It’s always a great day when you can celebrate the launch of another book. To Follow My Heart is the next installment in my Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time series and I’m so happy to bring you Fletcher and Jenna’s story. I keep telling myself that it’s beginning to get hard for me to say which of my characters are my favorite. My opinion changes with each new release. I hope you’ll enjoy their story through Time.

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Come join my two day Facebook event to help me and my guests celebrate my new release here. There will be lots of giveaways and fun to keep you entertained!

You can also find an exceprt on my dedicated book page here on my website.

Buy Links ~

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Amazon AU | Amazon BR | AmazonCA | Amazon DE | AmazonFR | Amazon UK

Thanks to everyone who has supported me by purchasing my novels and vaulting them into the bestsellers they’ve become. I sincerely appreciate everyone’s support. Happy reading!

All the best,

Sherry Ewing

Welcome to the seventh stop of the Belles Holiday Wassailing Tour.

Lady Penelope Whittles

Lady Penelope Whittles and her neice, Lady Constance, from Under the Mistletoe would like to welcome you to their home for your next stop of food and drinks. The house is full with visiting guests including Miss Margaret Templeton, her younger sister Sophie, Frederick, Viscount Beacham, and Lord Digby Osgood.

To win a signed print copy of For All of Ever: The Knights of Berwyck, A Quest Through Time (Book One), comment below with your favorite holiday song and the answer to be found at the last stop on the tour, Caroline Warfield’s blog.

What are the names of Catherine Wheatly’s brothers?

 

Miss Sophie Templeton

The sound of holiday music and singing is disrupted by the barking of a puppy let loose in the house.

“Margaret, please have your sister take her dog outside this instant,” Lady Whittles ordered. “With a house full of guests, this is no time to have an animal running astray inside.”

“Of course, Aunt Penelope,” Margaret replied. With wide eyes, she sees the pup scampering under the table laden with food in the dining room. Sophie is following close behind. She reaches her sister at the threshold of the room.

“Honestly, Margaret, It is not my fault,,” Sophie said all ready knowing she was in trouble.

“How in the world did Tulip get inside,” Margaret asks wondering how to catch the dog who’s head peeks out from beneath the table as though waiting for a tidbit to fall.

“She sneaked in when the footman brought in more firewood,” Sophie answered. “She is not hurting anyone and it is cold outside.

“Cold or not, Tulip needs to go back out to the barn. We are guests here, sweet pea. No sense upsetting Aunt Penelope after all her efforts to make this party a success.”

“You are never any fun anymore since you became all grown up,” Sophie pouts but her eyes suddenly begin to sparkle with merriment. “Hello, Freddy.”

“Allow me, Miss Templeton,” Lord Beacham says with a kind smile.

Impervious to his well-tailored breeches, Viscount Beacham proceeds to crawl under the table to take hold of a squirming Tulip. Once again, Frederick has saved the day.

Miss Margaret Templeton, along with her sister Sophie, Frederick, Viscount Beacham, Lord Digby Osgood, Lady Penelope Whittles and her niece Lady Constance Whittles are characters in Under the Mistletoe, in Mistletoe, Marriage, and Mayhem

Miss Margaret Templeton & Frederick, Viscount Beacham

When Margaret Templeton is requested to act as hostess at Captain Sander Morledge’s Christmas party and possibly agree to marry him, she did not think she would see the man who once held her heart.

Frederick Maddock, Viscount Beacham had never forgotten the young woman he had fallen in love with, and his feelings are evident when he sees her at a holiday gathering.

In a swirl of Christmas miracles and joyous celebration, will the two finally put down their differences and once again fall in love?

Lord Digby Osgood  & Lady Constance Whittles

Constance is delighted to witness the latest guest who was handing his coat and hat to the footman. She rushes to his side. “Lord Osgood, you are just in time. We are just now serving the Christmas Wassail.”

Digby gives her a short bow. “Your aunt was ever so gracious to invite me when we last met.”

“She did?” Constance looks towards her aunt who has a mischievous smile lit upon her face. Was her aunt playing the match maker?

Digby offers his arm. “Shall we, my lady?”

Constance gladly accepts Lord Osgood’s offer as they make their way to join the festivities.

