Today's wedding celebration is interrupted in Barbara Bettis' story, The Lady of the Forest.

Is Henry right to challenge Mortimer? What will he risk to keep Kate from marrying the baron?

In this excerpt, Henry has interrupted the wedding celebration at Stonehill Castle to challenge Mortimer’s right to marry Kate.
 
[Henry and his two friends] stalked into the hall where the lord held forth at the high table before the household left for the chapel. Kate sat at his right, the priest at his left.
 
“Sir Mortimer.” Henry’s voice boomed above the din. “Stand and answer my challenge.”
 
Mortimer lifted his head. “Lord Henry. Sit, break your fast before I wed my lady.” His oily tone did not match his hard set of jaw and narrowed eyes.
 
Henry ignored the words and continued across the floor. Mortimer rose but before he could speak, Henry leaped onto the dais.
 
“You have no right to demand Lady Katherine in marriage.” It took all Henry’s determination not to glance at Kate.
 
“I have an order from the king, granting me this holding and the lady as my bride.”
 
“I say the order does not exist.” A murmur rose from the people seated at the lower tables. Calling the lord a liar meant a fight. But no sounds arose of benches scraping back. Perhaps the soldiers awaited a signal. Henry stepped closer. “Produce this writ. Let me examine the seal.”
 
Dull red moved up Mortimer’s neck; his nostrils flared.
 
Henry sucked in a breath of satisfaction. He had him now. “You cannot. The people of Stonehill have been mistreated and their lady driven into hiding in fear for her life. You’ve lied and cheated, and you’ve taken part in a treasonous attempt to overthrow one of the king’s barons.”
 
He hadn’t known what to expect from Mortimer, but it wasn’t the self-satisfied upturn of the man’s mouth. Dread scraped a cold trail along Henry’s spine.
 
“You may be another baron and a pet of the king,” Mortimer said, “but that don’t make you always right, and that don’t keep you from facing a fight when you accuse an honest man of wrongdoing.”
 
He motioned to the priest, who stood and withdrew a section of parchment from a leather satchel beside him on the bench. It contained no seals.
 
Henry clenched his teeth. Why in the devil’s own hell hadn’t he considered the priest as the knight’s accomplice?
 
The churchman opened the document and at a nod from Mortimer, read. “Sir Mortimer of Corbeau, in gratitude for service, is granted the holding of Stonehill in Nottinghamshire…”
 
A loud buzzing in Henry’s ears blotted the words that followed. Satan’s backside! The writ existed. The parchment was stained and tattered, not the official document often used to dispense favors, but he’d seen Richard direct a clerk to scratch out such awards after a battle. They were rough and hurried, yet they carried the weight of the king’s power.
 
And they always carried his seal.
 
Where was the seal for this order?
 
 
Buy Links: AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2czF6Fl
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Today's wedding celebration is interrupted in Barbara Bettis' story, The Lady of the Forest.

Is Henry right to challenge Mortimer? What will he risk to keep Kate from marrying the baron?

In this excerpt, Henry has interrupted the wedding celebration at Stonehill Castle to challenge Mortimer’s right to marry Kate.
 
[Henry and his two friends] stalked into the hall where the lord held forth at the high table before the household left for the chapel. Kate sat at his right, the priest at his left.
 
“Sir Mortimer.” Henry’s voice boomed above the din. “Stand and answer my challenge.”
 
Mortimer lifted his head. “Lord Henry. Sit, break your fast before I wed my lady.” His oily tone did not match his hard set of jaw and narrowed eyes.
 
Henry ignored the words and continued across the floor. Mortimer rose but before he could speak, Henry leaped onto the dais.
 
“You have no right to demand Lady Katherine in marriage.” It took all Henry’s determination not to glance at Kate.
 
“I have an order from the king, granting me this holding and the lady as my bride.”
 
“I say the order does not exist.” A murmur rose from the people seated at the lower tables. Calling the lord a liar meant a fight. But no sounds arose of benches scraping back. Perhaps the soldiers awaited a signal. Henry stepped closer. “Produce this writ. Let me examine the seal.”
 
Dull red moved up Mortimer’s neck; his nostrils flared.
 
Henry sucked in a breath of satisfaction. He had him now. “You cannot. The people of Stonehill have been mistreated and their lady driven into hiding in fear for her life. You’ve lied and cheated, and you’ve taken part in a treasonous attempt to overthrow one of the king’s barons.”
 
He hadn’t known what to expect from Mortimer, but it wasn’t the self-satisfied upturn of the man’s mouth. Dread scraped a cold trail along Henry’s spine.
 
“You may be another baron and a pet of the king,” Mortimer said, “but that don’t make you always right, and that don’t keep you from facing a fight when you accuse an honest man of wrongdoing.”
 
