle can be found in the 10th Century work, Annales Cambriae.

(How Mordred was Slain by Arthur, and How by Him Arthur was Hurt to the Death, by Arthur Rackham)

What happened?

Now, legend would have it that this was the battle in which Mordred turned on Arthur and they fought each other - but the Annales Cambriae does not actually say this...it simply states that they both perished. It makes me wonder?

But, never mind that, it certainly did not stop Geoffrey of Monmouth writing his romantic work of fiction - I meant fact...historical fact...I am always getting that wrong!

If you are not familiar with the story, than I shall do my best to enlighten you!

Arthur finds out about Lancelot and Guinevere's betrayal. So enraged is he, that he follows Lancelot to France, determined to seek his revenge. Arthur leaves Mordred in charge of Britain in his absence.

While he is away, Mordred decides that he rather likes being King of Britain and upsurges Arthur. 

Arthur, learning of Mordred's treachery, takes his army back to Britain and the two meet at Camlann where they battle for the throne. Mordred is killed - by the hand of Arthur, perhaps? Unfortunately, Arthur is also fatally wounded. He is taken to Avalon -- the water is said to be magical and he hopes it can heal him. No one knows what happened to Arthur after that. It is a mystery.

Where is Camlann?

As with all stories of Arthur, there are many haphazard guesses as to where Camlann is. However, there is one clue, Camlann comes from the word, Cambo-glanna, which means a crooked bank of a river! It remains me of Gidas and the location of Badon Hill - The battle was in the south-west. There was a siege on a hill. So helpful!

Monmouth suggested Queen Camel in Somerset, which would be an ideal location if Camelot was at South Cadbury, for the two are very close and for a fictional story it makes perfect sense. Mordred would defend his strong hold on Camelot, whilst Arthur would do everything within his power to reclaim Camelot and Britain.

Queen Camel and that crooked river.

Monmouth tells of a proper full on battle, where the opposing armies line up to face each other, whereas Malory says that the battle was a mistake, a simple misunderstanding, which involved a snake and one of the knights drawing his sword to kill it -  this made the rest of the army draw their swords and carnage consequently resulted. Some mistake!

Guest Post - Arthurian author C.M. Grey

Today I welcome fellow Arthurian author, C. M. Grey, to my blog.

Much has been written about King Arthur Pendragon, Merlin the Druid sorcerer and the lady of the lake. There are some wonderful characters within this legend that we can really relate to and we all love the story, the romance and the clash of steel.

However, when I started writing my Shadowland books I decided that the story of Arthur and his Knights had been too well told by some amazing authors and it had almost all been said. I could have invented a story around the legends and given a slightly different take which would have been entertaining and fun to do, but I decided to look for a lesser told story within the Arthurian theme.

My tale from the dark ages starts with an old storyteller who gathers an audience of villagers around him, by a village Inn’s log fire, one midwinter’s eve. He is persuaded to tell a story from his own youth rather than a tale of fancy, and it becomes a retelling of the rise of Uther Pendragon.

Uther was the father of Arthur. He was the man who rose from a humble beginning within the Isceni tribe to unite all the tribes of Britain against a common foe - the Saxon invaders. Under Roman rule, the tribes had lived a simple, relatively untroubled life, but around AD 410 the Romans realised their empire was in peril and departed packing everything of value and heading to their ships. It left a power vacuum in Britain that the Saxon’s, Jutes and Angles immediately took advantage of – the tribes of Britain needed to unite if they were ever going to claim Britain as their own, they needed a strong leader.

In my first book, Shadowland, I tell of the rise of Uther. How he met Merlyn and how he discovered he was destined to lead the Britons against the Saxon’s led by the brothers Hengist and Horsa after his brother Ambrosius died. As much as possible I have kept faith with all the old legends and stories told of Uther and the early years of Merlyn, but because this was the dark ages and so little is factually known, I’ve thrown a bunch of fantasy and a little Druid madness into the mix to make it more interesting.

Shadowland has been really well received with over 240 Amazon reviews and although I intended it to be a stand-alone story, I have been getting so many requests to follow up with another Uther story that almost two years ago I began to write a sequel.