 

Christmas Wassail Recipe

Originally published as Christmas Wassail in Country Woman December/January 2008, p22

www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/christmas-wassail

 

Ingredients

• 3 medium McIntosh or Rome apples, halved and cored

• 1/2 cup water

• 2 gallons apple cider or juice, divided

• 2 medium navel oranges, halved and sliced

• 2 medium lemons, halved and sliced

• 1-1/2 cups sugar

• 1 cinnamon stick (3 inches), halved

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

 

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375°. Place apples in an 8-in.-square baking dish, cut side down. Pour water around apples. Bake, uncovered, 20-25 minutes or until tender. Cool slightly.

• When cool enough to handle, scoop out pulp from apples and place in a blender; discard apple peel. Add 1/2 cup cider to blender; cover and process until smooth.

• In a stockpot, combine remaining ingredients, apple puree and remaining cider. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes. If desired, discard citrus slices and cinnamon stick before serving.

• Freeze option: If making in advance, you can cover and freeze the uncooked pie for up to 3 months. To use the frozen pie, bake at 375 for 70 minutes. Yield: 42 servings (3/4 cup each).

Excerpt from Under the Mistletoe

She returned her attention to a portrait of a seventeenth-century woman. The artist had captured her to perfection, painting the gown in exquisite detail, so that Margaret felt she could almost reach out to feel the actual pale blue fabric of material.

“What a beauty,” a male voice whispered behind her.

Margaret’s face flushed. She knew that voice, and that tone. That familiar low timbre had teased her many times in their youth. “Yes, she is indeed. See how the painter caught her expression in her eyes,” she replied, trying to sound calm as her heart raced with his nearness. “I wonder what she was staring at that caused her smile.”

The man chuckled softly and leaned closer. She could have sworn she felt the heat of his body through the fabric of her redingote. “I was not talking about the painting, Margaret.”

Catching her breath hearing her given name pass his lips, she, at last, turned to face the man whose offer of marriage she had rejected.

“Good day, Lord Beacham. How good to see you again after all these many years.” Was that breathy voice really her own? She curtseyed and held out her gloved hand. He took it, bowing low, and she tried to remain calm even though her heart was beating wildly in her chest.

Lady Whittles nods to a servant and the next course of mince pies.

Mince Pies

As served at the Christmas dinner of the Duke of Buckingham in 1808, with the expatriate French king, Louis XVIII.

Recipe from: A Complete System of Cookery, 4th Ed., by John Simpson, Cook to the late Marquis of Buckingham.

Seven pounds of currants, rubbed and picked very clean, and three pounds and a half of beef suet chopped very fine, three pounds and a half of the lean of a sirloin of beef minced raw, very fine, three pounds and a half of apples chopped very fine, (they should be the lemon pippin,) half a pound of citron cut in very small pieces, hall a pound of lemon peel, half a pound of orange peel cut like the citron, two pounds of fine moist sugar, one ounce of fine spice, (such as cloves, mace, nutmegs, and cinnamon, all pounded together and sifted), the rind of four lemons and four Seville oranges; all these to be rubbed together until well mixed; then put it into a deep pan, put over it one bottle of brandy, one of white wine, (of the sherry kind,) the juice of the lemons and oranges that have been grated, mix the wine and brandy together in a basin, and lemon and orange juice; pour half over and press it down tight with your hand, then add the other half, and let it remain at the top to soak in by degrees; cover it up. It should be made six weeks before it is wanted; the pans are sheeted with puff paste, and covered with the same. About ten minutes will bake them.

 

“You must try Aunt Penelope’s mead, Lord Beacham,” Margaret said handing him a crystal glass.

Frederick takes a sip. “Most delightful. My compliments to your aunt for her fine meal.”

To Make Mead

Recipe from: Martha Lloyd’s Household Book

www.janeausten.co.uk/mead-home-brewed-honey-wine/

To every gallon of water put 4 lbs of honey, and for 20 gallons add as follows: 2 oz of nutmeg, half an oz of mace, half an oz of cloves, 2 ozs of race-ginger, all just bruised, and sewed up in a linene bag; then add a large handful of sweet briar with the above, boil it all together for an hour, skimming it all the time it boils; then drain it off. Add a little balm to it, if it does not work, turn it and let it stand a day or two. Then add the juice of 6 good lemons, with the rind of them and your bag of spices in the barrel. Stop it up close for 10 or 12 months. Then bottle it for use. You may add some more spices if you like it.

