Continuing with ...the Month of Love
Book Fun Friday Welcomes Returning Guest Author, Laura Strickland.
Bio:
Laura Strickland has pursued lifelong interests in lore,
legend, magic and music, all reflected in her writing. Though her imagination
frequently takes her to far off places, she is usually happiest at home not far
from Lake Ontario with her husband and her "fur" child, a rescue dog.
Today We're Featuring 2 Books from Laura's Series:
Secrets of Sherwood Background:
There are places that, I believe, loom large in the
collective, historical memory: Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, the library at
Alexandria, Machu Picchu, Holy Tibet, Easter Island, and Stonehenge, to name
but a few. Speak one of these names, and
your listener has an immediate sense of identification, wonder, and
mystery. Myth and legends abound in such
places, endemic as the beginning of time.
Our ancestors knew of them, and we will never forget.
Such locations often hide secrets, which is part of what
makes them so endlessly fascinating. Who
can’t imagine finding an as-yet-undiscovered tomb full of treasures at Giza, or
a buried relic at Stonehenge that explains the builders’ intentions? Were those stones truly raised by Merlin, as
many insist? Was magic involved?
When I began writing my Guardians
of Sherwood Trilogy, I realized Sherwood Forest surely qualified as one of
these special places full of legend and invested with romance. I knew I wanted the Sherwood I presented to
be a magical world containing the spirits of those who had lived, fought and
loved there–including Robin Hood, himself.
The first book of the Trilogy, Daughter
of Sherwood, introduced Wren–raised never knowing she was Robin’s
daughter–to the deep sentient magic of the place, and she claimed it for her
own.
But when it came time to begin work on book two, Champion of Sherwood, I wondered just
how far I could extend the magic. What
if I introduced a character not of Robin’s blood or related to any of his men–would
he, too, be able to sense the enchantment that dwelt in the greenwood? And so was created Gareth de Vavasour, a
young knight newly proven, nephew to the Sheriff of Nottingham, and born enemy
to the outlaws who carried the fight against Norman tyranny.
One of the secrets of my Sherwood is that what’s loved can never
be lost. It is love that nurtures, grows
and fortifies the magic that dwells there, and it’s by love that it
endures. When Gareth comes to Sherwood
and gives his heart to Robin’s granddaughter, Linnet, love becomes his
strength. When he’s asked to give his
life for her also, he doesn’t hesitate.
What true champion would?
In book three of the Trilogy, Lord of Sherwood, we meet Robin’s great-grandson, Curlew, and find
the circle of magic becoming complete with old promises kept and old wounds
healed. I won’t give away any secrets here, except to say that Robin and those
who fought with him so valiantly do at last attain the justice they deserve.
I hope you’ll decide to take a walk with Robin’s descendants
in Sherwood and discover a place that may long live on in your memory. I assure you, enchantment still lingers
there!
Today's Two Book Features:
Champion of Sherwood: The Guardians of Sherwood Trilogy Book
Two. (Historical Romance)
Lord of Sherwood: The Guardians of Sherwood Trilogy Book
Three. (Historical Romance)
Log Line Champion of Sherwood: The circle strengthens and
the magic deepens.
Log Line Lord of Sherwood: The ancient magic circle becomes
complete.
Book Blurbs:
Champion of Sherwood:
When Gareth de Vavasour, nephew of the Sheriff of
Nottingham, is captured by the outlaws of Sherwood Forest and held for ransom,
he knows he will be fortunate to escape with his life. Amid the magic and danger that surround him,
he soon realizes his true peril lies in the beautiful dark eyes of Linnet, the
Saxon healer sent to tend his wounds.
Granddaughter of Robin Hood, Linnet has always known she is
destined to become a guardian of Sherwood Forest, along with her sister and a
close childhood companion. She believes
her life well settled until the arrival of Gareth. Then all her loyalties are
tested even as her heart is forced to choose between love and the ties of duty,
while Sherwood declares its own champion.
Lord of Sherwood:
Curlew Champion, master archer, has always known his
destiny. With his cousin, Heron Scarlet,
he will become a guardian of Sherwood Forest and further his people’s fight
against Norman Tyranny. But the third
member of the triad is still to be revealed, the woman who will complete the
magical circle and, perhaps, answer the longing in Curlew’s heart.
Anwyn Montfort has fled disgrace in Shrewsbury and come to
Nottingham at her father’s bidding. He
wishes her to make a good marriage and settle down. But the wildness that possesses her refuses
to quiet. She knows she’s been searching
for something all her life, but not until she glimpses Curlew does her spirit begin
to hope it has found its home.
Only the magic of Sherwood can bring them together, and only
their union can complete the spell woven so long ago …
Question for you Dear Reader:
Have you ever visited a place that felt magical to you? Leave your comment in this blog.
Book cover pic in jpg format and, if you like, your author
photo and any other photos pertinent to your post (attach to email.)
How to contact Laura and buy her books:
Buy link Amazon:
Champion of Sherwood: http://www.amazon.com/Champion-Sherwood-Guardians-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00HJEHOFE/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423792305&sr=1-8&keywords=laura+strickland
Lord of Sherwood: http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Sherwood-Guardians-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00MG7JNVM/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423792305&sr=1-9&keywords=laura+strickland
Author web page: www.laurastricklandbooks.com
Laura Strickland Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000002632317
Book Trailer: The Guardians of Sherwood Trilogy:
I would have to say Savannah Georgia....more than spooky, I felt a ethereal overall experience!
ReplyDeletePlaces definitely have "vibes", for better or worse ...
DeleteWe visited Parkstien castle remains in Germany a few years back. It was almost as if you could hear history whispering in your ear. Yep, pretty magical. BTW, love the book covers!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lilly! Both covers were created by Diana Carlile, a very talented lady.
DeleteI loved this series by Laura! There is magic in Sherwood Forest. I was fortunate to visit in 2009, and I can still recall those feelings when I wondered the grounds. Another magical place--the Isle of Skye and Newgrange. Very mystical.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary! So glad you enjoyed the series.
DeleteThank you, Celia, for hosting me today! I appreciate it!
ReplyDelete