WARRIOR'S HEART sneak peek

I'm super excited to share Varar and Fina's story with you! To get things started I'd like to share sneak peek from one of my favorite scenes in the book! Check it out below — and remember to mark your calendars for January 22nd!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Dripping wet, her skirts clinging to her legs and her hair plastered against her scalp, Fina led the way back into the broch. The women inside hooted and pointed at the sight of her, soaked and bedraggled.

Fina stared directly ahead, ignoring them. She was saving her anger for one man.

Varar followed her upstairs to his alcove. They had just entered it, walking out onto the fur that spread across the stone floor, when Fina rounded on him.

“Stinking piece of dung,” she snarled, shoving him hard in the chest with her bound hands. However, he did not even budge. “Did you enjoy that?”

“Not really,” he replied with that same bored tone that he had used with his warriors earlier. “But it was necessary.”

“Liar!” she choked, shoving him again. It was like hitting a stone wall. “You loved every moment of it, especially letting them think you’ve been humping me.”

He arched an eyebrow, grabbed hold of her bound wrists, and pushed her away from him. Fina resisted the push, yet she found herself propelled back so she was standing on the edge of her furs.

“That was for your benefit,” he replied. He let go of her and crossed to the beam behind them, where he refastened the chain. “Better for you if they think I’m using you … better for you too if I let the folk here vent their rage. It was humiliating for you, but you weren’t harmed. They’ll stop baying for your blood now.”

Fina’s lip curled. “You must think me a dull-wit,” she growled. “You didn’t do it for me, but for yourself. You’re hoping I’ll be so grateful to you for ‘saving’ me that I’ll spread my legs.”

She had meant to keep that knowledge to herself, to use as a tool to gain her freedom in the coming days. But now the red haze of fury had descended upon her, she forgot her resolve. She wanted to lash out, to wound.

“You have a high opinion of yourself, Fina.” He returned to her and began unfastening her wrists. His voice was still an arrogant drawl, yet his face had changed, his gaze had hooded. “If I wanted you, I wouldn’t go to so much trouble.”

“Pig!”

The instant Fina’s hands were free, she lashed out. She struck Varar hard in the solar plexus with one fist, while she slammed the other into his jaw.

He grunted, reeling back from the force of her blows. But he recovered with alarming speed. Fina was not close enough to knee him in the groin. She was delivering another strike, this one at his neck, when he caught her fist and shoved her backwards.

Two strides brought the pair of them back against the wall.

Fina found herself pinned there by the hard, heavy length of Varar’s body. He grabbed hold of her wrists and yanked them above her head, slamming them against the pitted stone.

Panting from rage, Fina bared her teeth at him. “This is what you wanted all along, wasn’t it, Boar?”

They were pressed close. Too close. She could feel the hard, muscular length of his body through her wet clothes. Their position was far too intimate. Her breasts pressed against the wall of his chest, and he had pushed a leg between her thighs to stop her from bringing her knee up and injuring his cods.

He stared down at her. His dark-blue eyes narrow, his face hard. He looked angry, dangerous. Varar was so close she could see the texture of his skin, the length of his dark eyelashes. And she could smell him: a spicy blend of leather and maleness. A tendril of fear curled in the base of Fina’s belly, penetrating her outrage. Had she pushed him too far?

The moment drew out. Then, Varar’s mouth twisted. “I’ll take this as my thanks, Fina,” he murmured. “And worry not … you’re very welcome.”

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Enjoyed it?

Be sure to add WARRIOR'S HEART to your Goodreads TBR shelf! 

And if you can't wait for the 22 January, you can preorder your copy here:

 AMAZON.COM
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Love
Jayne x

LORD OF THE NORTH WIND is available!

LORD OF THE NORTH WIND is now available! It's been a great launch so far, and readers are loving Aldfrith, my Philosopher King.

For those of you with Amazon Prime subscriptions who have been patiently waiting ... LORD OF THE NORTH WIND is now in Kindle Unlimited!

Aldfrith's character was modeled a real historical figure: King Aldfrith of Northumbria. 

Read about what kind of man he was and how he ruled in this guest post on Mary Anne Yarde's Historical fiction blog.

Here's what readers are saying about the book so far!

"I loved the realistic and engaging characters and the angsts of the passion and once in a life time love, that politically can never be." ★★★★★

Amazon review

"King Aldfrith, different as he is from most heroes I read, will stick with me for a while. I think I have a new favorite hero archetype - the philosopher king." ★★★★★

Amazon review

Intrigued?

Here's a snippet (one of my favorite scenes!) from the book for you to enjoy

***

“I'm sorry, milord.” Osana took another hasty step backwards. “I was taking a walk. I didn’t mean to intrude.”

His dark blue gaze remained upon her for a long moment, before his mouth quirked. “You aren’t intruding.”