 

With thanks to the Jane Austen Society (Please see link for an in-depth discussion of the recipe).

 

Mistletoe, Marriage, and Mayhem: A Bluestocking Belles Collection In this collection of novellas, the Bluestocking Belles bring you seven runaway Regency brides resisting and romancing their holiday heroes under the mistletoe. Whether scampering away or dashing toward their destinies, avoiding a rogue or chasing after a scoundrel, these ladies and their gentlemen leave miles of mayhem behind them on the slippery road to a happy-ever-after.

***All proceeds benefit the Malala Fund.***

Goodreads Reviews

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Donate to the Malala Fund

Aunt Penelope wishes her guests a safe journey and happy Christmas as they travel to their last stop on this progressive dinner. Make sure you link back to all of the Belles’ holiday wassailing stops, where you’ll find a different Regency era Christmas carol, dinner selection, beverage, and wassail recipes.

• 4 Dec: Jude Knight: The First Course, Regency White Soup
• 7 Dec: Nicole Zoltack: The Second Course, Lobster au Gratin
• 9 Dec: Amy Rose Bennett: The Third Course, A Stuffed Christmas Turkey
• 11 Dec: Susana Ellis: The Fourth Course, A Yorkshire Pie
• 14 Dec: Vanessa Riley: The Fifth Course, English Bread
• 16 Dec: Caroline Warfield: The Sixth Course, Jerusalem Artichoke a la Crème
• 18 Dec: Sherry Ewing: The Seventh Course, Mince Pies
• 21 Dec: Mariana Gabrielle: The Eighth Course, Christmas Pudding

Digital Christmas Card by EKDuncan using digital Christmas ornaments of Regency ladies

It may have been Halloween last night, but I was sitting at my laptop watching the numbers for the Bluestocking Belles’ first box set, Mistletoe, Marriage, & Mayhem, that releases today. The Belles were very excited as our chat window on Facebook could attest. My contribution to our box set is a novella entitled Under the Mistletoe, and I’m very excited for my readers to see my first Regency era story.

 The Bluestocking Belles will be celebrating today at our Facebook launch party  from 4-9 EST. Be sure to stop on by for fun, games, and giveaways from all eight Belles. We also have a grand prize and there is still plenty of time to enter our Rafflecopter contest.

 

Mistletoe, Marriage, and Mayhem: A Bluestocking Belles Collection

In this collection of novellas, the Bluestocking Belles bring you seven runaway Regency brides resisting and romancing their holiday heroes under the mistletoe. Whether scampering away or dashing toward their destinies, avoiding a rogue or chasing after a scoundrel, these ladies and their gentlemen leave miles of mayhem behind them on the slippery road to a happy-ever-after.

***All proceeds benefit the Malala Fund***

 Here is a glimpse of the seven novellas:

 All She Wants for Christmas, by Amy Rose Bennett

A frosty bluestocking and a hot-blooded rake. A stolen kiss and a Yuletide wedding. Sparks fly, but will hearts melt this Christmas?

The Ultimate Escape, by Susana Ellis

Abandoned on his wedding day, Oliver must choose between losing his bride forever or crossing over two hundred years to find her and win her back.

Under the Mistletoe, by Sherry Ewing

Margaret Templeton will settle for Captain Morledge’s hand in marriage, until she sees the man she once loved. Who will win her heart at the Christmas party of her would-be betrothed?

’Tis Her Season, by Mariana Gabrielle

Charlotte Amberly returns a Christmas gift from her intended—the ring—then hares off to London to take husband-hunting into her own hands. Will she let herself be caught?

Gingerbread Bride, by Jude Knight

Traveling with her father’s fleet has not prepared Mary Pritchard for London. When she strikes out on her own, she finds adventure, trouble, and her girlhood hero, riding once more to her rescue.

A Dangerous Nativity, by Caroline Warfield

With Christmas coming, can the Earl of Chadbourn repair his widowed sister’s damaged estate, and far more damaged family? Dare he hope for love in the bargain?