The Shadow of a King will finally be published in March 2016. It tells a very different tale from the first, but still taken from the legends of Uther. Persuaded on his deathbed to tell the story of how he met and wooed Igraine. Uther first recalls the story of accepting the Druid’s quest to journey to the Isle of Erin to bring back the stone ring known as the Giant’s Dance, of how he meets Igraine and how he holds back the might of the Saxon Invaders.

If you enjoy Arthurian Legend, I hope you will try Shadowland and the Shadow of a King when it’s published. Neither are written to be factual books of history, so little fact remains from those times that it leaves it open to imagination. These are merely accounts of how it might have been…

If you fancy checking out Shadowland, follow the links.

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About the Author...

Born in Essex, England with a heavy dose of 'travel lust', C.M.Gray has since been lucky enough to live and travel in many countries around the world. In fact he has lived for more years outside of England than he has living there! Working as a carpenter, fruit picker and even a stint in stock brokering, he has called home Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayan Mountains, the clamor of central Hong Kong to a farm in deep rural Burgundy. Forever vowing to return and sink his roots once again in English soil... some day, he hasn't quite made it back yet, but does live a little closer these days; just outside of Barcelona in the middle of the forest with his dogs and two wonderful children.

Guinevere - A Welsh Story??

What do we know of Guinevere?

 She was.... 

King Arthur's Wife
 Queen of Camelot

Lancelot du Lac's, Lover

Guinevere was embroiled into a love triangle that was always going to end badly. She had it all. A loving and powerful husband. A beautiful home. She was popular and loved by the people. She should have been happy and who knows, maybe she was. But her fate was sealed the day she met Lancelot.

So where forth did she come from and what has she got to do with the Welsh?

Firstly we need to check out her name. In Welsh she was called Gwenhwyfar - The White Enchantress / The White Ghost - that makes her sound kind of seductive with supernatural powers doesn't it?

 

 I want to look at  Trioedd Ynys Prydein, for those of you who don't speak Welsh - I am among your number - it translates as The Triads of the Island of Britain.

I want to specifically have a look at line 56 ( LVI - for those who prefer Roman Numerals)! Have a read.

Arthur's Three Great Queens

Gwenhwyfar daughter of (Cywryd) Gwent,
and Gwenhwyfar daughter of Gwythyr son of Greidiawl,
and Gwenhwyfar daughter of Gogfran the Giant.

So it seems that Arthur was married 3 times. Luckily all his wife's were called Gwenhwyfar.  He never found himself in a position where he said the wrong name - that must have come in handy?! 

But hey, Arthur was not content with just a wife. Oh no...  

And his Three Mistresses were these:

Indeg daughter of Garwy the Tall,

and Garwen (Fair Leg) daughter of Henin the Old,

and Gwyl (Modest) daughter of Gendawd (Big Chin). 

That is interesting...don't you think? I never think of Arthur as having mistresses. He is always portrayed as the wounded party  - I knew there was more to it than we first thought! 

I think the names (translations) are great. I wonder if Big Chin was meant as a compliment back then?

 I love reading the Triads of Britain..and I think you will like them too.  I have always been particularly interested in the...

Three Golden-Tongued Knights, Whom No One Could Refuse Whatsoever They Might Ask.

and the...

Three Golden Shoemakers of the Island of Britain

....intrigue me as well.

If you did not know already, everything in Britain comes in three's and that it a fact - well, maybe. But hey, it would hardly be a Triad if it didn't. And come to think of it - the love triangle idea is beginning to make sense - there are three points to a triangle...I know it is a very weak hypothesis. I'll shut up now.

If I have sparked your interest in the Triads then Celtic Twilight have a fabulous translation on their website.  http://www.celtic-twilight.com/camelot/triads/

There is another Triad that mentions Guinevere. The Trioedd Ynys Prydein. This states that Gwenhwyfar fell out with her sister which caused the Battle of Camlann. Typical - women always get the blame.

In my next post on Guinevere, I am going to take a look to see what are old friend, Geoffrey Monmouth, made of her. He had those lost manuscripts after all - so everything he says must be true.

Reference.

 Queen Guinevere by James Archer (c.1860)

Queen Guinevere's Maying by John Collier (1900)

Glastonbury Tor

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England’s mountains green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England’s pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark satanic mills?