Osana gave a hurried curtsey and backed off farther. “I bid you good morning, sire.”

She turned to flee, still clutching the half-eaten apple. His voice, faintly tinged with amusement, stilled her. “It’s Osana, isn’t it?”

She turned back, her face warming under his scrutiny. “Aye … Raedwulf of Hagustaldes is my husband.”

He nodded. “I noticed you at the feast last night.”

He said those words without the slightest flirtation, yet Osana’s cheeks grew hotter still at that. What was wrong with her? She never blushed. He had caught her watching him at the feast. She had been observing him, thinking his attention was elsewhere, when his gaze had snapped up, ensnaring hers. She felt mortified now, as she had at the time.

One did not stare at the king—he would think her common and far too bold.

But when she forced herself to meet his eye, she saw that the king did not appear offended or disdainful.

Instead, he was watching her with cool interest. A moment later his gaze dropped to the apple she still clutched. “I didn’t think they were ripe enough yet. Was it a good apple?”

Now he’ll think me a thief.

***

Get your copy here:

AMAZON.COM

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Author interview: Cecelia Mecca

Five minutes with Cecelia Mecca!

I know many of you love Cecelia Mecca's border series ... so here's an exclusive interview with the author herself. For those of you who haven't discovered Cecelia yet, she writes bestselling Historical Romance novels set on the Anglo-Scottish border during the 13th Century. I hope you enjoy the interview!

1. Tell us a little about the setting for the Border Series. Why the Anglo-Scottish border? Why the 13th Century? I've been a fan of medieval England for as long as I can remember. When starting my own series, I chose a period of relative peace to give the characters a chance to focus on their relationships. As I read about the borderlands described by some as the wild west of the middle ages, the idea of divided loyalties piqued my interested, and the Border Series was born.

2. Which of your heroes could you fall for the most—and why? I'm actually quite fickle and am a little bit in love with every hero as I'm writing him, so my current favorite hero is Tristan, Lord of Saxford whose story is coming out this summer in a secret collaborative project with two other Scottish romance authors.

3. Tell us three things about you that readers might be surprised to learn.I tried out for Survivor twice, ran fifteen half-marathons (and one full) and am not so patiently waiting for 'Winds of Winter.'

4. You’re working on The Warrior’s Queen at the moment … what excites you the most about this story? Finally giving the hero, Graeme deSowlis, chief of Clan Scott, an HEA of his own. He is a fan favorite and has been spurned twice. Once by Catrina from 'The Lord's Captive' who he thought he would marry since childhood, and again by Lady Emma from 'The Earl's Entanglement' prompting a plea from my editor to "give this poor guy a break." I had already begun his story when I read her comment so it gave me a chuckle.

5. How many more Border Series novels can we look forward to? What direction are you planning to take after that? The sixth book in the series comes out this May with seven and eight to follow later this year. With the help of the Border Ambassadors, my Facebook reader group, I'm currently working out the details of a brand new series which will make its debut in early 2019.

6. If you could go back in time for just one day—where would you go and how would you spend the day? I would go back to 13th century Bamburgh Castle, Northumbria, the inspiration for Kenshire Castle in the Border Series, to see how closely my vision of the middle ages aligns with reality. Although a highly romanticized view of the time period, the series is filled with nuggets of historical detail, and I take great pains to ensure accuracy so I would happily go back with a notebook for a one-of-a-kind research session.

About the Author

Cecelia Mecca is the author of the bestselling Border Series medieval romance. A former English teacher, Cecelia combines two of her passions, romance novels and the middle ages, transporting readers to an admittedly romanticized time of knights and castles. Her first series, set along the Anglo-Scottish border in 13th century Northumbria, turned Cecelia from educator to full-time author. The Border Series, including series starter, ‘The Thief’s Countess’ is known for its focus on well-developed characters and their steamy relationships leading to a satisfying HEA.

Cecelia lives in Northeast, Pennsylvania with her husband and two young children where she can be found either planning a Disney trip, watching period dramas or convincing her children to watch Star Wars. She is firmly House Stark and Gryffindor.

Find out more about Cecelia Mecca's novels at: www.ceceliamecca.com
Check out Cecelia's latest release: The Earl's Entanglement
Check out Cecelia's next release: Ladies of the Stone
 

July update from Jayne - listen to a recording!

It's madness, I know—but I have three writing projects on the go at the moment: a Fantasy Romance, and two Historical Romances! 

To update you all on what each novel is about, I've done a recording. Just click on the link or the image below to listen. I hope you enjoy it. :-) 

Historical background to WIND SONG (Book #2: The Kingdom of Northumbria)

I'm now hard at work on Book #2 of The Kingdom of Northumbria. This novel is a Historical Romance, but like all my others set in 7th Century Britain the story is based on real historical events and historical figures.