Joy to the World, by Nicole Zoltack

Eliza Berkeley discovers she is marrying the wrong man—on her wedding day. When the real duke turns up instead, will her chance at marital bliss be spoiled?

 Here are my hero and heroine from Under the Mistletoe:

    

Here’s an excerpt from Under the Mistletoe:

With Digby gone, Margaret took a seat by the fire, and Frederick sat opposite her. An awkward silence fell between them, broken only by the crackling and popping of the wood within the hearth. Conversation had never been stilted between them, but Margaret was clearly nervous because she kept peeking over her shoulder as if she were being watched. Frederick was unsure what he should say to calm her nerves.

“You have no need to fear me, Margaret,” Frederick whispered softly now that they were alone.

“I do not fear you, Freddy.”

He was pleased to hear his name as it passed her lips. “Then what is troubling you so?”

The eyes raised to his were filled with worry. “Why are you here?”

He watched her fidget with the fabric of her gown. “You know why. I was invited,” Frederick answered.

A sound escaped her, but it was hardly ladylike. “You could easily have made your excuses and refused.”

“I wanted to make sure you were safe,” he replied.

“How could I not be safe? Captain Morledge is practically my betrothed.”

Frederick ran his hand across his eyes. “I do not trust him. There are rumors—”

The laugh she gave was meant to be merry, but sounded forced. “Frederick, please tell me you have not taken to believing in town gossip. I would have thought you, above all people, were above such nonsense.”

He frowned. “Nonsense or not, I needed to see for myself that you are not in danger, even if I must watch over you myself.”

“It is hardly necessary.” Margaret’s attention once more flew to the entryway.

He reached over to take her hand.

She wrenched back with a silent and pleading look, and the briefest shake of her head. Leaning slightly forward, she confided, “Please do not, for it will not be wise. The servants watch my every move, and even now, it is reckless of me to be here alone with you.”

“You see! There is cause for concern. Why will you not let me help you?”

“Please, Freddy. This is my one chance to find some happiness. Do not ruin it for me.”

“We have discussed this before, Margaret. You know my offer still stands. I would wed you on the morrow if you would have me.”

“Shush, you fool. You know I cannot.”

“Yet you would enter into a marriage with a man you do not love.”

A heavy sigh left her lips. “I can learn to love him.”

“Now who is the fool?” he grumbled irritably.

Buy Links for Mistletoe, Marriage, & Mayhem

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Today marks the 18th birthday of Mala Yossafzai the young girl who stood up to for education and was shot by the Taliban for standing up for what she believes in. Join me and fellow Bluestocking Belles as we support Malala to spread the word that everyone deserves an education!

The amount of money that is spent on military spending is staggering. If world leaders would take just eight days to redirect funidng, we could have $39 billion still needed to provide 12 years of free, quality education to every child on the planet.

Post a picture of one of your favorite books and don’t forget to use the #BooksNotBullets today in your posts. I chose my four novels because I believe that each of my characters overcome many obstacles that sometimes stand in their way so they can have thier happily ever after ending!

No child or adult should be deprived of an education. Stand with us for this important cause. One voice can make a difference. Just imagine the results if we all raised our voices todgether!

Learn more about Malala and her worthy cause here

It’s another fabulous Friday and I’d like to welcome Anne Forsythe to my blog. So pull up a chair along with your favorite cup of tea and let’s chat with this extrodinary woman to learn a little more about her!

Interview with Anne Forsythe, a widow who lives in a house owned by the Earl of Chirbury in the village of Longford

What do you consider your greatest achievement? Rescuing my family, without a doubt, and establishing them here in Longford. I have not done it alone, of course. Dear Ruth has been with me every step of the way, and we were so lucky to find our servant, Hannah. She came as wet nurse to my daughter, Daisy, and has stayed to look after us all. She is a treasure.

I was only 18, you know, when we had to run. Ruth was not more than two years older. But we could not stay to let my uncle carry out his wicked plans. Fortunately, I had a little money—enough to get us all to London and to hide us for long enough… Well, suffice it to say that it was neither easy nor pleasant, but it worked. That is the important thing, is it not?

