The Grand Mistletoe Assembly - A Charity Anthology

 

You just MUST read this anthology! The Grand Mistletoe Assembly. 

Can the festival ball of the Season bring six couples together in time for the holidays? A collection of Regency romances with star-crossed lovers, fast-paced plots and timeless connections...

Cuddling under mistletoe, fine lace, snowy linen, and true love to be found in the flickering light of a hundred gas lamps. Pearler House is bedecked for the holidays and everyone is attending the event of a lifetime. Experience the joy of the season with six all-new tales of passion. Some are sweet, some are spicy, all will capture your heart.

Buy Link: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/mdnou7ruyi

Sara Adrein, whose story Captured at the Ball is in the anthology, is my guest today. Here is what she has to say about Regency romance.

What draws you to Regency Romance and what do you enjoy most about writing it?

I absolutely adore the Regency era! It's such a fascinating time when everyone dressed elegantly, displayed impeccable manners, and the art and architecture were simply breathtaking. And who could resist the charm of afternoon tea and delightful finger foods? Romance has always held a special place in my heart, as it profoundly shapes our lives, futures, and family dynamics. That's why my books go beyond just focusing on the couple – they weave in the stories of family members too, making each tale an all-encompassing journey of love and relationships. Sometimes I wish out present had a bit more of the Regency era; if only we could pick and choose!

 How is your story in the anthology connected to the series. Can you tell us a little about the characters and how they come together?

Absolutely! In my latest captivating tale, we meet Sofia, a daring Russian spy sent to London on a mission to bring down Eve Pearler, the elegant Jewish matriarch from my much-loved "Infiltrating the Ton" series. Eve is not only a sophisticated lady but also an integral member of her family's jeweler business, expertly navigating relationships within the Ton. Enter the disgruntled Prussian Baron von List, who is determined to topple the entire Jewish businesses from the "Diamond Dynasty" series. This thrilling adventure reunites many familiar characters from previous books but in a whole new light, as it serves as the prequel to the upcoming "Check Mates" series. So, whether you're a fan of my other works or a newcomer, you can either savor this story as a standalone or delight in the intricate connections and overlaps woven into the plot.

 Was there something funny, crazy, or otherwise memorable in creating this anthology as you worked with the other authors and editors? Anecdotes are fun, please share!

Oh, what a delightful experience it's been working on this anthology! When you bring together six passionate Romance authors and discuss the steam level for the stories, let's just say things got as heated as a whistling teakettle! But in all seriousness, this journey has been nothing short of amazing. We've forged new friendships, embarked on exciting collaborations, and ultimately, created a fantastic book that we cannot wait to share with our beloved readers this season. With join effort and lots of creativity, we created a world of enchanting tales and unforgettable moments that we are all very proud of.

In a genre brimming with passionate love stories and grand adventures, how do you maintain originality in your writing and keep readers on the edge of their seats? Are there any specific themes or tropes you particularly enjoy exploring in your Regency Romance novels?

I must say, my favorite trope in historical fiction has to be the arranged marriage – it perfectly captures the essence of how matches were made for Jews two hundred years ago. There's something incredibly heartfelt and intriguing about falling in love with someone you're already married to, as if Cupid himself provided a target for your affection. While I often describe my work as Regency Romance with a Jewish twist, it could honestly feature any unique angle. London has long been a melting pot of diverse cultures and religions, and today's readers are fascinated by the idea of Jews discreetly mingling within the Ton. My research has uncovered plenty of evidence to support this notion, and I've also drawn inspiration from my personal experiences. I hope that readers will continue to embrace the rich tapestry of stories that bring these fascinating characters and cultures to life in my hot and heart-melting stories.

 

You can find Sara here:
Email: author.sara.adrien@gmail.com
Website: www.SaraAdrien.com
Facebook: Sara Adrien
Instagram: authorsaraadrien
BookBub: Bookbub
Goodreads: Goodreads
Trailer for the story: https://youtu.be/b2TENzpRdVs

 

Love, mystery, and the magic of Halloween intertwine in 'The Lady and Her Secret.' Don't miss this captivating Regency tale. 🍁🗝️ 

#HalloweenMagic #RomanticStory #RegencyRomance

PreOrder https://tinyurl.com/TLAHSecret

Historical Romance Authors Easter Egg Hunt

 There is an Easter Egg hidden in the picture above. Find my hidden Easter egg in the picture above and you're on your way to winning the Grand Prize.