WIND SONG – to be released later this year – is set in the later period of the 7th Century – when the Northumbria King, Ecgfrith (Oswiu’s son) takes on the Picts, and loses.

First up, here's a few facts about the Kingdom of Northumbria, to give some historical context:

• Northumbria – ‘Northanhymbre’ in Old English – has always been a frontier land. The Romans built Hadrian’s Wall there to mark the northernmost edge of their empire, for they were never able to conquer the Picts. The Anglo-Saxons after them had similar difficulty in ruling the wild lands to the north.
• Northumbria was one of the most important kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England, lying north of the River Humber. 
• During its most flourishing period it extended from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, between two west–east lines formed in the north by the Ayrshire coast and the Firth of Forth and in the south by the River Ribble, or the Mersey, and the Humber.
• Its military strength was greatest in the 7th century, when the supremacy of three of its rulers, Edwin (616–632), Oswald (633–641), and Oswiu (641–670), was recognized by the southern English kingdoms. 
• Northumbria was formed from the coalition of two originally independent states—Bernicia, which was a settlement at Bamburgh on the Northumberland coast, and Deira, lying to the south of it. 
• The kingdom probably reached the west coast by the mid-7th century, and it also rapidly expanded northward, at one time extending as far as the River Tay. To the south, the power of Mercia checked further expansion of the kingdom.

WIND SONG is focused on a pivotal historical event: the Battle of Dun Nechtain – the Picts vs the Northumbrians

• The Battle of Dun Nechtain (or Battle of Nechtansmere as it was known in Old English), marked a turning-point between the Picts and the Anglo-Saxons. The battle ended with a decisive Pictish victory which severely weakened Northumbria's power in northern Britain.
• The battle was fought between the Picts, led by King Bridei mac Beli and the Northumbrians, led by King Ecgfrith on 20 May 685. Relations between the two kings had been worsening for years, especially since Ecgfrith saw the Pictish king as a sub-king rather than an independent ruler. During the battle, the Picts pretended to retreat and drew the Northumbrians into a bloody ambush at Dun Nechtain near the lake of Linn Garan.
• Ecgfrith was killed in battle, along with the greater part of his army. The Pictish victory marked their independence from Northumbria, who never regained their dominance in the north.

Bridei mac Beli is the hero of WIND SONG. Here are some facts about him:

• Bridei mac Beli – Bridei son of Beli was king of the Picts from 672 until 693. He ruled the Kingdom of Fortriu, in Southern Pictland (today southern Scotland).
• His father was Beli, King of Alt Clut, and his mother was an Angle – possibly a daughter of King Edwin of Deira. 
• Bridei spent most of his childhood living at Bebbanburg, under the charge of the Northumbrian king
• Bridei would have left Northumbria as a young man and returned to his father’s lands
• He was based at Dundurn, a hilltop fortress in southern Fortriu.
• Bridei was an expansionary and active king – he led violent campaigns throughout Pictland, claiming new lands and taking back old ones for Fortriu.
• The relationship between Bridei and King Ecgfrith of Northumbria was strained – Ecgfrith likely saw Bridei as a ‘sub-king’ rather than an independent ruler, and Bridei would have chafed under what he saw as the yoke of an Angle overlord
• Their worsening relationship led to the famous Battle of Dun Nechtain in 685, in which the Anglo-Saxon army of Ecgfrith was annihilated
• Bridei's death is recorded as the year 693.

There are no records as to whether Bridei married, or had any children, so in my story (WIND SONG: Book #2: The Kingdom of Northumbria – to be released later this year), I create a romance between him and a young Anglo-Saxon woman, Hea. Bridei and Hea are childhood friends during his time fostering in Bebbanburg. However, when they meet again years later, their relationship changes dramatically…

Find out more about WIND SONG: www.jaynecastel.com/coming-soon 

What I learned about the Picts?

Researching BLOOD FEUD was great fun. The Isle of Skye is a fascinating setting and the history and culture of the Picts was one I loved immersing myself in. 

As well as gaining a lot of info online, I got out library books on the history and culture of the Picts. A friend also loaned me a book on Pictish symbols, which she'd bought during a visit to Aberdeen. All helped me add depth and color to my story.