Then, when we came to Longford, Mr Baxter the land agent was very helpful, and the dear Rector and his wife, too. We have really been very fortunate.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? An evening at home with my family. We play games, or take turns in reading aloud, or we sing. I love to sit and listen to my sisters, Kitty and Ruth, singing. My own voice is nothing to speak of, but I believe that Daisy, my daughter, will have a very pretty voice when she is grown.

What is your current state of mind? I am content. We have a roof over our heads, food to put on the table, clothes to our backs. Many are not as fortunate. We, ourselves, went hungry to bed in that first year in Longford, when we were still learning to stretch every shilling. In another year, things will change again, but I do not believe we could be happier than we are now.

What is your favorite occupation? My sisters would tell you that I love best to organise things, and I fear there is some truth in that! Let me see. My favourite occupation. I like to sew. I enjoy cooking when our dear servant Hannah will let me. I love teaching; I teach three mornings a week at the local mill school.

I know! Archery. Archery is my favourite occupation. When I practice at the foot of the garden, or compete in the competitions… it is as if I am transported to another world. Nothing exists except the bow, the string, the arrow, the target. And the satisfaction of placing each arrow where I want it! There is nothing like it in the world.

What is your most treasured possession? I have a prayer book that was my mother’s. It is the only thing of hers that I have. There were a few pieces of jewellery—nothing valuable, but little things my poor brother let me have when I turned 17. They are all sold, gone to feed us in those first years. But I have my mother’s prayer book, and when I say my prayers at night, I feel so close to her.

What or who is the greatest love of your life? Do you mean romantic love? That is not for me. I hope my dear sister Kitty will one day find a husband she can love, and who will love her. But I am past the age, do you not think?

Oh. You are wondering about Mr Forsythe? I never speak of Daisy’s father. Did you have another question?

What is your most marked characteristic? Determination. I will do anything for my family, and will not danger or disapproval stand in my way.

When and where were you the happiest? I am now the happiest I have ever been. I am content.

What is it that you most dislike? Hypocrisy. I strongly dislike the way people can be nice before your eyes and yet claw at your reputation behind your back. I have often seen it in the village. I cannot abide mean-minded gossip, but I most dislike the kind of two-faced dissembling that often masks such nastiness from the victim.

What is your greatest fear? I fear having my sister Kitty taken from us. I believe the rest of us are safe. Dear Meg is not quite 21, but I think—I am almost certain—that my uncle would leave her to me. He wanted to put her away; he feared her, I think. Which is silly; she is the gentlest, sweetest creature. A child in the body of an adult. But I have seen that reaction in others. People can be very cruel to those who are different.

Still, I think that means Meg is safe. But Kitty… If my uncle finds us… I will not let it happen. If I must, I will take my family again, and start over somewhere else.

What is your greatest extravagance? You may laugh, but my greatest extravagance is good quality tea. Truly, if I never again have a thrice-steeped cup it will be too soon! Now that Ruth and I are both earning a few shillings, I always buy the best quality of tea I can. The village shop knows to stock it for me, and one of my great pleasures is to sit in the morning with our dear Hannah, before anyone else is awake, sipping tea by the kitchen fire.

Which living person do you most despise? Beyond a doubt, it is either my uncle or his son. I think my uncle, because he should have cared for the orphaned daughters of his brother, but he immediately tried to turn his guardianship to his own account. I hate it when people prey on the weak.

What is your greatest regret? I regret that I didn’t sleep with my sisters, or have them with me, the night that it all changed. If I had, my brother might yet be alive; I might have had my season; all might have been different. And yet… I am content, and my sisters are happy, I believe. Things would have been different, but who is to say they would have been better?

Which talent would you most like to have? To sing like Kitty? To play the pianoforte as well as Ruth? To be happy with little blessings like Meg? My sisters are the talented ones! What talent would I like for myself? Let me think… I know. I would like to be able to turn pebbles into gold. Wouldn’t that be a gift to treasure?

Where would you like to live? If I could, I would stay here in Longford. I know that Kitty must have her chance, and we’ll have to go to Bath, or perhaps Bristol, for that. Bath, I think. But if we can retain the tenancy on the cottage, I will always come back here. I feel part of the community here. We have been happy here.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Failing my sisters and my daughter. It is my duty and my delight to keep them safe, and to do that I must keep them hidden. I cannot fail. I cannot imagine any worse misery than knowing that they have been harmed because I failed.

