Good Morning and Welcome this Holy Thursday!
I understand why today is called 'holy'...because it is the day the Last Supper was celebrated, but shouldn't every Thursday be a holy day? How about every day?
Something to think about.....
"Inspirational with an Edge" ™
Today is another installment of EggCerpt Exchange and my guest is Ashley York with her title The Saxon Bride.
In war torn
England the battle lines between Saxon and Norman are clearly drawn. Rowena
Godwinson, the sole remaining member of the defeated royal family, stands
proudly against the Normans that would trample them underfoot. Her nobility
and grace, however, make her an ideal pawn in 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. Can she hold firm to her Saxon heritage and refuse to give in
to his advances?
John of
Normandy 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
As
their people look to them for guidance and peace, can John and Rowena find a
love that unites all of England?
Excerpt:
"As my
wife, Rowena..."
Her eyes
narrowed at use of the title.
"...you
will not allow men into your bedchamber. Other than me, that is."
A little
shiver passed through her at the idea of him coming to her in the middle of the
night. She could again feel his fingers caressing her. Perhaps he had indeed
returned to be her husband in truth. The possibility excited her.
Arthur had
followed her and even taken her in his arms to comfort her. In the past she had
welcomed the feel of his arms around her, seldom as that happened, but she was
already different. His arms no longer felt right around her. She had tried to
tell him he could not be in her chamber, it wasn't seemly. He had looked so
hurt.
"Do you
not understand me, wife?" John
said.
The title
bristled her. "Yes, husband, I understand you fine."
The use of
titles did not make it any more true. Men always thought it did. They were
wrong. Turning to him, she felt her cheeks grow hot as he caressed her ever so
slowly with his eyes, finally resting on her face before her spoke again.
"Husband
I will be soon enough."
His answer
told her he didn't miss her meaning. He stood suddenly, and the fire silhouetting
his large frame caused her breath to catch at his imposing size. From his
powerful legs, slightly parted and ready for attack, to his solid torso, ready
to receive the assault, to his burly arms more than willing to instigate the
encounter. This was certainly no complacent lord of the manor; this was a
well-honed fighting machine. Rowena was confused when she realized her own
longing to touch him. His brown hair looked soft and the shadow of a beard
around his chin caused her hand to itch for the touch of both.
"Know
this, Rowena...:
Her breath
quickened when he stepped toward her, his eyes piercing her own.
"...there
will be no one but me."
He stopped
just short of touching her but that now familiar heat reached out to her.
"You
are mine and only mine."
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.
Hope you enjoyed the EggCerpt Exchange!
Have a Blessed and Holy day.
PamT