Here are some of the discoveries I made about the Picts (specifically those who were likely to have lived upon the Isle of Skye in the 4th Century):

• The early Picts were a tribal society, formed by hunting (boar and stags mainly), fishing and farming (sheep, goats and cattle). They were also a warrior people and their would have been a number of feuds and battles between tribes. Ironically, the only time the Picts ever truly united together was against a common enemy: the Romans.
• The Pict chieftains lived in fortified stone forts (duns) upon headlands—the heart of the fort would have been a brochs: a stone round-tower.
• Pictish houses tended to be dug into the earth and circular in shape with alcoves around the edges for sleeping. They had cone-shaped thatched roofs, giving the inhabitants room to stand up inside. The dwellings would have been built in this way to make them warmer and protect from drafts during the cold winters.
• The clan (the word comes from 'clanna' which means 'children') came much later in Scottish history. Instead, the early Picts could have easily been grouped according to animal names (according to the many animal symbols they used). i.e. the People of the Eagle.
• The word 'mac' meant 'son of' so a warrior's name: Galan mac Muin meant 'Galan son of Muin'.
• Many historians believe that Pictish chieftain descendency came down through the female, rather than male line. There is some debate about this, but the fact remains that Pictish women enjoyed considerable independence and rights (compared to some of the later British cultures). Pictish women were also warriors, and could be as formidable as their menfolk in battle.
• The Picts didn't wear kilts or tartan (that came centuries later)—however, it's likely they would have worn clothing (leggings or skirts) made of plaid.
• Despite the cold climate the Picts often went barefoot, and the men barechested. What clothing they did wear would have been minimal, with leather foot wrappings to protect their feet during the coldest months of the year.
• They bore blue (woad) tattoos on their bodies (depicting the tribal markings and symbols of their people) and would have painted their bodies for special occasions and before going into battle.
• The Picts took pride their appearance, the men and as well as the women—they wore beautiful jewellery and hair accessorys, and both sexes generally wore their hair long.
• They were a pagan people, who would have believed in more than one god—rather a host of gods and goddess to represent different times of the year and different stages of life.
• The passing of the year was celebrated by a number of fire festivals (as with all Celtic peoples).
• The Pictish were highly artistic—they left behind a number of symbols and carvings on standing stones, buildings and jewellery.
• They were a culture that believed in magic and superstition—they believed in fairies (called the Aos-si or 'Fair Folk') and in magical creatures such as selkies (half man, half seal), kelpies (water horses), brownies (a type of pixie) and wulvers (men with heads of wolves). 
• Druids were an important part of Pictish society, and highly respected.
• When the Picts wed, they did so barefoot and standing outdoors in nature.

Those were just some of the bits and pieces I gleaned during my research, and which I wove into my story. 

Piecing together Pictish culture when we have so little recorded history on them means that an author has to fill in a lot of gaps herself! As there is no existing map to show us what 4th Century Isle of Skye would have looked up, I have delved into the realms of fantasy and created my own—complete with four warring tribes: The People of the Stag, Wolf, Eagle and Boar. Here's the map which appears in BLOOD FEUD.

Intrigued?

Grab the first three chapters of BLOOD FEUD for FREE off Instafreebie and see what you think!

New projects on the go!

2016 was a very busy year writing-wise - and it looks as if 2017 is shaping up much the same. Not that I'm complaining. I'm at my happiest when immersed in my stories. 😊

I've currently got three writing projects on the go - two Historical Romances and an Epic Fantasy Romance. I've just begun a new series set in Dark Ages Scotland, and embarked on Book #2 of the Kingdom of Northumbria. My fantasy novel is now being line edited so I'm working on the maps for it. Read on to find out more about each project - and get a sneak peak at the covers - below.

Historical Romance

BLOOD FEUD

THE WARRIOR BROTHERS OF SKYE — BOOK #1
A DARK AGES SCOTTISH ROMANCE

CAN THEIR LOVE OVERCOME GENERATIONS OF HATE?

Autumn, 366 AD—The Isle of Skye

Far north of Hadrian’s Wall—beyond the shadow of the Roman Empire—the daughter of a Pictish chieftain prepares to wed her enemy.

To forge peace, Tea must marry the leader of a neighboring tribe that killed her father.

Dark, brooding and sexy—Galan isn’t what Tea expects. But, unlike her, he’s determined to end decades of bloodshed between two warring tribes—even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.

Tea isn’t what Galan expects either. A statuesque, embittered beauty, she hates him and his people.

Yet, together, Galan and Tea have the chance to forge a new future—one that will ensure lasting peace—if only they can only let go of the past.

Historical Romance

WIND SONG

THE KINGDOM OF NORTHUMBRIA—BOOK #2

HE RULES THE NORTH
BUT SHE RULES HIS HEART

Northumbria, Britain—684 AD

Hea isn’t like other women. The feisty daughter of a seer, she lives alone in the fort of Bebbanburg and survives by tending the sick and selling herbs and potions. However, she has also inherited her mother’s gift—and when King Ecgfrith requests her skills she can’t refuse him.

Ecgfrith, the ruler of Northumbria, is having trouble with the Picts, the warlike people to the north. He needs a seer’s guidance in dealing with them. The Pictish king, Bridei mac Beli, once fostered at Bebbanburg—but now he’s demanding freedom from his Saxon overlord.

Hea and Bridei have history.

They grew up together and he once saved her from being raped. Hea has longed for him ever since. Eight years later they meet again, and sparks fly. Arrogant and ambitious, Bridei is used to getting what he wants—and Hea discovers he’s the only man she can’t refuse.