Return to the event page https://fb.me/e/2mAACgHR5 and hop on over to the next author OR the links below. Here is the link to Author/Egg Matching Worksheet in a google doc. The eggs are all mixed up, so your egg are NOT next to the correct author. They are mixed up so you can write the egg number next to author's name. When you're done, either e-mail Heather McCollum a list of authors with egg numbers or pictures of your sheets with lines marching the eggs to the correct author.  

I have my own game for you, for added fun... 

• Follow this link to a jigsaw puzzle 
• Put the puzzle together.
• Count the number of Easter egg cookies on the sign.
• Enter the number of cookies you found in the comments below. 

The prize...

Four correct answers will be randomly selected and each winner will receive a $5 Amazon gift card.

Have fun and a wonderful holiday!

Name	Link where Readers will Hop
Alanna Lucas	https://alannalucas.com/
Brenna Ash	https://brennaash.com/about/
C.H. Admirand	https://www.facebook.com/CHAdmirandAuthor
Collette Cameron	https://facebook.com/collettecameronauthor
Deb Marlowe	https://www.debmarlowe.com/historical-mysteries.html
E. Elizabeth Watson	https://eelizabethwatson.com/happy-easter/
Elizabeth Rose	http://elizabethrosenovels.com
Eliza Knight	https://elizaknight.com/news/
Emily Royal	https://www.facebook.com/eroyalauthor
Glynnis Campbell	https://www.glynnis.net/monthly-giveaway
Heather McCollum	https://www.heathermccollum.com/fun-for-readers/
Jessica Clements	https://www.facebook.com/JessicaAClementsNavarro
Katherine Bone	https://www.katherinebone.com/
Katherine Grant	https://www.katherinegrantromance.com/easter-egg/
Kathryn Le Veque	https://www.facebook.com/kathrynlevequenovels
Lauren Royal	http://royall.ink/Contest
Lori Ann Bailey	https://loriannbailey.com/
Madeline Martin	https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMartinAuthor/
Maeve Greyson	https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMaeveGreyson
Margaux Thorne	www.Margauxthorne.com
Mary Lancaster	https://www.facebook.com/MaryLancasterNovelist/
Melanie Rose Clarke	https://www.facebook.com/groups/1159564541120841
Nicole Locke	https://www.nicolelocke.com
Rachel Ann Smith	https://www.facebook.com/rachelannsmit11
Ruth A. Casie	https://ruthacasie.blogspot.com/   YOU'RE HERE!
Sandra Sookoo	https://www.facebook.com/sandrasookooauthor/
Terri Brisbin	www.terribrisbin.com
Tina Gabrielle	https://www.facebook.com/TinaGabrielle
Tracy Brogan	www.tracybrogan.com
Tracy Sumner	https://www.tracy-sumner.com/newsletter/

 

Return to The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea

You asked for more...

Welcome back to Sommer-by-the-Sea, the vibrant village nestled on the rugged northeast coast of England. The world here is still centered on the country village and the lives of the landowning and professional families along with aristocrats and gentry are the self-made men, shop owners, local workers, and servants, a cross-section of the people of the time. Steeped in history dating back as far as the Vikings, the villagers are proud and celebrate their heritage.

Everyone from the elite summer residents to the year-round residence keep businesses flourishing and gossip thriving. As with any small town, there are challenges and successes, secrets, disagreements, and feuds. There is no shortage of romance, mystery, drama, and even a murder or two.

The new graduates of the Sommer-by-the-Sea Female Seminary have a unique education along with their unusual skills. We’ll find a sought-after organizer, an accomplished doctor, and an aspiring playwright. Along with the usual studies available, the head mistress has nurtured each woman’s innate ability and helped them develop into the women they are today. This shared unique experience has kept the graduates close.

Each lady has her own story to tell as she is called to action and must demonstrate she is smart, strong and sensible and must challenge the accepted definition of a “woman’s place.” For these women, arranged or political marriages will not do. If she chooses a husband, it will be for love, on her own terms, and with a man who will accept her as a partner. 

It is with pleasure I introduce you to these Ladies of Sommer-by-the-Sea, and their stories.

She swore she’d help him find his soul mate.
Will she realize he has met his match?

Lady Anna Ravencroft shines brightly as a much-admired organizer and hostess. In her mind it is the one thing at which she succeeds. Inwardly she is shy, retiring… a wallflower. With two failed seasons that ended in disaster she has accepted marriage might not be in her future.

