Category Archives: horses

Recommend “A Summer Bewitchment” (The Knight and The Witch Book 2)

The next book in the story of Efrida and Magnus. A whole new adventure building on the love affair that first began in “Snow Bride”.

Lindsay Townsend has captured the true love that Efrida, an elfin witch and Magnus, a knight touched by the sword in battle, find in a cold winters search for a lost sister in the first book and brings a new depth to the relationship in Book 2.

“A summer Bewitchment” finds the couple into a new adventure to help find stolen young women from an evil man.

In the process Elrida and Magnus discover a deeper love than either had been aware of before this chapter of their life.

Both books are well worth checking out. You will travel back in time to a world of horses as the main source of transportation and nights lit by candles and fire flames. I enjoyed the trip.

Where the love affair begins.. Lindsay Townsend “The Snow Bride” follow the link to find out more
The love affair continues into a new depth of feeling A Summer Bewitchment by Lindsay Townsend click to find out more

YouTube Favorite Video Series: “Laura’s Prairie Summer” July, 2020 Recorded Live from Walnut Grove, Minnesota

Hi All,

I enjoy watching movies and TV Series based on books. I believe the characters have more depth and the plots more developed when books drive the creative process of screen play creations.

My featured YouTube Video series for COVID-19 2020 Summer is “Laura’s Prairie Summer”. It is free for a little while and I hope you take the time to check out the series from the banks of Plum Creek.

This series is is straight from Walnut Grove, Minnesota and features people from all over the US that have studied or read the Laura Ingalls Wilder Books and one interview in the series was from one of the actresses that started in the “Little House on the Prairie” TV Series. The play scenes include actors from the community.

Here are the links to the shows:

Laura’s Prairie Summer Episode 1

Laura’s Prairie Summer Episode 2

Laura’s Prairie Summer Episode 3

Laura’s Prairie Summer Episode 4

Laura’s Prairie Summer Episode 5

Laura’s Prairie Summer Episode 6

I hope I have all the links correct but if in doubt just search YouTube for Laura’s Prairie Summer and all the videos will come up for you.

It’s a well done series by local people in Western Minnesota in a small town where farming is the main source of income so anything you can contribute toward the efforts to keep the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum going along with the theater group will be appreciated.

The shows are for the whole family with new scenes included – every year the community puts on a pageant with an outdoor play that is very well done. Tune in and let the kids see entertainment for the whole family. Stay safe everyone.

Photo taken on a July 26, 2014 Trip to Walnut Grove, MN Book Signing event.
Photo taken on a July 26, 2014 Trip to Walnut Grove, MN Book Signing event.
I met Sarah Uthoff featured interviewee from “Laura’s Prairie Summer Episode 2” at this July 26, 2014 Book Signing event while waiting in line
I also met Alison Arngrim at the July 26, 2014 Book signing event in Walnut Grove, Minnesota she was featured in “Laura’s Prairie Summer Episode 5” this July 24, 2020.

The Latest from Historical Author Lindsay Townsend

Historic Romance to Checkout

Historical Romance well written adventures into the past. Follow the link above to learn more.

Enjoy

“Beyond Bridalveil Fall (Dwellers of Ahwahnee)” by Sheryl Seal

BeyondBridalveilFall_

I found this book on Twitter when Sheryl Seal (@sherylseal) tweeted the cover art.  It is amazingly beautiful.  When I found out it is the cover art of a book I knew I had to read it.

What’s so special about “Beyond Bridalveil Fall (Dwellers of Ahwahnee)”?  It takes us on journey into the spiritual part of our being.  Into that part of us that makes us part of the universe.  Sheryl also introduces us to the consequences of unharnessed emotion and the price we all pay when we fail to control our thoughts and feelings.

“Beyond Bridalveil Fall (Dwellers of Ahwahnee)” shows us why it is so important that we get to know our inner selves.  Sheryl delves into what makes us human and unique.  She demonstrates how important it is to be straight with ourselves and others.

Any young adult to senior citizen (rated G for wholesome family reading) will find “Beyond Bridalveil Fall (Dwellers of Ahwahnee)” engaging and inspiring.  Sheryl writes from the heart and pens imagery like the cover art that moves us to try and capture all the beauty that is around us.

“Beyond Bridalveil Fall (Dwellers of Ahwahnee)” is fantasy that has roots in reality.  All that experience life will find moments from Oria journey to womanhood that connect with their soul.  Keep on writing Sheryl Seal you have a gift that speaks to the heart.

I purchased my copy for iPad Kindle on Amazon at this link:

Paper back copies are also available.

Adding these 2 to my must read list:

Oria Falls 3rd

 

 

“Mistress Angel,” by Lindsay Townsend

Mistress Angel

What about “Mistress Angel” is uniquely special?

The medieval period city life becomes reality as the story unfolds.  Isabella has been used first by her family then by her dead husband’s family – she is a commodity to them.