Yet he’s a Pict and she’s a Saxon. Bridei will do anything to win back his people’s land from Northumbria, and Hea has sworn her loyalty to a king who treats her more like a daughter than a servant. As the shadow of war looms, it seems any chance they have at love is lost … or is it?

Epic Fantasy Romance 

RULED BY SHADOWS

In a land ruled by shadows, the fate of all lies in the hands of a girl who is afraid of the dark.

Lilia is afraid of the shadows, so when her own one starts behaving strangely, she can barely cope—especially when it starts threatening her.

It all starts the day she meets Saul of Anthor. Handsome and darkly mysterious, he leaves a charm-stone in her safekeeping. Only, what appears to be a humble Hag Stone—used by folk to ward off evil spirits—is in reality a powerful talisman. One that a secret brotherhood has spent a thousand years searching for.

Perrin is Lilia’s best friend. He has spent his life avoiding responsibility and hard work—but now he becomes her unlikely ally. When Saul of Anthor reappears, Perrin suspects his motives. Robana, a healer with a mysterious past, also believes Lilia is in danger—although from those far more dangerous than Saul.

The shadows are deepening and an ancient evil risks being unleashed upon the world. Lilia embarks on a journey into danger, discovery and ... love.  But she must face the darkness, and her own fears—or there will be no going home.

Get a chance to win a paperback copy of THE WHISPERING WIND

Enter to win one of three first edition paperback copies of THE WHISPERING WIND on Goodreads.

Contest closes on February 5 2017 — so make sure you enter soon! Just click on the banner below. 

Good luck! 😊

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Whispering Wind

by Jayne Castel

Giveaway ends February 05, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Five stars for THE WHISPERING WIND

I don't often post reviews about my novels on this blog—however, this one for THE WHISPERING WIND was so good that I couldn't resist.

It's always a delight when readers 'get' what I was trying to achieve with a novel, when my characters, setting and story resonate.

I'm pleased, and humbled, when a reader takes the time not only to review one of my books, but to put the time into a thoughtful review like this one from a reader on Amazon.

Enjoy!

--

 Captivating Dark Ages manhunt with emotional impact

This is an official request for historical romance readers to move out of their Regency-era and Scottish Highlander comfort zones. Author Jayne Castel had me completely immersed in her Dark Ages world of Northumbria. I could feel the rough clothes abrading my skin, see the poverty of the monks, thrill to a knife battle deep in the woods, and wonder at the power and depravity of an immoral king. This book also packs an emotional punch, since I actually teared up as I read about the desperation of Leofric and Aelfwyn. If you enjoy an emotional, eventful story framed around authentic history (the foreword, afterword and maps are fascinating), then I suggest you pick up books by Jayne Castel.

In the blurb for The Whispering Wind, the reader is informed that Leofric, a monk, finds a woman, Aelfwyn, washed ashore near the impoverished monastery where he is living. The hows and whys of Leofric's exile to the monastery play a key importance to both his personality and the plot. Castel has crafted a character in Leofric that has shades. He is impulsive and vain, kind and thoughtless, cheery and impassioned, proud and stupid. I didn't know what to think of him, and that is what made his character, and his character's journey, so engaging. However, once Aelfwyn enters his life he starts to become a worthy man. I love that he doesn't get it right all of the time, either.

Aelfwyn is a sweet girl marred by tragedy and personal abuse. Her emotional fragility is overwhelming in the beginning, but as the story develops she becomes stronger and more resilient. In the end, she is brave to the point of selflessness, with deep emotional impact on the narrative.

"Her ordeal at Bebbanburg had stripped away her illusions about life, but in doing so it had forged her anew. He [Leofric] noted the iron resolve in her and decided he liked it."

For most of the novel, Leofric and Aelfwyn are being hunted. It adds a desperation, and then a weariness, that even as a reader sitting on a couch I began to feel in my muscles and bones. Although much of the book is devoted to this aspect, it never feels repetitive. The interaction between Leofric and Aelfwyn was appropriate to how strangers in a strange circumstance would act. Adding to the stress is the fact that neither lead character is from the ruling class. That means food, money and loyalties are difficult to come by, and the absence of all three impacts choices. I learned a lot about Northumbria and the vagaries of a Dark Ages class system while Leofric and Aelfwyn were fleeing. Optimism, followed by crushing hopelessness, plagues them. I was enthralled to the thrilling end.

--

Intrigued?

Get your copy of THE WHISPERING WIND on Amazon!

Amazon.com
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Get the FREE Jayne Castel Starter Library

Looking for something to read over the festive season?

Get my FREE Starter Library. Two Historical Romance full-length novels and one 30,000 novella that kick off THE KINGDOM OF THE EAST ANGLES series. Immerse yourself in Dark Ages Britain—when men were warriors and women had to be strong to survive.