                                                             Jerusalem 

I love driving down to Wells from the Mendip Hills. There is a rather bendy and steep hill that has trees and high stone walls on both sides of the road. But then you go around a corner and the scenery opens up in front of you. I particularly like driving down this road early in the morning, because the Tor looks like it is rising from the mist and for that moment, it is easy to believe that Glastonbury was Avalon. This "mist" even has a name - Fata Morgana - the Italina name for this type of mirage. It is said that the Arthurian sorceress Morgen le Frey created fairy castle and false lands in the air, to lure sailors to their deaths.

Many people feel drawn to the Tor and I am one of them. I have spent many an evening up there in my youth, with my friends. It was usually pretty cold, but it was always worth it for the sunset.

I have to be honest, I have avoided blogging about the Tor and I don't really know why that is. I guess it's just one of my special places and sometimes like books, if you talk about them, dissect them, then all you are left with is words - the magic is gone. I do not want to lose the magic of the Tor. But that is a poor excuse! The Tor has a fascinating history and it needs to be shared.

I am not going to go into masses of detail about how high it is or why no one seems to know why the Tor has seven deep, roughly symmetrical terraces. If you have never climbed it, lets just say, your going to be glad when your reach the top. There is a great many steps and boy, is it steep - The picture does not do it justice as to how steep it is - Although I did once see a woman jogger who ran up and down those steps twice - without stopping. I can remember thinking she must be completely mad - I always have to stop half-way and collapse on the grass in a heap! She was obviously just super fit where as I am....

The Tor hides many secrets, of that I am certain. But one thing is for sure, this hill has been drawing people towards it for a very long time. Archaeologists have found Neolithic flint tools at the top of the Tor - and there wasn't even steps up the hill back then - they must have been really, really fit!

Philip Rahtz and his team excavated the site 1964 - 1966 and found evidence of occupation in the 5th to 7th Centuries.

There were at least four buildings on the summit of the Tor during the late Saxon and early medieval period.

The 11th and 12th Century saw the building of a timber church, which was dedicated to St Michael. Monk cells have also been identified there. Although, I can not understand why anyone would want to live on top of the Tor because when that wind blows...your teeth are definitely going to chatter. Believe me - I know.

On the 11th September 1275, there was an large earthquake that destroyed the church. So they built another one in the 14th Century. This church survived until Henry VIII had his own earthquake which saw the destruction of many beautiful monasteries. Richard Whiting, the last Abbot of Glastonbury Abbey was rather brutally executed on top of the Tor along with two of his monks. It always makes me feel incredibly sad when I think of the Abbot and his monks. The Abbot was held in very high esteem. He was a caring spiritual leader. Not only did they all die a traitors death, but from the top of the Tor they could have seen their once beautiful Abbey lying in ruins. The only thing left of the church on top of the Tor was the tower.

Richard Colt Hoarse bought the Tor in 1786 and in 1804 he funded the repair of the tower. In the 20th century the Tor was sold and it became a memorial to Thomas Jex-Blake, the former Dean of Wells. In 1933 the National Trust took control of the Tor and they have looked after her ever since.

Ynys yr Afalon

The Isle of Avalon
(Ynys Witrin - The Island of Glass) 

The Tor has long been associated with Arthur and his knights. The discovery of Arthur and Guinevere's coffin seemed to cement the fact that Glastonbury, is in fact Avalon. Although due to recent discovery's the whole, Arthur and Guinevere connection may not have been so genuine. Those monks of Glastonbury Abbey really knew how to make money!

The 19th Century saw a resurgence of interest in Celtic mythology. It was thought the Tor was the entrance to Avalon - the land of the fairies. 

I have not explained all the myths and folklore associated with the Tor. I am sure you have somewhere better you really should be. 

But it is a most magical place. It is easy to believe in fairies and Goddesses, King and legends, when you are on top of it.

Whether Glastonbury is Avalon, no one knows. But think of this, since the beginning people have been drawn to this place and this hill. I have suspicion that they always will be. Now tell me that isn't magic... 

