Historical Novelists' Book Fair 12th - 15th April

 

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Hi everyone and welcome to the Historical Novelists’ Book Fair!

Thanks for dropping by and joining the fun.  I hope you discover new authors and some great books.

I write historical romances. I have always been fascinated with history, especially the medieval period. My latest novella, Misrule’s Mistress is a medieval tale. It is set over Yuletide and centres on the Feast of Misrule. The Feast of Misrule marked the end of the Christmas celebrations (the twelve day of Christmas).  Misrule was basically seen as a British/French tradition but it has links back to ancient Rome and the feast of Saturnalia.

 

 

Lord Barric Cranley wants Lady Ellette for his wife but she has already refused once. He knows that Ellette loves him… it’s just she hasn’t realized it yet. With a little help, cunning and the Feast of Misrule, Barric plans to capture his bride and make it a Christmas she’ll never forget.

 Excerpt One

England – 1247 AD

“‘Tis fine work, master smith,” Lord Barric Cranley said as he rolled the gold ring between his fingers. It was small, intricate, and fashioned in the shape of a crown. “You have excelled in your craft. ‘Tis more than I had hoped.”

            Barric lent against the rough wooden workbench. The heat in the small room was almost oppressive. Two inches of snow had fallen overnight, but the workshop was as hot as the fires of Hell. One of the goldsmith’s apprentices stoked the fiery furnace whilst the other stood near an iron anvil, hammering out silver into a thin sheet. 

            “My lord.” The old man bowed his head, but as he straightened, Barric could see a glimmer of pride reflected in his watery eyes.

            “Here is the coin I promised.” He dropped several silver coins into the smith’s outstretched hand. He turned his attention back to the ring. “‘Tis an astonishingly pretty thing you have conjured. You have my thanks.”

            “You are all kindness, my lord, but may I be so bold as to ask if the ring is destined for a fair lady? Is it to be a betrothal ring?”

            “Aye, ‘tis my hope,” Barric said as his lips curved into a smile.

            “Then good luck, my lord, and may the blessing of Yuletide be upon ye.”

            “And to you,” he said as he nodded his dark blond head and reached for the leather pouch that hung by his side. But before he slipped it inside, he held the ring up once more. A pale shaft of winter sun shone through the crude wooden casement and illuminated the tiny crown.  “My destiny turns upon this trinket. The trap is prepared, the bait set, and now I must wait.”

            “I do not understand, my lord; you speak of the hunt rather than a lady?”

            “‘Tis all one and the same. For if luck is with me, I shall capture my bride.”

 

   Excerpt Two  


  

“If I were sure that you loved me, if you would accept my offer, I would wait if I knew how long.”Barric slowly closed his fingers over the ring and let his hand fall down by his side.

“I cannot tell you, for I do not know – a year, two... or three.”

“But after all these long years, would you then marry me?”

“I do not know, Barric; I do not know what to say. I am confused and do not know what I want or feel,” she said as went to walk away but Barric caught her arm and she turned her head and looked at him.

 

“You kissed me back, Ellette.”

“I know, I know I did... but...”

 

“Then without an answer I cannot wait for you, Ellette, no matter how much I want to,” Barric said as his hand slid down her cheek. “If I cannot have you, it matters little who I take for a wife. And because of that, I vow I will be married by the Feast of Epiphany.”

Arching a brow, Ellette replied, “Are brides so easily found?”

“I want you, Ellette, but if you do not wish me for a husband and cast me aside, I will be forced to find a bride elsewhere.”

“By the end of our winter festivities?”

“Aye,” Barric said.

“I fear you have taken our games and challenges too far. For whom will you marry... the kitchen maid, or the weaver’s daughter? I am the only eligible maid at Cranley, and I say nay.”

“Mayhap, but I will be married by midnight at the feast.”

“In twelve days?” Torn and confused, Ellette stared at Barric. Part of her wanted to cry that perhaps she had been too hasty, perhaps one day, far away, she would marry him. Mixed with that, she was annoyed and hurt that he would think she was so easily replaced; and lastly, a hint of competitiveness reared its head. She almost wanted to take his challenge and wager that it would be impossible to marry in twelve days.

“Aye – I swear it,” Barric said as he turned and returned to the feast, leaving Ellette alone with her riotous thoughts.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Misrules-Mistress-ebook/dp/B00AWJ22PU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365644795&sr=8-1&keywords=misrule%27s+mistress

 

My other medieval books include The Trinket Seller’s Daughter and Capturing Bliss. My books can be found on many sites including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and Jupiter Gardens Press.

 

I would also like to add a big thank you to Ms. Francine Howarth for all her hard work in putting this event together.

 

Thank you so much for saying hello and I hope you enjoy the rest of the book fair!

Nicóle  x

www.nicolehurley-moore.com

 

Link to return to book fair’s list of authors –

http://tgunwriter.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/on-line-spring-book-fair-historical.html#comment-form