99 cent promotion for NIGHTFALL TILL DAYBREAK

The second book in my Kingdom of the East Angles series NIGHTFALL TILL DAYBREAK (Book #2: The Kingdom of the East Angles) is currently enrolled in a Kindle Countdown deal from 1-8 December 2016 (US and UK customers only).

NIGHTFALL TILL DAYBREAK was a quarter finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Award 2014 - Romance Category. Although its second in a series that follows the reign of three East Anglian kings, this novel can also be read as a standalone romance.

Here's what a PUBLISHERS WEEKLY reviewer had to say about the novel:

Historical romance takes on a new dimension in this novel set in a different period, the early 600s A.D. Young Freya enjoys her life of isolation deep in the woods of Britannia with her mother -- until they are both summoned to the side of the usurper king. Taken hostage, Freya must navigate her new life as a young woman thrust into the role of slave, first to the pretender to the throne, and then to the rightful heir, King Sigeberht. Along the journey, she encounters Aiden, commander of Sigeberht's armies and incorrigible flirt. The pair grow alongside each other as significant changes impact their lives, drawing them to each other and away from those they love, and deeper into the territorial and religious wars plaguing the land. Filled with stark, compelling details about the atrocities of battle, the masterful storytelling flows naturally from one scene to the next. History comes alive in each breathtaking detail for a fully immersive experience. Character development is excellent and the author brings them to life on the page.

Get your Kindle copy of NIGHTFALL TO DAYBREAK for 99 cents on Amazon!

Update on THE WHISPERING WIND

I'm well into the first draft of  THE WHISPERING WIND (Book #1 The Kingdom of Northumbria) now - around 60% through. The novel is steaming along and I'm really excited about it.

The new cover is at the designer so I will be able to reveal it soon!

THE WHISPERING WIND is the tale of Aelfwyn and Leofric. She's a handmaid to a queen and he's the disgraced son of an ealdorman. Their paths cross on a windswept beach and are then entwined.

He is her savior
She is his salvation

Here's how I envision Aelfwyn.

Innocent and gentle-hearted, and handmaid
to the Queen of Northumbria, Aelfwyn soon
 learns that if she wants to survive, she'll need
 to face life's harsh realities.

Here's how I see Leofric.

Cocky and reckless, Leofric has spent his life
pleasing himself - until a thoughtless comment
 sees him exiled to Lindisfarne Island, and 
life as a monk.

The story brings two very different characters together - a selfish young man and a sheltered young woman who are ultimately meant for each other. This romance is about the redemptive power of love. It can heal us, strengthen us - and redeem us.

More details on THE WHISPERING WIND coming soon - including details about the novel's various locations: Bamburgh, Lindisfarne, Whitby, Lincoln and York (which all had very different names in Anglo-Saxon times).

My next story is in your hands

Discover the next great story... it could be mine

My next novel, DAWN OF WOLVES (Book #3 The Kingdom of Mercia), is now ready for publication... however, this time I'm doing things a little differently.

Usually, I self-publish my Historical Romances on Amazon. But this time around, DAWN OF WOLVES is available for nomination on Kindle Scout for the next 30 days.

What's Kindle Scout?
It's a campaign run by Amazon that gives readers the chance to preview never before published books, nominate their favorites, and receive free copies when their picks are published!

Anyone with an Amazon account can vote! 

At the end of the 30 day period, if DAWN OF WOLVES has enough reader nominations, it will be published. Then, you'll get a free copy!

If the novel isn't selected, I will be self-publishing it on Amazon, as usual, once the period ends (so don't worry - either way, you'll get to read it!).

Take a look at DAWN OF WOLVES' Kindle Scout campaign page. Here, you can find out about the story, and about what inspired me to write it. You can also read the first 5,000 words, and - if you like it - you can nominate it!

What's DAWN OF WOLVES about?
This story tells of a marriage between two seemingly incompatible people: a ruthless young king and a pious princess who wishes to devote her life to god. This novel is about the power love wields over us all - and how it can change us for the better.

Watch the book trailer on YouTube to find out more about the story.

Excited about reading this novel?

Go ahead, and nominate DAWN OF WOLVES!

Thank you so much for your support!

Best wishes,
Jayne x

Dawn of Wolves - deleted scene

The structural edit of DAWN OF WOLVES (Book #3, The Kingdom of Mercia) is done, and I'm now working on a revised draft of the novel.

This draft is crucial. It's where I begin to polish the writing, and ensure the story flows properly.

I focus on things like the metaphors and similes I've used - making sure they are as original as possible, and tied to the setting. I read dialogue aloud - to ensure it's natural. It's also the stage where I delete, add and move scenes around. This is where the editor's feedback is crucial. As the writer, I'm way too close to the story to notice any structural issues. Yet, these are essential to the pacing and flow of a good story.