He motioned to the priest, who stood and withdrew a section of parchment from a leather satchel beside him on the bench. It contained no seals.
 
Henry clenched his teeth. Why in the devil’s own hell hadn’t he considered the priest as the knight’s accomplice?
 
The churchman opened the document and at a nod from Mortimer, read. “Sir Mortimer of Corbeau, in gratitude for service, is granted the holding of Stonehill in Nottinghamshire…”
 
A loud buzzing in Henry’s ears blotted the words that followed. Satan’s backside! The writ existed. The parchment was stained and tattered, not the official document often used to dispense favors, but he’d seen Richard direct a clerk to scratch out such awards after a battle. They were rough and hurried, yet they carried the weight of the king’s power.
 
And they always carried his seal.
 
Where was the seal for this order?
 
 
Buy Links: AMAZON: http://amzn.to/2czF6Fl
TWRP:http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/search?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=the+lady+of+the+forest&submit_search

Enjoy a sample from Mary Morgan's book, A Magical Highland Solstice.

Excerpt:
 
Cormac’s stomach protested fiercely as he descended the stairs. He had eaten little on his journey with Eve—happily content to watch her munch on an apple, or nibble on bread and cheese. She chatted between bites, her hands flying about to match her liveliness. When she complained he had not eaten anything, he relented. He watched in fascination as she wedged cheese and apple slices between the two pieces of bread she tore off for him. It was the most glorious meal he had ever eaten. However, his heart almost stopped beating when she nearly cut her finger with his sgian dubh.
 
As he attempted to snatch the blade from her hand, she smacked him away, informing him she knew how to handle a knife.
 
He chuckled at the memory and nearly collided with the golden-haired beauty coming toward him.
 
“Yikes! I’m sorry, Cormac.” She grabbed his arm, trying to steady the trencher with her other hand.
 
He lifted the item from her hand as it was about to tumble free. “My pardons. My thoughts were elsewhere.” Inhaling the aroma, he asked, “Wild boar with mushrooms and onions?”
 
“You have guessed correctly, Laird Cormac.”
 
He arched a brow. “We are feasting grandly with only a few days before the Yule?”
 
Eve glanced over his shoulder and behind her before stepping close, as if she was about to pass along some great secret. “They’re experimenting with new mushrooms and herbs from Cathal. I heard it on good authority that a certain laird must approve the dish.” She gave him a wink.
 
Cormac inspected the dish and then lifted his finger.
 
“You wouldn’t dare,” she protested, smacking his hand away.
 
Lifting the trencher high over his head, he replied, “Remember, I am the laird, aye?”
 
Eve fisted her hands on her hips and glared at him. “And because you are the leader of the clan, you must show some respect.”
 
His gaze raked over her face and settled on her lips. “I will concede defeat, but only if ye grant me a kiss.”
 
Her cheeks flushed as she looked around the corridor. “Here?”
 
“Aye.” As Cormac stepped closer, Eve moved backward.
 
“What if…someone sees us?”
 
Cormac’s smiled turned predatory. “All I asked for was a kiss, nae to plunder your body.”
 
When her back hit the wall, she parted her lips. “One kiss only?”
 
He arched a brow, understanding her meaning. “I beg for only one. Yet, later, I shall demand many more.”
 
 “Then take your kiss, my laird,” she whispered.
 
Slowly, Cormac lowered his mouth to hers, and a moan of pleasure slipped through her lips. Powerful, hungry desire spiraled through him as her tongue invaded him, seeking, stroking. He growled, taking all she had to offer. When one of her hands wrapped around his neck, he deepened the kiss. He was lost in her touch, her lips, and Cormac burned for more.
 
Finally breaking free, Cormac found he was the one trembling.
 
“Is your arm getting tired?” she asked, breathing heavily as her hand slipped across his shoulder.
 
“Nae.”
 
She gave him a gentle push back and stepped away from his embrace. “Good. I’ll relieve you of the trencher, though I’ll make sure to place it near you.”
 
Obliging, Cormac handed her the trencher of food. As he strolled away, he said, “Ye may inform Moira and the others I approve of the meat.”
 
Eve glanced over her shoulder at him. “Now why would I lie? You haven’t tasted the food?”
 
“Och, but I have, fair Eve. From your lips.”
 
“You’re incorrigible.”
 
Cormac roared with laughter. “I shall leave it to ye to help me make amends for my bad habits, Lady Eve.”
 
She snorted and walked into the Great Hall.
 
“By the hounds…what have ye done to me, sweet lass?”
 