The writing brought me into the city with it’s dirty streets and how little value was placed on the life of a woman.  Her young son is taken from her, she’s pressed into servitude and she must choose between getting her son back and pleasing the local marriage prospects.

“Mistress Angel” is a journey through medieval London from the landscape to the characters Lindsay delivers.  Raw emotions and agonizing struggles are included in the telling.

I also enjoy finding new phrases and words from the period in Lindsay’s writing.  She defines them and uses them as keys to her plot.  I liken it to a treasure hunt, always something new in the next chapter.

Will Isabella get her son back?  Will she find true love?  All will be answered before the last word is read.

I hope you give “Mistress Angel” a look.  Great writing, well developed plot and interesting characters, what more could you want in a story?

I got my copy from Amazon Kindle for iPad at this link:

 

“The American Heiress: A Novel” by Daisy Goodwin

<span class=The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin_” width=”201″ height=”300″ />

Why do I recommend Daisy Goodwin’s “The American Heiress“?

First, the novel is well written with elements of romance but not focusing on the happily ever after concept. Instead Daisy Goodwin provides a fresh look at turn of the twentieth century America and England. Her perspective is a new one for me painting a picture of how truly callous the wealthy are during this era.

You’ll learn much about what a British title costs the young Cora Cash.  Cora pursues the title to appease her Mother but finds herself drawn to a Duke she meets by chance.

I think what brings depth to “The American Heiress,” is the relationship between Cora and her maid, Bertha. As Cora is drawn more and more into the drama of English Aristocracy, Bertha is able to ground her on what’s most important. Bertha’s story is every bit as important to the plot of this excellent tale as Cora’s.

There’s also plenty mystery and intrigue as the story unfolds. Daisy Goodwin keeps me guessing until the final chapter.

Will Cora be happy? Is Bertha going to be able to keep her position and the love of her life? You won’t find out until the very end, but I can guarantee “The American Heiress” is a page turner that keeps you hooked until the very end.

I listened to the audiobook and found Katherine Kellgren’s narration engaging and full of emotion.  A very well done production.

You can get an audiobook from iTunes or the book or e-book from Amazon at the following links.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/american-heiress-novel-unabridged/id441922680

Enjoy.

 

“Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts

Shadow Spell Front CoverShadow Spell Inside Front CoverShadow Spell Signature PageShadow Spell Back Cover2Shadow Spell Back FlapShadow Spell Back Jacket

Why do I recommend, “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts?

First, “Shadow Spell” is a mystery that spans the centuries.  Nora does an excellent job connecting the Autumn of 1268 with the Autumn of 2013.  Eamon and Connor are kindred spirits finding common ground in the spiritual world.

Second, I find “Shadow Spell an intriguing study of old and new Ireland from the landscape to the customs.  Especially how each family unit made their income then and now.  Nora’s description of the tourism of modern Ireland makes me want to visit there and see for myself.

Finally, “Shadow Spell” speaks to the heart.  The importance of family in the good and bad times.  Learning how to work through disagreements within the family both those of the blood and those created through love and understanding.  Nora let me see how love grows through sharing and caring.

I hope you find the story of “Shadow Spell” as inspiring and enlightening as I have.  I’m looking forward to reading “Blood Magick” by Nora Roberts, hopefully to be released in October of 2014.  I’m hoping Cabhan gets what he deserves in this final installment.  I feel it will take spiritual strength and heart that extends back to the year 1268.

I purchased the novel “Shadow Spell” by Nora Roberts online via Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe at this link http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=COD2

Requesting signed books is still possible. Please follow the instructions on the website carefully to be sure to get the book signed as you request, see this link for further information https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/04/19/facebook-posting-from-turn-the-page-bookstore/

The site is safe and secure – I’ve been using it since August 2013 with great success. I visited Boonsboro, MD last July and am also able to say the staff and store are both friendly and helpful in customer service and layout.

Audio is also available via ttpbooks.com but I didn’t realize until after I purchased the audiobook on iTunes via Brilliance Audio see this link:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/shadow-spell-book-two-cousins/id824435002

The narrator, Allan Smyth, has a lovely accent which adds to the feel of traveling to Ireland.  Nora’s excellent descriptive writing does the rest.  I enjoyed listening as I did my daily walks and working on preparing my meals.  Allan’s ability to bring emotions to life with his tone of voice brought depth to the battle scenes.

Thank you Nora Roberts, for giving us this story of family that spans the centuries in the Cousins O’Dwyer Trilogy with Book 1, “The Dark Witch” reviewed at this link:  https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/03/24/dark-witch-book-one-of-the-cousins-odwyer-trilogy-by-nora-roberts/ and Book 2, “The Shadow Spell” and Fall release of “Blood Magick”.

You deliver with every book and I appreciate all you share from the romance, to the family love that is of blood and spirit.  I appreciate the signature as well.  I did “Imagine” and found acceptance and love.  Peace.