 

Once Upon A Regency - Blog Tour

I am playing host today on my blog. Nine historical romance authors have come together to release this fantastic box set. Check out the authors and their stories. Scroll down for an exert of RITA-nominated historical romance author Samantha Grace's, Resisting Romeo. Happy reading!

 Once upon a time nine historical romance authors created a fairy tale inspired Regency world…

Resisting Romeo by Samantha Grace
There was much excitement yesterday at the Clarendon Hotel when a French actress interrupted a tête-à-tête between two of London’s most eligible bachelors and quietly exchanged words with them. Mr. Russell Hawke was quick to escort her from the premises, making witnesses wish they had remembered to bring their ear trumpets to tea.

Enchanted by the Earl by Amanda Mariel
Lowly seamstress Rose Woodcourt shocked society by capturing Hunter Thorne the Earl of Aubry’s heart after he banished her personal wolf.

Wish Upon A Kiss by Meara Platt
Young ladies from the best families are clamoring to become May Princesses now that Winifred Kingsley, a young lady of little consequence, caught the eye -and captured the heart - of Ardaric, fourth Duke of Blantyre when he spotted her dancing about a maypole in her shockingly scanty costume.

A Duke Worth His Salt by Allison Merritt
Lady Eleanor Mortin managed to snag the reclusive Duke of Greenebuck, who is not only writing fairy tale endings for his novels these days, but also living one with his new bride.

Masquerading as a Miss by Ari Thatcher
Just weeks after he was reported as drowned in that shipwreck, Lord Spalding appeared with a mysterious young woman who claimed to not know who her relations were. I daresay she has none and is eager to secure a match with Spalding, who as you know will one day inherit the earldom.

Searching for my Rogue by Dawn Brower
Upstart American, Alys Dewitt snared the Duke of Weston, one of England's most sought after bachelors proving love is descending us all into madness.

The Enchanted Cave by Sue London
Irish lass Maeve O’Malley landed a blow to the hearts of innumerable smitten girls when she tangled Mr. Galen Mornay into knots of the nuptial variety.

Taming Beauty by Lynne Barron
Not only did the scandalous Lilith Aberdeen manage to bring the beastliest of barons up to scratch, but she did so only days before Lord Malleville was to marry her sister.

Stealing a Lady's Heart by Tammy Andresen
Lady Charlotte Beaumont, first cousin to the Prince Regent, was seen gallivanting through Scotland with four eligible bachelors and no chaperone. This shocking lack of decorum is not the first from the lady but most certainly the worst. One simply must wonder if nuptials are soon to follow. Join us on a Regency adventure of love and romance in the limited edition box set Once Upon A Regency: Timeless Tales And Fables! Set includes 9 never told before stories.

 

 Resisting Romeo by Samantha Grace

French actress and aspiring playwright Claudine Bellerose recently closed the curtains on a bad romance and has returned to center stage at a small London playhouse where she is about to premiere her first production. Enter Russell Hawke, the new owner of the Drayton Theatre, to deliver disturbing news. If Claudine’s play doesn’t turn a profit, he’ll have no choice except to close the theatre. To further complicate matters, her leading man just suffered an accident and can’t perform. Russell is confident he is capable of stepping in to star opposite the lovely Claudine, but she quickly realizes his horrible acting is threatening to turn her romantic play into a farce. Her only option is to tutor him in his role, and hope she can resist the charms of this handsome Romeo.

Excerpt

 

The women took turns showing her how to punch, block, and evade capture if a man leapt out of the shadows.

“Miss Darlington was a splendid teacher,” Rachel said, “but I don’t see how a woman is supposed to flip a man to the ground if he attacks from behind. Won’t he be too heavy?”

Claudine smiled, recalling she had asked a similar question of Regina. “You don’t actually lift him. You throw off his balance. Size can work in your favor. The bigger the man, the harder it will be for him to catch himself, especially if he doesn’t have use of his hands. Let me show you.” 

She waved for Anastasia to come forward for a demonstration. Claudine chose her, because she was nearly twice Claudine’s height. Anastasia often stood in for one of the male parts in shows simply because she was tall. A bit of make-up, padding, and a hat could hide her beauty well enough to make it somewhat believable, if she didn’t have many lines.