Lord Fraser Castleton, a London barrister is shocked when he inherits a title and estate from his mother’s great aunt and becomes the 8^th Duke of Willbury. He returns to Sommer-by-the-Sea to take up permanent residence. He crosses paths with his longtime friend, Lady Anna. He confides that he is the target of every mother with an unmarried daughter. She commiserates with him. Every eligible gentleman sees the Ravencroft purse rather than her. Together they decide to find a mate for each other. Anna presents him with a list of several eligible women. Castleton is receptive, but not enthusiastic. He gives her the same reaction with the subsequent two lists. Will she realize he has already found his match?

Richard Younge who doesn’t always play by the rules wants to be the next Member of Parliament for his borough. His political backer will support him if Younge can finance the campaign himself. He suggests Younge find a wealthy wife to support his political plans. Marrying a Ravencroft would all but guarantee not only his backer’s continued support but provide the steady stream of money needed to claim his place amongst the gentry. He calls on Lady Anna for assistance with a campaign event and has an ulterior motive.

Two men vie for Lady Anna, but who will she choose?

The smooth politician or the down-to-earth barrister turned duke?

Currently available for pre-order. Release Date April 11, 2023

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSG2GMH9

X Marks the Spot!!! - Winner Announced!!

 

Ahoy, Kaisquare. You are the winner. Please send me a direct message or contact me at Ruth@RuthACasie.com

You’ve reached the

Ruth A. Casie's Jolly Roger

Treasure Hunt.

Chose the correct cave to find the treasure.

                 Cave #1                                              Cave #2                                           Cave #3

There is a treasure buried deep in one of these caves. Find the hidden puzzle and the prize could be yours.

Find the right cave, solve the puzzle, and enter the time it took you to complete it in the comments below. 

The prize...

One US winner will receive signed copies of each of my five pirate books

• The Pirate's Jewel
• The Pirate's Redemption
• Hugh: Sons of Sagamore
• Graham: Sons of Sagamore
• Donald: Sons of Sagamore

Five international winners will receive a signed bookplate and swag.

Winners will be randomly selected from the comments below. For an extra chance to win, join my Facebook reader's group, Casie's Café.
 

Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Twelfth Annual Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop Event. We invite bloggers and authors to join the fun! It will be a great way to discover new blogs and to celebrate our love of books! The hosts for this year’s event are Caffeinated Reviewer and Reading Reality

The giveaway will run from 12:01AM on Monday, November 21st through 11:59PM Monday, November 28th.

The Top 10 Reasons I Love Thanksgiving!

 

1.     We celebrate the Friday after.

At our house we celebrate Thanksgiving the day after turkey day. We started the tradition as a compromise for my kids and their in-laws. They were conflicted about where to spend Thanksgiving. No one wanted to miss dinner with their family. We talked about brunch in the morning or later in the day. That just wasn’t the same. Instead I opted for the day after. It was not a hardship. I did it selfishly. This way I have them all to myself. My kids and their in-laws love the idea.

2.     No turkey!

This year’s menu is roast leg of lamb and brisket. (It’s the same every year. I’m forbidden to change it.) That's another benefit of celebrating the day after. No turkey. Everyone's had their fill on Thursday. Although the family still demands mulled cider, sweet potato soufflé and noodle pudding.

3.     Everyone moves back home.

Our son and his family drive down from Boston. Our two daughters and their families live thirty minutes away, but they all move home for the weekend. It will definitely be a houseful but I wouldn't want it any other way.

4.     Butternut Squash Soup

Our younger daughter added this to our menu a few years ago. My cooking is all done when she comes in with all the fixings and makes the soup.

5.     My granddaughters help in the kitchen

They enjoy helping in the kitchen and setting the table. The boys play video games or toss a ball in the park across the street. 

6.     The coffee runs to Dunkin Donuts and late night outings to the local ice cream shop.

Our son-in-law goes to our local DD and brings home a selection of coffees for us while we finish cooking. It’s always a surprise. Since our dinner is midafternoon, my husband takes the grandkids to the ice cream shop to bring back more surprises. I could easily have the ice cream at the house, but I think he uses it as an excuse to spend some time with them.

7.     Time together

After dinner we flop on the sofa with a large bowl of popcorn. My husband tries to get a Scrabble game going but usually they want to watch a movie.

8.    Saturday Breakfast

With all this tumult and cooking, did I mention the mandatory French toast on Saturday morning? The rest of the day is casual and lazy and usually another movie.

9.     Sunday Afternoon

After breakfast, our son and his family pack up to start home to Boston. The others linger for a short time, but they are already thinking about school on Monday. When they all leave the house is eerily quiet. Thank goodness they’ll all be back in three weeks for the holidays and we do this again. This time with presents!