What is the quality you most like in a man? Integrity. Someone who is true to their commitments all the way through to the bone. Sadly, few men seem to be like that.

What is the quality you most like in a woman? Loyalty.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Cowardice. I cannot tell you the number of times I’ve wanted to just give up. But however hard it may be, I have to continue for the sake of Kitty and Meg—yes, and my daughter Daisy, too.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Hypocrisy. People should be open about what they want, and what they are doing. Little communities like ours—people can tear them apart if they are two-faced—if they say one thing to you and another behind your back.

What do you most value in your friends? Honesty. Friends should be honest with one another. And supportive. That’s important, too.

Who is your favorite hero or heroine of fiction? You will be shocked, but I have a great respect for Moll Flanders. Some of her choices were terrible, of course, and her early life immoral at best. But consider her disadvantages! Through it all, she was her own woman. She was brave and determined. I respect that.

Who are your heroes or heroines in real life? Ruth is my heroine. She is my best friend. She gave up everything to come with us, and she has stood by me through all the last seven years. Longer. She didn’t have to… my uncle could not have touched her. But she has been a rock. And the Rector’s wife, Mrs Ashbrook—all those children and she still finds time for everyone in need.

Which living person do you most admire? Mrs Ashbrook

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Meekness. I do not consider meekness a virtue at all. The Bible assures us that the meek will inherit the earth, but until that happy day, I think meekness merely encourages tyrants and bullies.

On what occasions do you lie? I do not like lies. I try to always be honest. But I will lie for my family. I have done so once before, and I would do so again if I had to. The safety and wellbeing of my daughter and my sisters–of my whole household—takes first place. If I can, I will simply avoid the truth. But a direct lie? Yes. Rarely, with reluctance, but yes.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would like to be able to wave a magic wand and be more patient. Learning patience the long way, through all the frustrations of life… it is hard, and I seem to be a slow learner.

How would you like to die? I would like to die in my own bed, with my family around me, after a short illness that gives me time to say farewell to those I love.

What is your motto? Family first

A Baron for Becky ~ by Jude Knight

Release Date ~ August 5, 2015

Available now for pre-order

Becky is the envy of the courtesans of the demi-monde – the indulged mistress of the wealthy and charismatic Marquis of Aldridge. But she dreams of a normal life; one in which her daughter can have a future that does not depend on beauty, sex, and the whims of a man.

Finding herself with child, she hesitates to tell Aldridge. Will he cast her off, send her away, or keep her and condemn another child to this uncertain shadow world?

The devil-may-care face Hugh shows to the world hides a desperate sorrow; a sorrow he tries to drown with drink and riotous living. His years at war haunt him, but even more, he doesn’t want to think about the illness that robbed him of the ability to father a son. When he dies, his barony will die with him. His title will fall into abeyance, and his estate will be scooped up by the Crown.

When Aldridge surprises them both with a daring proposition, they do not expect love to be part of the bargain.

Buy LInks:

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Jude Knight Bio:

Jude Knight started writing fiction when she was still at school, but went on to spend many years as a commercial writer. In late December 2012, she came home from her mother’s funeral determined to finally achieve the dream her mother had always supported.

After more than a year collecting ideas, doing research, and creating plots and character sketches, she stopped procrastinating and started writing. Her first novella was published just before Christmas in 2014, and – to Jude’s awed surprise – hit several Amazon bestseller lists in both the US and the UK, at one point reaching the top 2 in the US and the very top in the UK. 2015 is the year of the novel, with one in April, one in August, and one in October. Jude is also part of a collaborative group of writers, the Blusetocking Belles, so watch for their boxed set just before Christmas 2015.

Jude chose 1 April as the launch date for Farewell to Kindness in honour of all the people who told her that she’d never achieve anything if she didn’t get her head out of a book.

In Jude’s books, you’ll find strong determined heroines, heroes who can appreciate a clever capable woman, and villains you’ll love to loathe. The novel plots tend towards the gothic, with a leavening of humour, and some insights into the similarities and differences between now and way back then.

Jude thinks her Mum would have liked them.