“I want you to grab me from behind,” Claudine said. Anastasia’s blond eyebrows shot up on her forehead. “I promise not to take you to the ground. I only want to show everyone the steps again.”

“Would you like an actual man for the demonstration?” Mr. Hawke called from the floor.

A delicious shiver ran through her at the thought of him touching her. “That isn’t necessary, sir. Ana will work well enough for our purpose.”

“I wouldn’t mind,” the actress said.

Rachel raised her hand as if Claudine had asked to take a count. “I would like to see Mr. Hawke stand in. I would feel more confident if I can see it is possible with a real man.”

The others agreed.

He was already climbing the stage stairs, and she couldn’t think of a valid excuse to refuse his assistance. Her body tingled in places she really wished it wouldn’t, as his long legs carried him across the stage with a stride that was deliberate, yet unhurried. When he stopped in front of her, a broad smile spread across his face and revealed a dimple in his left cheek. “I am at your service.”

“You may take my place,” Anastasia said and rejoined the group.

Mr. Hawke claimed Anastasia’s spot on stage. “Did I hear correctly that I am to grab you from behind, Miss Bellerose?”

“Yes, Mr. Hawke,” she said, adding in French, “and you better not enjoy it.”

He laughed. “I promise to despise every moment.”

She flinched, having forgotten he could understand her.

“I told you I studied French,” he said. “I also know German, Portuguese, and Spanish. Can you speak with an American accent? I barely understand a word they say. That would be a safe bet if you want to insult me without me becoming the wiser.”

He winked and the other women giggled.

“I wasn’t insulting you,” she said for the benefit of her fellow actresses. If Mr. Hawke closed the theatre after all, she didn’t want to be blamed.

“No, you didn’t, Miss Bellerose. I simply was offering you options in case you want to abuse me in the future.”

She wrinkled her nose at him. “Merci.”

She only knew French and English, and a few German words Tilde had taught her. Growing up, her father had always spoken French to her. He’d never stopped missing his native land, but as he’d often reminded himself, there was nothing left for them in France. Claudine was an infant when her father fled their home with her. When she was old enough to understand, Papa told her about the unrest in France and the rumor that he was to be called before the Tribunal. He said Maximilien Robespierre used the trials as an excuse to execute his political opposition, and Papa had been vocal in his commendation of the violence.

She and her father had arrived safely in England, but a distant cousin turned them away. Papa had always said he left everything behind except his most precious treasure. Sometimes he would pretend he couldn’t remember what it was and ask her to guess. She knew he was teasing about having forgotten, because at night, he would tuck her in bed and whisper, “Mon trésor.” Claudine had always felt fortunate that he loved her as he did.

She took a cleansing breath to bring herself back to the present, and turned away from Mr. Hawke. “Whenever you are ready, I want you to pretend to attack me.”

It must be instinct--or perhaps boys were taught how to grab a woman as part of their education--but it seemed all men tried to hook a woman around the neck when he meant her harm. Mr. Hawke was the exception. He draped his arm across her body, cradling her against his firm chest. His gentleness caught her by surprise, and instead of trying to break free of his hold, she closed her eyes and sank against him.

“If you promise not to hurt me,” he whispered in her ear, “you may take me to the ground.”

Sacre bleu. He smelled magnificent, like a cozy wood fire on a cold night blended with a hint of spice. She swallowed hard and nodded. “W-when a man grabs you, try to get your hand between his arm and your neck, so you have a little room to breathe.” She demonstrated as she walked through the steps. “Now hug his arm to your chest and duck low, throwing your shoulder forward and thrusting out your leg.”

Mr. Hawke pitched forward, tripping over her leg, and landed on the stage with a thunderous bang. She gasped as he winced.

“Mr. Hawke!” Rachel rushed to kneel at his side. “Are you hurt?” She glared at Claudine. “Look what you did. What were you thinking?”

Claudine was frozen, unable to speak or move. He peered up at her. She braced herself for the insults and derogatory names that were sure to come. Any moment she expected Mr. Hawke to rail at her--to shout insults and call her names.

He laughed.

