#SaturdaySpotlight: Ashley York & The Saxon Bride

Good Morning from Nacgodoches, TX!

Yep I'm visiting with my son today and tomorrow I will be Bandera bound for a week of visiting friends at my home away from home LOL!

But today, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Ms. Ashley York with her book The Saxon Bride.

Always an avid romance reader herself, Ashley York enjoys bringing history to life through vibrant and meaningful characters, writing historical romance novels full of passion and intrigue set in the 11th and 12th century British Isles. Her newest release, The Saxon Bride, is the first in the Norman Conquest series.

When she is not writing, talking about writing, or thinking about writing, Ashley relaxes with visits to the local pubs listening to live Celtic tunes. She lives in southern New England with her husband and 3 very spoiled animals.

Find out more about Ashley by visiting her Website.

About the Book...

In war torn England the battle lines between Saxon and Norman are clearly drawn. The Saxons must fight for everything they have in the hopes of winning their country back from the Normans who are determined to break their resistance. 

Rowena Godwinson, the sole remaining member of the defeated royal family, stands proudly against the Normans that would trample them underfoot but her nobility and grace make her an ideal pawn in the Norman King William’s play for power with the Saxon people. When he decrees she marry a powerful Norman knight, her subjugation appears to be complete. The handsome soldier with the kind brown eyes and gentle touch is a threat to her determination to defy the interlopers. Can she hold firm to her Saxon heritage and refuse to give in to his advances?

John of Normandy wants only to prove himself worthy of the king's trust. He is rewarded for his service and loyalty with land, titles and a Saxon beauty for a bride. John balks at the marriage, driven by the secret guilt of knowing Rowena's father died by his sword. However, John's reluctance is soon replaced by a burning desire to please this woman and win her over as well as her people.

 As their people look to them for guidance and peace, can John and Rowena find a love that unites all of England?

Excerpt: Pacing the small area like a confined animal, she finally paused to look out the window. The dreary day reflected her feelings, rain threatening at any moment. "Do you know when my husband will be returning?"

"I am back now."

John stood in the doorway handsomely dressed as befit the new Lord of Essex. Rowena's breath caught in her throat. She looked away before the immense pleasure she felt at his return showed on her face.

Joan quickly gathered her sewing and removed herself from the room, closing the door behind her.

"Will you attend me, my lady?"

Rowena went to him and helped him remove his surcoat before seeing to the heavier chainmail. He smelled like horses and leather. Manly. Rowena tried not to close her eyes as she drank in the intoxicating smell of him. Why would a dirty, sweaty man make her feel so light headed? She stepped away when she realized why, the chainmail slipping forward off his arms. His hooded eyes told her that he knew what she was feeling.

"Is there a problem?" His deep voice seemed to reverberate through her body.

Quickly putting the heavy material down, she headed to the door. "I will order a bath for you."

"Wait."

Rowena froze with her hand on the latch and heard him coming closer to her. He stood close behind her, his breath soft against her cheek.

"Yes?" Be done with this. Her body yearned for his arms to pull her against him, to feel his kiss again. She licked her lips.

"Why are you leaving in such a hurry?" His hand lightly touched the side of her head as he spoke, pushing her hair away from her face. He leaned in closer to her exposed ear. A responding shiver ran down her body. "Are you afraid of me?"

She backed up to the door with a thud and faced him. Her pulse was racing as she lied. "No, my lord. Methinks you have a rather strong odor about you and I would have you take a bath before the evening meal."

John backed away quickly, his eyes flying open. "I am sorry if I offend you. Please see to the bath."

Rowena felt only slightly guilty when he turned away from her, standing like a lost little boy in the middle of the room.

Wow...sounds like a great romance! 

The Saxon Bride can be purchased at Amazon in Print and for Kindle along with Ashley's other book, The Bruised Thistle which is also available in Print and on Kindle! 

Well Friends, I sure hope you enjoyed meeting Ashley! Stay tuned next week for more Rocking Summer Romance on Tuesday Treasure as well as Thursday Thoughts and of course another Saturday Spotlight!

Until later.... take care, God Bless and remember..... Perfect love casts out fear – ask God to fill your heart and mind with Himself who IS perfect love

 Something to think about!

"Inspirational with an Edge! ™