 
Blurb:
Laird Cormac Murray has witnessed how love destroyed his own father after the death of his mother, and he vows to never take a wife. Yet, when he comes upon a bewildered lass traveling alone, he finds his heart will no longer listen to his mind. In the end, Cormac risks everything to claim the love of a woman not of his time.
Eve Brannigan loves helping others and baking. After winning a contest, she is stunned to learn that the Clan Murray has requested her assistance to cater to their guests during the holiday season. When a lost path in Scotland leads her to a handsome but gruff Highlander, Eve fights the temptation to allow love to enter her heart for the first time.
Can the Fae and the magic of the Yule season bring together two souls who have forsaken love? Or will tragedies from the past separate the lovers forever?
                                             * * *
Buy Links: Release day 12.2.16
 
Amazon   BN   Kobo   Apple iBooks
 

Enjoy a sample from Mary Morgan's book, A Magical Highland Solstice.

Excerpt:
 
Cormac’s stomach protested fiercely as he descended the stairs. He had eaten little on his journey with Eve—happily content to watch her munch on an apple, or nibble on bread and cheese. She chatted between bites, her hands flying about to match her liveliness. When she complained he had not eaten anything, he relented. He watched in fascination as she wedged cheese and apple slices between the two pieces of bread she tore off for him. It was the most glorious meal he had ever eaten. However, his heart almost stopped beating when she nearly cut her finger with his sgian dubh.
 
As he attempted to snatch the blade from her hand, she smacked him away, informing him she knew how to handle a knife.
 
He chuckled at the memory and nearly collided with the golden-haired beauty coming toward him.
 
“Yikes! I’m sorry, Cormac.” She grabbed his arm, trying to steady the trencher with her other hand.
 
He lifted the item from her hand as it was about to tumble free. “My pardons. My thoughts were elsewhere.” Inhaling the aroma, he asked, “Wild boar with mushrooms and onions?”
 
“You have guessed correctly, Laird Cormac.”
 
He arched a brow. “We are feasting grandly with only a few days before the Yule?”
 
Eve glanced over his shoulder and behind her before stepping close, as if she was about to pass along some great secret. “They’re experimenting with new mushrooms and herbs from Cathal. I heard it on good authority that a certain laird must approve the dish.” She gave him a wink.
 
Cormac inspected the dish and then lifted his finger.
 
“You wouldn’t dare,” she protested, smacking his hand away.
 
Lifting the trencher high over his head, he replied, “Remember, I am the laird, aye?”
 
Eve fisted her hands on her hips and glared at him. “And because you are the leader of the clan, you must show some respect.”
 
His gaze raked over her face and settled on her lips. “I will concede defeat, but only if ye grant me a kiss.”
 
Her cheeks flushed as she looked around the corridor. “Here?”
 
“Aye.” As Cormac stepped closer, Eve moved backward.
 
“What if…someone sees us?”
 
Cormac’s smiled turned predatory. “All I asked for was a kiss, nae to plunder your body.”
 
When her back hit the wall, she parted her lips. “One kiss only?”
 
He arched a brow, understanding her meaning. “I beg for only one. Yet, later, I shall demand many more.”
 
 “Then take your kiss, my laird,” she whispered.
 
Slowly, Cormac lowered his mouth to hers, and a moan of pleasure slipped through her lips. Powerful, hungry desire spiraled through him as her tongue invaded him, seeking, stroking. He growled, taking all she had to offer. When one of her hands wrapped around his neck, he deepened the kiss. He was lost in her touch, her lips, and Cormac burned for more.
 
Finally breaking free, Cormac found he was the one trembling.
 
“Is your arm getting tired?” she asked, breathing heavily as her hand slipped across his shoulder.
 
“Nae.”
 
She gave him a gentle push back and stepped away from his embrace. “Good. I’ll relieve you of the trencher, though I’ll make sure to place it near you.”
 
Obliging, Cormac handed her the trencher of food. As he strolled away, he said, “Ye may inform Moira and the others I approve of the meat.”
 
Eve glanced over her shoulder at him. “Now why would I lie? You haven’t tasted the food?”
 
“Och, but I have, fair Eve. From your lips.”
 
“You’re incorrigible.”
 
Cormac roared with laughter. “I shall leave it to ye to help me make amends for my bad habits, Lady Eve.”
 
She snorted and walked into the Great Hall.
 
“By the hounds…what have ye done to me, sweet lass?”
 
 
Blurb:
Laird Cormac Murray has witnessed how love destroyed his own father after the death of his mother, and he vows to never take a wife. Yet, when he comes upon a bewildered lass traveling alone, he finds his heart will no longer listen to his mind. In the end, Cormac risks everything to claim the love of a woman not of his time.
Eve Brannigan loves helping others and baking. After winning a contest, she is stunned to learn that the Clan Murray has requested her assistance to cater to their guests during the holiday season. When a lost path in Scotland leads her to a handsome but gruff Highlander, Eve fights the temptation to allow love to enter her heart for the first time.
Can the Fae and the magic of the Yule season bring together two souls who have forsaken love? Or will tragedies from the past separate the lovers forever?
                                             * * *
Buy Links: Release day 12.2.16
 
Amazon   BN   Kobo   Apple iBooks
 

A beautiful setting for a celebration in Sherry Ewing's novel, Hearts Across Time.