10. It's all magical to me.

At our family Thanksgiving weekend, I sit and look at the twelve of us around the table and beam with pride. I’d be happy not to eat, just enjoy them. This is what I’m most thankful for, my dear husband who supports me in everything I do, my children and their spouses who make me laugh until I cry, and my four grandchildren who are each a blessing.

 

I hope your Thanksgiving is delicious and wonderful.

My book giveaway...

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon 2020: Ruth’s Puzzle Challenge #HOHOHORAT2022

Today is the kick-off of the HoHoHo Readathon hosted by Kimberly from Caffeinated Reader! This is my first Readathon and I am so excited to be participating as an elf with a mini challenge for participants.

If you'd like to join the readathon, it's not too late! Visit Caffeinated Reviewer on Kimberley's blog for the sign-up linky as well as a list of all the other mini-challenge hosts. 

My mini-challenge is Ruth's Holiday Puzzles. Here's what you have to do: put each puzzle together and fill out the Rafflecopter below with the name of the bookstore (the first puzzle) and the title of the book (that's the second puzzle).

Puzzle Number 1

Puzzle Number 2

  

I hope you had fun with this challenge! If you'd like to see what I'm reading this week, I'll be posting updates on Instagram #bookstagram, Twitter, and my blog. If you're sharing updates, don't forget to use the hashtag #HoHoHoRAT2022.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A bit of shameless self-promo here: if you're looking to add to your TBR for the readathon or into December, I have five pirate adventure-romances on sales, each for $0.99, Nov 24th – 30th.

2022 Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon Challenge - #HoHoHoRAT2022

 

Tenth Annual Ho-Ho-Ho Read-A-Thon

It is time to mark my calendar for another HoHoHo Readathon hosted by Kimberly at Caffeinated Reviewer. This is my FIRST Read-a-Thon. The thon encourages all readers to read as many Christmas´ or winterly-themed books as we can. And there will be fun events, contests, prizes, and other things. My list of books for this readathon is short, with only one Christmas-themed books on my TBR, at least so far. But it is the fun of reading a novel, that encouraged me to join and hopefully get in the holiday mood. I must admit... I am struggling to get through Thanksgiving! Maybe a holiday story is what I need.

Let us all hope that I will reach my goal of at least one read Christmas novel or better two!

The #HoHoHoRAT will begin at 12:01 am Thursday, November 18th, and will end Wednesday, November 30th at 11:59 pm in your time zone.

-Declare your intentions on your blog or through social media. Be sure and link back to her post #HoHoHo Readathon Sign-Up over at Caffeinated Reviewer. The linky will close on November 24th, so be sure to link up even if you will only take part for a few days.

We can choose between holiday reads, winter books, yuletide murder mysteries, naughty & nice romances, and holiday horror. Whatever your mood chooses from the mentioned counts for this Ho-Ho-Ho-Readathon. Any format counts. Audiobook, library book, eBook, old book, or new book. With or without the hot chocolate, or something stronger if necessary. Follow your mood and have a great time!

Hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer
Dates of Challenge: 18 Nov. 2022 — 30 Nov. 2022
Giveaway Offered: Yes

Ruth’s Ho-Ho-Ho Reading Challenge – To Read at least One Book

I'm an Overachiever! 5 Books and still counting!

I've Read...

Christi Caldwell's The Duke Alone

"For an abandoned lady and a recluse duke, the winter season brings a swirl of romance-and danger-in a bracing novel."

Andrea Penrose's Murder on Black Swan Lane

In Regency London, an unconventional scientist and a fearless female artist team up to trap a cold-hearted killer: “Thoroughly enjoyable” (Deanna Raybourn, New York Times–bestselling author).

C. H. Harris’ What Angel’s Fear  

“Harris crafts her story with the threat of danger, hints of humor, vivid sex scenes, and a conclusion that will make your pulse race.”—The New Orleans Times-Picayune

                                        

Scarlett Scott's A Merry Wicked Winter

A heartwarming holiday novella featuring a long-lost Winter sister and the gruff Scot whose heart she heals.

Andrea Penrose's Murder at Half Moon Gate

“Penrose deftly combines a Regency romance with a tricky mystery that delves into social unrest and the darker side of this storied period.” —Kirkus Reviews

Sherry Thomas' Ravishing the Heiress

"Millie’s intellect and selflessness make her a standout among a cast of memorable characters in this expertly plotted and emotionally wrenching love story." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

                                 

Andrea Penrose's Murder at Kensington Palace
(A Wrexford & Sloane Mystery Book 3)

“Penrose does a good job of linking the mystery to the period’s scientific and social changes....An unusually rich look at Regency life.”--Publishers Weekly