For example, in DAWN OF WOLVES, my editor noted that Chapter One needed to start 'in the middle of things' rather than having a bit of scene setting first. Hence, I have deleted the following scene and, instead, woven some of the details into a revised start where our hero, Wulfhere of Mercia, storms Tamworth to take back the throne.

I still like this scene though... so here it is for you to enjoy. :-)

--

“Your brother has sent word, Milord. When the moon has fully risen, men will open the low gates.”

Wulfhere looked up from where he had been sharpening his sword, Shield Breaker, and fixed the messenger in a cool stare.

“So, he is ready then?”

Werbode – a tall, muscular man with a shock of black hair and a neatly trimmed beard – nodded. Like Wulfhere, the warrior was clad in boiled leather, ready for battle. “He assures us that Oswiu’s stewards are ignorant of our plans. He will be waiting for you in the Great Tower and has a group of men, loyal to him, who will join us once we storm the town.”

Wulfhere cast aside the whetstone he had been using to sharpen the double-edged blade, and rose to his feet.

Finally.

After two years in exile he was about to take back his birthright. Yet, caution tempered his impatience to enter Tamworth.

Is Aethelred loyal?

In truth, his younger brother had always been easier to like than Paeda, his elder brother. Paeda had been a snake. He had betrayed their father on the eve of battle and given away true power over Mercia so that he could marry Oswiu of Bernicia’s daughter, a young woman he had obsessed over. However, wyrd – fate – had turned against Paeda in the end. Rumor had it that Alchflaed, the flame haired beauty Paeda had wed, had slain him while he slept.

Wulfhere had liked Alchflaed, although, in his opinion a woman with such a fiery and willful temperament did not make a good wife. Yet, if she had truly killed Paeda, he applauded her for it. After Paeda’s murder, Alchflaed had disappeared. Both the Northumbrians and Mercians had hunted for her, but she was never found.

“You look pensive, Milord,” Werbode noted, ever watchful. “Does something worry you?”

Wulfhere favored his friend with a thin smile before he slid his sword back into its scabbard.

“We must be wary tonight,” he said, before glancing around the wide clearing where over two-hundred warriors gathered. “I trust few men, and my brother is not among them. When we enter the Great Hall, I want you to keep a close eye on Aethelred.”

Werbode nodded, his gaze shrewd. Wulfhere knew he could depend on the warrior to watch his back tonight.

Dense woodland surrounded the small army. They waited only a few furlongs distant from Tamworth. It was a damp, grey afternoon and the rain was beginning to fall in a light drizzle, the kind of rain that falls silently without disturbing a blade of grass. The rise and fall of men’s voices and the rasp of iron blades – seaxes, swords, axes and spears – being sharpened punctuated the stillness.

Wulfhere’s pulse quickened. It was the sound of men preparing for battle. Long had he awaited this day; long had he planned for it. During the past two years, he had learned patience. He had bided his time, gathered his friends close and built up his strength. There was no point in launching an attack before he was ready. He would only have one chance to retake Tamworth, so he had to do it right.

Wulfhere left Werbode then and walked amongst his men. He listened to their conversations, and exchanged the odd word with some of them. One of his most trusted warriors, Elfhere, waved to him and Wulfhere nodded back.

“Tamworth awaits,” the warrior reminded him. “This time tomorrow you will be sitting upon the high seat, Milord.”

Wulfhere nodded, returning Elfhere’s smile. The tall, blond warrior had left Tamworth after the Northumbrians had taken control of it, and sought Wulfhere out in the wilderness. Elfhere limped slightly, from an old injury, but he was still one of Wulfhere’s best.

Wulfhere continued on his way through the crowd of leather-clad warriors. Morale was good, and they responded to him with smiles and respectful nods. Three Mercian ealdormen had joined him: Immin, Eafa and Eadbert. They were powerful, respected men who had brought their own warriors with them. Wulfhere passed Immin as he circuited the clearing. The hulking ealdorman with a mane of grizzled blond hair grinned at him.

“Fire in your belly yet, Milord?”

Wulfhere grinned back. “Aye. I’m ready for a fight.”

In truth, he was more than ready. He longed to spill Northumbrian blood, to cut down those who had no right occupying his hall or commanding his people.

Soon.

And once it was done he would see Ermenilda again.

Even a year later, he could still picture her clearly. He had known the moment he saw her, that he wanted her. Young and slender, her ethereal beauty had ensnared him. Long, straight blonde hair, a few shades darker than his, flowed over her shoulders, framing a delicately featured face and soulful eyes the color of walnut.

The girl had a demure manner, yet she had held his gaze unflinchingly at the door to her father’s hall. Ermenilda had looked radiant, her cheeks flushed with cold, with snowflakes in her hair.