Excerpt:
 
The golden sun began to peek over the ocean horizon, splashing the morning sky with a thousand shades of pink and orange. The further it rose, the more color splattered across the cloudless sky until all traces of the earlier shades vanished. ’Twas obvious, the perfect day was a gift from the heavens and a priceless tribute to the woman Riorden would call his wife for the rest of his life.
Riorden was in no rush to head down to the Great Hall.  There was no need. Katherine and her ladies had insisted ’twas bad luck to see the bride afore the wedding. He had never heard of such a custom, but who was he to tempt fate? Nay, he dare not look upon her, if such an occurrence would displease God, and in His wrath, He would wrench Katherine back from whence she had come.
Patrick brought Riorden a small repast, along with water to wash and fresh garments Lynet had lovingly sewn for his wedding. He was not surprised when he saw the tunic. Gilded fabric had been embroidered and used as trim on the deep blue cloth Katherine herself had chosen, saying the color would match his eyes. He smiled, wondering how she would look in the golden material he had chosen for her. He supposed, he would find out soon enough.
A knock roused Riorden from his musings of his lovely lady. Opening the door, he saw Aiden standing there, also dressed in his finest.
“What...no sword?” Riorden inquired in jest. He also was to leave his sword within his chamber, although he stowed a small, serviceable blade in his belt.
Aiden appeared completely ill at ease. “Nay! Amiria refused to allow such in the chapel. God’s wounds, Riorden...I feel as if I am only but half dressed.”
A chuckle rumbled inside Riorden. “Do not be so troubled, my friend. The mass and ceremony should be no longer than an hour or two. Surely, your sister will allow you your blade afterwards.”
“Ha! Easy for you to say. She made it clear she does not trust me.”
“Let me guess,” Riorden mulled over. “She hid it from you, did she?”
“My twin knows me only too well, I am afraid,” Aiden muttered miserably. “Dristan has hidden hers, as well. At least he managed to get her into a dress, instead of boots and hose.”
“Knowing Amiria, I am sure she will in no uncertain terms let me know of the sacrifice she has made, on the behalf of my lady, to appear in such.”
Aiden at last smiled knowingly. “You can count on it.”
“Why are you here? It cannot be time, as yet, is it?”
“Damn, I almost forgot my purpose,” Aiden cursed. “Dristan asked that you come to his solar. He will then accompany you to the chapel at the appointed hour.”
“Then let us be on our way, since I am all but done here,” Riorden said, and they made their way up to the third floor.
He had just taken the last step on the tower stairs, when he halted his progress to peer down the passageway toward Lynet’s chamber. Intent on listening to the bubbly laughter of his soon to be wife and her friends, he began to hear a strange haunting melody, most likely coming from the machine Kat called a cellphone. She was so close, and he found he had missed her company this past eve, more than he would have thought possible.
He took a step in the direction towards where, in his heart, he wanted to be until he felt Aiden tugging at his arm.
“Come on, Riorden. You shall see her afore you know it.”
                                            * * *
 
Blurb:
 
Bestselling author Sherry Ewing presents this special edition box set getting 5 star reviews that is combining Katherine and Riorden’s complete story from For All of Ever and Only For You in Hearts Across Time: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time Novel (Books One & Two).
 
Sometimes all you need is to just believe…
 
For All of Ever: Katherine Wakefield has dreamed and written of her knight in shining armor all her life. Yet, how could she have known that when she and her three closest friends take a dream vacation to England that they’d find themselves thrown back more than eight hundred years into the past? Riorden de Deveraux travels to Bamburgh answering the summons of King Henry II. But nothing prepares him for the beautiful vision of a strangely clad ghost who first appears in his chamber. Centuries are keeping them apart until Time gives them a chance at finding love. Will the past of one consume what their future may hold, or will Time take the decision from them and hurdle Katherine forward to where she truly belongs?
 
Only For You: Katherine de Deveraux has it all but settling into her duties at Warkworth Castle is not easy and downright dangerous to her well-being. Consumed with memories of his father, Riorden must deal with his sire’s widow. Yet how could he know how far Marguerite will go to have the life she feels they were meant to live? Torn apart, Time becomes their true enemy while Marguerite continues her ploy to keep Riorden at her side. With all hope lost, will Katherine & Riorden find a way to save their marriage?
 
Buy Links – available in eBook and paperback
 
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Y3XWmL
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