About the Author

 

RITA-nominated historical romance author, Samantha Grace, discovered the appeal of a great love story at the age of four, thanks to Disney’s “Robin Hood”. She didn’t care that Robin Hood and Maid Marian were cartoon animals. It was her first happily-ever-after experience, and she didn’t want the warm fuzzies to end. Now that Samantha is grown, she enjoys creating her own happy-endings for characters that spring from her imagination. Publisher’s Weekly describes her stories as “fresh and romantic” with subtle humor and charm. Samantha describes romance writing as the best job ever. Part-time medical social worker, moonlighting author, and Pilates nut, she enjoys a happy and hectic life with her real life hero and two kids in the Midwest.

Links:

Samantha Grace Author Website  http://samanthagraceauthor.com

Newsletter http://samanthagraceauthor.com/contact.html

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Samantha-Grace-264436686918343/

Twitter https://twitter.com/SamGraceAuthor

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/samgraceauthor/

Where can I buy this fabulous BOX SET?

Pre-order now for only .99 cents:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kUnFkx
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/once-upon-a-regency/id1063566786?mt=11
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B&N: http://goo.gl/S295aT

The Jesuit Letter

Dean Hamilton takes us on a journey back to the year 1575, in The Jesuit Letter.

The Story…. 

Christopher 'Kit' Tyburn is home from a brutal war against the Spanish in Flanders. He is seeking a different life to the hell he lived before.

He becomes a player for the Earl of Worcester's Men and instead of fighting in battle, he now fights on a stage in front of an audience.

Due to the plague that is terrorising London, the Earl of Worcester's Men take to the road and tour the market-towns of the Midlands.

In Stratford-Upon-Avon, Tyburn comes to the aid of an eleven-year-old boy - William Shakespeare – who is being menacingly threatened by some vile thugs. But by helping the child, Tyburn accidentally intercepts a coded letter to a hidden Jesuit priest. Such a letter can only bring death. There are many who want it and if he is found with the letter in his possession then he will die a traitor’s death. There is only one thing he can do - he has to find the Jesuit priest before it is too late.

What did I think of the Story?

My favourite poet and playwright, without a shadow-of-a-doubt, is Shakespeare. I love reading interpretations about his life. Hamilton's description of Shakespeare was just what I would imagine him to have been like as child - intelligent, but always in trouble! Likewise, his portrayal of Stratford-Upon-Avon brought the town to life and, having been to Shakespeare home, his description of the house was spot on. It was real pleasure to read.

I really enjoyed the banter between the players. It reminded me of how the players act in the movie Shakespeare in Love - but instead of it being focused around a theater, the players are on 'tour.' The language of the players is pretty crude, but that is how I would imagine they would have spoken as well - they were all very believable. Hamilton must have had great fun writing about them.

The story itself was riveting. The plot was super engaging and there was always something going on. The story starts with a murder and then the action is non-stop. There was a great deal of mystery and intrigue, but there were many moments of humour as well romance.

I thought Hamilton portrayed life in Elizabethan England exceptionally well. He described the abject poverty and the deprivation of the poor, as well as the riches of the nobility - he touched upon one particular noble who was trying his very best to charm the Queen into marrying him! I thought Hamilton also gave a very real account of what it must have been like to be a Catholic during these troublesome times and he exposed the risks they took to practice their faith.

I really liked Tyburn. He is vividly portrayed and he is likable. Throughout the book I was on tenterhooks fearing he was going to get caught, because I so did not want him to die a traitors death.

There are many twists and turns in this tale - the last thing you will be with this book is bored!

Why don't you check it out today and experience the adventure for yourself!

 

US 

UK 

Paperback

About the author...

Dean Hamilton was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He spent the first half of his childhood chasing around the prairies and western Canada before relocating to Toronto, Ontario. He has three degrees (BA, MA & MBA), reads an unhealthy amount of history, works as a marketing professional by day and prowls the imaginary alleyways of the Elizabethan era in his off-hours. Much of his winter is spent hanging around hockey arenas and shouting at referees.

He is married, with a son, a dog, four cats and a turtle named Tortuga. THE JESUIT LETTER is his first novel of a planned series THE TYBURN FOLIOS.

Web: www.tyburntree.blogspot.com
Twitter: @Tyburn__Tree
 
THE JESUIT LETTER is a Short-List nominee for the Historic Novel Society (HNS) 2016 Indie Award.