She was just one more reason he had to take Tamworth.

Wulfhere stopped his circuit around the clearing and glanced up at the sky. The rain was beginning to clear, allowing the watery winter sun to peek through.

Good, we need to be able to see the moon tonight.

Everything depended on this attack going smoothly.

Wulfhere reached up then, his fist closing around the small iron spear he wore on a leather thong around his neck – Tiw, the god of war’s spear. He had not yet renounced the old gods, although the time was coming when he would have to do so. He was not sure he would ever truly cast them aside for the gods of his ancestors meant a lot to him.

Tonight, Tiw would guide his sword and help him regain his birthright.

--

Book review: Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale

A powerful love story about two very unlikely individuals. I love romances that are a bit different, ones that challenge the genre a bit. The 'rake and the innocent' has been done to death in historical romance - but never like this!

Our hero, the Duke of Jervaulx is a reckless womanizer - until the day he suffers a stroke. Our heroine, Maddy Timms, is a Quaker spinster who has dedicated her life to helping her blind father with his work.

Uptight and judgmental, but also passionate and brave, Maddy is both drawn to and repulsed by the Duke. She volunteers in the mental asylum where Jervaulx has been incarcerated, and is the only one who does not believe he is mad. However, it is not long before her growing attraction to him gets the better of her...

What happens to Jervaulx after he has his stroke is appalling, but also historically accurate. The 'treatment' for mental illness was once barbaric. The reader really experiences his frustration and anger at being labelled 'mad' when he has merely lost his ability to speak. His stroke strips Jervaulx of everything - status, money and power. He must rebuild his life, stone by stone.

I love Laura Kinsale's writing, her evocation of time and place is beautiful, as is the way she depicts the developing relationship between Jervaulx and Maddy. Both characters begin the tale with some serious character flaws but the story sees them grow enormously. The sexual tension between them is scorching and beautifully written.

Loved it!

Purchase a copy of this book from Amazon.

BOOK TRAILER: DAWN OF WOLVES

Work on my next novel, DAWN OF WOLVES (Book #3 The Kingdom of Mercia), is steaming ahead. It's the last installment of the series...and an exciting finale!

This story tells of a marriage between two seemingly incompatible people: a ruthless young king and a pious princess who wishes to devote her life to god.

This novel is about the power love wields over us all - and how it can change us for the better.

Wulfhere of Mercia and Ermenilda of Kent were an actual couple who lived in 7th Century Anglo-Saxon England... and there are a few legends and stories centered around them.

However, this version of their love story is entirely my own.

Watch this new book trailer to find out more about DAWN OF WOLVES.

Available now! The Kingdom of the East Angles: The Complete Series

Great news! THE KINGDOM OF THE EAST ANGLES is now available as a complete series for US$6.99 on Amazon (Kindle format)

Here's what this 'epic read' contains:

Follow the stories of four incredible women - Raedwyn, Freya, Saewara, and Cynewyn - and their search for love and freedom in a world dominated by the warrior and the sword.

The Kingdom of the East Angles is a series of historical romance novels set in 7th Century Anglo-Saxon East Anglia, England.

These are stand-alone novels set around the lives of actual East Anglian Kings: Raedwald, Sigeberht and Annan, and spanning eight years, from 624-631 A.D - at a time when the East Anglian kingdom's power was beginning to wane under the threat of Mercia.

DARK UNDER THE COVER OF NIGHT, the first story in the series, begins in 624 A.D. The novel takes place at the end of King Raedwald reign (the king thought to be buried in the Sutton Hoo longship), and is the story of Raedwyn and Caelin: lovers who are kept apart by feuding fathers.

NIGHTFALL TILL DAYBREAK, takes place five years after the first story. This novel is centered around King Raedwald's stepson, Sigeberht, who returns to Britannia from exile in Gaul to take back the East Anglia throne for the Wuffinga family. This is the tale of Freya and Aidan, a slave and a warrior, and of the king who rules their fates.

THE DEEPENING NIGHT is the final story in this series. This tale begins in the spring of 630 A.D., and is the story of Annan - the proud East Anglian king who must 'bend the knee' to Mercia - and Saewara, the sister of Annan's enemy.

FREE BONUS!
Night Shadows (a novella)
The prequel to the Kingdom of the East Angles series. This novella begins in 609 A.D. Cynewyn, an ealdorman's daughter, spurns Wildfrid, one of her father's spearmen. Ten years later, they meet again - only now both their circumstances are very different. Wilfred no longer believes in love. Cynewyn no longer believes in happy endings.

Buy a copy now from Amazon (Kindle format).


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Sign up to Jayne's monthly newsletter and receive a FREE copy of NIGHT SHADOWS (PDF format). Newsletter subscribers will also get sneak previews of upcoming novels, behind the scenes 'extras', snippets about Anglo-Saxon England, from Jayne!

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